HomeMy WebLinkAboutChapter 30 - Article X - SignageCity of Oshkosh Zoning Ordinance Municipal Code
City of Oshkosh Chapter 30 – Article X - Page 1 Municipal Codes
ARTICLE X: SIGNAGE
Section 30-270: Purpose
(A) The purpose of this Chapter is to establish standards for the fabrication, erection,
and use of signs, and to regulate the location, type, size, and height of signage for
all properties within the City of Oshkosh. The adoption of this Chapter reflects the
formal finding of fact by the City of Oshkosh that regulation of signage advances
the following compelling governmental interests:
(1) Protect pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers, and passengers from injury caused by
the faulty and uncontrolled construction and use of signs within the City.
(2) Protect pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers, and passengers from injury caused by
lack of visibility, distractions, obstructions, and hazards created by certain
signs or by cluttered, distracting, or illegible signage.
(3) Promote the public welfare, health, and safety of all persons using public
thoroughfares and rights-of-way within the City of Oshkosh in relation to the
signage displayed thereon, or overhanging, or projecting into such public
spaces.
(4) Preserve the value of private property by assuring the compatibility of signs
with surrounding land uses.
(5) Assure that public benefits derived from expenditures of public funds for the
improvement and beautification of public streets and other public structures
and spaces are protected by exercising reasonable controls over character and
design of signage.
(6) Advance the aesthetic goals of the City throughout the community and ensure
the effectiveness and flexibility in the design, creativity, or use of signage
without creating a detriment to the general public.
(B) This regulation leaves ample and adequate alternative channels of commercial
speech communication for the messages portrayed on advertising signs – namely,
distributed print media, broadcast media, and point-of-purchase display – and is
narrowly defined so as to limit said prohibition to commercial speech on exterior
signage.
(C) Any sign authorized by this Chapter may contain a noncommercial message.
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Section 30-271: Definitions and Rules for Sign Groups, Categories, and Types
This Section provides the definitions and rules related to Signs Groups, Sign Categories,
and Sign Types. Additionally, Figure 30-290a lists the permitted signs by zoning district.
Figure 30-290b and Figure 30-290c provide the regulations related to the number and size
for these signs as they are applicable to each zoning district and/or Sign Type. Any Sign
Type not addressed by this Chapter shall be construed to be prohibited.
(A) Definition of a Sign.
(1) In this Chapter, the word “sign” means any object, device, display, structure,
or part thereof, situated or visible from outdoors, that contains a visual display
designed to identify, announce, direct, or inform through the use of any means,
including words, letters, figures, designs, logos, symbols, fixtures, colors,
illumination, or projected images.
(2) Signs do not include:
(a) Traffic control and other public agency messages located within a right-of-
way.
(b) Decorations that are incidentally and customarily associated with any
national holiday or religious holiday, or with any community festival or
similar event approved as a Special Event per Section 5-18 of the City of
Oshkosh Municipal Code.
(c) Flags that do not contain a commercial message, logo, or colors.
(d) Merchandise, pictures, or models of products or services incorporated in a
window display.
(e) Works of art which do not identify a currently offered product.
(f) Building colors and lighting that do not convey a logo or message specific
to the use therein.
(g) Scoreboards located on athletic fields.
(h) Signs which are located on the interior of or on the grounds of the following
land uses: Passive Outdoor Recreation, Active Outdoor Recreation, or an
Outdoor Open Space Institutional, which are primarily oriented to persons
within the grounds.
(i) Sign located on the interior of a building and not attached to a window,
which are oriented to persons within the building.
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(B) Permanent Business Signs Group. A permanent, on-site sign used in association
with an Agricultural, Institutional, Commercial, Multiple Use Buildings, Industrial,
Storage, Transportation, or Extraction & Disposal land use. Refer to Figure 30-290a
for permitted Sign Types by zoning district and Figure 30-290b for the maximum
permitted size and number of signs per lot or per business.
(1) Rules for all Permanent Business Signs.
(a) Signs in the Permanent Business Sign Group are available to land uses
identified in Article III as Agricultural, Institutional, Commercial, Multiple
Use Buildings, Industrial, Storage, Transportation, and Extraction &
Disposal.
(b) The Permanent Business Sign Group contains the following Sign
Categories: Freestanding Signs, On-Building Signs, and Daily Notice Signs.
(c) Total signage for all Sign Types per lot shall not exceed the maximum
signage area established in Figure 30-290b.
(d) Permitted sign lighting: backlit, internal character/cabinet, or gooseneck
(2) Freestanding Sign Category. A Permanent Business Sign permanently resting
on or supported by a slab, pedestal, post, pylon, or any other form of base
located on the ground.
(a) Dual Post Sign. A sign mounted on a post or posts, with a bracket arm
extending outward to support a hanging sign, with the sign attached
directly to the side of the post, or with the sign mounted between two posts.
(i) Permitted sign lighting: external, internal character/cabinet, and backlit
(ii) This Sign Type is also available to Townhouse, Multiplex, and
Apartment residential uses identified in Sections 30-75(E) through (G).
[Created 6.11.19]
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(b) Monument Sign. A sign with a bottom edge located within 3 feet of a
ground-mounted pedestal.
(i) The width of the base of a monument sign shall be at least two-thirds
the height of the sign.
(ii) This Sign Type is also available to Townhouse, Multiplex, and
Apartment residential uses identified in Sections 30-75(E) through (G).
(iii) Permitted sign lighting: external, internal character/cabinet, and
backlit
(c) Pylon Sign. A sign erected upon one or more pylon, pole, or post, of a scale
that is generally larger than a Dual Post Sign and used for larger businesses
and on higher traffic roads. See illustration below.
(i) Permitted sign lighting: external, internal character/cabinet, and backlit
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(3) On-Building Sign Category. A Permanent Business Sign permanently affixed
to an outside wall of a building.
(a) Awning/Canopy Sign. A sign that is affixed (via sewing, painting, or similar
method) to an awning or canopy which is mounted to the façade of a
building.
(i) In the Central Mixed Use district, sign copy and graphics shall be
located only on the valance of the awning/canopy, shall be centered
on the valance and shall not project below or above the valance.
(ii) Sign copy and graphics shall be horizontally and vertically centered on
the face of the awning.
(iii) Sign copy shall not project above, below, or beyond, the awning
surface.
(iv) Sign copy shall not exceed 10 percent of the area of an angled face of
the awning.
(v) Sign copy shall not be more than 1 foot tall on a vertical face of the
awning.
(vi) Permitted sign lighting: None
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(b) Marquee Sign. A sign mounted to a permanent roof-like structure that
projects out from the exterior wall of a structure.
(i) Marquee Signs shall be mounted parallel to the vertical surface of the
marquee and not project more than 18 inches beyond the vertical
surface of the marquee.
(ii) Freestanding letters may be located on top of the marquee, provided the
letters are no taller than 66 percent of the height of marquee.
(iii) No part of a Marquee Sign shall extend beyond the bottom or side
edges of the vertical face of the marquee surface.
(iv) Permitted sign lighting: external, internal character/cabinet
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(c) Projecting Sign. A sign mounted at any angle other than parallel to the wall
on which it is mounted and/or extends more than 18 inches from the wall.
(i) Projecting Signs shall clear sidewalks by at least 8 feet, as measured from
the grade immediately below the sign.
(ii) Projecting Signs shall project no more than 4 feet beyond the structure
to which they are mounted or no closer than 3 feet from an established
curb line, whichever is less.
(iii) No Projecting Sign shall extend above the topmost edge of an exterior
wall.
(iv) The top of the Projecting Sign shall not be installed above the window
sill of the second story or 18 feet, whichever is less.
(aa) Exception: The sign may be raised to within 18 inches of the
window sill if it is determined that the sign cannot reasonably be
placed within the sign band area.
(v) Projecting Signs shall not be placed within 15 feet of another Projecting
Sign. If the 15-foot separation cannot be maintained, the City may
permit a lesser distance to obtain the maximum separation distance.
(vi) This sign category includes blade signs, which are located near the
ground floor, typically hanging below awnings or canopies, and
intended to provide information to pedestrians on the sidewalk.
