Sign Regulations in Union Charter Township, Michigan
Union Charter Township, Michigan has specific sign regulations covering 45 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Temporary Sign – Other (All Residential Zoning Districts), Wall Sign (Building-Mounted), Awning Sign (Building-Mounted). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: January 16, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Union Charter Township, Michigan
Sample Sign Requirements in Union Charter Township
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Building-Mounted) | — | Included in the ≤10% aggregate limit of signable area | — |
| Awning Sign (Building-Mounted) | Minimum mounting height 7.5 feet | Included in the ≤10% aggregate limit of signable area | — |
| Projecting Sign (Building-Mounted) | Minimum mounting height 8.0 feet | Included in the ≤10% aggregate limit of signable area | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Union Charter TownshipFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
45
- Temporary Sign – Other (All Residential Zoning Districts)
- Wall Sign (Building-Mounted)
- Awning Sign (Building-Mounted)
- Projecting Sign (Building-Mounted)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
8
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Union Charter Township
Other Cities in Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Union Charter 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 Union Charter 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 Union Charter Township, regulated sign types include Temporary Sign – Other (All Residential Zoning Districts), Wall Sign (Building-Mounted), Awning Sign (Building-Mounted), Projecting Sign (Building-Mounted), 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 Union Charter 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 Union Charter Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Union Charter Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Union Charter Township, Michigan Sign Rules at a Glance
Union Charter Township, Michigan regulates 45 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Site Entry Feature with Signages in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 6.0 feet tall and 32.0 square feet per sign (one per qualifying entrance from a primary roadway), with a Outside of clear vision triangles; ≥10 feet from intersecting road right-of-way if within road right-of-way on boulevard island setback (Sec. Section 11.04.A). Most commercial signs in Union Charter Township require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Union Charter Township, Michigan
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Union Charter Township (8 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 11 | 10.0 feet (before zone/condition modifiers) | 40.0 square feet per sign (before zone/condition modifiers) | — |
| Agricultural District (AG) | 5 | 12.0 feet | 48.0 square feet per sign | — |
| Rural Residential District (R-1); One- and Two-Family, Low-Density Residential District (R-2A); One- and Two-Family, Medium-Density Residential District (R-2B) | 5 | 12.0 feet | 44.0 square feet per sign | — |
| Multiple-Family Residential District (R-3A); Medium-Density Multiple-Family Residential District (R-3B); Mobile Home Park District (R-4) | 5 | 12.0 feet | 48.0 square feet per sign | — |
| General Business District (B-4); Office Service District (OS) | 5 | 14.0 feet | 56.0 square feet per sign | — |
| Highway Business District (B-5); Retail and Service Highway Business District (B-7) | 5 | 16.0 feet | 64.0 square feet per sign | — |
| Light Industrial District (I-1); General Industrial District (I-2) | 5 | 14.0 feet | 56.0 square feet per sign | — |
| Planned Unit Development District (PUD) | 5 | 14.0 feet | 56.0 square feet per sign | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Union Charter Township(sample of 3 of 8 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Building-Mounted) | — | Included in the ≤10% aggregate limit of signable area | — | — | — | On street-level façade of non-residential uses; allowance cannot be shared or transferred to another building | — | Unlock | Section 11.05 (table and items 1–3); Section 11.02.F; Section 11.02.G; Section 11.09 |
| Awning Sign (Building-Mounted) | Minimum mounting height 7.5 feet | Included in the ≤10% aggregate limit of signable area | — | — | — | On awning valance of non-residential uses | — | Unlock | Section 11.05 (table and item 3); Section 11.02.G; Section 11.09 |
| Projecting Sign (Building-Mounted) | Minimum mounting height 8.0 feet | Included in the ≤10% aggregate limit of signable area | — | — | Maximum one projecting sign per use | Projecting from building façade of non-residential uses | — | Unlock | Section 11.05 (table and item 4); Section 11.02.G; Section 11.08(6); Section 11.09 |
| Window Sign (One – Allowed Without Permit) | — | 4.0 square feet | — | — | 1 per principal non-residential use | Interior window; principal non-residential uses | — | Unlock | Section 11.03.D.2 |
| Site Entry Feature with Signage | 6.0 feet | 32.0 square feet per sign (one per qualifying entrance from a primary roadway) | — | Outside of clear vision triangles; ≥10 feet from intersecting road right-of-way if within road right-of-way on boulevard island | Maximum one sign per road entrance from a primary roadway | Entrance to residential subdivision/condominium/multiple-family development; manufactured housing park; medical/research/educational campus; or multi-tenant office/business/industrial park. May be on boulevard island in right-of-way only with outside agency permit. | — | Unlock | Section 11.04.A |
| Incidental Signs | 3.0 feet (freestanding incidental signs) | 4.0 square feet per sign | — | Set back ≥10 feet from all side and rear lot boundaries | 6 per lot | Outside road rights-of-way and clear vision triangles; locations shall not interfere with pedestrian/bicycle/vehicular movement | — | Unlock | Section 11.04.B |
