Sign Regulations in Marine, Michigan
Marine, Michigan has specific sign regulations covering 30 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Political Sign, Exempt Sign - Driveway Access, Exempt Sign - Internal Access. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 20, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Marine, Michigan
Sample Sign Requirements in Marine
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exempt Sign - Driveway Access | 4 ft | 4 sq ft | — |
| Exempt Sign - Internal Access | 6 ft | 2 sq ft | — |
| Exempt Sign - Wall Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
30
- Political Sign
- Exempt Sign - Driveway Access
- Exempt Sign - Internal Access
- Exempt Sign - Wall Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Other Cities in Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Marine 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 Marine, 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 Marine, regulated sign types include Political Sign, Exempt Sign - Driveway Access, Exempt Sign - Internal Access, Exempt Sign - Wall Sign, 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 Marine 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 Marine are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Marine has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Marine, Michigan Sign Rules at a Glance
Marine, Michigan regulates 30 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Ground Signs in the B-1, B-2, W-M, P-1 zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and Max 50 sq ft (single face), 100 sq ft (total), with a 3 to 15 ft (depending on height); minimum 3 ft from other lot lines; if abutting residential lot, at least height of sign. setback (Sec. § 160.220 (B)(4)(b)1). Most commercial signs in Marine require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Marine, Michigan
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Marine (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 11 | 6 ft | 15 sq ft | — |
| R-IA, R-1B, R-M, MHP | 5 | 6 ft | 20 sq ft | — |
| B-1, B-2, W-M, P-1 | 11 | 13 ft to 27 ft | 100 sq ft (per frontage, per user/use) | — |
| I-1, I-2 | 2 | 30 ft | 350 sq ft per face | — |
| NM-Nautical Mile District | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Marine(sample of 3 of 5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Must be placed outside the highway or road right-of-way; must not create a traffic hazard; permission is required from property owner. | — | Unlock | § 113.03 POLITICAL SIGNS; POSTING AND REMOVAL |
| Exempt Sign - Driveway Access | 4 ft | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per driveway access | Along the edge of driveway, outside public right-of-way. | — | Unlock | § 160.220 (B)(3)(a) |
| Exempt Sign - Internal Access | 6 ft | 2 sq ft | — | — | — | Edge of and visible from internal access driveway, pedestrian walkway, or off-street parking space. | — | Unlock | § 160.220 (B)(3)(b) |
| Exempt Sign - Wall Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | — | — | Unlock | § 160.220 (B)(3)(c) |
| Memorial Sign or Tablet | — | — | — | — | — | Flat on the face of a building | — | Unlock | § 160.220 (B)(3)(d) |
| Window Sign (Non-illuminated) | — | 6 sq ft (per sign) | — | — | — | Window | — | Unlock | § 160.220 (B)(3)(i) |
| Window Sign (Illuminated) | — | 2 sq ft (per sign) | — | — | Max 2 per frontage | Window | — | Unlock | § 160.220 (B)(3)(i) |
| Flag | District height restriction applies for pole. | 15 sq ft | — | — | 3 per property | Ground-mounted flag poles or affixed to building. | — | Unlock | § 160.220 (B)(3)(j) |
R-IA, R-1B, R-M, MHP
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Non-Residential Use) | 6 ft | 20 sq ft | — | — | 1 wall and 1 ground sign, or a combination, per use | Flat on building | — | Unlock | § 160.220 (B)(4)(a)1 |
| Ground Sign (Non-Residential Use) | 6 ft | 20 sq ft | — | — | 1 wall and 1 ground sign, or a combination, per use | Ground mounted | — | Unlock | § 160.220 (B)(4)(a)1 |
| Wall Sign (Apartment Complex) | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Flat on building | — | Unlock | § 160.220 (B)(4)(a)2 |
| Permanent Ground Sign (Subdivisions/Condos/Multi-family) | 6 ft | 20 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage or entrance | At each entry from a public road | — | Unlock | § 160.220 (B)(4)(a)3 |
| Temporary Sign | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage, plus 1 during election/construction/sale | — | — | Unlock | § 160.220 (B)(6)(a) |
B-1, B-2, W-M, P-1
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign | 6 ft | Max 50 sq ft (single face), 100 sq ft (total) | — | 3 to 15 ft (depending on height); minimum 3 ft from other lot lines; if abutting residential lot, at least height of sign. | 1 per frontage; more if multiple collector/arterial frontages (150' min apart). | Ground mounted | — | Unlock | § 160.220 (B)(4)(b)1 |
| Awning Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On canopy/awning over a door, window, or service area. | — | Unlock | § 160.220 (B)(4)(b)2 |
| Pole Sign (13 ft - 27 ft Height Variants) | 13 ft to 27 ft | Varies: 50 sq ft (13 ft) to 134 sq ft (27 ft) | — | 13-44 ft, depending on height. | 1 per development | On post(s) embedded at least 42" underground, in concrete. | — | Unlock | § 160.220 (B)(4)(b)3 |
| Wall Sign | — | 100 sq ft (per frontage, per user/use) | — | — | All sides allowed if front, street, or parking lot side; total sign area limits apply. Multiple tenants allowed signs per proportion. | On building, may be on front, street or parking lot sides. | — | Unlock | § 160.220 (B)(4)(b)4 |
| Mural Sign (Commercial) | — | 25% of wall area | — | — | 1 per structure | Side or rear wall only | — | Unlock | § 160.220 (B)(4)(b)5 |
| Temporary Sign (Ground Affixed) | 10 ft | 16 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage, plus 1 during eligible periods | Affixed to ground. | — | Unlock | § 160.220 (B)(6)(b) |
| Temporary Sign (Building Affixed) | 10 ft (single largest dimension) | 20 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage, plus 1 during eligible periods | On building. | — | Unlock | § 160.220 (B)(6)(b) |
| Portable Sign | 4 ft | 9 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On site, not affixed. | — | Unlock | § 160.220 (B)(6)(c) |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Marine — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 5 zones for Marine — start freeProhibited Signs in Marine
- No sign, except those established and maintained by city, county, state, or federal governments, shall be erected, located or placed in, project into or overhang a public right-of-way or dedicated public easement.
