# Sign Regulations in Clawson, Michigan

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Clawson, Michigan (MI)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/michigan/clawson
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-07
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/MI/Clawson/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH36SIRE)

## At a glance

Clawson, Michigan regulates 24 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Development Identification Signs in the R-1, R-2, RM-1, RM-2 zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and 24 sq ft (Sec. Sec. 36-4(a) Table 36-4(a)). Most commercial signs in Clawson require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (5 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 5 | — | 6 sq ft | — |
| R-1, R-2, RM-1, RM-2 | 5 | 6 ft | 36 sq ft | — |
| CC, CMD | 10 | Shall not project above the top of wall; sign may project up to 12 in above awning/canopy | 25% of total window area | — |
| CR | 4 | 6 ft (freestanding); not on roof for wall sign | 24 sq ft (all temp signs); 24 sq ft (individual sign); 6 ft (height) | — |
| B-1, B-2, B-3, BRD-1, West Gate | 7 | 8 ft | Varies by building frontage/setback; max 50/100/150/200 sq ft | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 5 zones)

### R-1, R-2, RM-1, RM-2

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Development Identification Sign | 6 ft | 24 sq ft | — | — | One per entrance or one on each side of entrance | One ground sign per entrance or one on each side of entrance, mounted or integrated in entrance monument | — | Sec. 36-4(a) Table 36-4(a) |
| Ground Sign (for permitted non-residential uses) | 6 ft | 24 sq ft | — | — | One per developed site | For each developed site | — | Sec. 36-4(a) Table 36-4(a) |
| Wall Sign (permitted non-residential; RM-2 residential towers only) | Shall not project above the top of the wall | 36 sq ft | — | — | One per primary frontage | Primary frontage | — | Sec. 36-4(a) Table 36-4(a), Sec. 36-3(i)(6) |
| Temporary Sign (Freestanding) | 6 ft | 24 sq ft (all temp signs); 24 sq ft (individual sign); 6 ft (height) | — | — | — | Permitted uses | — | Sec. 36-6(b) Table 36-6(b) |
| Temporary Sign (Wall) | Not located on any roof | 24 sq ft (all temp signs); 24 sq ft (individual sign) | — | — | — | Permitted uses | — | Sec. 36-6(b) Table 36-6(b) |

### CC, CMD

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall/Awning/Canopy Sign (Ground Floor Use, ≤50 ft frontage) | Shall not project above the top of wall; sign may project up to 12 in above awning/canopy | 24 sq ft per frontage | — | — | — | Front face of building; may be integrated into awning | — | Sec. 36-4(c)(3), Sec. 36-4(c)(3)c-e |
| Wall/Awning/Canopy Sign (Ground Floor Use, >50 ft frontage) | Shall not project above the top of wall; sign may project up to 12 in above awning/canopy | No specific limit; calculate per frontage: 24 sq ft + 0.5 sq ft per each additional ft over 50 | — | — | — | Front face of building; may be integrated into awning | — | Sec. 36-4(c)(3) |
| Wall Sign (Upper Floor Use) | — | 2 sq ft (door sign); 6 sq ft (secondary); 24 sq ft (sign band—see distinctions below) | — | — | — | At/near (<2 ft) entrance door; front, side, or sign band per permitted access | — | Sec. 36-4(c)(4) |
| Indoor Electronic Sign (Window, ≤2 sq ft) | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | One per business | Within 4 ft of window | — | Sec. 36-4(c)(6) |
| Suspended or Projecting Sign (Ground Floor) | — | 3 sq ft | — | — | One per building (fronting Main/14 Mile) | May project max 3 ft into public right-of-way; must provide 8 ft clearance above grade | — | Sec. 36-4(c)(7) |
| Monument Sign (Freestanding) (Existing setback buildings, in lieu of wall sign) | 8 ft | 24 sq ft per side | — | — | One per qualified existing building | Only along site frontage adjoining public street; not in easement or near utilities | — | Sec. 36-4(c)(8) |
| Temporary A-Frame Sign | 4 ft | 12 sq ft per side | — | — | One per establishment | Within 20 ft of main entrance | — | Sec. 36-6(a) |
| Temporary Sign (Freestanding/Wall) | 6 ft (freestanding); not on roof for wall sign | 24 sq ft (all temp signs); 24 sq ft (individual sign); 6 ft (height) | — | — | — | Permitted nonresidential uses in CC, CMD | — | Sec. 36-6(b) Table 36-6(b) |

### B-1, B-2, B-3, BRD-1, West Gate

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | May not project above or beyond the highest point of the roofline or parapet | Varies by building frontage/setback; max 50/100/150/200 sq ft | — | — | — | Flush-mounted, must not project beyond wall or any architectural feature by more than 18 in | — | Sec. 36-5(b) |
| Wall Sign (Bonus - Freestanding Sign Infeasible) | — | Tabular max + 24 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Sec. 36-5(b)(5)a |
| Freestanding Sign | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | One per site; two on corner lots (2nd sign 50% area max) | One per developed site | — | Sec. 36-4(b) Table 36-4(b); Sec. 36-5(a) |
| Awning/Canopy Sign | — | See wall sign requirements | — | — | — | On awning or canopy as permitted | — | Sec. 36-5(b)(6) |
| Window Sign | — | 25% of the total window surface it is affixed to | — | — | Two per window surface | Window, not to exceed 25% coverage | — | Sec. 36-4(b) Table 36-4(b) |
| Temporary A-Frame Sign | 4 ft | 12 sq ft per side | — | — | One per establishment | Within 20 ft of main entrance | — | Sec. 36-6(a) |
| Temporary Sign (Freestanding/Wall) | 6 ft (freestanding); not on roof for wall sign | 24 sq ft (all temp signs); 24 sq ft (individual sign); 6 ft (height) | — | — | — | Permitted nonresidential uses | — | Sec. 36-6(b) Table 36-6(b) |

