Sign Regulations in Putnam Township, Michigan
Putnam Township, Michigan has specific sign regulations covering 34 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign (All nonresidential permitted and special land uses), Entrance Drive Arch Sign (All permitted and special land use), Ground Sign (Places of assembly). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 28, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Putnam Township, Michigan
Sample Sign Requirements in Putnam Township
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign (All nonagricultural and nonresidential uses) | 5 ft | 25 sq ft | 5 ft from right-of-way, 10 ft side (nonilluminated), 25 ft side (illuminated) |
| Ground Sign (Subdivision/residential development identification) | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Ground Sign (Agricultural identification) | 5 ft | 25 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
34
- Wall Sign (All nonresidential permitted and special land uses)
- Entrance Drive Arch Sign (All permitted and special land use)
- Ground Sign (Places of assembly)
- Ground Sign (All nonagricultural and nonresidential uses)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
8
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Putnam Township
Other Cities in Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Putnam 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 Putnam 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 Putnam Township, regulated sign types include Wall Sign (All nonresidential permitted and special land uses), Entrance Drive Arch Sign (All permitted and special land use), Ground Sign (Places of assembly), Ground Sign (All nonagricultural and nonresidential uses), 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 Putnam 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 Putnam Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Putnam Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Putnam Township, Michigan Sign Rules at a Glance
Putnam Township, Michigan regulates 34 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Ground Sign (All nonagricultural and nonresidential uses)s in the Agriculture/Open Space (A-O) zoning district are capped at 5 ft tall and 25 sq ft, with a 5 ft from right-of-way, 10 ft side (nonilluminated), 25 ft side (illuminated) setback (Sec. §340-159D, A-O Ground Sign Requirements). Most commercial signs in Putnam Township require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Putnam Township, Michigan
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Putnam Township (8 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture/Open Space (A-O) | 6 | 16 ft | 48 sq ft | — |
| Single-Family Residential (RR, RS-1, RS-2, RS-3, RS-4, LR-1, LR-2) | 4 | 8 ft | 40 sq ft | — |
| Two-Family and Multiple-Family (R-2, R-3) | 4 | 8 ft | 40 sq ft | — |
| Manufactured Housing Community (MHC) | 3 | 8 ft | 40 sq ft | — |
| Resource Based Recreation (RBR) | 3 | 16 ft | 48 sq ft | — |
| Commercial and Industrial (C-1, C-2, M-1) | 4 | 8 ft | 60 sq ft | — |
| Public Lands (P-L) | 2 | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 12 | 6 ft | Aggregate 32 sq ft per site | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Putnam Township(sample of 3 of 8 zones)
Agriculture/Open Space (A-O)
| 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 (All nonagricultural and nonresidential uses) | 5 ft | 25 sq ft | — | 5 ft from right-of-way, 10 ft side (nonilluminated), 25 ft side (illuminated) | 1 per lot, or 2 per lot with 500+ ft frontage | — | — | Unlock | §340-159D, A-O Ground Sign Requirements |
| Ground Sign (Subdivision/residential development identification) | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per entrance | At each entrance | — | Unlock | §340-159D, A-O Ground Sign Requirements |
| Ground Sign (Agricultural identification) | 5 ft | 25 sq ft | — | — | 1 per farm or business | — | — | Unlock | §340-159D, A-O Ground Sign Requirements |
| Ground Sign (Place of assembly/schools) | 8 ft | 40 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot, or 2 per lot with 500+ ft of frontage | — | — | Unlock | §340-159D, A-O Ground Sign Requirements |
| Wall Sign (All nonagricultural and nonresidential permitted and special land uses) | — | 20 sq ft | — | — | — | Mounted to wall | — | Unlock | §340-159D, A-O Wall Sign Requirements |
| Entrance Drive Arch Sign (All permitted and special land use) | 16 ft | 48 sq ft | — | Outside of clear vision area | 1 per facility | Outside of clear vision area | — | Unlock | §340-159D, A-O Entrance Drive Arch Sign Requirements |
Single-Family Residential (RR, RS-1, RS-2, RS-3, RS-4, LR-1, LR-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign (All nonresidential uses) | 5 ft | 20 sq ft | — | 5 ft from right-of-way lines; 10 ft side (nonilluminated), 25 ft side (illuminated) | 1 per lot, or 2 per lot with 500+ ft of frontage | — | — | Unlock | §340-159D, SFR Ground Sign Requirements |
| Ground Sign (Subdivision or residential development identification) | 5 ft | 20 sq ft | — | — | 1 per entrance | At each entrance | — | Unlock | §340-159D, SFR Ground Sign Requirements |
| Ground Sign (Places of assembly, Schools, Township Halls, Fire and Police Stations) | 8 ft | 40 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot, or 2 per lot with 500+ ft of frontage | — | — | Unlock | §340-159D, SFR Ground Sign Requirements |
| Wall Sign (All nonresidential permitted and special land uses) | — | 20 sq ft | — | — | — | Mounted to wall | — | Unlock | §340-159D, SFR Wall Sign Requirements |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign | 6 ft | Aggregate 32 sq ft per site | — | — | — | Not attached to tree, shrub, utility pole, or structural element not intended to support signs. | — | Unlock | §340-159E(1) |
