# Sign Regulations in Gibraltar, Michigan

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Gibraltar, Michigan (MI)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/michigan/gibraltar
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-08
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/MI/Gibraltar/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH44ZO_ARTIVGEPR_S44-99RECOALOUSI)

## At a glance

Gibraltar, Michigan regulates 28 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 10 ft tall and 50 sq ft max, with a Min 15 ft from right-of-way; conforms to district setbacks setback (Sec. Sec. 44-99(g)(4)). Most commercial signs in Gibraltar require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (4 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 9 | 25 ft | 300 sq ft per sign face | — |
| One-family residential districts (R-1), Two-family residential districts (R-2), One-family residential transitional districts (R-1-T), Multiple-family residential districts (R-3), Low density multiple-family residential districts (R-3-A), Planned residential development districts (PRD), Mobile home parks (R-4), Manufactured Housing Park District (MHP), Planned unit development districts | 9 | 10 ft | If on structure: max 50% of structure, structure max 5 ft high/60 sq ft; If freestanding: 36 sq ft max, 5 ft height. | — |
| Local business districts (C-1), General commercial districts (C-2), Planned commercial development districts (PCD), Marine commercial districts (C-3), Light manufacturing districts (M-1), Medium manufacturing districts (M-2), Heavy manufacturing districts (M-3), Professional Office District (POD) | 9 | 25 ft | 300 sq ft per sign face | — |
| Planned unit development districts (continued, specifics) | 5 | 15 ft above sidewalk, not above 2nd floor sill, parapet, etc. | 50 sq ft | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 4 zones)

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | Top not higher than 15 ft above front sidewalk elevation and not above base of second floor window sill, parapet, eave or building facade | No more than 5% of ground floor building facade area or 24 sq ft, whichever is less (commercial/industrial/office); residential limited – see specific zones | Max horizontal dimension does not exceed three-fourths of building width | — | One per street/highway frontage. Tenants on corner: one per side. Shared entrance multi-tenant: only one sign for all tenants. | On wall facing street/highway; one per frontage unless multiple-tenant with separate entrances | — | Sec. 44-99(g)(3), Sec. 44-99(e), Sec. 44-99(c) |
| Freestanding Sign | 10 ft | 50 sq ft max | — | Min 15 ft from right-of-way; conforms to district setbacks | 1 per street or highway frontage | Min 15 ft from right of way; not closer than 25 ft to interstate right-of-way; not closer than 5 ft to private road/service road edge; outside of all setback lines; not in right-of-way | — | Sec. 44-99(g)(4) |
| Marquee Sign (Theater Only) | — | — | — | Complies with district setback | 1 per street frontage | Commercial districts; at least 10 ft vertical clearance; projects from building | — | Sec. 44-99(g)(5) |
| Awning or Canopy Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On awning/canopy in office, industrial, commercial districts | — | Sec. 44-99(g)(6) |
| Gasoline Price Sign | 10 ft (per freestanding sign maximum) | 20 sq ft | — | Same as freestanding sign | 1 | On gas station property | — | Sec. 44-99(g)(7) |
| Residential Entranceway Sign | 5 ft | If on entranceway structure: covers max 50% of structure; structure max 5 ft high/60 sq ft. If freestanding (not on structure): 36 sq ft max, 5 ft max height. | — | — | 1 per entrance | At subdivision/development entrance; on private property or median with approval | — | Sec. 44-99(f)(5), Sec. 44-99(g)(10) |
| Temporary Signs (General) | Varies by type; see below | Varies by type; see below | — | Must comply with setbacks for district unless specifically noted. | Vary by type. | Vary by type; see below | — | Sec. 44-99(d)(3) |
| Off-Premises Advertising Sign (Billboard) | 25 ft | 300 sq ft per sign face | — | Comply with district setbacks; min 300 ft from sensitive uses; 100/1,000/1,500 ft spacing rules | — | Only in M-2 (Medium Manufacturing) district and only freestanding, never roof. Not within 300 ft of parks, schools, church, etc.; Min distances from other billboards/signs apply. | — | Sec. 44-99(d)(4) |

### One-family residential districts (R-1), Two-family residential districts (R-2), One-family residential transitional districts (R-1-T), Multiple-family residential districts (R-3), Low density multiple-family residential districts (R-3-A), Planned residential development districts (PRD), Mobile home parks (R-4), Manufactured Housing Park District (MHP), Planned unit development districts

