Sign Review & Approval

In West Allis, all signage requires review and approval in the form of a sign permit. 

Application

• 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

SIGN GUIDELINES

Before applying, please review the City's Sign Guidelines. The following guidelines provide a helpful overview of the City's sign code. The outline of the City's rules for the signage include 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).

Procedure

Planning and Zoning will review the proposal for conformance with the City's sign code including sign area, placement, and design. Any signs within the Downtown Business Improvement District 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.