# Sign Regulations in Aurora, Illinois

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Aurora, Illinois, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Aurora, Illinois (IL)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/illinois/aurora
- **Data last verified:** 2025-11-10
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://aurora-il.municipalcodeonline.com/book?type=ordinances#name=CHAPTER_41_SIGNS)

## At a glance

Aurora, Illinois regulates 24 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Ground Signs in the Open Space, Park and Recreation Districts (OS-1, OS-2, P) zoning district are capped at Frontage up to 300 ft: 5 ft; 300-400 ft: 5 ft; 400-500 ft: 5 ft; Each additional 100 ft: +5 ft; Maximum height cap: 5 ft. tall and Frontage up to 300 ft: 30 sq ft; 300-400 ft: 40 sq ft; 400-500 ft: 50 sq ft; Each additional 100 ft: +10 sq ft; Maximum area cap: 70 sq ft., with a Minimum setback equal to sign height measured from all property lines. setback (Sec. Sec 41-8(a)-(h); Table 1 (Sec 41-8(c)); Table 2 (Sec 41-8(d))). Most commercial signs in Aurora require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (7 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 2 | — | — | — |
| Open Space, Park and Recreation Districts (OS-1, OS-2, P) | 14 | Frontage up to 300 ft: 5 ft; 300-400 ft: 5 ft; 400-500 ft: 5 ft; Each additional 100 ft: +5 ft; Maximum height cap: 5 ft. | Frontage up to 300 ft: 30 sq ft; 300-400 ft: 40 sq ft; 400-500 ft: 50 sq ft; Each additional 100 ft: +10 sq ft; Maximum area cap: 70 sq ft. | — |
| Residential Districts (E, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-4A, R-5, R-5A) | 14 | Frontage up to 300 ft: 5 ft; 300-400 ft: 5 ft; 400-500 ft: 5 ft; Each additional 100 ft: +5 ft; Maximum height cap: 5 ft. | Frontage up to 300 ft: 30 sq ft; 300-400 ft: 40 sq ft; 400-500 ft: 50 sq ft; Each additional 100 ft: +10 sq ft; Maximum area cap: 70 sq ft. | — |
| Office Districts (O, NC) | 11 | Frontage up to 300 ft: 5 ft; 300-400 ft: 5 ft; 400-500 ft: 5 ft; Each additional 100 ft: +5 ft; Maximum height cap: 5 ft. | Frontage up to 300 ft: 30 sq ft; 300-400 ft: 40 sq ft; 400-500 ft: 50 sq ft; Each additional 100 ft: +10 sq ft; Maximum area cap: 70 sq ft. | — |
| Business Districts (B-1, B-1(S), B-2, B-2(S), B-3(S), B-B(S), DC, DF, ORI, RD), Manufacturing Districts (M-1, M-2) | 14 | Frontage up to 300 ft: 8 ft; 300-400 ft: 10 ft; 400-500 ft: 12 ft; Each additional 100 ft: +2 ft; Maximum height cap: 20 ft. | Frontage up to 300 ft: 50 sq ft; 300-400 ft: 60 sq ft; 400-500 ft: 70 sq ft; Each additional 100 ft: +10 sq ft; Maximum area cap: 100 sq ft. | — |
| Non-Residential Districts (OS-1, OS-2, P, B-1, B-2, B-3, BB, O, DC, DF, NC, ORI, RD, M-1, M-2) | 1 | Up to 60 ft above Tollway grade intended to be viewed from. | Up to 1,200 sq ft. | — |
| Special Sign Districts | 1 | May vary per approved district plan. | May vary from chapter requirements per approved district plan. | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 7 zones)

