Sign Regulations in Windsor, Wisconsin
Windsor, Wisconsin has specific sign regulations covering 27 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Subdivision Sign, Auxiliary Sign, Construction Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 9, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Windsor, Wisconsin
Sample Sign Requirements in Windsor
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auxiliary Sign | — | 5 sq ft per sign; total auxiliary sign area per site not to exceed 50 sq ft | 10 ft from road right-of-way; 5 ft from all other lot lines; not in vision clearance triangle (Sec. 52-23(6), Sec. 52-32) |
| Ground Sign | 16 ft | 96 sq ft | 10 ft from road right-of-way; 5 ft from all other lot lines; not in vision clearance triangle |
| Subdivision Sign | 10 ft | 64 sq ft | 10 ft from road right-of-way; 5 ft from all other lot lines; not in vision clearance triangle |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
27
- Subdivision Sign
- Auxiliary Sign
- Construction Sign
- Development Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Windsor
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Windsor 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 Windsor, 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 Windsor, regulated sign types include Subdivision Sign, Auxiliary Sign, Construction Sign, Development 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 Windsor 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 Windsor are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Windsor has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
Ready to Research Windsor Sign Permits?
Stop spending hours searching through municipal codes. Get instant access to Windsor, Wisconsin sign regulations with PermitPal's AI-powered platform.
No credit card required · Get results in seconds
Windsor, Wisconsin Sign Rules at a Glance
Windsor, Wisconsin regulates 27 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Subdivision Signs in the A-1 (EX) Exclusive Agriculture District, A-2 Agriculture District, A-3 Agriculture District, A-4 Small Lot Agriculture District, A-B Agriculture Business District zoning district are capped at 10 ft tall and 64 sq ft, with a 10 ft from road right-of-way; 5 ft from all other lot lines; not in vision clearance triangle setback (Sec. Sec. 52-23(3)(a)13, Table Sec. 52-23(4)(a)). Most commercial signs in Windsor require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Windsor, Wisconsin
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Windsor (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CO-1 Conservancy District, RE-1 Recreational District | 12 | 16 ft | 324 sq inches | — |
| A-1 (EX) Exclusive Agriculture District, A-2 Agriculture District, A-3 Agriculture District, A-4 Small Lot Agriculture District, A-B Agriculture Business District | 15 | 12 ft | 324 sq inches | — |
| R-1 Single Family Residential District, R-2 Single Family Residential District, R-3 Single Family Residential District, R-4 Single Family Residential District, MF-2 Two-Family Residential District, MF-3 Multiple Family Residential District, ER Estate Residential District, CR Countryside Residential District | 16 | 16 ft | 324 sq inches | — |
| C-1 Commercial District, C-2 Commercial District | 21 | 150 ft | 500 sq ft | — |
| GI Government and Institutional District | 13 | 16 ft | 324 sq inches | — |
| NMO Nonmetallic Mining Operation District | 11 | 12 ft | 324 sq inches | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Windsor(sample of 3 of 7 zones)
A-1 (EX) Exclusive Agriculture District, A-2 Agriculture District, A-3 Agriculture District, A-4 Small Lot Agriculture District, A-B Agriculture Business District
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auxiliary Sign | — | 5 sq ft per sign; total not to exceed 50 sq ft per site | — | 10 ft from road right-of-way; 5 ft from all other lot lines; not in vision clearance triangle | — | On-premise, separate from primary sign | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-23(3)(a)2, Table Sec. 52-23(4)(a) |
| Limited Family Business Sign - Wall | 8 ft | 12 sq ft | — | — | One per permitted business | Wall of business building | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-23(3)(a)8, Table Sec. 52-23(4)(a) |
| Limited Family Business Sign - Driveway Entrance | 8 ft | 16 sq ft | — | — | One per business | Driveway entrance of business | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-23(3)(a)8, Table Sec. 52-23(4)(a) |
