# Sign Regulations in Clinton Charter Township, Michigan

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Clinton Charter Township, Michigan (MI)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/michigan/clinton-charter-township
- **Data last verified:** 2025-04-19
- **Source:** [amlegal municipal code](https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/clintontwp/latest/clintontwp_mi/0-0-0-25133)

## At a glance

Clinton Charter Township, Michigan regulates 31 sign types across 14 zoning districts. Awning Signs in the FW zoning district are capped at Awning signs shall not project more than 12 inches above the roof line tall, Max size for a wall sign, awning sign, or combination determined by multiplying linear width by 2 square feet per linear foot of legally occupied tenant space/building wall; not exceeding 200 square feet in any case, and Not more than 60 inches from the wall wide (Sec. 1488.02(b); 1488.02(e)(1)C-D; 1488.04(a)). Most commercial signs in Clinton Charter Township require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (14 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, RT, RMH, RML, MH | 13 | 18 feet for parcels abutting a road under jurisdiction of the State of Michigan Department of Highways and Transportation; 15 feet for parcels abutting any other road | 200 square feet in any case | — |
| OS-1 Office/Service Low-Rise District (OS-1) | 14 | 18 feet for parcels abutting a road under jurisdiction of the State of Michigan Department of Highways and Transportation; 15 feet for parcels abutting any other road | 200 square feet in any case | — |
| OS-2 Office/Service Mid-Rise District (OS-2) | 14 | 18 feet for parcels abutting a road under jurisdiction of the State of Michigan Department of Highways and Transportation; 15 feet for parcels abutting any other road | 200 square feet in any case | — |
| OS-3, B-4, I-1, I-2, TR, P, SP-1, SP-2 | 11 | 18 feet for parcels abutting a road under jurisdiction of the State of Michigan Department of Highways and Transportation; 15 feet for parcels abutting any other road | 200 square feet in any case | — |
| B-1 Neighborhood Business District (B-1) | 14 | 18 feet for parcels abutting MDH/T roadways; 15 feet for any other road | 200 square feet in any case | — |
| B-2 Community Business District (B-2) | 14 | 18 feet for parcels abutting MDH/T roadways; 15 feet for any other road | 200 square feet in any case | — |
| B-3 General Business District (B-3) | 14 | 18 feet for parcels abutting MDH/T roadways; 15 feet for any other road | 200 square feet in any case | — |
| FW | 20 | 35 feet | 300 square feet in display area | — |
| GH | 20 | 35 feet | 300 square feet in display area | — |
| 1-1 (1-1) | 20 | 35 feet | 300 square feet in display area | — |
| 1-2 (1-2) | 20 | 35 feet | 300 square feet in display area | — |
| Nonresidential Districts (OS-1, OS-2, OS-3, B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, I-1, I-2, TR, P) | 20 | 35 feet | 300 square feet in display area | — |
| Special Districts (SP-1, SP-2, GH, PUD, FW) | 13 | 35 feet | 300 square feet in display area | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 13 | 35 feet | 300 square feet in display area | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 14 zones)

