Sign Regulations in Hartland, Wisconsin
Hartland, Wisconsin has specific sign regulations covering 26 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Special Real Estate Development Monument Sign (Permanent), Special Real Estate Development Sign (Temporary), Ingress/Egress and Direction 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 Hartland, Wisconsin
Sample Sign Requirements in Hartland
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Sign (Temporary) | — | 8 sq ft for residential, 35 sq ft for business/manufacturing/institutional | — |
| Personal Name and Warning Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — |
| Election Campaign Sign (Residential Districts) | — | 16 sq ft unless affixed to permanent structure and does not extend beyond perimeter of the structure. | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
26
- Special Real Estate Development Monument Sign (Permanent)
- Special Real Estate Development Sign (Temporary)
- Ingress/Egress and Direction Sign
- Real Estate Sign (Temporary)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Hartland
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Hartland 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 Hartland, 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 Hartland, regulated sign types include Special Real Estate Development Monument Sign (Permanent), Special Real Estate Development Sign (Temporary), Ingress/Egress and Direction Sign, Real Estate Sign (Temporary), 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 Hartland 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 Hartland are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Hartland has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Hartland, Wisconsin Sign Rules at a Glance
Hartland, Wisconsin regulates 26 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Monument (Ground) Signs in the Business Districts, Manufacturing Districts, Quarrying/Extractive Districts, B-1, B-2, B-3, M-1 zoning district are capped at 8 ft tall and 35 sq ft, with a 15 ft minimum from lot lines (not required in B-3) setback (Sec. Sec. 46-980(4)). Most commercial signs in Hartland require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Hartland, Wisconsin
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Hartland (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | — | 35 sq ft per campaign sign | — |
| Residential Districts | 4 | — | 35 sq ft | — |
| Business Districts, Manufacturing Districts, Quarrying/Extractive Districts, B-1, B-2, B-3, M-1 | 14 | 20 ft above grade or no higher than roofline/top of second floor window, whichever is lower | 100 sq ft | — |
| Institutional Districts (I-1), Park and Recreation Districts (P-1) | 4 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Hartland(sample of 3 of 4 zones)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Sign (Temporary) | — | 8 sq ft for residential, 35 sq ft for business/manufacturing/institutional | — | — | One per premises or street frontage, max two. | On premises being sold, rented or leased. | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-978(1) |
| Personal Name and Warning Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | — | On premises | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-978(2) |
| Identification Sign (Building Name/Date) | — | — | — | — | — | Cut into masonry surface or metal affixed flat against structure | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-978(3) |
| Official Governmental Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-978(4) |
| Temporary Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Private property | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-978(5) |
| Election Campaign Sign (Residential Districts) | — | 16 sq ft unless affixed to permanent structure and does not extend beyond perimeter of the structure. | — | — | — | On premises with consent of owner/renter/lessee | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-978(6)b |
| Election Campaign Sign (Nonresidential Districts) | — | 35 sq ft per campaign sign | — | — | — | On premises with consent of owner/renter/lessee | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-978(6)a |
Residential 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special Real Estate Development Monument Sign (Permanent) | — | 35 sq ft | — | At least 15 feet from edge of street pavement | — | At entrances or along streets/highways of development | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-979(a) |
| Special Real Estate Development Sign (Temporary) | — | 35 sq ft | — | At least 5 feet from outer edge of street right-of-way | — | Directs attention to opening/new subdivision or development | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-979(b) |
| Home Occupation Sign/Professional Home Office Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | One per premises | On residence | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-979(c) |
| Ingress/Egress and Direction Sign | — | 4 sq ft per sign | — | — | — | On premises; not in public street ROW unless approved by architectural board | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-979(d) |
Business Districts, Manufacturing Districts, Quarrying/Extractive Districts, B-1, B-2, B-3, M-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Projecting Sign | 20 ft above grade or no higher than roofline/top of second floor window, whichever is lower | 12 sq ft per sign for premises with up to 2 establishments; for 3 or more, sign plan is required. | — | — | — | Attached to building; can extend over sidewalk or driveway/alley | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-980(2) |
| Awning/Canopy/Marquee Sign | No higher than first story or second floor window sill, whichever is higher | 35 sq ft | — | Up to 3 ft into public right-of-way. | — | Affixed flat to awning/canopy/marquee; no extension beyond edges. | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-980(3) |
