Sign Regulations in Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Rhinelander, Wisconsin has specific sign regulations covering 20 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Nameplate and Identification Sign, Limited-Time Event Sign, Regulatory, Required, and Historic Sign. Height restrictions apply. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 8, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Sample Sign Requirements in Rhinelander
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate and Identification Sign | 1st story for wall-mounted; 8 ft for freestanding sign | 2 sf for each sign serving a residential use; 9 sf for each such sign serving a nonresidential use | Minimum 1 ft from lot line, outside of required vision clearance triangle. |
| Regulatory, Required, and Historic Sign | No City regulation, except ≥ 8 ft clearance for pylon/projecting sign | No City regulation | Minimum 1 ft from lot line, outside of required vision clearance triangle. |
| Window Sign | — | Total area of all window signs may not exceed 25% of total window area | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for RhinelanderPartial Coverage
Sign Types Covered
20
- Nameplate and Identification Sign
- Limited-Time Event Sign
- Regulatory, Required, and Historic Sign
- Window Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
10
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Rhinelander
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Rhinelander 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 Rhinelander, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Rhinelander, regulated sign types include Nameplate and Identification Sign, Limited-Time Event Sign, Regulatory, Required, and Historic Sign, Window 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 Rhinelander 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 Rhinelander are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Rhinelander has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Rhinelander, Wisconsin Sign Rules at a Glance
Rhinelander, Wisconsin regulates 20 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Nameplate and Identification Signs in the R-1 Single-Family Residential (R-1), R-2 Single- and Two-Family Residential (R-2), R-3 Mixed Residential (R-3), C-R Conservation and Recreation (C-R) zoning district are capped at 1st story for wall-mounted; 8 ft for freestanding sign tall and 2 sf for each sign serving a residential use; 9 sf for each such sign serving a nonresidential use, with a Minimum 1 ft from lot line, outside of required vision clearance triangle. setback (Sec. Figure 5.07.10.05).
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Rhinelander (10 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-1 Single-Family Residential (R-1), R-2 Single- and Two-Family Residential (R-2), R-3 Mixed Residential (R-3), C-R Conservation and Recreation (C-R) | 6 | No City regulation, except ≥ 8 ft clearance for pylon/projecting sign | See formula (e.g., for 100 ft of street frontage: 10 sq ft max combined area) | — |
| B-1 Neighborhood Business (B-1), B-2 Central Business (B-2), B-3 General Business (B-3), C-B Community Building (C-B), I-1 Light Industrial (I-1), I-2 General Industrial (I-2), INT Institutional (INT) | 7 | 8 ft, if freestanding | 64 sf per sign | — |
| PD Planned Development (PD) | 1 | — | — | — |
| A-H Airport Height Limitation (Overlay) | 1 | — | — | — |
| H Historic (Overlay) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Shoreland (Overlay) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Shoreland-Wetland (Overlay) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Floodplain (Floodway, Floodfringe, General Floodplain) (Overlay) | 1 | — | — | — |
| GP Groundwater Protection (Overlay) | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 2 | — | Same as other sign area limitations for the business/lot per figures 5.07.10.05 or 5.07.10.06 | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Rhinelander(sample of 3 of 10 zones)
R-1 Single-Family Residential (R-1), R-2 Single- and Two-Family Residential (R-2), R-3 Mixed Residential (R-3), C-R Conservation and Recreation (C-R)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate and Identification Sign | 1st story for wall-mounted; 8 ft for freestanding sign | 2 sf for each sign serving a residential use; 9 sf for each such sign serving a nonresidential use | — | Minimum 1 ft from lot line, outside of required vision clearance triangle. | 1 per dwelling unit (2 on corner lots with frontage on both streets). | Affixed flat against the wall of the building or in an arm/post sign or monument freestanding configuration. Minimum 1 ft from lot line and outside of required vision clearance triangle. | — | Unlock | Figure 5.07.10.05 |
| Regulatory, Required, and Historic Sign | No City regulation, except ≥ 8 ft clearance for pylon/projecting sign | No City regulation | — | Minimum 1 ft from lot line, outside of required vision clearance triangle. | No City regulation | Not on or above roof; minimum 1 ft from lot line and outside of required vision clearance triangle. | — | Unlock | Figure 5.07.10.05 |
| Window Sign | — | Total area of all window signs may not exceed 25% of total window area | — | — | No City regulation | Affixed to inside or to surface of glazed section of window, not on any frame or other window feature. | — | Unlock | Figure 5.07.10.05 |
| Signs for multi-building residential development, subdivision, recreational, institutional, or business use (not home occupations) | 1st story for wall-mounted; 12 ft for freestanding sign | See formula (e.g., for 100 ft of street frontage: 10 sq ft max combined area) | — | Minimum setback from lot line shall be not less than sign height. | 1 per public street or driveway entrance | On building wall, not on or above roof. Only freestanding options are monument and arm/post (not pylon). | — | Unlock | Figure 5.07.10.05 |
