# Sign Regulations in Polk, Wisconsin

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Polk, Wisconsin (WI)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/wisconsin/polk
- **Data last verified:** 2025-09-05
- **Source:** [ecode360 municipal code](https://ecode360.com/45271374)

## At a glance

Polk, Wisconsin regulates 32 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Billboard/Highway Sign (General)s in the B-1 Rural Commercial District (B-1 District), M-1 Light Manufacturing District (M-1 District), M-2 Heavy Manufacturing District (M-2 District) zoning district are capped at 45 ft. tall and 672 sq. ft., with a 10 ft. from right-of-way, same as side yard setback of district setback (Sec. § 336-138(D)). Most commercial signs in Polk require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (9 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| A-1 General Agricultural District (A-1 District), A-2 Agricultural/Residential District (A-2 District) | 3 | 6 ft. | 50 sq. ft. | — |
| R-1 Low Density Residential District (R-1 District), R-2 Varied Density Residential District (R-2 District), R-3 Conservation Residential District (R-3 District), R-4 Shoreland Residential District (R-4 District) | 5 | 8 ft. sign height, Top not over 20 ft from base of building; Shall not project above parapet | Primary facade: 100 sq. ft.; Other facade: 50 sq. ft.; Cumulative: 150 sq. ft. | — |
| B-1 Rural Commercial District (B-1 District), M-1 Light Manufacturing District (M-1 District), M-2 Heavy Manufacturing District (M-2 District) | 8 | 45 ft. | 1,200 sq. ft. | — |
| B-2 Node Commercial District (B-2 District), I-1 Institutional District (I-1 District) | 7 | 35 ft. | Primary facade: 150 sq. ft.; Other facade: 50 sq. ft.; Cumulative: 150 sq. ft. | — |
| M-3 Multiple Use Light Manufacturing District (M-3 District) | 4 | 80 ft. | 500 sq. ft. cumulative total | — |
| Q-1 Quarrying District (Q-1 District) | 3 | 10 ft. | 120 sq. ft. | — |
| P-1 Park District (P-1 District) | 2 | 10 ft. | 128 sq. ft. | — |
| PUD Planned Unit Development Overlay (PUD Overlay) | 1 | As established per approved sign plan | As established per approved sign plan | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 14 | Ground flagpole: max 25 ft; Structure-mounted: max 6 ft | 60 sq. ft. | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 9 zones)

### B-1 Rural Commercial District (B-1 District), M-1 Light Manufacturing District (M-1 District), M-2 Heavy Manufacturing District (M-2 District)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Billboard/Highway Sign (General) | 45 ft. | 672 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft. from right-of-way, same as side yard setback of district | 1 | 10 ft. from right-of-way | — | § 336-138(D) |
| Billboard/Highway Sign (I-41 and STH 45 corridors) | 45 ft. | 1,200 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft. from right-of-way, same as side yard setback of district | 1 | 10 ft. from right-of-way | — | § 336-138(D) |
| Canopy/Marquee Sign | 1 ft from top of canopy | 50 sq. ft. | — | Lesser of 2 ft from curb or 12 ft from wall to which attached | 1 per street facing entrance/exit | Per street-facing first floor entrance/exit | — | § 336-138(D) |
| Ground Sign | 10 ft. | 120 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft from right-of-way, 3 ft from side yard | 1 per accessible street frontage | 1 per accessible street frontage, 10 ft. from right-of-way | — | § 336-138(D) |
| Ingress/Egress Sign | 5 ft. | 8 sq. ft. | — | None for street yard, 3 ft for side yard | 2 | Near direct access road/highway | — | § 336-138(D) |
| Pole Sign | 45 ft. | 100 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft from side yard | 1 | Subject to district side yard setbacks | — | § 336-138(D) |
| Projecting Sign | — | 9 sq. ft. | — | n/a | 1 | On building, at least 12 ft above drive; not projecting more than 13 in from wall | — | § 336-138(D) |
| Wall Sign | 8 ft sign height; top not over 20 ft from base of building; cannot project above parapet | Cumulative total: 500 sq. ft. | — | n/a | 2 | Affixed to primary or other facade | — | § 336-138(D) |

