Sign Regulations in Medford, Wisconsin
Medford, Wisconsin has specific sign regulations covering 26 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Local Information Sign (Directional Off-Premises), Nonconforming Business Over-Door/Window Sign, Name/Occupation/Warning Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: November 24, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Medford, Wisconsin
Sample Sign Requirements in Medford
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nonconforming Business Over-Door/Window Sign | 2 ft | — | — |
| Real Estate Sign (Residential Districts) | — | 8 sq ft (unless Plan Commission approves otherwise case-by-case) | — |
| Name/Occupation/Warning Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
26
- Local Information Sign (Directional Off-Premises)
- Nonconforming Business Over-Door/Window Sign
- Name/Occupation/Warning Sign
- Bulletin Board (Public/Charitable/Religious Institution)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
Official Resources for Medford
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Medford 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 Medford, 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 Medford, regulated sign types include Local Information Sign (Directional Off-Premises), Nonconforming Business Over-Door/Window Sign, Name/Occupation/Warning Sign, Bulletin Board (Public/Charitable/Religious Institution), 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 Medford 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 sign regulations in Medford, Wisconsin typically include restrictions on brightness, animation, message duration, and hours of operation. Many jurisdictions require automatic dimming. Use PermitPal for exact requirements.
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Medford, Wisconsin Sign Rules at a Glance
Medford, Wisconsin regulates 26 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Ground Sign (General)s in the Commercial Districts (C-1, C-2) zoning district are capped at 20 ft above mean centerline street grade tall and 200 sq ft (per premises), with a at least 50 ft from any other ground sign structure; at least 15 ft from side or rear yard property lines; front yard setbacks per zoning district. setback (Sec. §5.3(1)(c)(i), (iii)-(vii); Ord. 970 (10-4-11); Ordinance 1000 (6/16/2015)). Most commercial signs in Medford require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Medford, Wisconsin
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Medford (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | — | — | — |
| Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3) | 13 | 2 ft | 8 sq ft (unless Plan Commission approves otherwise case-by-case) | — |
| Commercial Districts (C-1, C-2) | 20 | 30 ft above mean centerline street grade | 500 sq ft (per premises) | — |
| Industrial Districts (I-1, I-2) | 20 | 30 ft above mean centerline street grade | 500 sq ft (per premises) | — |
| Agricultural Districts (A-1) | 13 | 2 ft | 8 sq ft (unless Plan Commission approves otherwise case-by-case) | — |
| G-1 | 2 | — | 8 sq ft (unless Plan Commission approves otherwise case-by-case) | — |
| W-1 | 2 | — | 8 sq ft (unless Plan Commission approves otherwise case-by-case) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Medford(sample of 3 of 7 zones)
Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonconforming Business Over-Door/Window Sign | 2 ft | — | 10 ft | — | — | Over show windows or doors of a nonconforming business establishment. | — | Unlock | §5.2(1)(a) |
| Real Estate Sign (Residential Districts) | — | 8 sq ft (unless Plan Commission approves otherwise case-by-case) | — | — | — | On the premises; temporary. | — | Unlock | §5.2(1)(b)(i) |
| Name/Occupation/Warning Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | — | On the premises. | — | Unlock | §5.2(1)(c) |
| Bulletin Board (Public/Charitable/Religious Institution) | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | — | On the premises of the institution. | — | Unlock | §5.2(1)(d) |
| Memorial/Building Name/Date Plaque | — | — | — | — | — | Affixed flat to structure or cut into masonry. | — | Unlock | §5.2(1)(e) |
| Temporary Sign - Contractor | — | — | — | — | — | On the premises where the work was done. | — | Unlock | §5.2(1)(g) (Contractor signs) |
| Athletic Field Sign | — | — | — | — | — | At athletic fields. | — | Unlock | §5.2(1)(g) |
