Sign Regulations in Orion Charter Township, Michigan
Orion Charter Township, Michigan has specific sign regulations covering 21 sign types across 13 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Temporary Portable Sign (Non-Residential), Temporary A-Frame Sign (Non-Residential), Temporary Banner (Non-Residential). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: January 21, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Orion Charter Township, Michigan
Sample Sign Requirements in Orion Charter Township
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Portable Sign (Individual Residential & Institutional Parcels) | 2 ft from grade | 3 sq ft per side; 6 sq ft maximum | 2 ft inside property line; ≥10 ft from road surface; outside ROW |
| Temporary A-Frame Sign (Individual Residential & Institutional Parcels) | 4 ft from grade | 8 sq ft per side; 16 sq ft maximum | 2 ft inside property line; ≥10 ft from road surface; outside ROW |
| Temporary Banner (Individual Residential & Institutional Parcels) | 4 ft from grade | 32 sq ft | 2 ft inside property line; ≥10 ft from road surface; outside ROW |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Orion Charter TownshipFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
21
- Temporary Portable Sign (Non-Residential)
- Temporary A-Frame Sign (Non-Residential)
- Temporary Banner (Non-Residential)
- Temporary Blade Sign (Non-Residential)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
13
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Orion Charter Township
Other Cities in Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Orion 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 Orion 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 Orion Charter Township, regulated sign types include Temporary Portable Sign (Non-Residential), Temporary A-Frame Sign (Non-Residential), Temporary Banner (Non-Residential), Temporary Blade Sign (Non-Residential), 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 Orion 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 Orion Charter Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Orion Charter Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Orion Charter Township, Michigan Sign Rules at a Glance
Orion Charter Township, Michigan regulates 21 sign types across 13 zoning districts. Temporary Portable Sign (Individual Residential & Institutional Parcels)s in the Single Family Residential Districts (SF, SE, SR, R-1, R-2, R-3), Multiple Family Residential Districts (RM-1, RM-2), Mobile Home District (MHP), Brown Road Innovation Zone (BIZ - Residential/Institutional in Use Group A) zoning district are capped at 2 ft from grade tall and 3 sq ft per side; 6 sq ft maximum, with a 2 ft inside property line; ≥10 ft from road surface; outside ROW setback (Sec. Section 6 – Temporary Signs; Temporary Signs in Residential Zoned Areas – Individual Residential & Institutional Parcels table (Ord. 153 pp. 10–11)). Most commercial signs in Orion Charter Township require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Orion Charter Township, Michigan
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Orion Charter Township (13 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | — | — | — |
| Single Family Residential Districts (SF, SE, SR, R-1, R-2, R-3), Multiple Family Residential Districts (RM-1, RM-2), Mobile Home District (MHP), Brown Road Innovation Zone (BIZ - Residential/Institutional in Use Group A) | 11 | 10 ft from grade (including full length of support pole) | 40 sq ft | — |
| Office & Professional District (OP) | 9 | 10 ft from grade including the full length of the support pole | 200 sq ft maximum if 10% of façade exceeds 200 sq ft | — |
| Restricted Business District (RB) | 9 | 10 ft from grade including the full length of the support pole | 200 sq ft max if 10% of façade exceeds 200 sq ft | — |
| General Business District (GB) | 9 | 10 ft from grade including full length of support pole | 200 sq ft max if 10% of façade exceeds 200 sq ft | — |
| Limited Industrial District (LI) | 9 | 10 ft from grade including full support pole | 200 sq ft max if 10% of façade exceeds 200 sq ft | — |
| Industrial Park District (IP) | 9 | 10 ft from grade including full support pole | 200 sq ft max if 10% of façade exceeds 200 sq ft | — |
| Industrial Complex District (IC) | 9 | 10 ft from grade including full support pole | 200 sq ft max if 10% of façade exceeds 200 sq ft | — |
