Sign Regulations in Washington Charter Township, Michigan
Washington Charter Township, Michigan has specific sign regulations covering 27 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Monument Sign, Limited Duration Sign (Temporary), Temporary Banner. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: January 14, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Washington Charter Township, Michigan
Sample Sign Requirements in Washington Charter Township
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive-Thru Facility Sign | 8 ft | 48 sq. ft. | Minimum 20 ft from any property line; general setback standards in Table 5.20.H.4 also apply. |
| Electronic Message Center (Monument Sign Component) | — | May not exceed 50% of the total allowable sign area of the host monument sign | Same as host monument sign; also must meet general setback standards. |
| Monument Sign | 7 ft | 32 sq. ft. | General setbacks per Table 5.20.H.4; minimum 10 ft from property lines; additional 10 ft setback from road centerlines and property lines required for signs constructed in residential districts on home sites. |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Washington Charter TownshipFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
27
- Monument Sign
- Limited Duration Sign (Temporary)
- Temporary Banner
- Temporary Feather Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Washington Charter Township
Other Cities in Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington Charter Township, regulated sign types include Monument Sign, Limited Duration Sign (Temporary), Temporary Banner, Temporary Feather Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Washington Charter Township, monument signs typically require a Same as host monument sign; also must meet general setback standards. setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Washington Charter Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Washington Charter Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Washington Charter Township, Michigan Sign Rules at a Glance
Washington Charter Township, Michigan regulates 27 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Monument Signs in the Non-Residential Zoning Districts (Excluding V-1) (LC, GC, O-1, IND, IRT) zoning district are capped at 10 ft tall and 48 sq. ft., with a General setbacks per Table 5.20.H.4; minimum 10 ft from property lines. setback (Sec. Table 5.20.G.3 (Monument); notes 1-2; Section 5.20.K; Section 5.20.I). Most commercial signs in Washington Charter Township require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Washington Charter Township, Michigan
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Washington Charter Township (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 2 | 8 ft | May not exceed 50% of the total allowable sign area of the host monument sign | — |
| Residential Zoning Districts (A-1, R-1, R1-A, R1-B, R1-C, R1-D, RM-1, RM-2, MHC) | 8 | May not project above roof line (eave); if roof design prevents wall placement, may project up to 12 inches above roof peak | Up to 80 sq. ft (subject to formula) | — |
| Non-Residential Zoning Districts (Excluding V-1) (LC, GC, O-1, IND, IRT) | 14 | 24 ft above ground grade or abutting roadway grade, whichever is greater | 300 sq. ft. | — |
| Village Center Zoning District (V-1) | 13 | May not project above roof line (eave); if roof design prevents wall placement, may project up to 12 inches above roof peak | Up to 80 sq. ft (subject to formula) | — |
| Commercial zoning districts (LC, GC) | 11 | May not project above roof line (eave); if roof design prevents wall placement, may project up to 12 inches above roof peak | Up to 80 sq. ft (subject to formula) | — |
| General Industrial (IND) | 11 | 24 ft above ground grade or abutting roadway grade, whichever is greater | 300 sq. ft. | — |
| Industrial Research Technology (IRT) | 11 | 24 ft above ground grade or abutting roadway grade, whichever is greater | 300 sq. ft. | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Washington Charter Township(sample of 3 of 7 zones)
