Sign Regulations in Cedar Springs, Michigan
Cedar Springs, Michigan has specific sign regulations covering 20 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Temporary Sign, Sandwich Board Sign. 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 Cedar Springs, Michigan
Sample Sign Requirements in Cedar Springs
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Sign (General Regulations) | — | Up to 75% of total sign area, or 100% if sign is 24 sq ft or smaller | — |
| Ground Sign (Standard) | 6 feet | 50 sq ft | 10 feet from front lot line; side/rear same as structure |
| Wall Sign | — | 50 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
20
- Wall Sign
- Temporary Sign
- Sandwich Board Sign
- Awning or Canopy Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
10
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Cedar Springs
Other Cities in Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Cedar Springs 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 Cedar Springs, 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 Cedar Springs, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Temporary Sign, Sandwich Board Sign, Awning or Canopy Sign, 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 Cedar Springs 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 Cedar Springs are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Cedar Springs has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Cedar Springs, Michigan Sign Rules at a Glance
Cedar Springs, Michigan regulates 20 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Ground Sign (Standard)s in the RR, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 zoning district are capped at 6 feet tall and 50 sq ft, with a 10 feet from front lot line; side/rear same as structure setback (Sec. Sec. 32-658). Most commercial signs in Cedar Springs require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Cedar Springs, Michigan
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Cedar Springs (10 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | — | Up to 75% of total sign area, or 100% if sign is 24 sq ft or smaller | — |
| RR, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 | 4 | 6 feet | 50 sq ft | — |
| B-1, B-3, HC, MU, I-1 | 7 | 60 inches (5 feet) | 72 sq ft | — |
| B-2 | 7 | 60 inches (5 feet) | 50 sq ft | — |
| B-1, B-3, I-1 Districts (Digital Signs) | 1 | — | 75% of sign area (or 100% if 24 sq ft or less) | — |
| HC District (Pole Signs, Digital Signs) | 2 | 5 feet taller than the building or 50 ft, whichever is less | 75% of sign area (or 100% if 24 sq ft or less) | — |
| Mixed-Use District (MU) | 1 | — | 75% of sign area (or 100% if 24 sq ft or less) | — |
| B-2 District (Sandwich Board Signs, Murals) | 2 | 60 inches (5 feet) | — | — |
| Residential Districts (RR, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4) (Digital Signs) | 1 | — | 75% of sign area (or 100% if 24 sq ft or less) | — |
| Industrial Park (Entrance Signs) | 1 | 6 feet | 72 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Cedar Springs(sample of 3 of 10 zones)
RR, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4
| 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 (Standard) | 6 feet | 50 sq ft | — | 10 feet from front lot line; side/rear same as structure | 1 per lot | 10 feet from front lot line | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-658 |
| Wall Sign | — | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | Must face the street | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-658 |
| Ground Sign (Residential Development Entrance) | 6 feet | 24 sq ft | — | 10 feet from front lot line | 1 per entrance | 10 feet from front lot line at entrance to residential development | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-658 |
| Temporary Sign | 6 feet | 6 sq ft per sign; 12 sq ft per lot | — | — | — | See Sec. 32-657 | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-658; Sec. 32-657 |
B-1, B-3, HC, MU, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign | 10 feet | 72 sq ft | — | 10 feet from front lot line; side/rear district setback applies | 1 per frontage (see notes for additional signs) | 10 feet from front lot line | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-659 |
| Wall Sign | May not extend above roofline | 10% of wall area or 50 sq ft (lesser) | — | — | 1 per wall facing street or parking lot | On wall facing street or parking lot | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-659 |
| Awning or Canopy Sign | May not extend above roofline | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-659 |
| Window Sign | — | 25% of window area | — | — | — | Window | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-659 |
| Temporary Sign | 6 feet | 24 sq ft per sign; 48 sq ft per lot | — | 10 feet from front lot line | — | 10 feet from front lot line; district side/rear setback applies | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-659 |
| Pole Sign | 5 feet taller than building or 50 ft, whichever is less | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per parcel | Monopole design, 10 ft ground clearance | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-659 |
| Sandwich Board Sign | 60 inches (5 feet) | — | 36 inches (3 feet) | — | 1 per customer entrance | May be placed within public sidewalk right-of-way, not in travel lane. No more than 10 ft from customer entrance, min. 2 ft from curb. 5 ft unobstructed walkway must be maintained. | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-657(9); Sec. 32-659 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | May not extend above roofline | 10% of wall area or 50 sq ft (lesser) | — | — | 1 per wall facing street or parking lot (per establishment in multi-tenant buildings) | On wall facing street or parking lot (1 per wall per establishment in multi-tenant) | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-660 |
| Awning, Canopy, or Marquee Sign | May not extend above roofline | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per wall facing street or parking lot | 1 per wall facing street or parking lot | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-660 |
| Projecting Sign | May not extend above roofline | 10 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | 1 per street frontage; cannot project more than 3 ft; min 10 ft ground clearance | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-660 |
| Window Sign | — | 25% of window area | — | — | — | In window | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-660 |
| Temporary Sign | 6 feet | 24 sq ft per sign; 48 sq ft per lot | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-660 |
| Sandwich Board Sign | 60 inches (5 feet) | — | 36 inches (3 feet) | — | 1 per customer entrance | May be placed within public sidewalk right-of-way, not in travel lane. No more than 10 ft from customer entrance, min 2 ft from curb. 5 ft unobstructed walkway must be maintained. | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-657(9); Sec. 32-660 |
| Mural | — | — | — | — | — | Side or rear exterior surfaces of building | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-653(a)(7) |
PermitPal covers all 10 zoning districts in Cedar Springs — 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 Cedar Springs — start freeProhibited Signs in Cedar Springs
- Any sign not expressly permitted by this article is prohibited.