| Ground Sign (Freestanding) – Base Standards | 10.0 feet (before zone/condition modifiers) | 40.0 square feet per sign (before zone/condition modifiers) | — | Minimum front setback 10.0 feet from near edge of right-of-way; minimum 20.0 feet from all side/rear lot boundaries; 20.0 feet from any lot boundary abutting residential uses or within a residential zoning district | 1 per lot (before frontage modifier) | Accessory to multiple-family or non-residential uses only; prohibited accessory to single- and two-family dwellings | — | Unlock | Section 11.06.A; Section 11.02.F; Section 11.02.G |
| Construction Signs (Temporary – Allowed Without Permit) | 6.0 feet | 32.0 square feet per sign | — | Outside ROW and clear vision triangles; ≥10 feet from side/rear lot boundaries and internal access drive edge of pavement | 1 per road frontage | Outside road rights-of-way and clear vision triangles; ≥10 feet from any side/rear lot boundary and edge of pavement for any internal access drive | — | Unlock | Section 11.03.B |
Agricultural District (AG)
| 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 – Other (AG) | 6.0 feet | 32.0 square feet (maximum total sign area per lot) | — | Outside ROW and clear vision triangles; ≥10 feet from side/rear lot boundaries and internal access drive edge of pavement | — | Outside road rights-of-way and clear vision triangles; ≥10 feet from side/rear lot boundaries and internal access drive pavement edge | — | Unlock | Section 11.03.C.1 (AG row); Section 11.03.C.2–3 |
| Ground Sign (Freestanding) – AG Base | 8.0 feet | 32.0 square feet per sign | — | Front setback ≥10.0 feet from near edge of ROW; side/rear setbacks ≥20.0 feet; ≥20.0 feet from any lot boundary abutting residential uses or within a residential zoning district | 1 per lot (before frontage modifier) | Accessory to multiple-family or non-residential uses only | — | Unlock | Section 11.06.A (base) + Section 11.06.B (Located in the AG District: −2 ft height, −8 sq ft area) |
| Ground Sign (Freestanding) – AG (Abuts ROW ≥43 feet width) | 10.0 feet | 40.0 square feet per sign | — | Minimum front setback reduced to 8.0 feet | 1 per lot (before frontage modifier) | Sign abuts a public road right-of-way of 43 feet or greater width (centerline to near edge) | — | Unlock | Section 11.06.B (ROW width modifier applied cumulatively to AG base) |
| Ground Sign (Freestanding) – AG (Primary Paved Road ≥50 mph) | 10.0 feet | 40.0 square feet per sign | — | Front setback ≥10.0 feet | 1 per lot (before frontage modifier) | Abuts a primary paved road with ≥50 mph posted speed limit | — | Unlock | Section 11.06.B (speed modifier applied cumulatively to AG base) |
| Ground Sign (Freestanding) – AG (ROW ≥43 feet AND Primary Road ≥50 mph) | 12.0 feet | 48.0 square feet per sign | — | Minimum front setback reduced to 8.0 feet | 1 per lot; may be increased by +1 if total paved public ROW frontage exceeds 500 feet | Abuts ROW ≥43 feet width and a primary paved road with ≥50 mph posted speed limit | — | Unlock | Section 11.06.B (cumulative modifiers) |
Rural Residential District (R-1); One- and Two-Family, Low-Density Residential District (R-2A); One- and Two-Family, Medium-Density Residential District (R-2B)
| 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 – Other (All Residential Zoning Districts) | 6.0 feet | 16.0 square feet (maximum total sign area per lot) | — | Outside ROW and clear vision triangles; ≥10 feet from side/rear lot boundaries and internal access drive edge of pavement | — | Outside road rights-of-way and clear vision triangles; ≥10 feet from side/rear lot boundaries and internal access drive pavement edge | — | Unlock | Section 11.03.C.1 (All residential zoning districts row); Section 11.03.C.2–3 |
| Ground Sign (Freestanding) – R-1/R-2A/R-2B Base | 8.0 feet | 28.0 square feet per sign | — | Front setback ≥10.0 feet from near edge of ROW; side/rear setbacks ≥20.0 feet; ≥20.0 feet from any lot boundary abutting residential uses or within a residential zoning district | 1 per lot (before frontage modifier) | Accessory to multiple-family or non-residential uses only; prohibited accessory to any single-family and two-family dwellings | — | Unlock | Section 11.06.A (base) + Section 11.06.B (Located in R-1/R-2A/R-2B: −2 ft height, −12 sq ft area) |
| Ground Sign (Freestanding) – R-1/R-2A/R-2B (Abuts ROW ≥43 feet width) | 10.0 feet | 36.0 square feet per sign | — | Minimum front setback reduced to 8.0 feet | 1 per lot (before frontage modifier) | Sign abuts a public road right-of-way of 43 feet or greater width (centerline to near edge) | — | Unlock | Section 11.06.B (ROW width modifier applied cumulatively) |
| Ground Sign (Freestanding) – R-1/R-2A/R-2B (Primary Paved Road ≥50 mph) | 10.0 feet | 36.0 square feet per sign | — | Front setback ≥10.0 feet | 1 per lot (before frontage modifier) | Abuts a primary paved road with ≥50 mph posted speed limit | — | Unlock | Section 11.06.B (speed modifier applied cumulatively) |
| Ground Sign (Freestanding) – R-1/R-2A/R-2B (ROW ≥43 feet AND Primary Road ≥50 mph) | 12.0 feet | 44.0 square feet per sign | — | Minimum front setback reduced to 8.0 feet | 1 per lot; may be increased by +1 if total paved public ROW frontage exceeds 500 feet | Abuts ROW ≥43 feet width and a primary paved road with ≥50 mph posted speed limit | — | Unlock | Section 11.06.B (cumulative modifiers) |
PermitPal covers all 8 zoning districts in Union Charter 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 Union Charter Township — start freeProhibited Signs in Union Charter Township
- No sign may be located in, project into, or overhang a public or private road right-of-way or easement, except signs provided by government, required legal notices, and mailboxes/delivery boxes.
