Who approves sign variances in Royal Oak?

The Planning Commission, not the Zoning Board of Appeals. Royal Oak routes sign appeals and sign variances to the Planning Commission under the sign chapter (City Code § 607-16C-D). This surprises many applicants, since variances elsewhere in the zoning ordinance go to the ZBA.

A quick map of who decides what:

• Sign variances and sign appeals: Planning Commission (City Code § 607-16)
• Dimensional and use variances: ZBA (§ 770-124)
• Fence waivers and appeals: ZBA, on a practical difficulties showing (City Code § 323-5D)
• Special land uses: Planning Commission (§ 770-11)

If your sign needs relief from a size, height, or placement rule, prepare a Planning Commission application. Note that sign allowances can depend on which Sign Area your property falls in under the Sign Area Map (City Code § 607-4I), so confirm your Sign Area with the Planning Division at 248-246-3280 before applying.