[Revised 7.25.23]
(vii) In addition to the total permitted wall signage for a given site, each
business is permitted one (1) blade sign with a maximum area of 2
square feet. [Revised 7.25.23]
(viii) Permitted sign lighting: external and internal character/cabinet.
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(d) Suspended Sign. A sign that is mounted perpendicular to the nearest wall
and suspended from the underside of a horizontal plane surface, such as a
covered porch, arcade, or canopy.
(i) No portion of a Suspended Sign shall extend lower than 8 feet above the
ground, measured from the grade immediately below the sign.
(ii) Suspended Signs shall be located within 6 feet of a customer entrance.
(iii) Permitted sign lighting: external and internal character/cabinet
(e) Wall Sign. A sign that is mounted directly on, and parallel to, a building
façade or other exterior, vertical building surface. A Wall Sign also includes
a sign located on the interior of a building that is intended to be viewed
from beyond the boundaries of the site, not to be confused with a Window
Sign.
(i) Wall Signs shall not project more than 18 inches horizontally beyond the
edge of any wall or other surface to which they are mounted.
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(ii) The top of the sign shall not extend above the top edge of the vertical
wall or above the lowest edge of a roof line of the portion of the
building to which it is mounted.
(iii) Wall Signs shall be mounted so that they do not obscure the
architecture features, windows, or doors of a building.
(iv) Permitted sign lighting: external, internal character/cabinet, and
backlit
(v) This Sign Type is also available to Townhouse, Multiplex, and
Apartment residential uses identified in Sections 30-75(E) through (G)
[Created 6.11.19]
(f) Window Sign. A type of sign that is attached to an exterior window. Window
Signs may face toward the outside of the building, the inside, or both.
[Revised 8.10.22]
(i) Window Signs shall be limited to a maximum area that does not exceed
33 percent of the individual glass area as contained within a mullion
or frame.
(ii) There is no limit in the number of Window Signs per lot or per building.
(iii) Permitted sign lighting: internal character/cabinet
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(4) Daily Notice Sign Category. A Permanent Business Sign typically used to
advertise daily specials, daily menu items, or on-site events that change on a
regular basis, and which usually includes changeable copy. This type of sign
may or may not be associated with restaurants, taverns, music venues, and
retail stores.
(a) Bulletin Board Sign. A type of freestanding Daily Notice Sign located on-
site containing changeable copy.
(i) Permitted sign lighting: external, internal character/cabinet, and backlit
(b) Drive-Through Sign. A type of Daily Notice Sign used in conjunction with
drive-through or drive-in establishments.
(i) Drive-Through Signs are available only to approved Drive-Through and
In-Vehicle Sales or Service land uses defined in Section 30-78(J) and shall
meet the location requirements for signs described in Section 30-78(J).
(ii) Drive-Through Signs shall be freestanding or mounted on the exterior
wall of the building containing the use.
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(iii) Freestanding two-way microphone/speaker devices shall not count
toward the maximum permitted area of the Drive-Through Sign.
(iv) Permitted sign lighting: external, internal character/cabinet, and
backlit
(c) Menu Board Signs. A type of Daily Notice Sign mounted flat against a wall
containing changeable copy.
(i) Menu Board Signs shall not extend more than 3 inches from the wall on
which they are mounted.
(ii) Anything attached to a Menu Board Sign shall not project outside the
perimeter of the sign face nor project in excess of one inch from the
sign face.
(iii) Menu Board Signs shall not include electronic message boards.
(iv) Menu Board Signs shall be fabricated of sign-grade wood, plastic, or
metal and shall be manufactured to a professional standard of
construction, finish, and graphics.
(v) Permitted sign lighting: external
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(d) Sandwich Board Sign. A type of Daily Notice Sign placed on the ground
and configured in either of the following manners (see illustration below):
(i) A double-sided sign constructed to form an “A”-like shape, hinged or
not hinged at the top, with each angular face held together at an
appropriate distance by a supporting element such as a folding bar,
latch, or chain; or
(ii) A double-sided frame into which a sign face can be inserted, erected
upon weighted metal or plastic base.
(iii) Placement Requirements. If there is not adequate space available on a
business’s private premises to place a Sandwich Board Sign in a
manner that is visible to the public, a Sandwich Board Sign may be
placed between the side of the building with the customer entrance
and the curb, provided that the following locational requirements are
met:
(aa) The sign shall be placed directly in front of the business to which
it is related and in front of the same lot of the subject business.
(bb) The sign shall be placed so that a minimum of 5 feet in width of
unobstructed travel way remains available on the sidewalk at all
times.
(cc) Sign placement shall meet all requirements of the Americans
with Disabilities Act.
(dd) Sandwich Board Signs shall be placed a minimum of 4 feet from
all obstructions within the sidewalk right-of-way, including
newspaper boxes, outdoor seating and tables, trees and tree
grates, bicycle racks, trash receptacles, and any other item
impeding pedestrian or wheelchair movement.
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(ee) The sign shall not obstruct access to any bus stop boarding area,
fire hydrant, fire escape or fire door, or obstruct the clear view of
any traffic signal, regulatory sign or street sign. Whether such a
prohibited obstruction is created by the Sandwich Board Sign
shall be the determination of the City.
(ff) The sign shall be placed a minimum of 25 feet from an
intersection. The sign shall be placed a minimum of 10 feet from
a building corner or crosswalk.
(gg) The sign shall not be placed in any “bump out” area.
(hh) The sign shall not be placed in such a way as to interfere with
snowplowing of the streets. The area around the sign shall be free
of snow and ice. The sign shall not be placed on snow banks.
Businesses that utilize Sandwich Board Signs shall hold the City
harmless from damage to the signs due to snow removal and
snowplowing.
(ii) The sign shall not be permanently affixed to any structure within
the right-of-way or sidewalk.
(jj) Sandwich Board Signs shall be kept inside the building when the
business is closed.
(iv) Configuration Requirements.
(aa) No portion of a Sandwich Board Sign shall be more than 4 feet
high or more than 3 feet wide; including any part of its frame or
supporting structure.
(bb) Anything attached to a Sandwich Board Sign shall not project
beyond the perimeter of the sign face nor project in excess of one
inch from the sign face.
(v) Material Requirements.
(aa) Sandwich Board Signs shall be manufactured to a professional
standard of construction finish, and graphics, shall be fabricated
of sign-grade wood, plastic, or metal, and shall not be affixed to
or mounted on wheels.
(bb) Signs shall not be painted traffic yellow or construction zone
orange, nor shall they be reflective or fluorescent. Signs shall not
resemble or contain any traffic sign, signal or device, as
determined by the Transportation Director.
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(cc) Sandwich Board Signs shall be secured so as to remain stationary
in moderate winds.
(vi) Permitted sign lighting: None
(C) Temporary Business Signs Group. A temporary, on-site sign used in association
with an Agricultural, Institutional, Multiple Use Buildings, Commercial, Industrial,
Storage, Transportation, or Extraction & Disposal land use. Temporary Business
Signs are typically used to promote temporary activities. If a sign display area is
permanent, but the message displayed is subject to periodic changes, that sign shall
not be considered to be temporary.
(1) Rules for all Temporary Business Signs.
(a) Signs in the Temporary Business Signs Group are available to land uses
identified in Article III as Agricultural, Institutional, Multiple Use
Buildings, Commercial, Industrial, Storage, Transportation, and Extraction
& Disposal.
(b) Refer to Figure 30-290c for the rules pertaining to the maximum permitted
quantity, area, and height of specific Sign Types.
(c) The Temporary Business Sign Group contains the following Sign
Categories: Temporary Board & Banner Signs and Temporary
Development Signs
(d) Each lot shall be limited to 1 Temporary Business Sign per Category per
street frontage.
(e) Temporary Business Signs shall be located on-site and shall not be located
within any street right-of-way.
(f) Temporary Business Signs may be freestanding or on-building in
configuration.
(g) A temporary sign permit shall be required for all temporary signs.
(h) All temporary signs shall be anchored and supported in a manner which
reasonably prevents the possibility of the signs becoming hazards to the
public health and safety.
