Sign Regulations in Auburn Hills, Michigan
Auburn Hills, Michigan has specific sign regulations covering 27 sign types across 14 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign (Non-Residential), Wall Sign (Non-Residential), Manual Changeable Copy Sign (Component). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 28, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Auburn Hills, Michigan
Sample Sign Requirements in Auburn Hills
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof-Mounted Sign | Shall not exceed roof height by more than one-half the distance between the eave (or soffit) and peak; in no instance shall exceed the maximum height of the zoning district | — | — |
| Manual Changeable Copy Sign (Component) | — | Not more than 50% of the total area of any individual sign | — |
| Grand Opening / Annual Sale Signs (Temporary) | — | Up to 20% increase over normally permitted sign area during the limited period | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Auburn HillsFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
27
- Freestanding Sign (Non-Residential)
- Wall Sign (Non-Residential)
- Manual Changeable Copy Sign (Component)
- Residential Identification Sign (Development Entry Monument)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
14
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Auburn Hills
Other Cities in Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Auburn Hills vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in Auburn Hills, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Auburn Hills, regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign (Non-Residential), Wall Sign (Non-Residential), Manual Changeable Copy Sign (Component), Residential Identification Sign (Development Entry Monument), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Auburn Hills vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Auburn Hills are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Auburn Hills has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Auburn Hills, Michigan Sign Rules at a Glance
Auburn Hills, Michigan regulates 27 sign types across 14 zoning districts. Billboard (Static)s in the Light Industrial (I-1) zoning district are capped at ≤55 ft measured from natural grade to top of billboard tall, ≤672 sq ft (14 ft high x 48 ft wide), and ≤48 ft (as part of 14x48 ft size) wide, with a ≥25 ft from any property line; ≥55 ft from any structure (on or off premises) setback (Sec. §1811(2)(b)(1–7) Billboards – Purpose & Standards). Most commercial signs in Auburn Hills require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Auburn Hills, Michigan
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Auburn Hills (14 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 6 | ≤12 ft | Entrance sign(s): ≤80 sq ft per sign; On-site directional: ≤6 sq ft each; Off-site non-accessory directional to development: ≤64 sq ft per sign | — |
| Non-Residential Zoning Districts | 5 | ≤20 ft | Per sign: ≤150 sq ft | — |
| Residential Districts | 3 | ≤12 ft | ≤32 sq ft | — |
| Residential Districts (Non-Dwelling Uses) | 2 | ≤6 ft | Per sign: ≤100 sq ft | — |
| One-Family Residential Districts (R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4) | 3 | ≤6 ft | ≤32 sq ft | — |
| Multiple Family Residential Districts (RM-1, RM-2, RM-3) | 3 | ≤12 ft | ≤32 sq ft | — |
| Mobile Home Park (MHP) | 3 | ≤12 ft | ≤32 sq ft | — |
| Office (O); Limited Business (B-1); General Business (B-2) | 5 | ≤20 ft | Per sign: ≤150 sq ft; premises total per formula | — |
| Technology and Research (T&R) | 3 | ≤20 ft | Per sign: ≤150 sq ft; premises total per formula | — |
| Special Purpose (SP) | 3 | ≤20 ft | Per sign: ≤150 sq ft; premises total per formula | — |
| Downtown District (D) | 3 | ≤20 ft (subject to any additional Downtown-specific limits not included here) | Per sign: ≤150 sq ft; premises total per formula | — |
| Light Industrial (I-1) | 5 | ≤55 ft measured from natural grade to top of billboard | ≤672 sq ft (14 ft high x 48 ft wide) | — |
| General Industrial (I-2) | 3 | ≤20 ft | Per sign: ≤150 sq ft; premises total per formula | — |
| Heavy Industrial (I-3) | 3 | ≤20 ft | Per sign: ≤150 sq ft; premises total per formula | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Auburn Hills(sample of 3 of 14 zones)
General Regulations For All Zones
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roof-Mounted Sign | Shall not exceed roof height by more than one-half the distance between the eave (or soffit) and peak; in no instance shall exceed the maximum height of the zoning district | — | — | — | — | Mounted on the face of mansard, hip, gambrel, or gable roofs only | — | Unlock | §1811(3) Roof-Mounted Signs (Article XVIII, General Provisions 18-23) |
| Manual Changeable Copy Sign (Component) | — | Not more than 50% of the total area of any individual sign | — | — | — | As part of permitted signs | — | Unlock | §1811(D)(2) Manual Changeable Copy Signs |
| Grand Opening / Annual Sale Signs (Temporary) | — | Up to 20% increase over normally permitted sign area during the limited period | — | — | — | On the premises of the business | — | Unlock | §1811(D)(3); §1811(5)(H–L) |
| Construction Sign (Temporary) | ≤12 ft | ≤32 sq ft per side | — | Meet freestanding sign setback requirements | 1 per development | Confined to the site under construction | — | Unlock | §1811(D)(4) Construction Signs |
| Real Estate Development Signs (Temporary – Residential Development) | Entrance sign(s): ≤12 ft; On-site directional: ≤5 ft; Off-site directional: ≤12 ft | Entrance sign(s): ≤80 sq ft per sign; On-site directional: ≤6 sq ft each; Off-site non-accessory directional to development: ≤64 sq ft per sign | — | Meet freestanding sign setback requirements | Entrance: 1 per vehicle entrance; On-site directional: as needed; Off-site: as permitted, subject to spacing | At each vehicle entrance (on-site); on-site directional to models/sales/rental; off-site directional on qualifying major thoroughfares | — | Unlock | §1811(D)(5)(a–e) Real Estate Development Signs |
| Large Format Temporary Wall Mural | — | — | — | — | 1 per site at a time | Attached directly to building facade; must be accessory to on-site business (no off-premise advertising; no event advertising unless charitable) | — | Unlock | §1811(D)(8)(a–g) Large Format Temporary Wall Murals (Amended 9-10-12, Ord. 12-852) |
Office (O); Limited Business (B-1); General Business (B-2)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (Non-Residential) | ≤20 ft | Per sign: ≤150 sq ft; premises total per formula | — | Setback at least equal to sign height and ≥3 ft from ROW; outside visual clearance triangle (25 ft) | 1 per vehicle entrance | On premises | — | Unlock | §1811(D)(1)(a)(1)(a–c); §1811(D)(1)(e) |
| Wall Sign (Non-Residential) | — | Per sign: ≤150 sq ft | — | — | As needed within allocated area | On building facade | — | Unlock | §1811(D)(1); §1811(D)(1)(e)(2–3); §1811(D)(1)(g) |
| Automatic Changeable Copy Monument Sign (Special Land Use) | ≤10 ft | Total sign face area limited implicitly by 75% rule and site allowances | ≤12 ft | ≥10 ft from front property line | — | On premises in O, B‑1, B‑2 districts | — | Unlock | §1811(3)(C)(1)(a–g) Automatic Changeable Copy Signs (permitted locations include O, B‑1, B‑2) |
| Manual Changeable Copy Sign (Component) | — | ≤50% of any individual sign | — | — | — | On permitted wall/freestanding signs | — | Unlock | §1811(D)(2); §1811(3)(C)(1)(h) |
| Real Estate Sign (Non-Residential Property For Sale/Rent) | ≤12 ft | ≤32 sq ft | — | Meet freestanding sign setback requirements | 1 per parcel | On parcel for sale/rent | — | Unlock | §1811(D)(6) |
Light Industrial (I-1)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (Non-Residential) | ≤20 ft | Per sign: ≤150 sq ft; premises total per formula | — | Setback at least equal to sign height and ≥3 ft from ROW; outside visual clearance triangle | 1 per vehicle entrance | On premises | — | Unlock | §1811(D)(1)(a)(1)(a–c); §1811(D)(1)(e) |
| Wall Sign (Non-Residential) | — | Per sign: ≤150 sq ft | — | — | — | On building facade | — | Unlock | §1811(D)(1); §1811(D)(1)(e)(2–3); §1811(D)(1)(g) |
| Non-Accessory Sign (Off-Premise) – Industrial Districts | — | Included within maximum size limitations for the district (e.g., per-sign ≤150 sq ft; premises totals per non-residential formula) | — | Meet freestanding sign setback requirements if freestanding | ≤1 off-premise sign per lot | On industrial-zoned lots | — | Unlock | §1811(8)(A–B) Non-Residential Non-Accessory Signs |
| Billboard (Static) | ≤55 ft measured from natural grade to top of billboard | ≤672 sq ft (14 ft high x 48 ft wide) | ≤48 ft (as part of 14x48 ft size) | ≥25 ft from any property line; ≥55 ft from any structure (on or off premises) | Subject to 4,000-ft spacing from other billboards | Only on I-1 parcels that directly abut I‑75 right-of-way | — | Unlock | §1811(2)(b)(1–7) Billboards – Purpose & Standards |
| Billboard with LED Digital Display (Automatic Changeable Copy Component) | ≤55 ft (billboard overall) | Static billboard size limits still apply (≤14x48 ft). LED display size not separately specified for billboards | ≤48 ft (billboard overall) | Same as billboard | Subject to billboard spacing rules | Only where billboards are permitted (I‑1 abutting I‑75) | — | Unlock | §1811(2)(b)(8)(a–h) LED Digital Display on Billboards (Amended 1-25-16, Ord. 872) |
PermitPal covers all 14 zoning districts in Auburn Hills — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 14 zones for Auburn Hills — start freeProhibited Signs in Auburn Hills
- No sign may be attached or placed on a building so as to obstruct any fire escape or means of ingress/egress.
- Non-government signs may not be located in, project into, or overhang a public right-of-way, public easement, or public property; City Council may grant an exception in City right-of-way.
- Flashing or intermittent illumination is prohibited.
- Rotating or moving signs are prohibited.
- Animated signs are prohibited.
- Projecting signs are prohibited.
- Signs that simulate or imitate traffic signs/signals or similar devices in a way that interferes with, misleads, or confuses traffic are prohibited.
- Portable signs are prohibited, except for approved grand opening/annual sale signs.
- Cold/hot air or helium inflatable balloons are prohibited, except for approved grand opening/annual sale signs.
- Festoon signs or banners are prohibited, except for approved grand opening/annual sale signs.
- Searchlights or spotlights for advertising are prohibited, except for grand openings/annual sales or where permitted as a Special Land Use.
- Temporary signs are prohibited, except for approved grand opening/annual sale signs.
- No sign may be located at street corners or site access drives where it would obscure the vision of drivers or pedestrians, or conflict with traffic control signals.
- Signs on trailers are prohibited.
- Painted signs directly on building walls are prohibited.
- Signs utilizing LCD, television, video projection, or similar technology are prohibited.
- No sign (including cables, guys, or supports) may be within six feet of any electrical conductor, electric light pole, street lamp, traffic light, or other public utility pole/standard.
- No open spark or flame may be used for display purposes unless specifically approved by the Community Development Department.
- Illuminated signs must be shielded and directed to avoid glare onto adjacent parcels/streets and must be directed away from and shielded from adjacent residential areas.
- Maintaining unsafe signs or signs that are an immediate hazard is prohibited; such signs must be repaired or removed promptly (within 48 hours for immediate hazards).
- Maintaining signs for a discontinued use beyond 30 days is prohibited (signs must be removed within 30 days of discontinuance).
Exempt Signs in Auburn Hills
- No permit required for identification signs under 3 square feet conveying street numbers or the name of person(s) (not a business).
- No permit required for government signs up to 6 square feet that warn of danger, prohibition, regulation, regulate parking, or inform of historical significance.
- No permit required for residential real estate signs up to 6 square feet (one per parcel).
- No permit required for one outline tubing sign stating only 'open'/'closed' or 'vacancy'/'no vacancy', limited to 2 square feet.
- No permit required for incidental signs on operable, currently licensed motor vehicles, provided parking is not primarily for sign display; if parked for advertising, it must advertise only the on-premises establishment and is treated as a Special Land Use.
- No permit required for window signs when the sign area does not exceed 30% of the window area.
- No permit required for incidental signs visible only from the premises (not counted toward site sign area).
- No permit required for political signs on private property with owner consent; must be removed within 7 days after the election.
- No permit required for directional/informational government signs established by City, County, State, or Federal government.
- Murals that do not function as signs (do not advertise a business, product, service, or activity) are not regulated by the Zoning Ordinance.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Auburn Hills
- All signs require approval by the Community Development Department and, if required, a sign permit prior to establishment; a permit is also required for structural alterations, change between accessory and non-accessory status, repair/re-erection, moving, or reconstruction.
- Automatic changeable copy signs require Special Land Use approval per Section 1818 by the City Council after site plan review and a public hearing by the Planning Commission; also require a sign permit.
- City Council may allow extended hours of operation for automatic changeable copy signs when no negative impact to residential areas is anticipated; otherwise limited to business hours or 6:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m., whichever is less.
- Vehicle-based advertising (incidental signs on vehicles parked for advertising) is considered a Special Land Use and must meet Section 1818 requirements.
- Searchlights or spotlights for advertising purposes require Special Land Use approval under Section 1818 (except for grand openings/annual sales).
- LED digital displays on billboards require acceptance by the City Council of a development agreement detailing use restrictions and other conditions before approval.
- Variations from billboard provisions (including conversion of a static billboard to LED digital display) are only permitted via Section 1830 Planned Unit Development Option at the sole discretion of the City Council; applicants may not seek relief from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
- Large format temporary wall murals require a sign permit; denial may be appealed in writing to the City Council for a hearing, and denials based on Building or Fire Code may be appealed to the Construction Board of Appeals; applicant must have written authorization from the property owner.
- City Council may grant an exception to allow signs in City rights-of-way.
- Downtown District signs are subject to additional requirements and restrictions in Sections 907(7) and 1811D(7).
Source: other municipal code