Erecting Signs in the City of De Pere

Want to erect a sign in the city but not sure what the process is and what requirements you need to follow? You’ve come to the right place. To erect a sign in the City of De Pere, here’s the key information you need to help make this project a reality. 

Five Sign Type Topics and General Information:Reminder

Important Info for ... 

Let’s Get Started!

If you have your application filled out and are ready for a review and permit (or if you still have questions!), give us a call at 920-339-4053.

 Special Notes for Residential Signs

Looking to promote and support a cause, event, opinion, or candidate? Great! But there’s some simple requirements you should be aware of to ensure everyone’s voice is heard, while also following City ordinance. Please review these guidelines for placing signs on your property.

Where to Place Your Sign

  • Please place signs on your lawn, not on the street terrace.
    • The "street terrace" is the area between the sidewalk and curb.
    • Signs must be placed at least 5 feet from the property line (not the sidewalk). This means 5 feet from the property line to the closest part of the sign, not including its support structure.

Additional Requirements

  • Signs must be on private property:
    • Make sure to get permission from the property owner before placing any signs.
    • In residential areas free standing signs shall not be greater than 12 sq. ft. per sign, not to exceed 20 sq. ft. total of all signs and maximum number of signs per street frontage is 6 signs. In all other non-residential areas, free standing signs shall not exceed 32 sq. ft. per sign not to exceed 75 sq. ft. total of all signs and maximum number of signs per street frontage is 4 signs. The duration that temporary free-standing signs are allowed is no more than 60 continuous days, and not to exceed 240 days per year. 
  • Prohibited Sign Types:
    • Feather/vane signs, banners, pendants, inflatable signs, and balloons are not allowed.

What happens if my sign is placed incorrectly?
There is a chance someone may use the De Pere Report It system (insert link) to report your sign as non-compliant or reach out to City staff directly. In that case, sign placement will be reviewed and any signs not placed correctly may be removed by De Pere Police or City staff in our streets and parks divisions, per City ordinance. City staff may also leave a flyer or doorhanger behind to explain the situation and provide reminders on proper sign placement.  

Need Assistance?
We're happy to help with any questions or clarifications you may need, as well as any concerns you may have with sign placement. Call us at 920-339-4053 to discuss!

For more information, you are also encouraged to review our Municipal Code for a complete look at all requirements related to this and other ordinances in the City of De Pere: (Code of Ordinances | De Pere, WI | Municode Library).

Special Notes for Commercial Signs

SIGN LICENSING, PERMITS, AND FEES

Yearly Licensing. A license is required for every person/company engaged in the business of installing, maintaining, or removing signs within the city. Annual licenses are issued as of May 1st of each year by the Sign Inspector; the annual license fee is $130. 

Sign License Application

Permits Required. Permits are required to erect, construct, enlarge or structurally modify a sign.  Permits shall not be required for a change of copy on any sign, nor for the repainting, cleaning, and other normal maintenance and repair of the sign and sign structure. Permits are valid for a period of six (6) months. 

Sign Permit Application

Application for a Permit. The following information is required:

  • The name, contact information, and signature of the sign owner; the property owner where the sign is or will be located; and the sign contractor of the proposed sign.
  • Clear and legible scale drawings in PDF, Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel format, that include description and nominal dimensions of the proposed sign, the construction size, 
    dimensions, and kind of materials to be used in such structure.
  • A site plan showing the buildings on the premises upon which the structure is to be erected and maintained, together with location, size, and types of existing signs on the 
    premises where the proposed sign is to be located.
  • A color rendering showing the sign at the proposed location.
  • Calculations or evidence showing that the structure, design, and mounts meet the requirements of city ordinance for wind pressure load.
  • Evidence of liability, insurance policy, or bond as required by city ordinance.

Permit Fees. $100 per sign face. 

Insurance. Every sign installer shall file with the Sign Inspector a Certificate of Insurance indicating the applicant holds a public liability and property damage specifically to include the hold 
harmless with bodily limits of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence, and $2,000,000 aggregate, and property damage insurance of at least $250,000 per occurrence, and $250,000 aggregate. Such 
insurance shall not be canceled or reduced without the insured first giving thirty (30) days’ notice in writing to the city of such cancellation or reduction.

For more details on the city’s sign code, click here. 

For more details on the city’s zoning districts, visit our online mapping engine