Sign Regulations in Montrose Charter Township, Michigan

Montrose Charter Township, Michigan has specific sign regulations covering 29 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Professional Sign or Nameplate Sign, Temporary Real Estate Sign, Church Identification and Activity Sign. 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 Montrose Charter Township, Michigan

Sample Sign Requirements in Montrose Charter Township

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaSetback
Professional Sign or Nameplate Sign4 sq ft
Temporary Real Estate Sign16 sq ft
Church Identification and Activity Sign32 sq ft (aggregate)

* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.

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Sign Types Covered

29

  • Professional Sign or Nameplate Sign
  • Temporary Real Estate Sign
  • Church Identification and Activity Sign
  • Subdivision Sale Temporary Sign
  • +2 more types

Zoning Districts

3

Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations

Data Includes

  • Permit requirements
  • Height restrictions
  • Illumination rules

Frequently Asked Questions

Sign height limits in Montrose Charter Township 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 Montrose Charter Township, 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 Charter Township, regulated sign types include Professional Sign or Nameplate Sign, Temporary Real Estate Sign, Church Identification and Activity Sign, Subdivision Sale 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.

Sign setback requirements in Montrose Charter Township 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 Montrose Charter Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Montrose Charter Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.

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Montrose Charter Township, Michigan Sign Rules at a Glance

Montrose Charter Township, Michigan regulates 29 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (General)s in the Commercial District, Industrial District zoning district are capped at Up to 25 ft (see location-dependent rules) tall and 75 sq ft, with a At least 25 ft from any adjoining non-residential district; at least 49 ft from any adjoining residential district. setback (Sec. § 153.299(E)). Most commercial signs in Montrose Charter Township require a permit.

Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Montrose Charter Township, Michigan

Sign Rules by Zoning District in Montrose Charter Township (3 zones)

Zoning DistrictSign Types RegulatedMax HeightMax AreaPermit Required
Residential District, Agricultural District96 ft32 sq ft (aggregate)
Commercial District, Industrial District4Up to 25 ft (see location-dependent rules)99 sq ft (75 + 24) maximum
General Regulations For All Zones1610 ft32 sq ft

Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Montrose Charter Township

Residential District, Agricultural District

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Professional Sign or Nameplate Sign4 sq ft1 per premisesOn premises; nameplate sign may be located anywhere in the front yard.Unlock§ 153.298(A), (E)
Temporary Real Estate Sign16 sq ft1 per premisesOn premisesUnlock§ 153.298(B)
Church Identification and Activity Sign32 sq ft (aggregate)Aggregate area limit of 32 sq ft applies to all such signsOn church premisesUnlock§ 153.298(C)
Subdivision Sale Temporary Sign32 sq ft1 per subdivisionOn site of subdivisionUnlock§ 153.298(D)
Freestanding Ground Sign or Wall Sign (Farm Product Sales)6 ft16 sq ft1 per premisesOn premises where farm products are grownUnlock§ 153.298(F)
Subdivision Identification Sign (Primary Entrance)32 sq ft1 per primary entrancePrimary entrance of subdivisionUnlock§ 153.298(G)
Subdivision Identification Sign (Secondary Entrance)16 sq ft1 per secondary entranceSecondary entrance of subdivisionUnlock§ 153.298(G)
Home Occupation Identification Sign (Ground Mounted)2 sq ft5 ft minimum from front right-of-way (ground-mounted only)1 per premisesFront yard area, ground-mountedUnlock§ 153.298(H)

Commercial District, Industrial District

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Wall Sign, Window Sign, Canopy Sign (Aggregate)12 ftWall: 15% of area of wall; Canopy: 50% of surface of canopy; Total: 150 sq ft (aggregate).60% of the width of the wallAggregate area restrictions; number not specified.Exterior wall areas, windows, and/or canopies.Unlock§ 153.299(D), § 153.297(C)
Freestanding Sign (General)Up to 25 ft (see location-dependent rules)75 sq ftVaries: At least 25 ft from any adjoining non-residential district; at least 49 ft from any adjoining residential district.1 per business location or shopping center complexOn premises of business location or shopping center complex; subject to clear vision zone and setback requirements.Unlock§ 153.299(E)
Freestanding Sign (with Changeable/Animated Display)Up to 25 ft99 sq ft (75 + 24) maximum25 ft from adjoining non-residential; 49 ft from adjoining residential.1 per qualifying siteOn premises with minimum 100 ft frontage.Unlock§ 153.299(E)(3)
Petroleum Product Dispenser Sign4 sq ft (each pump)4 sq ft per pumpOn dispensing pumpsUnlock§ 153.299(F)

