Juneau City Zoning Code

The intent of this chapter is to provide for and regulate the location and construction of signs and to ensure that signs are compatible with surrounding land uses and express the identity of individual proprietors and the community as a whole.

(Prior code § 10-4-113)

For the purpose of this chapter, signs shall be classified as:

A.

Awning Sign. A nonilluminated identification sign affixed flat to the surface of an awning and not extending vertically or horizontally beyond the limits of such awning;

B.

Bulletin Boards. Any sign which is characterized by changeable copy, letters or symbols regardless of method of attachment;

C.

Canopy Sign. A sign suspended from or forming part of a canopy or marquee and which does not extend horizontally beyond the limits of such canopy or marquee;

D.

Ground Sign. A sign attached to the ground independent of any buildings;

E.

Projection Sign. A sign other than a wall sign, attached to or supported by a building or structure and projecting more than twelve (12) inches from the face of the building or structure;

F.

Roof Sign. A sign erected on or over the roof of a building;

G.

Wall Sign. A sign which is attached to a wall of a building, projects not more than twelve (12) inches from such wall, and does not extend above the ceiling line of the top floor of the building;

H.

Window Sign. A sign painted on or affixed to a window.

(Prior code § 10-4-114)

All signs, to be located, erected, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, converted or structurally altered, shall conform to the requirements of this chapter. All such sign work, except for those signs specifically exempted by Section 17.16.050 shall require a permit.

(Prior code § 10-4-115)

A.

Applications for a sign permit shall be made on forms provided by the zoning administrator and shall contain or have attached the following information:

1.

Name, address and telephone number of the applicant;

2.

Location of the building, structure or lot to which or upon which the sign is to be attached or erected;

3.

Name of the person, firm, corporation or association erecting the sign;

4.

Written consent of the owner or lessee of the building, structure or land to which or upon which the sign is to be affixed;

5.

A scale drawing of the sign indicating the dimensions, the materials to be used, the type of illumination, if any, and the method of construction and attachment;

6.

A scale drawing indicating the location and position of the sign in relation to nearby buildings or structures;

7.

A surety bond in a sum to be fixed by the zoning administrator, but not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00). It shall be in a form and of a type approved by the city attorney. A liability insurance policy, issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in the State of Wisconsin, may be permitted by the city attorney in lieu of the bond;

8.

Additional information as may be required by the zoning administrator or city plan commission.

B.

Sign permit applications shall be filed with the zoning administrator. He shall review the application for its completeness and accuracy and shall, in writing, approve or deny the application within thirty (30) days of receipt, unless the time is extended by written agreement with the applicant. A sign permit shall become null and void, if work authorized under the permit has not been completed within six months of the date of issuance.

(Prior code § 10-4-116)

The following signs are permitted in all zoning districts without a permit, but subject to the following regulations:

A.

Real estate ground or wall signs not exceeding eight square feet in area which advertise the sale, rental or lease of the premises upon which the signs are temporarily located. Such signs may be placed at the right-of-way line;

B.

Ground signs identifying the name and address of the resident, not exceeding two square feet in area, and located on the premises. Such signs may be placed at the right-of-way line;

C.

Home occupation and professional home office signs not exceeding three square feet in area on any one side, not placed so as to obstruct traffic visibility, and not illuminated. Home occupations shall be limited to a maximum of one sign;

D.

Bulletin boards on ground or wall signs not exceeding thirty-six (36) square feet in area, located on the premises, and used by public charitable, or religious institutions. Such signs shall meet all the setback requirement of the district in which they are located;

E.

Memorial signs, tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of metal or wood and affixed flat against a structure;

F.

Official ground signs, such as traffic control, parking restrictions, information and notices. Such signs may be placed at the curbline or up to the pavement edge.

(Prior code § 10-4-117).

(Ord. No. 170-2009, § 96, 10-22-2009; Ord. No. 183-2009, § 96, 4-13-2010; Ord. No. 207-2012, 11-22-2012)

In all agricultural districts, wall or ground signs, which pertain to the agricultural products produced on the premises, are permitted provided that the combined area of all such signs for any one farm shall not exceed thirty (30) square feet.

(Prior code § 10-4-118)

In all residential districts, for a legal nonconforming business, a wall sign not exceeding two feet in height and ten feet in length which announces, without display or elaboration, the name and occupation of the proprietor of the legal nonconforming business. Such sign shall be placed only over a show window or door.

(Prior code § 10-4-119)

In all O-2 general office districts the following signs are permitted:

A.

Temporary signs when permitted by the plan commission. The plan commission shall, in each case, determine the structural type of sign permitted, the maximum size permitted, and the time period the sign may remain in place;

B.

Wall signs placed against the exterior walls of buildings and, for any one premises, not exceeding three hundred (300) square feet in area or thirty (30) percent of the signable wall area of the building, as defined in Section 17.16.140, whichever is smaller;

C.

Ground signs shall not exceed twenty (20) feet in height above the mean centerline street grade, shall meet all setback requirements, and shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet in area on one side or one hundred (100) square feet on all sides for any one premises;

D.

