Regulation of Signs

Signs provide for an important medium through which individuals may convey a variety of messages. However, if left unregulated, signs can become a traffic hazard, an aesthetic nuisance, and a detriment to property value. As a result, the Village has established a variety of regulations to help ensure that this does not occur. These regulations include restrictions on sign placement, the number and type of signs displayed, square footage, removal requirements, etc. In addition, a variety of signs require a permit issued by the Village Manager or Building Inspector.  It is important to understand the sign regulations, as violations can result in the issuance of a citation. Download the Sign Permit application.

Please refer to the Municipal Code section 540 to review the sign code in its totality.  The information below should serve as a synopsis of the regulations.

Temporary Signs

The Village of Fox Point recognizes a residents need to place signage on their personal property and has defined a temporary sign as one that is less than six (6) square feet, made of non-durable materials and is intended for a temporary time period.  A permit is not required for a temporary sign; however, the sign must be posted for a period of no more than 90 days (consecutive) and a maximum total days of 90 in a calendar year.  Additionally, the sign must be posted on personal property outside of the village right-of-way.  Lastly, the aggregate signage on a residential property shall not exceed 12 square feet.

Prohibited Signs

  • All moving, rotating and flashing signs are prohibited except signs that display time/temperature.  
  • All mobile signs, including but not limited to signs on wheels, trailers, or motor vehicles and parked on the street for purposes of advertising.
  • Roof signs, window signs and permanent signs in residential areas.
  • Off-Premise signs. 

Political Signs

Political signs may be posted beginning the 1st day for circulation of nomination papers by candidates and must be removed within 3 days of the election. Political signs cannot exceed 11 square feet in size and can not be posted in a manner which interferes with pedestrian or traffic safety. Political signs are not permitted on public property, right-of-ways or within 100 feet from a polling place. The right-of-way in front of homes is typically identified as the area between the culvert and the edge of the roadway or the pathway and the edge of the roadway, when a pathway is present.  (Wisconsin State Statute 12.03, 12.035, 12.04)