Sign Regulations in Glendale, Wisconsin
Glendale, Wisconsin has specific sign regulations covering 6 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include All Signs (Sign Plan Requirement), Sign for Home Occupation (on vehicle), Traffic Directional/Informational 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 8, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Glendale, Wisconsin
Sample Sign Requirements in Glendale
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sign for Home Occupation (on vehicle) | — | 3 sq ft (typically 18" x 24") | — |
| Drive-Through Facility Menu Board/Directional Signs | 6 ft | 32 sq ft per sign | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
6
- All Signs (Sign Plan Requirement)
- Sign for Home Occupation (on vehicle)
- Traffic Directional/Informational Sign
- Directional/Informational Sign for Natural Resources
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Glendale
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Glendale 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 Glendale, 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 Glendale, regulated sign types include All Signs (Sign Plan Requirement), Sign for Home Occupation (on vehicle), Traffic Directional/Informational Sign, Directional/Informational Sign for Natural Resources, 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 Glendale 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 Glendale are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Glendale has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Glendale, Wisconsin Sign Rules at a Glance
Glendale, Wisconsin regulates 6 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Drive-Through Facility Menu Board/Directional Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and 32 sq ft per sign (Sec. 13.1.210(b)(12)). Most commercial signs in Glendale require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Glendale, Wisconsin
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Glendale (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-1 Residence District, R-2 Residence District, R-3 Residence District, R-4 Residence District, R-5 Residence District, R-6 Residence District, R-7 Residence District, R-7A Residence District, R-8 Residence District | 1 | — | 3 sq ft (typically 18" x 24") | — |
| P-1 Parking District | 1 | — | — | — |
| B-1 Local Business District | 1 | — | — | — |
| B-2 Community Business District, B-3 Shopping Center District, B-4 Office Research Service Business District, B-5 Business-office Zoning District, S-1 Special (Institutional) District, M-1 Commercial and Light Manufacturing District, M-2 Industrial District | 1 | — | — | — |
| C-1 Conservancy District | 1 | — | — | — |
| PD Planned Unit Development District | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 2 | 6 ft | 32 sq ft per sign | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Glendale(sample of 3 of 7 zones)
R-1 Residence District, R-2 Residence District, R-3 Residence District, R-4 Residence District, R-5 Residence District, R-6 Residence District, R-7 Residence District, R-7A Residence District, R-8 Residence District
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sign for Home Occupation (on vehicle) | — | 3 sq ft (typically 18" x 24") | — | — | Not specified | On vehicle licensed to the home occupation | — | Unlock | 13.1.18(c)(13)(c) |
P-1 Parking District
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Directional/Informational Sign | — | — | — | — | As reasonably required for traffic | On premises for the purpose of indicating entrances and exits as required for the safe and expeditious movement of traffic | — | Unlock | 13.1.33(c)(6)c |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Building/Construction Sign | — | — | — | — | 1, if applicable | Only where a temporary building is approved for construction purposes (all districts), not as a general signage allowance. | — | Unlock | 13.1.12(h)(1) |
| Drive-Through Facility Menu Board/Directional Signs | 6 ft | 32 sq ft per sign | — | — | Up to 2 per drive-through, or more if approved by zoning administrator | On zoning lots with an approved drive-through facility (as specified under 13.1.210) | — | Unlock | 13.1.210(b)(12) |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Glendale — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 7 zones for Glendale — start freeProhibited Signs in Glendale
- Signs for home occupations shall be prohibited.
- No form of advertising or identification, sign or mural is allowed on the dish or framework of satellite television antennas other than the customary manufacturer's identification plates.
- No portable or trailer-mounted satellite earth station shall be allowed, except for temporary installation for on-site testing and demonstration purposes for periods not exceeding five days.
- Donation drop-off boxes are prohibited on all public and private property except under specific conditions for not-for-profit organizations.
- No chain link or coated chain link fence shall be erected within a residential district. Chain link shall not be erected in any front yard of industrial or commercial properties.
Exempt Signs in Glendale
- Architectural projections, such as spires, belfries, parapet walls, cupolas, domes, flues and chimneys are exempt from the height limitations of this chapter.
- Special structures, such as elevator penthouses, manufacturing equipment and necessary mechanical appurtenances, cooling towers, fire towers and flagpoles are exempt from the height limitations of this chapter.
- Essential services, utilities, water towers, electric power and communication transmission lines are exempt from the height limitations of this chapter.
- Essential services, utility electric power and communication transmission lines are exempt from the yard and distance requirements of this chapter.
- Landscaping and vegetation are exempt from the yard requirements of this chapter, with the exception that any landscaping or vegetation shall be subject to the restrictions in section 13.1.90.
- Signs necessary for orderly operation of traffic movement in parking areas shall be permitted in addition to others permitted in this chapter.
- Satellite television antenna dishes less than 20 inches in diameter are only subject to review by the community development planner (rather than full plan commission).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Glendale
- A sign plan including, but not limited to, all ground and wall-mounted signs (color exhibit) is required as part of the application materials for development in the B-1, B-4, and B-5 districts.
- A comprehensive sign program is required for the entire traditional neighborhood development which establishes a uniform sign theme.
- Site plan approval by the plan commission is required for all applications for zoning permits for any construction, reconstruction, expansion or conversion, except for one and two family residences in residential districts, and site plans must include details on signs.
- For wind energy systems over 75 feet in height, plans must be submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and a copy of any FAA restrictions must be included as part of the conditional use permit application.
- All applications for conditional use permits, variance, or site plan approvals may require submittal of sign plans if signs are proposed as part of the development.
Source: municode municipal code