# Sign Regulations in Keego Harbor, Michigan

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Keego Harbor, Michigan (MI)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/michigan/keego-harbor
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-08
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/MI/Keego_Harbor/codes/Zoning_Ordinance?nodeId=ARTXIVSI)

## At a glance

Keego Harbor, Michigan regulates 27 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Ground Signs in the CBD, CBD Fringe zoning district are capped at 6 ft (single-tenant/common entrance), 8 ft (multi-tenant) tall and 48 sq ft total, 24 sq ft/face, with a Min 100 ft from residential setback (Sec. Sec. 14.07(c)(3) and (c)(2)f). Most commercial signs in Keego Harbor require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (7 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | — | — | — |
| NR, R-2 | 2 | — | 36 sq ft | — |
| R-M, R-ME | 2 | — | 20 sq ft | — |
| R-MH | 1 | — | — | — |
| CBD, CBD Fringe | 14 | 45 in overall; 36 in sign area; 9 in supports max height | See formula (max 100 sq ft aggregate) | — |
| C-1, C-2, P-1, O-1, Village Overlay District (VOD) | 14 | 45 in overall; 36 in sign area; 9 in supports max height | See formula (max 100 sq ft aggregate) | — |
| M-1 | 5 | 20 ft from avg grade (measured within 60 ft radius from base) | 200 sq ft (all faces), 100 sq ft per sign face | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 7 zones)

### CBD, CBD Fringe

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Single-tenant/Multi-tenant Common Entrance) | — | See formula (max 100 sq ft aggregate) | — | — | Up to 3 total wall/ground signs | On the side or near front of the building, subject to Planning Commission approval. | — | Sec. 14.07(c)(1) |
| Wall Sign (Shopping Center/Each Tenant with Outside Entrance) | — | 2 sq ft per lineal foot of frontage | — | — | 1 per building frontage, max 2 per tenant | On facade with tenant entrance. | — | Sec. 14.07(c)(2)c |
| Ground Sign | 6 ft (single-tenant/common entrance), 8 ft (multi-tenant) | 48 sq ft total, 24 sq ft/face | — | Min 100 ft from residential | 1 per premises | Min 100 ft from any residential district. | — | Sec. 14.07(c)(3) and (c)(2)f |
| Marquee Sign | — | 2 ft x 5 ft (10 sq ft) or up to 105 sq ft | 5 ft | — | — | Flat on wall, attached to building, not above first floor roofline. | — | Sec. 14.07(c)(9) |
| Window Sign | — | 1/3 window area (12 sq ft/storefront in VOD) | — | — | — | On inside of window. | — | Sec. 14.07(c)(6) |
| Small Blade Sign | 8 ft clearance above walking surface; extends max 36 in from facade. | 5 sq ft | — | — | — | Perpendicular to facade. | — | Sec. 14.01(aa), 14.07(c)(10)e |
| Sandwich Board or A-Frame Sign (One Entrance) | 45 in overall; 36 in sign area; 9 in supports max height | 6 sq ft | 24 in | — | 1 per business entrance | Next to building wall or outside ROW; may be on public sidewalk immediately adjacent. | — | Sec. 14.07(c)(12) |
| Sandwich Board or A-Frame Sign (Multiple Entrances) | 45 in overall; 36 in sign area; 9 in supports max height | 6 sq ft | 24 in | — | 1 per rear entrance (if customer entrance exists) | At second entrance (see above for placement criteria). | — | Sec. 14.07(c)(12)c |

### C-1, C-2, P-1, O-1, Village Overlay District (VOD)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Single-tenant/Multi-tenant Common Entrance) | — | See formula (max 100 sq ft aggregate) | — | — | Up to 3 total wall/ground signs | On the side or near front of the building, subject to Planning Commission approval. | — | Sec. 14.07(c)(1) |
| Wall Sign (Shopping Center/Each Tenant with Outside Entrance) | — | 2 sq ft per lineal foot of frontage | — | — | 1 per building frontage, max 2 per tenant | On facade with tenant entrance. | — | Sec. 14.07(c)(2)c |
| Ground Sign | 6 ft (single-tenant/common entrance), 8 ft (multi-tenant) | 48 sq ft total, 24 sq ft per face | — | Min 100 ft from residential | 1 per premises | Min 100 ft from any residential district. | — | Sec. 14.07(c)(3) and (c)(2)f |
| Marquee Sign | — | 2 ft x 5 ft (10 sq ft) or up to 105 sq ft | 5 ft | — | — | Flat on wall, attached to building, not above first floor roofline. | — | Sec. 14.07(c)(9) |
| Window Sign | — | 1/3 window area (12 sq ft/storefront in VOD) | — | — | — | On inside of window. | — | Sec. 14.07(c)(6) |
| Small Blade Sign | 8 ft clearance above walking surface; extends max 36 in from facade. | 5 sq ft | — | — | — | Perpendicular to facade. | — | Sec. 14.01(aa), 14.07(c)(10)e |
| Sandwich Board or A-Frame Sign (One Entrance) | 45 in overall; 36 in sign area; 9 in supports max height | 6 sq ft | 24 in | — | 1 per business entrance | Next to building wall or outside ROW; may be on public sidewalk immediately adjacent. | — | Sec. 14.07(c)(12) |
| Sandwich Board or A-Frame Sign (Multiple Entrances) | 45 in overall; 36 in sign area; 9 in supports max height | 6 sq ft | 24 in | — | 1 per rear entrance (if customer entrance exists) | At second entrance (see above for placement criteria). | — | Sec. 14.07(c)(12)c |