### FW

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Billboard Sign (where parcel is in 1-2 General Industrial District abutting an interstate highway) | 35 feet | 300 square feet in display area | — | — | — | On a parcel within the 1-2 General Industrial District when such District abuts an interstate highway | — | 1488.02(c) and 1488.04(a): “Billboard sign means a permanent sign located on a parcel within the 1-2 General Industrial District when such District abuts an interstate highway…The maximum size…300 square feet…maximum height…thirty-five feet…shall not be located closer than 1,000 feet to any other billboard sign.”; “All signs, except non-electric on-premises traffic, emergency services location identification signs, real estate, temporary signs, and window signs, shall require a permit…” |
| On-Premises Sign - Lawn Sign | 8 feet | 100 square feet (parcels abutting any other road) OR 120 square feet (parcels abutting a road under jurisdiction of the State of Michigan Department of Highways and Transportation) | — | — | — | Freestanding sign supported by uprights/braces/object on the ground; not attached to a building or structure | — | 1488.02(e)(1) and 1488.02(e)(1)(A): “An on-premises sign may be a lawn sign, pylon sign or wall sign.”; 1488.02(e)(1)(A)(1)-(3): “maximum size…120 square feet…for parcels abutting a road under jurisdiction of the State of Michigan Department of Highways and Transportation and…100 square feet…for parcels abutting any other road…maximum height…eight feet…shall not be located closer than fifteen feet to any ingress or egress.”; 1488.04(a) |
| On-Premises Sign - Pylon Sign | 15 feet (parcels abutting any other road) OR 18 feet (parcels abutting a road under jurisdiction of the State of Michigan Department of Highways and Transportation) | 80 square feet (parcels abutting any other road) OR 100 square feet (parcels abutting a road under jurisdiction of the State of Michigan Department of Highways and Transportation) | — | — | — | Type of pole sign | — | 1488.02(e)(1)(B)(1)-(5): “maximum size…100…for parcels abutting…MDH& T…and…eighty square feet…for parcels abutting any other road…maximum height…eighteen feet…for parcels abutting…MDH&T and…fifteen feet…for parcels abutting any other road…Where a nonconforming pylon sign previously exists at a greater height than eighteen feet, the existing pole may be used…minimum clearance of six feet…shall be located not closer than fifty feet to a residentially zoned district…not closer than fifteen feet to any ingress or egress.”; 1488.04(a) |
| On-Premises Sign - Wall Sign | Must not extend more than 12 inches above the highest point used to measure the height of the building or 12 inches above the roofline at the point where the sign is attached, whichever is less. | 200 square feet (cap) | — | — | — | Sign fastened to or painted on wall area of a building/structure/canopy; exposed face of sign in a plane approximately parallel to plane of wall. (Awning sign referenced as part of allowable combinations.) | — | 1488.02(e)(1)(C)(1)-(4): includes “maximum size…linear width…× two square feet…not exceed 200 square feet…A third wall sign…permitted…not exceeding 200 square feet…(or three wall signs)…not extend more than twelve inches beyond…not extend more than twelve inches above…”; 1488.04(a) |
| Emergency Services Location Identification Sign | 8 feet | 4 square feet in display area | — | — | — | Displays the name and/or address associated with a person or entity at the location where the sign is located | — | 1488.02(i)(1)-(2): “maximum size…not exceed four square feet…maximum height…not exceed eight feet.”; 1488.04(a): “All signs, except…emergency services location identification signs…shall require a permit…” |
| Real Estate Development Sign | 15 feet | 80 square feet in display area | — | — | — | Freestanding grade-level sign located on the parcel where a subdivision or other real estate development is in the process of being developed or available for sale, use, or occupancy; only on property abutting a major or secondary thoroughfare with right-of-way width of at least 86 feet | — | 1488.02(m)(1)-(10) (including A-E/F-G etc): “permit…valid for twelve months…additional permits…development active…one on-site sign and two off-site signs…only on property abutting…right-of-way width of at least eighty-six feet…not impede traffic…securely fastened to ground…maximum size…eighty square feet…maximum height…fifteen feet…cash deposit…$500.00…forfeiture…if not removed after permit expires.”; 1488.04(a) |
| Special Event Sign | 8 feet | 32 square feet in display area | — | — | — | On the premises of the property upon which the special event is conducted; if more than one parcel involved, only one special event sign permitted | — | 1488.02(p)(1)-(12): includes “maximum size…thirty-two…maximum height…eight feet…permit…not more than two times…not to exceed seven consecutive days…cash deposit…$200…removed…within twenty-four hours…failure…forfeiture of one hundred dollars…Township removal…forfeiture of the two hundred dollar cash deposit.”; 1488.04(a) |
| Awning Sign | Awning signs shall not project more than 12 inches above the roof line | Max size for a wall sign, awning sign, or combination determined by multiplying linear width by 2 square feet per linear foot of legally occupied tenant space/building wall; not exceeding 200 square feet in any case | Not more than 60 inches from the wall | — | — | Canvas/plastic over a frame and directly attached to a wall of a building | — | 1488.02(b); 1488.02(e)(1)C-D; 1488.04(a) |

