Sign Regulations in Appleton, Wisconsin
Appleton, Wisconsin has specific sign regulations covering 37 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Ground Sign, Wall Sign, Awning / Canopy / Marquee Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: January 29, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Appleton, Wisconsin
Sample Sign Requirements in Appleton
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign | 28 ft, unless modified by Sec. 23-529(c), 23-529(d)-(g) | 150 sq ft per sign face, unless modified by Sec. 23-529(c), 23-529(d)-(g) | ≥5 ft from side lot line; sign cannot encroach into right-of-way; if any part <15 ft from right-of-way, bottom ≥10 ft above grade or sign ≤3 ft tall; within 25 ft of intersections or 15 ft of driveways, bottom ≥10 ft or sign ≤3 ft (Sec. 23-525(b)-(d)). |
| Wall Sign | — | Per wall: 35% of wall area or 350 sq ft (whichever is less) in P-I, C-O, C-1, C-2, CBD; 10% of wall area in M-1, M-2. | Must not project into right-of-way without required permits; projecting portions subject to awning/canopy/marquee or projecting sign rules if applicable (Sec. 23-525(a); Sec. 23-527; Sec. 23-525(e)). |
| Awning / Canopy / Marquee Sign | — | Not larger than maximum wall sign area permitted on that wall; only areas with text or logos are counted (Sec. 23-527(a)). | Cannot extend into right-of-way without street occupancy permit; support at least 2 ft from curb; minimum 7'6" vertical clearance over sidewalk (Sec. 23-527(b)). |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for AppletonFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
37
- Ground Sign
- Wall Sign
- Awning / Canopy / Marquee Sign
- Projecting Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
11
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Appleton
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Appleton vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in Appleton, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Appleton, regulated sign types include Ground Sign, Wall Sign, Awning / Canopy / Marquee Sign, Projecting Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Appleton vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Appleton are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Appleton has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Appleton, Wisconsin Sign Rules at a Glance
Appleton, Wisconsin regulates 37 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Portable Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 4 ft (by dimension limit). tall, Max size 4 ft by 8 ft (32 sq ft) (Sec. 23-523(f))., and 8 ft wide, with a Within 25 ft of an intersection or 15 ft of a driveway, bottom ≥10 ft or max height 3 ft (Sec. 23-525(d)); may not encroach into right-of-way (Sec. 23-525(a)). setback (Sec. Sec. 23-504 (Portable sign definition); Sec. 23-523(f); Sec. 23-525(d); Sec. 23-526; Sec. 23-528; Sec. 23-540; Table 3, Sec. 23-561.). Most commercial signs in Appleton require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Appleton, Wisconsin
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Appleton (11 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 30 | 28 ft, unless modified by Sec. 23-529(c), 23-529(d)-(g) | 150 sq ft per sign face, unless modified by Sec. 23-529(c), 23-529(d)-(g) | — |
| Agricultural District (AG) | 7 | Up to 28 ft by general standard; in AG only as identified in Sec. 23-507 and Sec. 23-529. | Up to 150 sq ft per sign face by general standard; in AG only as identified in Sec. 23-507 and Sec. 23-529 (Table note a). | — |
| Single-Family District (R-1A, R-1B) and Central City Residential District (R-1C) and Two-Family District (R-2) | 3 | Up to 28 ft by general rule; but most residential ground signs will be exempt types with smaller limits (e.g., neighborhood signs 8 ft; real estate 8 sq ft; construction 16 sq ft). | Up to 150 sq ft per face by general ground sign rule, but in these residential districts only as identified in Sec. 23-507 and 23-529 (note a). | — |