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(2) Temporary Board & Banner Sign Category. A sign located outside of a building
for up to 3 limited periods of display in a calendar year. Such signs may or may
not be used for the purpose of informing the public of a sale or special offer.
(a) Board Sign. A type of Temporary Board & Banner Sign that is temporarily
placed on the ground and made of rigid material such as plywood or
corrugated plastic.
(i) Display of Board Signs shall be limited to 30 days. Each business shall
be limited to three 30-day display periods for board, banner or waving
signs collectively per calendar year.
(ii) Permitted sign lighting: None
(b) Banner Sign. A type of Temporary Board & Banner Sign that is made of
flexible material such as cloth or vinyl, and is supported along 1 or more
sides or at 2 or more corners by wires, ropes, string, nails, or other
removable fastening materials.
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(i) Banner Signs shall be mounted so that they do not obscure the windows
or doors of a building.
(ii) Display of Banner Signs shall be limited to 30 days. Each business shall
be limited to three 30-day display periods for board, banner or waving
signs collectively per calendar year
(iii) Permitted sign lighting: None
(c) Waving Sign. A type of Temporary Board & Banner Sign that is made of
flexible material and is intended to attract attention to a site.
(i) Waving Signs are permitted in the following configurations. All other
configurations shall be construed to be prohibited by this Chapter:
(aa) A flag attached to a freestanding or wall-mounted flag pole that
contains sign copy;
(bb) A sign consisting of a piece of vertically elongated, flexible
material such as cloth or vinyl which is affixed to a single pole
driven in the ground, sometimes called a “feather sign”; or
(cc) An inflatable sign capable of being filled with and expanded by
air or other gas, including includes animated or “dancing” signs
(ii) Waving Signs shall be limited to 30 days. Each business shall be limited
to three 30-day display periods for board, banner or waving signs
collectively per calendar year
(iii) Permitted sign lighting: None
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(3) Temporary Development Sign Category. A sign located outside of a building,
and which is limited to display only information associated with on-site
activities during the active development of a building, site, or plat.
(a) Active Building Board Sign. A type of Temporary Development Sign that is
made of a rigid material such as plywood or corrugated plastic, which may
be displayed only on the site under construction, and only during the time
period in which the Building Permit is valid.
(i) Permitted sign lighting: None
(b) Active Plat Board Sign. A type of Temporary Development Sign that is
made of a rigid material such as plywood or corrugated plastic, which may
be displayed only information associated with on-site activities on the site
of a land division plat under construction, and only during the time period
when less than 75 percent of the lots in the plat phase have been sold.
(i) Permitted sign lighting: None
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(D) Permanent Miscellaneous Signs Group. A permanent sign that is available to all sites
in the City regardless of land use, with the exception of the Institutional Information
Sign, which is only permitted in the Institutional Zoning District.
(1) Rules for all Permanent Miscellaneous Signs.
(a) Permanent Miscellaneous Signs are available to all land uses.
(b) Refer to Figure 30-290c for the rules pertaining to the maximum permitted
quantity, area, and height of specific Sign Types.
(c) The Permanent Miscellaneous Sign Group contains the following Sign
Categories: Identification & Safety Signs and Optional Miscellaneous Signs
(2) Identification & Safety Sign Category. A Sign Category that includes signs that
the City finds essential in order to protect the public health, safety, and/or
welfare. Specifically, these signs are used to provide information essential to
the following public purposes: to deliver mail; to identify property addresses
for the provision of emergency services such as fire or rescue service; to identify
the management of rental properties for the provision of emergency services;
to provide information about parking limitations or warnings against trespass;
and, to provide information about required traffic flow where a safe path to a
destination is not evident.
(a) Address Sign. A type of Identification & Safety Sign that contains address
numerals.
(i) Address Signs shall be located on the building and shall be visible from
a public street.
(ii) Permitted sign lighting: external and internal character/cabinet
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(b) Building Management Identification Sign. A type of Identification & Safety
Sign indicating the name, phone number, web address, and/or address of
the property owner, tenant and/or manager of the property. [Revised 6.11.19]
(i) Building Management Identification Signs shall be mounted only on a
street facing façade of the principal structure and not on any accessory
structures.
(ii) Building Management Identification signs shall not be mounted to any
part of any porch railing, rim joists, the exterior of any window or
shutter, on latticework, roof support posts, or any feature where signage
is prohibited as listed in Section 30-294.
(iii) Building Management Identification signs shall be mounted within five
(5) feet of the primary entrance, on the façade wall, and no part of any
building management identification sign shall be located above the top
of the entry door itself. This includes scenarios where the door has a
transom window above.
(iv) In situations where the property configuration prevents the placement of
a building management identification sign in an approved location
adjacent to the primary entrance, the property owner may file for a
design standards variance for alternative sign placement through the
Plan Commission following the variance process outlined in Section 30-
411. In considering variance requests, staff and the Plan Commission
shall examine the front façade of the principal structure and determine
whether compliant sign placement area exists.
(v) Permitted sign lighting: None
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(vi) Building Management Identification Signs shall be fabricated of sign-
grade wood or metal with a minimum thickness of 0.04 inches and shall
be manufactured to a professional standard of construction, finish, and
graphics and shall not be hand painted in a nonprofessional or amateur
manner.
(c) On-Site Warning Sign. A type of Identification & Safety Sign that indicates
a warning from the property owner related to conditions on-site and/or that
cites a City, State, or Federal law, order, rule, or regulation. Such signs shall
contain no commercial message. Examples include signs listing parking
hours or “No Trespassing,” “No Loitering,” or “Customer Parking Only”
signs.
(i) On-Site Warning Signs may be freestanding or on-building in
configuration.
(ii) Permitted sign lighting: None
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(d) On-Site Directional Sign. A type of Identification & Safety Sign that includes
a directional arrow or symbol to a specific business destination within a
development or site. On-Site Directional Signs may also include either the
name, logo, or symbol of the destination, provided that the name, logo, or
symbol is less than 1 square foot.
(i) On-Site Directional Signs may be freestanding or on-building in
configuration.
(ii) Permitted sign lighting: external and internal character/cabinet
(3) Optional Miscellaneous Sign Category. A Sign Category that conveys
information which the City of Oshkosh finds essential to encourage place
making, particularly related to officially-recognized historic places, officially-
designated neighborhoods, and communication of information to the general
public.
(a) Metal Plaque Sign. A type of Optional Miscellaneous Sign available to
officially-recognized historic properties, sites, or districts, typically
denoting the name of the building onto which it is mounted, its date of
erection, and/or historical information.
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(i) Metal Plaque Signs shall be located on a building or on the ground.
(ii) Permitted sign lighting: external
(b) Neighborhood Sign. A type of Optional Miscellaneous Sign typically
indicating the name of a neighborhood, neighborhood association, or
subdivision recognized by the City of Oshkosh.
(i) Neighborhood Signs shall require a conditional use permit.
(ii) Neighborhood Signs shall be configured as Monument Signs or Dual
Post Signs.
(iii) Permitted sign lighting: external and backlit
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(c) Institutional Information Sign. A type of Optional Miscellaneous Sign
typically providing information to the community regarding scheduled
public events, public activities, and public facilities.
(i) Institutional Information Signs shall be permitted only in the
Institutional Zoning District.
(ii) Institutional Information Signs shall be configured as Monument Signs
or Dual Post Signs.
(iii) Institutional Information Signs may have changeable copy and may
incorporate an electronic message board. Electronic message boards
shall not be permitted within 100 feet of any parcel within a residential
zoning district.
(iv) Permitted sign lighting: external and internal character/cabinet
(E) Yard Signs Group. A sign 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.), needed on a temporary basis. Such signs are freestanding, are mounted
on 1 or 2 stakes or posts, and do not have footings.
(1) Rules for all Yard Signs.
(a) Yard Signs are available to all land uses.
(b) Yard Signs may be displayed for a maximum of 180 days per calendar year.
[Created 6.11.19]
(i) Additional time may be granted through Conditional Use Permit
approval.
