Sign Regulations in Bellwood, Illinois
Bellwood, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 16 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Construction Sign, Awning/Canopy/Marquee Sign, Pole Sign - Existing. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 19, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Bellwood, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Bellwood
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Display | Per underlying sign type regulations | Per underlying sign type regulations | Minimum 35 feet from another dynamic display facing the same right of way. |
| Dynamic Off-site Advertising Sign | 99 feet from pole base, or 65 feet from closest pavement surface. | 1,200 sq ft/face; 2,400 sq ft double-faced | Minimum 1,000 feet from another dynamic/off-site dynamic sign facing same right of way. |
| Construction Sign | 6 ft | 6 sq ft (can be 12 sq ft if 6 sq ft is used for village notices) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for BellwoodFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
16
- Construction Sign
- Awning/Canopy/Marquee Sign
- Pole Sign - Existing
- Pole Sign - New
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Other Cities in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Bellwood vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in Bellwood, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Bellwood, regulated sign types include Construction Sign, Awning/Canopy/Marquee Sign, Pole Sign - Existing, Pole Sign - New, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Bellwood vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Bellwood are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Bellwood has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Bellwood, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Bellwood, Illinois regulates 16 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Off-site Advertising Signs in the Industrial Districts, I1, I2 zoning district are capped at 99 ft from pole base or 65 ft from pavement tall and 1,200 sq ft per face (2,400 sq ft max for double faced), with a Minimum 1,000 ft from another dynamic or off-site ad sign. setback (Sec. § 156.207). Most commercial signs in Bellwood require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Bellwood, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Bellwood (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 2 | 99 feet from pole base, or 65 feet from closest pavement surface. | 1,200 sq ft/face; 2,400 sq ft double-faced | — |
| Residential Districts | 8 | 6 ft | 30% of each window (only on 1st floor) | — |
| Business Districts, B1, B2 | 9 | 6 ft | Max 100 sq ft or 15% of facade per specification | — |
| Industrial Districts, I1, I2 | 10 | 99 ft from pole base or 65 ft from pavement | 1,200 sq ft per face (2,400 sq ft max for double faced) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Bellwood(sample of 3 of 4 zones)
Residential Districts
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Sign | 6 ft | 6 sq ft (can be 12 sq ft if 6 sq ft is used for village notices) | — | — | 1 per development | On developing lots only | — | Unlock | § 156.213(A), Table |
| Ground Sign (Identification or Reader Board) | 6 ft | 25 sq ft per face; 2 faces max | — | — | 1 per eligible use | Permitted for religious/educational institutions, HOA, community-based services, clubs (sites >3 acres) | — | Unlock | § 156.213(B), Table |
| Wall Sign (Identification or Reader Board) | No higher than bottom of second story window (or top of wall for one story) | 2 sq ft (25 sq ft for religious/educational or legal nonconforming commercial/retail) | — | — | 1 per use | Building wall | — | Unlock | § 156.213(B), Table |
| Awning/Canopy/Marquee Sign | No higher than the bottom of the 2nd story window/top of wall for 1-story | 25 sq ft | — | — | 1 per use | Permitted for legally nonconforming retail and commercial uses | — | Unlock | § 156.213(B), Table & notes |
| Window Sign | Centered within window area, side to side | 30% of each window (only on 1st floor) | — | — | 1 per window | 1st floor window serving the business | — | Unlock | § 156.213(B), Table & notes |
| Temporary Sign | 6 ft | Identification/reader board: 3 sq ft per face; Promotional: 24 sq ft per face | — | — | 1 per 30-day period per quarter | Permitted for religious/educational institutions, nonconforming commercial in residential only | — | Unlock | § 156.213(B), Table & notes |
| Pole Sign - Existing | As existing | As existing | — | — | 1 | Where existing | — | Unlock | § 156.213(B), Table & notes |
| Pole Sign - New | No higher than building | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | Unlock | § 156.213(B), Table & notes |
Business Districts, B1, B2
