Sign Regulations in Cass City, Michigan
Cass City, Michigan has specific sign regulations covering 34 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Ground Sign, Nameplate Sign (Building Entrance), Special Signs (Gasoline Service Stations). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 7, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Cass City, Michigan
Sample Sign Requirements in Cass City
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign (Subdivision or Multi-Family Identification) | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | 10 feet from any right-of-way |
| Temporary Sign (New Development Sale/Lease) | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | 20 feet from future ROW, 10 feet from ROW |
| Ground or Wall Sign (Nonresidential Uses in Residential Districts) | 6 ft (ground sign); 10 ft (wall sign) | 18 sq ft (ground sign); 50 sq ft (wall sign) | 20 feet from ROW |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Cass CityFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
34
- Ground Sign
- Nameplate Sign (Building Entrance)
- Special Signs (Gasoline Service Stations)
- Wall Sign (Facade with Road Frontage)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Cass City
Other Cities in Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions
In Cass City, wall signs can be up to 6 ft (ground sign); 10 ft (wall sign). Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Cass City, 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 Cass City, regulated sign types include Ground Sign, Nameplate Sign (Building Entrance), Special Signs (Gasoline Service Stations), Wall Sign (Facade with Road Frontage), 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 Cass City 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 Cass City are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Cass City has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Cass City, Michigan Sign Rules at a Glance
Cass City, Michigan regulates 34 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Ground Sign (Subdivision or Multi-Family Identification)s in the RA-1 one-family residential district, RA-1B one-family residential district, RA-2 one-family residential district, RB two-family residential district, RC multiple-family residential district, MH mobile home district zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and 32 sq ft, with a 10 feet from any right-of-way setback (Sec. Sec. 46-479(f)(1)). Most commercial signs in Cass City require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Cass City, Michigan
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Cass City (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RA-1 one-family residential district, RA-1B one-family residential district, RA-2 one-family residential district, RB two-family residential district, RC multiple-family residential district, MH mobile home district | 10 | 42 inches | 32 sq ft | — |
| OS-1 office service district | 3 | 6 ft | 18 sq ft | — |
| B-1 community business district | 5 | 20 ft | 100 sq ft (each street-facing facade, limited to 10% of facade area) | — |
| B-2 general business district | 5 | 30 ft | 100 sq ft per sign face (calculated formula) | — |
| I-1 light industrial district, I-2 general industrial district | 4 | 10 ft | 100 sq ft | — |
| P-1 vehicular parking district | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 12 | 42 inches | 15 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Cass City(sample of 3 of 7 zones)
RA-1 one-family residential district, RA-1B one-family residential district, RA-2 one-family residential district, RB two-family residential district, RC multiple-family residential district, MH mobile home 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 (Subdivision or Multi-Family Identification) | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 10 feet from any right-of-way | 1 per subdivision or multiple-family development | Minimum setback 10 feet from the future road right-of-way (as shown in the village master plan) of any existing road and a setback of ten feet from the right-of-way of any existing or approved road. | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-479(f)(1) |
| Temporary Sign (New Development Sale/Lease) | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 20 feet from future ROW, 10 feet from ROW | 1 per development | Minimum setback 20 feet from future right-of-way (as shown in the village master plan); 10 feet from current right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-479(f)(2) |
| Ground or Wall Sign (Nonresidential Uses in Residential Districts) | 6 ft (ground sign); 10 ft (wall sign) | 18 sq ft (ground sign); 50 sq ft (wall sign) | — | 20 feet from ROW | 1 ground sign and 1 wall sign per principal building | Minimum setback of 20 feet from any future road right-of-way for ground signs. | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-479(f)(3) |
| Ground or Wall Sign (Accessory Offices in RC and MH Districts) | 4 ft (ground sign); 10 ft (wall sign) | 6 sq ft | — | 20 feet from ROW | 1 per office | Minimum setback of 20 feet from future road right-of-way. | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-479(f)(4) |
| Nameplate Sign | — | 2 sq ft (as per home occupation/bed and breakfast); 1 sq ft (general accessory) | — | — | 1 per home occupation/household | May be attached to building (home occupation); general accessory as permitted | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-153(11)(c); Sec. 46-479(d)(6) |
| Bed and Breakfast Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per bed and breakfast | May be located in setback area | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-153(12)(c) |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign (Residential District) | 42 inches | 6 sq ft per sign face | — | 15 feet from ROW/property line | — | At least 15 feet from any road right-of-way or property line, must be on property advertised | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-479(d)(1) |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign (Nonresidential District) | 10 ft | 15 sq ft per sign face | — | 25 feet for freestanding | — | If freestanding: set back at least 25 feet from nearest edge of pavement. | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-479(d)(2) |
B-2 general business 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 | 30 ft | 32 sq ft per sign face | — | 10 ft from ROW; 100 ft from residential | Based on frontage/corner; see additional requirements | Minimum 10 ft from future right-of-way; minimum 100 ft from adjacent residential district. Additional ground signs allowed for corner lots (max 2, one facing each thoroughfare with 200 ft frontage), and additional signs with 300 ft+ frontage (must be 200 ft apart). | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-479(i)(1) |
| Freestanding Sign (Business Center) | 30 ft | 100 sq ft per sign face (calculated formula) | — | 10 ft from ROW; 100 ft from residential; rear/side per sign height | 1 per business center | Minimum 10 ft from ROW; 100 ft from residential; minimum from rear/side lot lines equals sign height. | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-479(i)(2) |
| Wall Sign (Facade with Road Frontage) | — | 10% of wall area | — | — | 1 per road-fronting facade | Each building facade with road frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-479(i)(3) |