(c) Refer to Figure 30-290c for the rules pertaining to the maximum permitted
area and height for Yard Signs.
(d) Yard Signs shall be located on-site.
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(e) Each lot shall be limited to 1 Yard Sign.
(i) Any number of Yard Signs is permitted between the deadline for
candidate filing for any local, state, or federal election hosted by the
City of Oshkosh and 2 days following said election.
(2) The Yard Signs Group contains three Sign Types:
(a) Stake Sign. A type of Yard Sign that consists of a sign face erected upon
one or more metal wires or wood, metal, or plastic stakes of no more than
3 inches in width.
(i) Permitted sign lighting: None
(b) Frame Sign. A type of Yard Sign that consists of a frame into which a sign
face can be inserted and erected upon two wood, metal, or plastic stakes
or ground spikes.
(i) Permitted sign lighting: None
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(c) Arm & Post Yard Sign. A type of Yard Sign mounted on a post or posts,
either with a bracket arm extending outward to support a hanging sign,
with the sign attached directly to the side of the post, or with the sign
mounted between two posts.
(i) Permitted sign lighting: None
(F) Prohibited Signs.
(1) Abandoned Sign. Any sign remaining in place on a site or a portion of a site
(such as a single tenant in a multitenant building) that has been vacant, closed,
or otherwise unoccupied for a period of 365 days.
(a) Signs included in the Yard Sign Group, as defined in Section 30-271(E), shall
not be considered abandoned as long they are maintained and are in
functional condition.
(2) Advertising Vehicle Sign. A vehicle, trailer, or other piece of equipment which
contains any sign or advertising device.
(a) Business vehicles legally parked in any of the locations described below
shall not be considered Advertising Vehicle Signs:
(i) A business vehicle parked on site at the place of business in a parking
space that is designated for company vehicle parking or storage on a
site plan approved by the City, where said vehicle is moved or operated
on a regular basis; or
(ii) A business vehicle legally parked on site at the residence of an employee
(including driveways and legal off-street parking spaces).
(3) Beacon/Search Beacon Sign. Any light with one or more beams directed into
the atmosphere or directed at one or more points not on the same site as the
light source; also, any light with one or more beams that rotate or move.
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City of Oshkosh Chapter 30 – Article X - Page 26 Municipal Codes
(4) Billboard. See Off-Premise Advertising Sign.
(5) Flashing/Scrolling/Animated Sign. A sign having lights or illumination which
flashes, scrolls, moves, rotates, twinkles, blinks, flickers, varies in intensity of
color, or uses intermittent electrical pulsations. Electronic message boards
meeting the definition and requirements of Section 30-280 of this Chapter shall
not be considered flashing, scrolling, or animated signs.
(6) Mobile/Portable Sign. A sign not permanently attached to the ground that is
designed to be moved from one location to another. Also, a sign mounted on a
frame or chassis designed to be easily relocated, including vehicles and/or
trailers whose principal commercial use is for signage. Licensed and operable
business vehicles, trailers, or other pieces of equipment shall not be considered
mobile or portable signs. Sandwich Board Signs meeting the definition and
requirements of Section 30-271(B)(4)(d) of this Chapter shall not be considered
Mobile/Portable Signs.
(7) Off-Premise Advertising Sign. A sign which directs attention to a business,
commodity, service, or entertainment conducted, sold, or offered elsewhere
than upon the site where the sign is located.
(a) Off-premise advertising signs include billboards but do not include
Institutional Information Signs.
(b) Existing legal Off-Premise Advertising Signs made nonconforming by this
Section shall be permitted to continue as legal, nonconforming signs,
subject to the requirements of Section 30-312.
(c) A sign which names or identifies the building on site, or a portion thereof,
in a non-branded uniform form (script, size, color) is not considered an off-
premise advertising sign. [Created 3.26.24]
(8) Roof Sign. A sign erected on a roof or above a parapet wall of a structure and
which is wholly or partially supported by said structure.
(G) Other Definitions.
(1) Advertising. Any writing, painting, display, emblem, drawing, sign or other
device designed, used or intended for display or any type of publicity for the
purpose of making anything known or attracting attention to a place, product,
goods, or services.
(2) Building frontage. That building elevation that fronts on a public right-of-way
or navigable waterway.
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City of Oshkosh Chapter 30 – Article X - Page 27 Municipal Codes
(3) Business/tenant frontage. That portion of a building frontage occupied by a
single tenant space having a public entrance within the building frontage. For
businesses located on the interior of a building without building frontage, the
building elevation providing customer access shall be considered the business
frontage.
(4) Cabinet Sign. A box-like sign with a frame or external structure of that encloses
the various functional elements of the sign, whether electrical or structural
components. Cabinet Signs have a plastic or glass sign face and may or may
not be internally illuminated.
(5) Commercial message. Any sign wording, logo, or trademark that names,
advertises, or calls attention to a specific business product, service, or
commercial activity. Electronic changeable copy is regulated as an electronic
message board as defined in Section 30-280. [Revised 12.12.23]
(6) Copy. Words, letters, numbers, figures, designs or other symbolic
representations incorporated into a sign.
(7) Changeable copy. Sign copy that may be changed manually to provide
different information such as boards with changeable letters, bulletin boards,
and chalkboards.
(8) Customer entrance. The entrance that the public can use when an
establishment is open to the public.
(9) Electronic message board. See Section 30-280.
(10) Height of sign. The vertical distance from the average ground level adjacent to
the sign to the top of the highest attached component of the sign. See Section
30-291(B) for details and for measurement of sign height from the centerline
grade of the nearest adjacent public road.
(11) Maintain. Maintaining the existing appearance of the sign; replacing or
repainting the sign colors, and messages; or changing the face of an off-premise
advertising sign. Maintenance is distinct from alteration of nonconforming
signs. (See Section 30-312.)
(12) Lighting, ambient. Illumination in which the only light that falls onto the sign
come from sources that are available naturally (e.g. sunlight, moonlight) or
from artificial lighting sources used for other purposes in the vicinity of the
sign (e.g. street lights, lighting installed for other purposes or sites)
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City of Oshkosh Chapter 30 – Article X - Page 28 Municipal Codes
(13) Lighting, backlit. Illumination that is arranged in such a way that the light is
cast from behind the sign to the eyes of the viewer. Often, the lighting element
is unshielded but concealed behind individual freestanding letters, creating a
silhouette effect.
(14) Lighting, external. Illumination resulting from light emitted directly from a
shielded light fixture directed onto the sign face. External lighting includes
gooseneck light fixtures, which are shielded light fixtures attached to a curved
neck, located at the top of the sign, and angled downward onto the sign face.
(15) Lighting, internal. Illumination emanating from a lighting element that is
located behind the sign face and which is completely enclosed. Such
illumination is diffused through a translucent material such as plastic or
frosted glass. Internal lighting includes neon lighting, internally-lit cabinets,
and internally-lit individual letters or characters.
(16) Landmark sign. Signs painted on a building façade that are at least 50 years old
which may no longer advertise an existing business activity and are
determined to be a historic sign.
(17) Plat phase. The collection of lots, rights-of-ways, and outlots located within the
perimeter boundary of a Final Plat.
(18) Sign area. The entire face of a sign, including the extreme limits of writing,
representation, emblem or other display, together with any material or color
forming an integral part of the background of the display but not including any
supporting framework. See Section 30-291(C).
(19) Sign face. The area or display surface used for the message.
(20) Site. A lot or combination of lots under the jurisdiction of this Chapter. A site
may also be determined to be a portion of a single lot where more than one
building in a Group Development (approved by the City) contains separate
businesses. For the purposes of this Chapter, the site shall be determined by
the Director of Community Development, or designee.
(21) Three-dimensional signs: Signs that have a depth or relief on their surface.
Where a sign consists of one or more three-dimensional objects (i.e., balls,
cubes, clusters of objects, sculpture or statue-like trademarks), the sign area
shall be measured per Section 30-291(C)(2) and (3). Three-dimensional wall
signs that project more than 18 inches beyond the structure on which they are
mounted shall be regulated as Projecting Signs under Section 30-271(B)(3)(c).
