# Sign Regulations in Alepna Charter Township, Michigan

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Alepna Charter Township, Michigan, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Alepna Charter Township, Michigan (MI)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/michigan/alepna-charter-township
- **Data last verified:** 2025-12-11
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://www.alpenatownship.com/_files/ugd/4890bb_b25153fad2a749fe8fc6aad1e3c27eca.pdf#page=90)

## At a glance

Alepna Charter Township, Michigan regulates 34 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Residential Uses)s in the One-Family Residential District (R-1), Waterfront Residential District (WR), Conservation District (C) zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and 4 sq ft, with a 10 ft min behind front property line; waiver possible. setback (Sec. Section 330.B.2, Table 1 (Residential Uses); Section 330.A.10 (setback)). Most commercial signs in Alepna Charter Township require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (4 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 11 | — | — | — |
| One-Family Residential District (R-1), Waterfront Residential District (WR), Conservation District (C) | 11 | Up to 40 ft | Up to 500 sq ft (total for cluster sign) | — |
| Rural Residential District (R-2), Mixed Residential District (R-3), Forest Recreation District (FR), Agricultural District (A) | 11 | Up to 40 ft | Up to 500 sq ft (total for cluster sign) | — |
| Office Service District (OS), Restricted Business District (B-1), General Business District (B-2), Community Business District (B-3), I-1 District, I-2 District | 19 | Up to 40 ft | Up to 500 sq ft (total for cluster sign) | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 4 zones)

### One-Family Residential District (R-1), Waterfront Residential District (WR), Conservation District (C)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Sign (Residential Uses) | 6 ft | 4 sq ft | — | 10 ft min behind front property line; waiver possible. | 1 freestanding sign allowed. | Front yard only. | — | Section 330.B.2, Table 1 (Residential Uses); Section 330.A.10 (setback) |
| Freestanding Sign (Non-Residential Uses) | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 10 ft min behind front property line; waiver possible. | 1 per street frontage. | Front yard only. | — | Section 330.B.2, Table 1 (Non-Residential Uses, Freestanding); Notes under Table 1; Section 330.A.10 |
| Wall Sign (Non-Residential Uses) | — | 10% of wall face | — | — | — | Building walls. | — | Section 330.B.2, Table 1 (Non-Residential Uses, Wall Signs) |
| Message Center (Non-Residential Property Only) | — | Included within primary sign limits | — | — | 1 message center (static or electronic) per property. | On non-residential property | — | Section 330.B.2, Table 1 (Message Centers note); Section 330.5 (Other Signs – Message Centers a–g) |
| Projecting Signs (Non-Residential Property Only) | — | 20 sq ft per side (40 sq ft total) | — | — | 1 (in addition to primary signs). | Building face; must be at least 8 ft above sidewalk/ground and not interfere with pedestrians. | — | Section 330.5 (Projecting Signs a–c); Section 330.A.6 |
| Sail-Type Signs (Flag Banners/Feather Flags) (Non-Residential Property Only) | — | — | — | — | Based on frontage: 1 per 25 linear feet. | Must maintain clear line of sight for all ingress/egress on property and neighboring properties. | — | Section 330.5 (Sail-Type Signs); Section 330.D.7 |
| Cluster Sign (Multiple Use Facilities) | Up to 40 ft | Up to 500 sq ft (total for cluster sign) | — | — | 1 cluster sign per multiple-use facility. | On property containing multiple uses (e.g., shopping centers, malls, industrial parks). | — | Section 330.5 (Cluster Sign) |
| Signs Allowed Without a Permit (Summary) | Projecting identification signs: min 8 ft clearance | Accessory wall: 4 sq ft (non-res); Accessory freestanding: 4 sq ft (non-res) | — | — | — | Includes plaques on buildings, window signs, flags, bulletin boards on institutional premises, legal postings, non-visible signs, permanent accessory signs on non-res accessory structures, projecting identification signs under/below canopy/awning/marquee (min 8 ft clearance). | — | Section 330.D.1–11 |

### Rural Residential District (R-2), Mixed Residential District (R-3), Forest Recreation District (FR), Agricultural District (A)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Sign (Residential Uses) | 6 ft | 10 sq ft | — | 10 ft min behind front property line; waiver possible. | 1 freestanding sign allowed. | Front yard only. | — | Section 330.B.3, Table 2 (Residential Uses, Freestanding); Section 330.A.10 |
| Freestanding Sign (Non-Residential Uses) | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 10 ft min behind front property line; waiver possible. | 1 per street frontage. | Front yard only. | — | Section 330.B.3, Table 2 (Non-Residential Uses, Freestanding); Notes under Table 2; Section 330.A.10 |
| Wall Sign (Non-Residential Uses) | — | 10% of wall face | — | — | — | Building walls. | — | Section 330.B.3, Table 2 (Non-Residential Uses, Wall Signs) |
| Message Center (Non-Residential Property Only) | — | Included within primary sign limits | — | — | 1 message center (static or electronic) per property. | On non-residential property | — | Section 330.B.3, Table 2 (Message Centers note); Section 330.5 (Other Signs – Message Centers a–g) |
| Projecting Signs (Non-Residential Property Only) | — | 20 sq ft per side (40 sq ft total) | — | — | 1 (in addition to primary signs). | Building face; must be at least 8 ft above sidewalk/ground and not interfere with pedestrians. | — | Section 330.5 (Projecting Signs a–c); Section 330.A.6 |
| Sail-Type Signs (Flag Banners/Feather Flags) (Non-Residential Property Only) | — | — | — | — | Based on frontage: 1 per 25 linear feet. | Must maintain clear line of sight for all ingress/egress on property and neighboring properties. | — | Section 330.5 (Sail-Type Signs); Section 330.D.7 |
| Cluster Sign (Multiple Use Facilities) | Up to 40 ft | Up to 500 sq ft (total for cluster sign) | — | — | 1 cluster sign per multiple-use facility. | On property containing multiple uses (e.g., shopping centers, malls, industrial parks). | — | Section 330.5 (Cluster Sign) |
| Signs Allowed Without a Permit (Summary) | Projecting identification signs: min 8 ft clearance | Accessory wall: 4 sq ft (non-res); Accessory freestanding: 4 sq ft (non-res) | — | — | — | Includes plaques on buildings, window signs, flags, bulletin boards on institutional premises, legal postings, non-visible signs, permanent accessory signs on non-res accessory structures, projecting identification signs under/below canopy/awning/marquee (min 8 ft clearance). | — | Section 330.D.1–11 |

### Office Service District (OS), Restricted Business District (B-1), General Business District (B-2), Community Business District (B-3), I-1 District, I-2 District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Sign (< 35 mph) (Road Frontage 100 ft or less) | 24 ft | 100 sq ft | — | 10 ft min behind front property line; waiver possible. | 1 per street frontage; additional per 300 ft increments. | Front yard only. | — | Section 330.B.4, Table 3; Notes for Table 3 and Table 4; Section 330.A.10 |
| Freestanding Sign (< 35 mph) (Road Frontage 101–200 ft) | 26 ft | 100 sq ft | — | 10 ft min behind front property line; waiver possible. | 1 per street frontage; additional per 300 ft increments. | Front yard only. | — | Section 330.B.4, Table 3; Notes for Table 3 and Table 4; Section 330.A.10 |
| Freestanding Sign (< 35 mph) (Road Frontage 201–300 ft) | 28 ft | 120 sq ft | — | 10 ft min behind front property line; waiver possible. | 1 per street frontage; additional per 300 ft increments. | Front yard only. | — | Section 330.B.4, Table 3; Notes for Table 3 and Table 4; Section 330.A.10 |
| Freestanding Sign (< 35 mph) (Road Frontage Over 300 ft) | 28 ft | 120 sq ft | — | 10 ft min behind front property line; waiver possible. | 1 per street frontage; additional per 300 ft increments. | Front yard only. | — | Section 330.B.4, Table 3; Notes for Table 3 and Table 4; Section 330.A.10 |
| Freestanding Sign (≥ 35 mph) (Road Frontage 100 ft or less) | 28 ft | 120 sq ft | — | 10 ft min behind front property line; waiver possible. | 1 per street frontage; additional per 300 ft increments. | Front yard only. | — | Section 330.B.4, Table 4 (Freestanding Signs); Notes for Table 3 and Table 4; Section 330.A.10 |
| Freestanding Sign (≥ 35 mph) (Road Frontage 101–200 ft) | 32 ft | 120 sq ft | — | 10 ft min behind front property line; waiver possible. | 1 per street frontage; additional per 300 ft increments. | Front yard only. | — | Section 330.B.4, Table 4 (Freestanding Signs); Notes for Table 3 and Table 4; Section 330.A.10 |
| Freestanding Sign (≥ 35 mph) (Road Frontage 201–300 ft) | 32 ft | 130 sq ft | — | 10 ft min behind front property line; waiver possible. | 1 per street frontage; additional per 300 ft increments. | Front yard only. | — | Section 330.B.4, Table 4 (Freestanding Signs); Notes for Table 3 and Table 4; Section 330.A.10 |
| Freestanding Sign (≥ 35 mph) (Road Frontage Over 300 ft) | 32 ft | 140 sq ft | — | 10 ft min behind front property line; waiver possible. | 1 per street frontage; additional per 300 ft increments. | Front yard only. | — | Section 330.B.4, Table 4 (Freestanding Signs); Notes for Table 3 and Table 4; Section 330.A.10 |

