EMC Sign Laws for Pinecrest, Florida
Electronic Message Center (EMC) Signs: Not Permitted
Important Note: Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs are not allowed in the Village of Pinecrest.
The Sign Code specifically prohibits EMCs through these provisions:
- Animated Signs: Any sign that uses movement, changeable messages, moving messages, or changes in lighting to create action, special effects, or scenes is forbidden. This directly applies to EMCs, which feature dynamic content.
- Electronic Signs: The code explicitly states, "Electronic signs are prohibited." This is a clear ban on EMCs and similar digital displays.
- Illumination Restrictions: While some sign illumination is permitted, the code prohibits flashing, moving, intermittent, chasing, or rotating lights. These restrictions further reinforce the ban on EMCs.
General Commercial Sign Laws
Here are the essential rules for commercial signs in Pinecrest:
1. Permits Are Required
- Most signs need a sign permit and may also require a building permit.
- Applications must include detailed drawings and specifications.
2. Property Owner Consent
- You must have written consent from both the property owner and any lessee (if applicable) before placing a sign.
3. Limits on Number of Signs
- A single sign with two faces (back-to-back and not visible at the same time from one point) counts as one sign.
- In business districts, each tenant or owner can choose one main sign type (wall, projecting, or marquee) and also have an awning sign.
- Larger properties can have additional signs based on their street frontage:
- 0–75 feet frontage: Up to two signs
- 76–150 feet frontage: Up to three signs
- 151 feet or more frontage: Up to four signs
4. Sign Size Calculation
- The total area of a sign includes its borders and framing.
5. Location Rules
- All signs must be placed on the owner's property.
- No signs are allowed within five feet of a residential zone (some exceptions apply for businesses directly fronting a public road).
- No signs are permitted in the public right-of-way.
6. Compliance with Other Codes
- All signs must meet the requirements of the building, electrical, and other relevant technical codes.
- Signs cannot block driver visibility or normal pedestrian traffic.
- Signs must not conflict with zoning regulations or the property's certificate of use or occupancy.
7. Prohibited Sign Types
In addition to EMCs, the following types of signs are strictly forbidden:
- Signs that endanger public safety or display offensive content.
- Signs attached to trees, utility poles, or unapproved structures.
- Roof signs.
- Signs placed on fences or wall enclosures in residential areas.
- Blinking, flashing, or rotating lights, as well as streamer lights, pennants, permanent banners, streamers, and other "attention-attractors."
- Signs that could be confused with traffic control devices (e.g., flashing red, green, or amber lights).
- Portable signs (unless specifically authorized by law).
- Signs painted on or affixed to vehicles used for advertising (exceptions for regular commercial vehicles and common carriers).
- Billboard signs.
- Balloons or inflatables are used for signs or advertising.
- Signs that block windows, doors, fire escapes, stairways, or building openings.
- Obsolete, abandoned, or dilapidated signs.
8. Illumination Standards
- Signs cannot use flashing, moving, intermittent, chasing, or rotating lights.
- Indirect lighting (e.g., floodlights) is allowed but must not cause glare or shine on adjacent properties, other signs, motorists, or pedestrians.
- There are specific brightness limits for illuminated signs:
- Daylight: Not more than 5,000 candelas per square meter (Cd/M²)
- Dusk to dawn: Not more than 100 candelas per square meter (Cd/M²)
- Illumination of building facades with LEDs ("wall washer" lights) is prohibited.
- Awnings and canopies cannot be illuminated.
9. Maintenance
- All signs must be kept in a safe and legible condition at all times.
The Village of Pinecrest's Sign Code is designed to protect the community's visual appeal and ensure safety by carefully controlling the appearance and placement of all signs.