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Sign | 6 ft | 12 sq ft (may be up to 18 sq ft for official notices) | — | — | 1 per development | On developing lots | — | Unlock | § 156.214(A), Table |
| Ground Sign (Development Map/Directory, Identification, Joint Identification, Reader Board) | 6 ft | 25 sq ft per face | 6 ft length max | — | 1 per street frontage | One per public street frontage (min 100 ft between signs) | — | Unlock | § 156.214(B), Table & notes |
| Wall Sign (Development Map/Directory, Identification, Joint Identification, Reader Board) | No higher than bottom of 2nd story window/top of wall (1-story) | Max 100 sq ft or 15% of facade per specification | — | — | 1 per use/entrance (+1 per additional street frontage) | On wall of space occupied by permitted use | — | Unlock | § 156.214(B), Table & notes (e),(f) |
| Awning/Canopy/Marquee Sign | No higher than bottom of 2nd story window/top of wall (1-story) | Max 100 sq ft or 15% of facade per specification | — | — | 1 per use (in lieu of wall sign) | Facade/awning/canopy/marquee (one per use in lieu of wall sign) | — | Unlock | § 156.214(B), Table & notes (e) |
| Window Sign (Development Map/Directory, Identification, Joint Identification, Reader Board) | Centered in window area | 30% of each window (1st floor only) | — | — | 1 per window | Each 1st floor window serving business | — | Unlock | § 156.214(B), Table & notes |
| Temporary Sign (Promotional/Reader Board) | 6 ft if not affixed to building; no higher than bottom of 2nd story window/top of wall (1-story) if affixed | 6 sq ft per face (24 sq ft per face for religious or educational uses) | — | — | 1 per 30-day period per quarter | As permitted for the associated use/event | — | Unlock | § 156.214(B), Table |
| On-site Directory Sign | 6 ft | 10 sq ft per sign face | — | — | 1 | — | — | Unlock | § 156.214(B), Table |
| Pole Sign - Existing | As existing | As existing | — | — | 1 | — | — | Unlock | § 156.214(B), Table & notes |
Industrial Districts, I1, I2
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Sign | 6 ft | 32 sq ft (may be up to 38 sq ft for official notices) | — | — | 1 per development | On developing lots | — | Unlock | § 156.215(A), Table |
| Ground Sign (Development Map/Directory, Identification, Joint Identification, Reader Board) | 6 ft (Map/Directory); height for others not listed, defer to general wall/ground sign limit | 36 sq ft per face | 6 ft length (if not otherwise specified) | — | 1 per street frontage | One per public street frontage (min 100 ft between signs) | — | Unlock | § 156.215(B), Table & notes |
| Wall Sign (Development Map/Directory, Identification, Joint Identification, Reader Board) | No higher than bottom of 2nd story window/top of wall (1-story) | Max 125 sq ft or 15% of wall area below 2nd story windows/roof line with main entrance | — | — | 1 per use/entrance (+1 per additional street frontage) | On wall of space occupied by permitted use | — | Unlock | § 156.215(B), Table & notes (g) |
| Awning/Canopy/Marquee Sign | No higher than bottom of second story window/top of wall (1-story) | Max 125 sq ft or 15% of facade per specification | — | — | 1 per use (in lieu of wall sign) | Awning/canopy/marquee; one per use in lieu of wall sign | — | Unlock | § 156.215(B), Table & notes (f) |
| Window Sign (Development Map/Directory, Identification, Joint Identification, Reader Board) | Centered in window area | 30% of each window (1st floor only) | — | — | 1 per window | Each 1st floor window serving business | — | Unlock | § 156.215(B), Table & notes |
| Temporary Sign (Promotional/Reader Board) | 6 ft if not affixed to building; no higher than bottom of 2nd story window/top of wall (1-story) if affixed | 6 sq ft per face (24 sq ft per face for religious or educational uses) | — | — | 1 per 30-day period per quarter | As permitted for the associated use/event | — | Unlock | § 156.215(B), Table & notes |
| On-site Directory Sign | 6 ft | 10 sq ft per sign face | — | — | 1 plus 1 per additional 5 acres | — | — | Unlock | § 156.215(B), Table & notes |
| Off-site Advertising Sign | 99 ft from pole base or 65 ft from pavement | 1,200 sq ft per face (2,400 sq ft max for double faced) | — | Minimum 1,000 ft from another dynamic or off-site ad sign. | 1 per location (subject to spacing and elimination of other nearby off-site signs) | B1, I1, I2 within 660 ft of IDOT ROW for I-290/I-294 | — | Unlock | § 156.207 |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Bellwood — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 4 zones for Bellwood — start freeProhibited Signs in Bellwood
- It is unlawful to install, use, display, enlarge, expand, alter, operate, maintain, locate, relocate, or remove any sign within the village except in conformance with the regulations of this subchapter.
