Apartment buildings along rail ways
Development Services Center

  1. Repairing Recent Hail and Storm Damage

    The City has received reports of potential scammers. Some companies are trying to take advantage of recent storm damage. It's important to make sure repairs are done quickly and by reputable companies.

    Learn more about repairing storm damage.

  2. Email Scam (Phishing Attempt)

    The FBI has warned that scammers are pretending to be city officials to request payments for planning and zoning permits. We're aware of phishing attempts following this scam in Madison.

Portable Signs

Example of an A-frame style portable sign

Portable signs (otherwise known as A-frame signs or sandwich board signs) may help a business identify themselves, attract customers, and advertise specials.

There are two types of portable signs: portable signs on private property and portable signs in the public right-of-way (ROW). The public right-of-way refers to the public land adjacent to the street like the tree terrace and public sidewalk. 

If your business has space on private property to display a portable sign, you are not eligible for a public ROW sign. Portable signs are only allowed to be displayed in the public ROW for businesses that lack sufficient space on private property. 

Requirements

  • All portable signs require a permit. Public ROW signs also require annual renewal.
  • Only A-frame or sandwich board style portable signs are allowed.
  • The sign face is the display area between the frame. The maximum size of the sign face is 24" x 36". This is also called the 'net' sign size. 
  • The sign structure is the outside structure of the frame. The maximum size of the sign structure is 30" x 48". The maximum height of the sign structure is 48" tall. This is also called the 'gross' sign size.
  • Portable signs are not allowed in most residential neighborhoods.
  • Portable signs may only be displayed during open business hours.
  • One portable sign is allowed per street frontage. A maximum of two portable signs can be displayed per zoning lot on private property. 
  • If you have a sidewalk cafe up to 2 signs can be displayed on your cafe fence instead of a portable sign on the ground. These signs can't exceed 2' x 3'.
  • To apply for your permit, email the Public ROW Portable Sign Permit Application or Private Property Portable Sign Permit Application and the required attachments to signpermits@cityofmadison.com.

Contact

Zoning at 608-266-4551 ext. 3. or signpermits@cityofmadison.com.  

The Zoning counter is open by appointment only.

Resources

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