- No sign shall project above or beyond the maximum height limitation of the use district in which located.
- No sign above a height of 2 feet shall be located within, project into or overhang the triangular area formed at street intersections, as defined.
- Flashing or intermittent type signs shall not be permitted.
- All signs and their energy connections must meet city codes and shall not expose sources in a way that creates a public safety hazard.
- A minimum of five feet of unobstructed pedestrian access along the sidewalk must be maintained at all times.
- String lights used in connection with business premises, other than holiday decorations, are prohibited.
- Any unlawfully installed, erected, or maintained sign is prohibited.
- Signs erected on any post tree, utility pole, public right-of-way, or public easement or other object within any area, whether public or private, are prohibited.
- Any sign or banner erected upon or across any public right-of-way or dedicated public easement except by permission of the City Commission is prohibited.
- Signs which incorporate flashing lights are prohibited.
- Any sign or advertising structure displaying obscene, indecent, or immoral matter is prohibited.
- Rotating signs are prohibited.
- Signs on park-type benches are prohibited.
- Any sign on the roof of any building is prohibited.
- Vehicles used as signs—any sign on a motor vehicle or trailer parked in a manner that the sign is visible from a public street or residential zoning district—is prohibited.
- Sign types not defined within this chapter are subject to review and approval by the city.
- Unauthorized inscribing, spraying, or making symbols on public or private places, structures, or surfaces is not allowed.
- No sign shall advertise or reference a business, product or activity not currently offered or conducted on the premises for more than 30 days after written notice.
- No permits for new signs shall be issued while a nonconforming or unlawful sign remains in use upon the premises.
Exempt Signs in Marine
- Signs not exceeding four square feet in area and four feet in height, located along the edge of a driveway and intended to be visible from a public road (one per driveway; not within right-of-way).
- Signs not exceeding two square feet in area and six feet in height, located along the edge of or visible from internal access driveways, pedestrian walkways, or off-street parking (permitted location details apply).
- Non-illuminated wall signs not exceeding two square feet in display surface area and not exceeding one per street frontage.
- Memorial signs or tablets cut into masonry or constructed of bronze or other noncombustible material when located flat on the face of a building.
- Traffic or other municipal signs, including private traffic control signs conforming to the Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
- Signs on properties registered as a National or State Historic Site, when in compliance with State Historic Preservation Office standards for plaques.
- Signs on properties owned or controlled by essential service providers and required by federal or state laws or for public safety purposes.
- Signs required by federal or state law, when in compliance with sign design and placement specifications of such law.
- Non-illuminated window signs, each not exceeding six square feet in display area; illuminated window signs not exceeding two square feet and not more than two per frontage, provided total window signage does not cover more than 25 percent of a window.
- Flags, with no more than three allowed per property; no single flag exceeding fifteen square feet; flagpole height and grouping requirements apply.
- Decorative holiday displays.
- Public artwork or murals with no commercial message.
- Temporary signs as regulated, unless otherwise specified.
- Signs described above do not require a permit.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Marine
- All wall signs plans for erection must be submitted to the Building Inspector for review and approval and subject to all city codes and ordinances.
- Application for a sign permit must include two blueprints or drawings of plans and specifications and methods of construction and attachment.
- Sign permit applications may require other information as the Building Inspector deems necessary for full compliance.
- Certain mural signs (with commercial message) require review and approval by the Planning Commission.
- Sign types not defined within the chapter are subject to review and approval by the city (could involve a special plan or review process).