Clay, NY Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)

Chapter 230's sign article lists two prohibited sign types outright at § 230-22E(2)(j): the billboard, defined at § 230-22B as a principal structure or use displaying information unrelated to the site, and the electronic message board sign. Neither may be installed anywhere in the Town regardless of zone district. A related but distinct category, the electronic message sign, may be approved only by special permit from the Planning Board before any building permit issues, per § 230-22C(1)(c). That permit is available only in the RC-1, HC-1, NC-1, LuC-1, LuC-2 and REC-1 Zoning Districts, and only for emergency vehicle stations, religious institutions and Community Centers as those uses are defined in the Zoning Code, under § 230-22C(1)(c)[1][i], amended most recently 2-5-2024 by L.L.

No. 1-2024. Only one electronic message sign is permitted per site. The display must hold each message a minimum of 10 seconds, cannot carry audio or sound, must show only static content using fade or dissolve transitions, and full animation, flashing and video are expressly prohibited under § 230-22C(1)(c)[1][vi]-[viii]. Every electronic message sign also needs automatic dimming, by photocell or software, to keep nighttime brightness within Chapter 140's outdoor lighting limits. Applications for the special permit route through the Department of Planning and Development and the Planning Board under the special-permit procedures of § 230-27, including a required public hearing.