## Prohibited signs in Alepna Charter Township

- No sign may be erected or altered without approval by the Zoning Administrator or authorization via an approved site plan or building permit (except non-illuminated residential name plates and signs listed in Subsection D).
- No outdoor advertising structure or sign may be placed such that its position, size, movement, shape, or color interferes with or could be confused with any official traffic sign or device.
- Illuminated signs may not use flashing, moving, or intermittent lighting unless approved by the Zoning Administrator under conditions that are non-glaring and do not interfere with traffic control devices.
- No sign or billboard may be located at a street corner, driveway, parking lot, or other ingress/egress point so as to obscure driver vision or conflict with traffic control signals; signs must comply with intersection visibility standards.
- No sign may project or overhang a wall, roof, or architectural feature by more than 5 feet.
- No sign may be erected or maintained so as to prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window, or fire escape; no sign may be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
- No sign may contain obscene content.
- Freestanding signs must be set at least 10 feet behind the front property line unless a setback waiver is granted by the Zoning Administrator; otherwise placement within the setback is prohibited.
- Portable changeable copy message boards are prohibited township-wide.
- Nonconforming signs may not be enlarged or altered to increase nonconformity; illumination may not be added; nonconforming signs may not be moved or replaced except to become conforming; if destroyed, they may not be repaired, reconstructed, or replaced except in full conformity, and remnants must be removed within 60 days; repairs/maintenance/repainting are allowed only if framework, size, and shape remain unchanged.

## Signs exempt from permit in Alepna Charter Township

- Non-illuminated residential name plates are exempt from approval requirements.
- Accessory wall signs not exceeding 4 square feet on non-residential property are permitted without a sign permit.
- Accessory freestanding signs on non-residential property that do not exceed 4 square feet each are permitted without a sign permit.
- Signs cut into masonry surfaces or plaques of non-ferrous metal attached to buildings are permitted without a sign permit.
- Signs erected by an official governmental body, public utility, or historic agency are permitted without a sign permit.
- Flags are permitted without a sign permit.
- Projecting identification signs located on or below a canopy, awning, or marquee that maintain a minimum 8-foot clearance are permitted without a sign permit.
- Permanent non-residential accessory signs on non-residential accessory structures (such as gas pumps or storage sheds) are permitted without a sign permit.
- Temporary signs (including sail-type temporary signs) are permitted without a sign permit.
- Bulletin boards erected by public, charitable, or religious institutions on the premises of such institutions are permitted without a sign permit.
- Signs not readable by motorists or pedestrians on any road, alley, water body, public lands, or adjacent parcels are permitted without a sign permit.
- Legal postings are permitted without a sign permit.
- Window signs are permitted without a sign permit.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Signs must be approved by the Zoning Administrator or authorized through an approved site plan or building permit before erection or alteration (except the exemptions in Subsection D and non-illuminated residential name plates).
- During site plan review, the Planning Commission may allow a deviation from the total number of wall and freestanding signs allowed on a parcel; applicants may also request this deviation after site plan review. Factors considered include building size, location, road frontage length, and lot size.
- Off-premise signs require review and approval of location by the Zoning Administrator.
- The Zoning Administrator may issue a waiver to allow no front-yard setback for freestanding signs where an obstruction impairs visibility, provided the sign is not a traffic hazard.
- The Zoning Administrator may increase allowable sign sizes and heights by up to 25% to maintain proper sign visibility or architectural integrity.
- Roof signs may be allowed at the discretion of the Zoning Administrator when necessary to maintain architectural integrity or when no better alternative exists.
- No explicit master sign plan requirement or variance hearing requirement is stated in Section 330.

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 4 zoning districts in Alepna Charter Township — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Alepna+Charter+Township+MI&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-alepna-charter-township

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