Are LED Signs Allowed in Weaubleau, Hickory County, Missouri? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning EMC Sign Allowed?
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes – but only in certain zones.
In Hickory, EMC signs are permitted only in commercial, industrial, and office/institutional zoning districts. They are not allowed in residential zones.
To qualify, they must comply with strict rules on brightness, message hold time, transition effects, and percentage of sign area. A Zoning Compliance Permit is required before installation.
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Weaubleau Sign Code, Signs
🔗 Zoning & GIS Map – City of Weaubleau Zoning & GIS Map
Key Rules for EMC Signs in Hickory
| Feature | Regulation |
|---|---|
| Where Allowed | Commercial, Industrial, Office & Institutional zones |
| Where Prohibited | Residential zones |
| Maximum EMC Size | Up to 50% of the total sign face |
| Minimum Message Hold Time | 8 seconds per message |
| Transition Time | Max 2 seconds |
| Prohibited Effects | Flashing, scrolling, spinning, or moving text |
| Brightness Limits | 5,000 Nits (daytime) / 500 Nits (nighttime) |
| Permit Required | Yes – Zoning Compliance Permit |
| Off-Premise EMCs | ❌Not allowed; no LED/digital conversions of billboards |
Zoning Rules for EMCs in Hickory
Wall Signs (Commercial/Industrial Zones)
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Up to 2 sq. ft. per linear foot of wall width (max 300 sq. ft.).
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Secondary walls: 1 sq. ft. per linear foot, max 150 sq. ft.
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EMC portion cannot exceed 50% of sign area.
Freestanding Signs
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Height & Area Limits depend on the zoning district:
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CC-2, C-2, C-3, IND zones: up to ~20 ft tall, max 150 sq. ft. (based on frontage).
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NC, CC-1, OI, C-1 zones: up to ~10 ft tall, max 100 sq. ft. (based on frontage).
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One sign allowed per street frontage.
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Must be ground-mounted with decorative supports and landscaping.
Projecting Signs (C-1 Zone)
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Allowed instead of freestanding signs.
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Max 32 sq. ft. in area.
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Must clear sidewalks by at least 9 ft.
Window Signs
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Cannot exceed 33% of glass area.
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Not separately illuminated.
Signs in Residential Zones
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EMCs are not allowed in residential districts.
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General limit: 1 sign per lot, up to 40 sq. ft. and 8 ft. tall.
Off-Premise Signs (Billboards)
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New EMC billboards are prohibited.
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Existing non-digital billboards may remain but cannot be converted to LED or digital.
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Max size: 300 sq. ft.
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Max height: 35 ft.
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Subject to strict spacing and setback rules.
Temporary Signs in Hickory
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Residential Zones:
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One per lot, max 5 sq. ft., 5 ft. tall.
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Construction Signs:
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Max 16 sq. ft. (non-residential) / 8 sq. ft. (residential).
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Banners (Non-Residential Zones):
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Max 32 sq. ft., 8 ft. tall.
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One per lot per year (permit required).
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Special Event Signs:
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Max 32 sq. ft., allowed for up to 14 days.
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Permit Process for EMC Signs
To legally install an EMC in Hickory, you must obtain a Zoning Compliance Permit. Here’s what the process involves:
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Prepare Your Application
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Scaled drawings with dimensions, total sign area, and EMC portion.
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Location of sign relative to property lines and right-of-way.
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Display specifications (brightness controls, message hold time, transition settings).
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Submit to Planning Department
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Applications reviewed for compliance with zoning, illumination, and safety standards.
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Pay Fees
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Permit fees vary based on size and district.
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Inspection or review charges may apply.
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Receive Approval
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Once approved, the sign may be installed.
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Must remain in compliance or risk revocation.
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Bottom Line
Hickory allows Electronic Message Boards in commercial, industrial, and office districts—but with strict controls. If you’re considering one:
✅ Check your zoning.
✅ Follow brightness and timing limits.
✅ Keep EMC size ≤ 50% of total sign area.
✅ Get your Zoning Compliance Permit before installation.