Non-Residential Zoning Districts (Excluding V-1) (LC, GC, O-1, IND, IRT)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Sign | 10 ft | 48 sq. ft. | — | General setbacks per Table 5.20.H.4; minimum 10 ft from property lines. | 1 per site, plus 1 additional sign for retail or multi-tenant uses with over 400 ft of frontage and/or 60,000 sq. ft of GFA | Freestanding at site frontage; must be located within a landscaped area; addresses required on structure; for multitenant signs, address range must be displayed. | — | Unlock | Table 5.20.G.3 (Monument); notes 1-2; Section 5.20.K; Section 5.20.I |
| Monument Sign - Additional (Retail/Multi-tenant with over 400 ft frontage and/or 60,000 sq. ft GFA) | 10 ft | 48 sq. ft. | — | Per Table 5.20.H.4. | 1 additional | Freestanding at site frontage; landscaped; address posted. | — | Unlock | Table 5.20.G.3 (Monument - Non-Residential) |
| Wall Sign | May not project above roof line (eave); if roof design prevents wall placement, may project up to 12 inches above roof peak | Up to 80 sq. ft (subject to formula) | — | N/A (wall-mounted); must maintain clear vision and clearance standards. | 1 wall sign per public entrance to the building | Mounted to building wall. | — | Unlock | Table 5.20.G.3 (Wall); Section 5.20.I |
| Wall Sign - Additional (Two Major Streets) | Same as Wall Sign | Up to 80 sq. ft (subject to formula) | — | N/A | 1 additional wall sign for buildings that front on 2 major streets | On building façades fronting major streets. | — | Unlock | Table 5.20.G.3 (Wall) |
| Wall Sign - Additional (Abutting M-53) | Same as Wall Sign | Up to 80 sq. ft (subject to formula) | — | N/A | 1 additional wall sign for sites abutting M-53 | Placed on the building wall that faces M-53. | — | Unlock | Table 5.20.G.3 (Wall) |
| Subdivision Entrance Sign (Industrial/Technical Park) | 6 ft (including architectural features) | 32 sq. ft. | — | Must meet clear vision triangle and general setback standards. | 1 per each major road entrance | At each major road entrance into an industrial or technical park; may be in a traffic island if clear view requirements are met. | — | Unlock | Table 5.20.G.3 (Subdivision Entrance) |
| Limited Duration Sign (Temporary) | 8 ft | 32 sq. ft. | — | Must comply with general setback standards. | 1 per entrance to a multitenant development or industrial park development with units or lots available for sale or lease; and 1 per entrance to a residential development with units/lots for sale/lease | Outside clear-view area and not impeding traffic. | — | Unlock | Table 5.20.G.2 (Limited Duration) |
| Temporary Feather Sign | 10 ft | 20 sq. ft. | — | Must comply with general setback standards. | 1 per 50 ft of frontage, but not exceeding 4 | Outside clear-view area and not impeding traffic. | — | Unlock | Table 5.20.G.2 (Temporary: Banner, Feather Sign, A-Frame) |
Village Center Zoning District (V-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Sign | 6 ft | 36 sq. ft. | — | Minimum setback 43 ft from road centerline; general setbacks per Table 5.20.H.4 also apply. | 1 for each non-residential or multi-family site located within the V-1 District | Freestanding at site frontage; within landscaped area; addresses required on structure. | — | Unlock | Table 5.20.G.3 (Monument - V-1); notes 1-2; Section 5.20.J.1.a-b; Section 5.20.I |
| Wall Sign (First Floor Tenant) | May not project above roof line (eave); if roof design prevents wall placement, may project up to 12 inches above roof peak | Up to 80 sq. ft (subject to formula) | — | N/A; must maintain clear vision and clearance standards. | 1 wall sign or awning/canopy sign allowed per first floor tenant | Mounted to building wall. | — | Unlock | Table 5.20.G.3 (Wall - V-1); Section 5.20.J.1.b; Section 5.20.I |
| Wall Sign (Second Floor Tenant) | May not project above roof line (eave); if roof design prevents wall placement, may project up to 12 inches above roof peak | Up to 80 sq. ft (subject to formula) | — | N/A | 1 wall sign or window sign or awning/canopy sign allowed per second floor tenant | Mounted to building wall. | — | Unlock | Table 5.20.G.3 (Wall - V-1); Section 5.20.J.1.b |
| Projecting Sign | — | 25 sq. ft. | — | N/A | 1 per first floor tenant | Attached to building façade. | — | Unlock | Table 5.20.G.3 (Projecting - V-1); Section 5.20.J.1.b |
| Subdivision Entrance Sign | 6 ft (including architectural features) | 32 sq. ft. | — | Must meet clear vision triangle and general setback standards. | 1 per residential boulevard entrance meeting Macomb County standards and Township Ordinances | At residential boulevard entrance; may be in traffic island if clear view requirements are met. | — | Unlock | Table 5.20.G.3 (Subdivision Entrance - V-1); Section 5.20.J.1.b |