| Multifamily District (R-3) and Nature Conservancy District (NC) | 3 | Up to 28 ft by general standard; many R-3/NC ground signs (e.g., neighborhood sign) max 8 ft. | Up to 150 sq ft per face by general standard, but only as per Sec. 23-507 and 23-529 (note a). Multifamily or conservation uses would primarily use exempt temporary signs and institutional exceptions. | — |
| Public Institutional District (P-I) | 4 | 28 ft general; freeway signs up to 60 ft above freeway centerline grade; school ground signs max 15 ft; special institutional signs up to 16 ft (for some uses). | 150 sq ft per face general; freeway-oriented signs up to 200 sq ft per face with setbacks; educational/institutional special: 48 sq ft per face for school ground signs; hospital directional up to 70 sq ft; real estate marketing signs 80 sq ft. | — |
| CommercialOffice / Neighborhood Mixed Use / General Commercial / Industrial Park / General Industrial / Central Business District / Public Institutional (C-O, C-1, C-2, M-1, M-2, CBD, P-I) - Commercial and Industrial districts plus CBD and P-I | 3 | 28 ft general; up to 60 ft for freeway-oriented signs; 15 ft for educational ground signs; others per exceptions. | 150 sq ft per face general; up to 200 sq ft for freeway-oriented signs with extra setback; 80 sq ft for real estate marketing signs; 48 sq ft for some educational ground signs. | — |
| Parking District (P) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Industrial Park District (M-1) and General Industrial District (M-2) | 3 | 28 ft general; 60 ft freeway max. | 150 sq ft per face general; 200 sq ft for freeway-oriented signs with setback; 80 sq ft for marketing signs. | — |
| Planned Development Overlay District (PD) | 1 | As for underlying district(s). | As for underlying district(s). | — |
| Traditional Neighborhood Overlay District (TND) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Planned development districts (PD overlay district) | 1 | As underlying district. | As underlying district. | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Appleton(sample of 3 of 11 zones)
General Regulations For All Zones
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign | 28 ft, unless modified by Sec. 23-529(c), 23-529(d)-(g) | 150 sq ft per sign face, unless modified by Sec. 23-529(c), 23-529(d)-(g) | — | ≥5 ft from side lot line; sign cannot encroach into right-of-way; if any part <15 ft from right-of-way, bottom ≥10 ft above grade or sign ≤3 ft tall; within 25 ft of intersections or 15 ft of driveways, bottom ≥10 ft or sign ≤3 ft (Sec. 23-525(b)-(d)). | 1 ground sign per lot; 2 ground signs allowed if lot has qualifying second street frontage and size, with 118 sq ft max for primary and 32 sq ft for secondary sign; no 2 ground signs on same frontage for same parcel (Sec. 23-522(a)-(b)). | On private property, not encroaching into public right-of-way; must comply with setbacks and clearances (Sec. 23-525). | — | Unlock | Sec. 23-522(a)-(b); Sec. 23-523(a)-(b); Sec. 23-524; Sec. 23-525; Sec. 23-528; Sec. 23-540; Table 3, Sec. 23-561. |
| Wall Sign | — | Per wall: 35% of wall area or 350 sq ft (whichever is less) in P-I, C-O, C-1, C-2, CBD; 10% of wall area in M-1, M-2. | — | Must not project into right-of-way without required permits; projecting portions subject to awning/canopy/marquee or projecting sign rules if applicable (Sec. 23-525(a); Sec. 23-527; Sec. 23-525(e)). | No explicit numeric limit per building in commercial/industrial/CBD/P-I; governed by wall-area formula. | Attached parallel to, and within 6 inches of, a wall or within limits of outside wall, supported by building (definition of Wall Sign, Sec. 23-504). | — | Unlock | Sec. 23-504 (Wall sign definition, Roof sign definition); Sec. 23-505(e); Sec. 23-523(c); Sec. 23-528; Sec. 23-540; Table 3, Sec. 23-561. |
