Sign Regulations in Wausau, WI (2026)
4 verified sign regulations for Wausau, Wisconsin, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Political Signs
Political signs in Wausau fall under the yard sign category, City of Wausau Municipal Code Section 23.09.05(4)(a) and Figure 23.09.11d. The base limit is 6 square feet and 4 feet tall per sign, but for 30 days before and 10 days after any election, any number of 32-square-foot, 6-foot-tall signs is allowed.
Political Yard Sign Rules in Wausau
Some RestrictionsWausau Municipal Code Section 23.09.05(4)(a), Figure 23.09.11d
(a)Yard sign category. A sign category that is intended to accommodate a wide variety of sign purposes (e.g. Garage sale signs, for sale signs, political signs, "slow down for kids" signs, etc.), often needed on a temporary basis. Such signs are freestanding and mounted on one or two stakes or posts and do not have footings. All Yard Signs must be placed on-site. ... 1. Stake Sign 1,2,4,5,6 No....
Garage Sale Signs
Garage sale signs in Wausau cannot go up within the public right-of-way, including the grass terrace between sidewalk and street. Wausau Municipal Code § 23.03.30(3)(e) also requires any garage sale sign to otherwise meet the general sign standards of Article IX, the same rules that govern every other sign in the Marathon County city.
Wausau Garage Sale Sign Placement Rules
Light RestrictionsWausau Municipal Code § 23.03.30(3)(e)
(e)Signs are not permitted within the right-of-way including the terrace and shall comply with the regulations of article IX.
Digital Billboards
Wausau allows one electronic message sign per site, but only on nonresidential land, under City of Wausau Municipal Code Section 23.09.08. Displays must run static content for at least ten seconds, use photosensitive dimming, and stay dark or unreadable within 100 feet of any residential zoning district outside 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Electronic Message Sign Rules in Wausau
Some RestrictionsWausau Municipal Code Section 23.09.08
Electronic message sign. A type of sign that displays words, lines, logos, graphic images, or symbols, which may be changed electronically to provide different information, and which includes computer signs, electronic reader boards, video screens, LCD signs, electronic time and temperature signs, and other signs with electronically-controlled changing or moving displays. ... (a)Electronic mess...
Window Signs
Wausau caps window signs at 50% of any single window's area and 20% of total window area per building facade per story, under City of Wausau Municipal Code Figure 23.09.11b. No sign permit is required, but the sign must mount inside the glass and use paper, vinyl, or similar lightweight material.
Window Sign Coverage Limits in Wausau
Some RestrictionsWausau Municipal Code Section 23.09.11, Figure 23.09.11b
A. Window Sign Category1, 2, 4 No time limit on the display of these signs. 1. Window Sign 1, 2, 4 No. Sign Permit not required. Not to exceed maximum coverage percentages. 5 Only allowed on the inside of the window. Paper, vinyl, or similar lightweight material. Ambient only; up to 1 internally illuminated or neon sign per tenant Based on the percent of window area covered. → Not allowed. 50% ...
Looking for Marathon County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Wausau city rules.
Sign Regulations in Marathon County →