Signs perform an important function in identifying and promoting businesses, services, neighborhoods, events, economic development, and other matters of interest to the public. The intent of this article is to regulate all signs within the City of Grosse Pointe Park to ensure that they are appropriate for their respective uses, they keep with the neighborhood characteristics as recognized and promoted by the City's master plan, they prevent traffic hazards, they provide safe conditions for pedestrians, and they protect public health, safety, and general welfare by:

A)

Setting standards and providing uniform regulations that permit reasonable use of signs;

B)

Preserving the various characteristics found within the districts and neighborhoods throughout the City, regardless of sign content. In preserving the character of the various neighborhoods, signage shall be scaled appropriately whereby properties with frontage on wide streets with higher speed limits are permitted larger signs than narrow streets with lower speed limits;

C)

Prohibiting the erection of signs that may create a hazard to pedestrians and motorists in terms of number, size, illumination, and location;

D)

Avoiding excessive amounts of signs so that the existing signs provide adequate identification and direction while minimizing clutter, unsightliness, and confusion;

E)

Establishing a clear process for requiring permits for signs, allowing some signs without permits, and allowing legally nonconforming signs to continue without jeopardizing the useful life of the sign.

(Ord. No. 244 meeting, § 3(Exh. A), 12-9-2024)

A)

Awning: A cloth, or other nonstructural covering that projects from a wall for the purpose of shielding a doorway or window. An awning is either permanently attached to a building or can be raised or retracted to a position against the building when not in use.

B)

Canopy: A sign on a structure other than an awning made of fabric, metal, or other material that is either supported by columns or posts affixed to the ground and may also be connected to a building, or supported by and projecting from a building, and providing protection from the elements.

C)

Directional: A ground sign, the sole purpose of which is to facilitate the flow of traffic within a site.

D)

Flag: Any sign printed or painted on cloth, plastic, canvas, or other like material with distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols attached to a pole or staff and anchored along only one edge or supported or anchored at only two corners.

E)

Ground: A sign supported by structures or supports that are placed on, or anchored in, the ground; and that is independent and detached from any building or other structure.

F)

Plaque: A wall sign identifying the occupant, business name and/or address of a building or parcel of land.

G)

Projecting: A building-mounted, double-sided sign with the two (2) faces generally perpendicular to the building wall, not to include signs located on a canopy, awning, or marquee.

H)

Sandwich board: A portable ground sign composed of two boards with a message or graphic on it with one board in front and one behind in a triangle shape, hinged along the top.

I)

Temporary: A type of non-permanent, sign that is located on private property that can be displayed for a limited duration of time and is not intended to be a permanent display. Banners are considered a form of temporary signage.

J)

Wall: A building-mounted sign, which is either attached to, displayed on, or painted on an exterior wall in a manner parallel with the wall surface. A sign installed on a false or mansard roof is also considered a wall sign.

K)

Window: Any sign that is applied, painted, or affixed to a window, or placed inside a window, within three feet of the glass, facing the outside of the building, and easily seen from the outside. Customary displays of merchandise or objects and material without lettering behind a store window are not considered signs.

(Ord. No. 244 meeting, § 3(Exh. A), 12-9-2024)

A)

Permit required. Prior to the erection or structural alteration of sign, a sign permit shall be secured from the Director of Public Services.

B)

Exceptions. Exceptions to the permit requirements of this subsection shall include:

1)

Government signs.

2)

Public K-12 school signs where the State Superintendent has exclusive jurisdiction.

3)

Historic markers placed under the authority of the local, State, or federal government.

4)

Memorial plaques, less than one square foot in area.

5)

Address numbers.

6)

Hours of operation and other similar business information that is incidental, where such signage shall have a maximum size of two square feet.

7)

Window signs applied to the interior or exterior of the window/door glass, where the sign does not exceed 15 percent of the glass area. Windows that are immediately adjacent, on the same wall face of the same building, may be averaged together.

8)

Non-commercial flags.

9)

Yard signs in all zoning districts, subject to the following:

a)

Signs shall not exceed a total size of 15 sq ft in area; no limit on the number of signs, but the total area of all signs added together shall not exceed the "total size".

b)

Signs shall not exceed four feet in height.

c)

A temporary sign is no longer in good repair if it has broken parts, missing letters or has deteriorated such that the structural supports or frame or the side panels are visibly bent, broken, dented or torn such that is constitutes an unsightly, hazardous or harmful condition.

10)

Signs shall comply with all safety regulations and prohibitions specified herein.

