# Sign Regulations in Kenosha, Wisconsin

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Kenosha, Wisconsin, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Kenosha, Wisconsin (WI)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/wisconsin/kenosha
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-08
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/wi/kenosha/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=SUHITA_CHXVSI)

## At a glance

Kenosha, Wisconsin regulates 33 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the B-1, B-3 zoning district are capped at B-1: 25 ft; B-3: 25 ft tall and 100 sq ft or 1 sq ft/linear ft of street frontage (lesser of), with a 15 ft from lot line (see above for specifics if less) setback (Sec. Table 1; 15.05(A); 15.06(A)). Most commercial signs in Kenosha require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (7 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| B-1, B-3 | 17 | 35 ft | 100 sq ft or 1 sq ft/linear ft of street frontage (lesser of) | — |
| B-2 | 17 | 35 ft | 150 sq ft or 1 sq ft/linear ft of street frontage (lesser of) | — |
| IP | 15 | 10 ft | 80 sq ft (base inclusive) | — |
| M-1, M-2 | 16 | 35 ft | 672 sq ft per face; 1,344 sq ft both faces | — |
| RG, RS, RD, RR | 10 | 5 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| RM | 9 | 5 ft | 64 sq ft (≤100,000 sq ft parcel); 96 sq ft (>100,000 sq ft parcel) | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 13 | — | 32 sq ft per occupancy | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 7 zones)

### B-1, B-3

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Banner | — | 15% of principal building wall area | — | — | — | Mounted flush to principal building face | — | Table 1; 15.06(G) |
| Canopy Structure Sign | — | 15% per side of each canopy face | — | — | — | On canopy structure | — | Table 1; 15.06(F) |
| Construction Sign | — | 64 sq ft (≤100,000 sq ft parcel); 96 sq ft (>100,000 sq ft parcel) | — | — | One per street frontage | On premises where work is in progress | — | Table 1; 15.11 |
| Directional/Information Sign | 3 ft | 8 sq ft | — | — | No limitation | On premises | — | Table 1; 15.06(E) |
| Freestanding Sign | B-1: 25 ft; B-3: 25 ft | 100 sq ft or 1 sq ft/linear ft of street frontage (lesser of) | — | 15 ft from lot line (see above for specifics if less) | One per lot (see additional for exceptions) | On individual parcel, not within Unified Business Districts | — | Table 1; 15.05(A); 15.06(A) |
| Monument Sign | 10 ft | 80 sq ft (base inclusive) | — | 5 ft min from lot line | — | — | — | Table 1; 15.06(B) |
| Nameplate | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | One per occupancy | Flush mounted to wall | — | Table 1; 15.11 |
| Unified Business Center Sign | 35 ft | 1 sq ft/linear ft or 350 sq ft; two sides max | — | 15 ft | One per street frontage; maximum two per street if >400 ft | One major street frontage per defined within Chapter XV | — | Table 1; 15.06(C) |

### B-2

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Banner | — | 15% of principal building wall area | — | — | — | Mounted flush to principal building face | — | Table 1; 15.06(G) |
| Canopy Structure Sign | — | 15% per side of each canopy face | — | — | — | On canopy structure | — | Table 1; 15.06(F) |
| Construction Sign | — | 64 sq ft (≤100,000 sq ft parcel); 96 sq ft (>100,000 sq ft parcel) | — | — | One per street frontage | On premises where work is in progress | — | Table 1; 15.11 |
| Directional/Information Sign | 3 ft | 8 sq ft | — | — | No limitation | On premises | — | Table 1; 15.06(E) |
| Freestanding Sign | 35 ft | 150 sq ft or 1 sq ft/linear ft of street frontage (lesser of) | — | 15 ft from lot line (see above for specifics if less) | One per lot (see additional for exceptions) | On individual parcel, not within Unified Business Districts | — | Table 1; 15.05(A); 15.06(A) |
| Monument Sign | 10 ft | 80 sq ft (base inclusive) | — | 5 ft min from lot line | — | — | — | Table 1; 15.06(B) |
| Nameplate | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | One per occupancy | Flush mounted to wall | — | Table 1; 15.11 |
| Unified Business Center Sign | 35 ft | 1 sq ft/linear ft or 350 sq ft; two sides max | — | 15 ft | One per street frontage; maximum two per street if >400 ft | One major street frontage per defined within Chapter XV | — | Table 1; 15.06(C) |

