Sign Regulations in Plymouth, Michigan
Plymouth, Michigan has specific sign regulations covering 22 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Temporary Sign (Residential Use), Wall Sign, Temporary Sign (Non-residential Use). 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 Plymouth, Michigan
Sample Sign Requirements in Plymouth
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Directional Sign | 6 ft (if ground sign) | 2 sq ft per side | — |
| Temporary Sign (Residential Use) | 4 ft (if not affixed to structure) | 18 sq ft total per lot; 6 sq ft per individual sign | Minimum 1 ft from property line |
| Temporary Sign (Non-residential Use) | 6 ft (if not affixed to structure) | 40 sq ft total per lot; 20 sq ft per individual sign | Minimum 1 ft from property line |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for PlymouthFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
22
- Temporary Sign (Residential Use)
- Wall Sign
- Temporary Sign (Non-residential Use)
- Awning Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
8
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Plymouth
Other Cities in Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Plymouth 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 Plymouth, 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 Plymouth, regulated sign types include Temporary Sign (Residential Use), Wall Sign, Temporary Sign (Non-residential Use), Awning 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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Plymouth has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Plymouth, Michigan Sign Rules at a Glance
Plymouth, Michigan regulates 22 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Temporary Sign (Residential Use)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 4 ft (if not affixed to structure) tall and 18 sq ft total per lot; 6 sq ft per individual sign, with a Minimum 1 ft from property line setback (Sec. Sec. 78-226(a)). Most commercial signs in Plymouth require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Plymouth, Michigan
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Plymouth (8 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | 6 ft (if ground sign) | 40 sq ft total per lot; 20 sq ft per individual sign | — |
| Ann Arbor Road Corridor (ARC) district | 1 | — | — | — |
| R-1, RT-1 | 2 | 4 ft | 18 sq ft per side; 36 sq ft total | — |
| RT-2 | 2 | 4 ft | 18 sq ft per side; 36 sq ft total | — |
| RM-1, RM-2 | 8 | 6 ft | Included in total wall sign area (see wall sign regulation, max 25 sq ft for non-residential/multifamily) | — |
| O-1, O-2, B-1, B-2, B-3, I-1, I-2, Mixed Use District (MU) (Non-residential uses) | 14 | 8 ft (unless located in B-2 or B-3, then 15 ft) | Up to 50% of building facade above entry door, total max 42 sq ft, part of wall sign area allocation | — |
| Mixed Use District (MU) (Residential Use) | 2 | 4 ft | 18 sq ft per side; 36 sq ft total | — |
| Planned Unit Developments (PUD) | 2 | To be determined per PUD site plan review | To be determined per PUD site plan review | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Plymouth(sample of 3 of 8 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Directional Sign | 6 ft (if ground sign) | 2 sq ft per side | — | — | One per driveway entrance | At each driveway entrance | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-225(e) |
| Temporary Sign (Residential Use) | 4 ft (if not affixed to structure) | 18 sq ft total per lot; 6 sq ft per individual sign | — | Minimum 1 ft from property line | 5 per lot | Located at least 1 ft inside property line; not on right-of-way/public land | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-226(a) |
| Temporary Sign (Non-residential Use) | 6 ft (if not affixed to structure) | 40 sq ft total per lot; 20 sq ft per individual sign | — | Minimum 1 ft from property line | 5 per lot | Located at least 1 ft inside property line; not on right-of-way/public land | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-226(a) |
RM-1, RM-2
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awning Sign | — | Included in total wall sign area (see wall sign regulation, max 25 sq ft for non-residential/multifamily) | — | — | — | Affixed or applied to awnings/canopies | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-225(b) |
| Manual Changeable Copy Sign | — | If wall-mounted: see wall sign limits; if ground: see ground sign limits | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-225(c) |
