# Sign Regulations in Viroqua, Wisconsin

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Viroqua, Wisconsin (WI)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/wisconsin/viroqua
- **Data last verified:** 2025-11-24
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://cms2.revize.com/revize/viroqua/Documents/Government/Municipal%20Ordinances/Title%2017%20-%20Zoning.pdf?t=202501160913150&t=202501160913150#page=60)

## At a glance

Viroqua, Wisconsin regulates 44 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Single Family Residence)s in the Residential Sign District (A-1, C-1, R-1, R-2, R-3) zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and 3 sq. ft., with a 5 ft min side/rear; 15 ft min front setback from property line. setback (Sec. Residential sign district — Single family residence (dimensions and setbacks); Table 1; Table 3 note (b)). Most commercial signs in Viroqua require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (9 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 15 | Residential flagpoles: max 25 ft; Other Districts flagpoles: max 40 ft | EVMS portion limited to 25% of entire sign face (excluding supports). | — |
| Residential Sign District (A-1, C-1, R-1, R-2, R-3) | 9 | 6 ft | 32 sq. ft. | — |
| Commercial Sign District (B-1, B-2) | 11 | Per freestanding sign limits applicable to location. | Per-sign maximum: 200 sq. ft. | — |
| Commercial Sign District (Main Street south of Rusk St. and north of 850 N. Main) | 3 | 30 ft | 150 sq. ft. | — |
| Commercial Sign District (All other locations) | 2 | 21 ft | 100 sq. ft. | — |
| Industrial Sign District (B-3, B-4) | 6 | 10 ft | Per-sign maximum: 100 sq. ft. | — |
| Institutional Sign District | 2 | 6 ft | 32 sq. ft. per sign | — |
| Historic District | 2 | — | — | — |
| Main Street Program Area | 1 | — | — | — |

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

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Temporary Construction Sign (Residential Districts) | — | 8 sq. ft. | — | Temporary signs shall meet all setback requirements. | 1 | On the premises where construction is occurring. | — | 17.40.120(2)(b); Table 1 |
| Temporary Construction Sign (Non-Residential Districts) | — | 16 sq. ft. | — | Temporary signs shall meet all setback requirements. | 1 | On the premises where construction is occurring. | — | 17.40.120(2)(b); Table 1 |
| Temporary Campaign Sign (Residential Districts) | — | 8 sq. ft. | — | Temporary signs shall meet all setback requirements. | — | On private property. | — | 17.40.120(2)(c); Table 1 |
| Temporary Campaign Sign (Non-Residential Districts) | — | 16 sq. ft. | — | Temporary signs shall meet all setback requirements. | — | On private property. | — | 17.40.120(2)(c); Table 1 |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign (Residential Districts) | — | 8 sq. ft. | — | Temporary signs shall meet all setback requirements. | 1 | On the premises offered for sale/rent/lease. | — | 17.40.120(2)(d); Table 1 |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign (Non-Residential Districts) | — | 16 sq. ft. | — | Temporary signs shall meet all setback requirements. | 1 | On the premises offered for sale/rent/lease. | — | 17.40.120(2)(d); Table 1 |
| Temporary Portable Sign (Private Property) | — | 16 sq. ft. (8 sq. ft. in Residential Sign Districts) | — | Temporary signs shall meet all setback requirements. | 1 per premises | On private property. | — | 17.40.120(2)(e); Table 1 |
| Electronic Variable Message Sign (General Conditions) | Max 22 ft (per 17.40.170(2)(a)). | EVMS portion limited to 25% of entire sign face (excluding supports). | — | As applicable to the underlying sign type. | — | Prohibited in Historic District; otherwise only where sign type and district allow, and only by conditional use permit. | — | Table 3 notes (d),(e); 17.40.170(1)-(4) |

### Residential Sign District (A-1, C-1, R-1, R-2, R-3)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Single Family Residence) | — | 3 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 | On the dwelling. | — | Residential sign district — Single family residence; Table 1; Table 3 note (b) |
| Freestanding Sign (Single Family Residence) | 6 ft | 3 sq. ft. | — | 5 ft min side/rear; 15 ft min front setback from property line. | 1 | On the lot serving the dwelling. | — | Residential sign district — Single family residence (dimensions and setbacks); Table 1; Table 3 note (b) |
| Wall Sign (Two-Family Residence - Individual Entrances) | — | 3 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per dwelling unit | On each dwelling unit. | — | Residential sign district — Two family residence, individual entrances; Table 1; Table 3 note (b) |
| Freestanding Sign (Two-Family Residence - Individual Entrances) | 6 ft | 3 sq. ft. | — | 5 ft min side/rear; 15 ft min front setback from property line. | 1 per dwelling unit | On the lot serving the dwelling. | — | Residential sign district — Two family residence, individual entrances (dimensions and setbacks); Table 1; Table 3 note (b) |
| Wall Sign (Multiple-Family Residence - Individual Entrances) | — | 3 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per dwelling unit | On each dwelling unit. | — | Residential sign district — Multiple-family residence, individual entrances; Table 1; Table 3 note (b) |
| Building Sign - Development Identification (Multiple-Family Residence - Common Entrances) | — | 20 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 (+1 if total street frontages ≥ 200 ft) | On the building at common entrance. | — | Residential sign district — Multiple-family residence, common entrances |
| Freestanding Sign - Development Identification (Multiple-Family Residence - Common Entrances) | 6 ft | 20 sq. ft. | — | 5 ft min side/rear; 15 ft min front setback from property line. | 1 (+1 if total street frontages ≥ 200 ft) | On the development site oriented to street frontage. | — | Residential sign district — Multiple-family residence, common entrances (dimensions and setbacks); Table 3 note (b) |
| Freestanding Sign - Development Identification (Mobile Home Park) | 6 ft | 32 sq. ft. | — | 5 ft min side/rear; 15 ft min front setback from property line. | 1 (+1 if 2 or more primary entrances) | Entrance(s) to mobile home park. | — | Residential sign district — Mobile home park (development signs); Table 3 note (b) |