| Information Sign (Public Events/Activities/Resources/Services) | — | — | — | — | — | Private property only. | — | Unlock | §5.2 (Information signs), Ord. 1107 (8/20/23) |
Commercial Districts (C-1, C-2)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonconforming Business Over-Door/Window Sign | 2 ft | — | 10 ft | — | — | Over show windows or doors of a nonconforming business establishment. | — | Unlock | §5.2(1)(a) |
| Real Estate Sign (Commercial Districts) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | — | On the premises; temporary. | — | Unlock | §5.2(1)(b)(ii) |
| Wall Sign | 20 ft above mean centerline street grade | 500 sq ft (per premises) | — | — | — | Placed against, painted on, or applied to the exterior walls of buildings. | — | Unlock | §5.3(1)(a) |
| Projecting Sign | 20 ft above mean centerline street grade | 100 sq ft (per premises) | — | — | — | Fastened to, suspended from, or supported by structures. | — | Unlock | §5.3(1)(b); §5.8 |
| Ground Sign (General) | 20 ft above mean centerline street grade | 200 sq ft (per premises) | — | Spacing: at least 50 ft from any other ground sign structure; at least 15 ft from side or rear yard property lines; front yard setbacks per zoning district. | 1 per premises (except as specified for State Highway 13/64 multi-tenant cases) | On-premises. | — | Unlock | §5.3(1)(c)(i), (iii)-(vii); Ord. 970 (10-4-11); Ordinance 1000 (6/16/2015) |
| Ground Sign (Adjoining State Highways 13 or 64 — General) | 30 ft above mean centerline street grade | 200 sq ft (per premises) | — | Spacing: at least 50 ft from any other ground sign structure; at least 15 ft from side or rear yard property lines; front yard setbacks per zoning district. | 1 per premises unless multi-tenant exceptions apply | On-premises adjoining State Highways 13 or 64. | — | Unlock | §5.3(1)(c)(i), (iv)-(vii); Ord. 970 (10-4-11); Ordinance 1000 (6/16/2015) |
| Ground Sign (Adjoining State Highways 13 or 64 — 4+ Tenants, ≥300 ft Frontage) | 30 ft above mean centerline street grade | Total signage not more than 350 sq ft on two signs | — | Spacing: at least 50 ft from any other ground sign structure; at least 15 ft from side or rear yard property lines; front yard setbacks per zoning district. | Up to 2 signs per premises (total signage ≤350 sq ft) | On-premises adjoining State Highways 13 or 64. | — | Unlock | §5.3(1)(c)(iii); Ord. 970 (10-4-11); Ordinance 1000 (6/16/2015) |
| Ground Sign (Adjoining State Highways 13 or 64 — 4+ Tenants, <300 ft Frontage) | 30 ft above mean centerline street grade | Up to 350 sq ft of signage on a single structure | — | Spacing: at least 50 ft from any other ground sign structure; at least 15 ft from side or rear yard property lines; front yard setbacks per zoning district. | 1 sign structure (total signage ≤350 sq ft) | On-premises adjoining State Highways 13 or 64. | — | Unlock | §5.3(1)(c)(iii); Ord. 970 (10-4-11); Ordinance 1000 (6/16/2015) |
Industrial Districts (I-1, I-2)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonconforming Business Over-Door/Window Sign | 2 ft | — | 10 ft | — | — | Over show windows or doors of a nonconforming business establishment. | — | Unlock | §5.2(1)(a) |
| Real Estate Sign (Industrial Districts) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | — | On the premises; temporary. | — | Unlock | §5.2(1)(b)(ii) |
| Wall Sign | 20 ft above mean centerline street grade | 500 sq ft (per premises) | — | — | — | Placed against, painted on, or applied to the exterior walls of buildings. | — | Unlock | §5.3(1)(a) |
| Projecting Sign | 20 ft above mean centerline street grade | 100 sq ft (per premises) | — | — | — | Fastened to, suspended from, or supported by structures. | — | Unlock | §5.3(1)(b); §5.8 |
| Ground Sign (General) | 20 ft above mean centerline street grade | 200 sq ft (per premises) | — | Spacing: at least 50 ft from any other ground sign structure; at least 15 ft from side or rear yard property lines; front yard setbacks per zoning district. | 1 per premises (except as specified for State Highway 13/64 multi-tenant cases) | On-premises. | — | Unlock | §5.3(1)(c)(i), (iii)-(vii); Ord. 970 (10-4-11); Ordinance 1000 (6/16/2015) |