| Channel Letter Sign | — | Included in wall sign area (25 sq ft max) | — | — | — | Wall-mounted | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-225(d) |
| Directory Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-225(f) |
| Ground Sign (Multifamily/nonresidential use) | 6 ft | 25 sq ft per side; 50 sq ft total | — | Minimum 5 ft from ROW, driveway and property lines | 1 at primary entrance, 1 at secondary entrance (if eligible) | At primary and possible secondary entrance | — | Unlock | Table 78-225-A, 78-225-B |
| Wall Sign | — | 25 sq ft (for multifamily or nonresidential use per business site) | — | — | 1 per business/tenant space; 1 per facade with separate ingress/egress | Flat against the wall; not extend more than 12 in from building | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-225(l) |
| Window Sign | — | 25% of window area in which sign is located | — | — | — | First floor front facade windows (or each frontage for corner lots) | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-225(m) |
| Temporary Sign (Residential Use / Multifamily) | 4 ft | 18 sq ft total per lot; 6 sq ft per sign | — | At least 1 ft inside property line | 5 per lot | At least 1 ft inside property line; not on ROW or public land | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-226(a) |
O-1, O-2, B-1, B-2, B-3, I-1, I-2, Mixed Use District (MU) (Non-residential uses)
| 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 (Single-tenant) | O-1, O-2, B-1, I-1, I-2, MU: 8 ft; B-2/B-3: 15 ft | 25 sq ft per side; 50 sq ft total | — | Minimum 5 ft from ROW, driveway and property lines | 1 per lot; 1 additional if eligible | At primary and possible secondary entrance | — | Unlock | Table 78-225-A, 78-225-B |
| Ground Sign (Multi-tenant business site) | 8 ft (unless located in B-2 or B-3, then 15 ft) | 32 sq ft per side; 64 sq ft total | — | Minimum 5 ft from ROW, driveway and property lines | 1 per frontage, per multi-tenant site | Each collector/arterial frontage | — | Unlock | Table 78-225-A, 78-225-B |
| Hanging Sign | — | 6 sq ft per side (part of wall sign area allocation) | — | — | 1 per 1st fl business with separate ingress/egress | Center third of storefront/business, or over entrance door | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-225(h) |
| Projecting Sign | — | 8 sq ft per side (included in wall sign area allocation) | — | — | 1 per 1st fl business with separate ingress/egress | Extends up to 4 ft from wall, or 1/3 sidewalk width (whichever less); 8 ft clearance over sidewalk, 10 ft over driveway | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-225(k) |
| Wall Sign | — | 25 sq ft per business/tenant site (multi-tenant: 25 sq ft max per business) | — | — | 1 per business/tenant with separate ingress/egress; 1/ facade | Flat against wall, not more than 12 in from face | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-225(l) |
| Marquee Sign | — | Up to 50% of building facade above entry door, total max 42 sq ft, part of wall sign area allocation | — | — | 1 per business site | Above entry door; attached flat to or on top edge of marquee structure | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-225(i) |
| Temporary Sign (Non-residential Use) | 6 ft | 40 sq ft total per lot; 20 sq ft per sign | — | At least 1 ft inside property line | 5 per lot | At least 1 ft inside property line; not in ROW or public land | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-226(a) |
| Sidewalk Sign | 4 ft | — | 2 ft | — | 1 per business (max 2 per multi-tenant bldg) | On sidewalk in front of business; must allow for at least 6 ft unobstructed sidewalk; stored indoors when business is closed or snow accumulated | — | Unlock | Sec. 78-226(b) |
PermitPal covers all 8 zoning districts in Plymouth — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 8 zones for Plymouth — start freeProhibited Signs in Plymouth
- Any type of sign not expressly permitted in section 78-222 is not allowed in any district.
- Abandoned signs are not permitted.
- Bench signs are not permitted.
- Feather flag signs are not permitted.
- Festoon signs are not permitted.
- Flashing, animated or moving signs are not permitted, except signs which display the current time or temperature.
- Electronic or digital changeable copy signs are not permitted, except signs which display the current time or temperature.
