Sign Regulations in New Richmond, Wisconsin
New Richmond, Wisconsin has specific sign regulations covering 52 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Ground 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: January 2, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for New Richmond, Wisconsin
Sample Sign Requirements in New Richmond
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | No higher than building; projection max 12 in from wall | 36 sq ft per sign | — |
| Real Estate Sign | — | 6 sq ft max | — |
| Ground Sign | Max 35 ft (top of sign to grade) per general ground sign standard. | Not specified in Z1 column (allowed only as conditional use); apply general standard: max 35 ft height per ‘Standards for All Districts’, area governed by conditional use approval. | Ground signs shall be setback 10 ft from any property line (NRMC 121-44(11)(1)); must not encroach into traffic visibility zone per NRMC 121-44(11)(3). Additional general clearances: clearance min 10 ft if closer than 30 ft to ROW or 2.5 ft in height; min 14.5 ft if sign projects over vehicular traffic (Table 11, Standards for All Districts, Ground Sign). |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for New RichmondFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
52
- Wall Sign
- Ground Sign
- Roof Sign
- Electric (Electric Sign Standards)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for New Richmond
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Frequently Asked Questions
In New Richmond, wall signs can be up to No higher than building; projection max 12 in from wall. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in New Richmond, 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 New Richmond, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Ground Sign, Roof Sign, Electric (Electric Sign Standards), 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 New Richmond 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 New Richmond are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. New Richmond has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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New Richmond, Wisconsin Sign Rules at a Glance
New Richmond, Wisconsin regulates 52 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Projecting, Canopy, Marquee Signs in the Z3 Multi-Use/Corridor District zoning district are capped at 25 ft maximum sign height tall and 50 sq ft total area maximum per sign in Z3, with a No encroachment over public right-of-way; attached to building within allowed building setback envelope. setback (Sec. Table 11, Projecting/Canopy/Marquee Sign row, Z3 column; ‘Standards for All Districts’ column; Table 11, Wall Sign row, Z3 column note; NRMC 121-44(9).). Most commercial signs in New Richmond require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for New Richmond, Wisconsin
Sign Rules by Zoning District in New Richmond (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z1 Agriculture/Preservation District | 8 | Max 35 ft (top of sign to grade) per general ground sign standard. | Varies (e.g., subdivision development signs max 80 sq ft; over-street civic banners max 150 sq ft; model home/open house signs max 4 sq ft). | — |
| Z2 Sub-Urban District; Z4 General Urban District; Z5 Traditional Neighborhood District | 9 | 25 ft maximum; signs over 8 ft in height require City Staff review (Z2, Z4, Z5). | Varies by exempt type under NRMC 121-44(7). | — |
| Z3 Multi-Use/Corridor District | 10 | 35 ft maximum sign height | 400 sq ft maximum per sign | — |
| Z6 Central Business District | 10 | 25 ft maximum height | 200 sq ft max per sign | — |
| Z7 Special Use District (Z7-A New Richmond Municipal Airport, Z7-I Industrial Parks) | 9 | 35 ft maximum sign height | 300 sq ft max per sign | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 32 | 35 ft maximum height from top of sign to grade for any ground sign in any district. | 100 sq ft maximum area per sign | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in New Richmond(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
Z3 Multi-Use/Corridor District
| 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 | Max 25 ft sign height | 400 sq ft maximum per sign | — | — | 3 per business per wall (combined with projecting/canopy signs) | Mounted on exterior building wall of business frontage in Z3. | — | Unlock | Table 11, Wall Sign row, Z3 column; Table 11 footnote ‘including projecting and canopy signs’; NRMC 121-44(3), (9). |
