Sign Regulations in Davison Township, Michigan
Davison Township, Michigan has specific sign regulations covering 49 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include All Signs - General Conditions, Freestanding Sign (Area Calculation), Monument Sign (Area Calculation). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: January 16, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Davison Township, Michigan
Sample Sign Requirements in Davison Township
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Signs - General Conditions | — | — | General: Prohibited from right-of-way or public easement. |
| Directional Sign (Traffic Control) | — | 4 sq ft | — |
| Temporary Political Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Davison TownshipFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
49
- All Signs - General Conditions
- Freestanding Sign (Area Calculation)
- Monument Sign (Area Calculation)
- Wall Sign (Area Calculation)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Davison Township
Other Cities in Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Davison 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 Davison 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 Davison Township, regulated sign types include All Signs - General Conditions, Freestanding Sign (Area Calculation), Monument Sign (Area Calculation), Wall Sign (Area Calculation), 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 Davison 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 Davison Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Davison Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Davison Township, Michigan Sign Rules at a Glance
Davison Township, Michigan regulates 49 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Temporary Special Event - Portable Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 10 ft tall and 40 sq ft per side, with a ≥10 ft from public right-of-way. setback (Sec. §1723(8)(c)(1)(i)-(vi)). Most commercial signs in Davison Township require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Davison Township, Michigan
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Davison Township (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 21 | 15 ft | 64 sq ft | — |
| Residential Districts (RA, RSE, RU-1, RM-1, RM-2, RMH) | 10 | 5 ft (10 ft for developments >10 acres or planned shopping centers ≥50,000 sq ft GFA per nonresidential subsection; but residential development signs are capped at 5 ft per §1723(5)(c)(5)) | 100 sq ft per sign | — |
| Nonresidential Districts (RC, CO, LC, GC, M-1, M-2, MX) | 16 | 40 ft | ≤100 sq ft per tenant sign; total sign area on any wall ≤10% of building face area | — |
| Commercial Districts (LC, GC) | 1 | 5 ft | — | — |
| Industrial Districts (M-1, M-2) | 1 | 40 ft | 300 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Davison Township(sample of 3 of 5 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 - General Conditions | — | — | — | General: Prohibited from right-of-way or public easement. | — | No sign may be located in, project into, or overhang a public right-of-way or dedicated public easement. | — | Unlock | §1723(3)(a)-(f); §1723(4)(a)-(b); §1723(12)(a)-(d) |
| Wall Sign (Area Calculation) | — | — | — | — | General diagram note: one per wall with individual customer access (see specific district limits). | Mounted to exterior building wall with horizontal surface parallel to wall. | — | Unlock | Sign Types diagram; §1723(2)(r); §1723(4)(a) |
| Canopy Sign (Area Calculation) | — | — | — | — | — | Attached to canopy/awning. | — | Unlock | Sign Types diagram; §1723(2)(d); §1723(4)(a) |
| Directional Sign (Traffic Control) | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | — | In conjunction with drives or off-street parking areas; must not obstruct traffic vision. | — | Unlock | §1723(7)(c) |
| Temporary Political Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | — | All zoning districts. | — | Unlock | §1723(8)(a) |
| Temporary Special Event - Portable Sign | 10 ft | 40 sq ft per side | — | ≥10 ft from public right-of-way. | 1 portable sign per lot | Not closer than 10 ft to a public right-of-way; must not interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic flow or visibility. | — | Unlock | §1723(8)(c)(1)(i)-(vi) |
| Temporary Construction Sign (On-site) | 15 ft | 64 sq ft | — | Not within 15 ft of any point of vehicular access or public roadway; may be in required yards; not over any lot line. | Max 1 on-site sign per project; additional one per abutting street allowed if project abuts multiple streets | May be located in any required yard; not extend over any lot line or within 15 ft of any point of vehicular access or public roadway. | — | Unlock | §1723(8)(d)(1), (3)-(5), (7) |
| Temporary Construction Sign (Off-site) | — | 24 sq ft | — | ≥100 ft separation between off-site construction signs and any other sign on same or adjoining property. | Max 2 off-site construction signs per project; host site limited to ≤1 per acre | Commercial or industrial zoned property. | — | Unlock | §1723(8)(d)(2), (3), (8) |
Residential Districts (RA, RSE, RU-1, RM-1, RM-2, RMH)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For Sale/For Lease Sign (Residential) | — | 6 sq ft | — | Not in public right-of-way. | 1 per lot | On the lot; not in public right-of-way. | — | Unlock | §1723(5)(a) |