11)

Handicap signage with the international symbol of accessibility or van accessible recognized logo for Americans with Disability Act (ADA) compliance and accessibility.

12)

Signs in conjunction with a construction project or site plan approval, subject to the size limits specified in this article. Signs shall be removed upon approval of the permit work or upon issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

13)

Signs erected by the City for an official function or purpose.

14)

Writing or logos that are an integral part of a fabric umbrella, used primarily to provide shade or cover to customers dining outdoors.

15)

Signs affixed to the exterior of vehicles advertising a business or service provided by said vehicle, excluding transported billboards.

C)

Measurement. Signage is measured using the following principles:

1)

The area of a sign shall mean the area of all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs, logos, and symbols. The area of a sign shall not include any supporting framework, bracing or trim which is incidental to the display, provided that it does not contain any lettering, wording, or symbols.

2)

Where the sign consists of individual letters, designs, or symbols attached to a building, awning, wall, or window, the area shall be that of the smallest rectangle which encompasses all of the letters, designs, and symbols.

3)

Signs that consist of, or have attached to them, one or more three-dimensional or irregularly-shaped objects, shall have a sign area of the sum of two adjacent vertical sign faces of the smallest cube encompassing the sign or object.

4)

Only one face of a double-sided sign will be used to determine the area of the sign.

5)

For V-shaped signs, either horizontally or vertically oriented, with interior angles greater than 90 degrees the sign area is the sum of both sign faces; otherwise, the area is the same as for double-sided signs.

6)

Sign height shall be measured as the distance from the highest portion of the sign to the mean finished grade at the base of the sign.

7)

Clearance for projecting, awning, and canopy/marquee signs shall be measured as the smallest vertical distance between finished grade and the lowest point of the sign, including any framework or other structural elements.

8)

The permitted maximum height for all signs is determined by the sign type and the zoning district or use in which the sign is located.

9)

Signable area shall be defined as the area in which a sign is to be located and which is used to determine the permitted size of that sign, pursuant to this section. The signable area shall be a continuous surface or wall unobstructed by windows, doors, other major architectural details or a change in material color.

D)

Prohibited signs. The following forms of signage shall be prohibited unless otherwise expressly stated in this appendix:

1)

Signs not expressly permitted.

2)

Any sign unlawfully installed, erected or maintained.

3)

Any additional signage for a business that has an existing nonconforming sign.

4)

Signs in the public right-of-way or on public property, except as permitted by this article.

5)

Animated signs, which are designed to provide apparent movement of any part of the sign. Animated signs also include any portion of a sign that displays any artificial light which is not maintained stationary or constant in intensity.

6)

A sign erected, constructed and maintained wholly over the roof of any building, with its principal support on the roof structure.

7)

A sign or sign structure which is determined by the Director of Public Services to be structurally unsafe, a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation or abandonment, or in disrepair.

8)

Any sign which by reason of its size, location, content, coloring or manner of illumination, constitutes a traffic hazard or a detriment to traffic safety by obstructing the vision of drivers, or by obstructing, or detracting from the visibility of any traffic sign or control device on public streets and roads.

9)

Any sign which obstructs free ingress to or egress from a required door, window, fire escape or other required exit way.

10)

String or rope lights used to highlight architectural features, or to frame a window or door.

11)

Feather and pennant flags at nonresidential properties.

12)

An outdoor sign whose message directs attention to a specific business, product, service, event or activity, or other commercial or noncommercial activity, or contains a non-commercial message about something that is not sold, produced, manufactured, furnished, or conducted on the premises upon which the sign is located.

E)

Illumination. Internal and external illumination of signs shall be permitted for all signs except where limited or prohibited in this article, and subject to the following:

1)

All illumination shall be concentrated on the area of the sign or landscape feature and directed or shielded so as to not interfere with the vision of persons on the adjacent streets or adjacent property.

2)

No sign shall be illuminated by other than electrical means or devices, and wiring shall be installed in accordance with the Michigan Building Code.

3)

All illumination shall be limited to 800 lumens and a color temperature measuring 3,500 K or warmer (between 0 K and 3,500 K) on the Kelvin scale.

4)

No sign shall include reflective materials.

(Ord. No. 244 meeting, § 3(Exh. A), 12-9-2024)

Temporary signs must meet the following:

A)

Sign permit. Temporary signs on private property are allowed only upon the issuance of a temporary sign permit by the Department of Public Services.

B)

Display period.

1)

Each lot or single tenant building is allowed a maximum of three temporary sign permits within a 12-month period. Each permit is for a maximum period of four weeks. In the instance where more than one business is located on a lot or in a building, structure or shopping center, each business is permitted two temporary sign permits within a 12-month period.

2)

One temporary banner pertaining to the opening or "Grand Opening" of a new commercial use may be temporarily affixed to the commercial building or the new business for a period of not more than four weeks. The length of such banner cannot exceed 25 feet.

C)

Right-of-way. No sign can be placed, strung, or located within the right-of-way.

D)

Area and height. Signs have a maximum area of 32 square feet and a maximum height of six feet measured from grade. Temporary balloon signs are exempt from these area and height requirements unless balloons are included as an integral part of the requested temporary sign.

E)

Materials. Signs must be constructed of a durable material designed to withstand normal weather conditions. Wooden signs must be constructed of a pressure treated wood that is acceptable to the Director of Public Services and painted or stained with an exterior grade of paint/stain. Property owners must receive a permit as described in this article prior to the erection of any temporary commercial signs and must follow all applicable requirements as described below. Portable ground signs are considered temporary commercial signs.

F)

Condition. Any temporary sign found by the Department of Public Services to be in an unsafe condition must be removed by the sign owner within three business days after receipt of written notice.

G)

Removal. Signs must be removed immediately at the end of the display period provided for in this article. If temporary signs are not promptly removed at the end of the display period, a written violation notice will be issued by the city and a cumulative daily fee shall be assessed to the temporary sign permit holder until such sign is removed.

(Ord. No. 244 meeting, § 3(Exh. A), 12-9-2024)

A legal nonconforming sign may be continued and shall be maintained in good condition, including replacement faces, but it shall not be:

A)

Expanded, altered or changed from a manual changeable letter sign to electronic changeable copy sign so as to increase the degree of nonconformity of the sign.

B)

Re-established after its discontinuance for 180 days.

C)

Continued in use after cessation or change of the business or activity to which the sign pertains.

D)

Re-established after damage or destruction if the estimated cost of reconstruction exceeds 50 percent of the appraised replacement cost, as determined by the Director of Public Services.

(Ord. No. 244 meeting, § 3(Exh. A), 12-9-2024)

The following regulations apply to all signage in the City of Grosse Pointe Park:

