Sign Regulations in Waukesha, WI (2026)
4 verified sign regulations for Waukesha, Wisconsin, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Political Signs
Waukesha's sign code lets any property display non-commercial signs, including political messages, without a permit and without any limit on how many, under Municipal Code Section 27.04(2)(a). The only cap is size: up to 25 additional square feet of temporary sign area beyond the standard yard-sign allowance, in every zoning district.
Political Sign Rules in Waukesha
Some RestrictionsWaukesha Municipal Code §§ 27.02(25), 27.04(2)(a)
"Non-Commercial." Sign content that cannot be considered advertisement of a product or service, or proposing a commercial transaction. Examples include but are not limited to: political messages, religious messages, announcements of community or charity events, or expressions of support for a sports team or other recreational organization by persons who do not have a direct financial stake in t...
Digital Billboards
Off-premise digital billboards need a Billboard Sign permit from the City Planner, and Waukesha caps the total citywide at 10 signs under Municipal Code Section 27.05. Electronic faces can't flash, scroll, or show video, and messages may change no faster than once every 8 seconds.
Digital Billboard Rules in Waukesha
Significant RestrictionsWaukesha Municipal Code § 27.05 (Billboard Signs, Permit Required; Limit of Number of Billboard Signs; Electronic Displays)
PERMIT REQUIRED. ... No Billboard Sign may be erected or placed unless a Billboard Sign Permit has been issued by the City Planner. Face changes to Billboard Signs shall be allowed without obtaining a new permit as long as the Sign Area is unchanged. ... Limit of Number of Billboard Signs in City. At no time shall the total number of Billboard Signs located in the City of Waukesha exceed 10. .....
Window Signs
Permanent window signs in Waukesha can't cover more than 40% of the window they're mounted in, and only one neon sign is allowed per window, under Municipal Code Section 27.03(12). Temporary signs taped or hung inside a window are capped separately at 25% of that window's area.
Window Sign Coverage Limits in Waukesha
Some RestrictionsWaukesha Municipal Code § 27.03(12); § 27.04(1)
WINDOW SIGNS. ... Window Signs shall not cover more than 40% of the window they are affixed to and shall not exceed the gross square footage permitted for the property. Only one neon Sign per window is permitted. ... Temporary Signs displayed on the inside of windows, covering not more than 25% of the area of each window.
Freeway-Facing Signs
Waukesha bars billboards from any street with a speed limit under 45 miles per hour and keeps them at least 400 feet from an intersection, 500 feet if the display is electronically illuminated, under Municipal Code Section 27.05. Billboards must also sit at least 800 feet apart on the same side of a street.
Billboard Location Rules Near Highways in Waukesha
Some RestrictionsWaukesha Municipal Code § 27.05 (Billboard Signs, Permitted Zoning Areas; Spacing Between Billboard Signs)
Permitted Zoning Areas. Billboard signs are permitted in M-1, M-2, M-3, MM-1, and B-5 zoned areas only. No Billboard Sign may be placed on a street having a speed limit of less than 45 miles per hour. Electronically-illuminated billboards shall not be located within 500 feet of an intersection. All other billboards signs shall not be located within 400 feet of an intersection. Spacing Between B...
Looking for Waukesha County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Waukesha city rules.
Sign Regulations in Waukesha County →