Sign Regulations in Frenchtown Township, Michigan

Frenchtown Township, Michigan has specific sign regulations covering 29 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign (Home-Based Business), Wall Sign (Non-Residential Use), Awning Sign (Non-Residential Use). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.

Data last verified: November 12, 2025

Sign Regulation Overview for Frenchtown Township, Michigan

Sample Sign Requirements in Frenchtown Township

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaSetback
Temporary Non-Commercial Sign4 feet36 square feet total per lot—
Wall Sign (Home-Based Business)—4 square feet—
Wall Sign (Farm Buildings)—8 square feet per side—

* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.

PermitPal Coverage for Frenchtown TownshipFull Coverage

Sign Types Covered

29

  • Wall Sign (Home-Based Business)
  • Wall Sign (Non-Residential Use)
  • Awning Sign (Non-Residential Use)
  • Freestanding Sign (Non-Residential Use)
  • +2 more types

Zoning Districts

5

Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations

Data Includes

  • Permit requirements
  • Height restrictions
  • Illumination rules

Official Resources for Frenchtown Township

City WebsiteMunicipal Code2 permit application links available

Frequently Asked Questions

Sign height limits in Frenchtown 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 Frenchtown 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 Frenchtown Township, regulated sign types include Wall Sign (Home-Based Business), Wall Sign (Non-Residential Use), Awning Sign (Non-Residential Use), Freestanding Sign (Non-Residential Use), 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 Frenchtown 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 Frenchtown Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Frenchtown Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.

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Frenchtown Township, Michigan Sign Rules at a Glance

Frenchtown Township, Michigan regulates 29 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Agriculture)s in the AG District zoning district are capped at 8 feet tall and 32 square feet, with a 4 feet from all lot lines and street setback lines setback (Sec. 5.08(G)(3)(b)(c)). Most commercial signs in Frenchtown Township require a permit.

Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Frenchtown Township, Michigan

Sign Rules by Zoning District in Frenchtown Township (5 zones)

Zoning DistrictSign Types RegulatedMax HeightMax AreaPermit Required
General Regulations For All Zones14 feet36 square feet total per lot—
AG District1210 feet100 square feet—
PS District, C-1, C-2, C-3 Districts, OS District, R-1-O District, I-1 District, Non-residential PUDs1410 feet200 square feet—
R-1-A, R-1-B, R-1-C, R-1-D, R-1-E, R-1-R Districts1010 feet100 square feet—
R-3-A, R-3-B, R-M-H Districts1110 feet100 square feet—

Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Frenchtown Township(sample of 3 of 5 zones)

AG District

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Wall Sign (Home-Based Business)—4 square feet——1 per lotOn the principal structure or accessory structure where the business is operated—Unlock5.08(G)(2)(b)
Wall Sign (Farm Buildings)—8 square feet per side———On farm buildings as defined in Section 8.02—Unlock5.08(G)(2)(c)
Freestanding Sign (Agriculture)8 feet32 square feet—4 feet from all lot lines and street setback lines1 per lot——Unlock5.08(G)(3)(b)(c)
Temporary Commercial Sign—16 square feet total——1 per business (2 per business for feather flag signs)Within 10 feet of a public entrance to a building—Unlock5.08(E)
Wall Sign (Non-Residential Use)—100 square feet90% of the width of the building frontage—No limitOn building frontage (public entrance or visible from public road/parking)—Unlock5.08(G)(1); 5.08(J)(1)
Freestanding Sign (Non-Residential Use)8 feet72 square feet—4 feet from lot lines and street setbacks1 per lot——Unlock5.08(G)(1); 5.08(J)(3)
Directional Sign (Non-Residential Use)3 feet4 square feet——1 per drivewayAt approved driveway from public road—Unlock5.08(G)(1); 5.08(J)(4)
Directional Sign (Drive-Thru, Non-Residential Use)10 feet48 square feet——Up to 6 per drive-thruAdjacent to drive aisles for drive-thru—Unlock5.08(G)(1); 5.08(J)(4)

PS District, C-1, C-2, C-3 Districts, OS District, R-1-O District, I-1 District, Non-residential PUDs

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Wall Sign (Setback Less Than 200 Feet)—100 square feet90% of the width of the building frontage—No limitAttached to building frontage (public entrance or visible from public road or parking lot)—Unlock5.08(J)(1)
Wall Sign (Setback 200-299 Feet)—125 square feet90% of the width of the building frontage—No limitAttached to building frontage facing roadway—Unlock5.08(J)(1)(d)
Wall Sign (Setback 300-399 Feet)—150 square feet90% of the width of the building frontage—No limitAttached to building frontage facing roadway—Unlock5.08(J)(1)(d)
Wall Sign (Setback 400-499 Feet)—175 square feet90% of the width of the building frontage—No limitAttached to building frontage facing roadway—Unlock5.08(J)(1)(d)
Wall Sign (Setback 500 Feet or Greater)—200 square feet90% of the width of the building frontage—No limitAttached to building frontage facing roadway—Unlock5.08(J)(1)(d)
Freestanding Sign8 feet72 square feet—4 feet from all lot lines and street setback lines1 per lot——Unlock5.08(J)(3)
Freestanding Sign (I-75 Ramp Abutting)Up to height of largest existing sign in TownshipUp to area of largest existing sign in Township—4 feet from all lot lines and street setback lines2 per lotOn lots immediately abutting I-75 ramp right-of-way to/from Nadeau Rd or Dixie Hwy—Unlock5.08(J)(3)(f)
Directional Sign3 feet4 square feet——1 per drivewayOn site to direct traffic—Unlock5.08(J)(4)(a)-(c)(e)