| Limited Duration Sign (Temporary) | 6 ft | 20 sq. ft. | — | Must comply with general setback standards and clear vision triangle. | 1 per entrance to a multitenant development or industrial park development with units or lots available for sale or lease; and 1 per entrance to a residential development with units/lots for sale/lease | Outside clear-view area and not impeding traffic. | — | Unlock | Table 5.20.G.2 (Limited Duration - V-1); Section 5.20.J.1.b |
| Temporary Feather Sign | 3 ft | 6 sq. ft. | — | Must comply with general setback standards. | 1 per 50 ft of frontage, but not exceeding 4 | Outside clear-view area and not impeding traffic. | — | Unlock | Table 5.20.G.2 (Temporary: Banner, Feather Sign, A-Frame - V-1); Section 5.20.J.1.b |
| A-Frame Sign (Exempt) | 4 ft | 12 sq. ft. | — | Must comply with clear vision standards; placed to avoid impeding ordinary pedestrian flow. | 1 per active business with a public entrance | In front of the applicable business with a public entrance; only during open hours. | — | Unlock | Section 5.20.E.1.b; Table 5.20.G.2 (exception) |
Commercial zoning districts (LC, GC)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Sign | 10 ft | 48 sq. ft. | — | General setbacks per Table 5.20.H.4; minimum 10 ft from property lines. | 1 per site, plus 1 additional sign for retail or multi-tenant uses with over 400 ft of frontage and/or 60,000 sq. ft of GFA | Freestanding at site frontage; landscaped area; addresses required on structure. | — | Unlock | Table 5.20.G.3 (Monument - Non-Residential); notes 1-2; Section 5.20.K; Section 5.20.I |
| Wall Sign | May not project above roof line (eave); if roof design prevents wall placement, may project up to 12 inches above roof peak | Up to 80 sq. ft (subject to formula) | — | N/A | 1 wall sign per public entrance to the building; plus allowed additional signs for two major streets and abutting M-53 | Mounted to building wall. | — | Unlock | Table 5.20.G.3 (Wall); Section 5.20.I |
| Wall Sign - Additional (Two Major Streets) | Same as Wall Sign | Up to 80 sq. ft (subject to formula) | — | N/A | 1 additional wall sign for buildings that front on 2 major streets | On building façades fronting major streets. | — | Unlock | Table 5.20.G.3 (Wall) |
| Wall Sign - Additional (Abutting M-53) | Same as Wall Sign | Up to 80 sq. ft (subject to formula) | — | N/A | 1 additional wall sign for sites abutting M-53 | Placed on the building wall that faces M-53. | — | Unlock | Table 5.20.G.3 (Wall) |
| Projecting Sign | — | 25 sq. ft. | — | N/A | 1 per first floor tenant | Attached to building façade. | — | Unlock | Table 5.20.G.3 (Projecting) |
| Limited Duration Sign (Temporary) | 8 ft | 32 sq. ft. | — | Must comply with general setback standards. | 1 per entrance to a multitenant development or industrial park development with units or lots available for sale or lease; and 1 per entrance to a residential development with units/lots for sale/lease | Outside clear-view area and not impeding traffic. | — | Unlock | Table 5.20.G.2 (Limited Duration - Non-Residential) |
| Temporary Feather Sign | 10 ft | 20 sq. ft. | — | Must comply with general setback standards. | 1 per 50 ft of frontage, but not exceeding 4 | Outside clear-view area and not impeding traffic. | — | Unlock | Table 5.20.G.2 (Temporary: Banner, Feather Sign, A-Frame - Non-Residential) |
| A-Frame Sign (Exempt in LC, GC only) | 4 ft | 12 sq. ft. | — | Must comply with clear vision standards. | 1 per active business with a public entrance | In front of applicable business with a public entrance. | — | Unlock | Section 5.20.E.1.b |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Washington 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 7 zones for Washington Charter Township — start freeProhibited Signs in Washington Charter Township
- Any sign not specifically allowed or exempt by the ordinance is prohibited
- Signs erected, enlarged, or structurally altered without necessary approvals or in violation of approval conditions are prohibited
- Abandoned or dilapidated signs are prohibited
- Signs located within a clear view area are prohibited
- Snipe signs (signs attached to fences, utility poles, trees, shrubs, or other natural objects) are prohibited, except as permitted by Michigan law for no trespassing/no hunting signs