| Railroad Freight Yard District (RFY) | 7 | 10 ft from grade including full support pole | Alternate A: 40 sq ft/side (80 sq ft max); Alternate B: 20 sq ft/side (40 sq ft max) | — |
| Special Purpose Districts (SP-1) | 9 | 10 ft from grade including full support pole | 200 sq ft max if 10% of façade exceeds 200 sq ft | — |
| Special Purpose Districts (SP-2) | 9 | 10 ft from grade including full support pole | 200 sq ft max if 10% of façade exceeds 200 sq ft | — |
| Recreation Districts (REC-1, REC-2) | 9 | 10 ft from grade including full support pole | 40 sq ft | — |
| Brown Road Innovation Zone (BIZ - Use Groups A (Non-Residential), B, C, D) | 9 | 10 ft from grade including full support pole | 200 sq ft max if 10% of façade exceeds 200 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Orion Charter Township(sample of 3 of 13 zones)
Single Family Residential Districts (SF, SE, SR, R-1, R-2, R-3), Multiple Family Residential Districts (RM-1, RM-2), Mobile Home District (MHP), Brown Road Innovation Zone (BIZ - Residential/Institutional in Use Group A)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Portable Sign (Individual Residential & Institutional Parcels) | 2 ft from grade | 3 sq ft per side; 6 sq ft maximum | — | 2 ft inside property line; ≥10 ft from road surface; outside ROW | 1 portable OR 1 A-Frame OR 1 Banner per zoning lot | 2 ft inside the property line, not less than 10 ft from road surface, and outside the road right-of-way | — | Unlock | Section 6 – Temporary Signs; Temporary Signs in Residential Zoned Areas – Individual Residential & Institutional Parcels table (Ord. 153 pp. 10–11) |
| Temporary A-Frame Sign (Individual Residential & Institutional Parcels) | 4 ft from grade | 8 sq ft per side; 16 sq ft maximum | — | 2 ft inside property line; ≥10 ft from road surface; outside ROW | 1 portable OR 1 A-Frame OR 1 Banner per zoning lot | 2 ft inside the property line, not less than 10 ft from road surface, and outside the road right-of-way | — | Unlock | Section 6 – Temporary Signs; Temporary Signs in Residential Zoned Areas – Individual Residential & Institutional Parcels table (Ord. 153 pp. 10–11) |
| Temporary Banner (Individual Residential & Institutional Parcels) | 4 ft from grade | 32 sq ft | — | 2 ft inside property line; ≥10 ft from road surface; outside ROW | 1 portable OR 1 A-Frame OR 1 Banner per zoning lot | 2 ft inside the property line, not less than 10 ft from road surface, and outside the road right-of-way | — | Unlock | Section 6 – Temporary Signs; Temporary Signs in Residential Zoned Areas – Individual Residential & Institutional Parcels table (Ord. 153 pp. 10–11) |
| Temporary Portable Sign (Approved Residential Developments – Entrance) | 2 ft from grade | 3 sq ft per side; 6 sq ft maximum | — | 2 ft inside property line; ≥10 ft from road surface; outside ROW | 1 portable OR 1 A-Frame OR 1 Banner OR 1 Blade per development entrance | 2 ft inside the property line, not less than 10 ft from road surface, and outside the road right-of-way | — | Unlock | Section 6 – Temporary Signs; Temporary Signs – Approved Residential Developments table (Ord. 153 p. 12) |
| Temporary A-Frame Sign (Approved Residential Developments – Entrance) | 4 ft from grade | 8 sq ft per side; 16 sq ft maximum | — | 2 ft inside property line; ≥10 ft from road surface; outside ROW | 1 portable OR 1 A-Frame OR 1 Banner OR 1 Blade per development entrance | 2 ft inside the property line, not less than 10 ft from road surface, and outside the road right-of-way | — | Unlock | Section 6 – Temporary Signs; Temporary Signs – Approved Residential Developments table (Ord. 153 p. 12) |
| Temporary Banner (Approved Residential Developments – Entrance) | 4 ft from grade | 32 sq ft | — | 2 ft inside property line; ≥10 ft from road surface; outside ROW | 1 portable OR 1 A-Frame OR 1 Banner OR 1 Blade per development entrance | 2 ft inside the property line, not less than 10 ft from road surface, and outside the road right-of-way | — | Unlock | Section 6 – Temporary Signs; Temporary Signs – Approved Residential Developments table (Ord. 153 p. 12) |
| Temporary Blade Sign (Approved Residential Developments – Entrance) | 10 ft from grade (including full length of support pole) | — | 3.5 ft at widest point | 2 ft inside property line; ≥10 ft from road surface; outside ROW | 1 portable OR 1 A-Frame OR 1 Banner OR 1 Blade per development entrance | 2 ft inside the property line, not less than 10 ft from road surface, and outside the road right-of-way | — | Unlock | Section 6 – Temporary Signs; Temporary Signs – Approved Residential Developments table (Ord. 153 p. 12) |