| Wall Sign - Option 1 (Mixed with Projecting/Canopy/Marquee Signs) | Up to 25 ft per sign. | Wall component: 8 sq ft per lineal ft of wall, up to 400 sq ft per sign; any projecting/canopy component: up to 50 sq ft per sign (see Projecting/Canopy row). | — | — | 3 maximum per business per wall (all wall-based sign types combined) | On or projecting from building wall along business frontage in Z3. | — | Unlock | Derived from Table 11, Wall Sign row, Z3 column (‘Number. 3 per business per wall, including projecting and canopy signs’) and Projecting/Canopy/Marquee Sign row, Z3 column. |
| Projecting, Canopy, Marquee Sign | 25 ft maximum sign height | 50 sq ft total area maximum per sign in Z3 | — | No encroachment over public right-of-way; attached to building within allowed building setback envelope. | 2 projecting signs per business per street frontage with 100 ft spacing; total wall-based (wall + projecting/canopy) signs limited to 3 per wall per business | Attached to building, projecting over sidewalk or mounted to canopy/marquee facing a street frontage in Z3. | — | Unlock | Table 11, Projecting/Canopy/Marquee Sign row, Z3 column; ‘Standards for All Districts’ column; Table 11, Wall Sign row, Z3 column note; NRMC 121-44(9). |
| Ground Sign | 35 ft maximum sign height | 300 sq ft maximum per sign | — | Setback at least 10 ft from any property line (121-44(11)(1)); cannot encroach traffic visibility zone (121-44(11)(3)); clearance min 10 ft if closer than 30 ft to ROW or 2.5 ft in height; min 14.5 ft if projecting over vehicular traffic (Table 11, Standards for All Districts, Ground Sign). | 2 per business per street frontage with 100 ft spacing | Freestanding ground sign on Z3 lot along street frontage. | — | Unlock | Table 11, Ground Sign row, Z3 column; ‘Standards for All Districts’ column; NRMC 121-44(11). |
| Roof Sign | Max 18 ft above highest point of roof; combined building height plus sign cannot exceed maximum building height allowed in district. | 250 sq ft total area maximum per building | — | Controlled by building placement; no additional horizontal setback specified for rooftop beyond traffic visibility and height constraints. | 1 per building | On roof of principal building in Z3. | — | Unlock | Table 11, Roof Sign row, Z3 column (SP, 250 sf, 1 per building); Standards for All Districts column; Table 11 legend (SP); NRMC 121-44(5), (8). |
| Signs not requiring a permit (Summary for Z3) | — | Per NRMC 121-44(7). | — | — | — | As per exempt type standards. | — | Unlock | Table 11, ‘Signs not requiring a permit’ row; NRMC 121-44(7). |
| Special Signs (NRMC 121-44(8)) | — | Subdivision development signs: 80 sq ft; over-street banners: 150 sq ft; model home/open house: 4 sq ft; others per General Regulations. | — | Subdivision development signs must be on development property; open house signs cannot be in ROW or in City parks. | — | On development property, over ROW, etc., as specified for each special sign category. | — | Unlock | Table 11, ‘Special Signs’ row (A in Z3 column); NRMC 121-44(8). |
| Off-Premises Signs (Z3 only) | Per applicable sign form in Table 11 (e.g., ground sign 35 ft max) and state law. | Must comply with applicable size limits in Table 11 for the sign form used (e.g., ground sign standards) plus Wisconsin state highway sign standards. | — | Must comply with setback and visibility rules for the sign form used (e.g., ground sign setbacks in NRMC 121-44(11)). | — | Off-premises advertising sign in Z3 Multi-Use/Corridor District. | — | Unlock | NRMC 121-44(10)(1) (Multi-use/Corridor District Off-premises signs); Table 11 ‘Off-Premises Signs’ row (C under appropriate column; standards reference NRMC 121-32). |
Z6 Central Business District
| 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 | Max 20 ft sign height | 200 sq ft max per sign | — | — | 3 per business per wall (combined wall/projecting/canopy) | On building wall in Z6 Central Business District. | — | Unlock | Table 11, Wall Sign row, Z6 column; NRMC 121-44(10)(2) (Shared entrances). |
| Wall Sign - Option 1 (Shared Entrance / Multiple Businesses) | 20 ft max | 200 sq ft per sign | — | — | 3 wall-based signs per wall for all businesses sharing entrance | On shared-entrance building wall in Z6. | — | Unlock | NRMC 121-44(10)(2) (Central Business District – Shared Entrances); Table 11, Wall Sign row, Z6 column. |
| Projecting, Canopy, Marquee Sign | 20 ft maximum sign height | 50 sq ft total area maximum per sign in Z6 | — | No encroachment over ROW; otherwise attached to building (building setbacks control). | 2 per business per street frontage with 50 ft spacing; combined with wall signs, max 3 wall-based signs per wall | Attached to building fronting a street in Z6, projecting or mounted to canopy/marquee. | — | Unlock | Table 11, Projecting/Canopy/Marquee Sign row, Z6 column; ‘Standards for All Districts’ column; NRMC 121-44(10)(2). |