| Home Occupation/Professional Service Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Front wall of building or immediately adjacent to main driveway serving the site. | — | Unlock | §1723(5)(b) |
| Residential Development Monument Sign | 5 ft (10 ft for developments >10 acres or planned shopping centers ≥50,000 sq ft GFA per nonresidential subsection; but residential development signs are capped at 5 ft per §1723(5)(c)(5)) | 50 sq ft per exposed face; aggregate 100 sq ft | — | Not within 15 ft of any point of vehicular access; within ROW only in landscaped entryway island and ≥5 ft from intersecting street ROW. | ≤2 per major vehicular access point | May be located in any required yard; may be located within public right-of-way of a local or collector residential street only if sited within a landscaped entryway island and ≥5 ft from the right-of-way of the intersecting street. | — | Unlock | §1723(5)(c)(1)-(6) |
| Wall Sign (Institutional Uses in Residential) | — | 24 sq ft (50 sq ft allowed on sites ≥40 acres) | — | — | Up to 2 total signs per site (combined with freestanding/monument) | Attached to and parallel to wall; may not project more than 1 ft beyond face; may not project above roof or parapet. | — | Unlock | §1723(5)(d)(1), (3) |
| Freestanding Sign (Institutional Uses in Residential) | 5 ft | 24 sq ft (50 sq ft allowed on sites ≥40 acres) | — | ≥ one-third of minimum authorized front yard depth from street right-of-way line. | Up to 2 total signs per site (combined with wall/monument) | Placed no closer to street right-of-way line than one-third of the minimum authorized front yard depth. | — | Unlock | §1723(5)(d)(1)-(2) |
| Monument Sign (Institutional Uses in Residential) | 5 ft | 24 sq ft (50 sq ft allowed on sites ≥40 acres) | — | ≥ one-third of minimum authorized front yard depth from street right-of-way line. | Up to 2 total signs per site (combined with wall/freestanding) | Placed no closer to street right-of-way line than one-third of the minimum authorized front yard depth. | — | Unlock | §1723(5)(d)(1)-(2) |
| Bed and Breakfast Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Front wall of building. | — | Unlock | §1723(5)(e) |
| Nameplate (Residential Occupant Name) | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Front wall of building. | — | Unlock | §1723(5)(f) |
Nonresidential Districts (RC, CO, LC, GC, M-1, M-2, MX)
| 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 - Option 1 (Standard Nonresidential) | — | Up to 10% of the building face area to which it is attached; absolute max 100 sq ft (except big box variations) | — | — | 1 per eligible wall (with customer access or road frontage) | On building wall with individual customer access or frontage on a public road. | — | Unlock | §1723(6)(a)(1)-(2) |
| Canopy Sign - Option 2 (In lieu of Wall Sign) | — | Up to 10% of the building facade to which provided; absolute max 100 sq ft | — | ≥2 ft from any parking space or maneuvering lane; ≥7 ft underclearance above sidewalk. | In lieu of wall sign (Option 2); plus 1 additional under-canopy sign per customer access (2 sq ft each) | On canopy; perpendicular under-canopy signs permitted where canopy integral to building. | — | Unlock | §1723(6)(b)(1)-(7) |
| Wall Sign (Big Box Additional Directional/Product Informational) | — | 25 sq ft each | — | — | 1 per 1,000 sq ft of building face | On building face (excluding portico area). | — | Unlock | §1723(6)(a)(2) (additional directional/product informational signs clause) |
| Monument Sign (Standard Nonresidential) | 5 ft | 60 sq ft | — | ≥5 ft to front lot line. | 1 per development; corner/double frontage may allow 1 per street side | ≥5 ft from front lot line. | — | Unlock | §1723(6)(c)(1)-(4) |
| Monument Sign (Large Development/Planned Shopping Center) | 10 ft | Up to 100 sq ft | — | ≥5 ft to front lot line. | As permitted under §1723(6)(c)(2)-(3) | ≥5 ft from front lot line. | — | Unlock | §1723(6)(c)(4) |
| Freestanding Sign (Standard - In lieu of Monument; Planning Commission Approval) | 20 ft | 50 sq ft | — | ≥50 ft from adjacent residential district and other freestanding signs; ≥ distance equal to sign height from public right-of-way and adjacent nonresidential properties. | As alternative to monument sign (Option in lieu of monument) | Ground supported anywhere back of property line. | — | Unlock | §1723(6)(c)(1), (5) |
| Freestanding Sign (M-15 Frontage - In lieu of Monument; Planning Commission Approval) | 20 ft | 80 sq ft | — | Same as standard freestanding: ≥50 ft from adjacent residential/other freestanding; ≥ distance equal to height from ROW and adjacent nonresidential properties. | As alternative to monument sign | Ground supported anywhere back of property line. | — | Unlock | §1723(6)(c)(5) |
| Freestanding Sign (Freeway Abutting - In lieu of Monument; Planning Commission Approval) | 40 ft | 100 sq ft | — | Located along the front lot line bordering the freeway. | As alternative to monument sign | Along the front lot line bordering the freeway. | — | Unlock | §1723(6)(c)(5) (final sentence) |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Davison 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 5 zones for Davison Township — start freeProhibited Signs in Davison Township
- No sign may be located in, project into, or overhang a public right-of-way or dedicated public easement, except signs maintained by Township, County, State, or Federal governments.
