# Sign Regulations in Menomonee Falls Village, Wisconsin

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Menomonee Falls Village, Wisconsin (WI)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/wisconsin/menomonee-falls-village
- **Data last verified:** 2026-01-16
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/wi/menomonee_falls/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH78SI)

## At a glance

Menomonee Falls Village, Wisconsin regulates 80 sign types across 12 zoning districts. Small Blade Signs in the Planned Development Overlay District Number 2 (PDO-2); Planned Development District No. 2 (PDD No. 2) zoning district are capped at Bottom clearance ≥10 ft above ground; top aligned with window transom tall, 12 sq ft, and Depth ≤8 inches; maximum width implied by area and proportion wide, with a ≥3 ft from back of curb; ≥10 ft clearance above grade setback (Sec. Sec. 122-827(m)(8)). Most commercial signs in Menomonee Falls Village require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (12 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 22 | Overall advertising structure ≤70 ft (measured from roadway) | ≤100 sq ft; and nonaccessory temp signs cannot exceed size limitations of an accessory sign at the site | — |
| Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-3.5, R-4, R-5, R-6, RM-1, RM-2, PRD) | 10 | Freestanding: 6 ft; Wall sign: 15 ft | 16 sq ft (residential districts) | — |
| Conservancy-Wetland District (CW-1); Floodway District (FW); Floodfringe District (FF); Shoreland-Wetland District (SW) | 10 | Freestanding: 6 ft; Wall sign: 15 ft | 16 sq ft (if in residential zoning) or 40 sq ft (if in other zoning); not on public property/ROW | — |
| Agricultural District (A-1); Agricultural/Urban Fringe District (A-2) | 2 | — | 20 sq ft | — |
| Village Centre Overlay Zoning District (OVC) | 9 | Up to 10 ft | ≤75% of window area (aggregated across separated panes <6 in mullions) | — |
| Neighborhood Business District (C-1); Planned Development District (C-3); Suburban Retail Business District (C-4); Office District (C-6); Light Industrial District (I-1); Heavy Industrial District (I-2); Executive Office/Light Industrial District (I-3); Institutional District (P-2) | 3 | 15 ft | If master sign 60 sq ft → individual on-site area 40 sq ft; if master 40 sq ft → individual on-site area 60 sq ft; if master 80 sq ft → individual on-site signage not permitted | — |
| Community Business District (C-2) | 1 | 15 ft | 60 sq ft per face (total all faces ≤120 sq ft) | — |
| Institutional District (P-1, P-2) | 2 | 15 ft | 40, 60, or 80 sq ft options | — |
| Planned Development Overlay District Number 1 (Commercial/retail district) | 5 | Per general limit 15 ft | Cumulative with wall sign area; total not to exceed Sec. 78-6 limits | — |
| Planned Development Overlay District Number 1 (Mixed residential district) | 6 | — | Per Sec. 78-7 residential standards | — |
| Planned Development Overlay District Number 1 (Neighborhood edge district) | 3 | — | Gateway/Monument per Sec. 78-6(3)b.6; Street ≤12 ft height | — |
| Planned Development Overlay District Number 2 (PDO-2); Planned Development District No. 2 (PDD No. 2) | 15 | Per Sec. 78-6(3)a.3 (≤15 ft) | Per face ≤672 sq ft (≤48 ft x 14 ft); overall structure ≤70 ft (measured from roadway) | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 12 zones)

