EMC Sign Laws for Arlington,TX
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RS-7.2 Zoning: The RS-7.2 zoning district is generally for single-family residential uses. While the general rules state that EMCs are "only allowed on freeways and arterials and not allowed in DB zoning district," there's a crucial exception that applies to institutional uses.
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Institutional Use Exception: The text specifically states: "EMCs are allowed on ground signs for institutional uses such as religious assemblies, educational facilities, government administration and civic buildings, and public parks that front on local or collector streets." An academy falls under the category of "educational facilities," which is an institutional use.
Therefore, an EMC sign could be permitted for your academy in an RS-7.2 zoning district if:
- It is a Ground Sign: The EMC must be a component of a freestanding ground sign. It cannot be an independent sign.
- It fronts on a local or collector street: The property where the academy is located must front on a local or collector street.
- Message Display Hours: If Section 7.5 (Signs Adjacent to Residential Zoning Districts) is applicable (which it likely would be, given the RS-7.2 zoning), messages shall only be displayed from 7 AM to 9 PM.
Additionally, all other EMC regulations in the provided text would apply, including:
- Maximum Area: The maximum area for the EMC shall be 75% of the overall sign area, not to exceed 50 square feet.
- Auto-dimming feature: The EMC must include an auto-dimming feature.
- One EMC per lot: A maximum of one EMC shall be permitted per lot.
- Annual Inspection: EMC signs shall obtain an annual inspection and pay the appropriate fee.
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Changeable Message Rules:
- Message must change simultaneously on the entire sign face.
- Messages must continuously display for at least 12 seconds.
- Scrolling, video, or animated messages are prohibited.
- Letter height requirements (1 inch per 36 feet of sight distance, with minimums of 10-inch on arterial streets and 18-inch on controlled access freeways).