| Awning / Canopy / Marquee Sign | — | Not larger than maximum wall sign area permitted on that wall; only areas with text or logos are counted (Sec. 23-527(a)). | — | Cannot extend into right-of-way without street occupancy permit; support at least 2 ft from curb; minimum 7'6" vertical clearance over sidewalk (Sec. 23-527(b)). | No explicit numeric limit; constrained by wall-area calculation. | Attached to building wall, projecting over sidewalk/street subject to clearances and street occupancy permit if in right-of-way (Sec. 23-527(b)(2),(3),(5)). | — | Unlock | Sec. 23-504 (Awning, Marquee definitions); Sec. 23-523(c); Sec. 23-527; Sec. 23-528; Sec. 23-540; Table 3, Sec. 23-561. |
| Projecting Sign | Top of sign not more than 16 ft above normal grade (Sec. 23-525(e)). | — | — | No encroachment into public right-of-way without street occupancy permit (Sec. 23-525(a)); vertical clearances as above. | No explicit numeric limit; subject to wall area limits (Sec. 23-523(c)). | Attached to building, perpendicular to wall and extending more than 6 in from wall (definition, Sec. 23-504). | — | Unlock | Sec. 23-504 (Projecting sign definition); Sec. 23-525(e); Sec. 23-528; Sec. 23-540; Table 3, Sec. 23-561. |
| Portable Sign | 4 ft (by dimension limit). | Max size 4 ft by 8 ft (32 sq ft) (Sec. 23-523(f)). | 8 ft | Within 25 ft of an intersection or 15 ft of a driveway, bottom ≥10 ft or max height 3 ft (Sec. 23-525(d)); may not encroach into right-of-way (Sec. 23-525(a)). | No specific numeric limit; governed by Sec. 23-522(c) for temporary signs on a frontage. | On private property; within 25 ft of intersections or 15 ft of driveways must be either ≤3 ft tall or bottom ≥10 ft high (Sec. 23-525(d)); may not be used as parked vehicle/trailer sign (Sec. 23-505(f)). | — | Unlock | Sec. 23-504 (Portable sign definition); Sec. 23-523(f); Sec. 23-525(d); Sec. 23-526; Sec. 23-528; Sec. 23-540; Table 3, Sec. 23-561. |
| Sandwich Board Sign | 3.5 ft (42 in) (Sec. 23-523(e)). | — | 2.5 ft (30 in) (Sec. 23-523(e)). | Cannot encroach into public right-of-way without street occupancy permit (Sec. 23-525(a)). Within 25 ft of intersection or 15 ft of driveway, must meet same 3 ft/10 ft rule if treated as ground/portable (Sec. 23-525(d)). | Governed by one temporary sign per street frontage within front yard setback (Sec. 23-522(c)). | On private property in commercial/industrial/CBD/P-I zones where allowed; self-supported and moveable A-shaped sign (definition, Sec. 23-504). Cannot encroach into right-of-way without street occupancy permit (Sec. 23-525(a)). | — | Unlock | Sec. 23-504 (Sandwich board sign definition); Sec. 23-523(e); Sec. 23-522(c); Sec. 23-525(a); Sec. 23-528; Sec. 23-540; Table 3, Sec. 23-561. |
| Directory Sign | 8 ft if ground sign (Sec. 23-507(5)(b)). | 32 sq ft (Sec. 23-507(5)(a)). | — | If ground-mounted, subject to general sign setback/clearance rules (Sec. 23-525). | Normally 1 per building; 2 where multiple entrances/frontages (Sec. 23-507(5)(d)). Hospitals: 1 per entrance door (Sec. 23-529(a)(3)). | Wall or ground mounted; must be placed adjacent to publicly used entrance to building (Sec. 23-507(5)(c)). | — | Unlock | Sec. 23-507(5); Sec. 23-529(a)(3); Table 3, Sec. 23-561. |
| Neighborhood and Park Identification Sign | 8 ft (Sec. 23-507(12)(b)). | 48 sq ft per sign face (Sec. 23-507(12)(b)). | — | As ground signs, subject to Sec. 23-525. | At all entrances; no numeric cap stated. | At all entrances to neighborhood or park; may be combined with masonry, walls, landscaping for display (Sec. 23-507(12)(a)). | — | Unlock | Sec. 23-504 (Neighborhood and park identification signs definition); Sec. 23-507(12); Table 3, Sec. 23-561. |
Agricultural District (AG)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign | Up to 28 ft by general standard; in AG only as identified in Sec. 23-507 and Sec. 23-529. | Up to 150 sq ft per sign face by general standard; in AG only as identified in Sec. 23-507 and Sec. 23-529 (Table note a). | — | As in general rules: no right-of-way encroachment; ≥5 ft side lot line; 3 ft/10 ft visibility standards (Sec. 23-525). | Default 1 ground sign per lot (Sec. 23-522(a)); 2 allowed in limited circumstances (Sec. 23-522(b)) plus type-specific limits for exempt ground signs. | On AG-zoned property in accordance with Sec. 23-525. | — | Unlock | Sec. 23-560(a); Sec. 23-507; Sec. 23-523(a); Sec. 23-524; Sec. 23-525; Sec. 23-529; Table 3, Sec. 23-561 (Ground row, AG column). |
