# Sign Regulations in Washington Charter Township, Michigan

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Washington Charter Township, Michigan, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Washington Charter Township, Michigan (MI)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/michigan/washington-charter-township
- **Data last verified:** 2026-01-14
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://cms2.revize.com/revize/washingtonmi/Washington%20Township%20Zoning%20Ordinance.pdf?t=20251119133627966&t=20251119133627966#page=199)

## 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.

## Sign rules by zoning district (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 (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 | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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 | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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 | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | Table 5.20.G.3 (Wall) |
| Projecting Sign | — | 25 sq. ft. | — | N/A | 1 per first floor tenant | Attached to building façade. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | 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. | — | Section 5.20.E.1.b |

## Prohibited 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

## Signs exempt from permit 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

- 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

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 7 zoning districts in Washington Charter Township — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Washington+Charter+Township+MI&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-washington-charter-township

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