Sign Regulations in Princeton, Wisconsin
Princeton, Wisconsin has specific sign regulations covering 25 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Temporary Sign - Subdivision Developments, Permanent Subdivision Identification Sign, Illuminated Church Bulletin. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 1, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Princeton, Wisconsin
Sample Sign Requirements in Princeton
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulletin Board | — | 32 square feet | — |
| Occupant Sign | — | 3 square feet | — |
| Temporary Construction Safety Sign | 10 feet | — | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
25
- Temporary Sign - Subdivision Developments
- Permanent Subdivision Identification Sign
- Illuminated Church Bulletin
- Bed-and-Breakfast Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
8
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Princeton
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Princeton 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 Princeton, 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 Princeton, regulated sign types include Temporary Sign - Subdivision Developments, Permanent Subdivision Identification Sign, Illuminated Church Bulletin, Bed-and-Breakfast 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 Princeton 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 Princeton are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Princeton has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Princeton, Wisconsin Sign Rules at a Glance
Princeton, Wisconsin regulates 25 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Ground Signs in the Commercial District (B-1, B-2, B-3) zoning district are capped at 20 feet tall and 40 square feet on each side, with a Comply with all setback requirements of the district setback (Sec. § 430-61D(4)). Most commercial signs in Princeton require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Princeton, Wisconsin
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Princeton (8 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 14 | 10 feet | 32 square feet | — |
| Residential District | 4 | 15 feet | 50 square feet | — |
| Conservancy District | 4 | 15 feet | 50 square feet | — |
| Planned Unit Developments (Residential) | 4 | 15 feet | 50 square feet | — |
| Commercial District (B-1, B-2, B-3) | 5 | 20 feet | 40 square feet on each of two faces | — |
| Industrial District (I-1) | 5 | 30 feet | 160 square feet on each side | — |
| B-3 Highway Commercial District | 3 | 30 feet | 120 square feet on each side | — |
| Shopping Center/Industrial Park | 1 | 32 feet | 100 square feet for one side, 200 square feet for all sides | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Princeton(sample of 3 of 8 zones)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulletin Board | — | 32 square feet | — | — | — | On site for public, charitable or religious institutions | — | Unlock | § 430-59A |
| Occupant Sign | — | 3 square feet | — | — | — | One per street front | — | Unlock | § 430-59E |
| Temporary Construction Safety Sign | 10 feet | — | — | — | — | On private premises | — | Unlock | § 430-59G |
| Traffic and Service Sign | 10 feet | 12 square feet per face | — | — | — | On private premises | — | Unlock | § 430-59H |
| Real Estate Sign | — | 8 square feet for residential, 32 square feet for nonresidential | — | — | — | On the offered property | — | Unlock | § 430-59J |
| Political Sign | — | 16 square feet | — | — | — | One per premises per candidate or referenda question | — | Unlock | § 430-59O |
| Rummage/Garage Sale Sign | — | 8 square feet | — | — | — | Within street right-of-way lines | — | Unlock | § 430-59P |
| Open/Close Sign | — | 10 square feet | — | — | — | On premises | — | Unlock | § 430-59Q |
Commercial District (B-1, B-2, B-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Directory Sign | — | 24 square feet | — | At the right-of-way line of the highway | — | Part of a City-sponsored directory sign program | — | Unlock | § 430-61D(1) |
| Wall Sign | 20 feet | — | — | — | — | Exterior walls of buildings | — | Unlock | § 430-61D(2) |
| Projecting Sign | 20 feet | 40 square feet on each of two faces | — | — | — | Fastened to, suspended from, or supported by a building or structure | — | Unlock | § 430-61D(3) |
| Ground Sign | 20 feet | 40 square feet on each side | — | Comply with all setback requirements of the district | — | Street frontage | — | Unlock | § 430-61D(4) |
| Sandwich Sign | 4 feet | 8 square feet per side | — | — | — | B-1 or B-2 District | — | Unlock | § 430-62C |
Industrial District (I-1)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Directory Sign | — | 24 square feet | — | At the right-of-way line of the highway | — | Part of a City-sponsored directory sign program | — | Unlock | § 430-61D(1) |
| Wall Sign | 20 feet | — | — | — | — | Exterior walls of buildings | — | Unlock | § 430-61D(2) |
| Projecting Sign | 20 feet | 40 square feet on each of two sides | — | — | — | Fastened to, suspended from, or supported by a building or structure | — | Unlock | § 430-61D(3) |
| Ground Sign | 20 feet | 160 square feet on each side | — | Comply with all setback requirements of the district | — | Street frontage | — | Unlock | § 430-61D(4) |
| Pylon Sign | 30 feet | 100 square feet for one side, 200 feet for all sides | — | Completely within the property | — | Street frontage | — | Unlock | § 430-61D(5) |
PermitPal covers all 8 zoning districts in Princeton — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 8 zones for Princeton — start freeProhibited Signs in Princeton
- Signs shall not resemble, imitate or approximate the shape, size, form or color of railroad or traffic signs or devices.