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | Wall-mounted. | Per individual exempt-type limits (home occupation: 1; public institutional identity: 1; etc.). | On walls of structures in AG zone. | — | Unlock | Sec. 23-560(a); Sec. 23-507; Sec. 23-529(d); Table 3, Sec. 23-561 (Wall AG column, note a). |
| Awning / Canopy / Marquee Sign | — | — | — | — | 0 (prohibited). | — | — | Unlock | Table 3, Sec. 23-561 (Awning, Canopy, Marquee rows, AG column); Sec. 23-505(e) for roof-related context. |
| Projecting Sign | — | — | — | — | 0. | — | — | Unlock | Table 3, Sec. 23-561 (Projecting row, AG column). |
| Suspended Sign | — | — | — | — | 0. | — | — | Unlock | Table 3, Sec. 23-561 (Suspended row, AG column). |
| Sandwich Board Sign | — | — | — | — | 0. | — | — | Unlock | Table 3, Sec. 23-561 (Sandwich Board row, AG column). |
| Portable Sign | — | — | — | — | 0. | — | — | Unlock | Table 3, Sec. 23-561 (Portable row, AG column). |
Public Institutional District (P-I)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign | 28 ft general; freeway signs up to 60 ft above freeway centerline grade; school ground signs max 15 ft; special institutional signs up to 16 ft (for some uses). | 150 sq ft per face general; freeway-oriented signs up to 200 sq ft per face with setbacks; educational/institutional special: 48 sq ft per face for school ground signs; hospital directional up to 70 sq ft; real estate marketing signs 80 sq ft. | — | Standard setbacks, plus freeway: min 10 ft from freeway ROW for height/area bonuses (Sec. 23-529(c)); schools: min 20 ft from ROW (Sec. 23-529(e)(4)); public institutional identity exempt sign: min 10 ft from ROW (Sec. 23-507(9)(b)). | General 1 ground sign per lot; hospitals: 1 ground sign per 500 ft of frontage (Sec. 23-529(a)(1)); freeway parcels >9 acres: 2 ground signs (Sec. 23-529(c)(3)); real estate marketing: 1 per frontage (Sec. 23-529(g)); schools: 1 ground sign or 1 ground changeable copy (Sec. 23-529(e)(3)). | On P-I properties, including hospitals, schools, public buildings. | — | Unlock | Sec. 23-560(e); Sec. 23-523(a); Sec. 23-524; Sec. 23-525; Sec. 23-529(a),(c),(e),(g); Table 3, Sec. 23-561 (Ground row, P-I & C-O column). |
| Wall Sign | — | Per wall up to 35% wall area or 350 sq ft, whichever is less. | — | Wall-mounted. | No general numeric limit beyond wall area; institutions: 1 per frontage as above. | On P-I buildings. | — | Unlock | Sec. 23-523(c)(1); Sec. 23-560(e); Sec. 23-528; Sec. 23-529(d),(e); Table 3, Sec. 23-561 (Wall row, P-I & C-O). |
| Awning / Canopy / Marquee Sign | — | Within wall sign max; only copy areas counted. | Projection ≤5 ft from building face. | As above; cannot encroach into ROW without permit. | No numeric limit; within wall area. | On P-I buildings, possibly projecting over sidewalks. | — | Unlock | Sec. 23-527; Sec. 23-523(c); Sec. 23-560(e); Table 3, Sec. 23-561. |
| Projecting / Suspended / Window / Sandwich Board / Portable / Changeable Copy / Electronic Message Board | — | Changeable copy max 48 sq ft (Sec. 23-523(d)); sandwich board max as per Sec. 23-523(e); portable 4x8 ft. | — | As in general rules. | Governed by wall area, ground sign count, and 1 temporary sign per frontage rule. | On or associated with P-I buildings/grounds. | — | Unlock | Sec. 23-523(d)-(f); Sec. 23-525; Sec. 23-528; Sec. 23-530; Sec. 23-560(e); Table 3, Sec. 23-561. |
PermitPal covers all 11 zoning districts in Appleton — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 11 zones for Appleton — start freeProhibited Signs in Appleton
- All signs not expressly permitted or exempt under Article XIV are prohibited in any location in the City (Sec. 23-505).