| Subdivision Sign | 10 ft | 64 sq ft | — | 10 ft from road right-of-way; 5 ft from all other lot lines; not in vision clearance triangle | One per entrance | Primary entrance to subdivision | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-23(3)(a)13, Table Sec. 52-23(4)(a) |
| Construction Sign | 12 ft | 64 sq ft | — | — | One per road frontage | On-premise, for duration of construction | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-23(3)(b)2, Table Sec. 52-23(4)(b) |
| Crop Sign | 10 ft | 3 sq ft | — | — | One per row | Within 50 ft of crop identified | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-23(3)(b)3, Table Sec. 52-23(4)(b) |
| Real Estate Sign | 8 ft | 64 sq ft | — | — | One per road frontage | On-premise (for sale/lease/rent property); one per road frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-23(3)(b)9, Table Sec. 52-23(4)(b) |
| Temporary Sign | 12 ft | 64 sq ft | — | — | One per parcel | On-premise | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-23(3)(b)11, Table Sec. 52-23(4)(b) |
R-1 Single Family Residential District, R-2 Single Family Residential District, R-3 Single Family Residential District, R-4 Single Family Residential District, MF-2 Two-Family Residential District, MF-3 Multiple Family Residential District, ER Estate Residential District, CR Countryside Residential District
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auxiliary Sign | — | 5 sq ft per sign; total not to exceed 50 sq ft per site | — | 10 ft from road right-of-way; 5 ft from all other lot lines; not in vision clearance triangle | — | On-premise, separate from primary sign | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-23(3)(a)2, Table Sec. 52-23(4)(a) |
| Apartment Complex Sign | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | One per road frontage | On-premise; one per road frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-23(3)(a)1, Table Sec. 52-23(4)(a) |
| Wall Sign | — | 300 sq ft | — | — | 2-4 per building, see sign_size_restrictions | On signable wall area only | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-23(3)(a)14, Table Sec. 52-23(4)(a) |
| Ground Sign | 16 ft | 96 sq ft | — | 10 ft from road right-of-way; 5 ft from other lot lines; not in vision clearance triangle | One per road frontage | Freestanding, bottom edge less than 8 ft above ground | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-23(3)(a)7, Table Sec. 52-23(4)(a) |
| Subdivision Sign | 10 ft | 64 sq ft | — | 10 ft from road right-of-way; 5 ft from all lot lines; not in vision clearance triangle | One per entrance | Primary entrance | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-23(3)(a)13, Table Sec. 52-23(4)(a) |
| Construction Sign | 12 ft | 64 sq ft | — | — | One per road frontage | On-premise, for construction duration | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-23(3)(b)2, Table Sec. 52-23(4)(b) |
| Real Estate Sign | 8 ft | 64 sq ft | — | — | One per road frontage | On-premise (for sale/lease/rent property); one per road frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-23(3)(b)9, Table Sec. 52-23(4)(b) |
| Temporary Sign | 12 ft | 64 sq ft | — | — | One per parcel | On-premise | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-23(3)(b)11, Table Sec. 52-23(4)(b) |
C-1 Commercial District, C-2 Commercial District
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard Sign | 150 ft | 500 sq ft | — | — | One per property | Along interstate highway | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-23(3)(a)4, Table Sec. 52-23(4)(a) |
| Ground Sign | 16 ft | 96 sq ft | — | 10 ft from road right-of-way; 5 ft from other lot lines; not within vision clearance triangle | One per road frontage | On-premise; freestanding, bottom edge less than 8 ft above ground | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-23(3)(a)7, Table Sec. 52-23(4)(a) |
| Pylon Sign | 35 ft (general); 150 ft on interstate | 200 sq ft (general); 500 sq ft on interstate | — | — | One per property | Freestanding | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-23(3)(a)12, Table Sec. 52-23(4)(a) |
| Subdivision Sign | 10 ft | 64 sq ft | — | 10 ft from road right-of-way; 5 ft from all other lot lines; not within vision clearance triangle | One per entrance | Primary entrance | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-23(3)(a)13, Table Sec. 52-23(4)(a) |
| Construction Sign | 12 ft | 64 sq ft | — | — | One per road frontage | On-premise, for construction duration; one per road frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-23(3)(b)2, Table Sec. 52-23(4)(b) |
