Are LED Signs Allowed in Springfield, Clark County, Ohio? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes, but only with a variance or special approval.
"All signs not specifically permitted by the express terms of these Regulations are prohibited. EMC signage may be considered only through a Board of Zoning Appeals variance."
(Springfield Township Zoning Regulations, Article 31, Section 3103)
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Springfield Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Springfield Zoning & Parcel View
Variance / Appeals Process:
A variance request must be submitted to the Springfield Township Board of Zoning Appeals (Article 39, Section 3905), including a detailed plan showing size, location, height, illumination, and message display specifications.
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | All districts — only with approved variance |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Wall, Freestanding, Projecting (subject to variance approval) |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌No |
| EMCs allowed in the public right-of-way | ❌Not allowed |
| Minimum setback required | 10 ft from property line or per variance |
| Use restrictions | Any EMC must comply with Township sign rules and receive Board approval |
Zoning District Overview
Springfield Township zoning districts include:
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Agricultural “A”
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Champions Park “CP”
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Residential: R-1 through R-8
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Office: OR-1, O-2
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Business: B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4
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Industrial: I-1, I-2, I-3
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Flood Plain “F”
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Natural Resources “NR”
Zoning-Specific Standards
Since EMCs require a variance, all proposed signs must meet:
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Size, height, and setback limits of Article 31
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Illumination and lighting restrictions
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Safety requirements to avoid traffic hazards
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Compliance with design standards in Section 3104
Permit Filing Requirements
To apply for an EMC variance:
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Required forms: Zoning Certificate Application, Variance Application to Board of Zoning Appeals
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Permit fee: Per Township fee schedule
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Additional requirements:
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Detailed sign plan (size, height, location)
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Electrical permit if illuminated
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Specification sheet for electronic display (dimming, hold times)
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Local Project Examples
No EMC signage examples are publicly listed. Any project would need:
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Township approval via variance
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Compliance with setback, height, and illumination regulations
Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim)
Definition of Sign:
“219.02 Sign. A name, identification, description, display or illustration which is affixed to or painted upon a building, structure or piece of land; or affixed to the glass on the outside or inside of a window so as to be seen from the outside of a building and which directs attention to an object, product, place, activity, person, institution, organization, or business.”
Prohibited Signs:
“All signs not specifically permitted by the express terms of these Regulations.” (Section 3103)
External Reference Links
🗺️ Springfield Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Springfield Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal