Do I need a permit for a new commercial sign?

In most cases yes; permanent signs and many temporary signs require a sign permit and plan review. Confirm with the Planning or Building Division.

Are vehicle wraps regulated as signs?

Vehicle wraps used as mobile advertising may be regulated if the vehicle is used or parked as a stationary sign; check with City staff to determine classification.

What if my permit is denied?

Denials and requests for variance normally have appeal paths such as the Zoning Board of Appeals; review the ordinance or contact Planning for timelines and procedures.

Farmington Hills Sign Permits & Vehicle Wraps

Signs and Advertising Michigan 3 Minutes Read · published March 08, 2026

In Farmington Hills, Michigan, signs, banners and commercial vehicle wraps are regulated at the municipal level to protect safety, zoning character and public rights-of-way. This guide explains when a permit is required, where size and height limits are set, how vehicle wraps are treated, and the typical application, compliance and appeal paths you should expect when planning signage or vehicle graphics in Farmington Hills.

Types of Signs and Vehicle Graphics

Common regulated items include freestanding site signs, wall-mounted signs, window signs, temporary banners, and vehicle-mounted advertising used principally as stationary signs. Vehicle wraps used as mobile advertising may be regulated differently depending on whether the vehicle is principally used in commerce or parked as a sign.

Where to Find the Rules

The City’s official ordinances and zoning regulations set the detailed standards for sign location, size, height, illumination and permitted zones. For permit requirements and technical standards consult the City ordinances and the Planning or Building departments for the most current provisions and forms.

Permits, Variances and Review

Most permanent signs and many temporary signs require a sign permit and site plan review; variances for size, height or placement are typically handled through the Zoning Board of Appeals or planning variance process where provided under local rules.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled through the City’s enforcement channels and may involve corrective orders, fines, removal orders or legal action. Report violations, request inspections, or obtain permit information via the Building Division’s permits and contacts page^[1].

Fines and monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page.
Escalation: first, repeat or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: corrective orders, removal of signs, stop-work or court action are possible remedies under the ordinance.
Enforcer: City Building Division and Planning Department typically administer permits and code compliance; complaints routed through official department contacts.
Inspection and complaint pathway: file a complaint or request inspection via the Building Division contact page linked in Resources.
Appeals and review: zoning variances and permit denials are usually appealable to the Zoning Board of Appeals or as specified in the municipal code; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
Defences/discretion: issued permits, administrative variances or approved site plans commonly serve as defenses; the ordinance provides any discretionary exceptions.

Contact the Building Division early to confirm whether your signage or vehicle wrap needs a permit.

Applications & Forms

Sign permit application forms, submittal checklists and building permit packets are available from the City’s Building and Planning departments; fee schedules and submission instructions are published on those department pages or permit portals. If a specific form number or fee is not published on the department page, it is not specified on the cited page.

How Vehicle Wraps Are Treated

Vehicle wraps that are incidental to a vehicle used in ordinary transportation are frequently treated differently than vehicles used as stationary advertising. Where a wrapped vehicle is parked and used as a sign, sign regulations may apply. Confirm classification with the Planning or Building Division before installation.

Common Violations

Unpermitted permanent signs installed without a sign permit.
Temporary banners or A-frames left beyond allowed display periods.
Signs breaching maximum height or projecting into public right-of-way.
Vehicles wrapped and parked primarily as advertising without meeting sign rules.

FAQ

Do I need a permit for a new commercial sign?: In most cases yes; permanent signs and many temporary signs require a sign permit and plan review. Confirm with the Planning or Building Division.
Are vehicle wraps regulated as signs?: Vehicle wraps used as mobile advertising may be regulated if the vehicle is used or parked as a stationary sign; check with City staff to determine classification.
What if my permit is denied?: Denials and requests for variance normally have appeal paths such as the Zoning Board of Appeals; review the ordinance or contact Planning for timelines and procedures.

How-To

Confirm whether your sign or vehicle wrap requires a permit by contacting the Planning or Building Division.
Gather required materials: site plan, elevations, mounting details, and color/illumination information.
Submit the sign permit application and required fees to the Building Division or permit portal as directed by staff.
Respond to staff comments, obtain approvals, and schedule inspections if required before installation.
If denied or needing relief, file for variance or appeal following the municipal procedures.

Key Takeaways

Most permanent signs require a permit; check before you install.
Vehicle wraps can be treated as signs if used primarily for stationary advertising.
Contact Building and Planning early to avoid removal orders or penalties.

Help and Support / Resources

[1] City of Farmington Hills Building Division - Permits & Contacts