Temporary Sign Permit

Required for temporary signs including banners, A-frame/sandwich board signs, promotional signs, and event signage in Wisconsin. Temporary sign permits have time limits — typically 30 to 90 days — and may limit the number of temporary sign permits per business per year. Regulations vary by municipality.

Verified 2026-02-01
Typical Fee Range
$15–$100
flat
Typical Timeline
1–5 business days
From application to approval
Inspection Required
No
No inspection typically required
Jurisdiction Level
Municipal
Issuing authority level

When Is a Temporary Sign Permit Required?

  • Grand opening banners and promotional signs
  • Seasonal or sale event signage
  • Construction site identification signs
  • Special event or festival signage

When Is a Temporary Sign Permit NOT Required?

  • Garage sale signs (limited duration, regulated but often not permitted)
  • Window signs that don't exceed the maximum window coverage (varies)

Related Permits You May Also Need

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.
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Sidewalk Cafe Permit
Required for operating an outdoor dining area on a public sidewalk or right-of-way in Wisconsin. The permit authorizes the placement of tables, chairs, barriers, and other dining furniture within a designated area of the public sidewalk. Requirements typically address minimum pedestrian clearance, furniture placement, ADA accessibility, hours of operation, and insurance.
→

Temporary Sign Permit Fees by Municipality

Fee and processing time data for temporary sign permit permits across Wisconsin municipalities. Click any jurisdiction for complete details including application links and requirements.

JurisdictionFeeProcessing TimeStatus
City of Milwaukee$253-5 daysCurrent
City of Madison$201-3 daysCurrent
City of Green Bay$151-3 daysCurrent
City of West Allis$161-3 daysCurrent
City of La Crosse$131-3 daysCurrent
City of Sheboygan$121-3 daysCurrent
City of Wauwatosa$171-3 daysCurrent
City of Fond du Lac$121-3 daysCurrent
City of Brookfield$181-3 daysCurrent
City of New Berlin$171-3 daysCurrent
City of Beloit$111-3 daysCurrent
City of Greenfield$161-3 daysCurrent
City of Franklin$161-3 daysCurrent
City of Oak Creek$161-3 daysCurrent
City of Manitowoc$111-3 daysCurrent
City of West Bend$131-3 daysCurrent
City of Sun Prairie$141-3 daysCurrent
City of Fitchburg$141-3 daysCurrent
City of Stevens Point$111-3 daysCurrent
City of Neenah$121-3 daysCurrent
City of Muskego$161-3 daysCurrent
Village of Menomonee Falls$171-3 daysCurrent
City of Mequon$191-3 daysCurrent
Village of Pleasant Prairie$151-3 daysCurrent
City of Marshfield$111-3 daysCurrent
City of Wisconsin Rapids$101-3 daysCurrent
City of Superior$101-3 daysCurrent
City of De Pere$131-3 daysCurrent
City of Menasha$121-3 daysCurrent
City of Beaver Dam$101-3 daysCurrent
City of Watertown$111-3 daysCurrent
City of Two Rivers$101-3 daysCurrent
Village of Grafton$141-3 daysCurrent
City of Hartford$111-3 daysCurrent
City of Baraboo$101-3 daysCurrent
City of Platteville$91-3 daysCurrent
City of River Falls$111-3 daysCurrent

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 — Temporary Sign Permit

How long can a temporary sign stay up in Wisconsin?

Duration limits are set by each municipality, typically 30 to 90 days per permit. Most cities also limit the number of temporary sign permits a business can obtain per year — often 2 to 4 permits annually. The sign must be removed by the permit expiration date.

Do I need a permit for an A-frame sign on the sidewalk?

Most Wisconsin municipalities require a permit for A-frame or sandwich board signs placed on public sidewalks, and some prohibit them entirely. The sign must not obstruct pedestrian traffic — typically maintaining at least 5 feet of clear sidewalk width. Check your local ordinance.

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