General Regulations For All Zones

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Highway Sign (Governmental)As erected by public agencyUnlock§ 153.300(A)
Governmental Use SignParks, parking lots, recreational areas, governmental buildingsUnlock§ 153.300(B)
Directional Sign (Private Traffic Direction)4 sq ftDrives or off-street parking areas.Unlock§ 153.300(C)
Temporary Noncommercial Sale Sign4 sq ftPrivate property (owner's permission required)Unlock§ 153.300(H)
Political Campaign Sign32 sq ftPrivate property (owner's permission required)Unlock§ 153.300(I)
Construction Sign24 sq ftOn site under construction (includes construction shed or trailer)Unlock§ 153.300(K)
Portable Sign, Pennant, Spinner, Streamer (Temporary Events)10 ft15 sq ft (per side)Minimum 10 ft from street ROWNot specifiedOn private property, not within ROWUnlock§ 153.300(L)
Flag or Banner10 per lot maximum (unless more approved)On a zoning lotUnlock§ 153.300(N)

Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Montrose Charter Township are available with a free PermitPal account.

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Prohibited Signs in Montrose Charter Township

  • Permanent inflatable signs and beacons.
  • Signs that incorporate, in any manner or are illuminated by, any flashing or moving lights other than for the conveyance of noncommercial information requiring periodic change, such as temperature or stock averages, unless approval has been granted for the sign as allowed in § 153.299.
  • Permanent exterior banners, pennants, spinners and streamers, other than a sign as permitted by § 153.300.
  • Permanent signs painted directly on structures, or signs painted on, attached, or affixed to any tree, rock, or similar organic or inorganic natural matter or feature.
  • Exterior string lights used in connection with a commercial premise, other than holiday decorations.
  • Any sign that is structurally or electrically unsafe.
  • Any business sign or sign structure, now or hereafter existing, that no longer advertises a bona fide business conducted or a product sold.
  • Any sign on a trailer or unlicensed motor vehicle parked in front of a business for the purpose of advertising a business, product or service of a business located on the premises where the vehicle or trailer is parked.
  • Any sign structure or frame no longer containing a sign.
  • Marquee and roof signs.
  • Off-site and billboard signs.

Exempt Signs in Montrose Charter Township

  • Highway signs erected by the United States government, State of Michigan, Genesee County, or Charter Township of Montrose.
  • Governmental use signs erected by governmental agencies to designate hours of activity or conditions of use for parks, parking lots, recreational areas, other public space, or for governmental buildings.
  • Directional signs in conjunction with drives or off-street parking areas, provided any such sign does not exceed 4 square feet in area, is limited to traffic control functions, and does not obstruct traffic vision.
  • Historic markers or signs designating sites recognized by federal, state, or local historical commissions and/or organizations, as centennial farms, historic sites, or historical landmarks.
  • Placards posted to control or prohibit hunting and/or trespassing within the township.
  • Essential service signs denoting utility lines, railroad lines, hazards, and precautions.
  • Memorial signs or tablets that are either cut into the face of a masonry surface or constructed of bronze or other incombustible material, when located flat on the face of a building.
  • Temporary signs, not exceeding 4 square feet, may be placed for no more than 2 weeks, advertising noncommercial rummage sales, garage sales, or other similar used merchandise sales, as long as the sign is placed on private property with the owner's permission.
  • Political signs promoting political parties, candidates or millage issues, not exceeding 32 square feet, may be placed on private property with the owner’s permission for no more than 45 days prior to an election, with such signs being removed within 3 days after the completion of the election.
  • Special decorative displays or signs used for holidays, public demonstrations or promotion of civic welfare or charitable purposes, when authorized by the Planning Commission.
  • Construction signs showing names of building contractors, professional firms, and lending institutions on sites under construction, not to exceed 24 square feet in area, and removed prior to final approval or occupancy permit.
  • Portable signs, pennants, spinners and streamers, for a period of not more than 30 days for a total of 3 special events per year, under certain conditions.
  • Temporary signs (up no more than 30 days) announcing a community event.
  • Flags and banners, up to a maximum of 10 on a zoning lot (requests for more require Planning Commission approval).
  • Building markers.
  • Incidental signs.

Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Montrose Charter Township

  • Prior to the erection or structural alteration of a sign, a building/zoning compliance permit shall be secured from the administrative/building official.
  • A scale drawing of the outside dimensions of the sign, or the total area encompassed by a line around all lettering or symbols, shall be presented to the administrative official.
  • Evidence must be provided that the sign will be securely attached and will not present a hazard.
  • For freestanding signs, a site development plan of the intended location of the sign and a scale drawing of the total sign structure shall be presented to the administrative official.
  • Signs, including those projecting into or overhanging a public right-of-way, require written permission from the appropriate jurisdiction and must be reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission.
  • Freestanding signs that include animation or changeable copy in commercial and industrial districts must be reviewed and approved by both the Building Official and the Planning Commission.