Sign Regulations in Southfield, Michigan
Southfield, Michigan has specific sign regulations covering 34 sign types across 14 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Garden Ground Sign, Ground Support Sign. 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 Southfield, Michigan
Sample Sign Requirements in Southfield
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign (≤6 sq ft) | — | 6 sq ft | — |
| Political Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — |
| Directional Sign (Noncommercial, <6 sq ft) | — | 6 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
34
- Wall Sign
- Garden Ground Sign
- Ground Support Sign
- Temporary Sign (Development, ≥10 units)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
14
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Southfield
Other Cities in Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Southfield 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 Southfield, 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 Southfield, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Garden Ground Sign, Ground Support Sign, Temporary Sign (Development, ≥10 units), 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 Southfield 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 Southfield are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Southfield has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
Ready to Research Southfield Sign Permits?
Stop spending hours searching through municipal codes. Enter your address and PermitPal returns the sign rules that apply to your property in Southfield, Michigan — with citations from the municipal code.
No credit card required · Get results in seconds
Southfield, Michigan Sign Rules at a Glance
Southfield, Michigan regulates 34 sign types across 14 zoning districts. Electronic Changeable Copy Sign (Non-Residential, Integral with Ground Support or Garden Ground Sign)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at Up to 15 ft (see setbacks) tall and District-specific max, with a Min. 5 ft; increase height with setback; not in certain proximity to intersections/residential (see ordinance) setback (Sec. Sec. 8.50A). Most commercial signs in Southfield require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Southfield, Michigan
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Southfield (14 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 12 | 30 ft | 600 sq ft | — |
| Single-Family Residential District (R-A, R-B, R-C, R-D, R-E) | 6 | 10 ft | 35 sq ft | — |
| Attached Single-Family Residential District (R-T), Multiple-Family Residential-Low Rise District (RM), Multiple-Family Residential-Medium Rise District (RMM), Multiple-Family Residential-High Rise District (RMU) | 4 | 10 ft | 50 sq ft | — |
| Office-Service District (O-S) | 2 | 5 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| Education-Research-Office District (ERO), Education-Research-Office-Limited District (ERO-M), Technical-Education-Research District (TR), Television-Radio-Office-Studio District (TV-R) | 3 | 5 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| Neighborhood Business District (B-1) | 1 | — | 100 sq ft | — |
| Neighborhood Shopping District (NS), Planned Business District (B-2) | 3 | 5 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| General Business District (B-3) | 3 | 5 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| General Business District (B-3) - Special Uses (Gas Stations, Fast Food, Automobile Sales) | 11 | 5 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| Light Industrial District (I-L), Industrial District (I-1) | 3 | 5 ft (max 15 ft with increased setback) | 300 sq ft | — |
| Regional Shopping District (RS) | 2 | — | 200 sq ft | — |
| Regional Center District (RC) | 3 | 5 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| Vehicular Parking District (P) | 1 | 3 ft | 10 sq ft | — |
| 1 more zone in PermitPal — start free | ||||
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Southfield(sample of 3 of 14 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign (≤6 sq ft) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per major thoroughfare frontage | Ground or building | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.44.(1) |
| Athletic Scoreboard (Freestanding) | 30 ft | 600 sq ft | — | — | 1 athletic scoreboard per facility | Athletic facility/venue | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.44.(7) |
| Banner Sign (Temporary) | — | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per event | Securely attached to the building | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.51.(1) |
| Temporary or Real Estate Sign (Rigid Material, >6 sq ft) | — | 200 sq ft | — | Setback ≥ height of sign, if not attached to building | 1 per street frontage | Attached to building or with setback ≥ height of sign | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.51.(2) |
| Electronic Changeable Copy Sign (Non-Residential, Integral with Ground Support or Garden Ground Sign) | Up to 15 ft (see setbacks) | District-specific max | — | Min. 5 ft; increase height with setback; not in certain proximity to intersections/residential (see ordinance) | 1 per development | Integral to approved ground support/garden ground signage where such is permitted | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.50A |
| Electronic Changeable Copy Sign (Residential District, Integral with Garden Ground Sign) | — | 35 sq ft total, 60% electronic changeable copy | — | As garden ground sign; see 8.50A for details | 1 per development | Garden ground sign only | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.50A |
| Wall Sign (High-Rise Building, Non-Residential Use) | — | 10% of one building frontage (no specified sq ft cap) | — | — | Multiple, but total must not exceed 10% of one building frontage | High rise buildings | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.50B.(1) |
| Wall Sign (High-Rise Building, Residential Use) | — | Up to 400 sq ft (with additional upper floor area) | — | — | 1 per major thoroughfare frontage, max 1 visible from any direction | High rise buildings | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.50B.(2) |
Single-Family Residential District (R-A, R-B, R-C, R-D, R-E)
| 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 (Development, ≥10 units) | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per development | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.53.(1) |
| Real Estate Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per major thoroughfare frontage | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.53.(2) |
| Subdivision/Complex Entrance Sign (Private Property) | — | 25 sq ft | — | Must comply with corner clearance provisions (Sec. 8.36) | — | Private property (meets corner clearance) | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.53.(3)(a) |