### Open Space, Park and Recreation Districts (OS-1, OS-2, P)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ground Sign | Frontage up to 300 ft: 5 ft; 300-400 ft: 5 ft; 400-500 ft: 5 ft; Each additional 100 ft: +5 ft; Maximum height cap: 5 ft. | Frontage up to 300 ft: 30 sq ft; 300-400 ft: 40 sq ft; 400-500 ft: 50 sq ft; Each additional 100 ft: +10 sq ft; Maximum area cap: 70 sq ft. | — | Minimum setback equal to sign height measured from all property lines. | Any number per frontage provided total permitted sign area is not exceeded. | Any number per frontage allowed provided total permitted sign area is not exceeded. | — | Sec 41-8(a)-(h); Table 1 (Sec 41-8(c)); Table 2 (Sec 41-8(d)) |
| Subdivision Sign (Attached to Landscape Wall or Fence) | No higher than the wall or fence. | May occupy no more than 20% of the wall or fence in Open Space, Park and Recreation Districts. | — | Minimum setback equal to sign height from all property lines. | Up to 2 per entrance. | At subdivision/neighborhood entrance; two subdivision signs per entrance allowed. | — | Sec 41-9(a)-(e) |
| Subdivision Sign (Freestanding/Not attached to Wall or Fence) | Maximum 14 ft. | Maximum 100 sq ft. | — | Minimum setback equal to sign height from all property lines. | Up to 2 per entrance. | At subdivision/neighborhood entrance; two subdivision signs per entrance allowed. | — | Sec 41-9(a)-(e) |
| Wall Sign | Shall not exceed the height of the building. | All wall signs on a façade shall not exceed 5% of the building façade. | — | No setback requirement. | Any number permitted, subject to total permitted area. | Each building side facing a public ROW, private street, Fox River, or interior lot line considered separately for compliance. | — | Sec 41-7(b); Sec 41-10(1)-(7) |
| Projecting Sign | Shall not exceed height of building. | Must comply with wall sign area limits (Sec 41-10). | — | At least 5 ft from curb line or shoulder of public street. | Any number per frontage permitted, subject to total permitted area. | Outermost portion must project no closer than 5 ft from a curb line or shoulder of a public street; must not impede vehicular activity. | — | Sec 41-11(1)-(6) |
| Canopy or Awning Sign | Shall not exceed height of the ground floor of the building. | Must comply with wall sign area limits (Sec 41-10). | — | At least 5 ft from curb line or shoulder of public street. | Any number permitted, subject to total permitted area. | Outermost portion must project no closer than 5 ft from curb line or shoulder of public street; must not impede vehicular activity. | — | Sec 41-13(1)-(9) |
| Temporary Sign - Sandwich Board | Max 5 ft. | Max 6 sq ft per business. | — | — | One per business. | On sidewalk within area defined by building footprint limits of the occupied tenant space; must conform with ADA requirements. | — | Sec 41-18(9) |
| Temporary Sign - For Sale/Lease (Non-Residential) | Up to 10 ft. | Each sign face up to 64 sq ft. | — | — | One per frontage. | On property; must be removed upon closing of sale or initiation of lease. | — | Sec 41-18(5) |

### Residential Districts (E, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-4A, R-5, R-5A)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ground Sign | Frontage up to 300 ft: 5 ft; 300-400 ft: 5 ft; 400-500 ft: 5 ft; Each additional 100 ft: +5 ft; Maximum height cap: 5 ft. | Frontage up to 300 ft: 30 sq ft; 300-400 ft: 40 sq ft; 400-500 ft: 50 sq ft; Each additional 100 ft: +10 sq ft; Maximum area cap: 70 sq ft. | — | Minimum setback equal to sign height measured from all property lines. | Any number per frontage provided total permitted sign area is not exceeded. | Any number per frontage allowed provided total permitted sign area is not exceeded. | — | Sec 41-8(a)-(h); Table 1 (Sec 41-8(c)); Table 2 (Sec 41-8(d)) |
| Subdivision Sign (Attached to Landscape Wall or Fence) | No higher than the wall or fence. | May occupy no more than 15% of the wall or fence in Residential Districts. | — | Minimum setback equal to sign height from all property lines. | Up to 2 per entrance. | At subdivision/neighborhood entrance; two subdivision signs per entrance allowed. | — | Sec 41-9(a)-(e) |
| Subdivision Sign (Freestanding/Not attached to Wall or Fence) | Maximum 10 ft. | Maximum 50 sq ft. | — | Minimum setback equal to sign height from all property lines. | Up to 2 per entrance. | At subdivision/neighborhood entrance; two subdivision signs per entrance allowed. | — | Sec 41-9(a)-(e) |
| Wall Sign | Shall not exceed the height of the building. | All wall signs on a façade shall not exceed 5% of the building façade. | — | No setback requirement. | Any number permitted, subject to total permitted area. | Each building side facing a public ROW, private street, Fox River, or interior lot line considered separately for compliance. | — | Sec 41-7(b); Sec 41-10(1)-(7) |
| Projecting Sign | Shall not exceed height of building. | Must comply with wall sign area limits (Sec 41-10). | — | At least 5 ft from curb line or shoulder of public street. | Any number per frontage permitted, subject to total permitted area. | Outermost portion must be ≥5 ft from curb line or shoulder; must not impede vehicular activity. | — | Sec 41-11(1)-(6) |
| Canopy or Awning Sign | Not exceed height of ground floor. | Must comply with wall sign area limits (Sec 41-10). | — | At least 5 ft from curb line or shoulder of public street. | Any number permitted, subject to total permitted area. | Outermost portion ≥5 ft from curb line/shoulder; must not impede vehicular activity. | — | Sec 41-13(1)-(9) |
| Temporary Sign - General (Residential) | Ground temporary signs up to 6 ft. | Total temporary sign area up to 6 sq ft (except as noted below). | — | — | Any number permitted, subject to total area. | On private property. | — | Sec 41-19(1)-(4) |
| Temporary Sign - For Sale/Lease (Residential) | Up to 6 ft. | Up to 6 sq ft. | — | — | One per frontage. | On property. | — | Sec 41-19(5) |

