Sign Regulations in Baraboo, Wisconsin
Baraboo, Wisconsin has specific sign regulations covering 71 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Ground Signs, On-Premises Informational Signs, Development Area Identification Signs. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: February 11, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Baraboo, Wisconsin
Sample Sign Requirements in Baraboo
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Signs | 8 feet | 500 square feet | — |
| On-Premises Informational Signs | — | 1 square foot for business name, logo, or other information | — |
| Development Area Identification Signs | 6 feet | 50 square feet | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
71
- Ground Signs
- On-Premises Informational Signs
- Development Area Identification Signs
- On-premises Freestanding Signs
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
Official Resources for Baraboo
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Baraboo 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 Baraboo, 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 Baraboo, regulated sign types include Ground Signs, On-Premises Informational Signs, Development Area Identification Signs, On-premises Freestanding Signs, 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 Baraboo 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 sign regulations in Baraboo, Wisconsin typically include restrictions on brightness, animation, message duration, and hours of operation. Many jurisdictions require automatic dimming. Use PermitPal for exact requirements.
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Baraboo, Wisconsin Sign Rules at a Glance
Baraboo, Wisconsin regulates 71 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Ground Signs in the Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, MH, MHP) zoning district are capped at 8 feet tall and 500 square feet (Sec. §(6)(a)). Most commercial signs in Baraboo require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Baraboo, Wisconsin
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Baraboo (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, MH, MHP) | 5 | 8 feet | 500 square feet | Yes |
| Business Districts (B-1) | 16 | 8 feet | 500 square feet | Yes |
| Business Districts (B-2, B-3) | 17 | 8 feet | 500 square feet | Yes |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 52 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Baraboo(sample of 3 of 4 zones)
Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, MH, MHP)
| 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 Signs | 8 feet | 500 square feet | — | — | One freestanding sign per lot or parcel | Entirely on the subject property | Yes | Unlock | §(6)(a) |
| Wall Signs | — | — | — | — | — | Building facades facing a public street or with a distinct customer entrance | Yes | Unlock | §(6)(b) |
| On-Premises Informational Signs | — | 1 square foot for business name, logo, or other information | — | — | — | — | Yes | Unlock | §(6)(c) |
| Development Area Identification Signs | 6 feet | 50 square feet | — | — | — | — | Yes | Unlock | §(6)(c)(4) |
| Residential Name Plate | — | 2 square feet | — | — | One per residential building | On the lot being served | No | Unlock | §(11)(n) |
Business Districts (B-1)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-premises Freestanding Signs | — | — | — | — | One freestanding sign per lot or parcel | Entirely on the subject property | Yes | Unlock | §(6)(a) |
| Ground Signs | 8 feet | 500 square feet | — | — | One freestanding sign per lot or parcel | Entirely on the subject property | Yes | Unlock | §(6)(a) |
| Freestanding Canopy Signs | — | 60 square feet | — | — | — | Limited to the canopy fascia | Yes | Unlock | §(6)(a)(3) |
| On-premises Electronic and Non-Electronic Variable Message Signs | — | 12 square feet | — | — | One per lot for each public street frontage | May be placed at the right-of-way line of the highway or street | Yes | Unlock | §(6)(c)(3) |
| Development Area Identification Signs | 6 feet | 50 square feet | — | — | — | — | Yes | Unlock | §(6)(c)(4) |
| Temporary Window Signs | — | 25% of the area of any single windowpane | — | — | — | Inside surfaces of any window | No | Unlock | §(11)(i) |
| Professional and Business Name Plate Signs | — | 4 square feet | — | — | One per business | On the lot being served | No | Unlock | §(11)(k) |
| Contractor/Architect Signs | — | 16 square feet | — | — | One per construction site | Construction site | No | Unlock | §(11)(m) |
