Sign Regulations in Kalamazoo, MI (2026)
4 verified sign regulations for Kalamazoo, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Political Signs
Kalamazoo's Zoning Ordinance defines an election campaign sign at Kalamazoo City Code § 12.3 as one that advocates or opposes a candidate or ballot issue in a federal, state, county, school or municipal election. The code does not single out election signs for special limits; instead they are regulated as Class A temporary signs under § 50-9.4A, capped at 36 square feet total per lot and six square feet per sign.
Kalamazoo Election Campaign Sign Rules
Light RestrictionsKalamazoo City Code § 50-9.4A
Class A temporary signs. ... Class A temporary signs, a type of exempt sign, are allowed without a permit as follows: ... Maximum size per lot. The total sign area of all temporary signs on any one site shall not exceed 36 square feet. ... Maximum size per sign. The maximum size of individual temporary signs shall not exceed six square feet in area. ... Maximum height. Temporary signs shall not...
Digital Billboards
In the City of Kalamazoo, internally illuminated LED billboards are allowed only as replacements for existing large static off-premises signs in D1, D2, D3, CC, M-1 and M-2 districts, capped citywide at eight new structures since July 2013, with mandatory dimming and a 10-second minimum message hold.
Kalamazoo Digital Billboard Rules
Significant RestrictionsKalamazoo City Code § 50-9.7
§ 50-9.7. Internally illuminated automatic changeable copy signs. ... ... A. Permitted off-premises signs. ... any internally illuminated, automatic changeable copy signs, such as, but not limited to, signs using LED technology, are permitted as a lawful conforming off-premises sign in compliance with the following requirements: (1) Location. Such signs shall only be located in D1, D2, D3, CC, ...
Window Signs
In the City of Kalamazoo, City Code § 50-9.5(G) caps window signs at 25% coverage of ground-floor windows and 30% coverage of upper-floor windows, letting an upper-floor business post one window sign per street-facing facade. Window signs are permitted in every zoning district, do not count against a lot's overall sign allowance, and need no sign permit.
Kalamazoo Window Sign Coverage Limits
Light RestrictionsKalamazoo City Code § 50-9.5(G)
Window signs. ... A sign that is posted, painted, or otherwise affixed in or on a window. ... Districts permitted: permitted in all zoning districts. ... Location. Window signs are permitted on the ground floor and the second and third floor windows. ... Ground floor. Window signs may cover up to 25% of ground floor windows. ... Upper floor. Window signs may cover up to 30% of an upper floor wi...
Freeway-Facing Signs
City Code § 50-9.5 allows only one freeway sign per lot within 200 feet of a highway right-of-way, and only in Manufacturing and Business/Technology/Research (BTR) districts, or in Community Commercial with a special use permit. The sign is capped at 150 square feet and 80 feet tall, must sit 10 feet back from the property line, and has to face highway traffic.
Kalamazoo Freeway Sign Standards
Significant RestrictionsKalamazoo City Code § 50-9.5, Table 9.5-1
Freeway sign. Permitted in M and BTR Districts and CC with a special use permit; 1 freeway sign allowed on lots within 200 feet of highway right-of-way; Maximum sign area: 150 square feet; Maximum height: 80 feet; Setback: 10 feet; ... Must be oriented to highway vehicle traffic ... Freeway signs: a type of freestanding sign. A freeway sign's message is directed toward vehicle traffic on a free...