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (General) | Shall not extend above the roof line immediately adjacent to the sign location | 10% of facade (up to 600 sq ft each for buildings >200,000 sq ft within an approved corporate campus, max two such wall signs) | — | — | One per public entry | Building wall; face parallel to wall; projection ≤8 inches per definition | — | Sec. 78-6(3)a.2; Sec. 78-6(3)a.5; Sec. 78-3 |
| Freestanding Sign (General) | 15 ft above grade (includes illumination and embellishments) | 60 sq ft per sign face (total all faces ≤120 sq ft) | — | Min 5 ft from any property line in all districts except OVC and C-2; must comply with Sec. 122-601 vision triangle | One per street frontage (max two) | On site; outside traffic vision triangles | — | Sec. 78-6(3)a.3; Sec. 78-6(3)a.6.ii; Sec. 78-6(4) |
| Operational/Directional Sign - Freestanding (On-site) | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | On premises; near intersections within planned developments per directional standards | — | Sec. 78-6(10)a.1; Sec. 78-6(3)b.6.ii (directional lighting standards within developments) |
| Operational/Directional Sign - Wall-mounted (On-site) | 15 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | On building walls | — | Sec. 78-6(10)a.2 |
| Off-site Directional Sign - Place of Worship | 15 ft | 3 sq ft | — | — | — | Off-site; not in residential districts; not in ROW | — | Sec. 78-6(10)b |
| Temporary - Special Event Sign for Nonprofit (No Permit) | — | 16 sq ft | — | 5 ft from all property lines; comply with Sec. 78-6(1)g (vision triangle) | 1 per street frontage | On private property with owner permission; 5 ft setback from property lines; outside vision triangle | — | Sec. 78-6(7)a.6 |
| Temporary - Special Event Sign for Nonprofit (Permit) | — | Min 16.001 sq ft up to 40 sq ft | — | 5 ft from property lines; outside vision triangle | 1 per street frontage | On parcels zoned C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-6, I-1, I-2, I-3, A-1, A-2, P-1, P-2 with landowner permission; 5 ft setback; comply with vision triangle | — | Sec. 78-6(7)b.4 |
| Digital Billboard (Relocation Agreement) | Overall advertising structure ≤70 ft (measured from roadway) | Per face: ≤48 ft wide x 14 ft high (≤672 sq ft) | ≤48 ft (display face width) | ≥5 ft from property lines; outside vision triangle | — | Only where copy visible from US or Interstate Highway; off-site sign | — | Sec. 78-12(a)(1), (b)(1)–(11) |

### Village Centre Overlay Zoning District (OVC)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Primary) | No higher than base of second-floor window | 25 sq ft | — | — | No more than two primary signs visible from any single vantage point | Building wall | — | Sec. 78-7(3)a–b.1.i–ii; 78-7(3)b.5 |
| Projecting Sign (Primary) | Top location: no higher than base of second-floor window; clearance ≥8 ft above grade | 25 sq ft | — | — | Included in primary signage count | Projecting from building | — | Sec. 78-7(3)b.1.i–iii |
| Freestanding Sign (Primary) | Up to 10 ft | Up to 40 sq ft (50 sq ft for group development sign) | — | Height <5 ft: 1 ft min from property lines; Height ≥5 ft: 5 ft min | 1 per lot | Within landscaped greenspace on lot | — | Sec. 78-7(3)b.2 |
| Directional Sign (Secondary) | Wall signs: up to 7 ft above grade; freestanding: up to 4 ft above grade | 6 sq ft | — | ≥1 ft from ROW and onsite parking areas | Max 1 per facade unless approved | On site; near intersections or pedestrian areas as appropriate | — | Sec. 78-7(3)c.1 |
| Minor Sign (Secondary) | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | — | Over/to side of door; projecting/hanging from awning/arcade/bracket; other locations as approved by ACB | — | Sec. 78-7(3)c.2 |
| Window Sign (Secondary) | — | ≤75% of window area (aggregated across separated panes <6 in mullions) | — | — | — | Windows | — | Sec. 78-7(3)c.3 |
| Awning Sign (Secondary) | — | Front/side vertical panel: one sign; Sloped panel: one sign (only on awnings over primary entrance) | — | — | One per awning panel; plus one on sloped panel if over primary entrance | On awning panels | — | Sec. 78-7(3)c.4 |
| Business Improvement District Directional Sign | 8 ft for signage (structure/appurtenances may extend higher) | 16 sq ft per face | — | At least 1 ft from face of curb | Max 15 within district | Within BID (may be outside with ACB and public works approval); can be in public ROW or municipal lots with approvals | — | Sec. 78-7(3)f |

