Zoning codes have long regulated how and where signs can be used. They generally cover every design and innovation used by merchants to advertise their goods, including beacons, blimps, kites, inflatables, pennants, portable and pornographic signs, signs attached to vehicles; signs painted on fences, trees, stones and buildings; those posted on utility poles and towers; and even signs which emit odors, noises, or visible matter. Now you can add the latest technology to the list: Light Emitting Diode, or LED signs. These are also referred to as electronic billboards or message boards.

Issues: Merchants like LED signs because they provide instantaneous advertising and promote special events. They stand out in an overcrowded streetscape and display information in an eye-catching way that can influence buying decisions. They display messages that flash or scroll and can even run animations, videos, and EasyArt. They are as bright as neon signs, yet more energy efficient.

Because the signs are expensive, merchants can’t be blamed for wanting to use all these functions to full advantage.

Residents in the vicinity of LED signs have opposing views. Signs with light changing displays, placed high up, can intrude on the use and enjoyment of their property. Opponents that claim 24-hour flashing animations and messages, in conjunction with intense light and colors, are a detriment to neighborhood living and reduce property values. Community members are also concerned that LED overload could turn their quaint town into a miniature Las Vegas.

The Problem: Most communities have laws regulating sign size and design; zoning and planning boards use these to guide their approval decisions. Many codes, however, have not kept up to date with the rapid changes in sign technology, leaving approval agencies without the means to regulate the characteristics of LED signs. The result is a potential for aesthetic impacts and visual clutter.

Suggestions: Since non-static signs can have an impact on the character and quality of the environment, you should establish guidelines for LED sign use. Here are ideas that other communities have adopted:

Spacing: Keep at least 500 feet from another LED sign and at least 100 feet (or greater) from the nearest existing residence or residential or agricultural district

A static duration of at least 10 seconds before a message changes. Consider increasing this to a minute or once per hour or day

Use of amber (or red) hue only

Prohibiting sign use or requiring a dimmer between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Requiring monument style landscaping

Requiring special exception permits and limiting them to owners of existing back-lit signs

Prohibiting flashing animations

Allowing but restricting the use of LED signs for religious institutions and schools in residential districts

Regulating the brightness or intensity of the diodes

Limiting the height at which the signs can be mounted, to reduce light spillover

Limiting the use of LED signs to those that display only hour, minute, date, or temperature

Summary: While most communities believe it is not feasible to ban LED signs altogether, the consensus is that reasonable regulation is needed. If you are a community, you should move quickly to address LED sign issues before they arise. A well balanced zoning code will protect the character of a community while providing for appropriate use of the new technology.

If you are a business, you should research your local codes before you go ahead with an LED investment that may not be allowed or desirable in your community. The cost of these signs is fairly high and you won’t want to purchase a technology that you won’t be able to use.