Sign Regulations in Green Bay, Wisconsin
Green Bay, Wisconsin has specific sign regulations covering 26 sign types across 12 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Window Sign, Wall Sign, Freestanding Monument Sign. Height restrictions apply. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 8, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Green Bay, Wisconsin
Sample Sign Requirements in Green Bay
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Multifamily Building Identity) | — | 8 sq. ft. | — |
| Freestanding Sign (Multifamily Building Identity) | 10 ft. | 20 sq. ft. | — |
| Neighborhood Identification Sign or Gateway Marker | — | 16 sq. ft. | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
26
- Window Sign
- Wall Sign
- Freestanding Monument Sign
- Projecting Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
12
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Green Bay
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Frequently Asked Questions
In Green Bay, monument signs are limited to 10 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 Green Bay, 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 Green Bay, regulated sign types include Window Sign, Wall Sign, Freestanding Monument Sign, Projecting Sign, 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 Green Bay 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 Green Bay are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Green Bay has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Green Bay, Wisconsin Sign Rules at a Glance
Green Bay, Wisconsin regulates 26 sign types across 12 zoning districts. Freestanding Monument Signs in the Office Residential (OR), Neighborhood Center (NC), Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) zoning district are capped at 6 ft. tall and 50 sq. ft., with a Minimum 0 ft. setback (Sec. Sec. 30-34 (Table 30-1)).
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Green Bay, Wisconsin
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Green Bay (12 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential 1 (R-1), Residential 2 (R-2), Residential 3 (R-3), Rural Residential (RR) | 9 | 10 ft. | 50 sq. ft. | — |
| Office Residential (OR), Neighborhood Center (NC), Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) | 6 | 20 ft. | 50 sq. ft. per sign | — |
| Downtown 1 (D1), Downtown 2 (D2) | 6 | 30 ft. | 200 sq. ft. per sign; department store: 1,000 sq. ft. | — |
| General Commercial (C1) | 6 | 30 ft. | 200 sq. ft. per sign; department store: 1,000 sq. ft. | — |
| Highway Commercial (C2) | 6 | 30 ft. | 200 sq. ft. per sign | — |
| Community Center Commercial (C3) | 9 | 50 ft. | 320 sq. ft. | — |
| Light Industrial (LI), General Industrial (GI) | 5 | 30 ft. | 200 sq. ft. per sign | — |
| Business Park (BP) | 2 | 50 ft. | 320 sq. ft. | — |
| I-43 Business Park | 1 | — | — | — |
| Public Institutional District (PI) | 6 | 30 ft. | 200 sq. ft. per sign | — |
| Conservancy District (CON) | 3 | — | Not exceeding 50% of window area | — |
| Public Institutional and Conservancy Districts | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Green Bay(sample of 3 of 12 zones)
Residential 1 (R-1), Residential 2 (R-2), Residential 3 (R-3), Rural Residential (RR)
| 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 Sign (Multifamily Building Identity) | — | 8 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per building | One per building; may be illuminated | — | Unlock | Sec. 30-33 (1)a |
| Freestanding Sign (Multifamily Building Identity) | 10 ft. | 20 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per building complex | One per building complex; may be illuminated | — | Unlock | Sec. 30-33 (1)b |
| Wall Sign (Institutional Identity) | — | 16 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per building (2 per building if on corner lot, provided facing both streets) | One per building; two permitted per building if on corner lot and must face both streets | — | Unlock | Sec. 30-33 (3)a |
| Freestanding Sign (Institutional Identity) | 10 ft. | 50 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per building | One per building; may be illuminated | — | Unlock | Sec. 30-33 (3)b |
| Wall Sign (Commercial/Production Use) | — | 16 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per building (2 per building if on corner lot, provided facing both streets) | One per building; two permitted per building if on corner lot and must face both streets | — | Unlock | Sec. 30-33 (4)a |
| Freestanding Sign (Commercial/Production Use) | 10 ft. | 32 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per building | One per building; may be illuminated | — | Unlock | Sec. 30-33 (4)b |