| Monument (Ground) Sign | 8 ft | 35 sq ft | — | 15 ft minimum from lot lines (not required in B-3) | One per premises unless architectural board approves more | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-980(4) |
| Pole or Pylon Sign | 20 ft above base of sign location or mean centerline street grade (if sign is below street grade), whichever is higher | 35 sq ft | — | 15 ft minimum street yard (not required in B-3) | — | Allowed case-by-case in B-1, B-2, B-3 only | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-980(5) |
| Ingress/Egress and Direction Sign | — | 4 sq ft per sign | — | — | — | On premises; not in public ROW unless approved by architectural board. | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-980(6) |
| Window Sign | — | 25% of glass area of pane | — | — | — | Only inside buildings, not on glass doors or windows that impact safety or police view. | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-980(7) |
| Special Real Estate Development Monument Sign (Permanent) | — | 35 sq ft | — | 15 ft from highway or street right-of-way | — | At entrances/streets or highways of development | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-980(8) |
| Special Real Estate Development Sign (Temporary) | — | 35 sq ft | — | 5 ft from outer edge of street right-of-way | — | Directing attention to opening/location of new building or business/manufacturing development. | — | Unlock | Sec. 46-980(9) |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Hartland — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 4 zones for Hartland — start freeProhibited Signs in Hartland
- No sign shall be located, erected, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, converted or structurally altered without a sign permit except as described in the exemptions section.
- No sign shall be illuminated without a sign permit.
- Outdoor off-premises signs, including billboards, are prohibited with specific exceptions.
- Abandoned signs that advertise an activity, business, or service no longer conducted or available on the premises are prohibited.
- Advertising vehicles or trailers with attached signs for business advertising or direction that are parked so as to be visible from a public right-of-way are prohibited, except for incidental vehicular signs customarily attached to the vehicle.
- Signs advertising illegal activities are prohibited.
- Signs with statements, words or pictures of obscene or pornographic subjects are prohibited.
- Roof signs erected on or over the roofline of a building are prohibited.
- Billboards are prohibited.
- Pole and pylon signs are prohibited except as specifically allowed.
- Portable trailer signs are prohibited.
- Signs painted on, attached or affixed to trees or other living vegetation are prohibited.
- Signs shall not resemble, imitate, or approximate the shape, size, form, or color of railroad or traffic signs, signals, or devices.
- Signs shall not obstruct or interfere with the effectiveness of railroad or traffic signs, signals, or devices.
- Signs shall not be erected, relocated or maintained to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window, or fire escape, or attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
- Signs shall not cause glare or impair driver visibility upon public ways.
- Other than public traffic control signs, signs shall not have elements that are flashing, scintillating, blinking, moving, rotating, or pulsating (except for electronic message boards giving cyclical time/temperature info).
- Bare light bulbs are not permitted on signs.
- No sign shall be placed to obstruct or interfere with traffic visibility.
- No signs or sign parts or anchors/braces/rods shall be attached to any fire escape, ladder, or standpipe, nor hinder ingress/egress or the raising of fire department ladders.
- Overhead electrical wiring for signs is prohibited except in the B-3 district.
Exempt Signs in Hartland
- Real estate sale or rental signs (temporary) meeting size and quantity limits are permitted in all districts without a permit.
- Personal name and warning signs not exceeding two square feet and not illuminated are permitted in all districts without a permit.
- Identification signs consisting of building names and date of erection cut into masonry or constructed of metal and affixed flat to a structure are allowed without a permit in all districts.
- Official governmental signs (e.g., traffic control, parking restriction, public information, and notices) are permitted without a permit in all districts.
- Temporary signs on private property for periods not to exceed 30 days per special event or activity are allowed without a permit in all districts.
- Election campaign signs with property owner/tenant consent (subject to size/location restrictions) are allowed without a permit in all districts.
- Score boards without commercial logos or advertisements at schools and parks in I-1 and P-1 districts do not require a permit.
- No permit is required for the operation of a searchlight by any federal, state, or local government for official business.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Hartland
- A premise with three or more business or manufacturing establishments must submit a sign plan for architectural board review and approval for projecting signs.
- Separate individual projecting, wall, fascia, awning, or canopy signs for each tenant in a shopping center or business complex require the review and approval of an overall coordinated sign plan by the architectural board.
- All signs requiring a permit are subject to architectural board review and approval.
- Variance from the sign code (number, type, size, height, and location) for premises with multiple businesses may be determined by the architectural board.
Source: municode municipal code