Are LED Signs Allowed in Ashley, Gratiot County, Michigan? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes, EMC signs are permitted in the B-2 (Highway Business) and I-1 (Industrial) districts, with certain restrictions.
"The sign regulations of this Chapter are intended to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents, maintain community character, and promote economic development by regulating the construction, alteration, maintenance, size, location, and number of signs."
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Ashley Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & GIS Map – City of Ashley Zoning & GIS Map
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | B-2 (Highway Business), I-1 (Industrial) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Wall, Freestanding, Ground |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌No (unless approved as a billboard with special land use) |
| EMCs in ROW | ❌Not allowed |
| Minimum setback required | 5–10 ft depending on district |
| Use restrictions | Must meet size, height, and illumination regulations; flashing or animated lights prohibited |
Zoning District Overview
Gratiot County classifies land into multiple districts with the following EMC provisions:
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AG, RP, RR, R-1, R-2, MHP (Residential/Agricultural): Ground and wall signs for residential, farm, or home occupation uses; EMCs generally not permitted.
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B-1 and B-2 (Commercial): EMCs allowed on freestanding, wall, or ground signs with permit.
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I-1 (Industrial): EMCs allowed for industrial uses, subject to height, area, and setback standards.
Zoning-Specific Standards
B-2 Commercial District
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Freestanding, Ground |
| Maximum area | Wall: 10% of wall (≤200 sq ft); Freestanding: ≤50 sq ft |
| Maximum height | Wall: ≤8 ft; Freestanding: ≤20 ft |
| Setback | 5–10 ft from property line |
| Illumination | Permitted; flashing or animated prohibited |
I-1 Industrial District
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Freestanding, Ground |
| Maximum area | Wall: 5% of wall (≤150 sq ft); Freestanding: ≤32 sq ft |
| Maximum height | Wall: ≤8 ft; Freestanding: ≤6 ft |
| Setback | ≥5 ft from property line |
| Illumination | Permitted; must not create hazard or nuisance |
Permit Filing Requirements
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Required forms: Zoning Permit Application, Electrical Permit (if illuminated)
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Permit fees: Vary based on sign type and district
Full Ordinance Text (Excerpts)
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Section 15.7 – Intent: Protect health, safety, and welfare; promote economic development.
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Section 15.9 – General Sign Provisions: Requires permits for most signs; prohibits flashing or animated lights.
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Section 15.14 – District Sign Regulations: Specifies size, height, location, and number of signs per district.
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Section 15.15 – Billboards: Allowed in B-2 and I-1 districts with Special Land Use approval.
External Reference Links
🗺️ Ashley Zoning & GIS Map
📘 Ashley Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal