Sign Regulations in Colby, Wisconsin
Colby, Wisconsin has specific sign regulations covering 31 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Advertising Sign, Business Sign, Real Estate Sign. Height restrictions apply. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 1, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Colby, Wisconsin
Sample Sign Requirements in Colby
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Sign | — | 8 square feet | — |
| Name, Occupation and Warning Sign | — | 4 square feet | — |
| Bulletin Board | — | 64 square feet | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
31
- Advertising Sign
- Business Sign
- Real Estate Sign
- Bulletin Board
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
9
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Colby
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Colby 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 Colby, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Colby, regulated sign types include Advertising Sign, Business Sign, Real Estate Sign, Bulletin Board, 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 Colby 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 Colby are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Colby has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Colby, Wisconsin Sign Rules at a Glance
Colby, Wisconsin regulates 31 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Multifamily Dwelling Identification Signs in the Residential Districts and Conservancy Districts zoning district are capped at 32 square feet, with a Not closer than eight feet to any other zoning lot setback (Sec. § 480-62A(1)(b)).
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Colby, Wisconsin
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Colby (9 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial, Industrial and Planned Unit Development (commercial/industrial) Districts | 13 | — | 64 square feet | — |
| Residential, Conservancy and Agricultural Districts | 11 | — | 64 square feet | — |
| Residential Districts and Conservancy Districts | 5 | — | 64 square feet | — |
| Commercial Districts | 2 | 35 feet | — | — |
| General Commercial District (CG) | 2 | 35 feet | — | — |
| Industrial Districts | 2 | 35 feet | — | — |
| IL and IGL Districts | 2 | 35 feet | — | — |
| IG District | 2 | 40 feet | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | — | 24 square feet | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Colby(sample of 3 of 9 zones)
Commercial, Industrial and Planned Unit Development (commercial/industrial) Districts
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Sign | — | 8 square feet | — | — | — | On the premises | — | Unlock | § 480-61A(1) |
| Name, Occupation and Warning Sign | — | 4 square feet | — | — | — | On the premises | — | Unlock | § 480-61A(2) |
| Bulletin Board | — | 64 square feet | — | — | — | On the premises | — | Unlock | § 480-61A(3) |
| Memorial Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Affixed flat against the structure | — | Unlock | § 480-61A(4) |
| Rummage or Garage Sale Sign | — | 8 square feet | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 480-61A(6) |
| Functional Operation Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On the premises | — | Unlock | § 480-61A(7) |
| Property Number Sign | — | 2 square feet | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 480-61A(8) |
| Decorative or Architectural Feature | — | — | — | — | — | Integral to buildings | — | Unlock | § 480-61A(11) |
Residential, Conservancy and Agricultural Districts
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonconforming Business Sign | — | 4 square feet | — | — | — | Over show windows or doors | — | Unlock | § 480-61B(1) |
| Real Estate Sign | — | 8 square feet | — | — | — | On the premises | — | Unlock | § 480-61B(2) |
| Nameplate Sign | — | 2 square feet | — | — | — | On the premises | — | Unlock | § 480-61B(3) |
| Bulletin Board | — | 64 square feet | — | — | — | On the premises | — | Unlock | § 480-61B(4) |
| Memorial Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Affixed flat against the structure | — | Unlock | § 480-61B(5) |
| Awning or Canopy | — | — | — | — | — | Servicing only a particular single-family dwelling unit | — | Unlock | § 480-61B(7) |
| House Number or Identification Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On the premises | — | Unlock | § 480-61B(8) |
| Approved Professional Sign | — | 2 square feet | — | — | One per premises | On the premises | — | Unlock | § 480-61B(9) |
Residential Districts and Conservancy Districts
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate and Identification Sign | — | 2 square feet | — | — | One per dwelling unit | On the premises | — | Unlock | § 480-62A(1)(a) |
| Multifamily Dwelling Identification Sign | — | 32 square feet | — | Not closer than eight feet to any other zoning lot | One per street side on corner lot | On the premises | — | Unlock | § 480-62A(1)(b) |
| Church Bulletin, Cemetery, Educational Institution, Recreation and Social Facility Identification Sign | — | 64 square feet | — | Not closer than eight feet to any other zoning lot | — | On the premises | — | Unlock | § 480-62A(2)(a) |
| For Sale or For Rent Sign | — | 32 square feet | — | Not closer than eight feet to any other zoning lot | One per zoning lot | On the premises | — | Unlock | § 480-62A(3) |
| Advertising Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 480-62A(4) |
PermitPal covers all 9 zoning districts in Colby — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 9 zones for Colby — start freeProhibited Signs in Colby
- Signs shall not resemble, imitate or approximate the shape, size, form or color of railroad or traffic signs or devices.
- Signs, canopies and awnings shall not obstruct or interfere with the effectiveness of railroad or traffic signs, signals or devices or the safe flow of traffic.
- No sign shall be erected, relocated or maintained so as to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window or fire escape.
- No sign, awning or canopy shall be placed so as to obstruct or interfere with traffic visibility.
- No sign shall be erected which has any flashing, rotating or brilliant intermittent parts or lights or bare reflecting-type bulbs, except those giving public service information such as time, date, temperature, weather or similar information or where allowed by conditional use permit.
- No signs, billboards or other advertising media which creates a hazard or dangerous distraction to vehicular traffic or a nuisance to adjoining residential property shall be permitted in any district.
- Signs shall not be permitted on public rights-of-way, except for municipal traffic control, parking and directional signs and as otherwise specified in this chapter, or be located within five feet of a property line.
- No sign shall be painted, pasted or similarly posted directly on the surface of any wall, nor shall any sign be permitted to be placed on any wall, fence or standard facing the side of any adjoining lot located in any Residential District.
- No signs shall be painted on, attached to or affixed to any trees, rocks or other similar organic or inorganic natural matter, including utility poles or apparatus.
- Blanketing of signs shall not be allowed.
Exempt Signs in Colby
- Real estate signs not to exceed eight square feet in area which advertise the sale, rental or lease of the premises upon which said signs are temporarily located.
- Name, occupation and warning signs not to exceed four square feet located on the premises.
- Bulletin boards for public, charitable or religious institutions not to exceed 64 square feet in area located on the premises.
- Memorial signs, tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of metal and affixed flat against the structure.
- Official signs, such as traffic control, parking restriction, information and notices.
- Rummage or garage sale signs not to exceed eight square feet in area, but use of this type of sign shall be limited to 72 hours per sale.
- Signs designating entrances, exits, service areas, parking areas, rest rooms and other such signs relating to functional operation of the building or premises shall be permitted without limitation other than reasonable size and necessity.
- Signs not exceeding two square feet in area and bearing only property numbers, post box numbers or names of occupants of premises.
- Flags and insignia of any government, except when displayed in connection with commercial promotion.
- Legal notices, identification information or directional signs erected by governmental bodies.
- Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings, except letters, trademarks, moving parts or moving lights.
- Signs directing and guiding traffic and parking on private property, but bearing no advertising matter.
- Political signs may be posted 60 days before an election and must be removed within 10 days after said election. Said sign shall be a maximum of eight square feet.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Colby
- Variances or exceptions to these sign regulations may be granted by the Board of Appeals, following a recommendation from the Planning Committee.
- Drawings showing the specific design, appearance and location of the sign shall be submitted to the Zoning Administrator for approval.
Source: ecode360 municipal code