The City of Kenosha announced on May 6 that a permit is required to display any banner, sign, decoration, or obstruction in the public right-of-way.
This reminder affects residents and businesses who may wish to place feather signs, yard signs for special events, business advertising, yard or garage sales, political campaigns, and grand openings. The public right-of-way is generally defined as the grassy area between the sidewalk and road.
General Ordinance 5.045 states: “No person, party, firm or corporation shall place any banner, sign, decoration, or obstruction in any public right-of-way without first obtaining the written permission of the Director of Public Works. The Common Council shall, from time to time, by Resolution, establish permit fees.”
For a first violation of this ordinance—if a sign is placed without proper permits—city staff will remove it from the public right-of-way and send a letter to the owner notifying them of the violation. The letter will also provide information on where they can retrieve their sign.
If there is a second violation involving an unpermitted sign placement in the public right-of-way, city staff will again remove it. In addition to removal of the item(s), owners could be subject to a municipal citation. Failure to pay this citation promptly may result in further penalties as defined under city ordinance chapter 5.045.J.
The full text of General Ordinance 5.045 can be accessed online at Municode.
