Sign Regulations in Flushing, Michigan
Flushing, Michigan has specific sign regulations covering 27 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Ground Sign, Wall Sign, Window 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 8, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Flushing, Michigan
Sample Sign Requirements in Flushing
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Sign (Single-family or Two-family Dwellings) | — | 1 sq ft | — |
| Development Entry Sign (Single-family or Two-family) | 4 ft (plus up to 4 ft berm) | 20 sq ft | Face of sign not less than 20 ft from nearest existing or future curb line or edge of pavement |
| Residential Sign (Medium Density Multiple Family, Planned Residential, Mobile Home (R-3A, MDR, PRD, MHP)) | — | 1 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for FlushingFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
27
- Ground Sign
- Wall Sign
- Window Sign
- Awning, Canopy, or Marquee Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
9
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Flushing
Other Cities in Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Flushing 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 Flushing, 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 Flushing, regulated sign types include Ground Sign, Wall Sign, Window Sign, Awning, Canopy, or Marquee 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 Flushing 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 Flushing are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Flushing has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Flushing, Michigan Sign Rules at a Glance
Flushing, Michigan regulates 27 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Development Entry Sign (Single-family or Two-family)s in the Residential District (R-1, R-2, R-3A, R-4, R-3B, MDR, PRD, MHP, HDR) zoning district are capped at 4 ft (plus up to 4 ft berm) tall and 20 sq ft, with a Face of sign not less than 20 ft from nearest existing or future curb line or edge of pavement setback (Sec. 156.05(b)(1)b). Most commercial signs in Flushing require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Flushing, Michigan
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Flushing (9 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential District (R-1, R-2, R-3A, R-4, R-3B, MDR, PRD, MHP, HDR) | 9 | 8 ft | 60 sq ft | — |
| Institutional uses in Residential Districts | 2 | 15 ft (for ground sign) | 32 sq ft (total for one or two signs) | — |
| Fraternity/Sorority Houses in Residential Districts | 1 | 4 ft | 12 sq ft | — |
| Commercial District (B-1, OS-1, OS, Neighborhood Commercial, Office Services) | 7 | 8 ft | 50% of area of awning/canopy/marquee surface containing the sign | — |
| Central Business District (CBD) | 5 | 8 ft | 60 sq ft | — |
| General Business District (CC, B-2, B-3) | 6 | 8 ft | 60 sq ft | — |
| Light Industrial District (LI, I-1) | 5 | 8 ft | 60 sq ft | — |
| Commercial Districts (all commercial districts) | 3 | 5 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | 4 ft | 12 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Flushing(sample of 3 of 9 zones)
Residential District (R-1, R-2, R-3A, R-4, R-3B, MDR, PRD, MHP, HDR)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Sign (Single-family or Two-family Dwellings) | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On premises; wall or ground sign | — | Unlock | 156.05(b)(1)a |
| Development Entry Sign (Single-family or Two-family) | 4 ft (plus up to 4 ft berm) | 20 sq ft | — | Face of sign not less than 20 ft from nearest existing or future curb line or edge of pavement | 1 per entrance | At each entrance to subdivision; wall or ground sign | — | Unlock | 156.05(b)(1)b |
| Residential Sign (Medium Density Multiple Family, Planned Residential, Mobile Home (R-3A, MDR, PRD, MHP)) | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On premises; wall or ground sign | — | Unlock | 156.05(b)(2)a |
| Development Entry Sign (Medium Density Multiple Family, Planned Residential, Mobile Home (R-3A, MDR, PRD, MHP)) | 4 ft (plus up to 4 ft berm) | 20 sq ft | — | Face of sign not less than 20 ft from nearest curb or edge of pavement | 1 per entrance | At each entrance; wall or ground sign | — | Unlock | 156.05(b)(2)b |
| Residential Sign (High Density Multiple Family, HDR, R-3B) | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On premises; wall or ground sign | — | Unlock | 156.05(b)(3)a |
| Development Entry Sign (High Density Multiple Family, HDR, R-3B) | 4 ft (plus up to 4 ft berm) | 20 sq ft | — | Face of sign not less than 20 ft from curb or edge of pavement | 1 per entrance | At each entrance to the complex; wall or ground sign | — | Unlock | 156.05(b)(3)b |
| Ground Sign (Recreational Uses in Residential) | 8 ft | 60 sq ft | — | Not less than 20 ft from nearest right-of-way line | 1 | On premises; ground sign | — | Unlock | 156.05(e)(1)a,b |
| Incidental Sign (All Residential Districts) | 4 ft | 2 sq ft | — | — | As required | On premises, as needed | — | Unlock | 156.05(b)(2)a, (3)a, (e)(3) |
Commercial District (B-1, OS-1, OS, Neighborhood Commercial, Office Services)
| 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 | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — | At least 20 ft from curb or edge of pavement | 1 | Per lot or premises, not in public right-of-way | — | Unlock | 156.05(d)(1)a |
| Wall Sign | — | 32 sq ft (per sign, up to 2) | — | — | Up to 2 | On building | — | Unlock | 156.05(d)(1)b |
| Window Sign | — | 25% of window area containing the sign | — | — | Up to 2 | On or in window | — | Unlock | 156.05(d)(1)c |
| Awning, Canopy, or Marquee Sign | — | 50% of area of awning/canopy/marquee surface containing the sign | — | — | 1 | Affixed to awning/canopy/marquee | — | Unlock | 156.05(d)(1)d |
| Suspended Sign | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Hung for identification | — | Unlock | 156.05(d)(1)d |
| Wall or Window Identification Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per entrance | At multiple or hidden entrances | — | Unlock | 156.05(c)(1)c |
| Incidental Sign | 4 ft | 2 sq ft | — | — | As required | As required | — | Unlock | 156.05(c)(1)d |
General Business District (CC, B-2, B-3)