| Ground Sign – Subdivision/Site Condominium/Multiple-Family Complex/Mobile Home Park Entrance | 6 ft overall height | 35 sq ft per side; 70 sq ft maximum | — | 20 ft from existing ROW (or as required by Road Commission of Oakland County) | 1 per vehicular entrance | At vehicular entrance(s) to the residential development | — | Unlock | Section 7 – Residential Zoned Areas: Ground Signs table and Footnote 3 (Ord. 153 pp. 15–16) |
Office & Professional District (OP)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Portable Sign (Non-Residential) | 2 ft from grade | 3 sq ft per side; 6 sq ft maximum | — | 2 ft inside property line; ≥10 ft from road surface; outside ROW | Up to 2 per zoning lot (portable or in combination with other temporary sign types) | 2 ft inside the property line, not less than 10 ft from road surface, and outside the road right-of-way | — | Unlock | Section 6 – Temporary Signs; Temporary Signs in Non-Residential Zoned Areas table and footnotes (Ord. 153 pp. 13–14) |
| Temporary A-Frame Sign (Non-Residential) | 4 ft from grade | 8 sq ft per side; 16 sq ft maximum | — | 2 ft inside property line; ≥10 ft from road surface; outside ROW | Up to 2 per zoning lot (A-Frame or in combination with other temporary sign types) | 2 ft inside the property line, not less than 10 ft from road surface, and outside the road right-of-way | — | Unlock | Section 6 – Temporary Signs; Temporary Signs in Non-Residential Zoned Areas table and footnotes (Ord. 153 pp. 13–14) |
| Temporary Banner (Non-Residential) | 4 ft from grade | 32 sq ft | — | 2 ft inside property line; ≥10 ft from road surface; outside ROW | Up to 2 per zoning lot (Banner or in combination with other temporary sign types) | 2 ft inside the property line, not less than 10 ft from road surface, and outside the road right-of-way | — | Unlock | Section 6 – Temporary Signs; Temporary Signs in Non-Residential Zoned Areas table and footnotes (Ord. 153 pp. 13–14) |
| Temporary Blade Sign (Non-Residential) | 10 ft from grade including the full length of the support pole | — | 3.5 ft at widest point | 2 ft inside property line; ≥10 ft from road surface; outside ROW | Up to 2 per zoning lot (Blade or in combination with other temporary sign types) | 2 ft inside the property line, not less than 10 ft from road surface, and outside the road right-of-way | — | Unlock | Section 6 – Temporary Signs; Temporary Signs in Non-Residential Zoned Areas table and footnotes (Ord. 153 pp. 13–14) |
| Ground Sign | Alternate A: up to 6 ft overall; Alternate B: over 6 ft up to 8 ft overall | Alternate A: 40 sq ft/side (80 sq ft max); Alternate B: 30 sq ft/side (60 sq ft max) | — | 20 ft from existing ROW (or as required by RCOC) | 1 per zoning lot OR 1 multi-tenant sign | On-site along frontage | — | Unlock | Section 7 – Non-Residential Zoned Areas: Ground Signs table (Ord. 153 pp. 19–20), Footnote 3 and 5 |
| EMC Ground Sign | Must conform to height regulations for ground signs in OP | — | — | Same as non-EMC ground signs (20 ft from ROW) | Only 1 unless corner-lot condition (see Footnote 5a–5b) | On-site integrated into ground sign | — | Unlock | Section 7 – EMC Ground Signs (Non-Residential Zoned Areas) table and Footnote 5 (Ord. 153 pp. 20–21) |
| Wall Sign | — | 200 sq ft maximum if 10% of façade exceeds 200 sq ft | — | — | 1 wall sign per establishment (front); optional rear wall sign under Footnote 8 conditions | Front façade; rear façade allowed under mirrored architecture conditions | — | Unlock | Section 7 – Non-Residential Zoned Areas: Wall Signs table, Footnotes 4 and 8 (Ord. 153 pp. 21–22) |
| Window Sign (Interior) | — | Up to 25% of total window and door area on front façade | — | — | — | Interior, within 24 inches of the inside window surface, visible from exterior | — | Unlock | Section 9 – Permitted Interior Window and Door Signs |
Restricted Business District (RB)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Portable Sign (Non-Residential) | 2 ft from grade | 3 sq ft per side; 6 sq ft maximum | — | 2 ft inside property line; ≥10 ft from road surface; outside ROW | Up to 2 per zoning lot | 2 ft inside the property line, not less than 10 ft from road surface, and outside the road right-of-way | — | Unlock | Section 6 – Temporary Signs; Non-Residential Zoned Areas table and footnotes (Ord. 153 pp. 13–14) |
