Political signs in Detroit are protected by the First Amendment and Michigan election law. Residents may display political signs on private property without permits, subject to size limitations in the Detroit Zoning Ordinance.
Detroit's sign regulations in Chapter 50 of the City Code govern the size and placement of signs. Political signs on private residential property are generally limited to 6 square feet in area in residential zoning districts. No permit is required for temporary political signs. Signs cannot be placed in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, or on public property. Michigan election law (MCL 168.931) protects the right to display political signs. Signs should not obstruct traffic sight lines at intersections. Political signs are typically expected to be removed within a reasonable time after the election. Detroit cannot impose content-based restrictions on political signs under the Supreme Court's Reed v. Town of Gilbert decision.
Signs placed in the right-of-way or on public property may be removed by the city without notice. Oversized signs in residential zones may receive code enforcement notices. There are no fines for the content of political signs, but placement and size violations are subject to standard sign enforcement.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Wayne County.
See how other cities in Wayne County handle political signs.
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