| Ground Sign (Adjoining State Highways 13 or 64 — General) | 30 ft above mean centerline street grade | 200 sq ft (per premises) | — | Spacing: at least 50 ft from any other ground sign structure; at least 15 ft from side or rear yard property lines; front yard setbacks per zoning district. | 1 per premises unless multi-tenant exceptions apply | On-premises adjoining State Highways 13 or 64. | — | Unlock | §5.3(1)(c)(i), (iv)-(vii); Ord. 970 (10-4-11); Ordinance 1000 (6/16/2015) |
| Ground Sign (Adjoining State Highways 13 or 64 — 4+ Tenants, ≥300 ft Frontage) | 30 ft above mean centerline street grade | Total signage not more than 350 sq ft on two signs | — | Spacing: at least 50 ft from any other ground sign structure; at least 15 ft from side or rear yard property lines; front yard setbacks per zoning district. | Up to 2 signs per premises (total signage ≤350 sq ft) | On-premises adjoining State Highways 13 or 64. | — | Unlock | §5.3(1)(c)(iii); Ord. 970 (10-4-11); Ordinance 1000 (6/16/2015) |
| Ground Sign (Adjoining State Highways 13 or 64 — 4+ Tenants, <300 ft Frontage) | 30 ft above mean centerline street grade | Up to 350 sq ft of signage on a single structure | — | Spacing: at least 50 ft from any other ground sign structure; at least 15 ft from side or rear yard property lines; front yard setbacks per zoning district. | 1 sign structure (total signage ≤350 sq ft) | On-premises adjoining State Highways 13 or 64. | — | Unlock | §5.3(1)(c)(iii); Ord. 970 (10-4-11); Ordinance 1000 (6/16/2015) |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Medford — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 7 zones for Medford — start freeProhibited Signs in Medford
- No sign may be located, erected, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, converted, or structurally altered without a Zoning Permit, except signs exempted in Section 5.2; all signs must conform to this Code and meet Building Code structural requirements.
- No sign (except those permitted in Section 5.2) shall be permitted to face the residential district within 100 feet of such district boundary.
- 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.
- No sign shall be erected, relocated, or maintained so as to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window, or fire escape.
- No sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
- No sign shall be placed so as to obstruct or interfere with traffic visibility.
Exempt Signs in Medford
- Nonconforming business establishment identification signs over show windows or doors announcing only the name and occupation of the proprietor; maximum 2 feet in height and 10 feet in length.
- Real estate signs in R-1, R-2, R-3, G-1, A-1, and W-1 districts: up to 8 square feet advertising the sale, rental, or lease of the premises; larger sizes only if the Plan Commission approves on a case-by-case basis.
- Real estate signs in C-1, C-2, I-1, and I-2 districts: up to 32 square feet advertising the sale, rental, or lease of the premises.
- Name, occupation, and warning signs up to 2 square feet located on the premises.
- Bulletin boards for public, charitable, or religious institutions up to 8 square feet located on the premises.
- Memorial signs, tablets, names of buildings, and date of erection when cut into masonry or constructed from metal and affixed flat against a structure.
- Official signs, such as traffic control, parking restrictions, information, and notices.
- Temporary signs or banners for nonprofit or service organizations and for-profit organizations, including construction signs.
- Contractor signs located on the premises where the work was done; must be removed within two weeks after onsite work is completed.
- Temporary signs for business openings, grand openings, or other special events; must be removed one day after the event is over.
- Athletic field signs.
- Information signs of community interest regarding scheduled public events, public activities, public resources, or public services; must be located on private property (Amended by Ordinance 1107, dated 8/20/23).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Medford
- No master sign plan or sign plan requirement is specified in the provided ordinance sections.
- Plan Commission approval on a case-by-case basis may allow real estate signs in R-1, R-2, R-3, G-1, A-1, and W-1 districts to exceed 8 square feet.
- Local information signs are allowed only as a conditional use; a conditional use permit is required (see Section 8.0).
Source: other municipal code