- Signs shall not contain wording, symbols, figures, or similar forms that are obscene, immoral, pornographic, or otherwise offensive and objectionable.
- Marquee and roof signs are prohibited unless specifically permitted elsewhere in the ordinance.
- Permanent exterior banners, pennants, spinners, and streamers are prohibited.
- Exterior string lights used in connection with a commercial premise are prohibited, except for holiday decorations.
- Any sign that is structurally or electrically unsafe is prohibited.
- Signs painted directly on structures, or signs painted on, attached, or affixed to any tree, rock, or similar organic or inorganic natural matter are prohibited.
- Parking a vehicle or trailer on public property, or on private property visible from a public right-of-way, for the purpose of displaying advertising is prohibited; this does not apply to standard business identification on vehicles used in normal day-to-day operations.
- Abandoned signs are prohibited.
- For multi-faced signs, the structural portion connecting back-to-back faces may not be used for display purposes.
- If the message portion of a sign is removed, leaving only the supporting shell, the owner must replace the message, install a blank insert, or remove the remaining components within 14 days; leaving a bare shell beyond this period is prohibited.
- Nonconforming signs may not be re-established after the related activity, business, or use has been discontinued for 90 days or longer.
- Nonconforming signs may not be structurally altered to prolong their life or to change the shape, size, type, or design (general maintenance and repair to keep them safe and in good repair is allowed).
- Nonconforming signs may not be re-established after damage or destruction if the estimated expense of reconstruction exceeds 50% of replacement cost.
- Nonconforming signs may not remain when a site will undergo a change of use or renovation/redevelopment/remodeling with an estimated expense exceeding 50% of the site’s SEV; such signs must be removed and any replacement must comply with current standards.
Exempt Signs in Davison Township
- Highway signs erected by the U.S. Government, State of Michigan, Genesee County, or Davison Township.
- Governmental use signs designating hours of activity or conditions of use for parks, parking lots, recreational areas, other public spaces, or governmental buildings.
- Directional signs for drives or off-street parking areas up to 4 square feet, limited to traffic control functions; advertising copy or logos may be included if subordinate to the directional purpose.
- Historic signs designating sites recognized by the State Historical Commission (Centennial Farms or Historical Landmarks).
- Placards to control or prohibit hunting and/or trespassing.
- Essential service signs denoting utility lines, railroad lines, hazards, and precautions.
- Memorial signs or tablets cut into masonry or constructed of bronze or other incombustible material and located flat on the face of a building.
- Menu boards and drive-through signs used in connection with fast-food restaurants.
- Public informational signs (date, time, temperature, stock market averages) as part of an approved freestanding or monument sign.
- Nonilluminated temporary political signs in all zoning districts not exceeding 32 square feet, installed no more than 30 days before the election/voting event and removed within 3 days after.
- Special decorative displays or signs for holidays, public demonstrations, civic welfare, or charitable purposes when authorized by the Building Official, subject to standards for size/character, duration, removal, effects on light/air circulation, and traffic safety.
- Temporary on-site construction signs for active or pending projects are permitted subject to limits on number, location within yards with setbacks, maximum height (15 feet), maximum area (64 square feet for on-site), duration (generally up to 12 months with removal within 14 days after project completion), and possible 12-month extensions by the administrator.
- Government-maintained signs are exempt from the prohibition on being placed within public rights-of-way or public easements.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Davison Township
- Prior to erection or structural alteration of any sign, a building permit is required; applications must include a scale drawing of the sign dimensions/area, evidence of secure attachment, and for freestanding or monument signs, a site development plan showing the intended location and a scale drawing of the total sign structure.
- All development site plans (submitted under the site plan review article) must identify the location(s), height, type, and size of all existing and proposed signs.
- Planning Commission approval is required to use a freestanding sign in place of a monument sign; approval must be based on findings related to visibility, site conditions, surrounding context, or roadway geometry.
- Planning Commission may permit additional monument or freestanding signs and may modify area, placement, and height restrictions only upon submission and approval of a comprehensive site signage plan (wayfinding study) identifying the proposed height, area, and location of each sign; approval is conditioned on the minimal number/size necessary and on traffic safety and design character.
- Electronic changeable copy sign applications must include a certification from the owner/operator/manufacturer that the sign will comply with operational requirements and such proof must be provided annually; electronic changeable copy signs may not be located in 'demanding driver environments' as determined by the Planning Commission.
- Special decorative displays for holidays, public demonstrations, civic, or charitable purposes require authorization by the Building Official prior to installation.
Source: other municipal code