# Sign Regulations in Howell, Michigan

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Howell, Michigan (MI)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/michigan/howell
- **Data last verified:** 2026-02-11
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CkmyXQBZOyNQv_8CVSYMLitEMJXWnvyh/view?usp=sharing)

## At a glance

Howell, Michigan regulates 37 sign types across 23 zoning districts. Directional Sign (On-site)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 3 ft tall and 4 sq ft per sign, with a General sign setbacks and clear vision requirements apply. setback (Sec. Sec. 16.02.07; Sec. 16.07.05). Most commercial signs in Howell require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (23 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 8 | 6 ft | Individual window sign ≤ 200 sq ft; combined area of all window signs ≤ 500 sq ft. | — |
| Agricultural Districts (AG, CE) | 4 | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Residential Districts (RR, LDR, SR, UR, LRR, MDR, HDR, MHP) | 4 | 6 ft | 36 sq ft | — |
| Single Family Residential | 3 | 6 ft | 36 sq ft | — |
| Multiple Family Residential | 4 | 6 ft | 36 sq ft | — |
| Manufactured Home District (MHP) | 3 | 6 ft | 36 sq ft | — |
| Neighborhood Service District (NSD); Town Center Overlay District (TCOD) | 6 | 6 ft | Up to 100 sq ft (subject to 10% facade cap); see additional options. | — |
| Town Center Overlay District (TCOD) (Neighborhood Street Frontage) | 6 | 6 ft | Up to 100 sq ft (subject to 10% facade cap); see additional options. | — |
| Town Center Overlay District (TCOD) (Grand River Street Frontage) | 6 | 6 ft | Up to 100 sq ft (plus possible increases per Footnote (2)). | — |
| Town Center Overlay District (TCOD) (Dorr Road Street Frontage) | 6 | 6 ft | Up to 100 sq ft (plus possible increases per Footnote (2)). | — |
| Town Center Overlay District (TCOD) (Town Center Street Frontage) | 6 | 6 ft | Up to 100 sq ft (plus possible increases per Footnote (2)). | — |
| General Commercial District (GCD); Regional Commercial District (RCD) | 6 | 6 ft | Up to 100 sq ft, subject to 10% facade cap; see Footnote (2) options. | — |
| Office Service District (OSD); Public and Recreational Facilities District (PRF) | 6 | 6 ft | Up to 100 sq ft (subject to 10% facade cap); see Footnote (2) options. | — |
| Industrial District (IND) | 6 | 6 ft | Up to 100 sq ft (subject to 10% facade cap); see Footnote (2) options. | — |
| Nonresidential Districts (PRF, NSD, OSD, GCD, RCD, IND) | 7 | 6 ft | 20 sq ft per menu board | — |
| Planned Industrial and PUD Districts (PID, R-PUD, MU-PUD, NR-PUD, RD-PUD, ICPUD, CAPUD) | 4 | 6 ft | Up to 100 sq ft (subject to 10% facade cap); see Footnote (2) options. | — |
| Residential Planned Unit Development (R-PUD) Overlay District | 4 | 6 ft | Up to 100 sq ft (subject to 10% facade cap); see Footnote (2) options. | — |
| Mixed Use Planned Unit Development (MU-PUD) District (Residential) | 4 | 6 ft | Up to 100 sq ft (subject to 10% facade cap); see Footnote (2) options. | — |
| Mixed Use Planned Unit Development (MU-PUD) District (Nonresidential) | 6 | 6 ft | Up to 100 sq ft (subject to 10% facade cap); see Footnote (2) options. | — |
| Non-residential Planned Unit Development (NR-PUD) District | 6 | 6 ft | Up to 100 sq ft (subject to 10% facade cap); see Footnote (2) options. | — |
| Redevelopment Planned Unit Development (RD-PUD) Overlay District | 6 | 6 ft | Up to 100 sq ft (subject to 10% facade cap); see Footnote (2) options. | — |
| Interchange Commercial (ICPUD) District | 6 | 6 ft | Up to 100 sq ft (subject to 10% facade cap); see Footnote (2) options. | — |
| Interchange Campus (CAPUD) District | 6 | 6 ft | Up to 100 sq ft (subject to 10% facade cap); see Footnote (2) options. | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 23 zones)

