What signs can my business have in Novi?

Novi keeps its sign rules outside the zoning ordinance: Section 5.6 simply requires all signs to conform to the applicable city codes with Community Development review and a permit where required. The substantive standards live in Chapter 28, Sections 28-1 through 28-16, of the Novi Code of Ordinances, comprehensively updated September 13, 2021.

The reliable ground rules: permanent signs and banners require a sign permit, and any sign over 1 square foot generally needs one, while address signs under 4 square feet do not. Ground signs must be monument style, on a solid base with no exposed posts, and need a building permit; illuminated signs add an electrical permit. No sign of any kind, permanent or temporary, may be placed in a public right-of-way. Temporary signs are allowed without a permit within limits on duration, height, area, number, and placement.

The size and height allowed for your wall or monument sign depends on the district schedules and frontage rules in Chapter 28, which run to a level of detail worth checking directly for your address. Novi's Code Compliance staff at 248-735-5678 handles sign questions, and the full chapter is on Municode.