Sign Review & Approval

Overview

The City of West Allis reviews and approves signage within the city to preserve its beauty and unique character; to protect property values; and, to promote a healthy and properly designed business environment.

SIGN GUIDELINES

Before applying, please review the City's Sign Guidelines. The following guidelines outline the City's rules for the signage including the design, number of signs, size, and location:

• Single and 2-Tenant Commercial Buildings (PDF)
• Multi-Tenant (3 or more) Commercial Buildings (PDF)

Other guidelines include:

• Master Signage Program Guidelines (PDF) (25,000 square foot buildings/centers)
• Rope Lighting (PDF)
• Sandwich Board Signs (not downtown) (PDF)

Complete details of the City's sign code may be found within Chapter 13 of the West Allis Municipal Code in sections 13.21 and 13.215 (Downtown).

Application & Review Procedure

Applicants interested in adding or modifying signage on their property should apply for the following. Please review the City's Sign Guidelines before applying. 

• For Sign Permits, submit an online Sign Permit Application. 
  • $125 Sign Plan Review fee plus Sign Permit Fee
  • One set of scaled plans indicating the design, square footage, and placement of proposed signage
  • Signs projecting over or onto the public right-of-way also require a minor grant of privilege (PDF) or major grant of privilege (PDF).
• For Master Sign Program or Sign Plan Appeal, submit an online Planning Application.
  • $125 Master Sign Program fee or $125 Sign Plan Appeal fee
  • One set of scaled plans indicating the design, square footage, and placement of proposed signage

Planning and Zoning will review the proposal for conformance with the City's sign code as it pertains to area, placement and design. Any signs within the BID must be approved by the Downtown Design Committee prior to the permit being issued. This Committee meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Please contact staff for more information. 

Upon obtaining approval from Planning and Zoning, applications are reviewed by the Code Enforcement Department before permit is issued. The Code Enforcement Department will conduct a final inspection upon installation.