### M-1, M-2

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Banner | — | 15% of principal building wall area | — | — | — | Mounted flush to principal building face | — | Table 1; 15.06(G) |
| Canopy Structure Sign | — | 15% per side of each canopy face | — | — | — | On canopy structure | — | Table 1; 15.06(F) |
| Construction Sign | — | 64 sq ft (≤100,000 sq ft parcel); 96 sq ft (>100,000 sq ft parcel) | — | — | One per street frontage | On premises where work is in progress | — | Table 1; 15.11 |
| Directional/Information Sign | 3 ft | 8 sq ft | — | — | No limitation | On premises | — | Table 1; 15.06(E) |
| Freestanding Sign | 35 ft | 150 sq ft or 1 sq ft/linear ft of street frontage (lesser of) | — | 15 ft from lot line (see above for specifics if less) | One per lot (see additional for exceptions) | On individual parcel, not within Unified Business Districts | — | Table 1; 15.05(A); 15.06(A) |
| Monument Sign | 10 ft | 80 sq ft (base inclusive) | — | 5 ft min from lot line | — | — | — | Table 1; 15.06(B) |
| Nameplate | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | One per occupancy | Flush mounted to wall | — | Table 1; 15.11 |
| Off-Premises Commercial Sign | 35 ft standard, up to 40 ft if within 1,000 ft of interstate; up to 50 ft if adjacent to interstate bridge or viaduct | 672 sq ft per face; 1,344 sq ft both faces | — | 15 ft from street right-of-way | See cap and spacing; no more than 2 faces per sign | Permitted only in M-1, M-2 zones, must meet all setback and spacing criteria | — | 15.15.H |

## Prohibited signs in Kenosha

- It is unlawful to erect, place, replace, move, establish, originally paint, construct, install, convert, substantially alter, rebuild, enlarge, remodel, relocate, illuminate, or maintain any sign contrary to the provisions of the ordinance (15.03.A).
- All signs not expressly permitted by this Ordinance are prohibited (15.01.C, 15.12, Table 1).
- Signs that have the potential for disrupting or distracting vehicular traffic are prohibited (15.01.D).
- Signs containing statements, words or pictures of an obscene or pornographic nature are prohibited (15.12.1).
- Handbills, notices or posters affixed to a tree, fence, pole, street sign, traffic sign, or other structure not constructed or intended for use as a sign base, unless authorized by the Ordinance, are prohibited (15.12.2).
- Revolving signs are prohibited (15.12.3).
- Roof signs are prohibited (15.12.4, Table 1).
- Signs which are structurally dangerous or unsafe are prohibited (15.12.5).
- Abandoned or obsolete signs are prohibited (15.12.6).
- Flashing and animated signs (excluding certain Electronic Message signs) are prohibited (15.12.7, 15.06.E).
- Deteriorated signs are prohibited (15.12.8).
- Signs used beyond time limits provided in this Ordinance are prohibited (15.12.9).
- No sign shall be constructed, erected, installed, or maintained in a dangerous or unsafe condition or in substantial disrepair (15.16).
- Overhead wiring to or from any sign of any type is prohibited (15.16).
- No sign shall be placed upon any street right-of-way except as specifically authorized (15.10).
- It is unlawful to erect, place, replace, install, establish, alter, or maintain any sign on aboveground utility structures in or within 10 feet of public right-of-way, except as described (15.101.A).
- No off-premises sign (billboard) may be located in certain districts or locations as specified in 15.15 (e.g., within Historic District, within certain distances from residential, historic, park, school, church, public park, recreation area or playground, the B-3 Central Business District, etc.).
- No sign shall be erected so as to obstruct or interfere with a traffic sign, signal or device, or motor vehicle operator’s view of traffic (15.15.H.10).
- No sign shall be erected to prevent ingress or egress from any required door, window, or exitway (15.15.H.9).
- No sign shall be attached to a standpipe, gutter drain, or fire escape (15.15.H.11).
- No sign shall be erected so as to impair access to a roof (15.15.H.12).

