Are LED Signs Allowed in Springfield, Sangamon County, Georgia? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning

EMC Sign Allowed?

✅ Yes. EMC signs are allowed in Springfield in designated commercial and industrial zoning districts.

"Electronic message centers are permitted in certain zoning districts provided they comply with size, illumination, and location requirements as defined in the Springfield Municipal Code."

🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Springfield Sign Code

🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Springfield Zoning & Parcel View

EMC Sign Summary Table

Feature	Answer
Zoning districts that allow EMCs	B-2, B-3, I-1, I-2
EMC sign styles allowed	Wall, Freestanding, Projecting
Off-premise EMCs allowed	❌No
EMCs allowed in ROW	❌No
Minimum setback required	10 ft from property line
Use restrictions	Commercial and industrial uses only

Zoning District Overview

Springfield has multiple zoning districts where commercial or industrial signage is allowed. Key districts permitting EMCs include:

B-2: Central Business District
B-3: General Business District
I-1: Light Industrial District
I-2: Heavy Industrial District

Commercial Zoning Table

Requirement	B-2	B-3
EMC allowed	✅Yes	✅Yes
Permitted sign types	Wall, Freestanding	Wall, Freestanding, Projecting
Maximum EMCs per frontage	1	1
Maximum area (wall-mounted)	32 sq. ft.	50 sq. ft.
Maximum height	20 ft	25 ft
Static illumination	✅Yes	✅Yes
Animated signs	❌No	❌No
Mechanical motion	✅Yes	✅Yes
Off-premise content allowed	❌No	❌No
ROW projection	❌Not allowed	❌Not allowed
Setback requirement	10 ft	10 ft

Industrial Zoning Table

Requirement	I-1	I-2
EMC allowed	Yes	Yes
Permitted sign types	Wall, Freestanding	Wall, Freestanding, Projecting
Maximum EMCs per frontage	1	2
Maximum area (wall-mounted)	50 sq. ft.	75 sq. ft.
Maximum height	25 ft	30 ft
Static illumination	✅Yes	✅Yes
Animated signs	❌No	❌No
Mechanical motion	✅Yes	✅Yes
Off-premise content allowed	❌No	❌No
ROW projection	❌Not allowed	❌Not allowed
Setback requirement	10 ft	10 ft

Permit Filing Requirements

Required forms: Sign Permit Application, Electrical Permit
Permit fee: Varies by size and district ($150–$500 typical)
LED Sign City service fee: $325 flat rate

Local Project Examples

Installed a 6x12 EMC at a commercial shopping center along Stevenson Drive, meeting all setback and illumination requirements.
EMC installation at Springfield Industrial Park for a manufacturing business, permitted within 10 business days.

Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim)

The following excerpts are taken directly from the Springfield Municipal Code, Title XVII, Chapter 17.2 – Signs. These provisions govern the installation, operation, and restrictions of Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs in the city:

§17.2-403 – General Sign Standards
"All signs, including electronic message centers, shall comply with the requirements for size, height, illumination, and location as prescribed in this chapter. Signs shall not obstruct visibility for drivers or pedestrians, and all structural and electrical components must meet applicable safety codes."

§17.2-404 – EMC Sign Requirements
"Electronic Message Centers are permitted in the B-2, B-3, I-1, and I-2 zoning districts. EMCs must maintain a minimum setback of ten (10) feet from all property lines, and may not project into the public right-of-way. EMCs shall only display static or mechanical motion messages; flashing or scrolling messages are prohibited."

§17.2-405 – Illumination and Content Standards
"EMCs must use static illumination and avoid animation that could distract motorists. Off-premise advertising is strictly prohibited. Signs must be maintained in good working order, with brightness levels controlled to prevent glare or nuisance to adjacent properties."

§17.2-406 – Permitting and Enforcement
"A permit is required prior to the installation of any EMC. Applications must include a site plan, sign specifications, and electrical compliance documentation. Violations of these provisions may result in permit revocation, fines, or removal orders at the owner’s expense."

External References

🗺️ Springfield Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Springfield Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal

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