### M-1

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign/Accessory Ground Sign (Single Occupant) | — | 75 sq ft (aggregate) | — | — | 1 wall or ground sign or both, max 75 sq ft total | On face of area occupied by occupant or on site. | — | Sec. 14.07(e)(1) |
| Accessory Ground Sign (Multi-Occupant Complex) | — | 75 sq ft | — | — | 1 per premises | At complex/site entrance. | — | Sec. 14.07(e)(2) |
| Wall Sign (Multi-Occupant Tenant Identification) | — | 10 sq ft per tenant | — | — | 1 per tenant | On tenant's building frontage. | — | Sec. 14.07(e)(2) |
| Ground Sign (Aggregate) | — | — | — | Min 100 ft from residential | 1 per premises | On premises. | — | Sec. 14.07(e)(3) |
| Non-Accessory Advertising Sign/Billboard | 20 ft from avg grade (measured within 60 ft radius from base) | 200 sq ft (all faces), 100 sq ft per sign face | — | Equal to zoning yard for M-1 District; see above for other distance requirements. | — | On lot, min 1000 ft from any other non-accessory sign on same side of right-of-way; min 500 ft from any residential district or use (if illuminated). | — | Sec. 14.07(e)(4) |

## Prohibited signs in Keego Harbor

- Pole signs are not permitted.
- Roof signs are not permitted.
- No sign shall be illuminated by other than continuing white light using approved electrical devices and shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of the ordinance. No open spark or flame unless approved by the Building Official.
- Any lighting for the illumination of signs shall be directed away from and shielded from any adjacent lots and shall not adversely affect driver visibility on adjacent public thoroughfares.
- No advertising device shall be 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 traffic.
- No sign, except those established and maintained by government, shall be located in, project into, or overhang a public right-of-way or public easement.
- No sign shall obstruct the view of drivers in vehicles approaching an intersection of two roads or the intersection of a road and driveway. Signs in the defined triangular area must not obstruct cross-visibility.
- No sign shall be permitted at any location which, in the sole discretion of the Building Official, creates any type of safety hazard or visual impediment to pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
- No sign shall be erected so that any part including cables, guys, etc., will be within ten (10) feet of any electrical conductor, electric light pole, street lamp, traffic light, or other public utility pole or standard.
- No signs of any kind shall be attached to or placed upon a building in such a manner as to obstruct any fire escape.
- The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts: Signs illuminated by flashing or moving lights (except for certain noncommercial info signs), exterior banners, pennants, spinners, and streamers (except as permitted), exterior string lights in connection with a commercial premise (other than holiday decorations), any sign with visible motion (other than certain flags or noncommercial info), any sign which is structurally or electrically unsafe, any sign erected on a tree or utility pole except signs of a political subdivision of this state, any business sign or sign structure that no longer advertises a bona fide business or product, portable signs and any freestanding exterior sign not permanently anchored except real estate ‘open house’ signs, signs displayed on licensed vehicles or trailers when parked with the intent to advertise, any sign on a motor vehicle or trailer which projects more than six (6) inches from the surface when parked visible from a public street (except political signs), any sign structure or frame no longer supporting or containing a sign, roof signs above the roof or parapet of a building, internally illuminated awnings shall not be translucent.
- In the Village Overlay District (VOD): Internally illuminated box signs and awnings and monument signs are prohibited.
- Revolving signs are not permitted.

## Signs exempt from permit in Keego Harbor

- No permit required for ordinary servicing, repainting of existing sign message, or cleaning of a sign.
- No permit required for change of message on a sign designed for periodic message change without change of structure (bulletin board or billboard), but not including a sign to which a new permanent face may be attached.
- Construction signs (with size and duration limits) do not require a permit.
- Garage and yard sale signs meeting the specified size, placement, and duration do not require a permit.
- Government signs: Signs erected on City, county, state or federal buildings or land which announce the name, occupancy and information of the use or admission to the premises or respectfully displayed flags.
- Political signs (if following specific conditions) do not require a permit.
- Real estate signs (with size, location, and duration restrictions) do not require a permit.
- Residential address signs (one per dwelling unit, max two (2) square feet) do not require a permit.
- Street signs erected by the City, county, state, or federal government do not require a permit.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Any sign not explicitly defined in the ordinance must be approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals before a permit shall be issued.
- Applications for sign permits are made upon forms provided by the Building Department.
- Murals require an application including objectives, location, concept sketch, schedule, elevation plans, and review by the Planning Commission.
- Outline tubing (neon) signs require review and approval by the Planning Commission.
- Wall signs and certain signage changes in shopping centers/multi-tenant buildings require review and approval by the Planning Commission.
- Permit required for installation of most types of signs as per the schedule of sign regulations.
- If a permit for a small sign or temporary sign (for more than allotted time) is requested, approval by the Planning Commission is required.
- Any appeals regarding sign regulations or permits are heard by the Zoning Board of Appeals, which may grant a variance.
- Sign permit required for sandwich board or A-frame signs, with review and approval by the Zoning Administrator or designee prior to granting permit; annual permit renewal required.
- Electrical permit required for any sign using electricity (in addition to sign permit).

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

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