Westland Sign Rules - Sandwich Boards & Historic Signs

Signs and Advertising Michigan 4 Minutes Read ยท published March 08, 2026 Flag of Michigan

Westland, Michigan regulates portable sandwich board (A-frame) signs and protections for historically important signage through local sign rules and zoning code. This guide summarizes what businesses and property owners should know about placement, permits, maintenance, and how enforcement works in Westland. Where the city code or department pages do not publish a specific fee or penalty online, the text below flags that the amount or procedure is not specified on the cited page and points to the official source for confirmation and formal application steps.[1]

What counts as a sandwich board or historic sign

Sandwich board or A-frame signs are typically portable, double-sided signs placed on sidewalks or private property to advertise a business. Historic signs are identified by their age, design, or designation within a historic district or by local historic-preservation rules, and may have different alteration and repair rules.

Check property ownership and right-of-way before placing an A-frame sign.

Where you can place A-frame signs

  • Sidewalk placement is often limited by required clear pedestrian passage; measure local clearance requirements and setbacks.
  • Placement on private property usually requires permission from the property owner and must comply with zoning district sign standards.
  • A-frames are commonly prohibited in the public right-of-way where they obstruct sidewalks, transit access, or ADA routes.

Historic sign considerations

Historic or landmark signs inside historic districts may be protected and subject to preservation review before alteration, relocation, or removal. Where designation exists, approval from the local historic-preservation authority or planning commission may be required.

Historic sign work often requires review beyond ordinary sign permits.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City enforces sign rules through code enforcement and the planning or community development division, with options that typically include notice to correct, fines, and removal for illegal signs. Where specific fines or escalation schedules are not posted on the controlling ordinance page, this guide notes the omission and directs readers to the official ordinance or department for exact figures.[1]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page for sign-specific fines; see the official ordinance and department rules for exact amounts.[1]
  • Escalation: first offence, repeat, and continuing violations are handled per the code; specific escalation amounts or daily continuing-violation fines are not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Non-monetary remedies: orders to remove or correct signs, abatement, permit suspension, or court action may be available under the city code.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Code Enforcement or the Planning/Community Development Division handle inspections and complaints; initiate a report using the official department contact page.[2]
  • Appeals: appeals or administrative reviews are typically available to challenge enforcement actions; time limits for appeal are not specified on the cited ordinance page and must be confirmed with the department or the municipal code.[1]

Applications & Forms

Sign permits, if required for A-frames or historic sign work, are managed by the Planning or Building Division. The official sign-permit form name, number, fee, and submission instructions are not specified on the cited ordinance page and should be obtained from the Planning/Community Development office or the city website.[2]

Always request the current permit form from the Planning Division before altering a historic sign.

Common violations

  • Blocking pedestrian right-of-way with an A-frame.
  • Placing a sign without owner permission on private property.
  • Altering a historic sign without review or permit.
  • Using oversized or illuminated A-frame signs where prohibited.

Action steps

  • Confirm whether your property or sign is in a historic district with the Planning Division.[2]
  • Request the current sign-permit form and fee schedule from Community Development before installing an A-frame.
  • If cited, follow the notice to correct and file an appeal within the department timeframe; contact details are on the official department page.[2]

FAQ

Can I place an A-frame sign on the sidewalk in Westland?
An A-frame may be allowed if it does not obstruct pedestrian passage or ADA access and meets local clearance and placement requirements; verify with the Planning Division and review the sign code.[1]
Do historic signs get special protection?
Yes, historic signs often require preservation review before alteration; check with the local historic-preservation authority or Community Development for the review process.

How-To

  1. Identify whether your property or sign is in a historic district by contacting Community Development.[2]
  2. Obtain the current sign-permit application and fee schedule from the Planning Division or the city website.
  3. Complete and submit the permit with required drawings and owner authorization; follow any review timelines provided by staff.
  4. If you receive a notice of violation, follow corrective instructions promptly and submit an appeal or request for administrative review if you dispute the finding.
  5. Pay any assessed fines or fees as directed on the enforcement notice or through the municipal payment portal.

Key Takeaways

  • Confirm placement and permit needs with Community Development before installing an A-frame.
  • Historic signs typically require preservation review and may have separate rules.
  • Use the official department contact to report issues or request forms.

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