# Sign Regulations in Middleville, Michigan

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Middleville, Michigan (MI)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/michigan/middleville
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-08
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/MI/Middleville/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH78ZO_ARTVIISI)

## At a glance

Middleville, Michigan regulates 37 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Ground Sign (>1 acre)s in the AG Agricultural District (AG), RE Residential Estate Single-Family District (RE), R-1 Low Density Single-Family District (R-1), R-2 Medium Density Single-Family District (R-2), R-3 Multiple-Family Residential District (R-3), R-4 Mobile Home Residential District (R-4), NR Natural River District (NR) zoning district are capped at 72 in (6 ft) tall and 32 sq. ft., with a 15 ft from right-of-way setback (Sec. Sec. 78-629, Schedule A). Most commercial signs in Middleville require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (7 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| AG Agricultural District (AG), RE Residential Estate Single-Family District (RE), R-1 Low Density Single-Family District (R-1), R-2 Medium Density Single-Family District (R-2), R-3 Multiple-Family Residential District (R-3), R-4 Mobile Home Residential District (R-4), NR Natural River District (NR) | 14 | 72 in (6 ft) | 32 sq. ft. | — |
| C-1 Central Business District (C-1), TMU Transitional Mixed Use District (TMU) | 8 | No higher than wall; 9 ft to 12 ft vertical clearance from ground or sidewalk surface required at bottom | 48 sq. ft. | — |
| C-2 Highway Commercial District (C-2) | 11 | 72 in (6 ft) | 96 sq. ft. per face, max 2 faces | — |
| I-1 Light Industrial District (I-1), I-2 Heavy Industrial District (I-2) | 5 | 30 in | 64 sq. ft. | — |
| TI Transitional Industrial District (TI) | 6 | 8 ft | 32 sq. ft. | — |
| PUD Planned Unit Development District (PUD) | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 5 | 5 ft | 32 sq. ft. | — |

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

### AG Agricultural District (AG), RE Residential Estate Single-Family District (RE), R-1 Low Density Single-Family District (R-1), R-2 Medium Density Single-Family District (R-2), R-3 Multiple-Family Residential District (R-3), R-4 Mobile Home Residential District (R-4), NR Natural River District (NR)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ground Sign (>1 acre) | 72 in (6 ft) | 32 sq. ft. | — | 15 ft from right-of-way | 1 | Must be setback 15 ft from nearest street right-of-way | — | Sec. 78-629, Schedule A |
| Wall Sign (>1 acre) | — | 32 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 | Attached flush to the wall | — | Sec. 78-629, Schedule A |
| Wireframe Sign (>1 acre) | 30 in | 4 sq. ft. | — | — | 4 | — | — | Sec. 78-629, Schedule A |
| T-Post Sign (>1 acre) | 72 in (6 ft) | 12 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 | — | — | Sec. 78-629, Schedule A |
| Ground Sign (1/2 acre to 1 acre) | 72 in (6 ft) | 24 sq. ft. | — | 15 ft from right-of-way | 1 | Must be setback 15 ft from nearest street right-of-way | — | Sec. 78-629, Schedule A |
| Wall Sign (1/2 acre to 1 acre) | — | 20 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 | Attached flush to the wall | — | Sec. 78-629, Schedule A |
| Ground Sign (1/4 acre to 1/2 acre) | 60 in (5 ft) | 16 sq. ft. | — | 15 ft from right-of-way | 1 | Must be setback 15 ft from nearest street right-of-way | — | Sec. 78-629, Schedule A |
| Ground Sign (<1/4 acre) | 30 in | 12 sq. ft. | — | 15 ft from right-of-way | 1 | Must be setback 15 ft from nearest street right-of-way | — | Sec. 78-629, Schedule A |

### C-1 Central Business District (C-1), TMU Transitional Mixed Use District (TMU)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Projecting Sign | No higher than wall; 9 ft to 12 ft vertical clearance from ground or sidewalk surface required at bottom | 12 sq. ft. | 48 in projection max | — | 1 per business establishment | Mounted to vertical wall facing public street or publicly owned parking lot | — | Sec. 78-630(1)(a-d), Schedule B |
| Wall Sign | No higher than wall | 48 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per business establishment per qualifying wall | Mounted to front wall facing public street, public parking lot, or public right-of-way | — | Sec. 78-630(2), Schedule B |
| Awning/Canopy Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Storefront wall awnings | — | Sec. 78-630(3), Schedule B |
| Window Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Storefront window glass facing public street/right-of-way/parking lot | — | Sec. 78-630(5), Schedule B |
| Sandwich Board Sign | 4 ft | 8 sq. ft. | 2 ft | — | 1 per business establishment | On sidewalk, at least 2 ft from curb line, must not obstruct pedestrian movement | — | Sec. 78-630(4), Schedule B |
| Wireframe Sign (TMU only) | 2.5 ft | 4 sq. ft. | — | — | 2 | — | — | Schedule B; Sec. 78-630(6) |
| T-Post Sign (TMU only) | 6 ft | 12 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 | — | — | Schedule B |
| Temporary Sign | — | 24 sq. ft. | — | — | 4 | On lot | — | Sec. 78-627(h) |