| Subdivision/Complex Entrance Sign (Public ROW) | — | 25 sq ft | — | — | — | City or county ROW | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.53.(3)(b) |
| Bulletin Board (Special Exception Use) | 5 ft | 35 sq ft | — | ≥5 ft from front property line | 1 per development | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.53.(4)(a) |
| Wall Sign (Special Exception Use) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per development | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.53.(4)(b) |
General Business District (B-3) - Special Uses (Gas Stations, Fast Food, Automobile Sales)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Gas Station) | — | 100 sq ft | — | — | 1 per major thoroughfare frontage | Service building/canopy fascia | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.60.(1)(a) |
| Ground Support or Garden Ground Sign (Gas Station) | — | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per development | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.60.(1)(b) |
| Product Price Sign (Gas Station) | — | 15 sq ft (2 prices)/20 sq ft (≥3 prices) | — | — | 1 per development | Integral to ground/garden sign or building/canopy fascia | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.60.(1)(c) |
| Wall Sign (Drive-in/Fast Food) | — | 100 sq ft | — | — | 1 per major thoroughfare frontage | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.60.(2)(a) |
| Ground Support Sign (Drive-in/Fast Food) | — | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per development | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.60.(2)(b) |
| Garden Ground Sign (Drive-in/Fast Food) | 5 ft | 80 sq ft | — | — | 1 per development | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.60.(2)(c) |
| Auxiliary Sign (Drive-through Restaurant) | 5 ft | 35 sq ft | — | — | 1 per restaurant | Not visible from public street | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.60.(2)(d) |
| Wall Sign (Automobile/Truck Agency) | — | 200 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building per major thoroughfare frontage | May also face common areas for interior buildings | — | Unlock | Sec. 8.60.(3)(a) |
PermitPal covers all 14 zoning districts in Southfield. Run a code check for your exact address to get the zone that applies to your property and its full sign requirements — illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
Run a code check for your exact address — freeProhibited Signs in Southfield
- Abandoned signs are prohibited.
- Festoon signs are prohibited.
- Flashing signs are prohibited.
- Moving signs are prohibited.
- Wall/window (painted) signs are prohibited.
- Parasitic signs are prohibited.
- Portable signs are prohibited.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- Any sign that makes use of words such as 'stop', 'look', 'danger', simulated traffic signals, or any other words, phrases, symbols, lights or characters in such manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse drivers of vehicles traveling upon any highway, driveway or parking area is prohibited.
- The parking of a vehicle or trailer on a public right-of-way or on public or private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way, if such vehicle has attached thereto or located thereon any sign or advertising device is prohibited unless the parking is incident to the loading, unloading or conveyance of persons, commodities, goods, or the provision of services.
- No sign shall be located in, project onto, or overhang a public right-of-way except those established by the city, county, state, or federal government or as otherwise provided.
- No sign obstructing vision above a height of three (3) feet from the established street grades shall be permitted within the triangular corner clearance area at street or driveway intersections unless visual under clearance is assured.
- No sign shall constitute a hazard to traffic or be injurious to the surrounding neighborhood or contrary to the spirit and purpose of the ordinance.
- All illuminated signage must not exceed a brightness level of 0.3 foot candles above ambient light and must not display illuminative brightness that impairs the vision or endangers the safety and welfare of any pedestrian, cyclist, or motor vehicle operator.
- No sign may interfere with, mislead, or confuse drivers of vehicles.
Exempt Signs in Southfield
- Legal address signs are exempt.
- Official court or public notices are exempt.
- Flags, emblems, or insignia of a government or governmental agency when displayed for official purposes are exempt.
- Corporate flags for the primary use of the property are exempt.
- Temporary and/or real estate signs placed in the ground or upon a building (not portable), six (6) square feet or less in area, related to the sale, rental, or lease of the property, limited to one per major thoroughfare frontage, are exempt from permit requirements.
- Political signs not in any public right-of-way and not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in area are exempt from permit requirements (with time and placement restrictions).
- Signs containing exclusively noncommercial messages which do not exceed six (6) square feet in area (limited to two per parcel) are exempt from permit requirements.
- Directional signs less than six (6) square feet in area containing noncommercial messages are exempt from permit requirements.
- Address numbers, hours of operation, and open/closed indications between three (3) inches and twenty-four (24) inches in height and plainly visible from the street are exempt from permit requirements.
- Public signs erected by or on the order of a public officer as defined in section 8.33(29) are exempt from permit requirements.
- Freestanding athletic scoreboards not to exceed six hundred (600) square feet in total area and thirty (30) feet in height, subject to conditions listed in Sec. 8.44, are exempt from permit requirements.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Southfield
- A master sign plan must be submitted and approved by the building official stating the size and location of all wall signs, ground support signs, garden ground signs, and any other requested sign prior to the issuance of sign permits in the Neighborhood Shopping (NS) and Planned Business (B-2) districts.
- A master sign plan must be submitted and approved by the building official stating the size and location of all wall signs, ground support signs, and any other requested sign prior to the issuance of sign permits in the Regional Shopping (RS) district.
- A master sign plan must be submitted and approved by the building official stating the size and location of all wall signs, ground support signs, garden ground signs, and any other requested sign prior to the issuance of sign permits in the Regional Center (RC) district.
- Special event signage must be part of an overall plan for the event or development, expressly identified and approved by the city council as a condition of approval.
Source: municode municipal code