Sign Regulations in Tomahawk, Wisconsin
Tomahawk, Wisconsin has specific sign regulations covering 56 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign (Standard), All Signs - Setbacks, All Signs - Lighting (General). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: November 22, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Tomahawk, Wisconsin
Sample Sign Requirements in Tomahawk
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Signs - Setbacks | — | — | Min 5 ft from ROW (except SD-4). |
| Real Estate / For Sale or Lease Sign (SD-5) | — | 8 sq ft | — |
| Real Estate / For Sale or Lease Sign (All Other Districts) | — | 32 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for TomahawkFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
56
- Freestanding Sign (Standard)
- All Signs - Setbacks
- All Signs - Lighting (General)
- All Signs - Changeable Copy (General)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Tomahawk
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Tomahawk 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 Tomahawk, 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 Tomahawk, regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign (Standard), All Signs - Setbacks, All Signs - Lighting (General), All Signs - Changeable Copy (General), 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 Tomahawk 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 Tomahawk are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Tomahawk has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Tomahawk, Wisconsin Sign Rules at a Glance
Tomahawk, Wisconsin regulates 56 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Portable Sign (SD-1/SD-3)s in the Commercial/Industrial Sign District (SD-1, SD-2, SD-3) zoning district are capped at 4 ft (from ground to top) tall, 8 sq ft, and 2.5 ft wide, with a Min 5 ft from ROW setback (Sec. §25-6(6)(b)(1)-(5); §25-4(c)). Most commercial signs in Tomahawk require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Tomahawk, Wisconsin
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Tomahawk (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 17 | — | 32 sq ft | — |
| Commercial/Industrial Sign District (SD-1, SD-2, SD-3) | 15 | 36 inches (3 ft) | 500 sq ft (maximum total) | — |
| Central Business Sign District (SD-4) | 17 | 20 ft | ≤ 50% of total allowed sign area | — |
| Residential Sign District (SD-5) | 7 | 14 ft (bottom must be ≥ 8 ft from grade when in vision triangle) | 32 sq ft | — |
| Highway Commercial | 1 | To be determined by Plan Commission | To be determined by Plan Commission | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Tomahawk(sample of 3 of 5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Signs - Setbacks | — | — | — | Min 5 ft from ROW (except SD-4). | — | All signs shall be set back a minimum of 5 feet from the right-of-way in all sign districts except SD-4. | — | Unlock | §25-3(3)-(4) |
| Wall Sign - General Placement Limits | — | — | — | — | — | Shall not project higher than the building soffit or eave height. | — | Unlock | §25-3(2) |
| All Signs - Vision Obstruction Controls | — | — | — | — | — | Must not create vision obstructions onto public ROW, alleys, sidewalks, adjacent drives or private drives entering onto a street/alley. | — | Unlock | §25-3(6); Definitions “Vision Obstruction” |
| Subdivision Identification Sign - General (Temporary) | — | — | — | — | — | May be placed within ROW only per SD-5 rules (see SD-5). | — | Unlock | §25-3(8) |
| Real Estate / For Sale or Lease Sign (SD-5) | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §25-3(11) |
| Real Estate / For Sale or Lease Sign (All Other Districts) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §25-3(11) |
| Garage and Rummage Sale Sign | — | — | — | — | — | May be placed in the right-of-way except road center medians; cannot be placed on government-owned property (such as parks). | — | Unlock | §25-3(12); §25-10(1)(k) |
| Sidewalk Sign - Zone Limitation | — | — | — | — | — | Only permitted in SD-4 Central Business Sign District. | — | Unlock | §25-3(14) |
Commercial/Industrial Sign District (SD-1, SD-2, SD-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (Standard) | 35 ft | 200 sq ft | — | Min 5 ft from ROW (§25-3(4)). | 1 per street frontage (200 ft separation between signs) | On private property; one per street frontage per lot; must maintain minimum separation of 200 ft between such signs (measured along frontage). | — | Unlock | §25-6(1)(a)-(c) |
| Wall Sign (Standard) | — | 500 sq ft (maximum total) | — | — | On no more than two walls without Commission approval | On building walls (no more than two walls without Planning & Zoning Commission approval). | — | Unlock | §25-6(3); §25-3(2) |
| Freestanding Multiple Tenant Sign (Shopping Center) | — | 150 sq ft | — | Min 5 ft from ROW (§25-3(4)). | 1 per street frontage (200 ft separation) | One per street frontage in a shopping center; minimum 200 ft separation along frontage between such signs. | — | Unlock | §25-6(5)(a) |
| Wall Sign - Shopping Center Tenant (Standard) | — | 100 sq ft | — | — | 1 per tenant | Per tenant. | — | Unlock | §25-6(5)(b) |
| Wall Sign - Shopping Center End Tenant (Additional) | — | 100 sq ft | — | — | 1 additional (end tenants only) | On the end of the building for end/corner tenants. | — | Unlock | §25-6(5)(b) |