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City of Oshkosh Chapter 30 – Article X - Page 29 Municipal Codes
Sections 30-272 to 30-279: Reserved
Section 30-280: Electronic Message Boards
(A) Electronic Message Board. A sign or component of a 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.
(1) Unless otherwise prohibited by this Chapter, electronic message boards may
be integrated into the design of any Permanent Business Sign or Institutional
Information Sign, as permitted by Figure 30-290a.
(2) No more than (1) electronic message board is allowed on a lot. [Created 4.11.17]
(3) Permitted electronic message board area shall be in addition to the total
permitted sign area for a given site.
(4) Messages and non-text images shall not change appearance more than once
every 10 seconds, and transitions between messages shall be via instantaneous
change. Use of electronic message boards for images, text, or lighting that
change appearance in a manner not permitted above shall be considered
flashing, scrolling, or animated signs, which are prohibited per Section 30-294.
(5) Electronic message boards shall be equipped with photosensitive equipment
which automatically adjusts the brightness and contrast of the sign in direct
relation to the ambient outdoor illumination.
(6) Electronic message boards shall comply with the lighting requirements of
Section 30-190.
(7) Electronic message boards shall be maintained so as to be able to display
messages in a complete and legible manner.
(8) In addition to the setback requirements of this Chapter, no sign containing an
electronic message board shall be located within 100 feet of any parcel within
a residential zoning district.
City of Oshkosh Zoning Ordinance Municipal Code
City of Oshkosh Chapter 30 – Article X - Page 30 Municipal Codes
Section 30-281: Fuel Price Boards
(A) Fuel Price Boards. A sign or component of a sign that lists the price of gasoline sold
on-site, as required by Wis. Stat. section 100.18(8).
(1) Fuel price boards shall not be separate signs, but rather shall be integrated into
the design of a permitted Permanent Business Sign.
(2) Fuel price boards may list up to 1 price per type of fuel, which shall be
displayed on a single structure.
(3) Fuel price boards may not exceed 100 square feet per sign.
(4) Fuel price boards may be illuminated, per the lighting requirements of Section
30-190.
(5) Fuel price boards may contain changeable copy or electronic message boards,
per the requirements of Section 30-280.
Section 30-282: Signage for Group and Large Developments
(A) In order to accommodate increased signage needs for multi-tenant buildings and
larger developments, Group Developments and Large Developments, defined
under Section 30-171, shall be permitted an increase in total permitted sign area and
height. [Revised 6.11.19]
(B) Permanent Business Signs for Group and Large Developments may be increased by
up to 50 percent in area and up to and 2 feet in height above the maximum signage
permitted for the applicable zoning district.
(C) No lot utilizing the signage bonus under Subsection (2), above, shall be permitted
more than one freestanding sign per lot.
Sections 30-283 to 30-289: Reserved
City of Oshkosh Zoning Ordinance Municipal Code
City of Oshkosh Chapter 30 – Article X - Page 31 Municipal Codes
Section 30-290: Permitted Signs Rules
(A) Signs shall be allowed on private property in the City in accordance with Figures
30-290a through 30-290d, which address permitted signage as it relates to permits,
quantity, area, location, lighting, and zoning districts. The requirements set forth in
Figures 30-290a through 30-290d shall be declared to be part of this Chapter.
(1) Permitted signs by zoning district are located in Figure 30-290a.
(2) Permitted sign characteristics for Permanent Business Signs are located in
Figure 30-290b.
(3) Permitted sign characteristics for all signs other than Permanent Business Signs
are located in Figure 30-290c.
(4) Permitted sign lighting for all signs is located in Figure 30-290d.
(B) Guide to Figure 30-290a. If the letter “Y” appears for a sign type in a column, such
sign is allowed without prior permit approval in the zoning districts represented by
that column. If the letter “P” appears for a sign type in a column, such sign is allowed
only with prior permit approval in the zoning districts represented by that column.
If the letter “C” appears for a sign type in a column, such sign is allowed only with
conditional use permit approval in the zoning districts represented by that column.
Special conditions may apply in some cases. If the letter “N” appears for a sign type
in a column, such a sign is not allowed in the zoning districts represented by that
column under any circumstances.
(1) Although generally permitted by this Section, a sign designated by an “Y,” “P,”
or “C” in Figure 30-290a shall be allowed only if:
(a) The sum of the area of all Permanent Business Signs on the lot conforms
to the maximum permitted sign area as determined by the formula for
the zoning district in which the lot is located and conforms to any
additional limitations in other applicable Sections of this Chapter.
(b) The size, location, lighting, and number of signs on the lot conform to
the requirements Figure 30-290b through 30-290d, which establish
permitted sign dimensions and characteristics by sign type, and with
any additional limitations in other applicable Sections of this Chapter.
(2) Signage for all uses in the Planned Development zoning district shall be
permitted per the base zoning district or as modified in an approved Planned
Development.
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City of Oshkosh Chapter 30 – Article X - Page 32 Municipal Codes
(3) Key to Figure 30-290a and Figure 30-290b. Figure 30-290a and Figure 30-290b,
the headings have the following meanings:
Abbreviations
Used in Figures 30-290a
and 30-390b on the
following page.
Uses and Zoning Districts
SF Single family, duplex, and two-flat residential districts,
including SR-2, SR-3, SR-5, SR-9, DR-6, TR-10, and MH-9
MF Multi-family residential districts, including MR-12, MR-20,
and MR-36
INS
All institutional uses as defined in Section 30-77 in all zoning
districts. Such uses may include but are not necessarily limited
to schools, churches, universities, government facilities, and
assisted living facilities.
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City of Oshkosh Chapter 30 – Article X - Page 33 Municipal Codes
Figure 30-290a: Permitted Signs by Purpose/Configuration and Zoning District
Zoning Districts1
RH SF MF INS2 NMU SMU UMU CMU3 RMU3 BP UI HI
Permanent Business Sign Group
Freestanding Sign Category
Dual Post Sign P P P P P P P P P P P P
Monument Sign P P P P P P P P P P P P
Pylon Sign N N N C N P P N N P P P
On-Building Signs
Awning/Canopy Sign N N P P P P P P P P P P
Marquee Sign N N N P C P P P P P P P
Projecting Sign N N N P P P P P P P P P
Suspended Sign P N N P P P P P P P P P
Wall Sign P P P P P P P P P P P P
Window Sign [Revised 4.24.18] Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Daily Notice Signs
Bulletin Board Sign P N C P P P P P P N N N
Drive-Through Sign4 N N N N P P P P P N N N
Menu Board Sign N N N N P P P P P P N N
Sandwich Board Sign P N N N P P P P P P N N
Temporary Business Sign Group
Temporary Board & Banner Sign Category
Board Sign P P P P P P P P P P P P
Banner Sign P P P P P P P P P P P P
Waving Sign N N N P N P P P C C N N
Temporary Development Sign Category
Active Building Board Sign P P P P P P P P P P P P
Active Plat Board Sign P P P P P P P P P P P P
“Y” = Sign is allowed without prior permit approval.
“P” = Sign is allowed only with prior sign permit approval.
“C” = Sign is allowed only with prior conditional use permit approval
“N = Sign is not allowed in the zoning districts represented by that column under any circumstances.
Table and footnotes continued on the following page.
City of Oshkosh Zoning Ordinance Municipal Code
City of Oshkosh Chapter 30 – Article X - Page 34 Municipal Codes
Figure 30-290a: Permitted Signs by Purpose/Configuration and Zoning District,
Continued
Zoning Districts1
RH SF MF INS2 NMU SMU UMU CMU3 RMU3 BP UI HI
Permanent Miscellaneous Sign Group
Identification & Safety Sign Category
Address Sign Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Building Management
Identification Sign Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
On-Site Warning Sign Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
On-Site Directional Sign Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Optional Miscellaneous Sign Category
Metal Plaque Sign Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Permanent Plat Sign P P P P P P P P P P P P
Institutional Information Sign P P P P P P P P P P P P
Temporary Miscellaneous Sign Group
Yard Sign Category
Stake Sign Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Frame Sign Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Arm & Post Yard Sign Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Electronic Message Boards
Electronic Message Board N C C P/C 5 N P P C C P P P
“Y” = Sign is allowed without prior permit approval.