| Auxiliary Sign (where use has parking lot with ≥ 5 spaces) | 8 feet | 2 sf for each entrance or exit sign; 9 sf for each parking area sign | — | Min. 1 ft from lot line, outside of required vision clearance triangle. | 1 per entrance/exit; 1 per parking area, 2 if corner lot | Not on or above roof; minimum 1 ft from lot line and outside of required vision clearance triangle. | — | Unlock | Figure 5.07.10.05 |
| Limited-Time Event Sign | 8 feet, if freestanding | 64 sf per lot; 64 sf per sign for each entrance of multi-family or subdivision development | — | Min. 1 ft from lot line, outside of required vision clearance triangle | No quantitative limit per dwelling unit or use; not more than 1 per entrance of multi-building residential development/subdivision/etc. | May be off-premise with permission of property owner. May not be on or above roof, closer than 1 ft from lot line, or within required vision clearance triangle. | — | Unlock | Figure 5.07.10.05 |
B-1 Neighborhood Business (B-1), B-2 Central Business (B-2), B-3 General Business (B-3), C-B Community Building (C-B), I-1 Light Industrial (I-1), I-2 General Industrial (I-2), INT Institutional (INT)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate and Identification Sign | 8 ft, if freestanding | 9 sf per sign | — | Min. 1 ft from lot line, outside of required vision clearance triangle | 1 per business; 2 on corner lot | Affixed flat against the wall of the building or in an arm/post sign or monument freestanding configuration outside required vision triangle | — | Unlock | Figure 5.07.10.06 |
| Individual Business Sign | B-1, B-2, C-B, INT: 25 ft; Other nonresidential districts: 35 ft | — | — | Min. 1 ft from lot line, outside vision clearance triangle | 3 per unique business/activity | Not on or above roof; freestanding min. 1 ft from lot line and outside vision clearance triangle; Window sign if affixed to inside or to surface of glazed section, not on frame/feature. | — | Unlock | Figure 5.07.10.06 |
| Sandwich Board/Pedestal Sign | 8 ft | 12 sf per sign | — | — | 1 per unique business/activity | Only placed outdoors when business is open to customers; on-premise (or on sidewalk immediately adjacent to business lot); not illuminated. | — | Unlock | Figure 5.07.10.06 |
| Auxiliary Sign | 8 ft if freestanding | — | — | Min. 1 ft from lot line, outside vision clearance triangle | May be limited by site plan; otherwise no city regulation | Not on or above roof; minimum 1 ft from lot line and outside vision clearance triangle. | — | Unlock | Figure 5.07.10.06 |
| Unified Business Center Sign | B-1, B-2, C-B, INT: 30 ft; Other nonresidential districts: 45 ft | — | — | Min. 10 ft from lot line, outside vision clearance triangle | 1 per every 10 acres | Not on or above roof; freestanding min. 10 ft from lot line and outside vision clearance triangle. | — | Unlock | Figure 5.07.10.06 |
| Limited-Time Event Sign | 8 ft if freestanding | 64 sf per sign | — | Min. 1 ft from lot line, outside vision clearance triangle | 1 at a time per unique business/activity | On-premise, except limited-time special event sign may be off-premise with permission. Not on or above roof, closer than 1 ft from lot line, or within vision clearance triangle. | — | Unlock | Figure 5.07.10.06 |
| Regulatory, Required, or Historic Sign | 8 ft if freestanding | No City regulation | — | — | No City regulation | Not on or above roof; outside of required vision clearance triangle | — | Unlock | Figure 5.07.10.06 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community Information Sign | — | — | — | — | — | May be located in any zoning district by landowner permission, or on public property/right-of-way if approved by Zoning Administrator. | — | Unlock | 5.07.10.04(2) |
| Variable Message Sign (VMS) | — | Same as other sign area limitations for the business/lot per figures 5.07.10.05 or 5.07.10.06 | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 5.07.10.04(3) |
PermitPal covers all 10 zoning districts in Rhinelander — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 10 zones for Rhinelander — start freeProhibited Signs in Rhinelander
- No sign shall be erected at any location where it may, by reason of its position, shape, color or design, interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device, nor shall such sign make use of words such as "stop," "look," "drive-in," "danger," or any other word, phrase, symbol, or character in such manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse users of streets or highways.
- No sign shall 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.
- No sign may be located within required vision clearance triangle under Section 5.07.9.06(15), nor otherwise impede traffic or pedestrian visibility or mobility in the determination of the Zoning Administrator.
- No private sign shall be attached to or painted on any public utility or light pole or traffic regulatory structure, natural feature (e.g., tree or rock), or fence or wall, except where such feature was deliberately placed and designed for private signage in the determination of the Zoning Administrator.
- No flashing, undulating, swinging, rotating, or otherwise moving signs shall be allowed or permitted, except for flags, pennants, and feather banners.
- No sign attached to a building which is permitted to project away from the building wall shall be designed and constructed in which the attachment to such wall extends above a point of bearing with the roof rafters, except that roof parapets and roof-mounted mechanical equipment screening walls may be used as sign installation areas if integral to the architectural design of the building as determined by the Zoning Administrator.
