What’s happening:

New requirements are coming for development project signage in Ann Arbor. Starting on July 1, 2026, applicants must post a "Proposed Development Notice" sign on each site frontage for all petitions submitted to the City Planning Commission (SEU, PUD, Rezoning, Site Plan) which meet the specifications provided by the City.

What this means for you:

• Physical signage will be required on-site for certain projects.

• Standards include size, content and placement.

• See "Guideline Materials" tab.

Who should join:

Developers, built environment professionals, and anyone interested in submittal requirements for Site Plans, Special Exception Uses, Planned Unit Developments or Rezonings.

More background:

On February 19, 2026, the Ann Arbor City Council approved updates to Section 5.28.4 Community Participation Requirements of the Unified Development Code to require onsite signage for Type 1 and Type 2 projects.

These changes respond to earlier updates from July 2025 reducing the number of projects requiring public hearings and mailed notices. The new signage requirement helps ensure nearby residents and businesses remain informed.

Please read the Guidelines for Community Participation Signs that explain where signage must be placed and what information it must contain.

Community Participation Signage Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the City open to feedback on the signage guidelines and template?
   • Yes! We are hoping that end users of these materials will share their feedback and requests with us during or after this webinar and before the ordinance goes into effect on July 1, 2026. Please email Emma Berger at eberger@a2gov.org to share your thoughts with a descriptive subject line.
2. What materials are permitted for the signs?
   • Any durable all-weather material. Corrugated plastic (Coroplast) or vinyl signs with reinforced corners (grommets) are recommended.
3. How will Planners verify the signs are made and installed correctly?
   • The petitioner should email their assigned Planner their filled out sign design to scale prior to printing, and share photos of the sign posted on the site for verification that the sign meets material, location, and placement requirements.
4. If a sign is posted by the deadline but does not comply with standards, what happens? Is development review paused until the sign is corrected?
   • Yes, the development review will be paused until a sign is posted that meets UDC and guideline requirements.
5. What happens if the sign is blown away or destroyed before it is allowed to be taken down?
   • A petitioner is responsible for maintaining a posted sign throughout the required posting period. If the sign is inadvertently removed from the site, the petitioner should let the assigned Planner know and should install another sign to remain posted for the duration of the posting period.
6. How should I adjust the font size if I increase the size of the sign?
   • If minimum font size is maintained meeting signage guidelines, compliance is achieved.
7. Does the City maintain a list of local vendors?
   • Yes, refer to the local vendor list on this page.
8. Can we use other vendors that are not listed on the vendor list?
   • Yes. Please also share your suggested vendors with the City to grow our list of local resources.
9. Are we allowed to keep the sign up for longer than permitted?
   • No, signs are required to be removed when the petition receives building permits, is withdrawn, or is denied.
10. Are there different sign sizes that are required if a project has multiple frontages?
    • No, just ensure that you are complying with the minimum required sign size of 2’ by 3.’
11. Do these signs need to comply with existing City sign code?
    • No, signs posted in accordance with this requirement are exempt from existing City of Ann Arbor sign code.
12. Can I deviate from the sign template and follow my own template?
    • Yes, as long as the posted sign complies with guidelines requirements. We request that you keep a QR code pointing to the City's Engage Page.

• Dollar Bill: store@dollarbillprinting.com
• Greko Printing and Marketing: sales@grekoprinting.com
• Signarama: info@gd.signarama-annarbor.com
• Kolossos: bradley@kolossos.com