Signs
Sign Code
The city's sign code was updated May 2025. Refer to chapter 15.21 for the complete regulations on signage in the city. All businesses require approval of exterior signage by the zoning administrator. More information about business signage may be found under the Economic Development Department Business Resource Page.
Universal Temporary Board and Banner Signage
(a) Residential properties. The City permits one temporary freestanding sign, not exceeding six square feet in area, provided that no such signs exceed four feet in height or lie within a public right-of-way. The City limits universal temporary signage to no more than 30 consecutive days two times in any calendar year. Common examples of temporary signage include yard sale, congratulatory postings, or notices of gatherings.
(b) Other properties.
[1] Temporary signs shall be approved by the Zoning Administrator.
[a] Churches, schools and institutions: Size: up to 32 square feet. Height: maximum of eight feet. Duration: limited to 30 consecutive days, limited to two times per year.
[b] Other uses: Business signs are limited to grand openings. Temporary promotional signs are prohibited except as related to sandwich board signs and window signs in Subsections G and H. Size: up to 24 square feet. Duration: limited to 30 consecutive days. Mounting: Business banners must be securely mounted to stable structures, such as buildings or fences. Temporary signs affixed to single poles are prohibited.
(c) Temporary signs shall not be illuminated.
(d) Special event signs: Signage promoting an event shall not be displayed more than 30 days before the event is held or more than 10 days after the event was held.
Signs Prohibited in All Districts
- Abandoned signs.
- A vehicle or trailer used exclusively as a sign or advertising device. No person shall park any such vehicle or trailer on a public right-of-way, on public property, or on private property to be visible from a public right-of-way. This provision does not prohibit vehicle signs customarily attached, lettered, or painted on a vehicle or trailer to identify the ownership or function of the vehicle.
- Signs whose content violates any laws or regulations, including but not limited to the obscenity provisions of Chapter 944 of the Wisconsin Statutes.
- Signs painted, attached, or affixed to trees or other living vegetation.
- In multi-story or mixed-use buildings, wall or projecting signs on floors occupied by R uses.
- Signs for any residential use except those specifically listed elsewhere in the sign code.
- Permanent corrugated plastic signs and other materials intended for interior use.
General Provisions
- Signs resembling other signs. No sign shall resemble, imitate, or approximate the shape, size, form, or color of railroad or traffic signs, signals, or devices and shall not obstruct or interfere with the effectiveness of railroad or traffic signs, signals, or devices.
- Obstructing signs. No property owner shall locate a sign that obstructs or interferes with traffic visibility, nor illuminate it in a way that causes glare or impairs driver visibility upon public ways.
- Illuminated signs. Property owners may illuminate signs provided they, other than public traffic control signs, have no elements that flash, blink, rotate, or pulsate. All illuminated signage must meet the outdoor lighting standards of § 15.24. The City shall not consider signs that include changeable copy reader boards and electronic message boards (EMBs) flashing or pulsating signs, provided they comply with all other applicable provisions of this section.
Signs in Public Right of Way
No sign shall be erected on lands owned by the City of South Milwaukee or in the public right-of-way without approval of the Common Council, except as otherwise allowed herein.