### Commercial Sign District (B-1, B-2)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (B-1) | — | Per-sign maximum: 100 sq. ft. | — | — | No limit (subject to total area cap) | On building frontage(s). | — | Commercial sign district (building signs); 17.40.080(1)-(3); Building not oriented toward the street; Multiple street frontages; Table 3 (illumination and changeable copy); 17.40.170 (EVMS) |
| Wall Sign (B-2) | — | Per-sign maximum: 200 sq. ft. | — | — | No limit (subject to total area cap) | On building frontage(s). | — | Commercial sign district (building signs); 17.40.080(1)-(3); Building not oriented toward the street; Multiple street frontages; Table 3; 17.40.170 |
| Projecting Sign | — | 16 sq. ft. | — | 8 ft vertical clearance above grade; projection ≤ 5 ft | 1 per ground floor occupancy | Affixed to building façade, projecting perpendicular/at angle. | — | Table 1; Table 2 (Projecting); Figure/diagram notes; 17.40.080 |
| Suspended Sign | — | 6 sq. ft. | — | 8 ft vertical clearance | 1 per ground floor occupancy | Suspended from underside of a horizontal plane (e.g., canopy). | — | Table 1; Table 2 (Suspended); 17.40.080 |
| Building Marker | — | 4 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Affixed to building. | — | Table 1; Table 2; Table 1 note (e) |
| Identification Sign | — | 2 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per occupancy | On building or site. | — | Table 1; Table 2; Table 1 note (d); Table 3 |
| Portable Sign - Sandwich Board (B-1 Sidewalks) | — | 6 sq. ft. per side | — | — | 1 per ground level occupant | Public sidewalk only in the B-1 district, with permission of abutting property owner. | — | Table 1 (Temporary - Portable, note (g)); 17.40.140(2) |
| Freestanding Sign - Multiple Principal Uses | Per freestanding sign limits applicable to location. | Per freestanding sign size/height limits applicable to location (see Commercial freestanding standards). | — | Per freestanding sign standards (side/rear setback ≥ sign height; front setback ≥ 5 ft). | 1 per principal use (subject to criteria) | On sites with multiple principal uses. | — | Multiple Principal Uses section; Commercial sign district (freestanding standards); 17.40.080 |

## Prohibited signs in Viroqua

- All signs not expressly permitted by Chapter 17.40 are prohibited.
- No signs are allowed in the public right-of-way, except government/public-utility signs, certain projecting signs where the street setback is zero (e.g., B-1), temporary signs as permitted, and emergency signs.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- Signs painted on, attached to, or supported by a tree, stone, cliff, or other natural object are prohibited.
- Signs painted directly onto brick building walls are prohibited.
- Signs placed upon metal light poles, utility poles, stop signs, or traffic signs are prohibited.
- Signs that contain flashing, animated, or visible moving parts are prohibited (traditional barber poles are allowed).
- Spotlights directed at motorists or adjacent properties, illuminated signs whose light source is positioned so the light beam is directed onto adjacent properties or roadways, and beacons are prohibited.
- Signs that imitate or resemble official traffic signs or signals, or bear words such as “stop,” “go slow,” “caution,” or similar wording displayed in official colors, are prohibited.
- Freestanding signs that extend or project over any building, canopy, or roof are prohibited.
- Signs that contain reflective material are prohibited (except incidental, traffic-directing signs not exceeding 6 sq. ft.).
- Using a vehicle or trailer as a sign to circumvent the ordinance is prohibited.
- Over-the-street banners are prohibited.
- Signs that make noise by mechanical, electrical, or wind pressure means are prohibited.
- Signs shall not cover or obstruct doors and windows.
- Signs may not obstruct required visibility at intersections; a clear view must be maintained within the vision triangle and for signs located within 15 feet of the right-of-way and within 15 feet of driveways between specified heights.
- Abandoned signs must be removed when the business on the property has not operated for 3 months.

## Signs exempt from permit in Viroqua

- Public notices or warnings required by applicable Federal, State, or local law.
- Any sign inside a building, not attached to a window or door, and not legible from the lot line.
- Murals.
- Holiday lights and decorations with no commercial message.
- Traffic control signs on private property that meet Department of Transportation standards and contain no commercial message.
- Signs located within the Vernon County Fairgrounds not intended to be viewed from off the grounds.
- Normal maintenance or repair of a sign, and change of message/copy that does not structurally alter the sign (no permit required).
- Designated historic signs do not count against maximum allowable signage and are exempt from provisions that would otherwise prohibit their placement.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A sign permit is required to erect or structurally alter any sign unless specifically exempted; applications must include required drawings/details and be signed by both the sign owner and property owner; permits expire if work is not completed within 120 days.
- Design Review Board review and issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness is required before the Building Inspector issues a sign permit in the Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional Sign Districts.
- Additional design review standards apply in the Main Street Program Area (e.g., emphasis on business name/logo, pedestrian scale; internally lit box signs are discouraged).
- Electronic Variable Message Signs require a conditional use permit and are prohibited in the Historic District; the Plan Commission must hold a public hearing and forward recommendations to the Council.
- Appeals of sign decisions and requests for variances are heard by the Zoning Board of Appeals; variances cannot be granted for off-premises signs.
- Per Table 3(c), signs within Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional areas require design review prior to permit issuance.

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

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