Sign Regulations in Montrose, Michigan
Montrose, Michigan has specific sign regulations covering 29 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Monument Sign, Freestanding Sign, Wall 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 Montrose, Michigan
Sample Sign Requirements in Montrose
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 28 feet | 100 square feet | Minimum of 5 feet from adjacent property, 4 feet outside of the right-of-way, minimum of 12 inches from the sidewalk |
| Business Center Sign | 28 feet | 100 square feet | Minimum of 5 feet from adjacent property, 4 feet outside of right-of-way, minimum 12 inches from sidewalk |
| Monument Sign | 6 feet | 100 square feet | Minimum of 5 feet from adjacent property, 4 feet outside of right-of-way, minimum 12 inches from sidewalk |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for MontroseFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
29
- Monument Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- Wall Sign
- Temporary Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Montrose
Other Cities in Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions
In Montrose, monument signs are limited to 28 feet. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Montrose, 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 Montrose, regulated sign types include Monument Sign, Freestanding Sign, Wall Sign, Temporary Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Montrose, monument signs typically require a Minimum of 5 feet from adjacent property, 4 feet outside of the right-of-way, minimum of 12 inches from the sidewalk setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Montrose are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Montrose has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Montrose, Michigan Sign Rules at a Glance
Montrose, Michigan regulates 29 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the General Business District zoning district are capped at 28 feet tall and 100 square feet, with a Minimum of 5 feet from adjacent property, 4 feet outside of the right-of-way, minimum of 12 inches from the sidewalk setback (Sec. Sec. 52-18. General Business District—Permitted Signs). Most commercial signs in Montrose require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Montrose, Michigan
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Montrose (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Business District | 7 | 48 inches (4 feet) | 200 square feet | — |
| IND - Industrial District | 5 | 8 feet | 60 square feet | — |
| SF-1, SF-2, MFR, MHP Zoning Districts | 5 | 6 feet | 28 square feet | — |
| Central Business District | 8 | 48 inches | 24 square feet per storefront (no sign or combination of signs may exceed 24 square feet per storefront) | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 11 | — | Permit required if over 20 square feet | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Montrose(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
General Business District
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 28 feet | 100 square feet | — | Minimum of 5 feet from adjacent property, 4 feet outside of the right-of-way, minimum of 12 inches from the sidewalk | 1 per 300 feet of lineal road frontage | Minimum of 5 feet from adjacent property, 4 feet outside of the right-of-way, minimum of 12 inches from the sidewalk | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-18. General Business District—Permitted Signs |
| Business Center Sign | 28 feet | 100 square feet | — | Minimum of 5 feet from adjacent property, 4 feet outside of right-of-way, minimum 12 inches from sidewalk | 1 per 300 feet of lineal road frontage | Minimum of 5 feet from adjacent property, 4 feet outside of right-of-way, minimum 12 inches from sidewalk | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-18. General Business District—Permitted Signs |
| Monument Sign | 6 feet | 100 square feet | — | Minimum of 5 feet from adjacent property, 4 feet outside of right-of-way, minimum 12 inches from sidewalk | 1 per 300 feet of lineal road frontage | Minimum of 5 feet from adjacent property, 4 feet outside of right-of-way, minimum 12 inches from sidewalk | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-18. General Business District—Permitted Signs |
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | 1 per tenant; a secondary sign allowed if aggregate signage does not exceed 8% of main face | On wall of the building facing the street | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-18. General Business District—Permitted Signs |
| Temporary Sign | 6 feet | 16 square feet | — | Minimum of 5 feet from adjacent property, 4 feet outside of right-of-way | 1 per lot or parcel; 1 additional during construction | Minimum of 5 feet from adjacent property, 4 feet outside of right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-18. General Business District—Permitted Signs |
| Sidewalk Sign | 48 inches (4 feet) | — | 24 inches (2 feet) | Minimum of 12 inches from the sidewalk | 1 per storefront or per tenant | Minimum of 12 inches from the sidewalk | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-5(m), Sec. 52-18. General Business District—Permitted Signs |
| Billboard | 20 feet | 200 square feet | — | Minimum 30 feet from all property lines; minimum 1,000 feet from other billboards; minimum 200 feet from property line if abutting residential | — | Minimum of 30 feet from any property line; minimum 1,000 feet from other billboards on same street; not within 200 feet from property line of abutting residential district | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-10(2) |
SF-1, SF-2, MFR, MHP Zoning Districts
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Sign | 6 feet | 24 square feet | — | Minimum of 8 feet outside of right-of-way | 1 per major entrance | Minimum of 8 feet outside of right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-18. SF-1, SF-2, MFR, MHP Zoning Districts—Permitted Signs |
| Freestanding Sign | 6 feet | 24 square feet | — | Minimum of 8 feet outside of right-of-way | 1 per major entrance | Minimum of 8 feet outside of right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-18. SF-1, SF-2, MFR, MHP Zoning Districts—Permitted Signs |
| Wall Sign (Home Occupations) | — | 4 square feet | — | — | 1 per lot parcel | On wall of building facing street | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-18. SF-1, SF-2, MFR, MHP Zoning Districts—Permitted Signs |
| Wall Sign (Nonresidential Uses) | — | 28 square feet | — | — | 1 per street front | On wall of building facing street | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-18. SF-1, SF-2, MFR, MHP Zoning Districts—Permitted Signs |
