Sign Regulations in Grayling, Michigan
Grayling, Michigan has specific sign regulations covering 27 sign types across 17 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Rooftop Sign, Freestanding Sign - Two Public Road Frontages, Wall Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: January 7, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Grayling, Michigan
Sample Sign Requirements in Grayling
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety and Installation – General | — | — | Adhere to utility company setbacks. |
| Signs Allowed without a Permit – General | — | Varies by item | — |
| Projecting Sign (Non-Residential Uses) | — | 20 sq ft per side (40 sq ft total both sides) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for GraylingFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
27
- Rooftop Sign
- Freestanding Sign - Two Public Road Frontages
- Wall Sign
- Projecting Sign (Non-Residential Uses)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
17
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Grayling
Other Cities in Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Grayling 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 Grayling, 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 Grayling, regulated sign types include Rooftop Sign, Freestanding Sign - Two Public Road Frontages, Wall Sign, Projecting Sign (Non-Residential Uses), 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 Grayling 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 Grayling are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Grayling has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Grayling, Michigan Sign Rules at a Glance
Grayling, Michigan regulates 27 sign types across 17 zoning districts. Directory Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and 24 sq ft, with a ≥10 ft from any property line; not a projecting sign. setback (Sec. §3.23.14). Most commercial signs in Grayling require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Grayling, Michigan
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Grayling (17 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 13 | 6 ft | 32 sq ft total per non-residential zoning lot (sum of all temporary signs) | — |
| Central Business District (CBD) | 8 | Bottom of sign ≥10 ft above ground or sidewalk | 32 sq ft | — |
| Local Service District (C-1) | 4 | 20 ft (measured from ground to top of sign or support, whichever higher) | ≤96 sq ft and ≤2% of rooftop area | — |
| Medical Cottage Industry/Professional Office/Mixed Use District (C-2) | 3 | 6 ft (measured from ground to top of sign or support, whichever higher) | ≤25% of area of each building wall | — |
| General Commercial District (C-3A) | 3 | 20 ft (measured from ground to top of sign or support, whichever higher) | ≤96 sq ft and ≤2% of rooftop area | — |
| General Commercial – South Town District (C-3B) | 3 | 20 ft (measured from ground to top of sign or support, whichever higher) | 64 sq ft per side (second sign ≤50% of area requirement) | — |
| Industrial District (I) | 4 | ≤30 ft above level of street/road to which message is directed (if situated upon two roads of different levels, measured from higher road) | ≤300 sq ft per side (tandem/stacked combined ≤300 sq ft) | — |
| Government District (G) | 3 | 8 ft (measured from ground to top of sign or support, whichever higher) | 32 sq ft per side (second sign ≤50% of area requirement) | — |
| Recreation District (RC) | 4 | — | 32 sq ft | — |
| Recreation District (RC) - Non-Residential Uses | 3 | 20 ft (measured from ground to top of sign or support, whichever higher) | 64 sq ft per side (second sign ≤50% of area requirement) | — |
| Recreation District (RC) - Residential Uses | 3 | 6 ft (measured from ground to top of sign or support, whichever higher) | ≤20 sq ft (and ≤1 sq ft per lineal foot of building wall) | — |
| Single-Family Residential, Low Density District (R-1A) | 2 | Not allowed | ≤20 sq ft (and ≤1 sq ft per lineal foot of building wall) | — |
| Single-Family Residential, Medium Density District (R-1B) | 2 | Not allowed | ≤20 sq ft (and ≤1 sq ft per lineal foot of building wall) | — |
| Multiple-Family Residential District (R-2) | 2 | Not allowed | ≤20 sq ft (and ≤1 sq ft per lineal foot of building wall) | — |
| R-1A, R-1B, R-2 (Non-Residential Uses) | 3 | Not allowed | 20 sq ft per side (second sign ≤50% of area requirement) | — |
| R-1A, R-1B, R-2 (Residential Uses) | 3 | 6 ft (measured from ground to top of sign or support, whichever higher) | ≤20 sq ft (and ≤1 sq ft per lineal foot of building wall) | — |
| R-1A, R-1B, R-2 (Multi-Family, Subdivisions, Residential Developments) | 1 | 6 ft (height for residential uses rowspans to this category) | 32 sq ft per side | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Grayling(sample of 3 of 17 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety and Installation – General | — | — | — | Adhere to utility company setbacks. | — | All districts | — | Unlock | §3.23.4; §3.23.17 |
