The City of Waukesha requires a permit for all temporary and permanent advertising signs. Once a permit is obtained it is valid for the life of the sign. If any changes are made to the sign including a face change or change of location a new permit is needed.
ATTENTION: Starting April 13, 2010, all illuminated signs that are submitted for review by the Sign Review Board must also be accompanied by an electrical permit signed by a licensed electrician at the time of submission.Signs not accompanied by an electrical permit will NOT be reviewed or permitted.An illuminated sign is any sign that is internally lit.Contact this office at (262) 524-3530 with any questions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT REGULATIONS FOR ADVERTISING SIGNS
What signs need permits? ALL signs that have an advertising message or identifies a business, organization or the occupant of a premises. That message may promote the products/services sold on the premises, the business occupying the premises or simply be directional but if a business, product or service is listed on the sign it requires a permit. Signs include flags, banners, detached signs, window signs, projecting signs, roof signs and flat signs.
What is a permanent sign? Any sign that will be erected for more than 8 weeks per calendar year that is meant for viewing by the general public (not internal signs) is considered a permanent sign. All permanent signs must be reviewed by the Sign Review Board. Regulations for permanent signs depend on the zoning district the property is located in. If a sign is reviewed by the Sign Review Board and is denied for any reason the applicant can file an appeal within 10 days of the Sign Review Board’s ruling. Once an appeal is filed the Sign Appeals Board will hear the applicant’s request for a variance. To receive a variance the applicant must show that they will suffer a hardship if the sign they are proposing is not permitted.
What is a temporary sign? Temporary signs are any signs that will be erected for 8 or less weeks per calendar year. Signs that will be up for 2 weeks or less are reviewed by the Building Inspector. Signs up for longer than 2 weeks must be reviewed by the Sign Review Board. No temporary sign can be up for longer than 6 consecutive weeks. When a temporary sign is taken down another temporary sign can not be erected for a 2 week time period.
Signs affixed to the inside of windows for a time period of 6 weeks or less do not require a permit. Those signs should not cover more than 15% of the area of the window to which the signs are affixed.
What are the fees? Permanent sign permit: Minimum $40 or $.25 per square foot Temporary sign permit: longer than 12 weeks is $40, if less $10.*
When does the board meet and what is the deadline for submitting an application to be considered?
Sign Review Board: Meets 3rd Monday of every month at 8:15 am.
Deadline for submission: Monday before the meeting
Sign Appeals Board: Meets as needed
Deadline: 10 days after denial by Sign Review Board.
Please check with the Community Development Department to confirm meeting dates and deadlines.
Where can I get an Application and is there anything else that I need to submit with it?
The following materials are needed at the time of submittal for an application to be reviewed and placed on the next Sign Review Board agenda. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Building elevations (drawings or pictures) if the sign is on the building
Scaled drawing of proposed sign that also shows the colors to be used on the sign
List of existing signs and their sizes
Electrical information if the sign is illuminated.
Fee
* The above document is meant to provide an abbreviated version of the general guidelines applying to advertising signs. For a complete list of regulations please refer to the City of Waukesha Signs and Outdoor Advertising Ordinance (Chapter 27).
Can I pick up an application and/or copies of the Sign Ordinances? Yes, applications and copies of the Sign Ordinance can be obtained from and returned to the Building Inspection Division (Room 200) in City Hall.
Is there someone I can talk to if I have any questions? Contact Jennifer Andrews (262-524-3753) with any questions regarding what type and amount of signage is allowed at a specific property and/or any other questions regarding advertising signs.
Are there any special specifications for ILLUMINATED SIGNS? Along with the sign applications and the requirements stated, a letter stating the electrical requirements should be submitted. For a sample letter click here.