| Ground Sign | 25 ft maximum height | 100 sq ft per sign maximum in Z6 | — | At least 10 ft from any property line; no encroachment into visibility triangle; min 10 ft clearance if closer than 30 ft to ROW and over 2.5 ft high, or 14.5 ft if projecting over vehicular traffic. | 2 per business per street frontage, 50 ft spacing | Freestanding ground sign in Z6 along street frontage. | — | Unlock | Table 11, Ground Sign row, Z6 column; Standards for All Districts column; NRMC 121-44(11). |
| Roof Sign | Max 18 ft above highest point of roof; building height plus sign must not exceed max building height for Z6. | 100 sq ft maximum total area per building in Z6 | — | Controlled by building footprint; no explicit horizontal rooftop setback beyond height rules and visibility considerations. | 1 per building | On roof of building in Z6 district. | — | Unlock | Table 11, Roof Sign row, Z6 column (SP, 100 sf, 1 per building); Standards for All Districts column; NRMC 121-44(8)(5). |
| Signs not requiring a permit (Summary for Z6) | — | Per NRMC 121-44(7) for each exempt type. | — | — | — | Per exempt-type requirement; includes temporary window signs in commercial/industrial zoning districts (Z6 qualifies). | — | Unlock | Table 11, ‘Signs not requiring a permit’ row; NRMC 121-44(7)(16). |
| Special Signs | — | Per NRMC 121-44(8). | — | Open house signs not allowed in ROW or City parks; banners over street only by special permit and insurance. | — | As specified per type. | — | Unlock | Table 11, ‘Special Signs’ row (A in Z6 column); NRMC 121-44(8)(2), (8)(4). |
| Shared Entrances (Sign Treatment Rule) | Per underlying sign type. | Same as standard Z6 wall/projecting/canopy limits, applied as if the shared tenants were a single business. | — | — | As allowed to one business by base standards | On building with shared entrance in Z6. | — | Unlock | NRMC 121-44(10)(2). |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (All Districts – General Standards) | No higher than the building on which they are mounted. | Per-district limits (see each zone), but all wall signs share the general standards below. | — | — | — | On exterior building walls in any zoning district where wall signs are allowed by Table 11. | — | Unlock | Table 11, Wall Sign row, ‘Standards for All Districts’ column; NRMC 121-44(9)(3). |
| Real Estate Sign (General Standards) | — | Maximum 6 sq ft per sign in districts where Real Estate row has X (Z1, Z2, Z4, Z5). | — | — | 1 per lot | On lot being offered for sale, rental or lease. | — | Unlock | Table 11, Real Estate Sign row, ‘Standards for All Districts’ column; Table 11 legend for X. |
| Projecting, Canopy, Marquee Sign (All Districts – General Standards) | No higher than the building to which attached. | Per-district area limit (Z3: 50 sq ft; Z2/Z4/Z5: 36 sq ft; Z6: 50 sq ft; see zone rows). | — | No encroachment into ROW; otherwise governed by building placement. | — | Attached to building facades, canopies, or marquees in any zone where permitted. | — | Unlock | Table 11, Projecting/Canopy/Marquee Sign row, ‘Standards for All Districts’ column; NRMC 121-44(9). |
| Ground Sign (All Districts – General Standards) | 35 ft maximum height from top of sign to grade for any ground sign in any district. | Per-district (Z2/Z4/Z5/Z6: 100 sq ft; Z3: 300 sq ft; Z7: 300 sq ft; Z1 by CUP). | — | 10 ft minimum from any property line (121-44(11)(1)); no encroachment into visibility zone (121-44(11)(3)). | — | Freestanding ground-mounted signs in all districts where allowed. | — | Unlock | Table 11, Ground Sign row, ‘Standards for All Districts’ column; NRMC 121-44(11)(1)-(3); NRMC 121-44(8)(5). |
| Roof Sign (All Districts – General Standards) | Maximum 18 ft above highest point of roof; building height plus sign must not exceed maximum building height allowed in district. | Per-district maximum total sign area (Z3: 250 sq ft; Z6: 100 sq ft). | — | — | 1 per building in districts where allowed | On roofs of buildings in Z3 and Z6 where allowed; prohibited in other listed districts based on blank Table 11 cells. | — | Unlock | Table 11, Roof Sign row, ‘Standards for All Districts’ column; NRMC 121-44(8)(5). |
| Signs not requiring a permit – Construction Signs | — | 100 sq ft maximum area per sign | — | — | 2 per construction site | On the site of construction only. | — | Unlock | NRMC 121-44(7)(2). |
| Signs not requiring a permit – Political and Campaign Signs | — | Residential zoning districts: 8 sq ft maximum per sign. Nonresidential zoning districts: 16 sq ft maximum per sign (except billboards). | — | At least 30 ft from public ROW at street intersection; may not project into ROW. | — | On private property, not over ROW and not within 30 ft of public ROW at street intersection. | — | Unlock | NRMC 121-44(7)(11). |
