Permanent Sign Permit
Required for installing, replacing, or modifying permanent signs in Wisconsin, including wall signs, monument signs, pole signs, projecting signs, and awning signs. Wisconsin municipalities regulate signs through their zoning ordinances, controlling size, height, illumination, placement, and materials. Sign regulations vary dramatically between municipalities and zoning districts.
When Is a Permanent Sign Permit Required?
- New business identification signs (wall-mounted or freestanding)
- Monument and ground signs
- Illuminated or electronic message signs
- Replacing or resizing existing permanent signs
When Is a Permanent Sign Permit NOT Required?
- Real estate 'for sale' signs under a certain size (varies by municipality)
- Political signs during election periods (protected under First Amendment)
Related Permits You May Also Need
Permanent Sign Permit Fees by Municipality
Fee and processing time data for permanent sign permit permits across Wisconsin municipalities. Click any jurisdiction for complete details including application links and requirements.
| Jurisdiction | Fee | Processing Time | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Milwaukee | $75 + $2/sq ft | 2-3 weeks | Current |
| City of Madison | $65 + $1.50/sq ft | 2-3 weeks | Current |
| City of Green Bay | $50 + $1/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Kenosha | $55 + $1.25/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Racine | $45 + $1/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Appleton | $45 + $1/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Waukesha | $60 + $1.50/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Oshkosh | $40 + $0.75/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Eau Claire | $40 + $0.75/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Janesville | $35 + $0.75/sq ft | 5-10 days | Current |
| City of West Allis | $47 + $1.05/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of La Crosse | $38 + $0.85/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Sheboygan | $36 + $0.80/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Wauwatosa | $50 + $1.10/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Fond du Lac | $35 + $0.78/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Brookfield | $54 + $1.20/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of New Berlin | $50 + $1.10/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Beloit | $31 + $0.70/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Greenfield | $47 + $1.05/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Franklin | $49 + $1.08/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Oak Creek | $47 + $1.05/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Manitowoc | $32 + $0.72/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of West Bend | $38 + $0.85/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Sun Prairie | $43 + $0.95/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Fitchburg | $43 + $0.95/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Stevens Point | $32 + $0.72/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Neenah | $36 + $0.80/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Muskego | $47 + $1.05/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| Village of Menomonee Falls | $50 + $1.10/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Mequon | $56 + $1.25/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| Village of Pleasant Prairie | $45 + $1.00/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Marshfield | $31 + $0.70/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Wisconsin Rapids | $31 + $0.68/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Superior | $29 + $0.65/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of De Pere | $38 + $0.85/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Menasha | $35 + $0.78/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Beaver Dam | $31 + $0.68/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Watertown | $32 + $0.72/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Two Rivers | $29 + $0.65/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| Village of Grafton | $41 + $0.90/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Hartford | $34 + $0.75/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Baraboo | $29 + $0.65/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of Platteville | $26 + $0.58/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
| City of River Falls | $32 + $0.72/sq ft | 1-2 weeks | Current |
Data note: Fees are sourced from official municipal fee schedules and verified periodically. Actual fees may vary based on project valuation and scope. Click any jurisdiction for the most current data and direct application links.
Frequently Asked Questions — Permanent Sign Permit
Do I need a permit for a business sign in Wisconsin?
Yes. Virtually all Wisconsin municipalities require a permit for permanent business signs. The permit application requires details about sign size, height, illumination, and placement. Your sign must comply with the zoning ordinance for your district, which sets maximum size, height, and setback requirements.
What are the sign size limits in Wisconsin?
Sign size limits are set by each municipality's zoning ordinance and vary by zoning district. Commercial zones typically allow larger signs than residential areas. Maximum sizes might range from 32 sq ft for small wall signs to 200+ sq ft for highway-visible pole signs. Always check your local sign code.
Are LED or electronic signs allowed in Wisconsin?
Many Wisconsin municipalities allow LED and electronic message signs, but with restrictions on brightness, animation, message change frequency, and hours of operation. Some municipalities prohibit electronic signs in certain zones or near residential areas. Check your local sign ordinance for specific regulations.
Managing permits across multiple jurisdictions?
Get fee changes, requirement updates, and deadline alerts for every municipality you work in. Built for contractors, expeditors, and compliance teams.