Sign Regulations in Summit Township, Michigan
Summit Township, Michigan has specific sign regulations covering 20 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Same as Commercial District; see Commercial District (C-1, C-2, C-3), Home Occupation Identification Sign (Type 2), Community Welcome Sign. Height restrictions apply. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 20, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Summit Township, Michigan
Sample Sign Requirements in Summit Township
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Welcome Sign | 8 ft | 8 sq ft | 10 ft |
| Directional Sign | — | 8 sq ft per sign (horizontal directional signs on paved areas may exceed 8 sq ft) | — |
| Announcement Bulletin (≤45 mph) | 8 ft | 32 sq ft (alone); if combined with ID sign, +8 sq ft (total 40 sq ft) | ½ structure setback |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
20
- Same as Commercial District; see Commercial District (C-1, C-2, C-3)
- Home Occupation Identification Sign (Type 2)
- Community Welcome Sign
- Directional Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
9
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Other Cities in Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Summit 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 Summit Township, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Summit Township, regulated sign types include Same as Commercial District; see Commercial District (C-1, C-2, C-3), Home Occupation Identification Sign (Type 2), Community Welcome Sign, Directional Sign, 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 Summit 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 Summit Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Summit Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Summit Township, Michigan Sign Rules at a Glance
Summit Township, Michigan regulates 20 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Announcement Bulletin (≤45 mph)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 8 ft tall and 32 sq ft (alone); if combined with ID sign, +8 sq ft (total 40 sq ft), with a ½ structure setback setback (Sec. § 150.193(B)(3)).
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Summit Township, Michigan
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Summit Township (9 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | 8 ft | 60 sq ft (alone); if combined with ID sign, +8 sq ft (total 68 sq ft) | — |
| Agricultural District (AG-1) | 3 | — | 32 sq ft | — |
| Residential District (RNF-1, RS-1, RS-2, RU-1, RU-2, RM-1, RM-2, MH-1, PR-1) | 3 | 8 ft (when combined with announcement bulletin) | Not specified, but must comply with requirements when combined with announcement bullets; see § 150.193(B)(3) | — |
| Commercial District (C-1, C-2, C-3) | 10 | 35 ft (see § 150.192(B)(3)) | 200 sq ft | — |
| Office District (O-1, PO-1) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Industrial District (I-1, I-2) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Planned Commercial District (PC-1) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Planned Industrial District (PI-2) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Planned Industrial District (PI-1) | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Summit Township(sample of 3 of 9 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community Welcome Sign | 8 ft | 8 sq ft | — | 10 ft | — | Off-premises, as authorized by township; must be consolidated in a single-frame if multiple signs are at one location | — | Unlock | § 150.193(B)(1) |
| Directional Sign | — | 8 sq ft per sign (horizontal directional signs on paved areas may exceed 8 sq ft) | — | — | — | On property being directed to, behind front right-of-way line | — | Unlock | § 150.193(B)(2) |
| Announcement Bulletin (≤45 mph) | 8 ft | 32 sq ft (alone); if combined with ID sign, +8 sq ft (total 40 sq ft) | — | ½ structure setback | 1 per site | Church, civic org, public building, or school sites in any zone | — | Unlock | § 150.193(B)(3) |
| Announcement Bulletin (≥46 mph) | 8 ft | 60 sq ft (alone); if combined with ID sign, +8 sq ft (total 68 sq ft) | — | ½ structure setback | 1 per site | Church, civic org, public building, or school sites in any zone | — | Unlock | § 150.193(B)(3) |
Residential District (RNF-1, RS-1, RS-2, RU-1, RU-2, RM-1, RM-2, MH-1, PR-1)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Development/Subdivision Identification Sign | 4 ft | 32 sq ft | — | ≥ 5 ft from ROW | 1 per public street frontage | Each public street frontage of subdivision, multifamily, or manufactured housing community | — | Unlock | § 150.196(B) |
| Identification Sign (School, Church, Public Building, Other Authorized Use) | 8 ft (when combined with announcement bulletin) | Not specified, but must comply with requirements when combined with announcement bullets; see § 150.193(B)(3) | — | — | 1 per public street frontage | One per frontage; driveway for use | — | Unlock | § 150.196(C) |
| Home Occupation Identification Sign (Type 2) | — | 3 sq ft | — | — | 1 per occupation | Front wall | — | Unlock | § 150.196(D) |
Commercial District (C-1, C-2, C-3)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (Single Building, <50 mph) | 35 ft (see § 150.192(B)(3)) | 80 sq ft | — | ≥½ structure setback (see § 150.192(B)(4)) | 1 per frontage, max 2 if 2 collector/arterial | Each developed lot or group of lots as 1 lot | — | Unlock | § 150.197(B)(1) |
| Freestanding Sign (Single Building, ≥50 mph) | 35 ft | 120 sq ft | — | ≥½ structure setback (see § 150.192(B)(4)) | 1 per frontage, max 2 if 2 collector/arterial | Each developed lot or group of lots as 1 lot | — | Unlock | § 150.197(B)(1)(a)-(b) |
| Wall Sign (Single Building) | — | — | — | — | 1 per public street; see Additional | Wall facing public street | — | Unlock | § 150.197(B)(1)(a)2, (B)(1)(b)4 |
| Freestanding Sign (Business Center) | — | 200 sq ft | — | — | 1 per frontage | 1 per business center per street | — | Unlock | § 150.197(B)(2)(a) |
| Wall Sign (Business Center, Ground Floor Tenants) | — | — | — | — | 1 per ground floor tenant | Exterior wall facing street | — | Unlock | § 150.197(B)(2)(b) |
| Wall Sign (Business Center, Non-ground floor tenants) | — | 24 sq ft | — | — | 1 combined sign | Combined exterior wall sign | — | Unlock | § 150.197(B)(2)(b)3 |
| Freestanding Sign (Park Directory) | 6 ft above public road centerline at nearest point to sign | — | 8 ft | ≥ ½ required structure setback | As entrances require | At entrance(s) to park; set back ≥½ structure setback | — | Unlock | § 150.197(B)(2)(c) |
| Gasoline Price/Service Sign (Service Stations) | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | 1 per frontage with driveway | Freestanding structure or on other permitted sign | — | Unlock | § 150.197(B)(5) |
PermitPal covers all 9 zoning districts in Summit 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 9 zones for Summit Township — start freeProhibited Signs in Summit Township
- Affixing signs or posters visible from a public way on the walls of buildings, barns, sheds, or on trees, poles, posts, or fences (except required warning signs).