| Government/School/Church/Civic Uses – Comprehensive Sign Plan Requirement | Freestanding sign height may not exceed maximum allowed in zoning district. | Areas must not exceed what is allowed in zoning district where the use is located (for both freestanding and wall signs). Additional entrance wall signs limited to 32 sq ft each. | — | Freestanding signs: minimum 10 ft from any property line or ROW; no encroachment into drainage/utility easements. | Freestanding: 1 per lot plus 1 additional if multiple principal uses; Wall: 1 per street-facing facade plus additional ≤32 sq ft sign for each entrance | On lots used for government buildings/structures, public/quasi-public/private recreation buildings, public parks and recreation areas, accredited elementary/middle/senior high schools, and religious institutions. | — | Unlock | NRMC 121-44(8)(7). |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in New Richmond — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 6 zones for New Richmond — start freeProhibited Signs in New Richmond
- It is unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge or structurally modify a sign without first obtaining a sign permit for each such sign from the Zoning Administrator, except where specifically exempted.
- Any sign erected, altered, moved or structurally modified without a permit or with a permit but in violation of the ordinance shall be removed at the owner’s expense or brought into compliance within a reasonable time, as determined by the Building Inspector.
- Any violation of the sign ordinance constitutes a separate violation for each day the violation exists and is subject to monetary forfeitures and costs of prosecution.
- Abandoned signs are prohibited within the City.
- Flashing or moving signs are prohibited when animated by means of flashing, scintillating, blinking, or traveling lights of over 7.5 watts per lamp, or when an animated sign is located within 300 feet of any illuminated traffic control or warning light (except electronic message signs).
- Signs with physically moving components visible from the public right-of-way are prohibited, except signs which revolve around a vertical axis at speeds less than 7 revolutions per minute.
- Swinging signs are prohibited.
- Reflection-illuminated (floodlighted) signs whose light source is positioned so that 25% or more of its light intensity is visible from a public right-of-way by vehicular traffic, or whose light source is visible from residential property, are prohibited.
- Signs bearing or containing statements, words, or pictures of obscene, pornographic, or immoral subjects are prohibited.
- Signs that are an imitation of, or resemble in shape, size, color, or copy an official traffic sign or signal are prohibited.
- Portable signs are prohibited, except that the Zoning Administrator may grant a permit allowing a portable sign on a specified property for a 14‑day period twice per calendar year.
- Vehicles, trailers, or portable signs parked on private property so as to be seen from a public right‑of‑way, which have attached or located thereon any sign or advertising device for the basic purpose of providing advertisement of products or directing people to any activity on the same property or any other premise, are prohibited unless a special permit is issued (advertising vehicles).
- No banners, pennants, searchlights, or balloons may be used on a permanent basis; they are only allowed as time‑limited special promotions under a special permit.
- No sign shall be suspended by chains or other devices that allow the sign to swing due to wind action.
- Signs must be anchored to prevent lateral movement that could cause wear on supporting members or connections.
- Angle irons, chains, or wires used as supports or braces shall be hidden from public view to the extent technically feasible.
- No freestanding sign shall encroach upon the traffic visibility zone required by NRMC 121-53.
- Ground signs must be set back at least 10 feet from any property line.
- Pylon signs located closer than 10 feet to a property line must maintain a minimum of 14 feet of clearance below the sign.
- No sign may be located within 30 feet of the public right‑of‑way at a street intersection, nor over the right‑of‑way, for political and campaign signs.
- No yard, rummage, or garage sale sign may be posted in any public right‑of‑way or affixed to any street sign, traffic control device, or utility pole; such signs are allowed only on private property with the property owner’s consent.
- No yard, rummage, or garage sale sign and no model home / open house sign shall be allowed in City parks (except official park identification and other official City signs).
- Off‑premises signs are prohibited in all zoning districts except where specifically allowed (Z3) and only with a conditional use permit and compliance with state law and Table 11.
- Whenever a sign form or function is not listed in Table 11 or the exempt signs section, the sign use is prohibited.