- Signs shall not be designed or maintained so as to confuse or mislead motorists or pedestrians, create traffic or pedestrian hazards, obstruct free and clear vision, or prevent ingress or egress from any door, window, or emergency exit.
- Animated copy on any sign is prohibited.
- Sign illumination must be by electrical means only; flashing, intermittent, or moving illumination, searchlights, strings of lights, or movement of lights or other devices are prohibited.
- Signs that resemble and could be confused with official highway, traffic, or governmental signs or that obscure official traffic control devices are prohibited.
- Signs painted on or attached to trees, utility poles, fences, or streetlights are prohibited.
- Signs with string lights; flashing, moving, or intermittent lights of changing intensity; exposed incandescent bulbs; animation; or unshielded luminous tube lighting are prohibited.
- Signs with any visible moving parts, mechanical movement, rotation, or movement by wind currents, and signs that discharge audible sound, odor, or visible matter are prohibited.
- Roof signs, inflatable signs, projecting signs, pylon signs, billboard signs, and portable signs are prohibited.
- Building-mounted signs that obstruct window or door openings, inhibit ingress or egress, or interfere with building ventilation are prohibited.
- Displaying signs without required permits or outside of allowed size, location, or time limitations is prohibited.
- Abandoned or unlawful signs, displays of obscene material on any sign, and any sign not expressly allowed by the ordinance are prohibited.
- New pylon signs are prohibited Township-wide; existing lawful pylon signs may continue as nonconforming.
- New billboard signs are prohibited Township-wide; existing lawful billboard signs may continue as nonconforming.
Exempt Signs in Union Charter Township
- Address numbers (required) and one nameplate per principal building up to 4 square feet attached flat to the wall; no sign permit required.
- Temporary construction signs meeting the specified number, setback, area, height, illumination, and display period standards; no sign permit required.
- Other temporary signs meeting the specified district-based height and total area limits, setback standards, and removal within 5 days; no sign permit required.
- Painting, servicing, cleaning, normal maintenance, and minor repairs to an existing sign that do not alter the approved design; no sign permit required.
- One window sign accessory to a principal non-residential use up to 4 square feet, may be illuminated; no sign permit required (additional window signs per Section 11.05).
- Memorial signs, tablets, or markers integrated into a building façade and constructed of incombustible materials; no sign permit required.
- Signs of a duly constituted governmental body; signs required by law or governmental order; official signs identifying public access, municipal facilities, and similar markers; no sign permit required.
- Traffic safety and control signs conforming to the Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices and essential service signs denoting utilities, hazards, and precautions; no sign permit required.
- Signs on the interior of a building that are not legible from the exterior; no sign permit required.
- Signs displayed within the interior of an outdoor stadium, ballfield, college campus, recreation area, or equivalent space that are not visible from public road rights-of-way; no sign permit required.
- Changes to sign copy within an approved changeable copy area; no sign permit required.
- Signs carried by or affixed to clothing worn by persons; no sign permit required.
- Window signs that meet Section 11.05 limits (restricted to interior surfaces, coverage limits) do not require a sign permit.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Union Charter Township
- A sign permit is required to erect, alter, or relocate any sign subject to permit under Section 11, including building-mounted signs (other than exempt window signs), ground signs, site entry features with signage, incidental signs, and building directory signs.
- Signage shown on an approved site plan still requires separate sign permit approval; inclusion on a site plan does not substitute for a sign permit.
- Incidental signage is only available for land uses that are subject to site plan approval per Section 14.2.C.
- No master sign plan or comprehensive sign plan requirement is specified in the provided text.
Source: other municipal code