The total area of all signs erected or placed on any one premises shall not exceed forty (40) percent of the signable area of a building, as defined in Section 17.16.140 or four hundred (400) square feet, whichever is smaller.

(Prior code § 10-4-120)

(Ord. No. 170-2009, § 97, 10-22-2009; Ord. No. 183-2009, § 97, 4-13-2010)

In all B-1 neighborhood business districts and all O-1 neighborhood office districts the following signs are permitted:

A.

Temporary signs when permitted by the plan commission. The plan commission shall, in each case, determine the structural type of sign permitted, the maximum size permitted, and the time period the sign may remain in place;

B.

Wall signs placed against the exterior walls of buildings and, for any one premises, not exceeding three hundred (300) square feet in area or thirty (30) percent of the signable area of the building, as defined in Section 17.16.140, whichever is smaller;

C.

Awning and canopy signs not exceeding one hundred (100) square feet in area for any one premises. They shall not extend more than six feet into any required yard, shall not extend into any public right-of-way, shall be at least ten feet from all side lot lines, shall not exceed a height of twenty (20) feet above the mean centerline street grade, and shall be at least seven feet above a sidewalk or fifteen (15) feet above a driveway or an alley;

D.

Ground signs not exceeding forty (40) feet in height above the mean centerline street grade. They shall meet all yard requirements for the district in which they are located, and shall not exceed sixty (60) square feet on one side or one hundred twenty (120) square feet on all sides for any one premises. No ground sign shall be placed closer than eighty (80) feet to any other ground sign;

E.

Window signs not exceeding twenty-five (25) percent of the glass area of the pane upon which the sign is displayed. To eliminate scattering of copy by wind action, all window signs are to be affixed to the inside surface of the window;

F.

Excepting window signs, the total area of all signs erected or placed on any one premises shall not exceed sixty (60) percent of the signable area of a building, as defined in Section 17.16.140, or five hundred (500) square feet, whichever is smaller.

(Prior code § 10-4-121)

(Ord. No. 170-2009, § 98, 10-22-2009; Ord. No. 183-2009, § 98, 4-13-2010)

The following signs are permitted in the B-2 central business district:

A.

Temporary signs when permitted by the plan commission. The plan commission shall, in each case, determine the structural type of sign permitted, the maximum size permitted, and the time period the sign may remain in place;

B.

Wall signs placed against the exterior walls of buildings and for any one premises, not exceeding three hundred (300) square feet in area or thirty (30) percent of the signable area of the building, as defined in Section 17.16.140, whichever is smaller;

C.

Projecting signs not exceeding fifty (50) square feet in area for any one premises. They shall not extend more than six feet into any required yard, shall not extend more than four feet into any public right-of-way, shall be at least ten feet from all side lot lines, shall not exceed a height of twenty (20) feet above the mean centerline street grade, and shall be at least ten feet above a sidewalk or fifteen (15) feet above a driveway or an alley;

D.

Awning and canopy signs not exceeding one hundred (100) square feet in area for any one premises. They shall not extend more than six feet into any required yard, shall not extend more than three feet into any public right-of-way, shall be at least two feet from all side lot lines, shall not exceed a height of twenty (20) feet above the mean centerline street grade, and shall be at least seven feet above a sidewalk or fifteen (15) feet above a driveway or alley;

E.

Window signs not exceeding twenty-five (25) percent of the glass area of the pane upon which the sign is displayed. To eliminate scattering of copy by wind action, all window signs are to be affixed to the inside surface of the window;

F.

Excepting window signs, the total area of all signs erected or placed on any one premises shall not exceed sixty (60) percent of the signable area of a building as defined in Section 17.16.140 or four hundred (400) square feet, whichever is smaller.

(Prior code § 10-4-122)

In all B-3 general business districts the following signs are permitted:

A.

Temporary signs when permitted by the plan commission. The plan commission shall, in each case, determine the structural type of sign permitted, the maximum size permitted, and the time period the sign may remain in place;

B.

Wall signs placed against the exterior walls of buildings and, for any one premises, not exceeding three hundred (300) square feet in area or thirty (30) percent of the signable area of the building, as defined in Section 17.16.140, whichever is smaller;

C.

Projecting signs not exceeding one hundred (100) square feet in area for any one premises. They shall not extend more than six feet into any required yard, shall not extend into any public right-of-way, shall be at least ten feet from all side lot lines, shall not exceed a height of twenty (20) feet above the mean centerline street grade, and shall be at least ten feet above the sidewalk or fifteen (15) feet above a driveway or an alley;

D.

Awning and canopy signs not exceeding one hundred (100) square feet in area for any one premises. They shall not extend more than six feet into any required yard, shall not extend more than three feet into any public right-of-way, shall be at least two feet from all side lot lines, shall not exceed a height of twenty (20) feet above the mean centerline street grade, and shall be at least seven feet above a sidewalk or fifteen (15) feet above a driveway or alley;

E.

