Sign Regulations in Reading, Michigan
Reading, Michigan has specific sign regulations covering 5 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Directional Sign (Government Established), Real Estate or Construction Sign, Identification Sign. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 20, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Reading, Michigan
Sample Sign Requirements in Reading
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate or Construction Sign | — | 8 sq. ft. | No sign shall be placed nearer any street than one-half the minimum building setback line required for the zoning district. |
| Identification Sign | — | 6 sq. ft. | No sign shall be placed nearer any street than one-half the minimum building setback line required for the zoning district. |
| Bulletin Board | — | 18 sq. ft. | No sign shall be placed nearer any street than one-half the minimum building setback line required for the zoning district. |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
5
- Directional Sign (Government Established)
- Real Estate or Construction Sign
- Identification Sign
- Bulletin Board
- +1 more types
Zoning Districts
3
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Illumination rules
Other Cities in Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Reading 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 Reading, 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 Reading, regulated sign types include Directional Sign (Government Established), Real Estate or Construction Sign, Identification Sign, Bulletin Board, and 1 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 Reading 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 Reading are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Reading has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Reading, Michigan Sign Rules at a Glance
Reading, Michigan regulates 5 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Real Estate or Construction Signs in the Residential districts zoning district are capped at 8 sq. ft., with a No sign shall be placed nearer any street than one-half the minimum building setback line required for the zoning district. setback (Sec. § 152.070 (B)(1)). Most commercial signs in Reading require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Reading, Michigan
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Reading (3 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | — | — | — |
| Residential districts | 3 | — | 18 sq. ft. | — |
| Business districts, Industrial districts | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Reading
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 (Government Established) | — | — | — | — | — | Permitted in any district; orientation only. | — | Unlock | § 152.070 (A)(7) |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate or Construction Sign | — | 8 sq. ft. | — | No sign shall be placed nearer any street than one-half the minimum building setback line required for the zoning district. | One per property | On any property being sold, leased, or developed. | — | Unlock | § 152.070 (B)(1) |
| Identification Sign | — | 6 sq. ft. | — | No sign shall be placed nearer any street than one-half the minimum building setback line required for the zoning district. | One per property | Identifies the use on the premises for any permitted or conditionally permitted use. | — | Unlock | § 152.070 (B)(2) |
| Bulletin Board | — | 18 sq. ft. | — | No sign shall be placed nearer any street than one-half the minimum building setback line required for the zoning district. | One per institution | In connection with any church, school, or similar public structure. | — | Unlock | § 152.070 (B)(3) |
Business districts, Industrial 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Principal Building Sign (One Road Frontage) | — | — | — | No sign shall be placed nearer any street than one-half the minimum building setback line required for the zoning district. | One per road frontage | On the premises of the business; only carries name, symbol, and nature of the business. | — | Unlock | § 152.070 (C)(1)-(3) |
Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Reading are available with a free PermitPal account.
Start freeProhibited Signs in Reading
- No flashing, oscillating, or intermittent type or illuminated sign is permitted within the city limits.
- No sign shall project over public rights-of-way except those established and maintained by government entities (city, township, county, state, or federal).
- No sign shall project above the maximum height limitation for the district in which located.
- No sign shall resemble any official traffic control device or railroad sign or signal.
- No sign shall be placed nearer any street than one-half the minimum building setback line required for the zoning district in which the sign is to be located.
Exempt Signs in Reading
- All directional signs required for the purpose of orientation, when established by the city, township, county, state, or federal government, shall be permitted in all districts.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Reading
- A zoning compliance permit shall be required for the erection, construction, or alteration of any sign, except as hereinafter provided, and all such signs shall be approved by the Zoning Administrator as to their conforming to the requirements of the district wherein such sign or signs are to be located and the requirements of this section.