### C-2 Highway Commercial District (C-2)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ground Sign (varied setback) | 4 ft at 5 ft setback; 5 ft at 10 ft; 5.5 ft at 15 ft; 6 ft at 20 ft; 7 ft at 25+ ft | 24 sq. ft. at 5 ft setback; 30 sq. ft. at 10 ft; 40 sq. ft. at 15 ft; 50 sq. ft. at 20 ft; 60 sq. ft. at 25+ ft | — | As per sign area/height schedule | 1 (unless more by special use) | Must meet setback from right-of-way as listed | — | Sec. 78-631(3)a, Table 78-631(3)-1, Schedule C |
| Wall Sign (varied building setback) | — | 24 sq. ft. at 5 ft setback; 30 sq. ft. at 10 ft; 40 sq. ft. at 15 ft; 50 sq. ft. at 20 ft; 60 sq. ft. at 25+ ft | — | Distances from front property line/building wall | 1 (unless more by special use) | Mounted flat against building | — | Sec. 78-631(3)b, Table 78-631(3)-2, Schedule C |
| Business Center Ground Sign | 12 ft | 96 sq. ft. per face, max 2 faces | — | 15 ft minimum | 1 per qualifying business center | Min 15 ft setback from right-of-way | — | Sec. 78-631(4)a |
| Business Center Wall Sign | — | 40 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per wall facing right-of-way per business | On each wall facing a right-of-way for business in business center | — | Sec. 78-631(4)b, Sec. 78-632 |
| Wireframe Sign (>1 acre) | 30 in | 4 sq. ft. | — | — | 4 | — | — | Schedule C |
| T-Post Sign (>1 acre) | 72 in (6 ft) | 32 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 | — | — | Schedule C |
| Wireframe Sign (<1 acre) | 30 in | 4 sq. ft. | — | — | 3 | — | — | Schedule C |
| T-Post Sign (<1 acre) | 72 in (6 ft) | 32 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 | — | — | Schedule C |

## Prohibited signs in Middleville

- No sign or sign structure shall be placed, constructed or erected in any location or manner where it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.
- No rotating light or flashing illumination resembling a police or emergency light shall be used on or in connection with any sign.
- Signs may be illuminated only in accordance with this article.
- Any externally illuminated sign shall be shielded to direct the light toward the sign and shall not illuminate any adjacent residential property.
- No sign shall be located closer than one foot to a public street right-of-way or property line unless otherwise stated.
- Except for projecting or awning/canopy signs, no sign shall overhang a public street right-of-way unless otherwise noted.
- All signs shall have a minimum ground clearance of eight feet above a sidewalk or walkway.
- The following types of signs are prohibited in all zoning districts: Abandoned signs, Air-filled or gas-filled balloon signs (except as permitted), Animated signs, Banners and pennants (except as permitted), Portable signs (except as permitted), Rotating signs, Signs imitating or resembling official traffic or government signs or signals, Signs placed on a parked vehicle unless the vehicle is driven during regular business or the sign is no larger than the windshield/window and the vehicle is for sale/lease, Roof signs, Temporary signs (except as permitted), Obscene or offensive signs, Billboards, Pole mounted signs, Flashing or blinking signs, Any sign placed in a public street right-of-way, Human signs, Changeable copy wall signs.
- Signs shall be placed only on private property except for lawful signs of governmental bodies or agencies.

## Signs exempt from permit in Middleville

- Governmental signs.
- Traffic and highway signs placed or erected by a governmental body or agency.
- Directional signs in or for private off-street parking areas not exceeding four square feet in area and used solely for traffic control.
- Essential services signs denoting utility lines, railroads, hazards, and the like.
- Signs in the AG agricultural district which only identify the name of a farm or farm owner or crops or livestock on a farm.
- One temporary, unlighted sign advertising the sale or lease of the lands on which it is located (not to exceed nine square feet in area and five feet in height; one per abutting street).
- One construction sign per project not exceeding 32 square feet in area, to be removed after construction is completed.
- Decorative signs or displays used temporarily for holidays, patriotic occasions or public, governmental, or charitable purposes or events.
- Signs identifying buildings or sites designated as historic landmarks or centennial farms by state or federal agencies.
- Signs or placards posted to control or prohibit hunting or trespassing.
- Memorial signs, tablets, or markers.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Signs in unified business developments must be planned as a coordinated project in accordance with an approved signage plan.
- Signage in a Planned Unit Development (PUD) must be located and designed within the PUD site plan; changes in signage require an amendment to the PUD.
- The planning commission may approve special use modifications to sign requirements (such as number, size, height, placement) upon demonstration by the applicant that special conditions justify such modifications without harming public safety, nearby property, or the public welfare.
- In business centers, all signage must be unified as to design according to Sec. 78-632; wall signs in the center shall be letter graphic.
- Additional or alternative sign allowances may be approved for business centers, business complexes, or for parcels seeking special land use, upon planning commission review, typically under an approved sign plan or special land use process.

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

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