EMC Sign Laws in the City of Missoula, Montana
Where Allowed:
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Permitted in commercial (including gateway), industrial, residential professional, and university zones.
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Also allowed on church, school, or professional office sites.
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Not permitted in the Downtown Historic (DH) zone.
Size & Area Limitations:
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The EMC portion must be integrated into the main sign.
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Must not exceed 45% of total sign area or 90 sq. ft., whichever is less.
Display Timing & Transitions:
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Static image duration:
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At least 1.5 seconds for general EMCs.
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At least 8 seconds for LED billboard-type EMCs.
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Transition effects:
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Must be non-flashing, non-pulsing, non-animated.
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Only one-direction scrolling/traveling allowed.
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Transitions must complete in ≤ 1.5 seconds.
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EMCs must default to a static image in case of malfunction.
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Brightness & Light Monitoring:
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Must include ambient light sensors for auto-brightness adjustment.
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Brightness limits:
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Day (7 AM–11 PM): Max 7,000 nits.
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Night (11 PM–7 AM): Max 2,500 nits.
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Cannot exceed manufacturer's recommended brightness.
Design & Content Restrictions:
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Cannot simulate movement, explosions, flashing lights, or similar visual tricks.
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Must not contain or depict obscene, lewd, or morally offensive content.
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Not allowed in association with residences or home occupations.
Permit Requirements:
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Must include a certification of compliance with all city codes.
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Must be operated according to city code at all times.