| Projecting Sign (Non-Residential Uses) | — | 20 sq ft per side (40 sq ft total both sides) | — | — | 1 per non-residential use | All districts, non-residential uses; may extend above public right-of-way only in CBD. | — | Unlock | §3.23.10 |
| Portable Changeable Copy Message Board | — | 32 sq ft | — | Not in public right-of-way (outside CBD); maintain 8-ft sidewalk clear area in CBD. | — | All districts; in CBD must not occupy an eight-foot sidewalk clear area; in all other districts, not placed in a public right-of-way. | — | Unlock | §3.23.6.4; §3.23.6.3 |
| Message Board - Static | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per non-residential use (either static or electronic) | All districts, non-residential uses | — | Unlock | §3.23.12 |
| Message Board - Electronic | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per non-residential use (either static or electronic) | All districts, non-residential uses | — | Unlock | §3.23.12.1.a–e |
| Sandwich Board Sign | — | Max panel size 2 ft x 4 ft; Min panel size 2 ft x 2 ft | — | Maintain 6-ft clear walkway. | — | All districts; on sidewalk area adjacent to business | — | Unlock | §3.23.13 |
| Directory Sign | 6 ft | 24 sq ft | — | ≥10 ft from any property line; not a projecting sign. | 1 per lot (more if lot has frontage on 2+ roads) | Offices, office parks, industrial parks, multi-tenant buildings; in addition to other permitted signs | — | Unlock | §3.23.14 |
| Off-Premise Directional Sign (Small) | 3–6 ft (Planning Commission may grant variations to ensure visibility) | 2 sq ft | — | — | Max 2 per use | All districts (off-premise, on property with owner permission) | — | Unlock | §3.23.16 |
Central Business District (CBD)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign - One Public Road Frontage | 6 ft | 20 sq ft per side | — | ≥5 ft from public road right-of-way; setback from all other property boundaries equal to the height of the sign. | 1 per premise with 1 public road frontage | On-premise | — | Unlock | §3.23.8 (CBD row; footnote 2; Other item 1) |
| Canopy Sign - Independent Standing Canopy (In lieu of Freestanding) | Bottom of sign ≥10 ft above ground or sidewalk | ≤30 sq ft total | — | No part of sign or support structure may extend over property line. | In lieu of a freestanding sign | On-premise; attached to independent standing canopy | — | Unlock | §3.23.8 (CBD – Other item 2) |
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Attached to building wall; signs on vertical portion of a mansard roof are considered wall signs. | — | Unlock | §3.23.9 (CBD – Other item 1, item 2) |
| Rooftop Sign | Not allowed | Not allowed | — | — | — | Not allowed | — | Unlock | §3.23.9 (CBD – Roof: Not allowed) |
| Projecting Sign (CBD) | — | 20 sq ft per side (40 sq ft total both sides) | — | — | 1 per non-residential use | May extend above public right-of-way in CBD | — | Unlock | §3.23.10.1–4 |
| Message Board - Static | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per non-residential use | On-premise, non-residential uses | — | Unlock | §3.23.12 |
| Message Board - Electronic | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per non-residential use | On-premise, non-residential uses | — | Unlock | §3.23.12.1 |
| Sandwich Board Sign | — | Panel size between 2x2 ft and 2x4 ft | — | Maintain 6-ft clear walkway. | — | Sidewalk near business; maintain clear walkway | — | Unlock | §3.23.13 |
Industrial District (I)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign - Two Public Road Frontages | 8 ft (measured from ground to top of sign or support, whichever higher) | 40 sq ft per side (second sign ≤50% of area requirement) | — | ≥5 ft from public road right-of-way; setback from other property boundaries equal to sign height. | Up to 2 per premise with 2 public road frontages (second sign ≤50% area; ≥100 ft separation along second street) | On-premise along each street frontage | — | Unlock | §3.23.8 (I row; Number Allowed group; footnote 2; Other item 1) |
| Wall Sign | — | ≤25% of area of each building wall | — | — | Unlimited as long as maximum allowable sign area per building is not exceeded | Attached to building wall | — | Unlock | §3.23.9 (Wall – rowspans including I; Other items 1–3) |
| Rooftop Sign | Not allowed | Not allowed | — | — | — | Not allowed | — | Unlock | §3.23.9 (I – Roof: Not allowed) |
| Off-Premise Sign (Billboard) | ≤30 ft above level of street/road to which message is directed (if situated upon two roads of different levels, measured from higher road) | ≤300 sq ft per side (tandem/stacked combined ≤300 sq ft) | — | ≥75 ft from property line adjoining a public ROW; ≥10 ft from interior property lines; ≥200 ft from residential zone/residence (≥300 ft if illuminated) | Spacing limit: ≤3 per linear mile | Only permitted in I District; must comply with Highway Advertising Act 1972 PA 106, as amended | — | Unlock | §3.23.15.1–7 |
PermitPal covers all 17 zoning districts in Grayling — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 17 zones for Grayling — start freeProhibited Signs in Grayling
- Signs may only be illuminated by electrical means; non-electrical illumination is prohibited.