## Signs exempt from permit in Kenosha

- Signs placed or allowed on elevated water towers owned and maintained by the Kenosha Water Utility are exempt from requirements and prohibitions of this Chapter (15.03.B, 15.11).
- Noncommercial signs that are less than sixteen (16) square feet and not permanent are exempt from permit requirements (15.07.B.1).
- Repair, routine maintenance, or repainting of existing signs is not considered a substantial alteration and does not require a permit (15.07.B.3).
- Address numerals as defined in Section 9.18 C. of the Code are exempt from permit requirements (15.11).
- Architectural elements of a building which include an integral and incidental sign, as long as such elements do not contain a commercial message, moving parts, or lights, are exempt from permit requirements (15.11).
- Building markers not exceeding four (4) square feet are exempt from permit requirements (15.11).
- One bulletin board at a main building entrance, not exceeding twelve (12) square feet, is exempt from permit requirements (15.11).
- Construction signs, subject to size, location, and duration limitations, are exempt from permit requirements (15.11).
- Off-premises digital display signs, subject to other Ordinance sections, are exempt from permit requirements (15.11).
- Directional/informational signs without a commercial message legible off-premises are exempt from permit requirements (15.11).
- Flags, standards, emblems, and insignia of public and not-for-profit institutions are exempt from permit requirements (15.11).
- Governmental signs erected for a public purpose meeting area, height, and setback limitations, are exempt from permit requirements (15.11).
- Historic signs evaluated and listed by the Historic Preservation Commission are exempt from permit requirements (changes to such signs’ historic messaging may require a permit) (15.11).
- Historical markers (commemorative plaques, tablets, emblems) not exceeding four (4) square feet and placed flat against a surface are exempt from permit requirements (15.11).
- Holiday decorations, as temporary displays incidental to holidays, are exempt from permit requirements (15.11).
- Incidental signs not exceeding one (1) square foot are exempt from permit requirements (15.11).
- Interior signs providing information (but not a commercial message), not exceeding four (4) square feet and intended for persons inside the premises, are exempt from permit requirements (15.11).
- Model home signs not exceeding eight (8) square feet identifying non-occupied dwellings used as demonstration units are exempt from permit requirements (15.11).
- One flush-mounted nonilluminated nameplate per occupancy not exceeding one (1) square foot is exempt from permit requirements (15.11).
- Notices posted by governmental units are exempt from permit requirements (15.11).
- Commercial signs in city-owned parks or recreational areas, if approved by the Parks Commission, are exempt from permit requirements (15.11).
- Political campaign signs (per property limitations) per Section 15.14 and 15.11 are exempt from permit requirements (15.11).
- One real estate sign per street frontage, per zoning, and size limits, is exempt from permit requirements (15.11, Table 1).
- Religious institution bulletin boards, identification and directional signs per quantity, size, and internal-illumination restrictions are exempt from permit requirements (15.11).
- Special announcement signs (not over 32 square feet; max three days per occasion) are exempt from permit requirements (15.11).
- Special displays used for public celebrations on public property by or approved by the City are exempt from permit requirements (15.11).
- Signs in street right-of-way as authorized by the Chapter are exempt from permit requirements (15.11).
- Warning labels and certain identifying information on aboveground utility structures that comply with specific requirements are exempt from the prohibition against signs on such structures (15.101.B).

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A permit is required for most permanent and portable/temporary signs as denoted by '*' in Table 1 and referenced in 15.07 and Table 1 footnote.
- A sign permit requires submission of plans and specifications, including dimensions, materials, setback, elevation, projections, and details of the proposed sign (15.07.C).
- For off-premises commercial signs, new location or relocation (regardless of size) and certain large sign types require site plan review per Section 14.0 of the Zoning Ordinance (15.15.A.2-4).
- For certain off-premises signs not in compliance with specific standards or for digital display, a conditional use permit (variance) is required per Section 4.0 of the Zoning Ordinance (15.15.A.5-6).
- A special exception may be granted by the Administrator or Plan Commission for certain additional signage (e.g., for setback, for additional signs at intersections, or unique lot circumstances) (15.05.A, 15.06.C, 15.17.B).
- Applications for special exceptions and appeals must include required documentation and are processed by the Plan Commission and may be appealed to the Common Council (15.17.B, C, D).

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 7 zoning districts in Kenosha — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Kenosha+WI&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-kenosha

---

PermitPal — AI sign code research. Full HTML page: https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/wisconsin/kenosha