### Planned Development Overlay District Number 2 (PDO-2); Planned Development District No. 2 (PDD No. 2)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Awning Sign (PDO-2) | — | As above; one sign on front or a side vertical panel; one logo/name on sloped portion over primary entrance | — | — | 1 per front/side panel; plus one on sloped panel at primary entrance | On awnings | — | Sec. 122-827(m)(3) |
| Canopy Sign (PDO-2) | Sign height ≤2 ft | ≥30 sq ft if 10% exceeds 30; else 30 sq ft | — | — | — | On canopy front face | — | Sec. 122-827(m)(5) |
| Monument Sign (PDO-2) | Per Sec. 78-6(3)a.3 (≤15 ft) | Per Sec. 78-6(3)a.3 (≤60 sq ft per face) | — | ≥5 ft from property lines; outside Sec. 122-601 vision triangle | — | On site; outside vision corner | — | Sec. 122-827(m)(6); Sec. 78-6(3)a.3 |
| Small Blade Sign | Bottom clearance ≥10 ft above ground; top aligned with window transom | 12 sq ft | Depth ≤8 inches; maximum width implied by area and proportion | ≥3 ft from back of curb; ≥10 ft clearance above grade | One per street facade (per 122-827(l)(1) allowance summary) | Pedestrian level, projecting from building | — | Sec. 122-827(m)(8) |
| Vertical Projecting Sign (Standard) | — | 100 sq ft (one face counted) | ≤6 ft | ≥3 ft from back of curb; ≥10 ft clearance | — | Projecting from building wall | — | Sec. 122-827(m)(9) |
| Wall Sign (PDO-2) | May not extend above first floor without minor adjustment | By length limit; may not extend above first floor without minor adjustment | Projection ≤12 inches | — | — | On building facade | — | Sec. 122-827(m)(10) |
| Directory Sign (Public R/W or Pedestrian Areas) | 7 ft | 16 sq ft | — | 4 ft clear area on all sides | — | Pedestrian areas; may be in public ROW with approvals | — | Sec. 122-827(n) |
| Digital Billboard (PDD No. 2 Landmark Gateway) | ≤50 ft above grade for shroud top (shroud may extend up to 10 ft above billboard), overall advertising structure ≤70 ft | Per face ≤672 sq ft (≤48 ft x 14 ft); overall structure ≤70 ft (measured from roadway) | Display face ≤48 ft wide | ≥5 ft from property lines; outside vision triangle | — | PDD No. 2 area between Falls Parkway and Interstate 41; only if copy visible from US or Interstate Highway | — | Sec. 78-12(a)(2), (b) |

## Prohibited signs in Menomonee Falls Village

- No sign shall obscure a historical monument, shrine, or designated natural scenic view (except official noncommercial directional/informational signs) (Sec. 78-6(1)a).
- Translucent awnings are prohibited; backlit awnings are prohibited (Secs. 78-6(1)b; 78-6(3)(b)1).
- Incandescent or flip‑style message center fixtures are prohibited; single stand‑alone message centers are prohibited (Sec. 78-6(1)c; 78-6(3)(b)2.iii).
- Bare bulb fluorescent, running, blinking, flashing, or other bare bulb signs are prohibited; unshielded lighting such as exposed incandescent bulbs hung or strung is prohibited; no exposed electrical cords or wires on signs (Secs. 78-6(1)d; 78-6(3)(a)7.i–ii).
- Mobile signs mounted on wheels, trailers, motor vehicles or other nonpermanent structures parked within sight of a street for advertising are prohibited (Sec. 78-6(1)e).
- No sign or appurtenance shall extend above the peak of the roofline; roof signs above the roofline are prohibited (Sec. 78-6(1)f).
- No sign is permitted within the vision/traffic visibility triangle at intersections (Secs. 78-6(1)g; 78-6(5)c).
- Signs with rotating or moving parts are prohibited (Sec. 78-6(1)h).
- Pole signs with exposed poles are prohibited (Sec. 78-6(1)i).
- Signs or advertising media creating a hazard or dangerous distraction to vehicular traffic, or a nuisance to adjoining residential property, are prohibited (Sec. 78-6(5)).
- No sign that may be confused with an authorized traffic sign, signal or device, or which uses words such as “STOP,” “LOOK,” or “DANGER” in a manner that misleads or confuses traffic, is permitted (Sec. 78-6(5)b).
- Off‑site (non‑accessory) signs are prohibited except as expressly allowed for certain directional signs and digital billboards (Secs. 78-6(6)a–b; 78-12).
- Temporary inflatable signs are prohibited except for limited exceptions (parades/festivals; small novelty balloons under specified size; registered hot air balloons not used as signs) (Sec. 78-6(7)c)1).
- Promotional pennants and streamers are prohibited except for village seasonal flags/pennants placed within the public right‑of‑way (Sec. 78-6(7)c)2).
- Sandwich board signs are prohibited except where permitted by special ordinance in special districts (Sec. 78-6(7)c)3).
- No sign, anchor, brace, guy wire or rod shall be attached to any fire escape, fire ladder, or standpipe; no sign or its parts shall cover or obstruct any required doorway, window, exit or other opening or hinder fire department ladder placement (Sec. 78-5(g)).
- No advertising or regulatory sign or its structure shall be attached to a tree or landscape feature (Sec. 78-5(g)(1)).
- In no event shall 75 percent or more of any window be obstructed by any sign not otherwise regulated by this article (Sec. 78-6(3)(a)4.iv).