## Prohibited signs in Clawson

- Signs which incorporate in any manner any flashing or moving lights, including strobe lights, whether they are mounted indoors or outdoors, if they are visible from the outdoors.
- Animated signs or any sign which moves or has any moving or animated parts, or images, whether the movement is caused by any mechanical, electronic or electrical device or wind or otherwise, including swinging signs and strings of flags or streamers, or cloth flags moved by natural wind. Such a prohibition shall not pertain to public message signs on governmental property.
- Any sign which by reason of its size, location, content, coloring, intensity, or manner of illumination constitutes a traffic hazard or a detriment to traffic safety by obstruction of visibility of any traffic sign or control device on any public street or road.
- Signs designed to mimic official traffic control devices.
- Signs which make use of words such as "stop," "look," or "danger" or any other words, phrases, symbols or characters in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse drivers of vehicles traveling upon any highway, driveway or parking area.
- Any sign or other advertising structure or display which conveys, suggests, indicates or otherwise implies by pictures, drawings, words, emblems, logos, or other communication methods the following: human genitalia, specified sexual activities, adult nude human bodies, obscene words, or obscene gestures.
- It shall be unlawful to park, place, or store a vehicle or trailer on which there is a motor vehicle sign on private property if: the vehicle or trailer is unregistered or not operable; the sign is larger in any dimension than or extends beyond any surface of the vehicle or trailer; the vehicle or trailer is parked or stored in a public right-of-way or in an area not designed or used for parking; the vehicle or trailer is regularly parked or stored in a front or side yard abutting a street when there are other available parking areas not visible from the street; the vehicle or trailer is regularly parked or stored within 50 feet of a street when there are other areas further from the street. (Certain exceptions apply when the vehicle is in use for business or loading/unloading.)
- Bench signs.
- Roof signs.
- Portable signs, except as provided in section 36-6.
- No sign (or any pole or support cable of any nature), except those established and maintained by governments, shall be located in, project into, or overhang a public right-of-way or dedicated public easement, unless otherwise authorized.
- No sign above a height of 30 inches shall be located within, project into, or overhang the triangular area at street intersections as prescribed, unless visual under clearance can be ensured on the plans.
- No sign shall be erected so that any part, including cables, guys, etc., will be within ten feet of any electrical conductor, electric light pole, streetlamp, traffic light, or other public utility pole or standard.
- No sign shall be attached to any utility pole, tree, fence, screening wall, or curb.
- No signs of any kind shall be attached to or placed upon a building in such a manner as to obstruct any fire escape.
- Signs shall not be illuminated by uplighting.
- Signs shall not be framed by LED light strings.
- No sign shall be illuminated by other than approved devices, and in no case shall any open spark or flame be used for display purposes unless specifically approved by the city planning commission.
- All illuminated signs shall be arranged or shielded so as not to interfere with the vision of persons on adjacent thoroughfares and properties.
- In no event shall light from an illuminated sign shine directly on adjacent property used for residential purposes. Light levels from illuminated signs shall not exceed 0.3 footcandles at the residential property line (measured at five feet above grade).
- Wall signs in residential districts shall not be internally illuminated.
- Temporary signs shall not be attached to a tree, bush, or any other plant materials.
- Temporary signs shall not be placed in a public right-of-way.

## Signs exempt from permit in Clawson

- Directional, emergency, or traffic-related signs owned by city, county, state or federal government agencies are not regulated by this chapter.
- Signs not requiring a permit in all zoning districts (where permitted use exists): wall signs not exceeding two square feet in area; traffic or municipal signs, including legal notices, historic site designations, municipal facility directional signs, street or traffic signs, and danger and other emergency signs as may be approved by the city council or relevant governmental agency; community special event signs approved by the city council or its designee; freestanding temporary signs six square feet or fewer in area; window signs.
- Indoor electronic signs (neon, LED, etc.) within four feet of a window under 2 sq ft, limited to one per business, UL listed, 110V max, cables hidden, turned off when business closed, not flashing/animated, only illuminated during business hours, do not require a permit.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Signs shall be identified and adequately described on any site plan submitted for review to the city.
- Where a sign is proposed at the time of application for site plan approval, the planning commission shall be responsible for the review and approval of sign plans as part of a concurrent site plan and/or special land use review.
- During administrative review, the building department has the authority to send any application for a sign to the planning commission for its review and approval prior to the issuance of the permit from the building official.
- All landmark signs are subject to site plan review and approval by the planning commission, in accordance with the standards for site plan review of the Clawson Zoning Ordinance; landmark signs may also be approved as part of a larger site plan.
- Whenever an addition or modification to an existing site requires submittal and approval of a site plan pursuant to section 6.1 of the zoning ordinance, all nonconforming signs on the site shall be brought into conformance with the provisions of this chapter.

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

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