Sign Regulations in Sterling Heights, MI (2026)
4 verified sign regulations for Sterling Heights, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Political Signs
Sterling Heights regulates campaign and political signs the same as any other temporary sign: up to 9 square feet total on single-family residential lots, set back from property lines, and removed once no longer needed.
Political Sign Rules in Sterling Heights
Some RestrictionsSterling Heights Zoning Ordinance § 28.13(L)(7), (L)(10)
7. All temporary signs shall be removed within seven days after they are no longer necessary for, or capable of, fulfilling their intended purpose. ... 10. On properties utilized as single-family residential: a. Short-term temporary signs shall not exceed three square feet. b. Long-term temporary signs shall not exceed six square feet. c. Total square footage for all temporary signage shall not...
Holiday Displays
Sterling Heights bans flashing or intermittent exterior lighting citywide under its zoning code, but the same section exempts lighting authorized as holiday decorations under the sign ordinance, so seasonal string lights are allowed.
Holiday Lighting Rules in Sterling Heights
Light RestrictionsSterling Heights Zoning Ordinance § 24.06(H)(3)
Prohibited lighting. The following exterior lighting shall be specifically prohibited: ... 3. Moving, flashing, or intermittent lighting, except as authorized in section 28.13 regulating signs;
Digital Billboards
Billboards, digital or otherwise, are banned in Sterling Heights outright, with only a narrow carve-out for signs controlled by an outside governmental entity, capped at 25 feet tall and 150 square feet.
Billboard Rules in Sterling Heights, Michigan
Heavy RestrictionsSterling Heights Zoning Ordinance § 28.13(B)(5)
billboards are not permitted in the City of Sterling Heights, except as may be permitted by any governmental entity not subject to city regulation or control, in which instances all city regulations not otherwise preempted shall still apply, and if not preempted such billboards shall not exceed 25 feet in height or 150 square feet in area and shall be subject to the city's sign permitting proce...
Window Signs
Window signs in Sterling Heights cannot exceed 25% of the glass area of the facade they're displayed on, and no window sign may exceed 150 square feet no matter how much glass the building has. Zoning Ordinance § 28.13(O) sets the cap, and the same section's general sign rules on maintenance, obsolete removal and enforcement apply to window signs like every other sign type in the city.
Sterling Heights Window Sign Size Limit
Some RestrictionsSterling Heights Zoning Ordinance § 28.13(D), (O)
WINDOW SIGN. A sign consisting of words, numerals, or trademarks displayed in, attached to, or painted on a window. ... O. Window signage is permitted but the maximum size of a window sign shall not exceed 25% of the total glass area of the facade it is located on, and in no instance shall a window sign exceed 150 square feet in area.
Looking for Macomb County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sterling Heights city rules.
Sign Regulations in Macomb County →