Kenosha sign permit requirements

What the Kenosha sign code and sign ordinance allow, summarised from CHAPTER XV. - SIGNS. Every figure below shows the ordinance's own wording, so you can check it rather than take our word for it.

Check before you build. This is an informational summary, not legal advice, and sign rules change. Confirm with Kenosha's planning department before ordering or installing a sign — most codes also vary by zoning district.

Is a permit required?

Sec. 15.09

Sign Permit required for any permanent or portable sign; noncommercial signs less than 16 sq ft and not permanent are exempt

“A Sign Permit from the Director of the Department of City Inspections shall be required for any Person to erect, place, replace, move, establish, originally paint, construct, install, convert, substantially alter, rebuild, enlarge, remodel, relocate, or illuminate any Sign upon private property, whether a Permanent or Portable Sign, unless exempted from this requirement by this Ordinance.”

Wall sign — maximum area

Table 1

15% of total wall area, principal building only

“Wall * [15% of total wall area—principal building only]”

Wall sign — % of facade

Table 1

15% of total wall area

“Wall * [15% of total wall area—principal building only]”

Freestanding sign — maximum area

Table 1

B-2: 150 sq ft or 1 sq ft per lineal lot street frontage, whichever is lowest (B-1/B-3: 100 sq ft or 1 sq ft per lineal foot, whichever is lowest)

“—B-2/M-/M-2: 150 s.f. or 1 s.f. per lineal lot street frontage, whichever is lowest.”

Freestanding sign — maximum height

Table 1

B-2: 35 ft max height (B-1/B-3: 25 ft)

“B-1: 25' Max. Ht. B-2: 35' Max. Ht. B-3: 25' Max. Ht.”

Freestanding sign — setback

Table 1

15 feet; signs less than 15 ft from lot line limited to 15 ft height and 49 sq ft / 50% of street frontage, whichever is less

“Sign setback: 15 feet. —Freestanding signs which are located less than 15' from the lot line are limited to a maximum height of 15' and a total sign area of 49 s.f. or 50% of street frontage, whichever is less.”

Projecting sign — clearance

Table 1

One per occupancy; 12 feet above circulation lane

“Projecting * One (1) per occupancy/12' above circulation lane.”

Illumination

Sec. 15.16

Signs may be illuminated (permit required to illuminate); electrical connections by licensed electrician per Building Code; overhead wiring prohibited. No general brightness/curfew limit stated for on-premises commercial signs (curfew rules apply only to off-premises signs).

“Overhead wiring to or from the Sign, of any type, is prohibited. No electrical connections may be made from any Sign to an electrical service, or from an electrical service to any Sign, except by a licensed electrician, and in conformance with the City Building Code.”

Prohibited sign types

Sec. 15.12

Obscene/pornographic signs, signs affixed to trees/fences/poles/traffic signs, revolving signs, roof signs, structurally unsafe signs, abandoned/obsolete signs, flashing and animated signs, deteriorated signs, signs used beyond time limits

“Revolving Signs. 4. Roof Signs. 5. Signs which are structurally dangerous, or unsafe. 6. Abandoned/Obsolete Signs. 7. Flashing and Animated Signs. 8. Deteriorated Signs.”

Which zoning district this describes

Table 1

Values reported for general commercial (B-2). Code varies by district; freestanding max area/height differ between B-1/B-3 (100 sq ft, 25 ft) and B-2/M-1/M-2 (150 sq ft, 35 ft).

“—Maximum sign area: B-1/B-3/IP: 100 s.f. or 1 s.f. per lineal lot street frontage, whichever is lowest —B-2/M-/M-2: 150 s.f. or 1 s.f. per lineal lot street frontage, whichever is lowest.”

Not covered in the sign chapter we read: projecting sign — maximum area, window signs — maximum coverage, digital / electronic message centres. That doesn't mean the city has no rule — it may sit elsewhere in the code.

Read the full ordinance Last checked 2026-07-31

Spotted something wrong or out of date? Tell us — corrections from local sign shops are how this stays accurate.

Common questions

Do you need a permit for a sign in Kenosha, WI?: Sign Permit required for any permanent or portable sign; noncommercial signs less than 16 sq ft and not permanent are exempt
How big can a wall sign be in Kenosha, WI?: 15% of total wall area, principal building only
What percentage of a building facade can a sign cover in Kenosha, WI?: 15% of total wall area
How big can a freestanding sign be in Kenosha, WI?: B-2: 150 sq ft or 1 sq ft per lineal lot street frontage, whichever is lowest (B-1/B-3: 100 sq ft or 1 sq ft per lineal foot, whichever is lowest)
How tall can a freestanding sign be in Kenosha, WI?: B-2: 35 ft max height (B-1/B-3: 25 ft)
How far back from the road must a sign sit in Kenosha, WI?: 15 feet; signs less than 15 ft from lot line limited to 15 ft height and 49 sq ft / 50% of street frontage, whichever is less

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