- Displaying banners, pennants, searchlights, twirling signs, sandwich board signs, sidewalk or curb signs, balloons, or other gas-filled figures, except as permitted for temporary special events.
- Signs that swing or move noticeably as a result of wind or suspension.
- Signs or portions of signs that move or have non-stationary conditions except as otherwise provided.
- Parking vehicles or trailers visible from a public right-of-way displaying signs primarily for advertising purposes (exceptions apply to permanently marked vehicles).
- Displaying signs that advertise an activity, business, product, or service no longer conducted or available on the premises (abandoned signs).
- Displaying flags other than those of a nation, state, political subdivision, or business as allowed elsewhere in the ordinance.
- Portable signs, except as permitted for temporary uses.
- Signs imitating official traffic signs/signals or using words such as stop, go slow, caution, danger, warning, except as otherwise provided.
- Signs that can be confused with or obstruct official traffic-control devices or obstruct views at intersections.
- Signs with obscene, pornographic, or immoral content.
- Signs painted directly on walls or any part of a building.
- Signs painted on or attached to fences or non-structural walls, except to identify a residence.
- Signs emitting audible sound, odor, or visible matter.
- Roof signs that extend above the peak of the roof.
- No sign (including changing message signs) shall have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights, or other illuminating devices with changing intensity, brightness, or color, or create an appearance of writing or printing or a traffic signal, except for date, time, message, or temperature exclusively.
- Animated and flashing electronic/LED signs are not permitted, except for fading and dissolving transitions.
- Beacon lights or search lights are not permitted as signs for advertising purposes, except as provided for temporary signs.
- No animated or moving image, scrolling, or video is allowed on electronic message signs.
- No freestanding sign may exceed 35 feet in height.
- Outdoor advertising signs shall not be erected on a roof or have one sign above another.
- No more than one electronic message sign is permitted per premises, with specific exceptions.
Exempt Signs in Summit Township
- Signs not exceeding 1 square foot in area displaying property numbers, post box numbers, occupant names, or other non-commercial identification.
- Flags and insignias of any government, except when displayed for commercial connotation.
- Legal notices, identification, information, or directional signs required or erected by government bodies.
- Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings, except for letters, trademarks, moving parts, or moving lights.
- Signs directing/guiding traffic and parking to private property, provided they contain no advertising matter.
- Noncommercial and public interest signs, such as those erected by public officers in the course of public duty (e.g., directional, regulatory, warning, informational, official signs and notices).
- Names of buildings, date of erection, monument citations, and commemorative tablets, when permanent and made integral to the structure.
- Political signs for a period not more than 60 days before and 7 days after a general election or primary (with certain limits and restrictions).
- Warning signs such as "no trespassing" and "no hunting" and other postings required by law.
- Currently licensed vehicles/trailers permanently painted with the business or owner name and address (for the prohibition on parked advertising vehicles).
- Painting, repainting, cleaning, and other normal maintenance and repair of a sign or sign structure, unless it changes size or structure, do not require a sign permit.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Summit Township
- No explicit requirement for a 'Master Sign Plan' is stated; however, as part of site plan review, the Planning Commission may approve setbacks for signs closer to road rights-of-way (see §150.192.B.4.b).
- A variance granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals is required for canopy or marquee signs extending into a public right-of-way, and this board must ensure certain requirements are met (§ 150.197.B.4).
- Applications for sign permits (including electronic message signs) must include accurate scale drawings of the property showing structures and proposed sign, and detailed sign drawings (§ 150.203.B).
- Applications for electronic display signs must include manufacturer's specifications including the maximum capable light output (§ 150.200.B.8).
- Sign permits are required to erect or replace a sign, or to change sign copy for signs regulated under §§ 150.193, 150.195-150.199(E).