| Crop Sign | 10 ft | 3 sq ft | — | — | One per row | Within 50 ft of crop identified; at least 50 ft from advertised site | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-23(3)(b)3, Table Sec. 52-23(4)(b) |
| Real Estate Sign | 8 ft | 64 sq ft | — | — | One per road frontage | On-premise (for sale/lease/rent property); one per road frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-23(3)(b)9, Table Sec. 52-23(4)(b) |
| Temporary Sign | 12 ft | 64 sq ft | — | — | One per parcel | On-premise | — | Unlock | Sec. 52-23(3)(b)11, Table Sec. 52-23(4)(b) |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Windsor — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 7 zones for Windsor — start freeProhibited Signs in Windsor
- No sign shall use any word, phrase, symbol, shape, form or character in such manner as to interfere with moving traffic, including signs which incorporate typical street-type or traffic control-type sign designs and colors.
- No sign may be installed at any location where by reason of its position, wording, illumination, size, shape or color it may obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view of, or be confused with, any official traffic control sign, signal or device.
- No sign may block or interfere with the visibility for ingress or egress of a driveway.
- No sign other than community information signs shall be located within a road right-of-way.
- No sign, temporary or otherwise, shall be affixed to a tree or utility pole, fence or fence pole, or be painted on a stone.
- No sign shall be installed on a roof.
- Flashing or rotating lights on signs are not permitted.
- Except for time and temperature signs and electronic signs, no fluttering, undulating, rotating, or other moving signs shall be permitted.
- All signs within the jurisdiction of this ordinance shall remain in a state of proper maintenance, including the absence of loose materials, prevention of excessive rust, excessive vibration or shaking, and maintenance of original structural integrity.
- Signs found to be in violation of the provisions of this section shall be repaired or removed.
- No sign shall be erected or maintained in a vision clearance triangle per section 52-32.
- No sign shall be erected or maintained in violation of state and federal regulations which are more restrictive.
- No sign shall be erected or maintained less than ten feet from the road right-of-way except as otherwise provided.
- No sign shall be erected or maintained less than five feet from other lot lines except as otherwise provided.
- Mobile or portable signs are not permitted.
- Billboards and pylon signs may not be mounted one above the other.
- Projecting signs may not be located directly over a public or private street, drive or parking area.
- Signs painted directly on or otherwise permanently embedded in the facade are not permitted.
Exempt Signs in Windsor
- The flag or emblem of any nation, organization of nations, or other governmental or municipal agencies or units is not considered a sign and is not regulated under this section.
- Traffic control or other public agency signs are not considered signs and are not regulated under this section.
- Community information signs are not considered signs and are not regulated under this section.
- Displays within the confines of a building are not considered signs and are not regulated under this section.
- Merchandise, pictures or models of products or services incorporated in a window display are not considered signs and are not regulated under this section.
- Works of art which in no way identify a product or service; sculptural representations of an organization's or business's logo which do not contain any words and are not illuminated except that only one such representation of a particular business's or organization's logo is permitted, are not considered signs and are not regulated under this section.
- Scoreboards located on athletic fields are not considered signs and are not regulated under this section.
- Signs mounted or painted on commercial vehicles are excluded from regulation under this section.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Windsor
- All signs requiring a permit as identified in subsection 52-23(3)(a) shall comply with the procedure set forth in subsection 52-101(7).
- Special exceptions from the requirements of this section may be granted by the Village Board after consideration of recommendation of the Village Plan Commission. All other requests for exception to the requirements of this section shall follow the process for variances outlined in subsection 52-101(8).
Source: municode municipal code