Sign Regulations in Parchment, Michigan
Parchment, Michigan has specific sign regulations covering 22 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign (Ground Sign), Wall Sign (Front of Building), Wall Sign (Other Than Front). 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 Parchment, Michigan
Sample Sign Requirements in Parchment
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sign (General) | — | — | Must comply with vision clearance (25-foot triangle at intersections), may not obstruct view. |
| Exempt Signs | — | 1 sq ft (general); 48 sq ft (law required signs); 6 sq ft (traffic direction, convenience signs); 12 sq ft (gasoline price signs); 10 sq ft (gas canopy identification signs, max 2 per canopy); 50% window area (window signs) | — |
| Political Sign | — | 6 sq ft per side | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for ParchmentFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
22
- Freestanding Sign (Ground Sign)
- Wall Sign (Front of Building)
- Wall Sign (Other Than Front)
- Roof Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Parchment
Other Cities in Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Parchment 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 Parchment, 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 Parchment, regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign (Ground Sign), Wall Sign (Front of Building), Wall Sign (Other Than Front), Roof 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 Parchment 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 Parchment are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Parchment has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Parchment, Michigan Sign Rules at a Glance
Parchment, Michigan regulates 22 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Ground Sign)s in the Commercial Districts, Industrial Districts, Industrial (I-M) District, General Business (C-3) District zoning district are capped at 20 ft tall and Up to 75 sq ft (lots <200 ft frontage); Up to 100 sq ft (lots 200–399.99 ft frontage)., with a Cannot extend into public right-of-way. Anchored 3 ft below ground, embedded in concrete. setback (Sec. Sec. 15.7.a). Most commercial signs in Parchment require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Parchment, Michigan
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Parchment (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | — | 6 sq ft per side | — |
| Commercial Districts, Industrial Districts, Industrial (I-M) District, General Business (C-3) District | 11 | 20 ft | 100 sq ft | — |
| Residential-Transitional (R-T) District, Central Business (C-1) District, Service Business (C-2) District | 11 | 12 ft | As calculated; max 50% of front wall area. | — |
| Residential Districts | 7 | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Parchment(sample of 3 of 4 zones)
Commercial Districts, Industrial Districts, Industrial (I-M) District, General Business (C-3) 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 (Ground Sign) | 20 ft | Up to 75 sq ft (lots <200 ft frontage); Up to 100 sq ft (lots 200–399.99 ft frontage). | — | Cannot extend into public right-of-way. Anchored 3 ft below ground, embedded in concrete. | 1 per building/center, 2 if ≥3 streets or 200+ ft on one street | On the same parcel as the building/use to which it is accessory. | — | Unlock | Sec. 15.7.a |
| Wall Sign (Front of Building) | — | Calculated as 3 sq ft per linear foot of building frontage; not to exceed 50% of wall area | — | Cannot project more than 18 inches from building surface. | — | Parallel to building wall; may not cover openings or project beyond wall ends/tops. | — | Unlock | Sec. 15.7.b, 15.5, 15.6 |
| Wall Sign (Other Than Front) | — | 100 sq ft | — | Cannot project more than 18 inches from building surface. | — | Other than front of building. | — | Unlock | Sec. 15.7.b.4 |
| Roof Sign | 3 ft (must not extend above peak of roof) | 3 sq ft per linear foot of building frontage | — | — | — | Parallel with front wall; not above peak of roof; not allowed if there is a marquee sign. | — | Unlock | Sec. 15.7.c |
| Projecting Sign | 10 ft above roof line | 15 sq ft (max); >10 sq ft or >50 lbs not allowed on wood-frame buildings | — | — | Not within 20 ft of other projecting signs; 1 per business minimum | Cannot project past property line or into right-of-way; attached to building | — | Unlock | Sec. 15.7.d |
| Monument Sign | 6 ft | +20% of allowed ground sign area if substituted | — | — | As substitute for allowed ground (freestanding) sign(s) | In place of a ground sign; on the same parcel as the business/use | — | Unlock | Sec. 15.7.f |
| Temporary Sign | 10 ft (business/industrial districts); lower edge at least 18 in above ground | Single face max 24 sq ft; total max 48 sq ft; For Sale/For Rent: 32 sq ft; Yard Sale: 4 sq ft | — | Projection into right-of-way prohibited without BZA approval. | 1 per use (general); 2 per lot (For Sale/For Rent) | On-premises only; not allowed strung across right-of-way. | — | Unlock | Sec. 15.7.h, 15.7.k |
