Sign Regulations in Madison, Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin has specific sign regulations covering 44 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Building Entrance Identification Sign, Wall Sign, Roof Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 16, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Madison, Wisconsin
Sample Sign Requirements in Madison
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification Sign (Single Family or 2-Unit Residential Use) | 12 ft or 1 story, whichever is lower | 2 sq ft | — |
| Identification Sign (Multifamily, Apartment Hotel, Fraternity/Sorority, Lodging House) | 12 ft or 1 story, whichever is lower | 3 sq ft (SR/Traditional Residential) 12 sq ft for TR-U1, TR-V2, TR-U2, DR1, DR2 and as described in Table 3 | — |
| Identification Sign (Nonresidential Buildings) | 12 ft or 1 story, whichever is lower | 6 sq ft (SR/Traditional Residential); 12 sq ft (TR-U1, TR-V2, TR-U2, DR1, DR2, per Table 3) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for MadisonFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
44
- Building Entrance Identification Sign
- Wall Sign
- Roof Sign
- Projecting Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
11
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Madison
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Madison 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 Madison, 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 Madison, regulated sign types include Building Entrance Identification Sign, Wall Sign, Roof 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 Madison 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 Madison are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Madison has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Madison, Wisconsin Sign Rules at a Glance
Madison, Wisconsin regulates 44 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Portable Sign (Public ROW)s in the Group 2 - (LMX, NMX, THV, TSS, DC, UOR, UMX, PR) zoning district are capped at 48" tall, 30" x 48" (gross), 2' x 3' per face, max 2 faces, and 30" wide, with a Must allow 6' minimum sidewalk aisle, other clearance standards setback (Sec. Sec. 31.046(2)(c), Table 2). Most commercial signs in Madison require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Madison, Wisconsin
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Madison (11 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 - (SR-C1, SR-C2, SR-C3, SR-V1, SR-V2, TR-C1, TR-C2, TR-C3, TR-C4, TR-V1, TR-V2, TR-U1, TR-U2, TR-R, TR-P, DR1, DR2, A, UA, CI, CN, MC) | 13 | 12 ft or 1 story, whichever is lower | 32 sq ft | — |
| Group 2 - (LMX, NMX, THV, TSS, DC, UOR, UMX, PR) | 19 | 48" from grade | 40% of signable area or 2 sq ft per foot of building frontage (not to exceed 100% signable area), maximum 80 sq ft per sign; if ≥25,000 sq ft building: 30% of signable area, max 120 sq ft per sign. | — |
| Group 3 - (AP, TE, SE, SEC, IL, IG, CC-T, CC, RMX, ME) | 8 | 30 ft, extensions up to 38 ft max, subject to restrictions | Ground: 300 sq ft (up to 750 sq ft if on street 45+ mph); Wall: 300 sq ft | — |
| Planned Mobile Home Park District | 1 | — | — | — |
| PD, Planned Development District | 1 | — | — | — |
| MXC, Mixed-Use Center District; Employment Campus District (EC) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Annexed Lands | 1 | — | — | — |
| Historic Districts and Landmarks | 1 | — | — | — |
| Urban Design Districts | 1 | — | — | — |
| DC Downtown Core, UMX | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 2 | 15 ft on wall; 6 ft if staked | 12 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Madison(sample of 3 of 11 zones)
Group 1 - (SR-C1, SR-C2, SR-C3, SR-V1, SR-V2, TR-C1, TR-C2, TR-C3, TR-C4, TR-V1, TR-V2, TR-U1, TR-U2, TR-R, TR-P, DR1, DR2, A, UA, CI, CN, MC)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification Sign (Single Family or 2-Unit Residential Use) | 12 ft or 1 story, whichever is lower | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per unit, 2 on corner or through lot | On wall only | — | Unlock | Sec. 31.14(3)(a)1 and Table 3 |
| Identification Sign (Multifamily, Apartment Hotel, Fraternity/Sorority, Lodging House) | 12 ft or 1 story, whichever is lower | 3 sq ft (SR/Traditional Residential) 12 sq ft for TR-U1, TR-V2, TR-U2, DR1, DR2 and as described in Table 3 | — | — | 1 per building, 2 on corner or through lot | On wall only | — | Unlock | Sec. 31.14(3)(a)2, (4)(a), Table 3 |
| Identification Sign (Church, Hospital, School, Residential Building Complex) | 12 ft or 1 story, whichever is lower | 12 sq ft (may be increased by 1 sq ft for each foot beyond 12 ft of street setback, but not to exceed 32 sq ft) | — | 10 ft setback (may increase sign size if >12 ft setback as per area calculation) | 1 wall and 1 ground per street frontage; max. 2 per zoning lot | Wall or ground (max. two ground and two wall per zoning lot, one of each per street frontage) | — | Unlock | Sec. 31.14(3)(e)1, Table 3 |
| Condominium Identification Sign | 12 ft or 1 story, whichever is lower | 12 sq ft (may be increased to 32 sq ft with UDC approval) | — | 10 ft minimum | 1 wall and 1 ground per street frontage; max. 2 per condominium | Wall or ground, one per street frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 31.14(3)(g), Table 3 |
| Project Sign | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 10 ft (ground sign) | 1 per street frontage | Ground or wall | — | Unlock | Sec. 31.14(3)(f), Table 3, Sec. 31.044(d)3 |
| Noncommercial Sign | 12 ft or 1 story, whichever is lower | 12 sq ft | — | 10 ft if ground sign | 1 per street frontage, 2 if waterway lot | Wall or ground | — | Unlock | Sec. 31.044(k), Sec. 31.14(3)(c), Table 3 |
| Real Estate Sign | 12 ft or 1 story, whichever is lower | 12 sq ft | — | 10 ft (ground sign) | 1 per street frontage, 2 if waterway lot | Wall or ground | — | Unlock | Sec. 31.044(o), Sec. 31.14(3)(b), Table 3 |
| Directional Sign (Off-premise Residential Use) | 3 ft | 3 sq ft | — | 6 ft from front lot line | 1 | Front yard of property fronting street | — | Unlock | Sec. 31.14(4)(c), Table 3 |
Group 2 - (LMX, NMX, THV, TSS, DC, UOR, UMX, PR)
| 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 | N/A (as allowed by signable area, not above roofline) | 40% of signable area or 2 sq ft per foot of building frontage (not to exceed 100% signable area), maximum 80 sq ft per sign; if ≥25,000 sq ft building: 30% of signable area, max 120 sq ft per sign. | — | — | One per signable area/facade; accessory signs as above | Within one signable area per facade facing street (max 4 per building), on facade | — | Unlock | Sec. 31.07(2)-(7), Table 1 |
| Roof Sign | Up to roofline (above-roof signs not generally allowed except as specified) | 40% of signable area or 2 sq ft per linear foot of building frontage, max 80 sq ft per sign | — | — | One per signable area/facade | On roof within signable area | — | Unlock | Sec. 31.07 |
| Ground Sign (Pole and Monument Sign - 2–3 lanes, 0–34 mph) | 12 ft | Pole: max 32 sq ft per face; max combined 64 sq ft all signs; height 12 ft. Monument: same as pole. | — | — | 2 per lot (plus extras for 500+ ft frontage/driveways, see additional requirements) | On ground, with vehicle access/parking or building ≥35 ft setback | — | Unlock | Sec. 31.08, Table 1 |
| Ground Sign (Pole and Monument Sign - 2–3 lanes, 35–44 mph) | 12 ft (Pole), 16 ft (Monument) | Pole: max 32 sq ft per face; max combined 64 sq ft; height 12 ft. Monument: same but can be 16 ft high. | — | — | See above | On ground | — | Unlock | Table 1, Sec. 31.08 |
| Projecting Sign | May extend to roof but not above 3rd story, min. 10 ft clear at sidewalk, 14 ft at vehicular ways | Up to 32 sq ft (subject to Table 1 and 31.08(3) if ground sign exists >12 sq ft on lot) | — | — | 1 per façade | Projecting perpendicularly from wall | — | Unlock | Sec. 31.09, Table 1 |
| Portable Sign (Private Property) | 48" from grade | 30" wide x 48" high (gross); max 2' x 3' per side (max 2 sides) | 30" | — | 1 per street frontage, 2 max per lot | On private property; not obstructing entry/exit | — | Unlock | Sec. 31.046(2)(a), Table 2 |
| Portable Sign (Public ROW) | 48" | 30" x 48" (gross), 2' x 3' per face, max 2 faces | 30" | Must allow 6' minimum sidewalk aisle, other clearance standards | 1 per eligible occupant per street frontage | Sidewalk/terrace; location restrictions and minimum walkways apply; see 31.046(2)(c, 6-9) | — | Unlock | Sec. 31.046(2)(c), Table 2 |
| Off-Premise Directional Sign | 16 ft | 32 sq ft | — | Parallel: setback at least equal to height. Perpendicular: 3 ft. | 1 per zoning lot | On ground | — | Unlock | Sec. 31.115, Table 2 |
Group 3 - (AP, TE, SE, SEC, IL, IG, CC-T, CC, RMX, ME)