- Flashing, intermittent, or moving-light signs; signs with moving or revolving parts; and signs with reflecting parts that may distract drivers are prohibited (electronic message centers are not excluded but must comply with applicable standards).
- Signs affixed to fences, utility poles, trees, rocks, shrubs, or similar natural features are prohibited, except for the specified fence exception for certain remote commercial properties.
- Signs mounted upon a stationary motor vehicle or similar object used as a non-mobile display are prohibited; permanently painted or otherwise permanent signage on licensed, operating vehicles identifying the owner's occupation is permitted.
- Signs that imitate traffic signals or other traffic control devices, or use words/phrases/symbols that interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic are prohibited.
- Signs located within or overhanging a public right-of-way or on public property (other than those erected by a public agency), unless otherwise specifically allowed, are prohibited.
- Any sign or sign structure that constitutes a hazard to public health and safety due to inadequate maintenance is prohibited.
- Any sign unlawfully installed, erected, or maintained is prohibited.
- Signs containing obscene material (appealing predominantly to prurient interest in sexual conduct, patently offensive depictions, or offensive/lewd content) are prohibited.
- Signs erected or maintained so as to prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window, or fire escape are prohibited; no sign may be attached to a stand pipe or fire escape.
- Signs placed so as to interfere with the visibility or effectiveness of official traffic signs or signals; driver vision at any access point or intersection; or pedestrian movement on any public sidewalk are prohibited.
Exempt Signs in Grayling
- Signs not exceeding 2 square feet in size are permitted without a permit in all districts.
- Commercial and industrial accessory signs in parking lots and on accessory structures and equipment are permitted without a permit in all districts.
- Temporary signs and attention-getting devices (e.g., Air Dancers, Swooper Banners/Flags) are permitted without a permit up to four times per year for a maximum of 30 days each.
- Portable changeable copy message boards up to 32 square feet are permitted without a permit for no more than 30 days at a time; in the CBD they must maintain an eight-foot sidewalk clear area; in other districts they may not be placed in a public right-of-way.
- Signs erected by an official governmental body, public utility, or historic agency are permitted without a permit.
- Awning signs and canopy signs are permitted without a permit.
- Flags are permitted without a permit.
- Public banners across public rights-of-way are permitted without a permit, subject to terms or conditions imposed by the City Council or its designee.
- Signs not readable by motorists or pedestrians on any road, alley, water body, public lands, or adjacent parcels are permitted without a permit.
- Legal postings are permitted without a permit.
- Sandwich board signs do not require a sign permit (must be registered, adhere to ordinance standards, maintain a six-foot clear walkway, have panels between 2x2 and 2x4 feet, and be removed when the business is closed).
- Any allowed sign may contain a non-commercial message (substitution clause).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Grayling
- A sign permit is required to display, erect, relocate, or alter any sign unless specifically exempt elsewhere in the ordinance.
- Sign permit applications must include a site plan and elevation drawings of the proposed sign, structural details (connections, supports, footings, materials), an electrical permit application if the sign will have electrical connection, and a statement of valuation.
- Roof signs in C-1, C-3A, and C-3B require additional documentation with the permit: approved roof bearing inspection form; proof of installation by a professional sign company; documentation of lighting intensity and direction (lighting must not directly impact surrounding properties); and documentation that the sign is designed to withstand high winds.
- Small off-premise directional signs are subject to review by the Zoning Administrator; variations in height may be granted by the Planning Commission to ensure visibility; permission from the property owner where the sign is to be located must be included with the permit application.
- Public banners across public rights-of-way are subject to any terms or conditions imposed by the City Council or its designee.
- Sandwich board signs must be registered even though a sign permit is not required.
- No master sign plan requirement was identified in the provided text.
Source: other municipal code