Discovering and applying new and innovative economic development tools, models, policies, and programs
Creating Jobs and Wealth in Distressed Michigan Communities
Student-Led, Faculty-Guided Project - 2025
Authors: Shae Burnham, Tess Chargo, Trinitti Hadley, Cole Maxon, Luis Palero, Jacob Smalec
Sign Ordinance Compliance, Zoning, and Research is a student-led project responsible for examining and enhancing the sign regulations within the Zoning Ordinances of Delhi Charter Township and Watertown Charter Township. This project was completed in two primary sections: research phase and recommendations. Research included field observations along with an in-depth review of relevant court cases and legal precedents to identify legal vulnerabilities. Legal frameworks, particularly those dealing with the First Amendment and Michigan decisions, were reviewed to assess compliance. All research done contributes to the following components of best practices: clear purpose alignment, content-neutral definitions, clear severability & substitution clauses, clear standards for measuring sign dimensions, clear prohibited and exempt signs, broad content-neutral categories organized within zoning districts, and special concerns around digital signs and recent case laws. The research report provided both Delhi Charter Township and Watertown Charter Township with tools to improve their signage section within their Zoning Ordinance. By grounding recommendations in physical attributes, both townships are equipped to better manage signage to promote safety, aesthetics, and address local concern.