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Nameplate Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | — | At occupant's residence | — | Sec. 44-99(f)(1) |
| Address Numbers | — | — | — | — | — | On residence | — | Sec. 44-99(d)(1)a. |
| Real Estate Sign (Residential) | 6 ft | 6 sq ft | — | Comply with district setbacks | 1 (2 for corner lot) | Ground mounted | — | Sec. 44-99(d)(3)b. |
| Garage Sale Sign | 5 ft | 2 sq ft | — | — | 2 per garage sale | Ground or wall mounted; not within right-of-way | — | Sec. 44-99(d)(3)g. |
| Church Sign (Residential use) | 8 ft | 20 sq ft | — | Comply with district setbacks | 1 per parcel; 2 on corner; +1 per school/facility | Shall comply with setback requirements | — | Sec. 44-99(d)(5) |
| Residential Entranceway Sign | 5 ft | If on structure: max 50% of structure, structure max 5 ft high/60 sq ft; If freestanding: 36 sq ft max, 5 ft height. | — | — | 1 per entrance | At entrance; outside right-of-way | — | Sec. 44-99(f)(5) |
| Temporary Signs - Political (Residential) | 10 ft | 16 sq ft for ground sign in residential zones | — | — | 2 per parcel | — | — | Sec. 44-99(d)(3)i. |
| Temporary Signs - Community/Special Event | — | — | — | Must comply with setbacks | — | — | — | Sec. 44-99(d)(3)h. |

### Local business districts (C-1), General commercial districts (C-2), Planned commercial development districts (PCD), Marine commercial districts (C-3), Light manufacturing districts (M-1), Medium manufacturing districts (M-2), Heavy manufacturing districts (M-3), Professional Office District (POD)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | Top not higher than 15 ft above front sidewalk and not above base of second floor window sill/parapet/eave/building facade | 24 sq ft (general maximum) | Max horizontal dimension 3/4 building width | — | One per frontage | On side facing street/highway; one per frontage | — | Sec. 44-99(g)(3), for all non-residential districts |
| Freestanding Sign | 10 ft | 50 sq ft | — | 15 ft from right-of-way; see above | 1 per frontage | Outside setback/right-of-way, min 15 ft from right-of-way; 25 ft to interstate right-of-way; 5 ft to private/service drive | — | Sec. 44-99(g)(4), Sec. 44-99(e)(3) |
| Off-Premises Advertising Sign (M-2 only) | 25 ft | 300 sq ft per sign face | — | Conform to district; 300 ft to sensitive use, see above | City-wide max of 10 faces | Freestanding, never on a roof; not within 300 ft of parks, schools, churches, etc. 1,000/1,500 ft min to other billboards, 100 ft to on-premises signs. | — | Sec. 44-99(d)(4) |
| Temporary Real Estate - Commercial/Industrial | 10 ft | 16 sq ft (business/vacant lot) | — | Comply with district setbacks | 1 (2 for corner) | Ground/wall mounted, 1 per parcel (2 on corner) | — | Sec. 44-99(d)(3)c. |
| Temporary Grand Opening Sign | 10 ft | 16 sq ft | — | Comply with district setbacks | One per business | Ground/wall mounted, 1 per business | — | Sec. 44-99(d)(3)f. |
| Temporary Political Signs - Business/Other Zones | 10 ft | 32 sq ft (ground/wall sign in non-residential) | — | — | 2 per parcel | On-premises | — | Sec. 44-99(d)(3)i. |
| Gasoline Price Sign | 10 ft (freestanding max) | 20 sq ft | — | Same as freestanding sign | 1 | — | — | Sec. 44-99(g)(7) |
| Entranceway Sign (for developments) | 5 ft | 50% of structure, structure max 5 ft high/60 sq ft; else freestanding 36 sq ft, 5 ft high | — | — | 1 per entrance | At entrance, on private property/median | — | Sec. 44-99(g)(10) |

