Freestanding Signs or Freestanding Billboards.
Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 244-7
in effect244-7. Freestanding Signs or Freestanding Billboards.
1. MATERIALS. Ground signs and billboards may have facings constructed of approved combustible materials with a flame spread classification of 25 or less provided all structural components shall be of approved noncombustible materials.
2. HEIGHT. Freestanding signs and billboards shall comply with the applicable height restrictions of ch. 295.
3. LOCATION. Freestanding signs and billboards shall comply with the applicable location restrictions of ch. 295.
4. SUPPORTS AND ANCHORAGE. a. All ground signs and billboards shall be constructed and supported to resist dead load and the wind pressure acting in any direction.
b. Vertical supports for ground signs and billboards shall be driven into or set in the soil or rigidly attached to bases imbedded in the soil, and shall be designed as regulated in s. 244-5.
c. The vertical members or bases for vertical members, supporting unbraced ground signs or billboards, shall be so proportioned that the bearing loads imposed on the soil in either a horizontal or vertical direction shall not exceed safe values. Braced signs and billboards shall be anchored to resist wind pressure acting in any direction. Anchors and supports shall be designed for safe bearing loads on the soil, and for an effective resistance to pull-out amounting to a force 25% greater than the required resistance to overturning.
d. The soil used for backfill for the dug-in type of anchor or vertical support shall be carefully placed and thoroughly compacted. The anchors, bases and supports shall be constructed or driven not less than 4-1/2 feet below ground level.
e. Whenever anchors or posts consisting of wood imbedded in the soil are used to support ground signs or billboards which are to remain in place for more than 6 months, the wood shall be pressure treated with creosote or given other approved preservative treatment before erection.
5. MAINTENANCE OF PREMISES. Any person occupying any premises by means of a freestanding sign or billboard shall be subject to the same duties and responsibilities as the owner of the premises with respect to keeping such premises clean, sanitary, inoffensive and free and clear of debris, obnoxious substances and unsightly conditions.
Source: City of Milwaukee Legislative Reference Bureau, Milwaukee City Charter and Code of Ordinances (city.milwaukee.gov master PDFs)URL: https://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/ccClerk/Ordinances/Volume-2/CH244.pdf#page=4Fetched: 10/26/2026