Sign Regulations in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin
Balsam Lake, Wisconsin has specific sign regulations covering 11 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Projected Sign, Ground Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 28, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Balsam Lake, Wisconsin
Sample Sign Requirements in Balsam Lake
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | 12 feet above the mean center-line street grade | — | — |
| Projected Sign | — | 8 square feet | — |
| Ground Sign | 5 feet | 35 square feet | 5 feet for ground signs, 15 feet for pole-style ground signs |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
11
- Wall Sign
- Projected Sign
- Ground Sign
- Subdivision Identification Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
3
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Balsam Lake
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Frequently Asked Questions
In Balsam Lake, wall signs can be up to 12 feet above the mean center-line street grade. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Balsam Lake, 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 Balsam Lake, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Projected Sign, Ground Sign, Subdivision Identification 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 Balsam Lake 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 Balsam Lake are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Balsam Lake has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Balsam Lake, Wisconsin Sign Rules at a Glance
Balsam Lake, Wisconsin regulates 11 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Ground Signs in the Commercial and Industrial Areas (I, HC, RSC, VCC) zoning district are capped at 5 feet tall and 35 square feet, with a 5 feet for ground signs, 15 feet for pole-style ground signs setback (Sec. § 300-22C(3)). Most commercial signs in Balsam Lake require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Balsam Lake, Wisconsin
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Balsam Lake (3 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial and Industrial Areas (I, HC, RSC, VCC) | 3 | 12 feet above the mean center-line street grade | 35 square feet | — |
| Residential Areas (VR, RD, WD) | 3 | 5 feet | 16 square feet | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 5 | 5 feet | 8 square feet | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Balsam Lake
Commercial and Industrial Areas (I, HC, RSC, VCC)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | 12 feet above the mean center-line street grade | — | — | — | — | Attached parallel to a wall, within six inches of the wall | — | Unlock | § 300-22C(1) |
| Projected Sign | — | 8 square feet | — | — | One per business tenant | Affixed to a building or wall | — | Unlock | § 300-22C(2) |
| Ground Sign | 5 feet | 35 square feet | — | 5 feet for ground signs, 15 feet for pole-style ground signs | One per business tenant | Freestanding, supported by structures or supports anchored in the ground | — | Unlock | § 300-22C(3) |
Residential Areas (VR, RD, WD)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subdivision Identification Sign | 5 feet | 16 square feet | — | 5 feet | One per development entrance | Development entrance | — | Unlock | § 300-22D(1) |
| Wall Sign (Residential Conditional Use) | — | 4 square feet | — | — | One per use | On premises of commercial uses in residential districts | — | Unlock | § 300-22D(2) |
| Temporary Sign | 5 feet | 6 square feet | — | Within the setback | One per street frontage | Within the setback | — | Unlock | § 300-22D(3) |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulletin Board | — | 8 square feet | — | — | — | On premises of public, charitable or religious institutions | — | Unlock | § 300-22B(2)(a) |
| Memorial Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Affixed flat against a structure | — | Unlock | § 300-22B(2)(b) |
| Official Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Placed by or on behalf of any federal, state, county or Village government | — | Unlock | § 300-22B(2)(c) |
| Incidental Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On the zone lot on which it is located | — | Unlock | § 300-22B(2)(d) |
| Temporary Nonilluminated Sign | 5 feet | 6 square feet | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 300-22B(2)(e) |
Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Balsam Lake are available with a free PermitPal account.
Start freeProhibited Signs in Balsam Lake
- Portable signs.
- Roof signs.
- Revolving or moving signs.
- Beacons.
- Flashing and blinking signs.
- Stringed flags.
- Signs located in public rights-of-way.
- Signs or posters attached to trees, fences, utility poles, or other permanent supports.
- Unsafe or dangerous signs.
- Signs with fluorescent colors.
- Signs painted on walls or fences.
- Off-premises commercial advertising signs or billboards.
- Private signs on public property for more than three days.
- Signs must not mimic the shape, size, form or color of railroad or traffic signs.
- Signs must not obstruct or interfere with the effectiveness of railroad or traffic signs.
- No sign shall be erected, relocated or maintained so as to prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window or fire escape.
- No sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
- No sign shall be placed so as to obstruct or interfere with traffic visibility.
Exempt Signs in Balsam Lake
- Bulletin boards for public, charitable or religious institutions that do not exceed eight square feet in area located on the premises.
- Memorial signs. Tablets, names of buildings and dates of erection are allowed when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of metal and affixed flat against a structure.
- Official signs, such as traffic control, parking restrictions, information and notices placed by or on behalf of any federal, state, county or Village government.
- Incidental signs. A sign, generally informational, that has a purpose secondary to the use of the zone lot on which it is located, such as 'No Parking,' 'Entrance,' 'Loading Only' and other similar directives.
- Temporary, nonilluminated signs, including real estate sale, model home, open house, garage sale, thrift sale, auction/estate, and noncommercial signs such as political support and community event signs are allowed without a permit.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Balsam Lake
- No sign may be located, erected, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, converted or structurally altered without a building permit.
- All proposed signs shall be reviewed by the Zoning Administrator and are subject to approval prior to placement.
- An application for a sign permit must be submitted to the Zoning Administrator at the Village Hall.
Source: ecode360 municipal code