Business Districts (B-2, B-3)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-premises Freestanding Signs | — | — | — | — | One freestanding sign per lot or parcel | Entirely on the subject property | Yes | Unlock | §(6)(a) |
| Ground Signs | 8 feet | 500 square feet | — | — | One freestanding sign per lot or parcel | Entirely on the subject property | Yes | Unlock | §(6)(a) |
| Freestanding Canopy Signs | — | 60 square feet | — | — | — | Limited to the canopy fascia | Yes | Unlock | §(6)(a)(3) |
| On-premises Electronic and Non-Electronic Variable Message Signs | — | 12 square feet | — | — | One per lot for each public street frontage | May be placed at the right-of-way line of the highway or street | Yes | Unlock | §(6)(c)(3) |
| Development Area Identification Signs | 6 feet | 50 square feet | — | — | — | — | Yes | Unlock | §(6)(c)(4) |
| Professional and Business Name Plate Signs | — | 4 square feet | — | — | One per business | On the lot being served | No | Unlock | §(11)(k) |
| Contractor/Architect Signs | — | 16 square feet | — | — | One per construction site | Construction site | No | Unlock | §(11)(m) |
| Temporary Ground Signs | 4 feet | 10 square feet | — | — | — | Entirely on private property | Yes | Unlock | §(12)(a)(3) |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Baraboo — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 4 zones for Baraboo — start freeProhibited Signs in Baraboo
- Abandoned Signs.
- Flashing, Animated, Alternating, Rotating or Swinging Signs.
- Floodlighted Signs whose light source is visible from a public right-of-way or adjoining property.
- Off-premise signs or signs advertising a business, person, activity, goods, products, facilities, or services not located on the lot, or an adjoining lot, upon which the sign is located.
- Inflatable Advertising Devices or Signs used off premises.
- Billboards.
- Unsafe Signs that constitute a hazard to safety or health.
- Obscene Signs.
- Signs which are a hazard or a nuisance due to intensity, brilliance, glare or other annoying characteristics.
- Signs erected or maintained upon trees or utility poles or painted or drawn upon rocks or other natural features.
- Signs more than 100 square feet in gross surface area on any facing side.
- Signs with more than two faces visible at one time.
- Portable or movable signs.
- Signs painted on or attached to a semi-trailer parked for advertising purposes for more than 30 consecutive days.
- Swinging signs.
- Pylon Signs after December 1, 2000.
- Roof Signs.
Exempt Signs in Baraboo
- Flags, emblems or insignia of any nation, political subdivision, college or university or corporate flags.
- Governmental Signs for control of traffic and other regulatory purposes, danger signs, warning signs, railroad crossing signs, and signs of public utilities indicating danger.
- Memorial Signs and Plaques, names of buildings and date of erection, which are cut into masonry surface or inlaid so as to be part of a building or when constructed of bronze or other non-combustible material not more than four (4) square feet in gross surface area.
- No Trespassing and No Dumping Signs.
- Public Notices posted by public officers or employees in the performance of their duties.
- Public Signs required as specifically authorized for public purpose by any law, statute or ordinance.
- Political Message Signs on behalf of candidates for public office or issues on election ballots.
- Real Estate Signs.
- Temporary Window Signs.
- Bulletins for events of civic, philanthropic, educational and religious organizations.
- Professional and Business Name Plate Signs.
- Garage/Yard/Rummage Sale Signs.
- Contractor/Architect Signs.
- House Numbers and Residential Name Plates.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Baraboo
- A sign permit application shall be filed with the Building Inspector.
- A permit may be taken out on behalf of the sign owner by a sign contractor.
- A temporary sign permit for an on-premise sign less than twelve (12) square feet may be issued by the Building Inspector.
- A current and valid sign permit shall be freely assignable to a successor as owner of the lot or premises or holder of a business license for the same premises.
- The Building Inspector may require written plans for footings for sign supports, method of sign attachment, and engineering specifications and calculations.
- A special exception is granted for the Baraboo School District for sporting stadiums and outdoor athletic facilities for four (4) off-premise advertising signs.
Source: other municipal code