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Commercial sign/billboard permit process

Commercial sign/billboard permit process

Permit overview

Permit name or approval: Highway advertising permits, billboard permits, outdoor advertising permits

Authority: Governed by Public Act 106 of 1972 (Highway Advertising Act) and Administrative Rules R247.701–R247.748

Purpose: Required for constructing off-premises advertising signs visible from state highways. Not needed for on-site business signs or non-commercial displays (e.g., religious or service club signs).

Note: Applications for tasks are submitted and paid for online through the Michigan Permit Gateway.

Application Process
  1. Interim permit: In order to construct a sign, the applicant needs to hold an interim permit. The interim permit is used to begin the online application process. Exceptions are for those only looking to advertise the business they own and operate or a non-commercial sign (religious or service club).  
  2. Pre-application requirements: None
  3. Applicants must submit the following with their online application:
    1. Acknowledgement of land owner to accompany sign permit application (Form 2495)
    2. Zoning Certification (Form 3700)
    3. Permit Sketch Attachment (Form UP‑68)
  4. Processing time for approval: A complete and correct permit application shall be processed within 30 days, unless further review of the proposed location is necessary to make a determination.
  5. Operational requirements: Permit holders must operate according to all permit conditions.
Fees

Applications: $200 (digital) or $100 (paper)

Renewal fees:

Up to 300 sq ft: $50

301 sq ft and above: $80

Digital renewal: $200

Intermit permit: $80

Late fee: $50

Religious and service club sign 8 sq ft and under: No charge

All fees are non-refundable under Public Act 561 of 2002 §301.

Appeals

If your permit application is denied, you may request an administrative hearing by submitting a written appeal within 60 days of the denial, as outlined in the Administrative Procedures Act (Public Act 306 of 1969).

Questions and contacts

For questions or concerns, contact MDOT’s Development Services Division in Lansing at 517‑335‑2209.

For additional details and required forms, visit the Highway Advertising (Billboards) webpage.

Primary contact: Melissa Staffeld, Highway Advertising Specialist, 517‑335‑2209