PROJECTING SIGNS.
Madison General Ordinances § 31.09
in effect31.09 - PROJECTING SIGNS.
(1) Projecting signs, as defined in Sec. 31.03(2), may be displayed on buildings in Group 2 and 3 districts specified in Sec. 31.15(2) (Table 2) and subject to the following restrictions:
(a) Minimum and Maximum Projection. A projecting sign, as defined in Sec. 31.03(2), is a sign that projects outward, perpendicularly from a wall at a distance of at least 15 inches or more from the building face. The maximum distance a projecting sign may project is not more than twenty-four inches (24") into the right-of-way, as authorized by Sec. 31.04(6). Where setbacks permit, projecting signs may project not more than six feet (6') from the building face.
(b) Location. Occupants may display a total of one (1) projecting sign on a facade facing a street or on a corner of a building. Projecting signs may be displayed in addition to any wall sign allowed under Sec. 31.07.
(c) Net Area. The permitted net area of projecting signs shall not exceed the square footage permitted in the Table of Permitted Signs, Sec. 31.15(1) ("Table 1"), except if a projecting sign is displayed on the same zoning lot as a ground sign, the permitted net area shall be subject to Sec. 31.08(3).
(d) Illumination. Projecting signs may be illuminated, subject to Sec. 31.04(5)(k).
(2) The following additional regulations apply to projecting signs:
(a) Projecting signs must vertically clear any pedestrian area by at least ten (10) feet and vehicular ways by at least fourteen (14) feet.
(b) Projecting signs may extend to the juncture of the roof with the building wall or to the top of any parapet, but projecting signs may not extend above a third story.
(3) Projecting Banners. A banner may be displayed in lieu of a projecting sign permitted under this section and shall be subject to the construction requirements under Sec. 31.04(7). Banners in an Urban Design District require UDC approval.
Source: City of Madison, Wisconsin, Madison General Ordinances (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/wi/madison/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COORMAWIVOIICH20--31_CH31SICOOR_SPTYSI_31.09PRSIFetched: 11/1/2026