| Wall Identification Sign - Shopping Center (Center ID) | — | 100 sq ft | — | — | 1 per center | On shopping center building (center identification). | — | Unlock | §25-6(5)(c) |
| Temporary Sign (General - SD-1/SD-3) | — | 50 sq ft (logo/product identification ≤ 25% of sign area) | — | — | Max 2 temporary/portable signs on property at once | On the parcel where the event occurs. | — | Unlock | §25-6(6); §25-6(6)(a)(1); §25-11 |
| Portable Sign (SD-1/SD-3) | 4 ft (from ground to top) | 8 sq ft | 2.5 ft | Min 5 ft from ROW | Counts toward max of 2 temporary/portable signs at once | On private property; only during normal working hours of the business it advertises. | — | Unlock | §25-6(6)(b)(1)-(5); §25-4(c) |
Central Business Sign District (SD-4)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Sign | — | — | — | — | 1 per ground floor tenant or storefront entrance | Externally mounted; one per ground floor tenant or per storefront entrance; within signable area (Appendix A). | — | Unlock | §25-7(1)(a); §25-7(3) |
| Secondary Sign | — | ≤ 50% of total allowed sign area | — | — | — | On façade/property as secondary signage. | — | Unlock | §25-7(1)(b); §25-7(3) |
| Wall Sign (SD-4 - Facing Commercial Uses) | — | Signable area ≤ 10% of total façade area; graphics within signable area ≤ 40% | — | — | — | Within signable area on the façade. | — | Unlock | §25-7(4)(a)-(f) (40% graphics where facing commercial) |
| Wall Sign (SD-4 - Facing Residential Uses) | — | Signable area ≤ 10% of total façade area; graphics within signable area ≤ 30% | — | — | — | Within signable area on the façade facing residential land uses. | — | Unlock | §25-7(4)(b)-(c) (30% graphics where facing residential) |
| Identification Sign (Directory) - Upper Story Tenants | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | — | As a directory for upper-story tenants; within signable area. | — | Unlock | §25-7(4)(e); §25-7(11)(b) |
| Freestanding Sign (Standard) | 20 ft | 32 sq ft | — | SD-4 exempt from 5 ft ROW setback; must respect SD-4 overhang/extension rules where applicable. | — | Only allowed for businesses accessible by automobile and providing on-site parking directly accessible to the business advertised. | — | Unlock | §25-7(1)(e); §25-7(6)(a)-(b) |
| Freestanding Sign (Adjacent to/Across from Residential Zones) | 12 ft | 16 sq ft | — | — | — | Same as standard (auto accessible with on-site parking). | — | Unlock | §25-7(6)(a)-(b) |
| Sidewalk Sign | 4 ft | 8 sq ft | 2.5 ft | — | 1 per business location (corner sharing rules apply) | Between sidewalk and curb and within ~6.5 ft of curb (where longitudinal crack is mostly present). May not impede pedestrian traffic. Side street businesses may place one sign on a Wisconsin Ave corner with permission from the corner business (one sign per corner; if two side street businesses desire signs, they share one sign). | — | Unlock | §25-7(10)(a)-(f) |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Tomahawk — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 5 zones for Tomahawk — start freeProhibited Signs in Tomahawk
- Off-premise signs are not allowed citywide unless specifically allowed elsewhere in the ordinance (Sec. 25-3(1)).
- Signs, banners, flags, canopies and other displays may not be located in or overhang any public right-of-way (including alleys and sidewalks), except for government signs, subdivision identification signs, garage/rummage sale signs, and those signs allowed in Sec. 25-7(5) (Sec. 25-3(3)).
- All signs must be set back a minimum of five feet from the right-of-way in all sign districts except the SD-4 Central Business District (Sec. 25-3(4)).
- Signs and displays may not create vision obstructions onto public rights-of-way, alleys, sidewalks, adjacent drives, or private drives entering a street or alley (Sec. 25-3(6)).
- Signs and graphics that become faded, stained, or otherwise unsightly must be removed, repaired, or replaced (Sec. 25-3(5)).
- Construction signs may only be displayed from the start of construction until the building is occupied (Sec. 25-3(7)).
- Temporary subdivision identification signs may not be displayed for more than two years unless an annual extension is approved (Sec. 25-3(8)).
- Lighting restrictions: exterior lighting fixtures may not be oriented so the lighting element or transparent shield is visible from the right-of-way or from adjacent residential sign districts; revolving beacon lights are prohibited; and underground wiring is required for all electrically powered signs (Sec. 25-3(9)).
- Changeable copy restrictions: electronic changeable copy may not change sooner than every 3 seconds; scrolling messages may not exceed 7 seconds (Sec. 25-3(10)).
- Garage and rummage sale signs: prohibited on government-owned property (such as parks); may not be placed in road center medians; may not be attached to trees or poles; and must be removed the same day the sale ends (Sec. 25-3(12)).
- Political signs: display limited to the period from the first day of circulation of nomination papers (or submission of a ballot question) until one week after the election or referendum (Sec. 25-3(13)).
- Sidewalk signs are prohibited outside the SD-4 Central Business Sign District (Sec. 25-3(14)).