“P” = Sign is allowed only with prior sign permit approval.
“C” = Sign is allowed only with prior conditional use permit approval
“N = Sign is not allowed in the zoning districts represented by that column under any circumstances.
Notes:
1. Signage for Campus zoning district: per adopted Campus Master Plan, or per institutional uses if a
Campus Master Plan is not adopted. (See Section 30-386.) Signage for Planned Development districts: per
adopted GDP and SIP. (See Section 30-387.)
2. This column applies to all uses with Institutional (I) zoning and all institutional uses as defined in Section
30-77 in all zoning districts. Such uses may include but are not necessarily limited to schools, churches,
universities, government facilities, and assisted living facilities.
3. See Section 30-294 for sign limitations specific to the CMU and RMU zoning districts.
4. Only available to approved Drive-Through and In-Vehicle and Service land uses
5. Electronic message boards are “P” for uses located in Institutional (I) zoning districts; “C” for institutional
uses in all other districts.
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City of Oshkosh Chapter 30 – Article X - Page 35 Municipal Codes
Figure 30-290b: Permitted Sign Characteristics for Permanent Business Signs
by Zoning District1
Zoning Districts
RH SF2 MF INS3 NMU SMU UMU CMU RMU BP UI HI
Permanent Business Sign Group
Freestanding Sign Category (includes Dual Post, Monument, and Pylon Sign Types)
Sign Area Calculation 1 square foot of sign area per 1 linear foot of public right-of-way frontage;
or at least 50 square feet per lot4
Maximum Area of all
Freestanding Signs (per side)
50
sq ft
15
sq ft
25
sq ft
100/
2005
25/
506
100/
200/
4007
100/
200/
4007
100 sq
ft
100 sq
ft
100/
2005
100/
200/
4007
100/
200/
4007
Maximum Height –
Dual Post or Monument Sign8 10 ft 5 ft 5 ft 15 ft 10 ft 15 ft 15 ft 15 ft 15 ft 15 ft 20 ft 20 ft
Maximum Height – Pylon
Sign8 --- --- --- 30 ft --- 30-
3511 30 ft --- --- 30 ft 30 ft 30 ft
Number per Lot 1 per public right-of-way frontage
On-Building Sign Category (includes Awning/Canopy, Marquee, Projecting, Suspended, Wall, and Window Sign
Types) Maximum Area per Building
Façade (except Window
Signs)
1 square foot per linear foot of building frontage.9
Not to exceed 30% of wall area per building façade (or 15% in SF zoning districts).
Window Signs Not to exceed 33% of the individual glass area contained within a mullion or frame.
Daily Notice Sign Category – One Daily Notice Sign is permitted per business with public right-of-way frontage.
Bulletin Board Sign Maximum Area: 8 sq ft
Maximum Height: 8 ft
Maximum Area: 16 sq ft
Maximum Height: 10 ft
Drive-Through Sign10
[Revised 8.10.22]
Primary Board: Maximum Area: 24 sq ft Maximum Height: 8 ft
Pre-sell Board: Maximum Area: 12 sq ft Maximum Height: 6 ft
Sandwich Board Sign Maximum Area: 6 sq ft Maximum Height: 4 ft Maximum Width: 3 ft
Menu Board Sign Maximum Area: 8 sq ft Maximum Height: 8 ft
Electronic Message Boards (in addition to maximum permitted signage area)12 -
One electronic message board is permitted per lot in INS, SMU, UMU, CMU, RMU, BP, UI and HI districts.
[Revised 4.24.18]
Maximum Area (per side) --- -- 100 sq
ft --- 100
sq ft
50
sq ft -- -- 100
sq ft
50
sq ft
50
sq ft
City of Oshkosh Zoning Ordinance Municipal Code
City of Oshkosh Chapter 30 – Article X - Page 36 Municipal Codes
Notes:
1. See Section 30-271(B) for additional regulations for specific Sign Types.
2. None of the Sign Types in this Figure are available to single family or two family land uses.
3. This column applies to all uses with Institutional (I) zoning and all institutional uses as defined in Section
30-77 in all zoning districts. Such uses may include but are not necessarily limited to schools, churches,
universities, government facilities, and assisted living facilities.
4. For lots with narrow public right-of-way frontages, an alternative method, based on the width of the lot at
the building façade, may be used to calculate maximum freestanding sign area. See Figure 30-291b.
5. For lots less than or equal to 2 acres: 100 sq ft. For lots greater than 2 acres: 200 sq ft
6. For lots less than or equal to 2 acres: 25 sq ft. For lots greater than 2 acres: 50 sq ft
7. For lots less than or equal to ½ acre: 100 sq ft. For lots greater than ½ acre and less than or equal to 2 acres:
200 sq ft. For lots greater than 2 acres: 400 sq ft
8. See Section 30-291(B) for sign height measurement.
9. In the SMU district, each tenant with exterior frontage is allowed a minimum of 50 square feet for on-
building signage regardless of the length of building frontage. There is no limit to the number of on-
building signs per lot or per building. Multi-family residential districts are limited to 25 sq ft of on-
building signage per building façade. [Revised 6.11.19]
10. Only permitted with approved Drive-Through and In-Vehicle Sales and Service land uses. Two menu
boards (one pre-sell and one primary) are allowed per drive-through lane for such land uses.
[Revised 8.10.22]
11. For lots zoned SMU within 300 feet of the centerline of US Highway 41: 35 ft.
For all other properties zoned SMU: 30 ft.
12. Maximum of one (1) Electronic Message Board per lot. [Created 4.11.17]
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City of Oshkosh Chapter 30 – Article X - Page 37 Municipal Codes
Figure 30-290c: Permitted Sign Characteristics for All Other Signs1
All Zoning Districts
Quantity
Maximum
Area per Side
Maximum
Height
Temporary Business Sign Group (Select 1 sign per Category)
Temporary Board & Banner Sign Category
Board Sign 1 Board Sign or 1 Banner Sign
per lot or 1 Waving Sign street
frontage
32 sq ft 8 ft
Banner Sign 32 sq ft 8 ft
Waving Sign 32 sq ft 20 ft
Temporary Development Sign Category
Active Building Board Sign 1 Active Building Board Sign or
Active Plat Board Sign per lot2
32 sq ft 8 ft
Active Plat Board Sign 32 sq ft 8 ft
Permanent Miscellaneous Sign Group
Identification & Safety Sign Category
Address Sign 1 per address 4 sq ft 10 ft
Building Management
Identification Sign 1 per building 1½ sq ft Height of
primary entrance
On-Site Warning Sign As needed for public safety
and welfare 8 sq ft 6 ft
On-Site Directional Sign
2 per each vehicular
entrance/exit and 1 per distinct
parking area
8 sq ft 3 ft
Optional Miscellaneous Sign Category
Metal Plaque Sign Up to 3 per designated historic
property, site, or district 6 sq ft 8 ft
Neighborhood Sign 1 per Plat area or neighborhood
recognized by the City Council 100 sq ft 8 ft
Institutional Information
Sign
1 per street frontage with
Institutional zoning 100 sq ft 10 ft
Yard Signs Group (Select 1 Yard Sign)
Stake Sign 1 Stake Sign, Frame Sign, or
Arm & Post Yard Sign per lot3
3/6/32 sq ft4 4/8 ft4
Frame Sign 3/6/32 sq ft4 4/8 ft4
Arm & Post Yard Sign 6/9/32 sq ft5 6/12 ft5
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City of Oshkosh Chapter 30 – Article X - Page 38 Municipal Codes
Notes:
1. See Section 30-271(C) through (D) for additional regulations for specific Sign Types.
2. One Active Building Board Sign is permitted for each approved building with a valid Building
Permit. One Active Plat Board Sign is permitted for each public street intersection at the
perimeter of any plat phase with less than 75% of the lots sold.
3. Any number of Yard Signs is permitted between the deadline for candidate filing for any local,
state, or federal election hosted by the City of Oshkosh and 2 days following said election.