| 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 | — | 40% of signable area or 2 sq ft per foot of building frontage (not to exceed 100% signable area), maximum 80 sq ft per sign; if ≥25,000 sq ft building: 30% of signable area, max 120 sq ft per sign. | — | — | One per signable area/facade; accessory signs as above | Within one signable area per facade facing street (max 4 per building), on facade | — | Unlock | Sec. 31.07(2)-(7), Table 1 |
| Roof Sign | Up to roofline (above-roof signs allowed in IL and IG) | 40% of signable area or 2 sq ft per linear foot of building frontage, max 80 sq ft per sign | — | — | One per signable area/facade | On roof within signable area | — | Unlock | Sec. 31.07, Table 1 |
| Above-Roof Sign (IL & IG Only) | May extend max 10 ft above roofline | 40% of signable area (see wall/roof limits) | — | — | — | Above roofline, for IL & IG only, in signable area | — | Unlock | 31.07(3), Table 1 |
| Ground Sign (examples for varying lane/speed) | 12-22 ft depending on road type/speed | Pole/Monument varies, see Table 1 (e.g. up to 288 sq ft combined net area for 6+ lanes at 45+ mph for monuments in Group 3) | — | — | 2 per lot (plus per 31.08(2)(ab)) | On ground; see Table 1 | — | Unlock | Table 1, Sec. 31.08 |
| Projecting Sign | May extend to roof but not above 3rd story, min. 10 ft clear at sidewalk, 14 ft at vehicular ways | Up to 32 sq ft (subject to Table 1 and 31.08(3) if ground sign exists >12 sq ft on lot) | — | — | 1 per façade | Projecting perpendicularly from wall | — | Unlock | Sec. 31.09, Table 1 |
| Awning/Canopy Signs | — | See Group 2 for details | — | — | — | Awning/canopy attached to building; in lieu of wall sign | — | Unlock | Sec. 31.06, 31.071, Table 2 |
| Off-Premise Directional Sign | 16 ft | 32 sq ft | — | Parallel: setback at least equal to height. Perpendicular: 3 ft. | 1 per zoning lot | On ground | — | Unlock | Sec. 31.115, Table 2 |
| Advertising Sign (Existing Only) | 30 ft, extensions up to 38 ft max, subject to restrictions | Ground: 300 sq ft (up to 750 sq ft if on street 45+ mph); Wall: 300 sq ft | — | Parallel: setback at least height; Perpendicular: 3 ft. | One per structure/lot; spacing rules between signs | On ground or wall (subject to extensive restrictions) | — | Unlock | Sec. 31.11, 31.112 |
PermitPal covers all 11 zoning districts in Madison — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 11 zones for Madison — start freeProhibited Signs in Madison
- No sign or structure or any anchor, brace, guy wire, or guide rod shall be attached, fastened, or anchored to any fire escape, fire ladder, or stand pipe, nor be erected or maintained so as to cover or obstruct any roof, required doorway, required window, or other opening of any building, or to prevent the raising or placing of ladders by the Fire Department.
- No sign shall be erected at intersections or locations so as to obstruct free and clear vision, interfere with, obstruct, or be confused with authorized traffic signs, signals, or devices, or that make use of words, phrases, symbols, or characters that interfere with or mislead traffic.
- No sign, advertisement, cabinet, obstruction, or object shall be placed upon, over, or in any public highway right-of-way, street, sidewalk, alley, or public ground, or attached to posts, trees, or supports in any public street or ground, except as otherwise authorized by law or ordinance.
- No sign or structure shall be fixed or suspended from another sign with its lower edge less than ten feet from the top of a pedestrian walkway.
- No sign shall be painted directly upon any wall or wall surface unless approved as a legacy sign by the Urban Design Commission or by the Landmarks Commission under applicable criteria.
- Projected images, video, or electronic light/laser displays projected onto a sign, building, or structure are prohibited unless expressly allowed elsewhere in ordinances.
- All motion signs are prohibited, except as specifically allowed (e.g., flags and certain banners).
- All attention-getting objects (such as streamers, pinwheels, pennants) are prohibited, except as specifically allowed (e.g., certain banners and flags).
- All flashing signs are prohibited, regardless of frequency, except as expressly permitted (e.g., time/temperature or authorized scoreboards).
- Digital image signs, whether static or animated, are prohibited.
- No sign may be displayed, placed, erected, posted, maintained, installed, affixed, or carried on any vehicular or pedestrian bridge or overpass over a freeway, expressway, or controlled access highway with speed limit over 40 mph if visible from the highway, except official traffic control devices.