- Prohibited commercial sign types in all sign districts (with stated exceptions): abandoned signs (Sec. 25-4(a)); flashing signs (Sec. 25-4(b)); commercial portable signs (Sec. 25-4(c)); roof signs (Sec. 25-4(d)); rotating signs (Sec. 25-4(e)); searchlights, except as allowed in Sec. 25-6(7)(a) (Sec. 25-4(f)); snipe signs (Sec. 25-4(g)); inflatable signs, except as allowed in Sec. 25-6(7)(a) (Sec. 25-4(h)); signs imitating or resembling official traffic or government signs or signals (Sec. 25-4(i)); and signs placed on vehicles or trailers that are permanently parked or located for the primary purpose of displaying the sign (Sec. 25-4(j)).
- Wall signs may not project higher than the building soffit or eave height and may not extend beyond the edge of the wall or surface to which they are mounted (Sec. 25-3(2)).
Exempt Signs in Tomahawk
- No permit is required for maintenance of a sign or for a change of copy on changeable copy signs (Sec. 25-9(1)).
- Signs exempt from permit requirements citywide (must comply with all other ordinance provisions): Construction Signs (Sec. 25-10(1)(a)).
- Signs exempt from permit requirements citywide (must comply with all other ordinance provisions): Directional/Informational Signs (Sec. 25-10(1)(b)).
- Signs exempt from permit requirements citywide (must comply with all other ordinance provisions): Holiday Decorations or Non-Commercial Special Events (Sec. 25-10(1)(c)).
- Signs exempt from permit requirements citywide (must comply with all other ordinance provisions): Incidental Signs (Sec. 25-10(1)(d)).
- Signs exempt from permit requirements citywide (must comply with all other ordinance provisions): Nameplates (Sec. 25-10(1)(e)).
- Signs exempt from permit requirements citywide (must comply with all other ordinance provisions): Public Signs or Notices, or any Sign Relating to an Emergency (Sec. 25-10(1)(f)).
- Signs exempt from permit requirements citywide (must comply with all other ordinance provisions): Political Signs (Sec. 25-10(1)(g)).
- Signs exempt from permit requirements citywide (must comply with all other ordinance provisions): Real Estate Signs (Sec. 25-10(1)(h)).
- Signs exempt from permit requirements citywide (must comply with all other ordinance provisions): Window Signs (Sec. 25-10(1)(i)).
- Signs exempt from permit requirements citywide (must comply with all other ordinance provisions): Community Event Signs (Sec. 25-10(1)(j)).
- Signs exempt from permit requirements citywide (must comply with all other ordinance provisions): Garage and Rummage Sale Signs (Sec. 25-10(1)(k)).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Tomahawk
- A permit is required for all signs unless otherwise provided; the application must include a site plan showing the proposed sign location, the locations and square footages of all existing or proposed signs on the same premises, and nearby signs on adjacent property, plus scaled drawings (materials, design, dimensions, structural supports, electrical components), proof of insurance, and other information needed to show compliance (Sec. 25-9(1)).
- Permit fee schedule: $4 per $1,000 valuation of the sign, $50 minimum (Sec. 25-9(2)).
- Temporary signs used for business openings, grand openings, or special commercial events require a temporary sign permit (no fee) prior to installation; each event requires a separate temporary sign permit; submittal must include type, size, height, location, and dates (Sec. 25-11).
- Variances: An applicant may appeal to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a variance from ordinance requirements; variance may be granted upon findings of hardship, non-detriment, uniqueness, and consistency with ordinance objectives; conditions may be attached (Sec. 25-18).
- SD-1/SD-2/SD-3: Wall signs may not be placed on more than two walls without Planning and Zoning Commission approval (Sec. 25-6(3)).
- SD-1/SD-2/SD-3 (Shopping centers): Requests for more wall signs than allowed or for wall signs larger than 100 square feet require Planning and Zoning Commission approval (Sec. 25-6(5)(b)).
- SD-1/SD-2/SD-3: Planning and Zoning Commission may grant additional temporary signs beyond the standard allowance for grand openings or special commercial events on a case-by-case basis (Sec. 25-6(6)(a)(3)(a)).
- SD-1/SD-2/SD-3: Identity signs require Planning and Zoning Commission approval; commission determines height and size and evaluates criteria including site size, zoning, and identity content (Sec. 25-6(8)).
- SD-4: Marquees are reviewed on a case-by-case basis (Sec. 25-7(8)).
- SD-4: Use of logos on canopy signs is reviewed on a case-by-case basis (Sec. 25-7(7)(c)).
- SD-5: For high school wall identification signs located more than 100 feet from the right-of-way, a wall sign larger than 20 square feet may be allowed only by the Common Council with recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission (Sec. 25-8(4)(b)).
- Temporary subdivision identification signs may receive annual extensions upon approval by the building inspector or designee (Sec. 25-3(8)); in SD-5, subdivision identification signs placed within the right-of-way require approval by the building inspector or designee (Sec. 25-8(3)).
- SD-4 sidewalk signs at Wisconsin Avenue corners for side street businesses require prior permission from the corner business owner; only one sign per corner is permitted (Sec. 25-7(10)(a)).
Source: other municipal code