| Menu Board Ground Sign (Drive-Through Restaurants) | 6 ft | 36 sq ft | — | — | 1 per drive-through restaurant | Rear or interior side yard | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-479(i)(5) |
| Special Signs (Gasoline Service Stations) | — | — | — | — | — | Directional signs on building over doorways; signs on gasoline pumps | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-479(i)(4) |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Real Estate Sign (Residential) | 42 inches | 6 sq ft | — | 15 ft from ROW/PL | — | At least 15 feet from road right-of-way/property line; on property being sold/leased. | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-479(d)(1) |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign (Nonresidential) | 10 ft | 15 sq ft | — | 25 ft for freestanding | — | If freestanding: 25 ft min from edge of pavement. | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-479(d)(2) |
| Temporary Off-Premises Real Estate Directional Sign | 42 inches | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | Off premises, owner permission required | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-479(d)(3) |
| Nameplate Sign (Residential/All Districts) | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | 1 per household | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-479(d)(6) |
| Garage/Estate Sale Sign | 30 inches | 4 sq ft | — | — | Up to 3 per sale (2 on premises, 1 off premises) | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-479(d)(7) |
| On-site Directional Sign | 3 ft | 4 sq ft | — | — | — | On-site | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-479(d)(8) |
| Political Sign | 42 inches | 6 sq ft per face | — | 25 ft from pavement | — | Minimum 25 ft from pavement of adjacent streets | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-479(d)(9) |
| Exterior Banners and Pennants (Business Advertising) | — | 10% of building facade | — | 10 ft from future right-of-way | — | At least 10 ft from future right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-479(d)(13) |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Cass City — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 7 zones for Cass City — start freeProhibited Signs in Cass City
- No sign shall be located in, project into, or overhang a public right-of-way or dedicated public easement, except for signs erected by the village, township, county, public schools, or state or federal governments.
- Signs mounted on a building shall not project beyond or overhang the wall by more than 12 inches (canopies and awnings on front/rear facades excluded).
- Signs shall not project above the cornice, wall facade, parapet, or eave of the building to which affixed. Roof signs are not permitted.
- No sign shall be erected which simulates or imitates in size, color, lettering, or design any traffic sign or signal or other word, phrase, symbol or character in such a manner that may interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.
- No illumination for signs will be intermittent, oscillating or flashing, except for signs displaying stock market index information, time, or temperature.
- Nonaccessory signs are permitted only in the I-1 and I-2 industrial districts.
- No sign shall be erected, reerected, altered or relocated without a permit from the zoning administrator, except as otherwise provided.
- Signs must be constructed to not constitute a hazard to public or adjacent property.
- Signs using glass must be constructed and located so as to pose no safety hazard if broken.
- Signs and all supports must be constructed to withstand 30 pounds per square foot horizontal force on the display area, with documentation required prior to permit issuance.
- Temporary portable business advertising signs shall not interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic flow or visibility.
- All sign illumination must not be of a flashing, moving, or intermittent type.
- Nonaccessory signs shall be spaced no closer than 1,000 feet between signs on the same side of the right-of-way in I-1 and I-2 districts.
- No political signs shall be displayed on public land.
Exempt Signs in Cass City
- Temporary, accessory, real estate signs in residential districts meeting stated area and height limits and removed within 7 days of sale/lease do not require a permit.
- Temporary, accessory, real estate signs in nonresidential districts meeting stated area, height, and setback limits, and removed within 7 days of sale/lease do not require a permit.
- Temporary, off-premises real estate directional signs (max six sq ft, specific use/duration/height limitations, with property owner consent and limited hours) do not require a permit.
- Temporary seasonal decorations do not require a permit.
- Signs erected by the village, Elkland Township, the county, village public schools, or state or federal governments for street identification, traffic control, legal notices, identification, information, historic or public building/site identification, or community events do not require a permit.
- One nonilluminated accessory nameplate sign not exceeding one square foot is permitted in any district without a permit.
- Garage sale, estate sale, or similar sale signs in residential districts, two on-premises and one off-premises, meeting area/height/duration limits, do not require a permit.
- On-site accessory directional signs not exceeding four square feet in area and three feet in height do not require a permit.
- Political signs not exceeding six square feet per face and 42 inches in height, meeting removal and placement rules, do not require a permit.
- Flags, not more than three per zoning lot and not exceeding four by six feet each, do not require a permit.
- Signs for essential services denoting utility lines, hazards, and precautions do not require a permit.
- Memorial signs cut into masonry or constructed of bronze/noncombustible material, located flat on building, do not require a permit.
- Exterior banners and pennants for business promotion (special events, products, service changes), that fit stated criteria (size, location/setback, zones, maintenance), do not require a permit.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Cass City
- A permit from the zoning administrator is required for any sign erection, re-erection, alteration, or relocation, except those signs specifically exempted.
- The zoning administrator may require planning commission review/approval for any sign.
- Applicants may appeal decisions of the zoning administrator or planning commission on signs to the zoning board of appeals.
- Site plan review by the planning commission is required for any use requiring off-street parking, except one-family residential dwellings (section 46-485). Site plan must show detailed signage plans.
- Sign area, height, location, and illumination details must be provided in site plan review where required.
- Site plan reviews generally apply to new developments or changes of use, and always require detailed signage and lighting plans.
- Temporary portable business advertising signs require a permit from the zoning administrator (maximum four times per year, max 80 days total per year).
Source: municode municipal code