Lansing, MI Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)
Key Facts
- DT-3 EMC size cap
- 20 sq ft
- Other district EMC cap
- 32 sq ft
- Night curfew near homes
- off 11pm-6am within 200 ft
- Message change rate
- no faster than every 8 sec
- Animation
- blinking/scrolling/flashing barred
Summary
Electronic message center signs in Lansing must dim automatically, go dark near homes at night, and stay under 20 to 32 square feet depending on the zoning district.
(2)EMC signs located within 200 feet of a residentially zoned property or property being used for residential purposes, shall not be illuminated between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.(3)To preserve open vistas, protect the historic integrity of, and enhance the visual cityscape of downtown Lansing and the Michigan State Capitol Building, EMC signs in the DT-3 district shall be limited to 20 square feet in sign area.(4)EMC signs in all commercial or special zoning districts, excluding DT-3, are limited to 32 square feet in sign area.(5)No sign message shall blink, scroll, flash, or be animated.(6)All messages shall remain static while being displayed but may instantly change once every eight seconds or longer.(7)Any EMC sign that is malfunctioning shall be turned off until such time that it is functioning properly.(e)Sign area measurements.(1)The entire area of the framework and background of the sign is calculated as sign area, including any material or color forming the sign face or background used to differentiate the sign from the structure against which it is placed. [FIGURE 5]
(2)The sign area for a sign mounted on a building wall, awning, fence, or landscape wall is the area of a rectangle that encompasses each word or graphic element. Sign area does not include any supporting framework or bracing, unless it is part of the message or graphic element. [FIGURE 6]
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 64).
Full Breakdown
Lansing's zoning code regulates electronic message center (EMC) signs under Chapter 1310. Every EMC must have automatic dimming, by photocell or software, to meet nighttime brightness standards, and any EMC within 200 feet of a residentially zoned property or residential use must go dark from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Sign area is capped at 20 square feet in the Downtown Core (DT-3) district and 32 square feet in other commercial or special zoning districts. Messages cannot blink, scroll, flash, or animate, and displayed content may change no more often than once every eight seconds. A malfunctioning EMC sign must be turned off until it's fixed.
Violations & Fines
The Zoning Administrator or Building Official enforces sign violations as a municipal civil infraction under Chapter 203, carrying a civil fine plus costs for each infraction and increased fines for repeat offenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an electronic billboard go anywhere in Lansing?
Does an EMC sign near my house have to go dark at night?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lansing
Compare Lansing to another location·View the Michigan sign regulations overview
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