### Business Districts (B-1, B-1(S), B-2, B-2(S), B-3(S), B-B(S), DC, DF, ORI, RD), Manufacturing Districts (M-1, M-2)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ground Sign | Frontage up to 300 ft: 8 ft; 300-400 ft: 10 ft; 400-500 ft: 12 ft; Each additional 100 ft: +2 ft; Maximum height cap: 20 ft. | Frontage up to 300 ft: 50 sq ft; 300-400 ft: 60 sq ft; 400-500 ft: 70 sq ft; Each additional 100 ft: +10 sq ft; Maximum area cap: 100 sq ft. | — | Minimum setback equal to sign height measured from all property lines. | Any number per frontage provided total permitted sign area is not exceeded. | Any number per frontage allowed provided total permitted sign area is not exceeded. | — | Sec 41-8(a)-(h); Table 1 (Sec 41-8(c)); Table 2 (Sec 41-8(d)) |
| Subdivision Sign (Attached to Landscape Wall or Fence) | No higher than the wall or fence. | May occupy no more than 20% of the wall or fence in Business and Manufacturing Districts. | — | Minimum setback equal to sign height from all property lines. | Up to 2 per entrance. | Two per entrance allowed. | — | Sec 41-9(a)-(e) |
| Subdivision Sign (Freestanding/Not attached to Wall or Fence) | Maximum 14 ft. | Maximum 100 sq ft. | — | Minimum setback equal to sign height from all property lines. | Up to 2 per entrance. | Two per entrance allowed. | — | Sec 41-9(a)-(e) |
| Wall Sign | Shall not exceed height of building. | All wall signs on a façade shall not exceed 10% of the building façade. | — | No setback requirement. | Any number permitted, subject to total permitted area. | Each building side facing a public ROW, private street, Fox River, or interior lot line considered separately. | — | Sec 41-7(b); Sec 41-10(1)-(7) |
| Projecting Sign | Not exceed height of building. | Must comply with wall sign area limits. | — | At least 5 ft from curb line or shoulder of public street. | Any number per frontage permitted, subject to total permitted area. | Outermost portion ≥5 ft from curb/shoulder; must not impede vehicular activity. | — | Sec 41-11(1)-(6) |
| Canopy or Awning Sign | Not exceed height of ground floor. | Must comply with wall sign area limits. | — | At least 5 ft from curb line or shoulder of public street. | Any number permitted, subject to total permitted area. | Outermost portion ≥5 ft from curb/shoulder; must not impede vehicular activity. | — | Sec 41-13(1)-(9) |
| Temporary Sign - Sandwich Board | Max 5 ft. | Max 6 sq ft per business. | — | — | One per business. | On sidewalk within building footprint; ADA conformance required. | — | Sec 41-18(9) |
| Temporary Sign - For Sale/Lease (Non-Residential) | Up to 10 ft. | Each sign face up to 64 sq ft. | — | — | One per frontage. | On property. | — | Sec 41-18(5) |

## Prohibited signs in Aurora

- Signs not expressly permitted by right, permit, license, variance, or other express authorization under this chapter are prohibited.
- It is unlawful to erect, alter, repair, or relocate any sign without first obtaining a required sign permit (and license if applicable), unless specifically exempt.
- No sign shall be placed so as to endanger pedestrians, bicyclists, or traffic by obscuring views or interfering with official street signs or signals.
- No sign may occupy a sight triangle (as defined by the Illinois Department of Transportation).
- Signs and their supporting structures may not interfere with surface or underground utility and communications lines; required clearances must be maintained.
- For illuminated signs: light sources may not be visible from any street right-of-way nor cause hazardous glare to pedestrians, vehicle drivers, or adjacent properties; illumination detectable at the boundary of any abutting property must be less than 1.0 foot-candle; vegetation may not be used as the primary means of glare control.
- All signs not constructed pursuant to a valid building permit are prohibited.
- Abandoned signs and signs in disrepair are prohibited.
- Non-digital billboards are prohibited.
- Tri-vision boards are prohibited.
- Graffiti is prohibited.
- Snipe (bandit) signs are prohibited.
- Vehicular billboard signs are prohibited.
- Mechanical movement signs and revolving signs are prohibited.
- Animated signs, flashing signs, or signs that scroll or flash text or graphics are prohibited.
- Signs that imitate, resemble, interfere with, or obstruct official traffic lights, signs, or signals, or that obstruct drivers’ vision or interfere with official traffic control devices, are prohibited.
- Signs that prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window, fire escape, or roof access are prohibited; no sign other than a safety sign may be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
- Signs that emit smoke, visible vapors, particulate matter, sound, odor, or contain open flames are prohibited.
- Reflective signs or signs containing mirrors are prohibited.
- Signs incorporating beacon lighting are prohibited.
- Any banner or sign suspended across a public street without the permission of the owner of the property and road is prohibited.
- Signs located in the parkway or public right-of-way are prohibited.
- LED storefront lights, string lights, or rope lights in windows are prohibited.
- Signs containing exposed gas tubing exterior to the building, including argon and neon, are prohibited.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- Signs erected without the permission of the property owner (except those authorized or required by government) are prohibited.
- Any sign implying a property may be used for a purpose not permitted by the zoning ordinance is prohibited.
- Signs that exhibit obscene or pornographic content (as determined by the city) are prohibited.
- Pole signs are prohibited.
- Murals are prohibited.
- Kiosks are prohibited.

## Signs exempt from permit in Aurora

- Official traffic signs and traffic control devices erected and maintained by the state, federal, or local government (permit-exempt).
- Government/regulatory signs (permit-exempt).
- Signs inside a building or enclosed facility not meant to be viewed from outside and located more than 3 feet from the window (permit-exempt).
- Address signs: up to two per property; maximum area 2 sq ft in Open Space/Park/Recreation, Residential, and Office Districts; 10 sq ft in Business and Manufacturing Districts (larger counts as wall sign) (permit-exempt).
- Private drive signs: one per driveway entrance; maximum area 2 sq ft (permit-exempt).
- Security and warning signs required by federal, state, or local law; if no size specified by law, maximum area 2 sq ft in Open Space/Park/Recreation, Residential, and Office Districts; in Business/Manufacturing, one sign up to 5 sq ft, all others up to 2 sq ft (permit-exempt).
- Flags: maximum two per lot in residential districts and three per lot in all other districts; maximum area 24 sq ft (residential) or 35 sq ft (others); maximum height 30 ft; not in any right-of-way; flags with commercial messages count toward permitted sign area if used as freestanding or projecting signs (permit-exempt).
- Plaque signs up to 3 sq ft (permit-exempt).
- Signs that are a permanent architectural feature of a building/structure existing at the time of adoption (permit-exempt).
- Incidental signs (permit-exempt).
- Incidental window and door signs (informational only; no commercial message) (permit-exempt).
- Vehicular signs on currently licensed, operable vehicles parked in designated parking spaces; such vehicles may not be parked on the public right-of-way, on public property, or on private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way at any time (permit-exempt).
- Signs on public transportation vehicles or bus shelters pursuant to an intergovernmental agreement, ordinance, or resolution (permit-exempt).
- Scoreboards (permit-exempt).
- Directional signs up to 3 sq ft in area and 4 ft high; no more than 50% of the sign area may be advertising or logos (permit-exempt).
- Menu board signs (permit-exempt).
- Temporary signs in accordance with Sections 41-17, 41-18, and 41-19 (permit-exempt).
- Window signs (non-residential districts only): unlimited number provided total window signage does not exceed 25% of total window area for all temporary and permanent signage, and combined window plus window screen signage does not exceed 50%; placement must maximize visibility for safety (permit-exempt).
- Window screen signs (non-residential districts only): unlimited number provided total window screen signage does not exceed 50% of total window area on a facade, and combined window plus window screen signage does not exceed 50%; placement must maximize visibility for safety (permit-exempt).

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Special Sign Districts: A special sign district may be established to allow a unified, creative signage approach that can vary number, area, setback, height, lighting, movement, placement, type, location, and materials; applications are reviewed pursuant to Section 34-407.
- Variances: Minor variances (up to 10% for area, setback, or height) follow Section 34-405; major variances (more than 10%) follow Section 34-406.
- Non-variable provisions: Sections 41-16 (Digital Billboards) and 41-22 (Nonconforming Signs) are not variable; Sections 41-5(z) (Kiosks) and 41-17 to 41-19 (Temporary Signs) are not variable except within a Special Sign District.
- Permits: A permit is required for all permanent signs in Article 41-IV and, generally, prior to erection, construction, relocation, or structural alteration of any sign unless exempt; simple face replacements with no change in business ownership or use do not require a permit.
- Licensing: A license is required to construct, operate, or alter a sign with a Digital Message Board (Section 41-15) and to engage in digital outdoor advertising or maintain a Digital Billboard (Section 41-16).
- Temporary special event signage in non-residential districts (inflatable, balloon, streamer, banner, or feather flags) requires a permit and is limited to up to 14 consecutive days, twice per year.
- Submittals: Supporting structures must be screened from adjoining properties, shown on a landscape diagram; landscaping is required for ground-supported signs pursuant to Chapter 49.

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 7 zoning districts in Aurora — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Aurora+IL&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-aurora

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