- Any projected images or laser displays projected onto signs, buildings, or structures are prohibited unless expressly allowed.
- Any sign that displays electronic changeable copy or other digital, electronic, or internally illuminated text or images in violation of the criteria specified for such signs is prohibited.
- No inflatable signs are permitted except for specific temporary events or locations expressly allowed.
- No person shall erect, repair, alter, relocate, maintain, or change copy (except for signs designed for changeable copy) without first obtaining a permit, unless exempt.
- No sign shall be illuminated unless expressly allowed.
Exempt Signs in Madison
- Signs, banners, and scoreboards designed solely for view from spectator areas and displayed inside enclosed athletic fields at schools, parks, or athletic complexes (with some restrictions and approvals).
- Signs displayed on specific portions of awnings (lowest twelve inches of principal face, up to six inches in height) may be exempt and may be illuminated externally.
- City signs on city property erected by city departments or on city-owned land/buildings, subject to area, height, and illumination limits.
- Street occupancy signs (temporary, related to construction projects and street occupancy permit) with restrictions as to content, number, and area.
- Temporary construction directional signs on private property with Zoning Administrator approval, subject to area, height, and illumination limits.
- Temporary project signs on private property during construction, with limits on area, height, number, and illumination.
- Temporary noncommercial election campaign signs during election periods, subject to area, height, and setback.
- Certain identification signs: Group 1 residential and some nonresidential buildings (by type, area, height, and other limits), including home occupation signs, are exempt.
- Leaflet-type temporary notices, flat-mounted to kiosks, showcases, or public info boards (private or right-of-way per city procedures), not to project beyond the edge; no illumination.
- Memorial signs/tablets (cornerstones, building names, etc.) cut/set into masonry and displayed on walls, under max area and number; no illumination.
- Merchandise signs (in Group 2 & 3 districts only), subject to area/height/number/illumination and must be temporary.
- Temporary noncommercial message signs, subject to area, height, number, and illumination restrictions.
- Parking lot regulation and directional signs, subject to area, height, setback, number, and illumination (illumination restrictions in Group 1).
- Some portable signs as expressly exempted (see 31.046(2)).
- Public hearing notice signs provided by city departments (zoning or land use hearings).
- Real estate signs advertising sale, rental, or lease of the premise, temporary and subject to area, height, number, setback, and illumination limits.
- Traffic or other official government signs authorized or required by a governmental agency.
- Window signs as regulated under section 31.10.
- Hand-carried portable signs on private property with owner permission, or on public sidewalks/pedestrian ways if not otherwise violating ordinances.
- Certain temporary inflatable signs or balloons used for permitted parades, street use events, park events, or as novelty/seasonal residential decorations per specific criteria.
- Signs on City-sponsored bicycle sharing facilities per specified rules.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Madison
- A Comprehensive Sign Plan is required for approval of special allowances for all signs on private property that go beyond the restrictions of this Chapter, and must be approved by the Urban Design Commission (UDC) via Comprehensive Design Review (CDR).
- All signs in Mixed-Use Center District (MXC) and Employment Campus District (EC) must be approved through the Comprehensive Design Review process.
- Any changes to an approved Comprehensive Sign Plan must be approved by the UDC or, for minor changes, may be approved administratively by the Zoning Administrator with Planning Division Director approval.
- Applications for signage in historic districts, landmarks, or landmark sites must be reviewed and approved by the Landmarks Commission.
- In Planned Development (PD) Districts, the Zoning Administrator must compare the proposal to similar conventional districts to apply sign regulations. Any sign application or alteration in a PD may require review and recording as part of the approved plan.
- In Urban Design Districts and the DC Downtown Core and UMX districts, signs are subject to Urban Design Commission (UDC) approval and/or must conform to the Downtown Urban Design Guidelines.
- Certain types of additional or wayfinding signs (e.g., for churches, schools, condominium complexes) may only be allowed by approval from the Urban Design Commission.
- Variances in height, area, or setback for a sign, or requests for additional or exceptional signage, may require a public hearing and UDC approval, as part of the Comprehensive Design Review.
- Legacy signs (replica or historically related signage on old buildings) require UDC approval, including review of historical evidence.
- Approval of Electronic Changeable Copy features (e.g., for high school identification signs) requires UDC approval as an Additional Sign Code approval.
- In Urban Design Districts, use of a banner in place of a permanent sign requires UDC approval.
- All signs in the Employment Campus (EC) district must be approved through Comprehensive Design Review per section 31.043(4).
Source: municode municipal code