Signage

Definitions and regulations are taken from Chapter 1272 in the City of Monroe Planning and Zoning Code adopted January 2007 which can be found at the City of Monroe Building Counter at 120 East First Street. Signage location regulations are separated into different zones to accommodate the different landscapes/streetscapes throughout the city. The following permitted signs are allowed in all sign zones with unique regulations dependent on the specific zone and type of sign. Detailed regulations are listed in the Zoning Code. Many signs require a Sign Permit. Applications (with fee) are available at the City of Monroe Building Counter. Additionally, wall, projecting, marquee and awning/canopy signs are required to have Administrative Site Plan Review. The City of Monroe Planning and Recreation Department facilitates that review. The Planning and Recreation Department along with the Building Department should be consulted prior to installation of a sign to ensure that all requirements are met.

Awning/Canopy Sign – “Any sign attached to or constructed within or on an awning or on a canopy or other fabric, plastic or structural protective cover over a door, entrance, window or outdoor service area. A marquee is not an awning/canopy and a protective roof over gasoline filling station areas shall not be considered a canopy for purposes of this Section.”

Banner – “A sign made of fabric, cloth, paper or other non-rigid material that is typically not enclosed in a frame.” (Specifically Banner Signs) See special approval process below for public Street Banners.

Marquee – “A permanent canopy usually of metal and glass, brightly lighted and displaying the title of an attraction which projects over an entrance to a building, such as a theater or hotel.”

Monument Sign – “A ground sign mounted on a base directly on the ground.”

Mural Sign – “Signs painted directly on an exterior building wall.” Mural signs are currently prohibited.

Projecting Sign – “Any sign which is attached to a building or other structure which extends more than eight (8) inches beyond the face of the building or structure or eight (8) inches beyond the surface of that portion of the building or structure to which it is attached, and is perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the building surface and is permanently attached to the building or structure surface. A projecting sign shall not include or be a part of any canopy, awning or marquee sign.”

Sandwich Board Sign – “A portable non-permanent sign placed within the pedestrian public right-of-way of a public sidewalk during regular business hours; consisting of an “A” frame or “T” frame or other temporary style, typically with not more than two (2) flat surfaces containing messages, and is not permanently affixed to any structure or to the sidewalk itself.”

Wall Sign – “All flat signs of solid face construction which are placed against a building or other structure and attached to the exterior front, rear, or side wall of any building or other structure.”

Sidewalk Cafes

Applications (with fee) for sidewalk cafes are available at the City Building Department located on the first floor of City Hall at 120 East First Street. Sidewalk cafes include any area on the sidewalk or street that is enclosed for the purpose of food service. Permits must be obtained on an annual basis.

Sidewalk Sales

Applications (with fee) for sidewalk sales are available at the City Building Department and must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the scheduled sale. Administrative review will determine if a permit will be issued. Sidewalk sales can be a maximum of 10 feet from the building, can’t cover required parking and all items must be stored inside during non-business hours.

Street Banners

Space is available at four downtown locations to hang horizontal banners across streets. There is also space for vertical banners on approximately 50 light posts for those that are eligible to apply. Applications (with fee) are available at the Engineering Department counter with details also available online under the City of Monroe Engineering Department documents. Horizontal street banners require City Council approval.

Special Land Use

Chapter 1263 of the City of Monroe Planning and Zoning Code states which uses are considered Special Land Uses in each zoning district. A Special Land Use requires that an application (with fee) be submitted to the City of Monroe Planning and Recreation Department. Once reviewed by staff, the application will be reviewed by the Citizens Planning Commission and action will be taken. If the Special Land Use is approved, then the applicant is required to submit a Site Plan as described below. Further information and applications can be obtained by contacting the Planning and Recreation Department at 734-384-9185. Approval must be granted prior to the business opening.

Site Plan

A multitude of activities require Site Plan approval. Site Plan Review ensures that the developments taking place in the City of Monroe meet all codes and ordinances, are safely constructed and add to the aesthetic beauty of the City. Some activities require review by the Citizens Planning Commission and some by the Administrative Site Plan Review Committee. Each activity requiring review is listed in Chapter 1264 in the City of Monroe Planning and Zoning Code in Table 2. Items that should be included on the Site Plan are listed on the application (with fee) which can be obtained from the Planning and Recreation Department on the first floor of City Hall. It may be beneficial to meet with Planning and Recreation Department staff prior to application submittal to resolve any initial issues or clarify requirements for the Site Plan.

Certificate of Occupancy for New Construction and Renovation Projects

A Certificate of Occupancy is required prior to occupying a new construction or building that has undergone a large-scale renovation project. The Certificate is issued by the Building Department once all inspections throughout the permitting process are completed and the building is deemed safe to occupy.

Boards and Commissions Involved in the Review and Approval Process

Economic Development Review Committee

The Economic Development Review Committee (EDRC) is comprised of City of Monroe Staff. Their main purpose pertaining to downtown properties is to review applications for tax abatements. For more information on the EDRC, contact the Planning and Recreation Department at 734-384-9185. The Economic Development Review Committee meets on an as needed basis. Meetings are open to the public.

Historic District Commission

This nine member Mayor and City Council appointed Board consists of city residents who have an interest in, or work in a field associated with, historic preservation. A member of City Council serves as liaison to the Commission. The mission of the Historic District Commission (HDC) is to “build strong local preservation through education, training and advocacy.” The HDC assists with historic designations, provides design assistance and reviews exterior renovations of historically designated buildings based on the U.S. Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. They are an advisory committee. For more information (including frequently asked questions), or to discuss a project with the HDC, contact the City of Monroe Planning and Recreation Department at 734-384-9185, or visit www.hdcmonroe.org. The HDC meets the third Wednesday of every month at 7:30 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Meetings are open to the public.

Citizens Planning Commission

The Citizens Planning Commission is a nine member Board that is appointed by the Mayor and City Council. A member of City Council serves as liaison to the Commission. The Commission reviews and makes determinations on land uses, planned developments, site plans, lot splits and other items associated with the development within the City. They also review and update the Planning and Zoning Code and City of Monroe Master Plan. For more information, contact the Planning and Recreation Department at 734-384-9185. The Citizens Planning Commission meets the first Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Meetings are open to the public.

Zoning Board of Appeals

This nine member Mayor and City Council appointed Board includes a City Council liaison and two alternate Board members. The Zoning Board of Appeals has several roles in the review process. Its purpose is to interpret the Planning and Zoning Code, make determinations on appeals to decisions of other Boards and Commissions in the review process, authorize use and dimensional variances, as well as, variances associated with all sections of the Planning and Zoning Code. Board decisions are considered final unless appealed to Circuit Court. For more information, contact the Building Department at 734-384-9186. The Zoning Board of Appeals meets the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Meetings are open to the public.

City Council

The Mayor and City Council are the main policy makers and legislative officials for the City of Monroe. Both the Mayor and City Council members (one representing each of the six precincts) are elected by the people every two years. Many items reviewed by City Council for final approval are a result of recommendations from the other Boards and Commissions mentioned above. For more information, contact the Mayor/Managers office at 734-384-9144 or visit www.monroemi.gov. City Council meets the first and third Monday of every month at 7:30 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Meetings are open to the public.