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign - General Projection Limits | — | — | — | General sign setback: 10 ft minimum from any public street right-of-way or property line; maintain 25 ft clear vision triangle at intersections. | — | Attached parallel to building wall; painted signs, individual letters, cabinet signs, and signs mounted on the face of a mansard roof are considered wall signs. | — | Sec. 16.07.131; Sec. 16.02.23; Sec. 16.06.05; Sec. 16.03.01 |
| Awning Sign | — | — | — | Building-mounted. | Counts against wall sign allowances. | Mounted, painted, or applied on the face of an awning over a door/entrance/window wholly supported by the building. | — | Sec. 16.02.01; Sec. 16.07.01; Sec. 16.06.01(c) |
| Canopy Sign | — | — | — | Building-mounted. | Counts against wall sign allowances. | Mounted on the roof, fascia, soffit or ceiling of a rigid, permanently attached canopy projecting from the building (not an awning). | — | Sec. 16.02.05; Sec. 16.07.02; Sec. 16.06.01(c) |
| Window Sign | — | Individual window sign ≤ 200 sq ft; combined area of all window signs ≤ 500 sq ft. | — | N/A (interior window). | Not numerically limited; subject to area limits. | Affixed to an inside surface of a window or positioned within 2 ft of inside of a window so visible from outside. | — | Sec. 16.02.24; Sec. 16.07.14 |
| Directional Sign (On-site) | 3 ft | 4 sq ft per sign | — | General sign setbacks and clear vision requirements apply. | 1 per approved driveway | On-site, assisting motorists/pedestrians with enter/exit/one-way, etc. | — | Sec. 16.02.07; Sec. 16.07.05 |
| Pole Sign (General) | 6 ft | 4 sq ft | — | Subject to principal building setbacks; maintain clear vision areas. | — | On-site; typical use includes general directive or informational nature within lots. | — | Sec. 16.02.16; Sec. 16.07.10 |
| Temporary Sign - General Conditions (All Districts) | — | — | — | As above. | As per zone-specific tables. | Minimum setbacks from back of curb/edge of gravel; outside clear vision areas; with property owner permission. | — | Sec. 16.03.02(f)(1)-(6) |
| Address Sign (Required) | — | — | — | — | 1 per building (address identifier) | Visible from adjacent street. | — | Sec. 16.05 |

### Neighborhood Service District (NSD); Town Center Overlay District (TCOD)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | Up to 100 sq ft (subject to 10% facade cap); see additional options. | — | Building-mounted. | 1 per establishment (see additional allowances for second sign) | On façade facing a public street (including I-96) or another façade with a public entrance; must be attached only to portion of building occupied by the establishment. | — | Table 16.1 (NSD/TCOD); Footnotes (1) and (2) |
| Monument Sign | 6 ft | 72 sq ft (may increase by 10% with enhanced landscaping and decorative brick base) | — | ≥10 ft from ROW; maintain clear vision. | 1 (possible PC-approved second sign per Footnote (3)) | Freestanding, solid base-mounted. | — | Table 16.1 (NSD/TCOD); Footnotes (3), (4), (5); Sec. 16.07.08 |
| Electronic Message Sign (Monument) | — | Up to 1/3 of approved monument sign area (e.g., ≤24 sq ft if 72 sq ft monument). | — | Monument sign setback applies (≥10 ft from ROW). | 1 per establishment (changeable/EMS) | Within the face of a permitted monument sign. | — | Sec. 16.07.03(a)-(d); Sec. 16.07.04(a)-(j) |
| Electronic Message Sign (Window) | — | 2 sq ft (per sign) | — | N/A (inside window). | 1 per establishment (2 for corner units/lots) | Affixed or hung in a window. | — | Sec. 16.07.03(d); Sec. 16.07.04(a)-(j) |
| Menu Board | — | 20 sq ft per menu board | — | Prohibited in front yard; otherwise general setbacks apply. | ≤2 per drive-through order lane | At drive-through food service order lanes; not located in the front yard. | — | Sec. 16.02.10; Sec. 16.07.07 |
| Temporary Sign (Nonresidential Districts) | Standard: 4 ft; Extra: 6 ft | Standard: 6 sq ft; Extra: 32 sq ft | — | Per general temporary sign conditions. | Standard: 1 + extras per frontage; Extra: ≤2 | On-site per general temporary sign conditions. | — | Sec. 16.03.02(f)(6) – Nonresidential/NRPUD/RDPUD/ICPUD/CAPUD/MUPUD-Nonres/TCOD (Grand River, Dorr, Town Center) table |

### Nonresidential Districts (PRF, NSD, OSD, GCD, RCD, IND)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Electronic Message Sign (Monument) - General Allowance | — | ≤1/3 of approved monument sign area for the district (e.g., 72 sq ft districts vs. 60 sq ft in IND). | — | Monument setbacks apply. | 1 per establishment | Within a permitted monument sign. | — | Sec. 16.07.03; Sec. 16.07.04(a)-(j) |
| Electronic Message Sign (Window) - General Allowance | — | 2 sq ft (per sign) | — | N/A | 1 (2 for corner units/lots) | Affixed or hung in a window. | — | Sec. 16.07.03(d); Sec. 16.07.04 |
| Incidental/Informational Sign | 6 ft | 4 sq ft | — | Principal building setbacks apply to freestanding incidental signs. | — | On the same building site as the principal use; freestanding versions must meet setbacks for principal buildings. | — | Sec. 16.02.11; Sec. 16.03.02(h); Sec. 16.07.06 |
| Menu Board - General Allowance | — | 20 sq ft per menu board | — | Not in front yard; otherwise general. | ≤2 per lane | Drive-through order lanes; not in front yard. | — | Sec. 16.07.07 |
| Directional Sign (On-site) - General Allowance | 3 ft | 4 sq ft | — | General setbacks and clear vision apply. | 1 per approved driveway | On-site at driveways/parking circulation points. | — | Sec. 16.07.05 |
| Pole Sign (General) - Nonresidential | 6 ft | 4 sq ft | — | Principal building setbacks; maintain clear vision. | — | On-site; subject to principal building setbacks. | — | Sec. 16.07.10 |
| Temporary Sign (Nonresidential Districts) - General | Standard: 4 ft; Extra: 6 ft | Standard: 6 sq ft; Extra: 32 sq ft | — | Per general temporary sign conditions. | Standard: frontage-based; Extra: ≤2 | On-site per general temporary sign conditions. | — | Sec. 16.03.02(f)(6) – Nonresidential table |

