Sign Regulations in Buchanan Township, Michigan
Buchanan Township, Michigan has specific sign regulations covering 10 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Ground Sign, Electronic Message Board, Wall Sign. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 28, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Buchanan Township, Michigan
Sample Sign Requirements in Buchanan Township
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Signs | — | — | Minimum setback of 1/2 the minimum front yard setback; minimum 10 feet from any other property line, no sign within 20 feet of road edge. No sign shall obstruct clear vision. |
| Ground Sign | — | 20 sq ft | — |
| Any Sign Type | — | 32 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
10
- Ground Sign
- Electronic Message Board
- Wall Sign
- All Signs
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
10
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Buchanan Township
Other Cities in Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Buchanan Township 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 Buchanan Township, 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 Buchanan Township, regulated sign types include Ground Sign, Electronic Message Board, Wall Sign, All Signs, 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 Buchanan Township 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 Buchanan Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Buchanan Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Buchanan Township, Michigan Sign Rules at a Glance
Buchanan Township, Michigan regulates 10 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Ground Signs in the AG District zoning district are capped at 20 sq ft (Sec. § 300-21.05A(1)). Most commercial signs in Buchanan Township require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Buchanan Township, Michigan
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Buchanan Township (10 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | — | — | — |
| AG District | 1 | — | 20 sq ft | — |
| R-1 District, R-2 District, R-3 District, R-4L District, R-4R District, R-5 District | 1 | — | 12 sq ft | — |
| RE District | 1 | — | 20 sq ft | — |
| MU District | 1 | — | 32 sq ft | — |
| CS District | 6 | — | 32 sq ft | — |
| IND District, RS District | 1 | — | 32 sq ft | — |
| Commercial/Service District | 1 | — | — | — |
| Industrial District | 1 | — | — | — |
| Municipal District | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Buchanan Township(sample of 3 of 10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Signs | — | — | — | Minimum setback of 1/2 the minimum front yard setback; minimum 10 feet from any other property line, no sign within 20 feet of road edge. No sign shall obstruct clear vision. | — | Must conform to all applicable codes and ordinances. Must be approved by Building Inspector or Zoning Administrator, permit issued under § 300-21.06. | — | Unlock | § 300-21.02A, § 300-21.02F |
| Wall Sign | — | — | No more than 90% of width of wall to which sign is attached | — | — | Affixed to wall | — | Unlock | § 300-21.02H |
| Projecting Sign, Awning Sign, Canopy Sign, Suspended Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Over sidewalk or walkway | — | Unlock | § 300-21.02I |
| Electronic Message Board | — | — | — | — | — | Same parcel as principal use; permitted in Commercial/Service, Industrial, Municipal Districts, or for churches, schools, government buildings in any district. | — | Unlock | § 300-21.02K |
AG District
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign | — | 20 sq ft | — | — | 1 per parcel (plus 1 for >100 ft/frontage) | On parcel | — | Unlock | § 300-21.05A(1) |
CS District
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per parcel | On parcel | — | Unlock | § 300-21.05A(9) |
| Projecting Sign | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building entrance | Per building entrance | — | Unlock | § 300-21.05A(9) |
| Suspended Sign | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building entrance | Per building entrance | — | Unlock | § 300-21.05A(9) |
| Wall Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per road frontage | Per road frontage | — | Unlock | § 300-21.05A(9) |
| Awning or Canopy Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per road frontage | Per road frontage | — | Unlock | § 300-21.05A(9) |
| Window Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per road frontage | Per road frontage | — | Unlock | § 300-21.05A(9) |
PermitPal covers all 10 zoning districts in Buchanan Township — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 10 zones for Buchanan Township — start freeProhibited Signs in Buchanan Township
- Signs which are illegal under state laws or regulations and applicable local ordinances or regulations, and which are not consistent with the standards in this chapter.
- Signs affixed to public utility poles within the right-of-way, which are not public notices, or traffic control or warnings required by a valid and applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance.
- Animated or moving signs, as defined herein.
- Signs that are not clean and in good repair and signs that are out of compliance with applicable building and electrical codes.
- Signs not securely affixed to a supporting structure.
- Signs that are not official traffic signs which interfere with any official traffic sign, signal, or device and which may obstruct a motorist's vision.
- Pole signs, bench signs and roof signs, as defined herein.
- No sign shall be painted on or be attached to a motor vehicle used primarily for the display of such sign, including, but not limited to, a billboard truck.
- Use of glaring undiffused lights or bulbs shall be prohibited. Lights shall be shaded so as not to project onto adjoining properties or roads.
- Sign illumination that could distract motorists or otherwise create a traffic hazard shall be prohibited. Illumination shall not be installed or designed to be confused with, or appear similar to, a highway sign or traffic safety device.
- There shall be no strobing, oscillating or intermittent sign.
- A sign shall not extend beyond the edge of the wall to which it is affixed nor above the roof line of a building to which it is attached.
Exempt Signs in Buchanan Township
- Any public notice, traffic control or warning required by a valid and applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance.
- Property address and owner identification up to three square feet in area.
- Any sign wholly located within a building and not visible from outside the building. This does not include window signs.
- Holiday lights and decorations.
- Works of art.
- Directional signs including stop, yield, one-way, and similar signs, provided they do not exceed six square feet in area or six feet in height and the number permitted is the minimum necessary to provide adequate orientation.
- Flags up to 24 square feet in area.
- All yard signs, as defined, limited to one sign per frontage, not greater than 12 square feet in area. One additional sign permitted per frontage if lot or parcel has more than 100 feet of frontage.
- One temporary sign or portable sign, limited to a maximum of 15 days, not exceeding 32 square feet in sign area per frontage and not exceeding six feet in height.
- Special event signage on public property.
- All yard signs, as defined, limited to one sign per frontage, not greater than 12 square feet in area. One additional sign permitted per frontage if lot or parcel has more than 100 feet of frontage. Such signs shall be removed after seven days from which the event occurs.
- Flags or insignia of any nation, state, local government, community organization, educational institution.
- Farm crop hybrid signs.
- One temporary sign or portable sign for special event activities by churches, nonprofit or educational institutions, displayed no more than two weeks prior to event and removed within two days after, not exceeding 32 square feet in sign area per frontage and not exceeding six feet in height.
- Land and building For Sale or For Lease signs, provided such signs do not exceed six square feet in area in AG, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4L, R-4R, R-5 and RE Districts or 20 square feet in the CS and IND Districts.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Buchanan Township
- All signs shall conform to all applicable codes and ordinances of the Township of Buchanan and shall be approved by the Building Inspector or Zoning Administrator and a permit issued under § 300-21.06.
- A photometric plan shall be submitted to the Zoning Administrator prior to the placement of an electronic message board.
- It shall be the responsibility of the owner on whose property an electronic message board is located to present to the Township Zoning Administrator documentation that the brightness is compliant with the ordinance within 10 days of installation.
Source: ecode360 municipal code