# Sign Regulations in Grand Rapids, Michigan

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Grand Rapids, Michigan (MI)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/michigan/grand-rapids
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-08
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/MI/Grand_Rapids/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=TITV--ZONING_PLANNING_CH61ZOOR_ART15SI)

## At a glance

Grand Rapids, Michigan regulates 22 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Ground Sign - Development Entrys in the Traditional NeighborhoodLow-Density Residential (TN-LDR), Mid-20th Century NeighborhoodLow-Density Residential (MCN-LDR), Modern Era NeighborhoodLow-Density Residential (MON-LDR) zoning district are capped at 6 ft. tall and 32 sq. ft., with a 15 ft. setback (Sec. Table 5.15.11.B. Signs: Residential Zone Districts). Most commercial signs in Grand Rapids require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (10 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Traditional NeighborhoodLow-Density Residential (TN-LDR), Mid-20th Century NeighborhoodLow-Density Residential (MCN-LDR), Modern Era NeighborhoodLow-Density Residential (MON-LDR) | 5 | 6 ft. | 32 sq. ft. | — |
| Traditional NeighborhoodMixed-Density Residential (TN-MDR), Mid-20th Century NeighborhoodMixed-Density Residential (MCN-MDR), Modern Era NeighborhoodMixed-Density Residential (MON-MDR) | 3 | 6 ft. | 32 sq. ft. | — |
| Traditional NeighborhoodCity Center (TN-CC), Traditional NeighborhoodTransitional City Center (TN-TCC), Traditional NeighborhoodTraditional Business Area (TN-TBA), Traditional NeighborhoodTransit-Oriented Development (TN-TOD), Mid-20th Century NeighborhoodCommercial (MCN-C), Mid-20th Century NeighborhoodTransit-Oriented Development (MCN-TOD), Modern Era NeighborhoodCommercial (MON-C), Modern Era NeighborhoodTransit-Oriented Development (MON-TOD), Neighborhood Office Service (NOS) | 8 | 25 ft. | 50 sq. ft. | — |
| Airport Special District (SD-AP) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Open Space Special District (SD-OS) | 2 | 5 ft. | 32 sq. ft. | — |
| Industrial Transportation Special District (SD-IT) | 2 | 40 ft. | 672 sq. ft. per sign side | — |
| Institutional Campus Special District (SD-IC) | 2 | 6 ft. | 60 sq. ft. | — |
| Planned Redevelopment Special District (SD-PRD) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Downtown Height Overlay District (OD-DH), Grand River Overlay District (OD-GR), East Beltline Overlay District (OD-EBL), Floodplain Overlay District (OD-FP), Wayfinding Signs Overlay District (OD-WS), Special Conditions Overlay District (OD-SC) | 1 | Directional/Kiosk: 12 ft.; Private Building ID: 9 ft.; see Table 5.8.06.C. | Ground/Directional/Kiosk: 72 sq. ft.; Private Building ID: 50 sq. ft.; see Table 5.8.06.C. | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 6 | 3 ft. | 12 in. high for residential; 36 in. high for nonresidential use | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 10 zones)

### Traditional NeighborhoodLow-Density Residential (TN-LDR), Mid-20th Century NeighborhoodLow-Density Residential (MCN-LDR), Modern Era NeighborhoodLow-Density Residential (MON-LDR)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Nameplate Sign | — | 8 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per dwelling | On or near dwelling entrance, wall only | — | Table 5.15.11.B. Signs: Residential Zone Districts |
| Ground Sign - Development Entry | 6 ft. | 32 sq. ft. | — | 15 ft. | 1 per street frontage; max 2 per lot or common ownership | At development entry, 1 per entrance (separated by a minimum of 300 ft along street), maximum 2 per lot/common ownership. | — | Table 5.15.11.B. Signs: Residential Zone Districts |
| Wall Sign (Educational, Government, or Institutional Use) | — | 24 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per street frontage; 2 per main building | Building wall, facing street. | — | Table 5.15.11.B. Signs: Residential Zone Districts |
| Window Sign | — | Max 25% of window area, not to exceed 3 sq. ft. for electronic/changeable copy sign | — | — | 1 per street frontage; max 2 per main building | On windows facing street | — | Table 5.15.11.B. Signs: Residential Zone Districts |
| Ground Sign (Educational, Government, or Institutional Use) | 6 ft. | 32 sq. ft. | — | 15 ft. | 1 per street frontage; max 2 per lot/common ownership | 1 per street frontage, max 2 per lot or lots under common ownership | — | Table 5.15.11.B. Signs: Residential Zone Districts |