| Temporary A-Frame Sign (Non-Residential) | 4 ft from grade | 8 sq ft per side; 16 sq ft maximum | — | 2 ft inside property line; ≥10 ft from road surface; outside ROW | Up to 2 per zoning lot | 2 ft inside the property line, not less than 10 ft from road surface, and outside the road right-of-way | — | Unlock | Section 6 – Temporary Signs; Non-Residential Zoned Areas table and footnotes (Ord. 153 pp. 13–14) |
| Temporary Banner (Non-Residential) | 4 ft from grade | 32 sq ft | — | 2 ft inside property line; ≥10 ft from road surface; outside ROW | Up to 2 per zoning lot | 2 ft inside the property line, not less than 10 ft from road surface, and outside the road right-of-way | — | Unlock | Section 6 – Temporary Signs; Non-Residential Zoned Areas table and footnotes (Ord. 153 pp. 13–14) |
| Temporary Blade Sign (Non-Residential) | 10 ft from grade including the full length of the support pole | — | 3.5 ft at widest point | 2 ft inside property line; ≥10 ft from road surface; outside ROW | Up to 2 per zoning lot | 2 ft inside the property line, not less than 10 ft from road surface, and outside the road right-of-way | — | Unlock | Section 6 – Temporary Signs; Non-Residential Zoned Areas table and footnotes (Ord. 153 pp. 13–14) |
| Ground Sign | Alternate A: up to 6 ft; Alternate B: over 6 ft up to 8 ft | Alternate A: 40 sq ft/side (80 sq ft max); Alternate B: 32 sq ft/side (64 sq ft max) | — | 20 ft from existing ROW | 1 per zoning lot OR 1 multi-tenant sign OR 1 shopping center sign | On-site along frontage | — | Unlock | Section 7 – Non-Residential Zoned Areas: Ground Signs table (Ord. 153 pp. 19–20), Footnotes 3 and 5 |
| EMC Ground Sign | Must conform to ground sign height limits in RB | — | — | Same as ground sign | Only 1 unless corner-lot conditions | Integrated into allowed ground sign | — | Unlock | Section 7 – EMC Ground Signs (Non-Residential Zoned Areas) (Ord. 153 pp. 20–21) |
| Wall Sign | — | 200 sq ft max if 10% of façade exceeds 200 sq ft | — | — | 1 wall sign per establishment (front); optional rear sign per Footnote 8 | Front façade; rear façade allowed under mirrored architecture conditions | — | Unlock | Section 7 – Non-Residential Zoned Areas: Wall Signs (Ord. 153 pp. 21–22), Footnotes 4 and 8 |
| Window Sign (Interior) | — | Up to 25% of total window and door area on front façade | — | — | — | Interior, within 24 inches of inside window surface | — | Unlock | Section 9 – Permitted Interior Window and Door Signs |
PermitPal covers all 13 zoning districts in Orion Charter Township — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 13 zones for Orion Charter Township — start freeProhibited Signs in Orion Charter Township
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- Signs not expressly permitted are prohibited unless approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
- Any sign that constitutes a traffic hazard or detracts from the visibility of traffic control devices, including signs using words such as “STOP,” “LOOK,” or “DANGER” in a misleading manner, is prohibited.
- Signs or sign structures that are structurally unsafe; hazardous due to inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, or abandonment; not kept in good repair; capable of causing electric shock; with peeling paint; broken parts; missing letters; or non-operational lights are prohibited.
- Signs that obstruct free ingress or egress from a required door, window, fire escape, or other required exit are prohibited.
- Signs containing obscene, indecent, or pornographic material are prohibited.
- Signs unlawfully installed, erected, or maintained are prohibited.
- Search lights, string lights, twirling signs, balloons or other gas-filled figures are prohibited unless otherwise allowed under temporary sign provisions.
- Signs affixed to utility poles, trees, rocks, shrubs, similar natural features, or to non-municipally owned or operated light poles are prohibited (historical site signs may be allowed).
- Temporary signs mounted upon trucks, vans, trailers, or other wheeled devices are prohibited; signs permanently affixed to door panels of commercial vehicles are allowed.
- Vehicles utilized as signage are prohibited where any of the following apply: the vehicle is not parked on the property where the business or service is located; the vehicle is not regularly used in the course of such business or service or is non-operational; the vehicle is not parked in a regulation parking space; the vehicle is kept in the same location for more than 72 hours.