| 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 | 8 ft | 48 sq ft | — | At least 20 ft from curb or edge of pavement | 1 | Per lot or premises, not in public right-of-way | — | Unlock | 156.05(g)(1)a |
| Wall Sign | — | 60 sq ft | — | — | Up to 2 | On building wall | — | Unlock | 156.05(g)(1)b |
| Window Sign | — | 25% of the area of the window containing the sign | — | — | Up to 2 | On or in window | — | Unlock | 156.05(g)(1)c |
| Awning, Canopy, or Marquee Sign | — | 50% of the portion of the surface containing the sign | — | — | 1 | Affixed to awning/canopy/marquee | — | Unlock | 156.05(g)(1)d |
| Suspended Sign | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Hung for identification | — | Unlock | 156.05(g)(2) |
| Plaza/Mini-mall Ground Sign | 8 ft | 60 sq ft | — | At least 20 ft from curb or edge of pavement | 1 | Identifies plaza/mini-mall and all businesses | — | Unlock | 156.05(g)(3) |
PermitPal covers all 9 zoning districts in Flushing — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 9 zones for Flushing — start freeProhibited Signs in Flushing
- A sign may be erected, placed, established, painted, created, or maintained in the city only in conformance with the standards, procedures, exemptions, and other requirements of this chapter.
- All signs not expressly permitted by this chapter or exempt from regulation are prohibited.
- It is unlawful to display upon any sign or advertising structure any obscene, indecent, or immoral matter.
- Illumination of signs shall be directed or shaded downward so as not to interfere with the vision of persons on the adjacent street or adjacent property owners.
- No sign shall be erected so as to obstruct free and clear vision of pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
- Signs must comply with applicable building and electrical codes at all times.
- All signs and components must be kept in a neat, clean, and attractive condition, and be maintained in good structural condition.
- No signs shall be allowed in the public right-of-way, except as specifically permitted.
- No sign permit shall be issued for any sign unless it is consistent with the requirements of this chapter in every respect.
- Signs in violation of any plan or permit governing the sign or lot are prohibited.
- Flashing or moving lights on signs are prohibited.
- Projecting signs are prohibited.
- Signs with visible moving or revolving parts, or visible mechanical movement, except for the conveyance of noncommercial information which requires periodic change, are prohibited.
- Signs mounted or displayed on vehicles parked for the purpose of displaying the sign are prohibited.
- Signs painted directly upon walls, sidewalks, or driveways are prohibited.
- Structurally unsafe, hazardous, dilapidated, abandoned, or poorly maintained signs are prohibited.
- Signs that may be confused with or obstruct traffic control signs, signals, or traffic visibility are prohibited.
- Inflatable signs and tethered balloons are prohibited.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- Off-premises signs (signs advertising activities not on the premises) are prohibited, except for certain exceptions like prior to initial business opening.
- Signs not expressly permitted under this chapter or exempt are prohibited in the city.
- Full motion digital video images on digital signs are prohibited.
- Audio output from digital signs is prohibited.
- Temporary signs cannot be illuminated, either by the sign itself or with external lighting.
Exempt Signs in Flushing
- Public notices or warnings required by valid and applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance.
- Any sign inside a building that is not legible from a distance of more than three feet beyond the lot line of the lot or parcel on which such sign is located.
- Works of art that do not include a commercial message.
- Holiday lights and decorations with no commercial message, for 60 days before and 30 days after the appropriate holiday.
- Traffic control signs on private property that meet department of transportation standards and contain no commercial message.
- Certain small, unobtrusive, and incidental signs that are subject to substantive requirements but do not require permits.
- Building markers or memorial signs or tablets denoting the name or date of erection of a building when cut into masonry or constructed of bronze or other non-combustible material, permitted in all districts without a permit.
- Flags bearing the official design of a unit of government, education-institution, civic league or organization, fraternal benefit societies, order or association, or organization operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or education purposes, are permitted in all districts without a permit.
- Gas station price signs incorporated into the canopy over gas pumps, provided they do not exceed four square feet in area, are exempt from the maximum number of signs allowed.
- Community information signs operated by the municipality, provided they are approved by the city council, are exempt from requirements.
- Time and temperature signs, provided they do not exceed two square feet in area, are exempt from the maximum number of signs allowed.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Flushing
- A permit is required for the construction, erection, installation, or modification of most signs as detailed in section 156.05 and subject to the procedures in section 156.10–156.12.
- Detailed drawings showing dimension, design, structure, and location of each sign must be submitted with the permit application (one application can cover multiple signs for a lot).
- The city zoning board of appeals conducts hearings for sign-related appeals and variances; applicants must file within specified time frames and present their case.
- Variances may be applied for through the board of appeals in cases of practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship, and require a hearing process.
- No indication of a required master sign plan is found in this ordinance; however, permit and variance application processes for multiple or complex sign situations are administered through the building inspector or zoning board of appeals as per sections 156.11–156.12 and 156.18.
- City council sets permit and plan fee schedules by resolution, as per Sec. 156.17.
Source: municode municipal code