### Traditional NeighborhoodCity Center (TN-CC), Traditional NeighborhoodTransitional City Center (TN-TCC), Traditional NeighborhoodTraditional Business Area (TN-TBA), Traditional NeighborhoodTransit-Oriented Development (TN-TOD), Mid-20th Century NeighborhoodCommercial (MCN-C), Mid-20th Century NeighborhoodTransit-Oriented Development (MCN-TOD), Modern Era NeighborhoodCommercial (MON-C), Modern Era NeighborhoodTransit-Oriented Development (MON-TOD), Neighborhood Office Service (NOS)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| A-Frame (Sandwich Board) Sign | 4 ft. | 8 sq. ft. | 2 ft. | — | 1 per ground floor use | Directly in front of use location, must maintain 5 ft. min. pedestrian clear width; in most districts may be placed on public right-of-way with permit; in MCN-C, MON-C, must be on private property behind sidewalk | — | Table 5.15.12.B. Signs: Mixed-Use Commercial Zone Districts |
| Awning or Canopy Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On building wall or façade (only face street in MCN-C, MON-C); must maintain 8 ft. ground clearance. | — | Table 5.15.12.B. Signs: Mixed-Use Commercial Zone Districts |
| Banner | — | 12 - 40 sq. ft. per 40 lf building frontage (depending on district) | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Flat on wall or projected at 90 degrees, attached with a 6-in. space to wall; may not cover architectural details/windows. Min. 8 ft. clearance from grade, min 2 ft. from back of curb, and not extend more than 42 in. from building. | — | Table 5.15.12.B. |
| Ground Sign | 5-6 ft. | TN-CC: 18 sq. ft.; TN-TBA, TN-TOD, MCN-TOD, MON-TOD, NOS: 32 sq. ft.; MCN-C: 75 sq. ft.; MON-C: 75-100 sq. ft. depending on conditions | — | 4-15 ft. (see location above) | 1 per street frontage | 1 per street frontage, not in public ROW. Min 4 ft. setback in TN-CC, 15 ft. in other districts. Must have 200 sq. ft. landscape area at base (can be administratively reduced for site/natural conditions). | — | Table 5.15.12.B. |
| Wall Sign | Not above sill of 2nd story window or 16 ft., whichever less. | — | — | — | 1 per ground-level tenant entrance; max 4 per business | On wall with customer entrance; projections up to 18 in. from wall. | — | Table 5.15.12.B. |
| Window Sign | — | 25% of window area; for electronic or changeable copy: max 3 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per street frontage; max 2 per main building | In window, facing street. | — | Table 5.15.12.B. |
| Projecting Sign | Not above sill of 2nd story window or 16 ft. | 10-12 sq. ft. (see district for specifics) | — | — | 1 per entrance/ground floor establishment | Perpendicular to building façade; encroachment permit if over ROW. | — | Table 5.15.12.B. |
| Pylon or Pole Sign (MCN-C, MCN-TOD, MON-C, MON-TOD only) | 25 ft. | 50 sq. ft. | — | 5 ft. | 1 per street frontage | Min 5 ft. from property lines. | — | Table 5.15.12.B. |

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Historic Painted Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On building wall, where previously existed prior to Nov. 12, 1969 | — | Sec. 5.15.07.A. |
| Address Number/Street Name Sign | — | 12 in. high for residential; 36 in. high for nonresidential use | — | — | — | On building, at entrance/driveway facing street | — | Sec. 5.15.07.C. |
| Holiday Decoration Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Anywhere on property | — | Sec. 5.15.07.D. |
| Governmental, Traffic, and Official Sign | — | — | — | — | — | As appropriate for function (right-of-way/public space/property) | — | Sec. 5.15.07.F, G |
| Driveway (Directional) Sign | 3 ft. | 4 sq. ft. | — | Comply with clear vision requirements if within 15 ft. of ROW. | No standard limit; for on-site traffic/direction only | Near driveways/entrances; within parking areas; not in public right-of-way. | — | Sec. 5.15.07.K. |
| Sports Sponsorship Sign (City Parks only) | — | — | — | — | — | Inside ball field, golf course, or public park boundary | — | Sec. 5.15.07.I. |