- Signs that employ intermittent or flashing illumination, animation, motion picture, laser projection, or sound emission are prohibited, except electronic message boards as defined in the article (Sec. 23-505(a)).
- Beacons are prohibited (Sec. 23-505(b)).
- Billboards are prohibited (Sec. 23-505(c)).
- Off-premises signs are prohibited (Sec. 23-505(d)).
- Roof signs are prohibited (Sec. 23-505(e); also Table 3, all zoning districts).
- A sign or advertising device attached to or painted onto a parked vehicle or trailer and being used as an on-premises or off-premises sign is prohibited (Sec. 23-505(f)).
- Signs marked, tacked or otherwise affixed to trees or other vegetation are prohibited (Sec. 23-505(g)).
- Signs containing statements, words, or pictures of an obscene or pornographic nature are prohibited (Sec. 23-505(h)).
- Signs which purport to be, or are an imitation of, or resemble an official traffic sign or signal, or which bear the words 'stop', 'caution', 'warning', or similar words and/or colors normally associated with official signs are prohibited (Sec. 23-505(i)).
- Swinging and alternating signs are prohibited (Sec. 23-505(j); also Table 3, all zoning districts).
- All signs must comply with setback, height, and vision corner requirements where stated (Sec. 23-507(a); Sec. 23-525).
- No sign may encroach into the public right-of-way, including public sidewalks and terraces, unless a street occupancy permit is obtained (Sec. 23-525(a)).
- A sign shall be located no closer than five feet from the side lot line (Sec. 23-525(b)).
- Ground signs and portable signs near rights-of-way, intersections, and driveways must either maintain minimum vertical clearance or be limited to a maximum of three feet in height above grade (Sec. 23-525(c)-(d)).
- Projecting signs must maintain a minimum vertical distance of eight feet from normal grade and not exceed sixteen feet in height (Sec. 23-525(e)).
- Signs over parking areas or driveways must have a minimum vertical clearance of fourteen feet (Sec. 23-525(f)).
- All signs must be located so as to avoid any contact with above or underground electrical and communication lines (Sec. 23-525(g)).
- No external sign light source shall be positioned so as to interfere with or be seen by vehicular traffic or adjacent residential uses (Sec. 23-528).
- All signs must comply with construction standards, including being self-supporting if ground-mounted, having concealed electric service, being designed for specified wind loads, and not being suspended in a way that allows swinging due to wind (Sec. 23-546).
- All signs and murals must be maintained in a safe, legible, and good condition, including maintaining structural integrity, legibility, and functional electrical components (Sec. 23-547(a)).
- Discontinued or abandoned signs (unused for six consecutive months in a twelve-month period) are deemed a public nuisance and must be removed, including sign structure and cabinet, after notice, or the City may take enforcement action (Sec. 23-547(b)).
Exempt Signs in Appleton
- The owner of any sign otherwise allowed under Article XIV may substitute noncommercial copy for any other copy without additional approval or permitting, provided this does not increase total signage or convert off-site commercial messages to on-site or vice versa (Sec. 23-501).
