Madison, WI Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)

03(2) as anything displayed on, painted on, or within three feet of a window, go up in Group 2 and 3 districts without a permit, subject to strict coverage math. Primary window signs made solely of individual letters, numerals or symbolic characters with no background can cover up to 30% of the total window area; any sign that adds a background, logo, opaque object or other image is capped at 20%. Accessory window signs don't count toward those caps: temporary signs up to 4 square feet may run for no more than 15 calendar days within any 30-day period, and regulatory signs ("no smoking," "no firearms/weapons," "no trespassing," hours of operation) are capped separately at 3% of the window area.

"Total window area" means one continuous glass panel, or a set of panels divided by mullions six inches wide or narrower; net area is measured by drawing a box around each group of characters or images. Banners on the outside of a window aren't considered window signs at all. 04(5)(k). 101 lets the Zoning Administrator permit temporary decorative window coverings, up to 100% coverage, no text or logo, on vacant storefronts in the Downtown Core and Urban Mixed-Use districts, valid up to six months and renewable while the space stays vacant. 10 or elsewhere in Chapter 31 is prohibited outright, and no permit can be issued for one that violates the section.