Sign Regulations in New Buffalo, Michigan
New Buffalo, Michigan has specific sign regulations covering 25 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Ground Sign, Billboard, Highway 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 21, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for New Buffalo, Michigan
Sample Sign Requirements in New Buffalo
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Directional Sign | 3 ft | 2 sq ft | 5 ft min from any lot line and edge of driving lane |
| Temporary Sign | — | 32 sq ft | 5 ft from public street property line |
| Special Event Sign | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | 15 ft from side and rear lot lines; district front setback applies |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
25
- Ground Sign
- Billboard
- Highway Sign
- Government Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for New Buffalo
Other Cities in Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in New Buffalo 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 New Buffalo, 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 New Buffalo, regulated sign types include Ground Sign, Billboard, Highway Sign, Government 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 New Buffalo 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 New Buffalo are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. New Buffalo has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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New Buffalo, Michigan Sign Rules at a Glance
New Buffalo, Michigan regulates 25 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Residential Subdivision Signs in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and Residential PUD Districts zoning district are capped at 8 ft tall and 40 sq ft, with a 10 ft from street ROW setback (Sec. Section 16-9 R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and Residential PUD Districts Table). Most commercial signs in New Buffalo require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for New Buffalo, Michigan
Sign Rules by Zoning District in New Buffalo (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 10 | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and Residential PUD Districts | 5 | 8 ft | 50 sq ft | — |
| CBD, Central Business District | 4 | 4 ft | 50 sq ft | — |
| GCD, WM and Commercial PUD Districts | 5 | 25 ft | 100 sq ft | — |
| C-4 | 1 | — | — | — |
| I-1 and Industrial PUD Districts | 3 | 4 ft | 100 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in New Buffalo(sample of 3 of 6 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highway Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Placed in, upon or over public right-of-way, alley, or other City property. | — | Unlock | Section 16-3A, Section 16-4A |
| Government Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Placed in, upon or over public right-of-way, alley, or other City property. | — | Unlock | Section 16-3A, Section 16-4A |
| Projecting Sign | — | — | Extends more than 12 inches but not more than 48 inches from wall | — | — | May be placed in, upon or over public right-of-way, provided it otherwise conforms to the ordinance. | — | Unlock | Section 16-3A, Section 16-9 Projecting Sign, Awning Sign, or Marquee Sign |
| Utility Pole Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Utility pole within public right-of-way or City property (by City Manager authorization only) | — | Unlock | Section 16-3B, Section 16-4N |
| Directional Sign | 3 ft | 2 sq ft | — | 5 ft min from any lot line and edge of driving lane | — | At least 5 ft from any lot line and edge of any driving lane | — | Unlock | Section 16-3L |
| Temporary Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — | 5 ft from public street property line | 1 per lot/parcel | — | — | Unlock | Section 16-3N |
| Special Event Sign | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 15 ft from side and rear lot lines; district front setback applies | — | On or off lot hosting event. Setback: min 15 ft from side and rear lot lines; front setback as required per district. | — | Unlock | Section 16-3K |
| Construction Sign | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 10 ft from street right-of-way line | — | Not closer than 10 ft to street right-of-way line | — | Unlock | Section 16-3J |
R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and Residential PUD 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Subdivision Sign | 8 ft | 40 sq ft | — | 10 ft from street ROW | 1 per entrance, max 2 per development | Min 10 ft from street right-of-way line. | — | Unlock | Section 16-9 R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and Residential PUD Districts Table |
| Institutional Bulletin Board | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 15 ft from street ROW | 1 per lot/parcel | Min 15 ft from street right-of-way line. | — | Unlock | Section 16-9 R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and Residential PUD Districts Table |