- Signs lawfully existing at the time of adoption or amendment of the chapter, or in newly annexed areas, may continue as legal nonconforming signs, subject to the nonconforming sign rules (Sec. 23-506(a)(1)).
- Maintenance of nonconforming signs, including changing the sign face of existing advertising areas, replacing light bulbs or wiring, and painting, is permitted (Sec. 23-506(a)(3)).
- If damaged or destroyed by specified causes, a nonconforming sign may be replaced within one year to its prior size, location, and use (Sec. 23-506(a)(4)).
- A conforming sign does not become nonconforming due to City, County, or State acquisition of right-of-way (Sec. 23-506(a)(5)).
- The following are not considered 'signs' for regulation under this article when used as described: athletic scoreboards, flags, holiday decorations, menu boards, streamers, pennants, balloons and inflatable figures and anything else not containing copy used for advertising purposes or otherwise meeting the sign definition; signs located entirely within an enclosed building and not legible from a street (Sec. 23-504, definition of 'Sign', item 1).
- The following signs do not require a sign permit in any zoning district (though they must meet stated standards and generally do not count against maximum sign area or number): banners and wave banners; building marker signs; construction signs; directional signs; directory signs; governmental signs; historic marker signs; home occupation signs; public institutional identity signs; interior signs intended for interior viewing only; model home signs; neighborhood and park identification signs; political election campaign signs; real estate signs; personal expression signs; event signs; temporary window signs (per limits); vehicle signs used in normal course of business, so long as the vehicle is not parked such that it acts as an advertising sign (Sec. 23-507).
- Murals are exempt from size limitations applicable to wall or painted wall signs and do not count toward maximum permitted sign area, although permits are required and other code provisions apply (Sec. 23-531(c)-(d)).
- Ghost signs that existed on a building wall prior to January 22, 2000 (as documented with the Inspections Division) are exempt from sign requirements and deemed conforming; they may be maintained, restored, and repainted with no size alterations or new content (Sec. 23-529(h)(1)).
- The following are expressly exempt from the provisions of Article XIV: athletic scoreboards; building address numbers; flags; interpretative signs or wayfinding signs; menu boards; official legal notices; public art; umbrellas with commercial or non-commercial messages or speech (Sec. 23-560(g)(1)).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Appleton
- A sign permit from the Inspections Supervisor is required for any person to erect, place, replace, move, establish, paint, construct, install, convert, substantially alter, rebuild, enlarge, remodel, relocate, or illuminate any sign, unless the sign is exempt under Sec. 23-507 (Sec. 23-540(a)).
- Sign permit applications must include a completed application form, identification if the sign is electrical, elevation depictions with dimensions and structural details, wind load calculations (and sealed plans if required), and a scaled drawing showing sign location relative to lot lines, streets, existing signs, and structures (Sec. 23-540(c)-(d)).
- Permit fees are set by the Common Council; if a permit is applied for after work is started, fees increase to three times the normal amount (Sec. 23-540(b)).
- If a sign permit is denied, the applicant may request written reasons within ten days, and the Inspections Supervisor must provide a brief written statement of reasons for denial (Sec. 23-541).
- Any person adversely affected by denial of a sign permit may appeal to the Board of Appeals pursuant to Sec. 23-67, if the appeal is submitted in writing within ten calendar days after receipt of the decision (Sec. 23-542(a)).
- Variances to any provisions within Article XIV (including sign standards) must follow the variance procedure in Sec. 23-67 of the chapter (Sec. 23-542(b)).
- For signs that encroach into or are located within the public right-of-way (e.g., certain ground signs, awnings, skywalk signage), a separate street occupancy permit is required from the Public Works Department in addition to any sign permit (Sec. 23-525(a); Sec. 23-527(b)(5); Sec. 23-529(b)(1)).
- Site plan review (minor or full) may consider the location of freestanding signs as part of overall site layout; no building permit may be issued until site plan approval is granted, where site plan review is required (Sec. 23-570(i)(5), (e)(4)).
Source: other municipal code