Sign Regulations in Grafton, Wisconsin
Grafton, Wisconsin has specific sign regulations covering 30 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Directional Ground Signs, Wall Signs, Ground Signs. 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 Grafton, Wisconsin
Sample Sign Requirements in Grafton
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground or Pole Signs | — | — | Minimum 10 feet from front lot line, 15 feet from interior side and rear lot lines |
| Show Window or Door Signs | 2 feet | 20 square feet | — |
| Subdivision Entrance Signs | — | 32 square feet | Minimum 10 feet from right-of-way |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
30
- Directional Ground Signs
- Wall Signs
- Ground Signs
- Changeable Copy Signs and Electronic Message Signs
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
9
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Grafton
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Grafton 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 Grafton, 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 Grafton, regulated sign types include Directional Ground Signs, Wall Signs, Ground Signs, Changeable Copy Signs and Electronic Message 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 Grafton 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 Grafton are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Grafton has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Grafton, Wisconsin Sign Rules at a Glance
Grafton, Wisconsin regulates 30 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Ground or Pole Signs (Parcels 5 acres or greater)s in the RMU Regional Mixed Use zoning district are capped at 20 feet tall and 200 square feet, with a Minimum 50 feet from public street right-of-way setback (Sec. § 20.09.010A.2, § 20.02.010). Most commercial signs in Grafton require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Grafton, Wisconsin
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Grafton (9 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | — | — | — |
| RH-35 Rural Holding, SF-3 Single Family Residential, SF-4 Single Family Residential, SF-6 Single Family Residential, DU Duplex Residential, MH-9 Mobile Home Residential, MF-14 Multi-Family Residential, MF-20 Multi-Family Residential | 6 | 2 feet | 32 square feet | — |
| NMU Neighborhood Mixed Use, I Institutional, PR Park and Recreation | 6 | 9 feet | 48 square feet | — |
| SMU South Commercial Mixed Use | 7 | 24 feet | 250 square feet | — |
| RMU Regional Mixed Use | 9 | 36 inches | 200 square feet | — |
| DMU Downtown Mixed Use | 5 | 9 feet | 48 square feet | — |
| BP Business Park, LI Light Industrial | 3 | 9 feet | 150 square feet | — |
| HI Heavy Industrial, EX Extraction and Disposal, AE Adult Entertainment | 3 | 9 feet | 100 square feet | — |
| PUD Planned Unit Development | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Grafton(sample of 3 of 9 zones)
RH-35 Rural Holding, SF-3 Single Family Residential, SF-4 Single Family Residential, SF-6 Single Family Residential, DU Duplex Residential, MH-9 Mobile Home Residential, MF-14 Multi-Family Residential, MF-20 Multi-Family Residential
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Show Window or Door Signs | 2 feet | 20 square feet | 10 feet | — | — | Over show windows or doors | — | Unlock | § 20.06.010A, § 20.02.010 |
| Subdivision Entrance Signs | — | 32 square feet | — | Minimum 10 feet from right-of-way | — | Main entrance(s) to subdivision | — | Unlock | § 20.06.010B, § 20.02.010 |
| Name, Occupation and Warning Signs | — | 2 square feet | — | — | — | On premises | — | Unlock | § 20.06.010C, § 20.02.010 |
| Bulletin Boards | — | 16 square feet | — | — | — | On premises | — | Unlock | § 20.06.010D, § 20.02.010 |
| Memorial Signs | — | — | — | — | — | Affixed flat against a structure | — | Unlock | § 20.06.010E, § 20.02.010 |
| Official Signs | — | 6 square feet | — | — | — | On premises | — | Unlock | § 20.06.010F, § 20.02.010 |
SMU South Commercial Mixed Use
| 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 Signs | — | 250 square feet | — | — | — | Exterior walls of principal and accessory buildings | — | Unlock | § 20.08.010A, § 20.02.010 |
| Projecting Signs | — | 50 square feet | — | Minimum 10 feet from side lot lines | — | Fastened to, suspended from, or supported by structures | — | Unlock | § 20.08.010B, § 20.02.010 |