### GH

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Billboard Sign (where parcel is in 1-2 General Industrial District abutting an interstate highway) | 35 feet | 300 square feet in display area | — | — | — | On a parcel within the 1-2 General Industrial District when such District abuts an interstate highway | — | 1488.02(c) and 1488.04(a) |
| On-Premises Sign - Lawn Sign | 8 feet | 100 square feet (parcels abutting any other road) OR 120 square feet (parcels abutting a road under jurisdiction of the State of Michigan Department of Highways and Transportation) | — | — | — | Freestanding sign supported by uprights/braces/object on the ground; not attached to a building or structure | — | 1488.02(e)(1)(A)(1)-(3); 1488.04(a) |
| On-Premises Sign - Pylon Sign | 15 feet (parcels abutting any other road) OR 18 feet (parcels abutting a road under jurisdiction of the State of Michigan Department of Highways and Transportation) | 80 square feet (parcels abutting any other road) OR 100 square feet (parcels abutting a road under jurisdiction of the State of Michigan Department of Highways and Transportation) | — | — | — | Type of pole sign | — | 1488.02(e)(1)(B)(1)-(5); 1488.04(a) |
| On-Premises Sign - Wall Sign | Must not extend more than 12 inches above the highest point used to measure the height of the building or 12 inches above the roofline at the point where the sign is attached, whichever is less. | 200 square feet (cap) | — | — | — | Sign fastened to or painted on wall area of a building/structure/canopy; exposed face of sign in a plane approximately parallel to plane of wall. (Awning sign referenced as part of allowable combinations.) | — | 1488.02(e)(1)(C)(1)-(4); 1488.04(a) |
| Emergency Services Location Identification Sign | 8 feet | 4 square feet in display area | — | — | — | Displays the name and/or address associated with a person or entity at the location where the sign is located | — | 1488.02(i)(1)-(2); 1488.04(a) |
| Real Estate Development Sign | 15 feet | 80 square feet in display area | — | — | — | Freestanding grade-level sign on parcel where subdivision/real estate development is in process; only on property abutting a major or secondary thoroughfare with right-of-way width at least 86 feet | — | 1488.02(m)(1)-(10); 1488.04(a) |
| Special Event Sign | 8 feet | 32 square feet in display area | — | — | — | On premises where special event is conducted; only one sign even if more than one parcel involved | — | 1488.02(p)(1)-(12); 1488.04(a) |
| Awning Sign | Awning signs shall not project more than 12 inches above the roof line | Max size for a wall sign, awning sign, or combination determined by multiplying linear width by 2 square feet per linear foot of legally occupied tenant space/building wall; not exceeding 200 square feet in any case | Not more than 60 inches from the wall | — | — | Canvas/plastic over a frame and directly attached to a wall of a building | — | 1488.02(b); 1488.02(e)(1)C-D; 1488.04(a) |