### B-2 Node Commercial District (B-2 District), I-1 Institutional District (I-1 District)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Awning Sign | — | 50 sq. ft. | — | n/a | 1 per street facing door/window | 1 per street facing, first floor door/window | — | § 336-138(E) |
| Canopy/Marquee Sign | 1 ft from top of canopy | 50 sq. ft. | — | Lesser of 2 ft from curb or 7 ft from wall | 1 per street facing entrance/exit | 1 per street facing first floor entrance/exit | — | § 336-138(E) |
| Ground Sign | 8 ft. | 100 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft from right-of-way, 3 ft side yard | 1 per accessible street frontage | 1 per accessible street frontage, 10 ft from right-of-way | — | § 336-138(E) |
| Ingress/Egress Sign | 5 ft. | 8 sq. ft. | — | None for street yard, 3 ft for side yard | 2 | Near direct access to Town street | — | § 336-138(E) |
| Pole Sign | 35 ft. | 50 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft side yard | 1 | Subject to district side yard setbacks | — | § 336-138(E) |
| Projecting Sign | — | 9 sq. ft. | — | n/a | 1 | On building; may not project more than 4 ft | — | § 336-138(E) |
| Wall Sign | 8 ft sign height; top not over 20 ft from base of building; cannot project above parapet | Primary facade: 150 sq. ft.; Other facade: 50 sq. ft.; Cumulative: 150 sq. ft. | — | n/a | 2 | Affixed to primary or other facade | — | § 336-138(E) |

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Feather Sign | 12 ft. | 30 sq. ft. | — | no crossing property line | Up to 5 per business minus banner signs | Placed in street yard, property line but no crossing | — | § 336-137(D)(4) |
| Portable Sign | 4 ft. | 24 sq. ft. | — | Comply with all setbacks | 1 | Street yard, must comply with setbacks | — | § 336-137(D)(5) |
| Sandwich Board Sign | 4 ft. | 12 sq. ft. | — | May not block flow | 1 per lot | B-1, B-2 District; public right-of-way permitted, not in street/roadway, cannot obstruct pedestrian flow on sidewalk | — | § 336-137(D)(8) |
| Door/Window Graphics Sign | — | 30% of affixed area | — | n/a | n/a | On doors/windows in B-1, B-2 District | — | § 336-137(D)(6) |
| House Number/Name Plate | — | 2 sq. ft. | — | n/a | 1 per building | Affixed to building | — | § 336-137(E)(8) |
| Flag/Flagpole (Ag/Res District) | Ground flagpole: max 25 ft; Structure-mounted: max 6 ft | Up to maximum allowed by flagpole height: see table | — | Setback sufficient to avoid crossing property line | Max 6 flags per lot, max 2 structure-mounted poles | Ground/structure mounted | — | § 336-137(F)(1) |
| Flag/Flagpole (Other Districts) | Varies by district (see table): B-1: max 80 ft, B-2: max 25 ft, M-1/M-2: max 80 ft, Q-1: max 50 ft, I-1: max 25 ft, P-1: max 25 ft | Up to maximum allowed by flagpole height: see table | — | Setback sufficient to avoid crossing property line | Max 3 flags per lot, max 3 poles per lot | Ground or structure-mounted; structure-mounted on B-2 only | — | § 336-137(F)(2) |
| Temporary Sign (Agricultural Districts) | — | 16 sq. ft. per side (adjoining cropland), or 4 sq. ft. (additional ground), 16 sq. ft. (one temporary sign) | — | Not in public right-of-way | Limits as above | Adjoining crop land or on property | — | § 336-137(B) |

