Pontiac, MI Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

Pontiac Zoning Ordinance Article 5, Chapter 1 lists "opinion signs" among the signs exempt from a sign permit under Section 5.103. Section 5.103.G sets the limits: opinion signs must be confined to private property and set back from any property line at least 10 feet, or half the building setback that applies to a primary structure in that zoning district, whichever distance is greater. They cannot be installed more than 30 calendar days before the election or event they address and must be removed within 14 days after it, and they cannot exceed five square feet of area or four feet of height.

The Zoning Ordinance's Sign Definitions section, 7.501, confirms "Political Sign" is defined by cross-reference to "Opinion Sign," which it defines as a temporary sign announcing a candidacy, addressing an election issue, or otherwise expressing an opinion, so long as it does not advertise a product, good, service or business. Section 5.102.L separately guarantees that noncommercial copy, which covers campaign messages, may be substituted for commercial copy on any lawful sign structure citywide. General sign standards in Section 5.102 govern placement everywhere in the city: signs cannot obstruct traffic visibility, driver sightlines at intersections, or pedestrian movement on a sidewalk, and the Building and Safety Engineering Division can order an owner to correct or remove a sign that becomes unsafe or is installed unlawfully within 10 days of written notice.