| Temporary Sign | 6 feet | 6 square feet | — | Minimum of 8 feet outside of right-of-way | 1 per issue or candidate | Minimum of 8 feet outside of right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-18. SF-1, SF-2, MFR, MHP Zoning Districts—Permitted Signs |
Central Business District
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banner Sign | — | 24 square feet per storefront (no sign or combination of signs may exceed 24 square feet per storefront) | — | — | 1 per business, plus 1 secondary sign facing a parking area, side street, or alley | On wall of building facing street, alley or parking area | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-18. Central Business District—Permitted Signs |
| Projecting Sign | — | 24 square feet per storefront (no sign or combination of signs may exceed 24 square feet per storefront) | — | — | 1 per business, plus 1 secondary sign facing a parking area, side street, or alley | On wall of building facing street, alley or parking area | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-18. Central Business District—Permitted Signs |
| Monument Sign | 6 feet | 24 square feet | — | Minimum of 8 feet outside of right-of-way | Only one per lot or parcel | Minimum of 8 feet outside of right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-18. Central Business District—Permitted Signs |
| Freestanding Sign | 21 feet | 24 square feet | — | Minimum of 8 feet outside of right-of-way | Only one per lot or parcel | Minimum of 8 feet outside of right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-18. Central Business District—Permitted Signs |
| Marquee Sign | — | No greater than 24 square feet per storefront or 40% of marquee face | — | — | 1 per business | On face of marquee | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-18. Central Business District—Permitted Signs |
| Suspended Sign | — | No greater than 24 square feet per storefront | — | — | 1 per business | Suspended from plane | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-18. Central Business District—Permitted Signs |
| Awning Sign | — | No greater than 24 square feet per awning face | — | — | 1 per business | On face of awning | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-18. Central Business District—Permitted Signs |
| Sandwich Board Sign / A-Frame / Menu Sign | 48 inches | — | 24 inches | Minimum of 24 inches from curb on sidewalk | 1 per storefront or per tenant | Minimum of 24 inches from the curb, on sidewalk, only during business hours | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-5(m) |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Montrose — 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 Montrose — start freeProhibited Signs in Montrose
- No person shall erect, alter, place, or replace any sign or commercial message without first obtaining a sign permit, unless expressly exempt elsewhere in this chapter.
- Signs shall be maintained free of peeling paint or paper, fading, staining, rust, or other condition, which impairs legibility, safety or security.
- Sign supports, braces, guys and anchors shall be maintained so as not to cause a hazard and must be installed per the most recently adopted building construction code.
- No sign shall be placed in, upon, or over any public right-of-way, alley, or other public place, unless otherwise permitted.
- No light pole, utility pole, or other supporting member shall be used for the placement of any sign unless specifically designed and approved for such use.
- No sign shall be placed where it might, due to its position, shape, color, or other characteristic interfere with, or obstruct the view of, or be confused with a traffic signal, sign, or device.
- No wall sign shall extend beyond the edge of the wall to which it is affixed or beyond the roof line.
- No sign shall be erected over the roof line.
- Removal of city owned trees is prohibited for construction of, or visibility to, any sign. Any tree trimming to gain visibility for advertisement must be approved by the city.
- No signs shall be placed on any city owned trees.
- Signs must be anchored in a safe and secure manner. The anchoring of signs by tying or attaching weighted objects (such as cinder blocks or tires) is prohibited.
- A sign shall not be displayed if it is torn, bent, faded, not upright, unreadable, or otherwise unsightly.
- Temporary signs held by a person shall not be displayed in the road right-of-way and shall not hamper the visibility of a driver on or off the site.
- All signs shall be set back at least eight feet from the property line in all zoning districts, unless provided for elsewhere in this chapter.
- Billboards are prohibited in all districts except the general business district.
- Temporary signs shall only be internally illuminated.
Exempt Signs in Montrose
- Governmental signs are exempt from permit requirements but must conform with all other provisions of this chapter.
- Name plates (two feet square or less) are exempt from permit requirements but must conform with all other provisions of this chapter.
- Interior building signs, not visible from the exterior, are exempt from permit requirements but must conform with all other provisions of this chapter.
- Directional signs (six square feet or less) are exempt from permit requirements but must conform with all other provisions of this chapter.
- Window signs are exempt from permit requirements but must conform with all other provisions of this chapter.
- Historical markers are exempt from permit requirements but must conform with all other provisions of this chapter.
- Memorial signs or tablets are exempt from permit requirements but must conform with all other provisions of this chapter.
- Murals are exempt from permit requirements but must conform with all other provisions of this chapter.
- Signs for essential services are exempt from permit requirements but must conform with all other provisions of this chapter.
- Flags of any nation, state, city, not for profit organization, educational institution, or company emblems providing no other advertisement is present, are exempt from permit requirements but must conform with all other provisions of this chapter.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Montrose
- Applications for sign permits must include a rendering of the sign, dimensions, site location, and any other criteria required by the building inspector and zoning administrator.
- Permit applications for billboards must be submitted to the building department along with a landscaping plan.
- Appeals and variances relating to placement, area, height, or construction of a sign may be made to the zoning board of appeals, which may grant a variance following a public hearing based on stated criteria.
Source: municode municipal code