- Inflatable signs are not permitted.
- Nonconforming signs are not permitted.
- Off-premises signs are not permitted.
- Pole signs are not permitted.
- Roof signs are not permitted.
- Vehicle business signs are not permitted.
- Any device erected or maintained which simulates or imitates in size, color, lettering, or design any traffic sign or signal or other word, phrase, symbol, or character in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse vehicular traffic is not permitted.
- Any sign which obstructs free ingress to or egress from a required door, window, fire escape or other required exit is not permitted.
- Any sign that, as determined by the building official or designee, is deemed unsafe, constitutes a hazard, is structurally unsound or not in good repair is not permitted.
- Any sign unlawfully installed, erected or maintained is not permitted.
- No sign shall be illuminated by other than electrical means.
- Signs shall not interfere with the vision or movement of pedestrians, cyclists, or motorists.
- Illuminated signs shall not shine light directly into adjacent or abutting properties.
- Illuminated signs adjacent to residentially zoned property shall not exceed 0.1 foot-candles along the property line.
- No sign shall have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or other illuminating devices which have a changing light intensity, brightness or color.
- When signs are externally illuminated, the light source shall be shielded and not visible from a public street or adjacent property.
- Neon lighting or similar lighting technologies is prohibited outside of the sign.
- Signs affixed or applied to awnings and canopies shall not be back-lit.
- All signs shall be on-premises signs.
- Only signs established or permitted by governmental bodies may be located in or project into the public road right-of-way or public property, unless specifically provided otherwise.
- Signs shall not be attached to or located on a tree, shrub, or any other plant materials; a utility pole, traffic-control device or on any public land or right-of-way, either by nail, screw, wire, cord, tape or any other manner.
- Temporary signs shall not be illuminated in any manner whatsoever except incidentally by streetlights or house lights.
Exempt Signs in Plymouth
- Flags.
- Legal notices, identification information, or directional signs erected or permitted by governmental bodies or agencies.
- Building or unit addresses.
- Religious symbols or paintings which do not display lettering and do not advertise a business, product or service.
- Decorative holiday displays.
- Street address signs.
- Name plates identifying the occupant or address of a parcel of land not exceeding two square feet in area.
- Window signs not exceeding two square feet in area indicating the hours of operation for a business, and whether a business is open or closed.
- Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when cut into masonry surface or constructed of bronze or other incombustible material.
- For sale signs attached to vehicles.
- Flags bearing the official design of a nation, state, municipality, educational institution or non-profit organization.
- Traffic safety and control signs erected by or on behalf of a governmental body, or other municipal signs such as legal notices, railroad crossing, danger and other emergency notices as may be approved by the municipality.
- Signs related to a special event approved by the City Commission.
- Private traffic control signs which conform to the requirements of the Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
- Park and playground signs.
- One or more temporary freestanding and wall signs on a residential lot of record with a total area of 18 square feet or less, or business site with a total area of 40 square feet or less.
- Any sign required by the municipality to be posted.
- Community entrance and streetscape signs erected by the municipality.
- A change of copy or change of sign face only.
- Signs not visible from a public right-of-way, public park, or residentially zoned property.
- Permanent wall signs that are two square feet in size or smaller affixed to a single-family residence.
- Ordinary maintenance, repainting, or cleaning of an existing sign.
- Change of message of a sign without change of the structure.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Plymouth
- Site plan review: For new development projects subject to site plan review under Article XX, the final site plan must provide enough information to determine if the proposed signage meets ordinance requirements.
- Any sign which is not explicitly defined in section 78-21 and permitted in article XIX must be approved by the zoning board of appeals before a permit is issued.
- In Planned Unit Developments (PUD), number and size of signs are subject to review and approval during the PUD process by the planning commission.
- Any permanent sign located in the historic district must also obtain approval from the historic district commission.
- Any permanent sign that makes use of electricity must also obtain an electrical permit from the building official.
Source: municode municipal code