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SIGN TYPE	ER, NR-A, NR-B, NR-C	CMU, CIVIC	NMU, CBD	Supplemental Standards
Awning	Prohibited	Maximum height: Height of awning to which sign is affixed. Maximum area: 35 percent of signable area of awning Maximum number: 1 per building	Maximum height: Height of awning to which sign is affixed. Maximum area: 25 percent of signable area on awning Maximum number: 1 per building	1. Internal illumination prohibited. 2. Awning signs shall only be allowed on 1st floor awnings. 3. Awnings shall be a minimum 8 ft. above grade and shall not project more than 4 ft. from façade. 4. First floor awnings shall be a maximum of the lesser of 12 ft. above grade or the bottom of an architectural feature that separates the ground floor and second floor. 5. Awnings shall not encroach onto or over the public right-of-way unless expressly permitted by the Director of Public Services. 6. The valence or drip edge may only contain letters and numerals identifying the tenant and location and are included in the calculation of a maximum signable area of 25 percent. 7. Awnings are composed of either a solid color or vertical stripes; the Planning Commission has the power to grant an exception to this standard if it finds that the requested design is in keeping with the intent of the district.
Canopy	Prohibited	Maximum height: 12 ft. Maximum area: 60 percent of signable area of canopy Maximum number: 1 per building	Maximum height: 12 ft. Maximum area: 60 percent of signable area of canopy Maximum number: 1 per building	1. Canopy signs are only allowed on 1st floor. 2. Shall be a minimum 8 ft. above grade and a maximum of the lesser of 12 ft. above grade or the bottom of an architectural feature that separates the ground floor and second floor. 3. Shall not project more than 4 ft. from façade. 4. Signage shall not encroach onto or over the public right-of-way unless expressly permitted by the Director of Public Services.
Plaque	Prohibited	Maximum height: 5 ft. Maximum area: 4.5 sq. ft. Maximum number: 1 per façade	Maximum height: 5 ft. Maximum area: 4.5 sq. ft. Maximum number: 1 per façade	1. Internal illumination prohibited. 2. For nameplates and business directories, each tenant in a multi-tenant building shall be allocated an equal proportion of the signage area, unless otherwise agreed to in a development contract. 3. Multiple fonts may be used, but all components must use the same backing in both color and material composition.
Ground	Prohibited.	Maximum height: 6 ft. Maximum area: 48 sq. ft. Maximum number: 1 per parcel	Maximum height: 6 ft. Maximum area: 32 sq. ft. Maximum number: 1 per parcel	1. Internal illumination is prohibited except for monument signs located in a Civic District. 2. Each tenant in a multi-tenant building shall be allocated an equal proportion of the signage area, unless otherwise agreed to in a development contract. 3. No ground sign shall be mounted on a singular pole; all signage shall either have two poles, located in the outer ¼ of the signage width on either side, or a monument base. 4. The minimum height of signage content shall be 24 in above grade. 5. Ground signs shall be supported and permanently placed by embedding, anchoring, or connecting the sign in such a manner as to incorporate it into the landscape or architectural design scheme. 6. Ground signs must be set back from any property line at a distance equal to the height of the sign. 7. No ground sign may occupy an area designated for parking, loading, walkways, driveways, fire lane, easement, right-of-way or other areas required to remain unobstructed.
Flag	Maximum height of bracket: 20 ft. Maximum area: 15 sq. ft. Maximum number: 1 per parcel	Maximum height of bracket: 20 ft. Maximum area: 15 sq. ft. Maximum number: 1 per business	Maximum height of bracket: 20 ft. Maximum area: 15 sq. ft. Maximum number: 1 per business	1. Flagpoles shall be used exclusively to display a flag. Attachment to any other site fixture or feature shall be prohibited. 2. There shall be no more than 3 flags on any 1 pole.
Projecting	Prohibited	Maximum height: 12 ft. Maximum area: 6 sq. ft. Maximum number: 1 per business	Maximum height: 12 ft. Maximum area: 5 sq. ft. Maximum number: 1 per business	1. Internal illumination prohibited. 2. Projecting signs are only allowed on 1st floor. 3. Shall be a minimum 7.5 ft. above grade. 4. Shall not project more than 4 ft. from façade. 5. Signage shall not encroach onto or over the public right-of-way unless expressly permitted by the Director of Public Services.
Sandwich board	Maximum height: 5 ft. Maximum area: 3 sq. ft. Maximum number: 1 per entrance	Maximum height: 6 ft. Maximum area: 5 sq. ft. Maximum number: 1 per business	Maximum height: 5 ft. Maximum area: 3 sq. ft. Maximum number: 1 per business	1. In all non-commercial districts, such signage shall be permitted only as temporary signage and shall be subject to the restrictions of temporary signage specified herein. 2. Signage associated with a non-residential use shall be limited to the use's hours of operations, outside of which it must be removed and stored. 3. Signage shall not occupy the public right-of-way unless expressly permitted by the Director of Public Services, and a minimum 5-foot clear passageway must be maintained on sidewalks at all times.
Wall	Prohibited	Maximum height: The lesser of 12 ft. above grade or the bottom of an architectural feature that separates the ground floor and second floor. Maximum area: 60 percent of signable area. Maximum number: 1 per façade.	Maximum height: The lesser of 12 ft. above grade or the bottom of an architectural feature that separates the ground floor and second floor. Maximum area: 40 percent of signable area. Maximum number: 1 per façade.	1. Internal illumination prohibited. 2. Shall be a minimum of 7.5 ft. above grade. 3. Buildings designed to permit businesses to occupy more than one floor shall reserve (a) two-thirds of their allowable sign area for tenants on the first floor and (b) one-third for tenants on the second floor. 4. Panel signs, whose letters and/or symbols are on a panel contained within a frame, which is an integral part of the sign, shall consist of a dark background with light lettering.
Window	Prohibited	Maximum height: Height of window to which the sign is affixed. Maximum area: 20 percent of total window area.	Maximum height: Height of window to which the sign is affixed. Maximum area: 20 percent of total window area.	1. Illumination prohibited, except for neon signs in nonresidential districts. 2. An unlimited number of window signs may be permitted, but the total area across all signs shall not exceed the maximums specified herein.
Directional	Maximum height: 4 ft. Maximum area: 2 sq. ft. Maximum number: 1 per entrance	Maximum height: 4 ft. Maximum area: 2 sq. ft. Maximum number: 1 per entrance	Maximum height: 4 ft. Maximum area: 2 sq. ft. Maximum number: 1 per entrance	1. Illumination prohibited. 2. Said signs may incorporate a corporation or business logo provided the main theme of the sign shall be to facilitate vehicular traffic flow. 3. Placement shall be within the subject property; no such signs shall be permitted within the street setback area or right-of-way.

 

(Ord. No. 244 meeting, § 3(Exh. A), 12-9-2024)