- Vehicle signs used primarily for advertising are prohibited (except logos/identification on licensed, working vehicles actively used for business or personal transportation)
- Mechanical movement/revolving signs are prohibited
- Pennant strings and streamers are prohibited
- Animated signs, flashing signs, and signs that scroll or flash text or graphics are prohibited (excluding compliant electronic message centers)
- Pylon signs are prohibited
- Inflatable devices or balloon signs are prohibited (except balloons used in temporary, non-commercial contexts)
- Signs that imitate, resemble, interfere with, or obstruct official traffic or warning lights, signs, devices, or signals are prohibited
- Signs that prevent free ingress or egress from doors, windows, fire escapes, or prevent free roof access are prohibited; no sign other than a safety sign may be attached to a standpipe or fire escape
- Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors, particulate matter, sound, odor, or contain open flames are prohibited
- Signs affixed to or painted on street furniture are prohibited
- Signs painted directly onto wall surfaces are prohibited
- Reflective signs or signs containing mirrors are prohibited
- Any banner or sign suspended across a public street without permission of the property and road owner is prohibited
- Roof signs are prohibited
- Signs erected without the property owner’s permission are prohibited (except those authorized or required by government)
- Signs that display images of obscene or pornographic nature are prohibited
- Signs that resemble public safety devices or warning lights/signs are prohibited
- Signs that impede pedestrian or automobile traffic are prohibited
- Signs that obstruct fire protection equipment or fire lanes are prohibited
- Signs that fail to maintain required clearances from power transmission lines are prohibited
Exempt Signs in Washington Charter Township
- Address signs meeting Section 5.20.H requirements are exempt from procedural, review, and approval requirements
- Public signs are exempt from procedural, review, and approval requirements
- Legal notices are exempt from procedural, review, and approval requirements
- Incidental signs are exempt from procedural, review, and approval requirements
- No trespassing signs are exempt from procedural, review, and approval requirements
- Flags (subject to zoning district height limits and Section 3.24.C) are exempt from procedural, review, and approval requirements
- Yard signs (maximum three per parcel; maximum height 3 feet; maximum area 6 square feet) are exempt from procedural, review, and approval requirements
- Changes to sign face or copy do not require a permit unless enlargement, relocation, or structural alteration is involved
- Signs approved as part of a site plan do not require a separate Planning Commission sign application and sign fees (building permit fees still apply)
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Washington Charter Township
- A Planning and Zoning Sign Application with site plan and sign drawings/data is required before a building permit for any non-exempt sign
- A Sign Package is required as part of site plan review when a site will have three or more signs; must include submission items in 5.20.C.2.a–b and conceptual renderings; requires Planning Commission approval
- A Comprehensive Sign Plan is required for any shopping center exceeding 25,000 sq ft; requires Planning Commission approval; subsequent signs must comply with the approved plan; include monument sign submissions and any known anchor tenants; individual tenant wall signage must still meet ordinance requirements
- Approval authority: Sign Packages and Comprehensive Sign Plan sites require Planning Commission approval; other non-exempt signs without prior Planning Commission approval are reviewed by the Township Planning Director or designee; signs may also be reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission during site plan review
- Drive-thru facility signs must be identified and reviewed as part of the site plan review for the proposed drive-thru use
- In emergencies or hazardous situations, the Preplanning Committee may approve temporary signage (amount, size, and duration as needed) to abate the problem, per listed standards
Source: other municipal code