Sign Permit

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A sign application is required for any proposed commercial signage. In addition, any new or alteration to a freestanding or monument sign will require approval from the Design Review Board.

Please note, a non-conforming sign must be made conforming if a face change is the result of new ownership or tenancy.

Permit Costs

$75 plan review fee
$120 permit fee

Application Process

You can apply online using this self-service portal. You can upload any needed documents and process payments online.

During the application process, you will be required to submit:

a pdf of site plan showing the proposed location of signs, landscaping, and lighting. (An aerial view from Google maps, Wauwatosa GIS, or Milwaukee County GIS will not be accepted.)
a recent land survey
scaled drawings of the sign detailing all dimensions, construction, height above grade, type of illumination, and lettering and graphics as they will appear on the sign
samples of colors and materials—the use of white backgrounds on illuminated signs should be minimal—not more than 25% suggested. Samples are required only for freestanding or monument sign submittals.
written permission of the building owner
the application fee of $75

Temporary Signs

Temporary signs, such as commercial real estate or construction signs, require an online application, a $50.00 permit fee, and a picture of the proposed sign.

Banners

There are limits to a banner's size and features: Banners should not exceed 32 square feet in area, not be freestanding, and not be illuminated. You can also not have more than one banner per street frontage displayed at any time.

Permits for banners expire after thirty days. Permits for special events may be extended upon approval by the chief inspector or delegated representative. You cannot have more than four permits per business per calendar year. Permits may not be consecutive, and at least thirty days shall have elapsed between permits.

Sandwich Board

Portable sandwich-type signs are allowed within the city right-of-way, under the following conditions:

One sign is permitted per business. The maximum sign size is six square feet, but the signs may be double-sided. Signs should be located in front of the business premises and placed so that an unobstructed area of four feet is maintained for pedestrian traffic. No off-premises signs are permitted.

A sign owner needs a public liability insurance certificate in an amount not less than one million dollars and should name the city as an additional insured. You must provide proof of insurance annually with the division at least ten days prior to the policy renewal date. A hold harmless agreement with the city is required in addition to the liability insurance. Signs must be stored inside when the business is closed. The city may order any sign moved or removed that creates a pedestrian or traffic hazard.

An annual permit for each sign is required effective January 1st of each year. Permits are issued by the division upon application, approval and payment of a permit fee. Permits are not transferable to another business.