2026-929File Ordinance No. 2026-929
An ordinance creating Section 28-149 and Section 28-189. of the Code of General Ordinances of the City of Janesville (sign regulations) to define and allow off-
premises signage for major contributors/donors at registered non-profit organization properties; and amending Section 28-194 (sign regulations) to clarify the use of sandwich board signs within the downtown area, with penalties and other relief for violations thereof as set forth in JGO Section 28-342.
THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JANESVILLE DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: SECTION I. Section 28-149 of the Code of General Ordinances of the City of Janesville, is hereby created to read as follows:
Section 28-149. Off-premises signage is allowed in accordance with the provisions of Section 28-189 (e). These provisions authorize recognized sponsors or donors of a registered non-profit organization to install and maintain signage at locations other than their primary premises, for the purpose of acknowledging their contribution or promoting the non-profit organization’s mission. Signage shall be installed in a manner to ensure public
safety, aesthetic compatibility, and alignment with local zoning and advertising regulations. SECTION II. Section 28-189 (e) of the Code of General Ordinances is hereby created to read as follows:
(e) Off-premises signage for the recognition of major sponsors or donors of a registered non-profit organization:
(1) May be installed on the non-profit’s property for the purpose of acknowledging their contribution to the non-profit organization.
(2) Is permitted in Sign Districts A, B, C, and D on the non-profit’s property. Donor
signage is permitted in Sign District E only where the use of the property is commercial (such as a Church or School).
(3) Shall be installed as an integral part of the signage allowed for the site and building. Such signage must comply with the established size, design, placement, and duration standards outlined in ARTICLE VII. of this Chapter to ensure public safety,
aesthetic compatibility, and alignment with local zoning or advertising regulations.
(4) Must be no greater in area than 30 percent of the area dedicated to the display of signage for the non-profit. SECTION III. Chapter 28. Article II.- Definitions; only Section 28-194 (2) – “Sandwich board
sign” of the Code of General Ordinances of the City of Janesville is hereby amended to read as follows:
Sandwich board signs are regulated exclusively by this section. Sandwich board signs must comply with each of the following requirements and conditions:
(2) Is permitted on the public pedestrian right-of-way (or public sidewalk) immediately in
front of the business occupancy to which it refers, and only in Sign District D only (Downtown). Such signs located in all other sign districts shall be placed solely on private property in accordance with Section 28-139.
Ordinance No. 2026-929 Page 2
SECTION IV. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption by the Common
Council, the public health, welfare, peace, tranquility, good order, public benefit, and police
power so requiring.
APPROVED:
Kevin M. Lahner, City Manager
ATTEST:
Lorena Rae Stottler, City Clerk-Treasurer
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Wald Klimczyk, City Attorney
Proposed by:
Prepared by:
Councilmember Aye Nay Pass Absent
Ord No. 2026-929 Sign Ord Amendment -
Donor Off-Premises Signage
Final Audit Report 2026-04-30
Created:2026-04-30
By:Lorena Stottler (stottlerl@janesvillewi.gov)
Status:Signed
Transaction ID:CBJCHBCAABAAIIApnZu0opkb8BQC29W-ljH7CVo6mJ6d
"Ord No. 2026-929 Sign Ord Amendment - Donor Off-Premises
Signage" History
Document created by Lorena Stottler (stottlerl@janesvillewi.gov)
2026-04-30 - 1:25:31 PM GMT
Document emailed to Kevin Lahner (lahnerk@janesvillewi.gov) for signature
2026-04-30 - 1:25:35 PM GMT
Email viewed by Kevin Lahner (lahnerk@janesvillewi.gov)
2026-04-30 - 1:35:09 PM GMT
Document e-signed by Kevin Lahner (lahnerk@janesvillewi.gov)
Signature Date: 2026-04-30 - 1:35:18 PM GMT - Time Source: server
Document emailed to Lorena Stottler (stottlerl@janesvillewi.gov) for signature
2026-04-30 - 1:35:20 PM GMT
Email viewed by Lorena Stottler (stottlerl@janesvillewi.gov)
2026-04-30 - 1:42:18 PM GMT
Document e-signed by Lorena Stottler (stottlerl@janesvillewi.gov)
Signature Date: 2026-04-30 - 1:42:52 PM GMT - Time Source: server
Agreement completed.
2026-04-30 - 1:42:52 PM GMT