Sign Regulations in Cleveland, Wisconsin
Cleveland, Wisconsin has specific sign regulations covering 36 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Address Sign, Building Management Identification Sign, On-site Warning Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 7, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Cleveland, Wisconsin
Sample Sign Requirements in Cleveland
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Sign | 20 ft | 100 sf per side | Setback must be at least height of sign and at least 5 feet from property line |
| Dual Post Sign | 20 ft | 100 sf per side | Greater than or equal to sign height; at least 5 ft from property line |
| Active Building Sign | 8 ft | 32 sf per side | Greater than or equal to sign height from property line |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for ClevelandFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
36
- Address Sign
- Building Management Identification Sign
- On-site Warning Sign
- On-site Directional Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
8
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Cleveland
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Frequently Asked Questions
In Cleveland, monument signs are limited to 20 ft. 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 Cleveland, 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 Cleveland, regulated sign types include Address Sign, Building Management Identification Sign, On-site Warning Sign, On-site Directional Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Cleveland, monument signs typically require a Setback must be at least height of sign and at least 5 feet from property line setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Cleveland are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Cleveland has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Cleveland, Wisconsin Sign Rules at a Glance
Cleveland, Wisconsin regulates 36 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Monument Signs in the A-1 agricultural and residential district (A-1) zoning district are capped at 20 ft tall and 100 sf per side, with a Setback must be at least height of sign and at least 5 feet from property line setback (Sec. Sec. 10-1-92(a), Figure 10-1-92(a), Figure 10-1-92(e); Sec. 10-1-97; Sec. 10-1-43; Table Permitted signs by zoning district). Most commercial signs in Cleveland require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Cleveland, Wisconsin
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Cleveland (8 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-1 agricultural and residential district (A-1) | 16 | 20 ft | 100 sf per side | — |
| R-1 single-family residential district (R-1), R-2 single- and two-family residential district (R-2), R-3 multiple family residential district (R-3), R-4 resort residential district (R-4), R-5 rural single-family residential district (R-5) | 14 | 20 ft max | 100 sf max | — |
| B-1 general business district (B-1), B-2 special business district (B-2), MS-1 main street district (MS-1), I-1 industrial district (I-1), I-2 industrial district (I-2), I-3 industrial district (I-3) | 29 | 20 ft | 400 sf max | — |
| C-1 conservancy district (C-1) | 16 | 20 ft max | 100 sf per side | — |
| PUD planned unit development district (PUD) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Shoreland-wetland zoning district | 1 | — | — | — |
| Shoreland district | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | 20 ft max | 100 sf max | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Cleveland(sample of 3 of 8 zones)
A-1 agricultural and residential district (A-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Sign | 20 ft | 100 sf per side | — | Setback must be at least height of sign and at least 5 feet from property line | Limit of 1 freestanding sign per parcel | Freestanding; minimum sign setback from all property lines shall be greater than or equal to sign height and no less than 5 feet from the property line | — | Unlock | Sec. 10-1-92(a), Figure 10-1-92(a), Figure 10-1-92(e); Sec. 10-1-97; Sec. 10-1-43; Table Permitted signs by zoning district |
| Dual Post Sign | 20 ft | 100 sf per side | — | Greater than or equal to sign height; at least 5 ft from property line | Limit of 1 freestanding sign per parcel | Freestanding; minimum sign setback as above | — | Unlock | Sec. 10-1-92(a), Figure 10-1-92(a) and Table; Sec. 10-1-97 |
| Active Building Sign | 8 ft | 32 sf per side | — | Greater than or equal to sign height from property line | Limit of 2 per building | On-building or freestanding; minimum sign setback from each property line shall be greater or equal to the sign height | — | Unlock | Sec. 10-1-92(b) Figure 10-1-92(b); Table |
| Address Sign | 10 ft max | 6 sf max | — | — | 1 per address | On-building and visible from street | — | Unlock | Sec. 10-1-92(c) Figure 10-1-92(c) |
| On-site Warning Sign | 6 ft max | 6 sf max | — | — | 2 per site or business | On-building or freestanding | — | Unlock | Sec. 10-1-92(c) Figure 10-1-92(c) |
| Stake Sign | 4 ft max | 6 sf max | — | >= sign height from property line | Limit of 2 per site (except during election) | On-site, must not block movement; min sign setback from property line must be >= sign height | — | Unlock | Sec. 10-1-92(d) Figure 10-1-92(d) |
| Frame Sign | 4 ft max | 6 sf max | — | >= sign height from property line | Limit of 2 per site (except during election) | On-site; see above | — | Unlock | Sec. 10-1-92(d) |
| Arm and Post Sign | 6 ft max | 9 sf max | — | >= sign height from property line | Limit of 2 per site (except during election) | On-site, must not block movement; setback as above | — | Unlock | Sec. 10-1-92(d) |