- No sign, other than a regulatory or government erected sign, shall be allowed or permitted within or extending into a public right-of-way, except as specifically provided (e.g., certain projecting/awning/canopy/marquee signs in the B-2 District, or temporary/community information signs with approval).
- Any sign illegally placed in a public right-of-way or public property shall be subject to immediate removal and confiscation without notice by the Zoning Administrator, and without any payment or return of the sign to its installer or owner.
- No illuminated sign shall be allowed or permitted where the lighting element/bulb (except for neon signs) is visible from any property within a residential zoning district.
- No mobile, advertising vehicle, inflatable signs, or flashing signs shall be allowed or permitted.
- No signs that advertise an activity, business product, or service no longer conducted or available on the premises shall be permitted, except for 'ghost signs' on older buildings in the City determined by the Zoning Administrator to add historic value to the City.
- No off-premises advertising signs or structures supporting such signs shall be permitted to be installed or expanded in area or number of signs after May 18, 2021 (with limited exceptions for existing, legal nonconforming, community information, or similar signs).
- No sign or any part thereof, anchor, brace or guide rod shall be attached, erected, or maintained that may cover or obstruct any door, doorway, or window of any building that may hinder or prevent ingress or egress through such door, doorway, or window, or which may hinder or prevent the raising or placing of ladders against such building in the event of fire.
- No sign or any part thereof, anchor, brace, or guide rod shall be attached, fastened, or anchored to any fire escape, fire ladder, or standpipe.
- All signs at one premises may be included under one sign permit, if applied for at the same time, but permits may not be assigned or transferred to any other sign.
- No sign structure may be constructed or mounted except in compliance with applicable City and State building and electrical codes, and all freestanding illuminated signs must be supplied power only by underground wiring or internal batteries.
- No sign (other than regulatory) may have its base or supports designed in a way that does not meet minimum footing or anchoring requirements (i.e., all freestanding signs must have footings at least 42 inches below ground, securely anchored to concrete or footing).
Exempt Signs in Rhinelander
- No sign permit shall be required for the cleaning, repainting, replacing with the same sign copy and area, repair to previous condition, maintenance of a sign or sign structure, or replacement of a sign face within a previously permitted and conforming sign structure where the sign structure was deliberately designed to allow such sign face replacement and does not require alteration as part of the replacement of the sign face.
- No sign permit shall be required for types and configurations of signs indicated as not requiring a sign permit in Figures 5.07.10.05 and 5.07.10.06.
- Nameplate and Identification Signs, Regulatory, Required, and Historic Signs, Auxiliary Signs (in some cases), Sandwich Board/Pedestal Signs, and Limited-Time Event Signs meeting dimensional and placement standards may not require a sign permit under the conditions and limitations specified in applicable tables and sections.
- Community information signs may be erected on any property (including public property or rights-of-way) with landowner or City permission, and are exempt from sign area calculations for the site.
- Community information signs associated with a limited-time event are permitted 48 hours before the event and up to 24 hours after the event.
- Regulatory, required, or historic signs as defined do not require a City permit and are exempt from City regulation regarding number, area, height, and location, except for basic placement and height safety standards.
- Off-premises advertising signs that were legally installed prior to May 18, 2021 but made nonconforming by the new ordinance are permitted to continue as legal nonconforming structures and may be upgraded/replaced with new technology (if area, number, and height are not increased and all other requirements are met).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Rhinelander
- All signs at one premises may be included under one sign permit, if applied for at the same time (Section 5.07.10.02(1)(d)).
- Site and building plan approval is required for new development activities or significant exterior changes in non-residential and multi-family sites, and all signage should be shown on the required site plan (Section 5.07.12.10(4)(u), 5.07.8.01(3)).
- Site and building plan applications must include the location, type, height, size and lighting of all existing signage and for proposed signage to the extent practical at the time (Section 5.07.12.10(4)(u)).
- Sign permits are required for each sign located, erected, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, converted, or structurally altered except as specifically exempted (Section 5.07.10.02(1)).
- Within Planned Development (PD) Zoning Districts, permitted sign types, number, area, location, and other characteristics shall be per an approved final development plan (FDP) for each individual PD. No signage excluded from an approved FDP shall be located within that particular PD (Section 5.07.10.06(2)).
- Changes to the signage not covered in an existing approved site or final development plan require a new or amended application, approval, and/or permit.
- Special exceptions to sign requirements (such as additional area, height, or other standards) may be requested and require Plan Commission approval per Section 5.07.12.08.
- If requesting a variance (for standards not eligible for special exception, or seeking relief due to unique hardship), a formal variance request must be filed and will be heard by the Zoning Board of Appeals under Section 5.07.12.11.
- If a sign proposal is part of a larger site development or redevelopment, the sign plan will be reviewed and approved as part of the full site and building plan review process, which may involve Plan Commission approval if thresholds for PC review listed in Section 5.07.12.10(7) are met (for example, if tied to a conditional use, rezoning, or significant project).
Source: municode municipal code