Ground signs not exceeding forty (40) feet in height above the mean centerline street grade. They shall meet all yard requirements for the district in which they are located, and shall not exceed eighty (80) square feet on one side or one hundred sixty (160) square feet on all sides for any one premises. No ground sign shall be placed closer than eighty (80) feet to another ground sign;

F.

Roof signs not exceeding ten feet in height above the roof. They shall meet the height requirements for the district in which they are located, and shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet on all sides for any one premises;

G.

The total area of all signs erected or placed on any one premise shall not exceed sixty (60) percent of the signable area of the building as defined in Section 17.16.140 or five hundred (500) square feet, whichever is smaller.

(Prior code § 10-4-123)

(Ord. No. 170-2009, § 99, 10-22-2009; Ord. No. 183-2009, § 99, 4-13-2010)

In all industrial districts (I-1 and I-2, and I-3), the following signs are permitted:

A.

Temporary;

B.

Wall signs;

C.

Ground signs;

D.

Roof signs;

E.

Area of signs.

(Prior code § 10-4-124)

(Ord. No. 170-2009, § 100, 10-22-2009; Ord. No. 183-2009, § 100, 4-13-2010)

All signs in public and semi-public (P-1) district, shall be reviewed, approved, and recommended to the common council by the plan commission. This review may include, but is not limited to, the sign's dimensions, setback, illumination or any other special requests of the petitioner.

(Ord. 41-2001: prior code § 10-4-125)

The signable area of a building is a rectangular or square area of the facade, up to the roof line, which is free of windows, doors or major architectural detail. In computing signable area, only a building facade, which faces a public street right-of-way, may be utilized.

(Prior code § 10-4-126)

A.

Facing. Within one hundred (100) feet of any residential district boundary, no sign shall be permitted to face such district except those exempted by Section 17.16.050.

B.

Lighting and Color. Signs shall not resemble, imitate or approximate the shape, size, form or color of railroad or traffic signs, signals or devices. Signs shall not obstruct or interfere with the effectiveness of railroad or traffic signs, signals or devices. Signs shall not be placed so as to obstruct or interfere with traffic visibility, nor be lighted in such a way as to cause glare or otherwise impair driver visibility upon public streets. Signs may be illuminated but shall not be flashing.

C.

Placement. Signs shall not be erected, relocated or maintained so as to prevent free ingress or egress to any door, window or fire escape and no sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.

D.

Off-premises Signs. Only signs which carry advertisements strictly incidental or accessory to a lawful use of the premises on which they are located are permitted.

E.

Only One Ground Sign May be Erected per Lot. A ground sign may display advertising for each commercial establishment located on that lot, but shall not display advertising for any person or business which is not located on that lot.

(Ord. 122-2005; prior code § 10-4-127)

The owner of any sign shall keep it in good maintenance and repair including restoring, repainting or replacing a worn or damaged, legally existing sign to its original condition.

(Prior code § 10-4-128)

Signs, lawfully existing at the time of the adoption of or amendment to this title, may be continued although their size or location does not conform to this chapter. However, all nonconforming signs shall be deemed to have exhausted their economic life after seven years from the time they became nonconforming. Nonconforming signs, after this seven-year period, shall either be made to conform to this chapter, or shall be removed by the owner, agent or person having beneficial use of the property. Nonconforming signs, during the seven-year grace period, shall be kept in good repair but the cost of maintenance shall not be considered grounds for their continued use beyond the seven-year grace period. The zoning administrator shall, after the seven-year grace period, notify the owner, agent or person having beneficial use of the property, of the expiration of the grace period. After thirty (30) days, if the sign has not been made to conform to this chapter or been removed, the zoning administrator shall initiate appropriate punitive action.

(Prior code § 10-4-129)

A.

No sign shall be erected, placed, located, or maintained within any public right-of-way unless otherwise provided in this section or under federal or Wisconsin law. The right-of-way consists of the area between lot lines reserved for vehicles and pedestrian travel, including, but not limited to the street, terrace, and sidewalk.

B.

Any sign in violation of this section shall be removed by the City of Juneau, Wisconsin Police Department.

C.

This prohibition shall not apply to:

1.

Signs placed within the right-of-way by, or on behalf of, duly constituted municipal, county, or state authorities to post legal notices, identify streets and public property, convey public information, or direct or regulate pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

2.

Informational signs of a public utility regarding its poles, lines, pipes or facilities.

3.

Banners, signs, or decorations as permitted by the Common Council.

4.

Mailboxes or paper boxes.

5.

Freestanding sandwich board style signs, not exceeding 36 inches in height, placed in a sidewalk walking area in excess of five feet in width or placed in the terrace area. In no event shall the sign reduce the usable width of the sidewalk walking area to less than four feet. No freestanding sandwich board style sign may be placed in the sidewalk or terrace area without first obtaining the permission of the immediately abutting property owner.

6.

Signs or Clocks attached to buildings which project not more than six feet from the face of such building and which do not extend below any point ten feet above the right-of-way.

7.

Awnings which do not extend below any point seven feet above the sidewalk.

(Ord. No. 224-2014, 1-22-2015)