## Prohibited signs in Howell

- Vehicle signs are prohibited except when parked/placed in compliance with principal-building setbacks, only if no other on-premises placement options exist, and in the least visible location from the public right-of-way.
- Exterior string/rope lights are prohibited, except for holiday decorations that comply with the ordinance’s holiday display provision.
- Signs in any public right-of-way are prohibited, except regulatory, directional, and street signs erected by a public agency, street address signs, and temporary signs expressly authorized by the ordinance; the Township may remove violations.
- Portable signs are prohibited, with a one-time exception of up to 14 days after an establishment opens or changes owners, subject to setbacks and permit.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- Signs with moving members/parts or that emit sound are prohibited.
- Signs using high-intensity lights, flashing lights, spinners, or animated devices are prohibited.
- Signs that obstruct or impair vision of motorists or non-motorized travelers at intersections, driveways, parking lots, or loading areas are prohibited; no signs may be placed in the public right-of-way except as expressly authorized.
- Signs that simulate or could be confused with emergency vehicle lighting or traffic signals are prohibited.
- Any signage on public or private radio, television, cellular phone, or water towers is prohibited, except the name of the municipality or the name of the property/easement grantor to the Township or Utility Authority.
- Costumed individuals used to advertise a business (wearing a business logo or mascot) are prohibited.
- Any sign that exceeds the height or area limits of the ordinance is prohibited.
- Signs on vacant land are prohibited except for temporary signs as allowed by the ordinance.
- Use of glaring, undiffused lights or bulbs on signs is prohibited.
- Sign illumination that could distract motorists or otherwise create a traffic hazard is prohibited.
- Illumination of signs by bare bulbs or flames is prohibited.
- Signs shall not be constructed from materials that are remnants or manufactured for a different purpose.

## Signs exempt from permit in Howell

- Legal notices (including signs required for proposed zoning changes or variance requests) are not considered signs and are exempt.
- Decorative holiday displays (not exceeding 75 days) are not considered signs and are exempt.
- Signs required by law (e.g., fire or traffic code) are not considered signs and are exempt.
- Flags of any country, state, municipality, university, college, or school are not considered signs and are exempt.
- Historical markers (plaques/signs describing state or national historic designation and/or narrative) up to 12 sq. ft. are exempt from a sign permit (must meet other ordinance requirements).
- Integral signs (names of buildings, dates of erection, monumental citations, commemorative tablets) carved into permanent materials or made of noncombustible materials and up to 25 sq. ft. are exempt from a sign permit.
- Parking lot signs regulating on-site vehicle traffic (e.g., no parking, handicapped parking, loading area) up to 6 ft. in height and 4 sq. ft. in area are exempt from a sign permit.
- Regulatory, directional, and street signs erected and maintained by a public agency (including street signs, traffic signals/safety signs, speed limit signs, Township gateway/entry signs, neighborhood identification signs, and directional signs) are exempt from a sign permit and may be located in the public right-of-way if they do not obstruct visibility.
- Street address signs (street numbers) may be located in the public right-of-way if they do not obstruct visibility and are exempt from a sign permit.
- Temporary signs are exempt from a sign permit subject to general conditions: minimum 10-foot setback from back of curb/edge of gravel, not within 25-foot clear-vision areas, property-owner permission required, no illumination, must be durable/well-maintained; dimensional/number/height/duration limits vary by residential vs. nonresidential districts per ordinance tables.
- Warning signs (e.g., no trespassing, electrical current, animals) up to 6 sq. ft. are exempt from a sign permit and may be in required setback areas but not within the public right-of-way and without obstructing visibility.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- No explicit requirement for a master sign plan or sign plan appears in the provided sections.
- A sign permit is required for erecting, re-erecting, altering, or relocating any sign unless expressly exempt (Sec. 16.03.01 and 16.03.02).
- Planning Commission discretionary approvals: (a) may permit a second wall sign in special visibility circumstances (Table 16.1 footnote (2)(b)); (b) may increase maximum wall sign area for single-use buildings with extensive frontage and for additional landscaping (Table 16.1 footnote (2)(c)); (c) may permit a second or larger monument sign for sites with secondary street/I-96 frontage or large centers, and approve additional monument signs for qualifying outlots with shared access (Table 16.1 footnote (3)).
- PUD district development agreements may establish specific sign standards (Table 16.1 footnote (7)), which can function similarly to a project-level signage framework.
- No sign-specific variance or master sign plan submittal/meeting requirement is specified in the provided text beyond standard permit and Planning Commission approvals noted above.

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

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