R-3-A, R-3-B, R-M-H Districts

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Wall Sign (Home-Based Business)—4 square feet——1 per lotOn principal or accessory structure—Unlock5.08(I)(2)(b)
Wall Sign (Multi-Unit Building)—32 square feet——1 per building frontage facing public roadOn exterior of buildings fronting public road with >2 residential units—Unlock5.08(I)(2)(c)
Freestanding Sign (Subdivision/Mobile Home Park Entrance)6 feet16 square feet—4 feet from lot lines and street setbacks1 per vehicle entranceAt vehicle entrance of subdivisions, neighborhoods, mobile home parks, or condo/apartment complexes—Unlock5.08(I)(3)(a)(b)
Wall Sign (Non-Residential Use)—100 square feet90% of building frontage—No limitBuilding frontage—Unlock5.08(I)(1); 5.08(J)(1)
Freestanding Sign (Non-Residential Use)8 feet72 square feet—4 feet1 per lot——Unlock5.08(I)(1); 5.08(J)(3)
Directional Sign (Non-Residential Use)3 feet4 square feet——1 per drivewayDriveways—Unlock5.08(I)(1); 5.08(J)(4)
Directional Sign (Drive-Thru, Non-Residential Use)10 feet48 square feet——Up to 6Drive-thru—Unlock5.08(I)(1); 5.08(J)(4)
Projecting Sign (Non-Residential Use)—16 square feet———Building—Unlock5.08(I)(1); 5.08(J)(5)

PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Frenchtown Township. Run a code check for your exact address to get the zone that applies to your property and its full sign requirements — illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.

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Prohibited Signs in Frenchtown Township

  • Signs which incorporate in any manner or are illuminated by any flashing or moving lights, or where any illumination can shine directly into the eyes of any occupant of any vehicle traveling upon any highway, driveway, or parking area, or into any window of any residence within 100 feet, or where the illumination interferes with the visibility or readability of any traffic sign or device.
  • Exterior pennant strings, spinners, and streamers.
  • Any sign or object which has any visible motion, moving or animated parts or image, whether movement is caused by machinery, wind, or otherwise, except for electronic message signs, feather flag signs and flags.
  • Any sign which is structurally or electrically unsafe, in the opinion of the Building Official, or which obstructs any fire escape.
  • Any sign erected on a tree or utility pole.
  • Any sign structure or frame that no longer contains a sign.
  • Roof signs or any sign which projects above the roof line or top of a canopy.
  • Any sign projecting into the public right-of-way.
  • Any sign erected on any property, public or private, without the consent of the property owner.
  • Any sign which simulates or imitates in size, color, lettering, or design, any traffic sign or signal or other word, phrase, symbol, or character in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse the drivers or motorized vehicles.
  • Any sign which incorporates any open spark or flame.
  • Pylon or pole-mounted signs.
  • Signs and murals that depict the “Specified Anatomical Areas” as defined in Article 8 nor the “Specified Sexual Activities” defined in Article 8.
  • Off-premises commercial signage, except where the regulations of another jurisdiction (for example MDOT) take precedence over this Ordinance.
  • Tube lights, whether LED, neon, or any other type of light.
  • Temporary Commercial Signs in Residential Zoning Districts other than AG (R-1-A, R-1-B, R-1-C, R-1-D, R-1-E, R-1-R, R-3-A, R-3-B, and R-M-H).
  • Any sign which, in the opinion of the Building Official, has deteriorated to the point where it has become a blight on surrounding properties.

Exempt Signs in Frenchtown Township

  • Government Signs.
  • Flags, as defined in this ordinance.
  • All signs under one square foot in area.
  • All signs required to be erected by law.
  • Architectural Features/Artwork: Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings or works of art, including murals, so long as such features or works do not contain an explicit message, words in any language, moving parts, or illumination. Murals must be painted with the permission of the property owner.
  • Temporary Non-Commercial Signs: Freestanding or window signs, total area not exceeding 36 square feet per lot (individual sign not exceeding 16 square feet), maximum height 4 feet, located on private property outside right-of-way or corner clearance, and any in place more than 6 months considered permanent.

Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Frenchtown Township

  • Design of freestanding signs on lots abutting I-75 ramps to/from Nadeau Road or Dixie Highway shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission prior to issuance of a sign permit.
  • Additional directional signs may be approved by the Planning Commission during the Site Plan Approval Process if necessary for traffic and pedestrian flow.
  • Architectural gateway elements are not considered signage but must receive approval from the Township in the same manner as any other structure.

Source: other municipal code