## Prohibited signs in Polk

- Signs not expressly permitted as being allowed by right or by permit under this chapter, by specific requirements in another portion of the Town of Polk Code of Ordinances, or other applicable law, are prohibited.
- Signs shall not obstruct or interfere with the effectiveness of railroad or traffic signs, signals, or devices.
- Signs shall not be erected, relocated, or maintained so as to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window, or fire escape; and no sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
- Signs shall not be placed so as to obstruct or interfere with traffic visibility or be lighted in such a way as to cause glare or impair driver visibility upon public ways.
- Signs may be illuminated but nonflashing.
- Signs that disfigure, obstruct, or conceal architectural details, windows and window openings, doors, or other significant structural accoutrements are prohibited.
- Signs that imitate, interfere with, obstruct the view of, or can be confused with any authorized traffic control sign, signal, or other device are prohibited.
- Animated signs are prohibited.
- Flashing signs, including signs with scintillating, blinking, or traveling lights of more than 150 lumens per lamp are prohibited.
- Signs which are painted on, or attached or affixed to, rocks, trees, or other living vegetation are prohibited.
- Signs with any light flashing more than 10 times per minute are prohibited.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- Flags displayed in a manner noncompliant with this section are prohibited.
- Signs placed on or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers that are parked on a public right-of-way, public property, or private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business or activity, unless otherwise specifically allowed in this chapter, are prohibited.
- Signs containing reflective elements which sparkle or twinkle in the sunlight are prohibited.
- Signs located in rear yards are prohibited.
- Signs attached to, erected, or maintained on any standpipe, exterior stairway, fire escape, tower, or balcony so as to interfere with the use thereof are prohibited.
- Signs entirely supported by a parapet wall are prohibited.
- Neon tubing exposed to view and not covered with an opaque cover of Plexiglas or other similar material is prohibited.
- Beacons of any type are prohibited.
- No sign shall be located or situated in a manner which results in the visual obstruction from an adjoining roadway or pedestrian way of an existing sign on adjacent property.
- Any other signs not specifically permitted by this chapter are prohibited.
- No person shall cause to be placed any type of sign, notice, or other item on any traffic sign pole, utility pole, street indicator sign, or any other pole under the jurisdiction of the Town.
- The use of unshielded lighting, including exposed incandescent light bulbs hung or strung on poles, wires, or any other type of support intended to illuminate a sign is prohibited.
- No person may erect any sign with exposed electrical cords or wires.
- Electrical service to ground signs shall be concealed wherever possible.
- Furcated flagpoles are prohibited.
- Flag may not be secured by any means on more than one side of the flag.

## Signs exempt from permit in Polk

- Signs erected, maintained, or otherwise posted, owned, leased by, on behalf of, or as specifically directed or ordered by federal, state, local government, and government agencies in the furtherance of authorized government operations or activities within the public right-of-way are exempt.
- Signs not requiring a permit, provided they comply in all respects with the sign regulations presented in this chapter, are allowed without a permit.
- The repainting, cleaning, and other normal maintenance and repair of the sign and sign structure do not require a permit.
- Signs specifically identified in the chapter as not requiring a sign permit are exempt from permit requirements.
- Integral signs, not to exceed two per structure, are exempt from permit requirements.
- Official and governmental signs, such as traffic control, parking, information, and notices, are exempt from permit requirements.
- Signs intended to protect public safety or warn of potential hazards associated with a specific activity (while the activity is ongoing) are exempt from permit requirements.
- Official notices posted by public officers or employers in the performance of their duties are exempt from permit requirements.
- Signs required as specifically authorized for a public purpose by any law, statute, or ordinance are exempt from permit requirements.
- Signs affixed to a truck, bus, trailer, or other vehicles, while operating in the normal course of business, which is not primarily the display of signs, are exempt from permit requirements.
- A sign carried by a person is exempt from permit requirements.
- House numbers and name plates not exceeding two square feet in area for each residential, commercial, or industrial building are exempt from permit requirements.
- Signs internal to a site not intended to be viewed from outside the site are exempt from permit requirements.
- Interior signs are exempt from permit requirements.
- Festoons are exempt from permit requirements.
- Flags are exempt from permit requirements.
- Memorials, grave markers, statuary or other remembrances of persons or events, names of buildings and date of erection, when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other nonreflective, unobtrusive, and incombustible materials, are exempt.
- Athletic field signage including signs, banners, and scoreboards designed for view from spectator areas and displayed on interior walls, fences, or other structures located inside an enclosed athletic field at a school, park, or other public or private athletic complex are exempt, with Plan Commission approval required for Town parks.
- Sanctioned event signs associated with a temporary, Town-sanctioned event are exempt from permit requirements.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Upon submission of sufficient documentation demonstrating the need to modify the size, design, or number of signs necessary to identify a development, the Plan Commission may modify the sign restrictions within this section to overcome constraints only when such constraints are due to poor site visibility, excessive setbacks, or other physical or topographic constraints.
- The type, number, total sign area, location, and height of signage in any PUD Overlay shall be established according to an approved signage plan reviewed in conjunction with the approval of the PUD Overlay and shall generally conform to the requirements of the zoning district most similar to the PUD Overlay or its various elements, areas, and neighborhoods. Amendments to the sign plan shall be reviewed and approved by the Plan Commission consistent with other amendments to the PUD Overlay.

## 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 9 zoning districts in Polk — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Polk+WI&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-polk

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