- Signs which obstruct free access or egress to or from any building, or block fire escapes, required exit ways, windows, door openings, or prevent free access to the roof by firefighters.
- Signs which obstruct access to, on, or along any road, driveway, sidewalk, or alley.
- Signs having moving members or parts, except barbershop poles and digital signs.
- Signs containing any flashing, blinking, scrolling, alternating, sequentially lighted, animated, rolling, shimmering, sparkling, bursting, dissolving, twinkling, fade-in/fade-out, oscillating, videos, moving text or images, or simulated movement of text or images.
- Inflatable signs.
- Signs which in any way simulate or could be confused with the lighting of emergency vehicles or traffic signals, or any nongovernment sign that uses 'stop', 'look', 'danger', or any other words, phrases, symbols, or characters that interfere with, mislead, or confuse drivers.
- Flashing, oscillating, or intermittent, or red, yellow, or green illumination on any sign in the same line of vision as a traffic control system.
- Any sign interfering with vision clearance along any highway, street, road, or intersection.
- Signs which obstruct or impair the vision of motorists or non-motorized travelers at any intersection, driveway, parking lot, or loading area.
- Roof signs.
- Portable signs and flag signs.
- Illegal signs.
- Obsolete signs or sign structures that are unsafe, hazardous, capable of causing electric shock, or not kept in good repair (e.g., broken parts, missing letters, nonoperational lights).
- Flashing or strobe signs.
- Human or animal signs.
- Abandoned signs.
- Vehicle business signs.
- Off-premises signs.
- Use of glaring undiffused lights, including bare bulbs, strobes, or flames, on signs is prohibited.
- A light pole, utility pole, or other support structure not specifically designed as a sign support shall not be used for sign placement unless specifically approved.
- A wall sign shall not extend beyond the edge of the wall to which it is affixed or above the roof line of a building.
- A sign and its supporting mechanism shall not extend beyond the lot lines of the property on which it is located.
- No sign shall be allowed in a public right-of-way or public easement except as otherwise allowed or with city council approval.
- Temporary signs must not be attached to any utility pole, tree, fence, or be located in any public road right-of-way.
- Temporary signs must not be located on public property without city approval.
- Temporary signs must not interfere with, obstruct, confuse, or mislead traffic.
- Temporary signs must not be placed or constructed to create a hazard of any kind.
- Temporary signs must not be located within any clear vision triangle.
- Temporary signs must not be displayed if torn, bent, faded, not upright, unreadable, or otherwise unsightly.
- Temporary signs held by a person shall not be displayed in the road right-of-way and shall not hamper driver visibility.
- No sign listed as prohibited in section 32-652 shall be used as a temporary sign.
- Sandwich board signs shall not be located so as to interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic flow or visibility.
- Sandwich board signs shall not be illuminated in any manner.
Exempt Signs in Cedar Springs
- Signs four square feet or less in area (subject to number, height, and spacing limits in 32-653).
- Directional, identification, or traffic warning signs not exceeding four square feet in area and three feet in height and located at least five feet from any lot line.
- Flags of any nation, state, city, township, government, government authorized agency, or educational institution.
- Temporary signs meeting the requirements of section 32-657.
- Signs for ordering or viewing drive-through window services or products when adjacent to a drive-through lane.
- Interior signs located completely within an enclosed building and not visible from outside or primarily directed at persons within the premises.
- Murals or painted wall signs in the B-2 district, related to the theme of the business, painted on side or rear exterior surfaces of a building, with no raised borders, letters, decorations, or lighting appliances.
- Government signs.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Cedar Springs
- Plans for pole signs must be sealed by a professional engineer or architect (Sec. 32-659(6)).
- The city manager may require plans be sealed by a licensed architect or engineer when reviewing sign permit applications (Sec. 32-663(b)(9)).
- Sign permit applications must include two drawings of plans and specifications and method of construction and attachment (Sec. 32-663(b)(4)).
- Entranceway sign applications must include provisions for continued maintenance (Sec. 32-663(b)(10)).
Source: municode municipal code