| Ground or Pole Signs | 24 feet | 100 square feet per side, 200 square feet for all sides | — | — | — | On premises | — | Unlock | § 20.08.010C, § 20.02.010 |
| Directional Ground Signs | — | — | — | — | — | On premises | — | Unlock | § 20.08.010D, § 20.02.010 |
| Permanent Window Signs | — | 25% of the window bank unbroken by architectural features | — | — | — | Inside of commercial buildings | — | Unlock | § 20.08.010E, § 20.02.010 |
| ATM Signs | — | — | — | — | — | On premises | — | Unlock | § 20.08.010F, § 20.02.010 |
| Changeable Copy Signs and Electronic Message Signs | — | — | — | — | — | On premises | — | Unlock | § 20.08.010G, § 20.02.010 |
RMU Regional Mixed Use
| 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 Signs (Parcels 5 acres or greater) | 24 feet | 180 square feet | — | — | — | Exterior walls of principal and accessory buildings | — | Unlock | § 20.09.010A.1, § 20.02.010 |
| Ground or Pole Signs (Parcels 5 acres or greater) | 20 feet | 200 square feet | — | Minimum 50 feet from public street right-of-way | One per premises | On premises | — | Unlock | § 20.09.010A.2, § 20.02.010 |
| Wall Signs (Parcels less than 5 acres but greater than 2 acres) | 20 feet | 120 square feet | — | — | — | Exterior walls of principal and accessory buildings | — | Unlock | § 20.09.010B.1, § 20.02.010 |
| Ground or Pole Signs (Parcels less than 5 acres but greater than 2 acres) | 20 feet | 140 square feet | — | Minimum 50 feet from public street right-of-way | One per premises | On premises | — | Unlock | § 20.09.010B.2, § 20.02.010 |
| Wall Signs (Parcels less than 2 acres) | 20 feet | 80 square feet | — | — | — | Exterior walls of principal and accessory buildings | — | Unlock | § 20.09.010C.1, § 20.02.010 |
| Ground or Pole Signs (Parcels less than 2 acres) | 20 feet | 100 square feet | — | Minimum 50 feet from public street right-of-way | One per premises | On premises | — | Unlock | § 20.09.010C.2, § 20.02.010 |
| Directional Ground Signs | 36 inches | 3 square feet | — | — | — | On premises | — | Unlock | § 20.09.010D, § 20.02.010 |
| Window Signs | — | 25% of the window bank, not to exceed 60 square feet | — | — | — | On premises | — | Unlock | § 20.09.010E, § 20.02.010 |
PermitPal covers all 9 zoning districts in Grafton — 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 Grafton — start freeProhibited Signs in Grafton
- Any sign which is not permanently fastened, anchored on a permanent foundation or painted on another structure shall be considered a prohibited sign.
- Portable signs are specifically prohibited in all districts with the exception of Ch. 20.01 and signs allowed in other chapters of this title.
- Any sign or banner constructed, placed or painted in any residential, commercial or industrial district without first obtaining a required permit shall be considered a prohibited sign.
- Any sign or banner which is not removed within 90 days of the discontinuance of business operations or activities at the premises shall be considered a prohibited sign.
- Any sign or banner located within the public right-of-way shall be considered a prohibited sign.
- The use of flashing or revolving lights, other than traffic-control lights, is specifically prohibited in all districts.
- New or replacement signs projecting above the roofline of a building.
- Permanent inflatable, flags, or 'feather' signs that advertise any product or business shall be considered prohibited signs.
Exempt Signs in Grafton
- Traffic control signs or signs located in the right of way which are allowed by Municipal Code § 11.20.025, Private street banners.
- Signs or banners to advertise a public, civic or social event, of a charitable or not for profit organization which does not exceed four days in length.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Grafton
- Properties zoned PUD Planned Unit Development shall prepare a master sign plan to be reviewed and approved by the Plan Commission.
- A shopping center or multiple tenant commercial building may provide the signage outlined in this section.
- Changeable copy signs and electronic message signs shall be permitted by a special message reader board permit to be reviewed by the Plan Commission.
Source: ecode360 municipal code