# Sign Regulations in Plymouth, Michigan

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Plymouth, Michigan, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Plymouth, Michigan (MI)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/michigan/plymouth
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-08
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/MI/Plymouth/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH78ZO_ARTXIXSI)

## 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.

## Sign rules by zoning district (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 (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 | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Directional Sign | 6 ft (if ground sign) | 2 sq ft per side | — | — | One per driveway entrance | At each driveway entrance | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | Sec. 78-226(a) |

### RM-1, RM-2

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | 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 | — | Sec. 78-225(b) |
| Manual Changeable Copy Sign | — | If wall-mounted: see wall sign limits; if ground: see ground sign limits | — | — | — | — | — | Sec. 78-225(c) |
| Channel Letter Sign | — | Included in wall sign area (25 sq ft max) | — | — | — | Wall-mounted | — | Sec. 78-225(d) |
| Directory Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | 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) | — | 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 | — | 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 | 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 | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | 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 | — | Sec. 78-226(b) |

## Prohibited 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.

## Signs exempt from permit 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

- 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.

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 8 zoning districts in Plymouth — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Plymouth+MI&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-plymouth

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