B-1 general business district (B-1), B-2 special business district (B-2), MS-1 main street district (MS-1), I-1 industrial district (I-1), I-2 industrial district (I-2), I-3 industrial district (I-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Sign | 20 ft | 100 sf per side | — | Setback at least height of sign and at least 5 feet from property line | Limit of 1 freestanding sign per parcel | Freestanding; minimum sign setback from all property lines shall be greater than or equal to sign height and not less than 5 feet from the property line | — | Unlock | Sec. 10-1-92(a), Table; Sec. 10-1-93 |
| Dual Post Sign | 20 ft | 100 sf per side | — | >= sign height; at least 5 ft from property line | Limit of 1 per parcel | Freestanding; min sign setback as above | — | Unlock | Sec. 10-1-92(a), Table; Sec. 10-1-93 |
| Wall Sign | No part of sign above parapet or eave | 200 sf | — | — | One per business per building façade | On building façade facing public street | — | Unlock | Sec. 10-1-92(a), Table |
| Menu Board Sign | 8 ft max | 8 sf max | — | — | Limit 1 per business | On-building; max. 6 in from wall | — | Unlock | Sec. 10-1-92(a) |
| Bulletin Board Sign | 8 ft max | 12 sf per side max | — | — | Limit 1 per business | Within 10 ft of customer entrance; must not block vehicle or pedestrian movement | — | Unlock | Sec. 10-1-92(a) |
| Board Sign | 10 ft | 64 sf | — | >= sign height from property line | Limit 2 per business per 30-day period | On-building or freestanding; min sign setback = sign height | — | Unlock | Sec. 10-1-92(b) |
| Banner/Pennant Sign | 10 ft | 64 sf | — | >= sign height from property line | Limit 2 per business per 30-day period | On-building or freestanding; min sign setback = sign height | — | Unlock | Sec. 10-1-92(b) |
| Active Building Sign | 8 ft max | 32 sf per side | — | >= sign height from property line | 2 per building | On-building or freestanding; min sign setback = sign height | — | Unlock | Sec. 10-1-92(b) |
C-1 conservancy district (C-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Sign | 20 ft max | 100 sf per side | — | At least sign height and at least 5 ft from property line | 1 per parcel | Freestanding; min setback equals sign height and min 5 ft from property line | — | Unlock | Sec. 10-1-92(a) Table; permitted sign by zoning district table |
| Dual Post Sign | 20 ft max | 100 sf per side | — | At least sign height and at least 5 ft from property line | 1 per parcel | Freestanding; min setback equals sign height and min 5 ft from property line | — | Unlock | Sec. 10-1-92(a) Table; permitted sign by zoning district table |
| Active Building Sign | 8 ft max | 32 sf per side | — | >= sign height from property line | 2 per building | On-building or freestanding; min sign setback = sign height | — | Unlock | Sec. 10-1-92(b) |
| Address Sign | 10 ft max | 6 sf max | — | — | 1 per address | On-building and visible from street | — | Unlock | Sec. 10-1-92(c) |
| On-site Warning Sign | 6 ft max | 6 sf max | — | — | 2 per site or business | On-building or freestanding | — | Unlock | Sec. 10-1-92(c) |
| Stake Sign | 4 ft max | 6 sf max | — | >= sign height from property line | Limit of 2 per site (except during election) | On-site, must not block movement; min sign setback from property line must be >= sign height | — | Unlock | Sec. 10-1-92(d) |
| Frame Sign | 4 ft max | 6 sf max | — | >= sign height from property line | Limit of 2 per site (except during election) | On-site; see above | — | Unlock | Sec. 10-1-92(d) |
| Arm and Post Sign | 6 ft max | 9 sf max | — | >= sign height from property line | Limit of 2 per site (except during election) | On-site, must not block movement; setback as above | — | Unlock | Sec. 10-1-92(d) |
PermitPal covers all 8 zoning districts in Cleveland — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 8 zones for Cleveland — start freeProhibited Signs in Cleveland
- No sign shall be erected at any location where it may, by reason of its position, shape, color or design, interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device, nor shall such sign make use of words such as 'stop,' 'look,' 'danger,' or any other word, phrase, symbol, or character in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse users of streets or highways.
- No fluttering, undulating, swinging, rotating, or otherwise moving signs such as windsocks, motorized signs, pennants, and streamers shall be permitted. This shall not apply to banner signs, feather signs, inflatable signs, or street banners as specifically defined and authorized.
- No sign shall be erected, relocated, or maintained so as to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window, or fire escape, and no sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
- No sign shall be placed in a manner that would impede vehicular or pedestrian safety, or impede access or visibility. Signs shall not be placed in a vision clearance triangle.
- No private sign shall be attached to or painted on any natural feature (e.g. tree or rock), fence, fire hydrant, public utility pole, public light pole, or traffic regulatory structure.
- Except for permitted awning, canopy, projecting, marquee, blade, and suspended signs, or unless otherwise allowed by this article, no sign shall be permitted within or extending into a public right-of-way.
- Except for street banner signs, no sign shall be permitted within or extending over a public street beyond the face of the curb, or pavement edge when a curb is not present.