## Prohibited signs in Gibraltar

- It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to erect, construct, or alter any sign in the city except in conformance with the provisions of this chapter, subject to issuance of a permit, except as otherwise provided.
- It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, alter, relocate, or structurally change a sign or other advertising structure, unless specifically exempted by this chapter, without first obtaining a permit.
- A sign shall not be enlarged or relocated except in conformity with the provisions set forth herein for new signs, nor until a proper permit has been secured.
- The following signs are prohibited in all districts: a. Any sign not expressly permitted. b. Signs which incorporate flashing or moving lights; including time and temperature or stock market signs. c. Banners, pennants, festoons, spinners, and streamers, unless specifically permitted elsewhere in this chapter. d. String lights used for commercial purposes, other than holiday decorations. e. Moving signs, including any sign which has any visible moving parts, visible revolving parts, visible mechanical movement, or other visible movement achieved by electrical, electronic, or mechanical means, including intermittent electric pulsations or movement caused by normal wind current. f. Any sign or sign structure which: Is structurally unsafe; Constitutes a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, or abandonment; Is capable of causing electric shock to person who comes in contact with it; or Is not kept in good repair, such that it has broken parts, missing letters, or non-operational lights. g. Any sign erected on a tree or utility pole, except signs of a government or utility. h. Obsolete signs. i. Portable signs, except where expressly permitted in this chapter. j. Signs affixed to a parked vehicle or truck trailer which is being used principally for advertising purposes, rather than for transportation purposes. k. Any sign which obstructs free access to or egress from a required door, window, fire escape, or other required exit. l. Any signs which makes use of the words "Stop", "Look", or "Danger", or any other words, phrases, symbols, or characters, in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic. m. Any sign containing obscene, indecent, or immoral matter. n. Any sign unlawfully installed, erected, or maintained. o. Roof signs. p. Projecting signs. q. Sandwich signs. r. Signs on street furniture, such as benches and trash receptacles. s. Real estate signs no longer valid due to the sale, rental, or lease of the property.
- Sign illumination that could distract motorists or otherwise create a traffic hazard shall be prohibited.
- Illumination by bare bulbs or flames is prohibited.
- Use of glaring, unshielded or unfiltered lights or bulbs on signs is prohibited.
- No sign shall be located within, project into, or overhang a public right-of-way, except as otherwise permitted herein.
- Signs shall be located so as not to interfere with or otherwise obstruct motorist or pedestrian visibility.
- No nonconforming sign shall be altered or reconstructed, unless the alteration or reconstruction is in compliance with this chapter, except as noted.
- No sign shall be erected on a tree or utility pole, except signs of a government or utility.
- No sign that is structurally unsafe, constitutes a hazard to safety or health due to inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, or abandonment, is capable of causing electric shock, or is not kept in good repair shall be permitted.

## Signs exempt from permit in Gibraltar

- A permit shall not be required for the following signs, subject to applicable provisions: a. Address numbers with a numeral height no greater than six inches for residences and 18 inches for businesses. b. Nameplates identifying the occupants of the building, not to exceed two square feet. c. Memorial signs or tablets. d. Signs on a bus, truck, trailer, or other vehicle while operated and used for transport in the normal course of a business, provided that the primary use of the vehicle is not for the purpose of advertising a business on the premises where the vehicle is parked. e. Public signs, including the authorized signs of a government body or public utility, including traffic signs, legal notices, railroad crossing signs, warnings of a hazard, and similar signs. f. Flags bearing the official design of a nation, state, municipality, educational institution, or noncommercial organization. g. Incidental signs, provided that total of all such signs does not exceed two square feet. h. Private traffic control signs conforming to the Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. i. One private parking lot and driveway identification sign, not to exceed three square feet per sign and six feet in height. j. Permanent signs on vending machines, gas pumps, or ice containers indicating only the contents of such devices, with a sign area not exceeding six square feet per device. k. Portable real estate "open house" signs with area no greater than four square feet. l. "Help wanted" signs soliciting employees for the place of business where posted, not exceeding six square feet in total area. m. Any sign located completely within an enclosed building, and not visible from outside the building. n. Plaques or signs designating a building as a historic structure. o. "No Trespassing," "No Hunting," and "No Dumping" signs. p. Directional signs to parking areas, loading areas, or locations on site, not containing logos or advertising, not exceeding four square feet in area or four feet in height, and set back at least 15 feet from the right-of-way.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Sign permit applications must be accompanied by plans and information demonstrating compliance, including dimensions, materials, method of construction, location, and other details. Planning commission review is required for any new or modified sign, regardless of related site plan review.
- Sign permit applications submitted with new building construction or additions must be reviewed by the planning commission as part of required site plan review. Planning commission review is required for any new or modified sign regardless of whether related site plan review is also required.
- Proposed sign locations, dimensions, designs, and content must be shown on the site plan.
- Planning commission review and approval is required for community or special event signs in all districts. These require a no-fee sign permit.
- A variance from sign regulations may be requested via appeal to the zoning board of appeals (ZBA), which will hold a review meeting and consider the application according to specified criteria.
- Site plan review and approval is generally required for all permitted uses requiring special use approval, and any use requiring planning commission approval.
- In the DDA (Downtown Development Authority) district, signs are subject to the design standards established by the DDA as well as those in the main sign ordinance. If there's conflict, the DDA standards take precedence.

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

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