| Real Estate Sign - Single Family Residential | — | 6 sq. ft. | — | At least 10 ft from curb or edge of pavement | 1 per parcel (2 per parcel on corner lot if facing both streets) | One per parcel; non-illuminated; set back at least 10 ft from curb or pavement | — | Unlock | Sec. 30-33 (5) |
| Real Estate Sign - Multifamily/Nonresidential | — | 32 sq. ft. | — | At least 10 ft from curb or edge of pavement | 1 per parcel (2 per parcel on corner lot if facing both streets) | One per parcel; non-illuminated; set back at least 10 ft from curb or pavement | — | Unlock | Sec. 30-33 (5) |
Office Residential (OR), Neighborhood Center (NC), Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND)
| 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 Sign | Sign support structure shall not extend more than 18 inches above roof/cornice | 50 sq. ft. per sign | — | — | See additional requirements | Front, side, or rear walls facing street | — | Unlock | Sec. 30-34 (Table 30-1), (5) |
| Awning, Canopy or Marquee Sign | — | Up to 50% of the area of the awning/canopy | — | — | See additional requirements | On building awning/canopy/marquee | — | Unlock | Sec. 30-34 (Table 30-1) |
| Window Sign | — | Not exceeding 50% of window area | — | — | 1 per window | Within window glass | — | Unlock | Sec. 30-34 (Table 30-1), Sec. 30-35 |
| Projecting Sign | — | 25 sq. ft. | — | — | — | Projecting from building | — | Unlock | Sec. 30-34 (Table 30-1) |
| Freestanding Monument Sign | 6 ft. | 50 sq. ft. | — | Minimum 0 ft. | 1 per street frontage | 1 per street frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 30-34 (Table 30-1) |
| Freestanding Pole/Pylon Sign | 20 ft. | 50 sq. ft. | — | Minimum 0 ft. | 1 per street frontage | 1 per street frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 30-34 (Table 30-1) |
Community Center Commercial (C3)
| 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 Sign - Small Shopping Center | — | 4 sq. ft. per 1 ft. building frontage | — | — | See additional requirements | Front, side, or rear walls facing street | — | Unlock | Sec. 30-36 (Table 30-2), note b |
| Wall Sign - Large Shopping Center | — | 4 sq. ft. per 1 ft. building frontage | — | — | See additional requirements | Front, side, or rear walls facing street | — | Unlock | Sec. 30-36 (Table 30-2), note b |
| Awning, Canopy, or Marquee Sign | — | Up to 50% of the area of the awning/canopy | — | — | See wall sign limits | On building awning/canopy/marquee | — | Unlock | Sec. 30-36 (Table 30-2) |
| Window Sign | — | Not exceeding 50% of window area | — | — | 1 per window | Within window glass | — | Unlock | Sec. 30-36 (Table 30-2) |
| Freestanding Monument Sign - Small Shopping Center | 6 ft. | 200 sq. ft. | — | Minimum 0 ft. | 1 per street frontage | 1 per street frontage at entrance to park from arterial/expressway/freeway | — | Unlock | Sec. 30-36 (Table 30-2), note b |
| Freestanding Monument Sign - Large Shopping Center | 6 ft. | 320 sq. ft. | — | Minimum 0 ft. | 1 per street frontage | 1 per street frontage at entrance to park from arterial/expressway/freeway | — | Unlock | Sec. 30-36 (Table 30-2), note b |
| Pole/Pylon Sign - Small Shopping Center | 40 ft. | 200 sq. ft. | — | Minimum 0 ft. | 1 per street frontage | 1 per street frontage at entrance to park from arterial/expressway/freeway | — | Unlock | Sec. 30-36 (Table 30-2), note b |
| Pole/Pylon Sign - Large Shopping Center | 50 ft. | 320 sq. ft. | — | Minimum 0 ft. | 1 per street frontage | 1 per street frontage at entrance to park from arterial/expressway/freeway | — | Unlock | Sec. 30-36 (Table 30-2), note b |
PermitPal covers all 12 zoning districts in Green Bay — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 12 zones for Green Bay — start freeProhibited Signs in Green Bay
- Flashing illumination and rotation of signs are not permitted.
- No signs are permitted over public rights-of-way except for those with special restrictions.
Exempt Signs in Green Bay
- All exempt signs as listed in Section 30-6 are permitted in all zoning districts.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Green Bay
- Sign authorization is required for all signs except those listed as exempt in Section 30-6.
- Hospital signage greater than what's allowed in Table 30-4 shall be established through the development of its master plan.
- College, university signage greater than what's allowed in Table 30-4 shall be established through the development of their master plan.
- Signage for sports stadiums with seating capacity over 10,000 other than as provided for in Table 30-4 shall be established through the development of a site plan subject to review by the Plan Commission and approval by the Common Council.
Source: municode municipal code