| Real Estate Sign (Residential district) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | — | — | Unlock | §340-159E(2) |
| Development Sign | — | 24 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | — | — | Unlock | §340-159E(3) |
| Directional Sign (At drive entrances or on site) | 4 ft | 2 sq ft | — | — | — | At drive entrances or other locations for providing direction. | — | Unlock | §340-159E(7) |
| Off-Premises Directional Sign (to places of worship, municipal, educational, agricultural enterprise) | 6 ft | 2 sq ft | — | — | No more than 2 per use | Off-premises; not in right-of-way. | — | Unlock | §340-159G |
| Home Occupation Wall Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Front wall of dwelling or attached garage | — | Unlock | §190-5A, §190-5B |
| Home-Based Business Freestanding Sign | 4 ft | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 | — | — | Unlock | §190-5A(1), §190-5B |
| Home-Based Business Wall Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Front wall of dwelling or accessory structure | — | Unlock | §190-5A(2), §190-5B |
PermitPal covers all 8 zoning districts in Putnam 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 8 zones for Putnam Township — start freeProhibited Signs in Putnam Township
- Signs not specifically permitted in this chapter are prohibited.
- Signs shall not be illuminated (for home occupations and home-based businesses per § 190-5.B).
- A sign resembling the flashing lights customarily used in traffic signals, or police, fire, ambulance, or rescue vehicles or signs that imitate official traffic directional signs or devices.
- A sign using the words, "Stop," "Danger," or any other words, phrases, symbols, or characters, in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse a vehicle driver.
- Signs on parked or moving vehicles where the sign is the primary use of the vehicle.
- Signs that are affixed to trees, shrubs or similar natural features; however, "no trespassing" or similar signs of under two square feet are permitted.
- Signs affixed to fences or utility poles, or to structural elements not capable of supporting such signs.
- Any sign which obstructs the ingress or egress from a required door, window, or other required exit.
- Banner signs used as permanent signs.
- Signs placed within the road right-of-way, other than approved traffic control signs and devices.
- Electronic message centers (EMC), except as allowed in a reader board in Subsection M. An electronic sign displaying time and temperature only, provided that messages do not change faster than one change every two seconds, shall be permitted.
- Signs with moving or revolving parts.
- Roof signs.
- Pole signs.
- Off-premises signs except as provided for in this chapter.
- Beacons.
- Signs that emit music, verbal message or sound of any kind.
- Use of glaring, undiffused lights or bulbs is prohibited.
- Placement in any road right-of-way is prohibited (for off-premises directional signs).
Exempt Signs in Putnam Township
- Temporary signs, not otherwise prohibited, provided the total aggregate sign area of all temporary signs on any one site does not exceed 32 square feet and does not exceed a height of six feet; subject to location, attachment, and time limitation requirements.
- Nonilluminated real estate sign (one per lot) of up to six square feet in residential districts, provided they are removed within 30 days after consummation of lease or sale of property.
- Nonilluminated development sign (one per lot) of up to 24 square feet in all districts that may not be erected prior to preliminary site plan application and must be removed within 30 days after completion of the project.
- Nonilluminated construction sign (one per lot) of up to 24 square feet in all districts that must be removed upon completion of construction.
- "No trespassing," "no soliciting," or similar announcement signs on private property, each not exceeding two square feet in area.
- Name plates or street numbers of fewer than two square feet.
- Directional signs at drive entrances or other locations for providing direction to motorists on site, not exceeding two square feet in area and four feet in height.
- Road name signs and other signs established by state, county, or Township units of government when necessary for giving proper directions, identifying or promoting publicly held assets, or otherwise safeguarding and informing the public.
- Non-advertising signs erected by state, county, or Township units of government or a public utility to warn the public of dangerous conditions and unusual hazards, including caving ground, dropoffs, high voltage, fire danger, explosives, severe visibility limits, etc., in any districts, of under two square feet.
- Window signs mounted on the interior of the window, provided that no more than 30% of the window area is obscured by window signs.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Putnam Township
- A zoning compliance permit is required for the erection, construction, alteration and/or replacement of any sign except as otherwise provided in the chapter. The application must include display area, setback, elevation drawing, lighting details, building/frontage dimensions, site area/frontage, and a site plan showing sign location and setbacks.
- A site plan showing the sign location and setback from property lines and other structures is required as part of the zoning compliance permit application.
- Nonilluminated development signs are exempt but may not be erected prior to preliminary site plan application and must be removed within 30 days after completion of the project.
Source: ecode360 municipal code