Business Sign Permit Costs in Wisconsin
Sign permit fees in Wisconsin range from $25 to $500 depending on the sign type, size, and municipality. Illuminated signs require an additional electrical permit.
A Permanent Sign Permit in Wisconsin costs between $25 and $500, with a state average of $100. Actual fees depend on your municipality, project scope, and valuation.
Factors That Affect Cost
- Sign type (wall, ground/monument, projecting, awning)
- Sign area in square feet
- Whether the sign is illuminated
- Zoning district and overlay requirements
- Municipal fee schedule
Cost by Municipality
Permanent Sign Permit fees across Wisconsin municipalities. Fees are based on official fee schedules and may vary by project scope.
| Jurisdiction | Fee | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|
| City of Milwaukee | Sign permit $75–$500 depending on type and size. Wall signs on the lower end; large freestanding signs on the higher end. Electrical permit additional for illuminated signs. | -25% below avg |
| City of Madison | Sign permit $75–$350. Design overlay districts may require additional review ($50–$150). Temporary sign permits $25–$75. | -25% below avg |
| City of Green Bay | Sign permit $50–$250. Standard wall signs $50–$100. Monument/ground signs $100–$250. | -50% below avg |
| City of Kenosha | Sign permit $50–$200. Application requires sign dimensions, height, and illumination details. | -50% below avg |
| City of Racine | Sign permit $40–$200. Among the more affordable sign permit fees in southeastern Wisconsin. | -60% below avg |
| City of Appleton | Sign permit $35–$175. Quick processing for standard wall signs. Monument signs require a site plan. | -65% below avg |
| City of Waukesha | Sign permit $60–$250. Downtown design standards may add review requirements and fees. | -40% below avg |
| City of Oshkosh | Sign permit $30–$150. Wall signs on the lower end; freestanding signs require a site plan. | -70% below avg |
Fee data is sourced from official municipal fee schedules and verified quarterly. Fees shown may represent base rates — actual costs depend on project valuation and scope. Use the Fee Calculator for project-specific estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do temporary signs require a permit in Wisconsin?
It depends on the municipality and the type of temporary sign. Many Wisconsin cities allow temporary banner signs and A-frame/sandwich board signs for limited periods (30–90 days) without a permit, but they may have size, placement, and duration restrictions. Real estate signs, construction signs, and political signs often have specific exemptions. Check your local sign ordinance for details.
How much extra does an electrical permit cost for an illuminated sign?
An electrical permit for an illuminated business sign in Wisconsin typically costs $50 to $200, in addition to the sign permit. The electrical work (wiring, transformer, connections) must be performed by a licensed electrician. LED, neon, channel letter, and internally lit cabinet signs all require an electrical permit.
Need permit costs for every project?
Access real-time fee data across all Wisconsin municipalities. Know the exact cost before you bid, and get notified when fee schedules change.