Are LED Signs Allowed in Shelby Township, Oceana County, Michigan? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes. Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs are permitted in Shelby Township under the zoning ordinance, but only when they comply with strict requirements.
The ordinance states that all signs must be stationary and pertain to the business or activity conducted on the premises, except for certain allowances (political signs, community special event signs). In practice, this means EMCs are permitted if they operate as stationary, on-premise business signs — not scrolling, flashing, or off-premise displays.
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Shelby Township Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & ETJ Map – City of Shelby Township Zoning & ETJ Map
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Commercial (C-1, C-2, C-3) and Industrial (IND) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Freestanding, Wall, Monument |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs in ROW | ❌ Not allowed |
| Minimum setback required | Must comply with district setbacks (typically 10 ft from ROW) |
| Use restrictions | EMCs must be stationary, on-premise only; no flashing/scrolling |
Zoning District Overview
Shelby Township has multiple zoning districts, but EMCs are primarily relevant in commercial and industrial categories:
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Commercial Districts: C-1, C-2, C-3
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Industrial District: IND
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Agricultural & Residential Districts: Limited signage, EMCs not applicable
Zoning-Specific Standards
Commercial Districts
| Requirement | C-1 | C-2 | C-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Sign types | Wall, Monument, Freestanding | Wall, Monument, Freestanding | Wall, Monument, Freestanding |
| Maximum number | 1 per street frontage | 1 per street frontage | 1 per street frontage |
| Maximum area | 32–64 sq. ft. depending on lot frontage | 64 sq. ft. | 100 sq. ft. |
| Maximum height | 20 ft | 20 ft | 25 ft |
| Illumination | Yes, but must be stationary | Yes, stationary | Yes, stationary |
| Off-premise content | ❌Not allowed | ❌Not allowed | ❌Not allowed |
Permit Filing Requirements
To install an EMC in Shelby:
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Submit Sign Permit Application to the Zoning Administrator
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Provide scaled drawings, site plan, and lighting details
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Pay applicable permit fees (set by Township/Village resolution)
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Obtain electrical permit if sign includes lighting/EMC components
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Begin work within 6 months of permit issuance or the permit expires
Local Project Examples
Many businesses in Shelby rely on traditional wall and monument EMCs that display changeable but stationary messages. Common examples include gas stations, schools, and local churches that use EMCs to display service times or events.
Full Ordinance Text (Excerpt)
“All signs shall be stationary and shall pertain only to the business or activity conducted on the premises, except for political signs and community special event signs.”
(Shelby Zoning Ordinance, §13.05)
External Reference Links
🗺️ Walls Zoning & ETJ Map
📘 Walls Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal