# Sign Regulations in Bedford Township, Michigan

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Bedford Township, Michigan (MI)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/michigan/bedford-township
- **Data last verified:** 2025-10-30
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/mi/bedford_township,_(monroe_co.)/codes/compilation-general_ordinances?nodeId=PT400_400.000ZOORNO44ADMA51977_ARTXIX_GEPR_400.1922SI)

## At a glance

Bedford Township, Michigan regulates 43 sign types across 18 zoning districts. Private Directional Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 3 ft (freestanding) tall and 2 sq ft (per sign face), with a Must not obstruct ingress/egress or clear vision. setback (Sec. Sec. 400.1922.1.d). Most commercial signs in Bedford Township require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (18 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 15 | Regulated by Sec. 400.1922.1.v (no part above roof or supporting structure other than the wall itself) | Up to the permanent sign area limit of the district, but not to exceed 50 sq ft | — |
| R Districts (R-1 through MHP) | 1 | — | 2 sq ft | — |
| R Districts (R-1 through RT) | 5 | Regulated by Sec. 400.1922.1.v (no roof projection) | 32 sq ft (sign face) | — |
| RM, RME, MHP Districts | 5 | Regulated by Sec. 400.1922.1.v | 32 sq ft | — |
| AG Districts | 2 | 6 ft overall (includes 1 ft base) | 32 sq ft | — |
| PBO/PBO-1 Districts | 2 | Regulated by Sec. 400.1922.1.v | 50 sq ft (sign face) | — |
| C-1 Districts; C-3 Districts; I-1 Districts | 2 | Regulated by Sec. 400.1922.1.v | 50 sq ft | — |
| C-2 Districts | 3 | Regulated by Sec. 400.1922.1.v | 50 sq ft | — |
| I-2 and I-3 Districts | 3 | Regulated by Sec. 400.1922.1.v | 50 sq ft | — |
| P-1 Districts | 2 | Regulated by Sec. 400.1922.1.v | 50 sq ft (sign face) | — |
| PBO/PBO-1 Districts (Multiple Units) | 5 | 7 ft sign structure height + 1 ft base (overall ≤8 ft) | 50 sq ft (sign face) + up to 50 sq ft additional for decorative structure | — |
| C-1 Districts (Multiple Units); C-3 Districts (Multiple Units); I-1 Districts (Multiple Units) | 4 | 7 ft sign structure height + 1 ft base (overall ≤8 ft) | 50 sq ft (sign face) + up to 50 sq ft additional for decorative structure | — |
| C-2 Districts (Multiple Units) | 5 | 7 ft sign structure height + 1 ft base (overall ≤8 ft) | 50 sq ft (sign face) + up to 50 sq ft additional for decorative structure | — |
| I-2 and I-3 Districts (Multiple Units) | 4 | 7 ft sign structure height + 1 ft base (overall ≤8 ft) | 50 sq ft each (sign face) + up to 50 sq ft additional per sign for decorative structure | — |
| C-1 Districts (Multiple Units) | 1 | — | — | — |
| C-3 Districts (Multiple Units) | 1 | — | — | — |
| I-1 Districts (Multiple Units) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Planned Unit Development | 1 | — | — | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 18 zones)

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Private Directional Sign | 3 ft (freestanding) | 2 sq ft (per sign face) | — | Must not obstruct ingress/egress or clear vision. | One per listed functional location (exit/entrance/etc.). | At each exit, entrance, change of direction, parking, accessible parking/access, and loading/unloading area for uses requiring a site plan; may also be allowed for other uses if specifically approved by Planning Commission for public health/safety/welfare. | — | Sec. 400.1922.1.d |
| Temporary Sign - General Standards | — | 32 sq ft | — | General locational and safety standards of Sec. 400.1922.1 apply (e.g., no obstruction of ingress/egress, corner visibility). | 1 per lot/parcel (unless a specific temporary sign type authorizes more). | Allowed in all zoning districts unless otherwise stated in Sec. 400.1922.2; on the lot or parcel where the subject event/use occurs unless a specific subsection allows otherwise. | — | Sec. 400.1922.2.a(1)-(5) |
| Temporary Sign - Real Estate (One- or Two-Family Dwelling) | 4 ft (freestanding) | 5 sq ft | — | — | No explicit number cap beyond temporary general rule (1), but consistent with 2.a(1). | On the lot/parcel being advertised. | — | Sec. 400.1922.2.b(1)-(3) (first sentence); 2.a |
| Temporary Sign - Real Estate (All Other Uses) | Per permanent sign height limit of the zoning district | Per permanent sign area limit of the zoning district (but still subject to the 32 sq ft general temporary cap unless superseded by 2.b(3)) | — | — | As per 2.a(1), generally 1 per lot/parcel. | On the lot/parcel being advertised. | — | Sec. 400.1922.2.b(3); 2.a |
| Temporary Sign - Political (Lot with a Dwelling Unit) | Per permanent sign height limit of the zoning district | 16 sq ft (per sign) | — | — | No numeric limit; aggregate area cap 80 sq ft per lot/parcel. | Not on public lots, not on/attached to utility/light/telephone poles, not on any lot (public or private) used as a polling place. | — | Sec. 400.1922.2.d(1)-(5) |
| Temporary Sign - Political (All Other Lots/Parcels) | Per permanent sign height limit of the zoning district | Per permanent sign area limit of the zoning district | — | — | No numeric limit; aggregate area cap 80 sq ft per lot/parcel. | Same locational prohibitions as above (no public lots, poles, polling places). | — | Sec. 400.1922.2.d(1)-(5) |
| Temporary Sign Pending Permanent Sign | Up to the permanent sign height limit of the district | Up to the permanent sign area limit of the district, but not to exceed 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per site while pending. | Only on the lot/parcel where the permanent sign will be located. | — | Sec. 400.1922.2.f(1)-(6) |
| Wall Sign - Two Street Frontages (All Districts, where wall signs are allowed) | Regulated by Sec. 400.1922.1.v (no part above roof or supporting structure other than the wall itself) | Each sign may be up to the maximum size allowed for one wall sign in the zoning district | — | — | 2 (one per qualifying frontage). | Buildings (other than one- or two-family dwellings) with at least two sides having frontage on and facing a public road/street ROW. | — | Sec. 400.1922.5 (All Districts) and Sec. 400.1922.1.v |

### RM, RME, MHP Districts

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign - Rental/Management Office Identification - Option 1 | Regulated by Sec. 400.1922.1.v | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot/parcel (for rental/management office) | On each lot/parcel serving a rental or management office. | — | Sec. 400.1922.5 (RM, RME, MHP Districts) |
| Freestanding Sign - Rental/Management Office Identification - Option 2 | 6 ft overall (includes 1 ft base) | 6 sq ft | — | May be in required front yard; no ROW/easement encroachment; corner visibility triangle limit applies. | 1 per lot/parcel (for rental/management office) | On each lot/parcel serving a rental or management office. | — | Sec. 400.1922.5 (RM, RME, MHP Districts); Sec. 400.1922.1.l, 1.w |
| Wall Sign - Development Identification (Multiple/Elderly Housing or Mobile Home Park) - Option 1 | Regulated by Sec. 400.1922.1.v | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot/parcel (development identification) | On each lot/parcel of a multiple housing, elderly housing or mobile home park development. | — | Sec. 400.1922.5 (RM, RME, MHP Districts) |
| Freestanding Sign - Development Identification (Multiple/Elderly Housing or Mobile Home Park) - Option 2 | 6 ft overall (includes 1 ft base) | 32 sq ft (sign face) | — | May be in required front yard; no ROW/easement encroachment; corner visibility triangle limit applies. | 1 per lot/parcel (development identification) | On each lot/parcel of a multiple housing, elderly housing or mobile home park development. | — | Sec. 400.1922.5 (RM, RME, MHP Districts); Sec. 400.1922.1.l, 1.w |
| Freestanding Identification Sign - Decorative Entranceway Structure (Development) | Highest point of the identification sign: ≤5 ft | Sign face: ≤32 sq ft; Decorative structure may exceed 50 sq ft | — | — | Counts as the development’s one identification sign | Entrance to multiple housing, elderly housing, or mobile home park development. | — | Sec. 400.1922.5 (RM, RME, MHP Districts) (entranceway structure clause); Sec. 400.1922.1.l |

### C-2 Districts (Multiple Units)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Multiple-Unit Identification Sign (Monument) - Parcels ≤ 10 Acres | 7 ft sign structure height + 1 ft base (overall ≤8 ft) | 50 sq ft (sign face) + up to 50 sq ft additional for decorative structure | — | May be in required front yard; no ROW/easement encroachment; corner visibility triangle limit applies. | 1 per lot/parcel (≤10 acres) | On multi-unit parcels up to and including 10 acres. | — | Sec. 400.1922.6.a; Sec. 400.1922.1.l, 1.w, 1.o, 1.e, 1.f |
| Freestanding Multiple-Unit Identification Signs (Monument) - Parcels > 10 Acres | 7 ft sign structure height + 1 ft base (overall ≤8 ft) | 50 sq ft each (sign face) + up to 50 sq ft additional per sign for decorative structure | — | May be in required front yard; no ROW/easement encroachment; corner visibility triangle limit applies. | 2 per lot/parcel (>10 acres) | On multi-unit parcels larger than 10 acres. | — | Sec. 400.1922.6.a (C-2 >10 acres clause); Sec. 400.1922.1.l, 1.w, 1.o, 1.e, 1.f |
| Wall Sign - Per Unit (Non-PBO Districts) | 2.5 ft (sign height) | 50 sq ft or 80% of unit width, whichever is less | — | — | 1 per unit (2 per unit if two qualifying street-facing sides) | Attached to the wall of each unit. | — | Sec. 400.1922.6.b; Sec. 400.1922.6.f; Sec. 400.1922.1.v |
| Entrance/Door Nameplate (Per Unit) | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per unit entrance | On/within 2 ft of unit entrance/exit door. | — | Sec. 400.1922.6.b (last sentence) |
| Window Signs (Per Unit) | — | 25% of available window space | — | — | N/A (area-based) | Within/on unit windows. | — | Sec. 400.1922.6.c |

## Prohibited signs in Bedford Township

- No sign may be located in, project into, or overhang a public right-of-way, private road, or drive; and no sign may be located in, project into, or overhang any dedicated public easement, detention/retention pond, or drainage ditch (except specific residential development identification signs with required approvals).
- No sign or portion of a sign may be above 2 feet from the established street grade within the corner-lot clear vision triangle defined by 35 feet along each intersecting right-of-way line.
- Freestanding signs may not exceed the maximum height and surface area specified by Section 1922; permanent freestanding signs must be monument signs.
- Freestanding LED message board signs are prohibited in residential zoning districts (unless the site is developed as a permitted non-residential use within a residential district); LED signs must change messages no less than every 5 seconds, dim at dusk (and display a single message when abutting residential), advertise only on-parcel uses, and include a permanent insert identifying the site name and address.
- No sign shall contain visible moving parts.
- No sign shall resemble or imitate an official traffic signal or sign, or an authorized private or governmental directional or informational sign.
- No sign shall contain banners, posters, balloons, pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners, or sound-creating elements, except where specifically allowed for certain temporary signs.
- Sign lighting may not interfere with pedestrian or driver vision and may not project onto neighboring property by more than 5 foot-candles at the property line; all sign wiring must be underground.
- No sign may be located so as to obstruct vehicular or pedestrian ingress/egress or to obstruct clear vision.
- No sign shall contain glass sheets unless approved by the Building Official and only if they do not create an unreasonable risk of injury.
- Permanent non-freestanding signs are limited to wall signs; roof signs and other non-freestanding signs (other than wall signs) are prohibited.
- In all districts, no wall sign may project beyond or overhang the wall or any permanent architectural feature.
- No large inflatables and no spotlights projected into the sky, except when allowed as community event or special event commercial signs.

## Signs exempt from permit in Bedford Township

- Governmental directional signs and governmental/community informational signs constructed by a governmental entity and placed in the public right-of-way (with road agency approval) are permitted in all districts without a building permit or Township approval and are not regulated by other provisions of Section 1922.
- Private directional signs for uses requiring a site plan (and for other uses specifically approved by the Planning Commission) are permitted without a building permit or Township approval and are not regulated by other provisions of Section 1922, subject to size and content limits.
- All temporary signs do not require a building permit; the Township Building Code does not apply except as it may apply to temporary signs; and Section 1922.1 paragraphs a, b, c, d, f, l, and w do not apply to temporary signs.
- Signs placed by historical societies for commemorative purposes do not require a building permit and no fee is assessed; they are subject to Building Official approval (and Planning Commission review if disputed).

## Sign plan & submission notes

- All regulated signs require a sign application approved by the Planning Department for zoning and Section 1922 compliance, and a building permit; the written application must be executed by the sign owner/user (or sign section/insert applicant) and the landowner.
- If a sign is part of a development that requires a site plan, the sign must be shown and described on the site plan (or an amendment/supplement), and approval is regulated by the Planning Commission.
- A sign is conclusively presumed to be part of a site-plan development if constructed/erected/located/altered any time prior to six months after the related occupancy permit is first issued; in such cases the sign must be on the site plan and the Planning Commission regulates approval; at other times the Planning Department regulates approval.
- Community event and special event commercial signs require a sign application and a building permit.
- Temporary signs pending permanent signs require a sign application reviewed and approved by the Planning Department, an electrical permit if needed, and the building permit for the permanent sign must be obtained before the temporary sign application is approved.
- Freestanding signs must include a landscaping rendering with the sign application (perimeter landscaping required).
- Variances for signs may only be granted by the Board of Zoning Appeals; appeals from Planning Department decisions go to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
- Governmental and community informational signs placed other than in the public right-of-way require Board of Zoning Appeals approval, which regulates design, type, color, size, height, and other features.

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

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