- Signs, canopies and awnings shall not obstruct or interfere with the effectiveness of railroad or traffic signs, signals or devices or the safe flow of traffic.
- 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, awning or canopy shall be placed so as to obstruct or interfere with traffic visibility.
- No sign shall be erected which has any flashing, rotating or brilliant intermittent parts or lights, bare reflecting-type bulbs, or utilizes a spot or beacon light to illuminate a sign, except those giving public service information such as time, date, temperature, weather or similar information.
- Signs shall not be permitted on public rights-of-way, except for municipal traffic control, parking and directional signs and as otherwise specified in this article.
- No new billboards shall be permitted in the City of Princeton after the effective date of this article.
- Painted wall signs are prohibited in the City of Princeton.
- No person shall paste or otherwise fasten any paper or other material, paint, stencil or write any number, sign, name or any disfiguring mark within any street right-of-way, on any sidewalk, curb, gutter, street, post, fire hydrant, pole or tree, any other sign, building, fence or other structure.
- Signs which bear or contain statements, words, pictures, or symbols of obscene, pornographic or immoral subjects are prohibited.
- New roof signs are prohibited in the City of Princeton.
- Swinging signs are prohibited.
- Third-party signs and billboards are prohibited, except as provided in § 430-61D(6).
- No persons shall park any vehicle or trailer on a public right-of-way or on private properties so as to be seen from a public right-of-way, which has attached thereto or located thereon any sign or advertising device for the basic purposes of providing advertisement of products or directing people to a business activity located on the same or nearby property or any other premises.
- Signs which are not effectively shielded so as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed at any portion of the traveled ways of a public right-of-way and which are of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or to impair the vision of the driver of any motor vehicle, or which otherwise interfere with any driver's operations of a motor vehicle, are prohibited.
- Signs which are not effectively shielded as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed at any residential property, and which are of such intensity or brilliance as to cause a public nuisance, are prohibited.
- No sign shall be so floodlighted or illuminated that it interferes with the effectiveness of or obscures an official traffic sign, device, or signal.
- Spotlights and beacons are restricted.
Exempt Signs in Princeton
- Bulletin boards for public, charitable or religious institutions located on site.
- 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 which are erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance of his/her public duty.
- Interior signs located within the interior of any building or structure which are not visible from the public right-of-way.
- Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when cut into any masonry surface, or inlaid so as to be part of the building.
- Occupant signs limited in content to name of occupant, address of premises, and signs of danger.
- Official governmental notices and notices posted by governmental officers in the performance of their duties; governmental signs to control traffic or for other regulatory purposes or to identify streets or to warn of danger.
- Temporary or permanent signs erected by public utility companies or construction companies to warn of dangerous or hazardous conditions.
- Traffic and parking signs and devices privately owned and on private premises, and containing messages such as 'exit only,' 'restricted for _________,' and the like, the sole purpose of which is to direct and control traffic on the premises.
- Signs required by law, statute or ordinance, constructed and maintained according to the law, statute or ordinance under which the sign was erected.
- Real estate signs advertising the sale, rental or lease of the premises upon which it is located.
- Signs in the display window of a business which relate to services or products offered therein.
- Religious symbols, commemorative plaques of recognized historic agencies, or identification emblems of religious orders or historical agencies.
- Temporary or portable signs under 20 square feet for the purpose of an on-site open house, model home demonstration, special event such as a birthday or anniversary.
- Temporary off-premises signs pertaining to drives or events of civic, philanthropic, educational, religious, or nonprofit organizations.
- Political message, public election or referenda signs during an election campaign.
- Rummage or garage sale signs not to exceed eight square feet in area.
- Illuminated and nonilluminated signs not exceeding 10 square feet in area announcing that a business is open or closed.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Princeton
- Variances or exceptions to these sign regulations may be granted by the Board of Appeals following a recommendation from the Zoning Administrator, pursuant to the procedures of the City Zoning Code.
Source: ecode360 municipal code