4. For single family and two family uses: maximum of 3 sq ft and no taller than 4 ft.
For multiple family uses: maximum of 6 sq ft and no taller than 4 ft.
For all other uses: maximum of 32 sq ft and no taller than 8 ft.
5. For single family and two family uses: maximum of 6 sq ft and no taller than 6 ft.
For multi-family uses: maximum of 9 sq ft and no taller than 6 ft.
For all other uses: maximum of 32 sq ft and no taller than 12 ft.
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City of Oshkosh Chapter 30 – Article X - Page 39 Municipal Codes
Figure 30-290d: Permitted Sign Lighting for All Signs
Permitted Sign Lighting Type
External
Internal
Character/Cabinet Backlit
Permanent Business Sign Group
Dual Post Sign Y Y Y
Monument Sign Y Y Y
Pylon Sign Y Y Y
Awning/Canopy Sign N N N
Marquee Sign Y Y N
Projecting Sign Y Y N
Suspended Sign Y Y N
Wall Sign Y Y Y
Window Sign N Y N
Bulletin Board Sign Y Y Y
Drive-Through Sign Y Y Y
Menu Board Sign Y N N
Sandwich Board Sign N N N
Temporary Business Sign Group
Board Sign N N N
Banner Sign N N N
Waving Sign N N N
Active Building Board Sign N N N
Active Plat Board Sign N N N
Permanent Miscellaneous Sign Group
Address Sign Y Y N
Building Mgmt Identification Sign N N N
On-Site Warning Sign N N N
On-Site Directional Sign Y Y N
Metal Plaque Sign Y N N
Neighborhood Sign Y N Y
Institutional Information Sign Y Y N
Yard Sign Group
Stake Sign N N N
Frame Sign N N N
Arm & Post Yard Sign N N N
“Y” = Lighting type is allowed for this Sign Type.
“N” = Lighting type is not allowed for this Sign Type.
City of Oshkosh Zoning Ordinance Municipal Code
City of Oshkosh Chapter 30 – Article X - Page 40 Municipal Codes
Section 30-291: Sign Setback, Height, Measurement, and Flexibility
(A) Sign Setbacks. All freestanding signs (including any and all parts) shall meet the
setback requirements for principal structures for the zoning district in which they
are located, or be set back a minimum of 5 feet from the front property line,
whichever is greater.
(B) Sign Height.
(1) The height of a freestanding sign shall be measured from the average ground
level adjacent to the sign to the top of the sign, or from the centerline grade of
the nearest adjacent public road, if such information is supplied with the
permit application and confirmed by the City, whichever is higher.
(a) On properties located on U.S. Highway 41, Koeller Street, Poberezny Road,
or Washburn Street, the height of a freestanding sign may be measured
from the centerline grade of U.S. Highway 41, if such information is
supplied with the permit application and confirmed by the City.
(b) The average ground level is defined as the average elevation of the ground
upon which the sign supports are placed, except when the sign supports
rest upon a berm or other area elevated above the surrounding ground. In
such cases, the average elevation at the base of such berm or other area shall
be considered as the ground level.
(C) Measurement of Sign Area: The measurement of sign area is based on the
arrangement of sign copy and sign background:
(1) Sign Area of Wall Signs.
(a) For signs comprised of individual letters and related copy which are
attached directly to a wall or to a background surface, sign area shall be
measured as the sum of the smallest rectangle enclosing each letter or
related copy. (See Example 1 in Figure 30-291a.)
(b) For signs comprised of individual letters and related copy which are
attached to a background surface with one or more non-neutral background
colors, sign area shall be measured as the sum of the smallest rectangles and
right triangles enclosing entire sign message and any and all non-neutral
background color areas. (See Example 2 in Figure 30-291a.)
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City of Oshkosh Chapter 30 – Article X - Page 41 Municipal Codes
(c) For signs comprised of letters and related copy surrounded by one or more
sign background colors on a single panel, sign area shall be measured as
the smallest single rectangle enclosing the entire sign message and any and
all background color areas. (See Example 3 in Figure 30-291a.)
(d) For signs comprised of individual letters and related copy surrounded by
one or more sign background colors on individual panels, sign area shall be
measured as the smallest single rectangle enclosing the entire sign message
and any and all background color areas. (See Example 4 in Figure 30-291a.)
(2) Sign Area of Freestanding Signs. For freestanding signs, sign area shall include
the total sign area that can be viewed from any single vantage point. For
example, for a typical freestanding sign which faces two directions, only one
face of the sign shall comprise the sign area. Sign area shall not include any
elements of the sign structure designed solely for support of the sign structure
and located below or to the side of the sign message. Examples of parts of a
freestanding sign structure which are exempt from the sign area include the
sign base and the supporting columns, posts, or poles.
(3) For three-dimensional signs, sign area shall be measured as the maximum
horizontal length of the sign face multiplied by the maximum vertical height
of the sign face. This shall include the extreme limits of all sign components
except the supporting framework.
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Figure 30-291a: Measurement of Sign Area
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(D) Flexibility: The City shall allow the following flexibility for Permanent Business
Signs. Flexibility for either height or area shall be permitted, but not both.
(1) Height of Freestanding Sign. A sign may exceed the height requirements in
Figure 30-290b if for every additional foot of height, the setback is increased by
1 foot. The maximum height of the sign shall in no case exceed 50 percent of
the maximum permitted building height.
(2) Area of Freestanding Sign: A sign may exceed the area requirements in Figure
30-290b if for every additional square foot of area, the setback is increased by 1
foot. The maximum area of the freestanding sign shall in no case exceed 150
percent of the permitted area.
(E) Measurement of Maximum Permitted Sign Area. For lots with narrow public right-
of-way frontages, an alternative method, based on the width of the lot at the
building façade, may be used to calculate maximum Freestanding Sign area. (See
Figure 30-291b).
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Figure 30-291b: Alternative Measurement of Maximum Freestanding Sign Area
Sections 30-292 to 30-293: Reserved
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Section 30-294: Sign Prohibitions and Limitations
The regulations contained in this Section apply to signs in all zoning districts.
(A) Sign Prohibitions.
(1) See Section 30-271(F) for a list of prohibited Sign Types.
(2) No sign shall be erected at any location where it may, by reason of its position,
shape, color or design, interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with
any authorized traffic sign, signal or device, nor shall such sign make use of
words such as “stop,” “look,” “danger,” or any other word, phrase, symbol, or
character in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse users of
streets or highways, as determined by the Transportation Director.
(3) No electronic message boards or cabinet signs, as defined in Section 30-271,
shall be permitted in the CMU and RMU zoning districts. [Revised 4.24.18]
(4) In the CMU and RMU zoning districts, signs constructed of sheet metal, sheet
plastic, or thin plywood are discouraged. If used, such materials shall be ¾-
inch in thickness or greater.
(5) Signs shall not interfere with street trees, street lights, traffic devices, or any
city streetscaping installed in the right-of-way.
(6) No sign shall be hand painted in a nonprofessional or “amateur” manner.
Hand painted sign copy applied to a sign by a professional artist, graphic
designer or other media specialist is permitted.
(7) No fluttering, undulating, swinging, rotating, or otherwise moving signs such
as windsocks, motorized signs, pennants, and streamers. This shall not apply
to Banner Signs as defined in Section 30-271(C)(2)(b) or Waving Signs as
defined in Section 30-271(C)(2)(c).
(8) No signs shall project above the building parapet or eave.
(9) No flashing, scrolling, or animated signs shall be permitted.
(10) No signs shall be mounted to an unlicensed trailer or other unlicensed vehicle.
(11) No signs mounted to a vehicle, trailer, or other equipment.
(12) No beacons or search beacons shall be permitted.
(13) No billboards or off-premise advertising signs shall be permitted.
(14) No off-premise directional signs shall be permitted.
(15) No abandoned signs shall be permitted.
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(B) Sign Limitations.
(1) No sign shall be erected, relocated, or maintained so as to prevent free ingress
to or egress from any door, window, or fire escape, and no sign shall be
attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
(2) No sign shall be placed in a manner that would impede vehicular or pedestrian
safety, or impede access or visibility. Signs shall meet the visibility
requirements of Section 30-174.