- No sign may be illuminated by open spark or flame; flashing or turning on and off of sign illumination is prohibited; signs or any part thereof shall not move.
- A sign shall not be attached in a manner that interferes with any opening required for ventilation.
- No nails, tacks, or wire may protrude from the front of any sign (except lock letter electrical reflectors or similar devices).
- No sign, except wall signs, may be erected within four feet of any electric light pole, street lamp, or other public utility; minimum clearances from utility conductors apply.
- Temporary or permanent signs shall not be located to obstruct clear vision at intersections or be confused with traffic signs, signals, or devices.
- Signs shall not be located so as to interfere with the necessary free and unobstructed view of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
- Signs shall not be erected to permit swinging of the entire sign or any portion.
- Signs may not be allowed to corrode, rust, peel, break up, or otherwise fall into disrepair creating an unsightly or dangerous condition; such signs must be repaired or removed within ten days of written notice.
- When a sign is insecure, in danger of falling, or otherwise unsafe, it must be repaired, brought into compliance, or removed immediately.
- Maximum sign illuminance shall not exceed 0.3 foot-candle above ambient at the nearest residential property line and 1.0 foot-candle at the nearest non-residential property line.
- Electronic Message Center signs are prohibited in wall signs.
Exempt Signs in Orion Charter Township
- No Hunting, No Trespassing, and No Soliciting signs.
- Signs located in the interior of buildings (except as otherwise regulated).
- Residential identification or address signs affixed to a wall, mailbox, post, lamp post, or pillar in a residential area, not larger than 2 square feet.
- Traffic control or other municipal signs, including historic site designations, municipal facility directional signs, municipally owned or operated light pole signs, legal notices, railroad crossing signs, danger and temporary emergency signs, and developer identification signs.
- Non-residential street address signs (street numbers) not exceeding 3 square feet in area.
- Memorial signs.
- Flags bearing the official design of a nation, state, or other municipality; flags of educational institutions or philanthropic or other public or private entities, with only one flag bearing a private organization seal or trademark per establishment; flagpoles for non-official flags shall not exceed 1.5 times the allowed building height in the zoning district.
- For gasoline service stations, customary lettering or insignia on gasoline pumps (brand, lead warning, legally required data) not exceeding 3 square feet on each pump.
- Real estate signs no larger than 3 square feet in residential zoned areas and no larger than 16 square feet in non-residential zoned areas.
- Directional signs 2 square feet or less and up to 30 inches in height, maximum of four per occupant in a single or multi-tenant building; sites larger than 10 acres may request additional directional signs; directional signs may include a business logo or symbol.
- Customary holiday displays if displayed one month before the national holiday and removed within two weeks after the holiday.
- Residential window and door signs.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Orion Charter Township
- Permanent ground sign applications must include a site plan drawn to a scale no less than 50 feet to the inch, showing existing and proposed structures or signs within 200 feet, and the location of existing road rights-of-way, parking areas, entrances, and exits within 200 feet.
- Permanent sign applications must include two color drawings of the proposed sign; if a variance is sought, fourteen color drawings are required.
- Permanent sign applications must include detailed drawings (height if ground sign; materials, colors, dimensions; total sign and base/support area; lettering; illumination method/color; logos/emblems; construction/attachment specs; façade measurements for wall signs).
- Signs not expressly permitted may only be allowed by review and approval of the Zoning Board of Appeals; a variance application to the ZBA is required for such cases.
- Zoning Board of Appeals variance/appeal process: application due within 30 days of denial/notice; hearing within 30 days or first available meeting; notice to owners within 300 feet at least 15 days prior; variance valid for 6 months unless a permit is obtained and work commenced; findings of practical difficulty/undue hardship required.
- Planned Unit Development signage is reviewed by the Planning Commission (permit and review provisions of Sections 10 and 11 do not apply to PUD signage); the Zoning Board of Appeals retains jurisdiction for variances and appeals related to PUD signs.
- Architectural Feature Signs must be attached to a permanent architectural feature shown on a Planning Commission approved site plan.
- Electronic Message Center sign permits require written manufacturer certification that light intensity is factory-programmed not to exceed required levels and is password-protected against end-user changes; EMC signs must include photosensitive equipment that automatically adjusts brightness and contrast based on ambient outdoor illumination.
- Inspections are required for permanent signs: footing inspections for ground and billboard signs; building inspection for wall signs; final electrical inspection for signs using electricity.
Source: other municipal code