EMC Sign Laws - Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania

Thinking about adding a digital sign in Philly? You're not alone — but before you jump in, it’s important to know what’s actually allowed (and where). This guide breaks down how Electronic Message Centers (EMCs) are regulated across Philadelphia’s zoning districts

Whether you're a business owner, a nonprofit, or just curious about digital signage in the city, here’s what you need to know.

✅ EMC Sign Law Summary Table

Feature	Answer
Are EMC signs allowed?	✅ Yes (with restrictions based on zoning district)
Zoning districts that allow EMCs	CMX-2, CMX-2.5, CMX-4, CMX-5, ICMX, IRMX, I-1
EMC sign style allowed	Monument, Freestanding, Wall, Projecting, Marquee
Are off-premise EMCs allowed?	❌ No
Can EMCs be placed in the ROW?	✅ Limited (e.g., 24" max projection for projecting signs)
Minimum setback required	Typically 10 ft from ROW or property line, depending on district

✅ Zoning Districts in Philadelphia

Philadelphia uses a range of zoning districts for commercial and industrial areas. The following districts regulate EMC signage:

• CMX-1 – Commercial Mixed-Use 1

• CMX-2-Commercial Mixed-Use 2

• CMX-2.5

• CMX-3

• CMX-4

• CMX-5

• ICMX – Industrial Commercial Mixed-Use

• IRMX – Industrial Residential Mixed-Use

• I-1 – Light Industrial

📍 Verify the Zoning District of Your Property on the GIS Map

📋 Commercial Zoning District Table

Feature	CMX-2	CMX-2.5
EMC Allowed?	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Permitted Sign Types	Wall, Projecting, Marquee, Freestanding	Same as CMX-2
Max Number of EMCs	1 per frontage	1 per frontage
Max Area (Wall Signs)	25 sq. ft. or 3 sq. ft/ft	Up to 100 sq. ft. total
Max Area (Freestanding)	100 sq. ft. per face	Not specified
Max Height (Wall)	Lower of roofline or 2nd floor window	Same
Static Illumination	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed (no cabinet signs)
Animated Signs	❌ Not permitted	❌ Not permitted
Mechanical Motion	✅ Permitted	✅ Permitted
Off-premise EMC	❌ Not allowed	❌ Not allowed
ROW Usage (Projection)	Max 24 inches	Not allowed
Setback	10 ft from ROW	10 ft from property line

📋 Industrial Zoning District Table

Feature	ICMX	IRMX	I-1
EMC Allowed?	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Permitted Sign Types	Wall, Projecting, Marquee, Freestanding	Same as ICMX	Same as ICMX
Max Area (Wall Signs)	10 sq. ft./linear ft.	3 sq. ft./ft. (short side), 2 sq. ft./ft. (long side)	100 sq. ft. per frontage
Max Area (Freestanding)	150 sq. ft. / face	100 sq. ft. / face	100 sq. ft. / face
Max Height	40 ft. (Free)	20 ft. (Free)	20 ft. (Free)
Digital / LED Allowed	✅ Wall only	✅ Wall and Free	✅ Wall and Free
Static Illumination	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Animated Signs	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Portable Signs	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No
ROW Use	Max 24" for Projecting signs	❌ Not allowed	❌ Not allowed
Setback	10–15 ft	10–15 ft	10–15 ft

✅ Sources & Legal References

• 📎 Verify the Zoning District of the Property

• 📎 Philadelphia Zoning Code §14-904 – Sign Control

• 📎 Table 14-406-1 – Accessory Signs by District