Sign Regulations in Reed, Michigan

Reed, Michigan has specific sign regulations covering 16 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Permanent Sign, Wall Sign, Projecting Sign. Height restrictions apply. 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 Reed, Michigan

Sample Sign Requirements in Reed

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaSetback
Permanent Sign (General)4 square feet per premises (except as listed below)
Permanent Sign (Church or School)12 square feet per premises
Permanent Sign8 feet40 square feet per premises

* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.

PermitPal Coverage for ReedFull Coverage

Sign Types Covered

16

  • Permanent Sign
  • Wall Sign
  • Projecting Sign
  • Painted Wall Sign (Side and Rear)
  • +2 more types

Zoning Districts

8

Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations

Data Includes

  • Permit requirements
  • Height restrictions
  • Illumination rules

Frequently Asked Questions

Sign height limits in Reed 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 Reed, 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 Reed, regulated sign types include Permanent Sign, Wall Sign, Projecting Sign, Painted Wall Sign (Side and Rear), 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 Reed 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 Reed are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Reed has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.

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Reed, Michigan Sign Rules at a Glance

Reed, Michigan regulates 16 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Pylon Signs in the Commercial C-2, C-3 and C-4 Districts zoning district are capped at 20 ft plus 1 ft extra per 2 ft of setback from street ROW, up to 28 ft max tall and 175 sq ft (for single lot with continuous street frontage > 500 ft), with a At least 5 ft from front street ROW and 5 ft from side/rear lot line; extra height for increased setback setback (Sec. 1282.05(d)(6)). Most commercial signs in Reed require a permit.

Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Reed, Michigan

Sign Rules by Zoning District in Reed (8 zones)

Zoning DistrictSign Types RegulatedMax HeightMax AreaPermit Required
Single-Family Residential Districts212 square feet per premises
Multiple-Family Residential Districts18 feet40 square feet per premises
Commercial C-1 Districts4Not above the maximum height of structure or 20 feet above average grade at base60 square feet per wall
Commercial C-2, C-3 and C-4 Districts5Not above maximum height of structure; not more than 20 ft above average grade at base175 sq ft (for single lot with continuous street frontage over 500 ft)
Industrial District1500 sq ft per premises (total for all signs)
Commercial Districts, Industrial Districts235 ft overall maximum height; Minimum 15 ft from the ground300 sq ft per face (on US 10/US 131); 200 sq ft per face (Business US 131 South of State Police Post)
Residential Districts1Up to 50% of total allowable sign area for the underlying sign, except if sign ≤32 sq ft then 100%
General Regulations For All Zones540 sq ft (any zone not residential)

Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Reed(sample of 3 of 8 zones)

Commercial C-1 Districts

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Wall SignNot above the maximum height of structure or 20 feet above average grade at base60 square feet per wallAttached flat and parallel to walls facing a public streetUnlock1282.05(c)(1),(6),(7),(8)
Projecting SignNot lower than 8 ft from sidewalk grade, nor higher than 20 ft above average grade at base60 square feet per sign60 inches projection from wallAttached to walls facing a public street; projects from wallUnlock1282.05(c)(2),(7),(8)
Painted Wall Sign (Side and Rear)Area of building wall (side and rear only)Side and rear faces of buildingUnlock1282.05(c)(4)
Freestanding Sign50 sq ft (one side); 100 sq ft (double-sided)At least 5 ft from front street ROW and 5 ft from side/rear lot line1 per propertyAnywhere on property within 100 feet of principal use structureUnlock1282.05(c)(5)

Commercial C-2, C-3 and C-4 Districts

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Wall SignNot above maximum height of structure; not more than 20 ft above average grade at base100 sq ft per wallAttached flat and parallel to walls facing a public streetUnlock1282.05(d)(1),(7),(8),(9)
Projecting SignNot lower than 8 ft from sidewalk grade, nor higher than 20 ft above sidewalk grade60 sq ft per sign60 inches projection from wallAttached to walls facing a public street; projects from wallUnlock1282.05(d)(2),(8),(9)
Painted Wall Sign (Side and Rear)Area of building wall (side and rear only)Side and rear faces of buildingUnlock1282.05(d)(4)
Freestanding Sign175 sq ft (for single lot with continuous street frontage over 500 ft)At least 5 ft from front street ROW and 5 ft from side/rear lot line1 per propertyAnywhere on property within 100 ft of principal use structureUnlock1282.05(d)(5)
Pylon Sign20 ft plus 1 ft extra per 2 ft of setback from street ROW, up to 28 ft max175 sq ft (for single lot with continuous street frontage > 500 ft)At least 5 ft from front street ROW and 5 ft from side/rear lot line; extra height for increased setbackUnlock1282.05(d)(6)

General Regulations For All Zones

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Temporary Construction Sign24 sq ftConfined to site of constructionUnlock1282.04(a)
Temporary Real Estate Sign24 sq ftOn premises for sale, rental, or leaseUnlock1282.04(b)
Temporary Election Campaign Sign (Residential)4 sq ft (residential zone)Unlock1282.04(c)
Temporary Election Campaign Sign (Non-residential)40 sq ft (any zone not residential)Unlock1282.04(c)
Temporary Community or Special Event SignNo limit stated (must be over 10 sq ft)Location designated/approved by City Zoning AdministratorUnlock1282.04(d)

PermitPal covers all 8 zoning districts in Reed — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.

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Prohibited Signs in Reed

  • Signs which incorporate in any manner any flashing or moving lights, including portable electronic message centers, digital L.E.D. signs, and fiber optic display units, except as permitted for electronic message centers in conformity with Section 1282.07.
  • String lights used in connection with commercial premises for commercial purposes.
  • Any sign which has any intermittent electrical pulsations.
  • Any sign or sign structure which is structurally unsafe; or constitutes a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, or abandonment, or is not kept in good repair; or is capable of causing electrical shocks to persons likely to come in contact with it.
  • Any sign which, by reason of its size, location, content, coloring, or manner of illumination, constitutes a traffic hazard or a detriment to traffic safety by obstructing the vision of drivers or by obstructing or detracting from the visibility of any traffic sign or control device on public streets or roads.
  • Any sign which obstructs free ingress to or egress from a required door, window, fire escape, or other required exitway.
  • Signs which make use of words such as 'STOP,' 'LOOK,' 'DANGER,' or any other words, phrases, symbols, colors, or characters, in such manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.
  • Any sign or other advertising structure containing any obscene, indecent, or immoral words or images.
  • Any sign unlawfully installed, erected, or maintained.
  • Any sign now or hereafter existing which no longer advertises a bona fide business conducted or product sold.

Exempt Signs in Reed

  • Signs erected by an official governmental body or agency and deemed necessary for the protection of the public health, safety, welfare, and morals.
  • Signs not visible from any public way or from any point off the lot on which they are located.
  • Official flags of governments when displayed in a manner approved by the government represented.
  • Holiday decorations and greetings in season.
  • Signs required by law to be displayed.
  • Signs not exceeding one square foot in area and having thereon no letter or symbol exceeding two inches in any dimension.