Royal Oak Township, MI Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)

The township sign article has no stand-alone digital billboard section. A digital face is governed by the billboard standard in § 32-830(d) combined with the movement and lighting prohibitions in § 32-830(b). Section 32-823 says the term billboards means an off-premises advertising sign, defined as a sign carrying a message unrelated to a business or profession conducted, or to a commodity, service or activity sold or offered, on the premises where the sign is located. It defines a changeable copy sign (automatic) as a sign on which the message changes automatically, for example electronic or electric time and temperature signs.

Where billboards can go: freestanding advertising signs at other than the location where the activity is conducted are permitted in the M-1 and M-2 zoning districts according to the adopted township zoning map. Each sign face is capped at 300 square feet and the maximum height is 25 feet. The sign must meet every setback requirement for a structure in its district, and no part can sit closer than 300 feet to any park, school, church, hospital, cemetery or government building. There must be a minimum of 1,500 feet between off-premises advertising signs and a minimum of 100 feet between an off-premises sign and any other on-premises sign. They cannot be located on or over the roofs of buildings or project over any public easement or right-of-way.

Why a changing electronic face is difficult here: § 32-830(b)(2) prohibits a sign that incorporates flashing or moving lights, with time and temperature or stock market quote signs permitted after site plan review. Section 32-830(b)(7) prohibits a sign with any visible movement achieved by electrical, electronic or mechanical means, including intermittent electric pulsations. Section 32-831(b) requires illumination from steady, stationary, shielded light sources and prohibits illumination that could distract motorists or create a traffic hazard.

A sign permit from the building official is required under §§ 32-825 and 32-826, and a refused applicant can appeal to the zoning board of appeals under § 32-829.