## Prohibited signs in Grand Rapids

- It is unlawful to erect, construct, install, place, locate, re-build, modify or maintain a sign or allow a sign to remain on property except in compliance with Article 15 (Signs).
- All signs not expressly permitted by the ordinance are prohibited.
- Prohibited sign types include: moving, spinning, animated signs or those appearing to be, flashing, oscillating, blinking, or of variable intensity of light or color or intermittent electrical pulsations, except as otherwise allowed by ordinance.
- Signs that simulate or could be confused with emergency vehicle lighting, traffic signals, or traffic signs are prohibited, including red, yellow, or green illumination in the line of vision with traffic control systems.
- Signs may not block ingress or egress, including obstructing fire escapes, required entrances, windows, or door openings, or prevent free roof access by firefighters.
- Signs may not obstruct or impair the vision of motorists, bicyclists, or pedestrians at intersections, driveways, parking lots, or loading areas.
- A five (5) foot wide pedestrian clearance is required for any sign placed on the ground (such as an A-frame/sandwich board sign).
- Obstruction of natural features for the purpose of sign installation (removal of trees/topography alteration) is prohibited.
- Signs with audible devices (unless federally/ADA required) are prohibited.
- Inflatable signs (hot/cold air balloons, air-activated devices), human signs, blade signs, snipe signs, and their placement on trees, poles, fences, or similar objects are prohibited.
- Signs must not be constructed from remnants or materials manufactured for purposes other than sign construction.
- All signs placed in the public right-of-way without an encroachment permit are prohibited and may be confiscated.
- A sign containing a commercial message not pertaining to a use on the subject lot is prohibited, and no sign permit shall be approved until a principal use has been established on the property.
- Signs attached to a building shall not extend above the building roof line.
- No portion of any pylon/pole sign shall exceed a height of twenty-five (25) feet.
- No natural features (trees, topography) may be altered or removed solely for sign construction.
- Any sign that is an immediate hazard is a nuisance per se and in violation of the ordinance.
- Maintenance, repair, or alteration of a nonconforming sign cannot increase the nonconformity.

## Signs exempt from permit in Grand Rapids

- Historic painted signs and historical plaques (as described in Sec. 5.15.07.A) are permitted and exempted.
- Official traffic control/regulatory/directional signs placed by public agencies in compliance with the Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices are permitted.
- Address numbers and street names up to 12 inches (residential) or 36 inches (nonresidential) high are permitted.
- Holiday decorations for nationally recognized holidays are exempt.
- Murals that do not constitute commercial speech or project more than 1 foot from a building are allowed.
- Public transit vehicles may have signs as part of the vehicle (subject to other location/screening standards).
- Window/door signs covering up to 25% of the area (not to exceed 3 sq. ft. for electronic or changeable copy) are permitted.
- Driveway signs up to 4 sq. ft. and 3 feet high (illumination restrictions may apply) are allowed.
- Temporary event signs for residential uses, official signs, historical plaques, and signs less than or equal to 20 sq. ft. in area for commercial temporary events do not require a sign permit.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A Planned Sign Program may be approved by the Planning Commission for integrated complexes and project sites larger than two (2) acres, in lieu of the specific sign requirements of a particular Zone District.
- Planned Sign Programs must follow the Optional Plan Review procedures, and approval is contingent on demonstrating unique design needs and compatibility with the site and adjacent context.
- Minor modifications to a previously approved Planned Sign Program may be approved via Director Review. Substantive changes require Planning Commission review.
- Site Plan Review (Preliminary or Final) is required for: (a) Projects needing a Planned Sign Program, (b) Signs as part of Site Condominiums, PRDs, or minor deviations of an Integrated Complex, (c) Approval/amendment of Planned Sign Programs.
- Signs as part of a PRD (Planned Redevelopment District) are governed by the rules of the approved PRD or the assigned Zone District regulations, constituting a Planned Sign Program.
- Amendments/deviations from an approved Planned Sign Program are processed as Minor Deviations (Planning Commission, no public hearing required) or as new programs per the extent of change.
- Sign variances are reviewed by the Board of Zoning Appeals and require demonstration of practical difficulty that is not self-created, as per dimensional variance standards.
- All permanent signs require a sign permit unless otherwise listed as exempt (see general exemptions).
- A sign permit application must include an inventory of existing/proposed signs, site plan, building elevations, and, for large signs, sealed construction documents.
- Major redevelopment of a site may require removal of nonconforming signs as a condition of zoning approval.
- A site may opt for a Planned Sign Program to coordinate multiple signs for large integrated complexes or deviations from standard sign regulations, but this must be reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission.
- Administrative Departures of up to 5 feet from required sign setbacks may be granted for unique conditions.
- Applications to upgrade, relocate, or otherwise alter off-premises signs (billboards) under the Billboard Exchange Program require inventory lists, documentation of credits, and may be processed as a Director Review or Special Land Use (for digital or Super Signs).

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

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