# Sign Regulations in Allendale, Michigan

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Allendale, Michigan (MI)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/michigan/allendale
- **Data last verified:** 2025-11-22
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://allendalemi.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Article-22-2025.pdf)

## At a glance

Allendale, Michigan regulates 30 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Ground Sign (Special Land Use)s in the Agricultural and Rural Estate Zoning Districts zoning district are capped at 3 ft minimum; 10 ft maximum tall and 50 sq ft, with a 25 ft minimum from front lot line; on M-45/Lake Michigan Drive setback per Table 1 (10 ft) per Sec. 22.16. setback (Sec. Sec. 22.10(B)(1)(a)-(d); Sec. 22.05). Most commercial signs in Allendale require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (7 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Agricultural and Rural Estate Zoning Districts | 7 | 6 ft | Per underlying allowed ground sign area; electronic portion capped at 75% of that area (except ≤32 sq ft signs). | — |
| R-1 Zoning District; R-2 Zoning District | 5 | 6 ft | 50 sq ft | — |
| R-3 Zoning District; R-4 Zoning District | 8 | ≤ 20 ft (measured from highest part of sign to point of contact with ground, structure, or building) | Total area of all signs or a single sign ≤ 100 sq ft (inflatable signs may exceed 100 sq ft per Sec. 22.12(D)(5)) | — |
| General Commercial Zoning District (GC) | 7 | 10 ft | Electronic portion ≤ 75% of allowable sign area (except ≤32 sq ft signs); window sign size otherwise governed by general sign rules. | — |
| Industrial Zoning District | 5 | 10 ft | Up to 100 sq ft (subject to 2% of wall area cap). | — |
| PUD District | 5 | Per underlying district limits. | Per underlying allowed ground sign area for the PUD use type; electronic portion capped at 75% of that area (except ≤32 sq ft signs). | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 5 | Zone-specific limits apply (often 8 ft; see zone sections). | Per underlying allowed sign area; electronic portion capped at 75% (except ≤32 sq ft signs). | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 7 zones)

### Agricultural and Rural Estate Zoning Districts

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ground Sign (By Right) | 6 ft | 16 sq ft | — | — | 1 per parcel | One permanent ground sign per parcel | — | Sec. 22.10(A); Sec. 22.06(D); Sec. 22.05(A) |
| Ground Sign (Special Land Use) | 3 ft minimum; 10 ft maximum | 50 sq ft | — | 25 ft minimum from front lot line; on M-45/Lake Michigan Drive setback per Table 1 (10 ft) per Sec. 22.16. | 1 per parcel | One permanent ground sign per parcel (as part of Special Land Use approval) | — | Sec. 22.10(B)(1)(a)-(d); Sec. 22.05 |
| Wall Sign (Special Land Use) | — | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | One wall sign per public or private street frontage; must be on the side of the building that directly faces the street. | — | Sec. 22.10(B)(2)(a)-(d); Sec. 22.06(H) |
| Ground Sign (Frontage on M-45/Lake Michigan Drive) | 3 ft minimum; 10 ft maximum | 50 sq ft | — | Minimum 10 ft from front lot line (per Table 1 via Sec. 22.16 for M-45 frontage). | 1 per parcel | Parcels with frontage on M-45/Lake Michigan Drive: one permanent ground sign in accordance with Sec. 22.10(B). | — | Sec. 22.10(C); Sec. 22.16; Table 1 |
| Temporary Sign | — | Up to 32 sq ft (either a single sign or the total of all temporary signs) | — | Minimum 5 ft from edge of ROW or sidewalk (Sec. 22.09(G)). | No explicit numeric cap; total area cap 32 sq ft. | On parcel; minimum 5 ft from ROW or sidewalks (see Sec. 22.09(G)). | — | Sec. 22.10(D)(1)-(2); Sec. 22.09(A)-(K); Sec. 22.05(B) |
| Entrance Ground Sign (Subdivision/Condominium/Mobile Home Park) | 6 ft | 32 sq ft for one sign; total of two signs shall not exceed 48 sq ft | — | At least 25 ft from the right-of-way line of any arterial or collector street; at least 5 ft from a local street. | 1 or 2 per entrance | At each entrance to a subdivision, condominium, or mobile home park | — | Sec. 22.10(E) |
| Electronic Reader Board - Ground Sign (Special Land Use) | Per underlying ground sign limits (e.g., 3–10 ft under Sec. 22.10(B)). | Per underlying allowed ground sign area; electronic portion capped at 75% of that area (except ≤32 sq ft signs). | — | Per underlying ground sign setback; on M-45/Lake Michigan Drive, minimum 10 ft per Table 1 via Sec. 22.16. | As allowed for ground signs in the zone. | Ground sign only; allowed in this zone by Special Land Use unless parcel fronts M-45 and contains a non-residential or multi-family use. | — | Sec. 22.07(A)(3); Sec. 22.07(B)(1)-(9); Sec. 22.09(K) |

### R-3 Zoning District; R-4 Zoning District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ground Sign - Option 1 | 3 ft minimum; 10 ft maximum | 50 sq ft | — | 25 ft minimum from front lot line; on M-45/Lake Michigan Drive setback per Table 1 (10 ft) per Sec. 22.16. | 1 per parcel (see additional requirements) | One permanent ground sign per parcel | — | Sec. 22.12(A)(1)(a)-(d); Sec. 22.05 |
| Wall Sign - Option 2 | — | 48 sq ft | — | — | 1 per parcel (see additional requirements) | One wall sign per parcel; must be on the side of the building that directly faces the street. | — | Sec. 22.12(A)(2)(a)-(d); Sec. 22.06(H) |
| Ground Sign (Multiple Principal Buildings) | 6 ft | 24 sq ft | — | — | 1 per principal building | For parcels with more than one principal building: a ground sign is permitted for each building. | — | Sec. 22.12(B) |
| Wall Sign (Multiple Principal Buildings) | — | 24 sq ft | — | — | 1 per principal building | For parcels with more than one principal building: a wall sign is permitted for each building. | — | Sec. 22.12(B); Sec. 22.06(H) |
| Temporary Sign | 8 ft | Total of all temporary signs ≤ 64 sq ft; height ≤ 8 ft; no single sign > 32 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 ft from edge of ROW or sidewalk (Sec. 22.09(G)). | No explicit numeric cap; total area cap 64 sq ft; single sign cap 32 sq ft. | On parcel; minimum 5 ft from ROW or sidewalks. | — | Sec. 22.12(C)(1)-(2); Sec. 22.09(A)-(K); Sec. 22.05(B) |
| Temporary Sign - Additional Permit (2 per year) | May exceed 8 ft under this permit; inflatable signs ≤ 20 ft. | Total area of all signs or a single sign ≤ 100 sq ft (inflatable signs may exceed 100 sq ft per Sec. 22.12(D)(5)) | — | Minimum 5 ft from edge of ROW or sidewalk (Sec. 22.09(G)). | More than one sign may be displayed under each permit. | On parcel; as per general temporary sign rules. | — | Sec. 22.12(D)(1)-(4); Sec. 22.09(J); Sec. 22.05(B) |
| Inflatable Temporary Sign (Additional Permit) | ≤ 20 ft (measured from highest part of sign to point of contact with ground, structure, or building) | May exceed 100 sq ft | — | — | — | May be placed on a roof or the top of a structure; must be attached/secured per approved method. | — | Sec. 22.12(D)(5)(a)-(d) |
| Electronic Reader Board - Ground Sign | Per underlying ground sign limits (3–10 ft). | Per underlying allowed ground sign area (e.g., up to 50 sq ft); electronic portion capped at 75% of that area (except ≤32 sq ft signs). | — | Per underlying ground sign setback; on M-45/Lake Michigan Drive, minimum 10 ft per Sec. 22.16. | As allowed for ground signs in the zone. | Ground sign only; explicitly allowed in R-3 and R-4. | — | Sec. 22.07(A)(1); Sec. 22.07(B)(1)-(9); Sec. 22.12(A)(1) |

### General Commercial Zoning District (GC)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ground Sign - Single Business | 10 ft | 32 sq ft (0–60 ft frontage); 40 sq ft (61–100 ft frontage); 50 sq ft (101+ ft frontage). | — | Minimum 10 ft (per Table 1). | 1 per parcel | One permanent ground sign per parcel. | — | Sec. 22.13(A); Table 1 |
| Ground Sign - Multi-Businesses | 10 ft | 50 sq ft (0–100 ft frontage); 100 sq ft (101+ ft frontage). | — | Minimum 10 ft (per Table 1). | 1 per parcel (combined for multiple businesses) | One permanent ground sign per parcel combining multiple businesses. | — | Sec. 22.13(B); Table 1 |
| Wall Sign | — | Variable per formula (see formula). | — | — | 1 wall sign per wall fronting a public or private street | Each commercial establishment permitted a single wall sign on each wall that fronts on a public or private street. | — | Sec. 22.13(C)(1)-(3); Table 2 (Wall Sign formula table included under Sec. 22.13) |
| Temporary Sign | 8 ft | Total of all temporary signs ≤ 64 sq ft; height ≤ 8 ft; no single sign > 32 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 ft from edge of ROW or sidewalk (Sec. 22.09(G)). | No explicit numeric cap; total area cap 64 sq ft; single sign cap 32 sq ft. | On parcel; minimum 5 ft from ROW or sidewalks. | — | Sec. 22.13(D)(1)-(2); Sec. 22.09(A)-(K); Sec. 22.05(B) |
| Sidewalk Sign (Sandwich Board) | 4 ft | 8 sq ft per side | — | Within 5 ft of entrance; general 5 ft ROW setback does not apply to sandwich boards per Sec. 22.09(G). | 1 per public entrance | Directly in front of the use/commercial establishment using the sign, no more than 5 ft from the public entrance doorway. | — | Sec. 22.13(3)(a)-(e) |
| Electronic Reader Board - Ground Sign | Per underlying ground sign limits (10 ft). | Per underlying allowed ground sign area per Table 1; electronic portion capped at 75% of that area (except ≤32 sq ft signs). | — | Minimum 10 ft (per Table 1). | As allowed for ground signs in the zone. | Ground sign only; explicitly allowed in GC. | — | Sec. 22.07(A)(1); Sec. 22.07(B)(1)-(9); Sec. 22.13(A); Table 1 |
| Electronic Reader Board - Window Sign | — | Electronic portion ≤ 75% of allowable sign area (except ≤32 sq ft signs); window sign size otherwise governed by general sign rules. | — | — | — | Installed inside a window and intended to be viewed from the outside. | — | Sec. 22.07(B)(8); Sec. 22.07(B)(1)-(7); Sec. 22.06(J) |

## Prohibited signs in Allendale

- Any sign not expressly permitted by Article 22 is prohibited.
- Signs (including window signs) with flashing, moving, oscillating, scrolling, or blinking lights are prohibited, except electronic reader boards/digital display signs as separately regulated.
- Roof signs are prohibited except as allowed by Section 22.12.D.5.
- Pennants, streamers, and festoons are prohibited.
- Rotating signs are prohibited.
- Searchlights, laser lights, strobe lights, and lights of a similar nature are prohibited.
- Signs made of spray-painted, unpainted plywood, particle board, or similar material are prohibited.
- Signs for services, businesses, attractions, activities, lessors, or owners that are no longer in operation are prohibited; abandoned sign faces must be removed or replaced with a blank face within 60 days after written notification.
- Signs using words, phrases, symbols, or characters (e.g., “stop,” “danger”) in a manner that interferes with, misleads, or confuses drivers are prohibited.
- Any sign placed within a road right-of-way or alley is prohibited unless expressly permitted by the Ottawa County Road Commission, Michigan Department of Transportation, or the Township Board.
- A light pole, utility pole, or other support structure not specifically designed as a sign support shall not be used for sign placement unless specifically approved for such use.
- A sign shall not interfere with or obstruct the view of drivers, pedestrians, or bicyclists, or create any safety hazard or distraction.
- A sign shall not, by its position, shape, color, or other characteristic, interfere with, obstruct, or cause confusion with an official traffic sign, signal, or device, or constitute a nuisance per se.
- A wall sign shall not extend beyond the edge of the wall to which it is affixed or extend above the roof line.
- A sign and its supporting mechanism shall not extend beyond the lot lines of the property on which it is located.

## Signs exempt from permit in Allendale

- Signs 1.5 square feet or less in area are exempt; limited to no more than one sign per 10 lineal feet of road frontage per parcel, and signs in the required front yard must be at least 10 feet apart. Sections 22.06 and 22.08 still apply.
- Directional, identification, traffic warning, or government signs are exempt if each sign does not exceed 4 square feet in area and 3 feet in height, and is located at least 5 feet from any lot line. Sections 22.06 and 22.08 still apply.
- Flags of any nation, state, city, township, government or government-authorized agency, or educational institution are exempt. Sections 22.06 and 22.08 still apply.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A sign permit is required for the erection and construction of all permanent signs except those exempted by Section 22.04.
- A sign permit is required for all temporary signs exceeding 20 square feet; the permit must specify the display dates.
- In all other zoning districts, electronic reader boards/digital display signs are allowed only by granting of a Special Land Use permit per Article 20.
- Temporary sign permits may be issued in conjunction with a building permit; this must be noted on the building permit.
- Before issuance of a sign permit for an electronic reader board, manufacturer certification that illumination settings comply with maximum illumination requirements must be provided.
- For inflatable signs allowed under Section 22.12.D.5, the method of attaching or securing must be approved by the Township Zoning Administrator as part of the sign permit process.
- Sign permit applications must include location sketches, scaled plans/specifications, construction/attachment methods, setbacks, and any required electrical permit; engineered stress sheets may be required by the Zoning Administrator.
- Signs within a right-of-way or alley require express permission from the Ottawa County Road Commission, MDOT, or the Township Board.
- In PUD districts, signage may be governed by an approved PUD Development Plan; otherwise, PUD uses follow sign limitations of similar uses in respective zoning districts.
- The Planning Commission may require removal of a nonconforming sign in connection with approval of a Special Land Use permit.
- No master sign plan requirement is specified in the provided ordinance text.

## 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 7 zoning districts in Allendale — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Allendale+MI&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-allendale

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