| Home Occupation Sign | 6 ft if freestanding | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot/parcel | Mounted flat against wall and non-illuminated or freestanding in front yard. | — | Unlock | Section 16-9 R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and Residential PUD Districts Table |
| Wall Sign (Nonresidential Uses) - Public/Quasi-Public | — | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Flat against wall facing street | — | Unlock | Section 16-9 R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and Residential PUD Districts Table |
| Wall Sign (Nonresidential Uses) - Private Offices | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Flat against wall facing street | — | Unlock | Section 16-9 R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and Residential PUD Districts Table |
GCD, WM and Commercial PUD 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign | 4 ft | 48 sq ft | — | 10 ft from street ROW | 1 per street frontage (max 2 if conditions met) | Min 10 ft from street right-of-way line | — | Unlock | Section 16-9 GCD/WM Table; Section 16-7B |
| Freestanding Sign (GCD, WM, Commercial PUD) | 25 ft | 60 sq ft | — | 10 ft from street ROW | 1 per street frontage (max 2 if conditions met) | Min 10 ft from street right-of-way line | — | Unlock | Section 16-9 GCD/WM Table; Section 16-7B |
| Business Center Sign | 25 ft | 80 sq ft | — | 10 ft from street ROW | 1 per street frontage, max 2 per business center | Min 10 ft from street right-of-way line | — | Unlock | Section 16-9 GCD/WM Table; Section 16-7B |
| Wall Sign (Individual Businesses) | — | 100 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business per street frontage | Flat against wall facing street | — | Unlock | Section 16-9 GCD/WM Table; Section 16-7B |
| Billboard (C-4 only as special exception) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Section 16-9 GCD/WM Table |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in New Buffalo — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 6 zones for New Buffalo — start freeProhibited Signs in New Buffalo
- No sign shall be placed in, upon or over any public right-of-way, alley, or other City property, except for highway signs, government signs, and conforming projecting signs.
- No utility pole sign shall be placed on a utility pole located within a public right-of-way or on City property unless specifically designed for such purpose and authorized by the City Manager.
- No sign shall be erected where it may, by reason of its position, shape, color, or other characteristic, interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device, or constitute a nuisance.
- No commercial vehicle, which is intended to act as a sign, shall be parked in any area abutting the street, unless no other parking area is available.
- No sign shall contain any moving or animated parts, nor have the appearance of having any moving or animated parts.
- No wall sign shall extend beyond the edge of the wall or above the roof line of the building to which it is affixed.
- All signs shall pertain only to the business or activity conducted on the premises, except billboards located adjacent to state or interstate highways, political signs, and special event signs.
- No sign shall employ any flashing, moving, oscillating, blinking, or variable intensity light, except for variable time-temperature signs.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- Off-premises signs are prohibited, except for non-commercial signs, special event signs, and billboards.
- Any sign, including window signs, with flashing, moving, or oscillating lights is prohibited, excluding time and temperature signs.
- Balloons, balloon signs, strings of light bulbs, pennants, streamers, non-special event banners, or flags (except exempted ones) are prohibited.
- All signs not specifically allowed under this article (unless exempted) are prohibited.
- No person shall construct or place any sign or awning across or supported on any sidewalk, street, avenue, alley, public thoroughfare, or right-of-way, or on any post in such locations.
Exempt Signs in New Buffalo
- Government signs.
- Placards.
- Temporary signs of six square feet in size or less.
- Window signs, provided the total area of all signs within one foot of the window does not obscure more than 50% of the window area.
- Political signs.
- Historical markers.
- Memorial signs or tablets.
- Murals.
- Signs not visible from any street.
- Signs for essential services.
- Signs with address, owner, or occupant name, of up to one square foot in area attached to a mailbox, light fixture, or exterior wall.
- Flags or insignia of any nation, state, local government, community organization, or educational institution; and flags used to notify the public that an establishment is open.
- Special event banners.
- Utility pole signs.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for New Buffalo
- There is no explicit mention of a master sign plan, sign plan requirement, or variance meeting related to general sign regulations in the provided ordinance text.
Source: ecode360 municipal code