(3) No private sign shall be attached to or painted on any natural feature (e.g. tree
or rock), fence, public utility pole, private or public light pole or traffic
regulatory structure. [Revised 8.10.22]
(4) Sign Lighting and Illuminated Signs.
(a) Unless explicitly allowed for the Sign Type, only ambient lighting shall be
permitted.
(b) All illuminated signs shall comply with the lighting requirements of Section
30-190.
(5) No sign shall be permitted to extend into a public right-of-way, except for
permitted Projecting, Awning, Marquee, and Sandwich Board Signs; or as may
be specifically authorized in a PD zoning district; or as otherwise allowed by
this Chapter. See Section 30-311(G) for installation and ground clearance
requirements for signs that legally encroach into the public right-of-way.
Sections 30-295 to 30-309: Reserved
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Section 30-310: Sign Permits – Application, Enforcement, and Revocation
(A) Applicability.
(1) Refer to Figure 30-290a for signs that require a sign permit.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in Figure 30-290a, only those permanent or
temporary signs which have been granted a permit in accordance with the
provisions of this Section may be erected, installed, constructed, or maintained.
(3) This Section shall apply and be construed to require a permit for any
conversions or changes in the sign structure of signs that require a permit.
(4) This Section shall not apply to repainting or re-facing with the same sign copy
area, cleaning, repair, or other normal maintenance of the sign or sign
structure.
(5) No new permit is required for signs which are legally in place as of the effective
date this Chapter, and such signs may remain as legal nonconforming signs.
Any alteration or relocation of such signs shall conform to the requirements of
this Chapter.
(6) Any sign permit granted hereunder may not be assigned or transferred to any
other sign, including a modified sign structure.
(B) Sign Permit Application. Each sign permit application shall include:
(1) The name, address, phone number, and email address of the applicant, sign
contractor, and property owner.
(2) The property’s zoning designation and use of the building for which the sign
will provide information.
(3) A signage plan, drawn to a recognizable scale, for the property shall be
submitted showing the following:
(a) Location, type, height, width, and area of the proposed sign.
(b) Location, type, height, width, and area of all existing signs on the property
and indication of whether existing sign(s) will remain or be
removed/replaced.
(c) All property lines and buildings, structures, and paved areas on the
property.
(d) All parking areas, driveways, and public roads.
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(e) Method of attachment, structural support, method of illumination, and sign
materials.
(4) Any other information that may reasonably be requested by the Director of
Community Development, or designee, for the purpose of evaluation.
Section 30-311: Appearance, Construction, and Maintenance of Signage
(A) Signs shall be mounted so that the method of installation is concealed. Signs applied
to masonry surfaces should be mechanically fastened to mortar joints only and not
directly into brick or stone. Drilling to provide electrical service shall follow the
same rule.
(B) The base or support(s) of freestanding signs shall be securely anchored to a concrete
base or footing.
(C) All permanent signs and their supporting members shall be constructed in
accordance with the Building and Electrical Codes.
(D) All signage within the jurisdiction of this Chapter shall remain in a state of proper
maintenance. Proper maintenance shall be the absence of loose materials (including
peeling paint, paper or other material), the lack of rust, the lack of excessive
vibration or shaking, and the presence of the original structural integrity of the sign,
its frame and other supports, its mounting, and all components thereof. Improperly
maintained signs shall be subject to removal.
(E) The repainting, changing of parts, and preventive maintenance of signs which
completely conform to the requirements of this Chapter, and result in absolutely no
change in the appearance of the sign from that originally approved, shall not be
deemed alterations requiring a sign permit.
(F) Any signs which may be, or may hereafter become rotted, unsafe, or in a state which
is not properly maintained shall be repaired or removed by the licensee or owner of
the sign, or owner of the property upon which the sign stands, upon notice of the
Director of Community Development, or designee. Improperly maintained signs
shall be subject to removal.
(G) Signs that Encroach into the Right-of-Way.
(1) An encroachment agreement shall be obtained from the City prior to placement
of any sign that extends into or over a public right-of-way.
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(2) Minimum Ground Clearance. All Pylon Signs, Projecting Signs, and Marquee
Signs shall have a minimum ground clearance of 8 feet from grade to the
bottom of the sign and shall not project into any vehicle circulation area,
beyond any public street curb line, or beyond any public street pavement edge
if no curb is present.
(3) Wall signs extending over the right-of-way shall be at least 8 feet above the
level of the sidewalk.
(4) Unless otherwise determined by this Chapter, all other on-building signs shall
be set back at least 1 foot from the face of the curb and shall be at least 10 feet
above the level of the sidewalk, with the following exceptions:
(a) All Awning/Canopy Signs shall have a minimum ground clearance of 7 feet
from the lowest part of the frame or any fixed portion of the
awning/canopy. The minimum ground clearance from the bottom of the
awning valance shall be 6 feet and 9 inches.
(5) Installation of all signs extending over any right-of-way shall be erected by a
licensed sign installer and require that a certificate of insurance or a sufficient
bond has been filed with the City Clerk.
Section 30-312: Nonconforming Signs
(A) Nonconforming Signs. Signs legally established prior to the effective date of this
Chapter, which do not conform to the provisions of this Chapter, such as brightness,
scrolling, size, height, and location, shall be considered nonconforming signs.
(B) Continuation of Nonconforming Signs.
(1) Nonconforming signs and sign structures shall not be reconstructed, altered,
or moved to a new location without being brought into compliance with the
requirements of this Chapter. See Subsection (C) below, for what would
constitute an alteration of a sign.
(2) Nonconforming signs may be maintained. The following changes to a
nonconforming sign may be made without triggering the need to bring the
sign, or any of its parts, into compliance with the provisions of this Chapter:
(a) Maintaining the existing appearance of the sign.
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(b) Replacing the sign face.
(c) Changing the message of a Marquee Sign or Institutional Information Sign.
(d) Changing the face of an off-premise advertising sign.
(3) A tenant sign which comprises part of a group development sign may be
replaced to accommodate a new tenant sign without triggering the need to
bring the entire group development sign, or any of its parts, into compliance
with the provisions of this Chapter.
(C) Alteration of Nonconforming Signs.
For the purpose of this Section, alteration of a sign is considered to be any change
to the exterior appearance of its frame, its supporting structure, height, location, or
any other alterations as determined by the Director of Community Development, or
designee. Such alterations shall trigger the need to bring the sign, and any of its
parts, into compliance with the provisions of this Chapter.
(D) Removal of Nonconforming Signs: See Section 30-313.
Section 30-313: Removal of Signs and Sign Structures for Vacated Buildings
(A) A building, portion of a building, or site shall be determined to be vacated based on
the following criteria: (1) vacancy, as defined in Section 30-221(B), (2) cessation of
some or all utilities, or (3) lapse or termination of occupational license. Vacation of
a building, structure, or site shall have the following effect:
(1) At 365 days, nonconforming signs shall lose their legal nonconforming status.
(2) At 365 days, the owner of the property shall be responsible for removing any
Permanent Business Signs or Temporary Business Signs associated with the
vacant building, portion of a building, or site located on the property. At the
property owner’s option, the property owner shall do one of the following:
remove all signs and structure, or replace the face of such signs with a blank
sign face. If the property owner is granted an extension under Subsection (3)
below, the requirement shall not apply during the extension period.
(3) An extension allowing signs and/or sign structures associated with vacant
buildings, portions of buildings, or sites to remain on the property for an
additional 6-month time period after the original 365 days have lapsed may be
granted under the following conditions:
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(a) The property owner shall submit an application and allow City staff to
inspect the vacated sign(s) and/or sign structure(s) for potential hazards,
safety concerns, or blight.
(b) City staff shall review the application and sign to determine that the sign
will not be a hazard, safety concern, or blight for the duration of the
extended time period.
(c) Sign faces shall be replaced with a blank sign face and shall contain no sign
copy. Painting over or otherwise obscuring the existing sign message shall
not be permitted.
Sections 30-314 to 30-329: Reserved
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