- The brightness, movement, and operational hours of electronic changeable copy (electronic graphic display) signs are restricted; displays may not scroll, flash, animate, or change more often than once every 3 minutes, and must remain static between instantaneous transitions.
- Electronic graphic display signs must be removed if a change in zoning or use of the property renders the sign nonconforming.
Exempt Signs in New Richmond
- Permit not required for a change of copy on any existing sign.
- Permit not required for repainting, cleaning, and other normal maintenance and repair of a sign and sign structure, provided no structural modification occurs.
- Awning signs consisting of one line of copy upon the border of the awning do not require a permit.
- Construction signs: up to two signs per construction site, not exceeding 100 square feet each, confined to the construction site and removed 30 days after completion of construction or prior to occupancy (whichever is sooner), do not require a permit.
- Directional and instructional nonelectric signs located entirely on the property to which they pertain, not exceeding 8 square feet and not advertising a business, do not require a permit.
- Non‑illuminated emblems or insignia of any nation, political subdivision, profit or nonprofit organization do not require a permit.
- Government signs for control of traffic and other regulatory purposes, danger signs, railroad crossing signs, and signs of public utilities indicating danger and aids to service or safety erected by or on order of a public officer do not require a permit.
- House numbers and nameplates not exceeding 2 square feet in area for each principal building do not require a permit.
- Interior signs not visible from a public right‑of‑way do not require a permit (although still subject to structural/electrical/material standards).
- Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and dates of erection cut into masonry or inlaid so as to be part of a building, or constructed of bronze or other noncombustible material not more than 4 square feet in area, do not require a permit.
- Neighborhood identification signs (and associated masonry walls, landscaping or similar features) displaying only the neighborhood or subdivision name up to 50 square feet of copy area do not require a permit.
- No trespassing or no dumping signs not exceeding 1.5 square feet in area per sign do not require a permit.
- Political and campaign signs meeting the specified timing, size, and location limits do not require a permit.
- Official public notices posted by public officers or employees in the performance of their duties do not require a permit.
- Public signs specifically authorized for a public purpose by any federal, state, or local law do not require a permit.
- Religious symbols, commemorative plaques of recognized historic agencies, and identification emblems of religious orders or historical agencies, when on‑premises, do not require a permit.
- Temporary signs (up to 32 square feet) for civic, philanthropic, educational, or religious drives or events posted not more than 14 days before and removed within 5 days after the event, subject to Zoning Administrator approval of location, do not require a permit.
- Temporary window signs in commercial and industrial zoning districts placed on the inside surface of windows, not exceeding 40% of total window area and not placed on door windows or other windows needed clear for pedestrian safety, do not require a permit.
- Vehicular signs on trucks, buses, trailers, or other vehicles, while operating in the normal course of business where the vehicle’s purpose is not primarily the display of signs, do not require a permit.
- Yard, rummage, and garage sale signs that meet size, duration, placement, and private‑property‑only requirements do not require a permit.
- All sign types explicitly marked as “Signs not requiring a permit” in Table 11 remain allowed by right without a permit, subject to the specific standards referenced in NRMC 121-44(H).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for New Richmond
- The City shall require a comprehensive sign plan with any development more than 1 lot.
- A comprehensive sign plan is required for government buildings and structures; public, quasi‑public or private recreation buildings; public parks and recreation areas; public and private educational institutions limited to accredited elementary, middle or senior high schools; and religious institutions.
- The required comprehensive sign plan for the above institutions must include: (a) a to‑scale site plan showing lot lines, buildings, structures, parking areas, existing and proposed signs, and other physical features; (b) to‑scale building elevations showing existing or proposed wall, canopy, or marquee signs; and (c) to‑scale plans for all existing and proposed signs indicating area, dimensions, height, materials, colors, and any means of illumination.
- Table 11 establishes that certain sign types and special situations require different levels of review: signs marked “A” require a building permit; signs marked “SP” require submittal of a Site Plan Application; and signs marked “C” require a Conditional Use Permit, all of which may be triggered by the overall development’s sign plan.
- Off‑premises signs in the Z3 Multi‑Use / Corridor District require a conditional use permit under NRMC 121‑32 and must comply with Wisconsin Statutes § 84.30, Wisconsin Admin. Code Trans 201, and Table 11.
- Special signs such as subdivision development signs, banners and other promotional devices, advertising vehicles, and model home/open house signs require special permits from the Zoning Administrator, often in addition to any applicable overall sign plan for the development.
Source: other municipal code