| Fence Sign | Max height of fence: 6 ft | Same as for wall signs | — | — | — | Affixed to fence on property. Cannot project above top/ends of fence. | — | Unlock | Sec. 15.7.j |
Residential-Transitional (R-T) District, Central Business (C-1) District, Service Business (C-2) 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 (Ground Sign) | 12 ft | 32 sq ft (single face); 64 sq ft (multi-face). | — | Post supports must be sunk at least 3 ft and embedded in concrete. | 1 per building/center | On same parcel as the building/use. | — | Unlock | Sec. 15.9.a |
| Wall Sign (Front of Building) | — | As calculated; max 50% of front wall area. | — | Projection max 18 in from surface. | — | Parallel to building wall; not covering wall openings or projecting above/beyond wall. | — | Unlock | Sec. 15.9.b, 15.5, 15.6 |
| Wall Sign (Other Than Front) | — | 50 sq ft | — | Projection max 18 in from wall. | — | Other than front of building. | — | Unlock | Sec. 15.9.b.4 |
| Roof Sign | 3 ft; must not extend above roof peak | Same as formula | — | — | — | Parallel to front wall; not above peak; not if marquee exists. | — | Unlock | Sec. 15.9.c |
| Projecting Sign | No higher than roof line | 15 sq ft | — | — | Not within 20 ft of another projecting sign | Not to project over property line or into right-of-way. | — | Unlock | Sec. 15.9.d |
| Monument Sign | 6 ft | — | — | — | As substitute for allowed ground sign(s) | In place of ground sign on same parcel. | — | Unlock | Sec. 15.9.f |
| Temporary Sign | 6 ft | Single face max 20 sq ft; total max 40 sq ft; For Sale/For Rent: 20 sq ft; Yard Sale: 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per use; 2 per lot (For Sale/For Rent). | On premises; not strung across/across right-of-way. | — | Unlock | Sec. 15.9.h, 15.9.k |
| Fence Sign | 6 ft (max fence height) | Max 50 sq ft | — | — | — | Affixed to fence on property. | — | Unlock | Sec. 15.9.j |
Residential 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Sign | — | 2 sq ft lot total | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 15.5.a, 15.10.a |
| Temporary Sign (For Sale/For Rent) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 2 per lot | On the property being advertised. | — | Unlock | Sec. 15.10.d |
| Temporary Sign (Subdivision Sale Sign) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per 10+ lots for sale by broker/builder; more by approval. | On site where 10+ lots are for sale. Lower edge must be at least 3 ft above ground. | — | Unlock | Sec. 15.10.e |
| Temporary Sign (Building Under Construction) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | — | On building/lot under construction. | — | Unlock | Sec. 15.10.f |
| Permanent Institutional Sign (Church, School, Government) | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | — | On property of institution | — | Unlock | Sec. 15.10.g |
| Permanent Multifamily Residential Sign | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per multifamily unit | On property. | — | Unlock | Sec. 15.10.h |
| Permanent Subdivision Entrance Sign | — | 32 sq ft per entrance (max 2 signs/entrance) | — | — | 2 per entrance | At major entrances (not in right-of-way) | — | Unlock | Sec. 15.10.i |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Parchment — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 4 zones for Parchment — start freeProhibited Signs in Parchment
- Prohibition of signs that imitate or approximate official highway signs or that carry words, phrases, symbols, or characters likely to confuse or mislead traffic.
- Prohibition of signs that obscure public authority signs or interfere with, obstruct, or confuse authorized traffic signs, signals, or devices.
- Prohibition of flashing or intermittent lights, or lights of changing degrees or intensity (unless each interval is five seconds or more and does not constitute a traffic hazard).
- Prohibition of signs that obstruct any window or door opening used as a means of egress, or prevent free passage on roofs or interfere with openings required for legal ventilation.
- Prohibition of illumination causing direct glare into or upon buildings other than the building to which the sign is accessory.
- Prohibition of swinging signs.
- Prohibition of moving signs or parts, except as explicitly allowed elsewhere.
- Prohibition of abandoned signs.
- Prohibition of signs that may be confused with, or construed as, a traffic control device, or which hide traffic or street signs, or obstruct sight at intersections.
- Prohibition of signs containing statements, words, or pictures of obscene, indecent, pornographic, or immoral character.
- Prohibition of signs emitting audible sound, odor, or visible matter.
- Prohibition of exterior string lights in connection with commercial premises, except for holiday decoration.
- Prohibition of signs placed or painted on any tree or rock.