## Signs exempt from permit in Menomonee Falls Village

- The provisions of Chapter 78, except safety requirements, do not apply to street, traffic, or directional signs erected or authorized by the village or other street‑maintaining entity (Sec. 78-3(g)(1)).
- The provisions of Chapter 78, except safety requirements, do not apply to streetscape or seasonal decorations erected or authorized by the village (Sec. 78-3(g)(2)).
- Area, height, and quantity restrictions do not apply to the Community Memorial Hospital or the Menomonee Falls Ambulatory Surgery Center; all other provisions still apply (Sec. 78-3(g)(3)).
- Any sign incorporated into the design of a shelter associated with public transportation shelters authorized by state law or the village board is exempt (except safety requirements) (Sec. 78-3(g)(4)).
- Temporary signs that do not require a permit or fee and are allowed in any district: real estate signs up to 8 sq ft on the property for lease or sale; political campaign signs (subject to size and location limits and not in rights‑of‑way or on public/utility poles); personal issue signs up to 6 sq ft per face; help wanted signs up to 6 sq ft per face; decorative/seasonal banners with village manager approval; nonprofit special event signs up to 16 sq ft, one per frontage, within defined timeframes and removal obligations (Sec. 78-6(7)a).
- Temporary signs less than 12 square feet and banners with a temporary sign permit are exempt from the construction standards in Sec. 78-5 (Sec. 78-5(h)).
- Public agency signs: all provisions apply equally to governmental signs except for traffic, decorative, and informational signs on national, state, county, or municipal rights‑of‑way (Sec. 78-6(9)).
- Security signs required by Sec. 34‑50 are not considered window signs under this ordinance (Sec. 78-6(11)).

## Sign plan & submission notes

- All applicable signs must be reviewed and approved by the village manager or designee before erection or alteration; the plan commission has final interpretive authority. Approvals are based on neighborhood character, harmony with building/existing context, non‑garish appearance, and prevention of discordant surroundings (Sec. 78-2; Sec. 78-3(d)).
- A sign permit is required for most signs unless specifically excepted; electrical permits are required for all illuminated signs. Applications must include drawings, materials, context photos/renderings, construction specs, and fees (Sec. 78-3(b)–(c)).
- Window signs require a permit and review by the village manager or designee; approvals are considered unique and not precedent; windows may not be more than 75% obstructed by signs (Sec. 78-6(3)(a)4).
- Sign exceptions/variances: Applicants may seek exceptions from the plan commission. The commission applies hardship standards; it may hold a public hearing (class 2 notice) unless unanimously waived; conditions may be imposed. Appeals of village manager decisions go to the Architectural Control Board (ACB); appeals of ACB decisions go to the plan commission (Sec. 78-11).
- Village Centre Overlay District: All non‑residential multiple‑tenant buildings must have a master sign program approved by the architectural control board addressing both primary and secondary signage; programs should complement building style, coordinate signage, avoid repetitious information, and allow logical sign areas for re‑tenanting (Sec. 78-7(d)).
- Village Centre Overlay District: Minor signs on multi‑tenant buildings must have similar designs, sizes, materials, colors, and installation as determined through approval of a master sign program (Sec. 78-7(c)2.iv).
- For developments using master identification signage, the architectural control board decides whether individual on‑site signage must match each building or follow a specific development‑wide design theme; once set, lighting types must be identical across signage (Sec. 78-6(3)(b)6(iii)(b)–(d)).
- PDO‑1 (Planned Development Overlay #1): Wall signs per tenant location are limited as approved in a master sign program; private street signage does not require individual permits but must be approved as part of a master sign program for the overall PDO‑1 (Sec. 122-812(b)(2)a; Sec. 122-812(g)(1)).
- PDO‑2: Master sign programs are required for all developments with more than one tenant and must be approved by the architectural control board; programs must complement building style, integrate with façades, and define common features (Sec. 122-827(k)).
- PDO‑2: Specific plan applications must include a signage program as part of the required submittals before building permits are issued (Sec. 122-831(c)(2)).

## 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 12 zoning districts in Menomonee Falls Village — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Menomonee+Falls+Village+WI&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-menomonee-falls-village

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