SIGN PLACEMENT GUIDANCE
Realty, campaign and other temporary signs must be placed on private property (with approval of owner).
General Guidelines Brochure https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/doing-bus/real-estate/outdoor-adv/improperly-placed-signs-brochure.pdf
Since highway right-of-way limits may vary greatly in width, look for fences parallel to the road or for utility pedestals and poles. These items are usually placed near the right-of-way limits.
Utilities are often installed just inside the right-of-way limit. Signs are not allowed in the area between the utility poles and the road surface. Political signs are allowed on private property with the permission of the landowner as long as the sign does not exceed 32 square feet and has no flashing lights or moving parts.
NOTE: Most local authorities (counties and municipalities) also have regulations or ordinances regarding signage in their jurisdiction. It is the sign owner’s responsibility to follow local laws. Approval of a sign application from the state does not exempt the applicant from any local ordinances, or guarantee approval from the local authority having jurisdiction. Likewise, local approval does not guarantee or exempt approval from the state.
REGULATIONS LINK: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/real-estate/outdoor-adv/improp-placed-signs.aspx
CITATIONS AND FINES:
Citations may be issued for violating Wisconsin Statute s. 86.19, which covers improperly placed signs on state highway right-of-way. Fines may also be issued based on the seriousness of the offense. Fines range from $10 to $500 and are usually higher for second or subsequent violations.
REPORT MISPLACED SIGNS TO JURISDICTION OF ROADWAY
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Wisconsindot.gov
Northeast Region
920-492-4117
Todd.Marohl@dot.wi.gov
Brown County
Department of Public Works
920-492-4925
https://www.co.brown.wi.us/i_brown/d/county_clerk/2014_web/muncipal_ordinances-3-13-14.pdf?t=1394727394
Village/Town/City ordinance chart
https://www.co.brown.wi.us/i_brown/d/county_clerk/municipality_chart.pdf?t=1228855195
Green Bay
Department of Public Works
920-448-3100