- Prohibition of signs placed on utility poles, light poles, telephone poles, stop signs, or traffic signs, except for utility identification or similar purpose.
- Prohibition of vehicles or trailers used as signs.
- Billboards are prohibited in the city.
- No sign shall be constructed or maintained which does not advertise a business transacted or goods sold or produced on the premises on which the sign is located (for commercial and industrial zones).
- Signs are prohibited in public rights-of-way or projecting into public rights-of-way, unless specifically permitted.
- No sign illumination may exceed 0.08 foot-candles, or a luminary brightness of 2,400 foot-lamberts, when measured from the nearest or adjacent residentially zoned property.
- No sign shall be erected, relocated, or maintained to prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window or fire escape, or attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
- No ground sign shall be erected at an intersection so as to obstruct vision, or placed within a clear triangle at corners.
- No signs, signals, markings, or blinking/blinking, oscillating, or rotating lights may be erected adjacent to public rights-of-way so as to create a traffic hazard.
- No nails, tacks, or wires may protrude from the front of any sign (except for necessary block letters, reflectors, or similar devices).
- No person shall display obscene, indecent, or immoral matter on any sign or advertising structure.
- No sign shall be erected, repaired, altered, relocated, or maintained without first obtaining a permit, except for specifically listed exceptions.
- Temporary signs cannot be strung across public rights-of-way or project beyond property lines except by specific approval.
- Temporary yard/garage sale signs cannot be attached to utility poles, meter posts, or trees, or property of another person without the owner's consent.
- Nonconforming signs cannot be enlarged, illuminated, moved, or replaced except to bring into conformity.
- Replacement of a nonconforming sign is prohibited.
- No person shall erect, maintain, relocate, or keep any sign as defined in the prohibited signs section without complying with the above.
Exempt Signs in Parchment
- Any single sign with an area of one square foot or less, limited to one per premises.
- Historic signs designating sites recognized by the state historical commission or local governmental body or agency.
- Signs of a duly constituted governmental body, including traffic or similar regulatory devices, legal devices, or warnings at railroad crossings.
- Building markers, memorial tablets, or similar signs.
- Signs required to be maintained by law or governmental order, rule or regulation, provided they do not exceed 48 square feet.
- Signs directing traffic on private property, with no advertising, total surface area not to exceed six square feet per sign.
- Signs for direction or convenience of the public, such as restrooms, telephones, entrances, with total surface area not to exceed six square feet per sign on any lot or parcel.
- Gasoline price signs not exceeding a total area of 12 square feet.
- At gasoline stations, corporate identification signs less than 10 square feet each, maximum two per canopy, attached directly to the canopy.
- Signs painted on or affixed to windows or doors identifying only the lawful business conducted therein, provided such window signs do not occupy more than 50% of the window or door glass surface area.
- Wall murals and graphics with no direct advertisement, subject to design review guidelines and Planning Commission approval.
- Professional nameplates not exceeding one square foot in area.
- Changing of advertising material or copy on a properly licensed sign and maintenance or repair thereof.
- Bulletin boards not over 20 square feet for public, charitable, or religious institutions when located on their premises (electrical permit required if illuminated).
- Occupational signs denoting only the name and profession of an occupant in a commercial, public, or institutional building, not exceeding two square feet in area.
- Memorial signs or tablets, building names, and dates of erection, when cut into masonry or constructed of bronze or aluminum.
- Traffic or other municipal signs, legal notices, railroad crossing signs, 'danger' and temporary emergency or nonadvertising signs as approved by the city manager or designee.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Parchment
- All signs, except those explicitly exempted, require a permit before erection, repair, alteration, relocation, or maintenance.
- Permit applications must include plans, specifications, construction and attachment methods, materials used, and in some cases structural calculations and engineer approval.
- Painted wall signs, wall murals, and certain graphics are subject to design review guidelines (Section 15.14) and, for murals/graphics, Planning Commission review and approval.
- Permits for yard sale or temporary signs over four square feet are required.
- Signs in public right-of-way are prohibited except as specifically permitted elsewhere or by approval; otherwise will be removed by the city.
- Temporary signs projecting over public right-of-way require specific board of zoning appeals approval.
- Permit applications must include details such as blueprints/drawings, stress sheets, owner's written consent for signs on vacant land, electrical inspector's approval for illuminated signs, and any other information required to show compliance.
- Nonconforming signs must be brought into compliance or removed within specified timeframes when property use or ownership changes, or upon expiration of grace/continuance periods.
Source: municode municipal code