- No person shall paste, tape, staple, or otherwise fasten any paper or other material to, nor paint, stencil, or otherwise write or color any object, vegetation, or pavement located within any street right-of-way; nor shall any of such object, vegetation, or pavement be defaced in any manner. Painting on curbs may be allowed only if approved by the village board.
- No sign shall be illuminated by floodlights or spotlights, unless the lighting elements are completely concealed from view from the public rights-of-way.
- Signs shall maintain a minimum distance of six feet horizontal clearance and 12 feet overhead clearance from electrical conductors and all communications equipment or lines. Signs and their supports must not interfere with utility, drainage, or communications systems.
- Abandoned signs (remaining in place on a vacant or unoccupied site or tenant space for 90 days) are prohibited.
- Advertising vehicle signs as defined (unlicensed/inoperable vehicles or trailers, or business vehicles used solely for advertising and sited to be seen from the public right-of-way, with enumerated exceptions) are prohibited.
- Beacon/search beacon signs (lights with beams directed into atmosphere or offsite, or rotating beams) are prohibited.
- Commercial message flag signs are prohibited.
- Flashing/scrolling/animated signs are prohibited. (Electronic message signs are excepted if they comply with specific requirements.)
- Mobile/portable signs (not permanently attached or easily relocated sign structures), except permitted sandwich board signs, are prohibited.
- Off-premise advertising signs are prohibited, except for off-premise governmental information signs, temporary board signs, temporary banner/pennant signs, temporary yard signs, and temporary street banners; billboards are included in this prohibition.
- Pylon signs (freestanding upon a single pylon or pole) are prohibited.
- Roof signs (displayed above the eaves or cornice of a building) are prohibited.
- No sign may be displayed without the consent of the legal owner of the property on which it is mounted or displayed, except as required by state law.
- No sign shall be erected, installed, constructed or maintained without a permit if a permit is required.
Exempt Signs in Cleveland
- Traffic control and other government signs located within a right-of-way, including community wayfinding signs and the village's Center Co-Sponsor Banner Program, are excluded from the definition of 'sign.'
- Decorations incidentally and customarily associated with any national holiday, religious holiday, community festival, or similar event are excluded from the definition of 'sign.'
- Flags which do not contain a commercial message, logo, or colors are excluded from the definition of 'sign.'
- Artworks (including wall murals) which do not contain a commercial message, logo, or colors, or which reference businesses/products of exclusively historic (inactive) nature, are excluded from 'sign.'
- Building colors and lighting not containing commercial messages, logos, or colors are excluded from 'sign.'
- Interior site signs for outdoor recreational facilities primarily oriented to persons within the grounds are excluded from 'sign.'
- Interior building signs not attached to or visible through a window, and oriented primarily to persons within the building, are excluded from 'sign.'
- Window displays of merchandise, pictures, or models of products or services incorporated in a window display are excluded from 'sign' if not directly attached to a window surface.
- Licensed, operable vehicles parked in legal parking spaces are excluded from 'sign,' except as otherwise provided regarding advertising vehicle signs.
- Umbrella signs directly affixed to non-rigid umbrellas in permitted outdoor seating areas are excluded from 'sign.'
- Essential services (services provided by public and private utilities, necessary for the principal use or structure, as defined under 10-1-27) are exempt from regulations of this chapter unless specified otherwise.
- Normal maintenance and repainting of signs that do not result in a change to appearance of sign from that originally approved shall not require a sign permit.
- Temporary fences erected for the protection of planting, to warn of construction hazards, or for similar purposes, and erected for no more than 45 days, do not require a fence permit.
- For home occupations, one name plate sign not more than three square feet in size, non-illuminated, is permitted (10-1-33).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Cleveland
- All sign permit applications require submission of a signage plan showing location, type, height, width, and area of the proposed sign, as well as all existing signs on the property and related information (section 10-1-97(b)).
- Sign plan submittal is required as part of a site plan application in any zoning district where a site development plan is required (see 10-1-136 and various district regulations).
- For a group development (multi-tenant building or multi-building site), each tenant’s signage area is assigned as part of the group development sign, and the allocation is to be included in the overall site’s signage plan.
- For planned unit developments (PUD), the types of sign groups, sign categories, and sign types allowed are determined during the PUD approval process and documented in the PUD’s master site/sign plan (see sec. 10-1-94(b)).
- Sign plans must be stamped by a professional engineer registered in the state and include a statement of compliance with state laws.
- For signs requiring a conditional use permit (e.g., electronic message signs, projecting signs, drive-through signs), a sign plan is reviewed as part of the CUP process per the conditional use procedures set in Article D; the site/sign plan is integral to the submittal.
- For any modification of an approved site plan, or for modifications to the signage on a site, a revised site/sign plan must be submitted (10-1-136(d)(8)).
- Permanent plat signs (neighborhood/subdivision entry signs) require the location and size to be shown and approved on the final plat, certified survey map, or via conditional use permit and associated site/sign plan.
- All sign types not addressed in the ordinance are prohibited unless specifically approved by the zoning administrator via sign plan determination.
Source: municode municipal code