### 1-1 (1-1)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Billboard Sign (where parcel is in 1-2 General Industrial District abutting an interstate highway) | 35 feet | 300 square feet in display area | — | — | — | On a parcel within the 1-2 General Industrial District when such District abuts an interstate highway | — | 1488.02(c); 1488.04(a) |
| On-Premises Sign - Lawn Sign | 8 feet | 100 square feet (abutting any other road) OR 120 square feet (abutting a State of Michigan Department of Highways and Transportation road) | — | — | — | Free-standing sign supported by uprights/braces/object on the ground; not attached to a building/structure | — | 1488.02(e)(1)(A)(1)-(3); 1488.04(a) |
| On-Premises Sign - Pylon Sign | 15 feet (abutting any other road) OR 18 feet (abutting MDH&T road) | 80 square feet (abutting any other road) OR 100 square feet (abutting MDH&T road) | — | — | — | Pole sign | — | 1488.02(e)(1)(B)(1)-(5); 1488.04(a) |
| On-Premises Sign - Wall Sign | Not more than 12 inches above the highest point used to measure building height or 12 inches above roofline at point of attachment, whichever is less. | 200 square feet (cap) | — | — | — | Fastened to or painted on building/structure/canopy wall area; sign face approximately parallel to wall plane. | — | 1488.02(e)(1)(C)(1)-(4); 1488.04(a) |
| Emergency Services Location Identification Sign | 8 feet | 4 square feet | — | — | — | Name and/or address associated with a person or entity at the location where sign is located | — | 1488.02(i)(1)-(2); 1488.04(a) |
| Real Estate Development Sign | 15 feet | 80 square feet | — | — | — | Freestanding grade-level sign on parcel where subdivision/real estate development in progress or available for sale/use/occupancy; only on property abutting major/secondary thoroughfare with right-of-way width at least 86 feet | — | 1488.02(m)(1)-(10); 1488.04(a) |
| Special Event Sign | 8 feet | 32 square feet | — | — | — | On the premises conducting the grand opening/special event; if more than one parcel involved, only one sign | — | 1488.02(p)(1)-(12); 1488.04(a) |
| Awning Sign | Awning signs shall not project more than 12 inches above the roof line | Max size for a wall sign, awning sign, or combination determined by multiplying linear width by 2 square feet per linear foot of legally occupied tenant space/building wall; not exceeding 200 square feet in any case | Not more than 60 inches from the wall | — | — | Canvas/plastic over a frame and directly attached to a wall of a building | — | 1488.02(b); 1488.02(e)(1)C-D; 1488.04(a) |

## Prohibited signs in Clinton Charter Township

- Flashing/moving signs are prohibited.
- Portable signs are prohibited.
- Signs which are located in, project into, or overhang any public right of way are prohibited.
- Signs attached to any utility pole are prohibited.
- Temporary signs shall not be located in, project into, or overhang any public right of way, and shall not be attached to any utility pole.
- Vehicle signs are prohibited which advertise a message associated with the on-premises use of the property unless the vehicle is parked entirely within forty feet of the building/entity to which the vehicle sign is associated.
- Streamers, wind-blown devices, spinners, pennants and balloons are prohibited.
- No protruding or temporary signs or parts of signs are permitted (including but not limited to banners or inflatables).
- External illumination of signs must be directed so as not to cause visual interference to persons driving on adjacent thoroughfares or to adjacent property occupants.

## Signs exempt from permit in Clinton Charter Township

- Permit requirement exemption: All signs except non-electric on-premises traffic signs, emergency services location identification signs, real estate signs, temporary signs, and window signs must obtain a permit before erection/alteration/relocation.
- Pre-existing signs that are not in compliance with this chapter are not allowed to be changed to another noncompliant type, structurally altered to prolong life or change shape/size/type/design, re-established after significant damage/destruction (if reconstruction exceeds 50% of appraised replacement cost), or re-established after the related on-premises activity/entity/usage has been discontinued for 90 days or longer.

## Sign permit fees & timelines in Clinton Charter Township

| Item | Details | Citation |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Removal and storage of unlawfully placed sign | a fee in the amount of fifty dollars ($50.00) | — |
| Other | within 30 days of receipt of a sign permit application (starts when Receipt of a sign permit application) | — |

_The full published fee and review-timeline schedule for Clinton Charter Township is available in PermitPal (free account)._

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

---

PermitPal — AI sign code research. Full HTML page: https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/michigan/clinton-charter-township