Overview

The Downtown Oshkosh BID recognizes the importance of effective signage to brick & mortar businesses and specifically, the effectiveness of blade (projecting) signage to attract pedestrians. The Downtown Oshkosh Beautification Grant and Blade Sign Program is intended to provide financial assistance to Downtown Oshkosh BID members who add an approved blade (projecting) sign to their commercial facade.

Create Your Sign

The following signs have been pre-approved and meet requirements of the City of Oshkosh. A permit is required and signage must meet the requirements listed below.

George & Willy Signs – www.georgeandwilly.com

These signs will come without any branding or vinyl printed on them. A business can contract with a local company to have vinyl printed on the blade sign. Recommended companies include:

• Art City Wraps: www.artcitywraps.com
• Image 360: www.image-360.com
• Kal’s Sign Art: www.kalssigns.com

It is highly recommended that the blade sign showcase the business type over the business logo; however, this is the choice of the business and/or property owner.

Sign Requirements

Site Plan Review Fee – $100
Sign Permits – $37+

For assistance, please contact John Zarate at the City of Oshkosh.
Phone: 920-236-5028
Email: jzarate@ci.oshkosh.wi.us

Guidelines

• Maximum sign area: The total area of all combined exterior signage in total square feet cannot exceed the same number of linear feet of building frontage to the road.
  • Ex. If your property has 80 feet of frontage on Main St, you’re allowed up to 80 square feet of total exterior wall signs
  • Window signage does not count toward this total
• Maximum length of 4 ft of projection from the side of the building
• Minimum 8 ft of clearance from sidewalk to the bottom of the sign
• Requirements for how the sign is mounted to the building or is suspended from an overhang will need to be determined on a case by case basis
  • Mounting and installation requirements may differ based upon the weight of the sign, distance it projects outward, building material the sign will be mounted to, and the materials used for securing the load of the sign
  • Goal is to ensure the building supports the sign through extreme conditions to minimize the risk of injuring a person or damaging nearby property
• Applicant should submit a site plan
• Encroachment agreement with the City of Oshkosh is required

Learn more: https://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/PlanningServices/Documents/SignsCanopiesAwnings.pdf

Sign permit application: http://downtownoshkosh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SignPermitApplication.pdf

Available Grants

Blade Sign & Flower Pot Grant Program

This program was created in partnership with the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau to make a visible change to our downtown when it comes to beautification and curb appeal. This grant program offers 75% reimbursement for up to $1000 toward flower pots and flowers and/or hanging a projecting sign from your property.

Learn more

Beautification Grant Program

This program established through the Downtown BID is a 50/50 matching grant program that offers 50% reimbursement of up to $1000 toward a project that improves the exterior facade – from painting and new windows to signage and more.

Learn more

*The Blade Sign and Flower Pot Grant Program and Beautification Grant Program may be used simultaneously.