Sign Regulations in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan

Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan has specific sign regulations covering 4 sign types across 2 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Directional Sign, Ground Sign, Temporary 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 Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan

Sample Sign Requirements in Grosse Pointe Shores

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaSetback
Directional Sign4 feet2 square feet per side, max 2 sides
Ground Sign4 feet7 square feet per side, max 2 sides5 feet from right-of-way and other property boundaries (unless city approved for within right-of-way)
Temporary Sign4 feet (can exceed in Philanthropic or Park/Club Districts with permit)7 square feet per side5 feet from right-of-way, driveway, property lines, unless city approved for within right-of-way/easement

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

PermitPal Coverage for Grosse Pointe ShoresPartial Coverage

Sign Types Covered

4

  • Directional Sign
  • Ground Sign
  • Temporary Sign
  • Banner Sign

Zoning Districts

2

Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations

Data Includes

  • Permit requirements
  • Height restrictions
  • Illumination rules

Official Resources for Grosse Pointe Shores

Frequently Asked Questions

Sign height limits in Grosse Pointe Shores 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 Grosse Pointe Shores, 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 Grosse Pointe Shores, regulated sign types include Directional Sign, Ground Sign, Temporary Sign, Banner Sign. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.

Sign setback requirements in Grosse Pointe Shores 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 Grosse Pointe Shores are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Grosse Pointe Shores has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.

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Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan Sign Rules at a Glance

Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan regulates 4 sign types across 2 zoning districts. Ground Signs in the Residence Lakefront District, Philanthropic District, Park/Club District zoning district are capped at 4 feet tall and 7 square feet per side, max 2 sides, with a 5 feet from right-of-way and other property boundaries (unless city approved for within right-of-way) setback (Sec. Sec. 40-331(f)(2); Sec. 40-331(e)(4)). Most commercial signs in Grosse Pointe Shores require a permit.

Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan

Sign Rules by Zoning District in Grosse Pointe Shores (2 zones)

Zoning DistrictSign Types RegulatedMax HeightMax AreaPermit Required
Residence Lakefront District, Philanthropic District, Park/Club District44 feet7 square feet per side, max 2 sides
General Regulations For All Zones34 feet7 square feet per side, max 2 sides

Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Grosse Pointe Shores

Residence Lakefront District, Philanthropic District, Park/Club District

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Directional Sign4 feet2 square feet per side, max 2 sidesOne at each driveway entranceOn-premises; one at each driveway entrance to the property.UnlockSec. 40-331(f)(1)
Ground Sign4 feet7 square feet per side, max 2 sides5 feet from right-of-way and other property boundaries (unless city approved for within right-of-way)One per lot of record; for subdivisions/site condominiums/multifamily, one at primary entrance plus one additional at secondary entrance (with max 50% of allowable area) if on a different streetOn-premises; may be located within public right-of-way upon city approval, including mounting to a fence or wall not exceeding 2 feet above the structure.UnlockSec. 40-331(f)(2); Sec. 40-331(e)(4)
Temporary Sign4 feet (can exceed in Philanthropic or Park/Club Districts with permit)7 square feet per side5 feet from right-of-way, driveway, property lines, unless city approved for within right-of-way/easementFive per lot of recordOn-premises; may be within public right-of-way or easement with city approval, including on fence/wall not exceeding 2 feet over structureUnlockSec. 40-331(f)(3); Sec. 40-331(e)(4)
Banner SignAllowed only in Philanthropic and Park/Club DistrictsUnlockSec. 40-331(d)(3)

General Regulations For All Zones

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Directional Sign4 feet2 square feet per side, max 2 sidesOne at each driveway entranceOn-premises; one at each driveway entrance to the property.UnlockSec. 40-331(f)(1)
Ground Sign4 feet7 square feet per side, max 2 sides5 feet from right-of-way, driveway, property linesOne per lot; see special rule for subdivisions/site condos/multifamilyOn-premises with minimum 5-foot setback from right-of-way, driveway, and property lines.UnlockSec. 40-331(f)(2)
Temporary Sign4 feet7 square feet per side5 feet from right-of-way, driveway, property linesFive per lotOn-premises with 5-foot setback from right-of-way, driveway, and property lines.UnlockSec. 40-331(f)(3)

Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Grosse Pointe Shores are available with a free PermitPal account.

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Prohibited Signs in Grosse Pointe Shores

  • Signs not exempt or permitted as provided are not permitted.
  • Abandoned signs are not permitted.
  • Bench signs are not permitted.
  • Banner signs are not permitted, except in the Philanthropic District or Park/Club District with a permit.
  • Any sign unlawfully installed, erected or maintained is not permitted.
  • Flashing, animated, or moving signs are not permitted.
  • Electronic or digital changeable copy signs are not permitted.
  • Illuminated signs are not permitted except as may be specifically permitted by the city.
  • Inflatable signs are not permitted.
  • Nonconforming signs are not permitted.
  • Freestanding signs are not permitted.
  • Roof signs are not permitted.
  • Vehicle signs are not permitted.
  • Wall (building-mounted) signs are not permitted.
  • Any device erected or maintained 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 vehicular traffic is not permitted.
  • Any sign which obstructs free ingress to or egress from a required door, window, fire escape or other required exit is not permitted.
  • Any sign that, as determined by the building official or designee, is deemed unsafe, constitutes a hazard, is structurally unsound or not in good repair is not permitted.
  • Only signs established or permitted by city, county, state or federal government may be located in or project into the public road right-of-way or public property, unless specifically provided otherwise.
  • Signs shall not obstruct the clear vision or movement of pedestrians, cyclists, or motorists.
  • All signs must be on-premises signs.
  • Signs must comply with all other ordinances, including but not limited to section 40-237 (corner clearance) and subsection 40-244(b)(2) (home occupations).
  • No sign shall be illuminated by other than electrical means.
  • Illuminated signs shall not interfere with the vision of pedestrians, cyclists, or motorists.
  • The light from illuminated signs shall not directly shine into adjacent or abutting properties.
  • Illuminated signs adjacent to residentially zoned property shall not exceed 0.1 foot-candles along the adjacent property line.
  • No sign shall have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or other illuminating devices which have a changing light intensity, brightness, or color.
  • When signs are externally illuminated, the light source shall be shielded and not visible from a public street or adjacent property.
  • Neon lighting or similar lighting technologies are prohibited.
  • Any sign located within a public right-of-way or easement area may be removed by the city without notice in the event of a public safety or infrastructure emergency.

Exempt Signs in Grosse Pointe Shores

  • Flags are exempt.
  • Legal notices, identification information, or directional signs erected or permitted by governmental bodies or agencies are exempt.
  • Building or unit addresses are exempt.

Source: municode municipal code