Are LED Signs Allowed in Walls, DeSoto County, Mississippi? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes, EMCs are permitted in Walls as long as they follow the illumination and zoning rules.
“Automatic changing signs displaying time, temperature, date or electronically controlled message centers are permitted.” – Walls, MS Ordinance, Article XII, Section 4(a)
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Walls Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Walls Zoning & Parcel View
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Commercial (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4) & Industrial (M-1, M-2) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Wall, Ground, Post, Monument, Marquee (district-dependent) |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No (except billboard-style, special review in industrial zones) |
| EMCs in ROW | ❌ Not allowed |
| Minimum setback required | ≥ 1–10 ft depending on sign type & district |
| Use restrictions | Flashing, strobe, and pulsating lights prohibited; must not mimic traffic signals |
Zoning District Overview
Walls regulate EMCs through its zoning districts:
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Agricultural & Residential (AG, R-1, R-2, PUD): EMCs not permitted. Only subdivision IDs, schools, churches, hospitals, and day care centers may use permanent signs.
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Office & Neighborhood Commercial (O, C-1): EMCs permitted on wall or ground signs. Size capped at 50 sq ft for wall signs and 100 sq ft total. Height ≤ 20 ft.
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Commercial Districts (C-2, C-3, C-4): EMCs permitted on wall, roof, ground, post, marquee, and projecting signs. Max area generally 100–125 sq ft, with frontage-based allowances. Max height ≤ 35 ft.
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Industrial (M-1, M-2): EMCs permitted, same as Commercial districts, but larger max area (up to 400 sq ft) allowed. Height ≤ 35 ft.
Zoning-Specific Standards
C-2 Highway Commercial District
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Roof, Ground, Post, Marquee, Monument |
| Maximum area | Wall/roof ≤ 125 sq ft; Ground/post ≤ 100 sq ft |
| Maximum height | ≤ 35 ft |
| Setback | ≥ 1 ft from ROW; separation of 100 ft between ground/post signs |
| Illumination | Permitted; must not flash, strobe, or mimic traffic signals |
M-1 Light & M-2 Heavy Industrial Districts
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Same as Commercial (C districts) |
| Maximum area | ≤ 400 sq ft |
| Maximum height | ≤ 35 ft |
| Setback | ≥ 500 ft spacing for large ground/post signs; ≥ 660 ft from major intersections |
| Illumination | Shielded to avoid glare on streets & residences |
Permit Filing Requirements
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Required forms: Sign Permit Application (Town of Walls) + Electrical Permit for EMCs
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Permit fees: Based on size & type of sign
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Where to apply: Town of Walls Planning & Zoning Department
Local Project Examples
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Highway 61 EMC: A monument-style EMC promoting retail stores in Walls, complying with C-2 standards (setback, illumination).
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Industrial Park EMC: Large ground-mounted EMC in M-2 zone, providing directions and facility announcements, built within 400 sq ft size and 35 ft height limits.
Full Ordinance Text (Excerpts)
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Section 4 – Illumination: EMCs allowed if they display changing time, temp, date, or messages. Flashing/strobe lights prohibited.
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Section 2 – Sign Requirements by District: Defines allowable signs and EMC limits for Agricultural, Residential, Commercial, and Industrial districts.
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Section 5 – Prohibited Signs: Portable, strobe, and vehicle-mounted signs banned.
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Section 7 – Permits: All EMCs require permits.
Full document: Town of Walls Zoning Ordinance – Article XII (Sign Regulations)
External Reference Links
🗺️ Walls Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Walls Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal