# Sign Regulations in Ann Arbor, Michigan

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Ann Arbor, Michigan (MI)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/michigan/ann-arbor
- **Data last verified:** 2025-10-30
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://www.a2gov.org/media/ivuhzlww/udc-edition-11a-8-10-25.pdf#page=140)

## At a glance

Ann Arbor, Michigan regulates 39 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Temporary Freestanding Sign (Nonresidential/Mixed-Use)s in the Downtown Core District (D1), Downtown Interface District (D2), Campus Business Residential District (C1A/R) zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and Per lot as formula; per sign not separately specified, with a Min 5 ft from lot line setback (Sec. Sec. 5.24.7.A–B; Table 5.24-6 (Nonresidential)). Most commercial signs in Ann Arbor require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (5 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 8 | Address character height up to 12 inches in Residential districts; up to 24 inches in Nonresidential districts | Absolute maximum per any single sign: 200 sq ft | — |
| Downtown Core District (D1), Downtown Interface District (D2), Campus Business Residential District (C1A/R) | 8 | Max 30 ft, but no higher than top of building; Min 8 ft if projecting into public right-of-way | ≤25% of awning area; also subject to building total 2 sq ft/lf up to 200 sq ft | — |
| Office District (O), Local Business District (C1), Campus Business District (C1A), Community Convenience Center (C1B), Business Service District (C2B), Fringe Commercial District (C3), Transit Corridor (TC1), Hotel District (R5), Parking District (P), Public Land District (PL), Research District (RE), Office/Research/Limited Industrial District (ORL), Limited Industrial District (M1), Limited Light Industrial District (M1A), Heavy Industrial District (M2) | 9 | Max 30 ft, but no higher than top of building; Min 8 ft if projecting into public right-of-way | No specific per-sign max; subject to total building allowance (max 200 sq ft). | — |
| Agricultural-Open Space District (AG), Single-Family Dwelling District (R1A), Single-Family Dwelling District (R1B), Single-Family Dwelling District (R1C), Single-Family Dwelling District (R1D), Single-Family Dwelling District (R1E), Two-Family Dwelling District (R2A), Two-Family Dwelling and Student Housing District (R2B), Townhouse Dwelling District (R3), Multiple-Family Dwelling District (R4A), Multiple-Family Dwelling District (R4B), Multiple-Family Dwelling District (R4C), Multiple-Family Dwelling District (R4D), Multiple-Family Dwelling District (R4E), Mobile Home Park District (R6) | 13 | 10 ft | 50 sq ft | — |
| Planned Unit Development District (PUD) | 5 | Per Table 5.24-2 by sign type | Per Table 5.24-4 by land use | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 5 zones)

### Downtown Core District (D1), Downtown Interface District (D2), Campus Business Residential District (C1A/R)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Projecting Sign | Max 30 ft, but no higher than top of building; Min 8 ft if projecting into public right-of-way | By building: 2 sq ft/lf of building frontage, max 200 sq ft (shared) | — | — | 1 per business frontage | Attached to building facade; projection limited as above. | — | Sec. 5.24.5.A.1–2; Table 5.24-2 (Projecting Signs); Sec. 5.24.4.C–D; Sec. 5.25.3.B.1.b–d |
| Wall Sign | Min 8 ft if projecting into public right-of-way | By building: 2 sq ft/lf of building frontage, max 200 sq ft (shared) | — | — | No maximum | Building facade as specified. | — | Sec. 5.24.5.A.1–2; Table 5.24-2 (Wall Signs); Sec. 5.24.4.C–D; Sec. 5.25.3.B.1.b–d |
| Awning Sign | Max 20 ft | ≤25% of awning area; also subject to building total 2 sq ft/lf up to 200 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business frontage | On awning face/surface. | — | Sec. 5.24.5.A.1–2 (Awning limits); Table 5.24-2 (Awning Signs) |
| Canopy Sign | Max 20 ft | ≤25% of canopy area; also subject to building total 2 sq ft/lf up to 200 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business frontage | On canopy face/surface. | — | Sec. 5.24.5.A.1–2 (Canopy limits); Table 5.24-2 (Canopy Signs) |
| Window Sign - Interior (Mixed-Use/Downtown) | — | ≤25% of ground floor window area (combined interior+exterior) | — | — | — | Interior side of ground floor windows. | — | Sec. 5.24.6; Table 5.24-5 (Mixed-Use, Nonresidential and Special Purpose) |
| Window Sign - Exterior (Mixed-Use/Downtown) | — | ≤25% of ground floor window area (combined interior+exterior) | — | — | — | Exterior side of ground floor windows. | — | Sec. 5.24.6; Table 5.24-5 |
| Temporary Freestanding Sign (Nonresidential/Mixed-Use) | 6 ft | Per lot as formula; per sign not separately specified | — | Min 5 ft from lot line | Max 4 per lot | — | — | Sec. 5.24.7.A–B; Table 5.24-6 (Nonresidential) |
| Temporary Wall Sign (Nonresidential/Mixed-Use) | 10 ft | 20 sq ft per building; 20 sq ft per sign | — | — | No maximum | Building wall | — | Sec. 5.24.7.A–B; Table 5.24-6 (Nonresidential) |

### Office District (O), Local Business District (C1), Campus Business District (C1A), Community Convenience Center (C1B), Business Service District (C2B), Fringe Commercial District (C3), Transit Corridor (TC1), Hotel District (R5), Parking District (P), Public Land District (PL), Research District (RE), Office/Research/Limited Industrial District (ORL), Limited Industrial District (M1), Limited Light Industrial District (M1A), Heavy Industrial District (M2)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Projecting Sign | Max 30 ft, but no higher than top of building; Min 8 ft if projecting into public right-of-way | By building: 2 sq ft/lf of building frontage, max 200 sq ft (shared) | — | — | 1 per business frontage | Attached to building facade; limited projection. | — | Sec. 5.24.5.B.1–2; Table 5.24-3 (Projecting Signs); Sec. 5.24.4.C–D |
| Wall Sign | Min 8 ft if projecting into public right-of-way | By building: 2 sq ft/lf of building frontage, max 200 sq ft (shared) | — | — | No maximum | Building facade. | — | Sec. 5.24.5.B.1–2; Table 5.24-3 (Wall Signs); Sec. 5.24.4.C–D |
| Freestanding Sign | Min height equal to 1 ft for each foot of setback from nearest lot line; up to 25 ft maximum | No specific per-sign max; subject to total building allowance (max 200 sq ft). | — | Minimum required setback: 5 ft from lot line | 1 per street frontage | On lot per setback; outside minimum required setback from lot line. | — | Sec. 5.24.5.B.1–2; Table 5.24-3 (Freestanding Signs) |
| Awning Sign | Max 20 ft | ≤25% of awning area; also subject to building total 2 sq ft/lf up to 200 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business frontage | On awning face/surface. | — | Sec. 5.24.5.B.1–2; Table 5.24-3 (Awning Signs) |
| Canopy Sign | Max 20 ft | ≤25% of canopy area; also subject to building total 2 sq ft/lf up to 200 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business frontage | On canopy face/surface. | — | Sec. 5.24.5.B.1–2; Table 5.24-3 (Canopy Signs) |
| Window Sign - Interior (Mixed-Use/Nonresidential) | — | ≤25% of ground floor window area (combined interior+exterior) | — | — | — | Interior of ground floor windows. | — | Sec. 5.24.6; Table 5.24-5 |
| Temporary Freestanding Sign (Nonresidential) | 6 ft | Per lot as formula; per sign not separately specified | — | Min 5 ft | Max 4 per lot | — | — | Sec. 5.24.7.A–B; Table 5.24-6 (Nonresidential) |
| Temporary Wall Sign (Nonresidential) | 10 ft | 20 sq ft per building; 20 sq ft per sign | — | — | No maximum | Building wall | — | Sec. 5.24.7.A–B; Table 5.24-6 (Nonresidential) |

### Agricultural-Open Space District (AG), Single-Family Dwelling District (R1A), Single-Family Dwelling District (R1B), Single-Family Dwelling District (R1C), Single-Family Dwelling District (R1D), Single-Family Dwelling District (R1E), Two-Family Dwelling District (R2A), Two-Family Dwelling and Student Housing District (R2B), Townhouse Dwelling District (R3), Multiple-Family Dwelling District (R4A), Multiple-Family Dwelling District (R4B), Multiple-Family Dwelling District (R4C), Multiple-Family Dwelling District (R4D), Multiple-Family Dwelling District (R4E), Mobile Home Park District (R6)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Single and Two-Family; Multiple-Family up to six units) | N/A | 1 sq ft per building | — | — | 1 per building | Building wall | — | Sec. 5.24.5.C; Table 5.24-4 (Single and Two-Family; Multiple-Family up to six units) |
| Wall Sign (Multiple-Family 7+ units and other group housing) | 10 ft | 6 sq ft per building | — | — | 1 per building | Within 4 ft of a qualifying door on building wall | — | Sec. 5.24.5.C; Table 5.24-4 |
| Freestanding Sign (Multiple-Family 7+ units and other group housing) | Up to 8 ft, limited to 1 ft of height for each foot of setback from nearest lot line | 50 sq ft | — | Minimum required setback: 5 ft | 1 per lot | On lot, meeting setback | — | Sec. 5.24.5.C; Table 5.24-4 |
| Wall Sign (Nonresidential Uses in Residential Districts) | 10 ft | 12 sq ft (shared among wall/awning/canopy) | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Building wall | — | Sec. 5.24.5.C; Table 5.24-4 (Nonresidential) |
| Awning Sign (Nonresidential Uses in Residential Districts) | 10 ft | 12 sq ft (shared among wall/awning/canopy) | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Awning | — | Sec. 5.24.5.C; Table 5.24-4 (Nonresidential) |
| Canopy Sign (Nonresidential Uses in Residential Districts) | 10 ft | 12 sq ft (shared among wall/awning/canopy) | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Canopy | — | Sec. 5.24.5.C; Table 5.24-4 (Nonresidential) |
| Freestanding Sign (Nonresidential Uses in Residential Districts) | Up to 8 ft, limited to 1 ft of height for each foot of setback from nearest lot line | 50 sq ft | — | Minimum required setback: 5 ft | 1 per lot | On lot, meeting setback | — | Sec. 5.24.5.C; Table 5.24-4 (Nonresidential) |
| Temporary Freestanding Sign (Single and Two-Family; Multiple-Family up to six units) | 6 ft | Per lot: 20 sq ft; Per sign: 12 sq ft | — | Min 5 ft | 6 per lot | — | — | Sec. 5.24.7.A–B; Table 5.24-6 (Single and Two-Family; Multiple-Family up to six units) |

## Prohibited signs in Ann Arbor

- Signs not specifically permitted by this Code
- Signs that move, pulse, scroll, blink, flash, sparkle, or give the appearance thereof, other than flags
- Exterior pennants, spinners, inflatables, feather flags, and streamers
- Signs that are structurally or electrically unsafe
- Signs placed on a tree or utility pole or structure
- Signs on a motor vehicle or trailer that is parked on a premises so as to be visible from a public right-of-way, outside business hours, for the primary purpose of advertising
- Rope lights, string lights, or similar lighting attached to, surrounding, or drawing attention to a sign
- Signs erected on or projecting into a public right-of-way, except for signs expressly permitted in a public right-of-way by this Code
- Signs that imitate a traffic control device
- Signs that emit smoke, visible vapor, particulate matter, sound, or odor
- Sign structures that no longer contain a sign
- Signs with a sign area over 200 square feet
- Temporary signs shall not be illuminated
- Illuminated signs must be extinguished during specified hours (lots without a business: between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.; lots with businesses: between 30 minutes after close and 30 minutes before opening)
- Signs and sign structures shall not interfere with required sightlines or obscure/interfere with official street signs or signals
- Permanent signs, sign structures, flags, awnings, or canopies shall not be located in, project into, or overhang a public right-of-way without prior City review and permission, required insurance, and agreements

## Signs exempt from permit in Ann Arbor

- Signs required by law or a government entity are not subject to the sign regulations
- Noncommercial messages may be placed or substituted on any lawfully permitted sign
- Address signs (12 inches or less in height in Residential districts; 24 inches or less in height in Nonresidential districts) are excluded from maximum sign area calculations
- Each lot is permitted up to three flags with noncommercial messages (combined total area up to 90 square feet); flag area is not counted toward maximum sign area
- Light source mounting/shielding exemptions for signs: internally illuminated box signs (translucent material), halo/back-lit/reverse channel signs, neon signs, and electronic message signs are exempt from the external mounting/shielding requirement
- Temporary sign display period exceptions: when a building or lot (or a portion) is listed or advertised for sale or lease, temporary signs may remain for the duration of the listing
- One nonilluminated temporary freestanding sign up to 6 square feet is permitted at any time with no limitation on display period
- Illuminated signs are exempt from Outdoor Lighting color spectrum (CRI/CCT) limits applicable to nonresidential and multi-family lighting installations

## Sign plan & submission notes

- No master sign plan or sign plan requirement is identified in the provided sections
- PUD proposals must declare a sign regulation classification or propose modifications to Section 5.24, but this is not a master sign plan requirement
- City review/permission (and insurance) is required for signs projecting into or overhanging the public right-of-way; this is a permit/permission condition, not a sign plan

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

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