- Any sign not expressly permitted by the regulations of this subchapter is prohibited.
- No sign or other advertising structure shall be erected, relocated or maintained in a manner so as to prevent free ingress to, or egress from, any door, window or fire escape. No sign of any kind shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
- No sign or other advertising structure shall obstruct free and clear vision at any street intersection.
- No sign or other advertising structure shall interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with, any authorized traffic sign, signal or device because of its position, shape or color.
- No sign or other advertising structure shall make use of words or symbols (like 'STOP', 'LOOK', 'DRIVE-IN', 'DANGER') in a manner that misleads or confuses pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
- No sign or other advertising structure shall be permitted to constitute a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate design, construction, repair or maintenance.
- No sign or other advertising structure shall be painted on or attached to a motor vehicle used primarily for the display of such sign (exception for business identification as part of regular vehicle use).
- No sign designed to be moved from place to place, not otherwise permanently affixed to the ground, a building or structure, shall be permitted.
- No signs attached to trees, fences, public utility poles, standpipes, gutter drains, or fire escapes (with limited exception for government or utility warning signs). Signs attached to fences are only legal for fence distributor identification, and limited to one square foot in area.
- No streamers, posters, ribbons, lights bulbs, light bands, spinners, attention-getting devices that move, or that blink or flash (as provided in §§ 156.205 and 156.206) shall be permitted.
- No sign shall be located or maintained that contains matter (written or depicted) that predominantly appeals to prurient interests.
- No sign not expressly permitted pursuant to this subchapter is allowed.
- No real estate 'Sold By' signs.
- No mobile signs, except for incidental business identification; such vehicles must not be parked solely for advertising.
- No moving or animated signs.
- Any sign, other than a governmental or civic event sign, that is installed or erected in, or projects into or over, any public right-of-way is prohibited.
- No portable signs, other than governmental signs.
- No projecting signs.
- No roof signs.
- No sign that advertises, identifies, or pertains to a business or product no longer conducted or sold on the lot (with limited exceptions for seasonal businesses with clear intent to continue operation).
- No sign on a tree or utility pole, on public or private property.
- No sign on public property, except for governmental or civic event signs, or other signs authorized by Village Council by resolution subject to any established restrictions or conditions.
- No sign, other than a governmental sign, that uses reflective paint or tape.
- Any sign that is, in the sole discretion of the Building Commissioner: structurally unsafe; constitutes a hazard to safety or health by inadequate maintenance or dilapidation; is not kept in good repair; obstructs the view of a motor vehicle operator entering a public roadway from any parking area, service drive, private driveway, alley, or thoroughfare; or creates any unsafe distraction for motor vehicle operators.
- Any sign erected in violation of the subchapter or any other village ordinance or federal or state law or regulation.
Exempt Signs in Bellwood
- Governmental signs are exempt from many restrictions, including placement on public property, use of portable/mobile signs, and projecting into rights-of-way.
- Civic event signs may be installed on public property subject to authorization.
- Signs attached to fences are permitted only if they are for fence distributor identification, limited to one square foot.
- Signs or symbols incidental to the identification of a business on business-owned vehicles, if not parked for advertising only, are exempt.
- Holiday decorations are generally exempt.
- Time and temperature signs are exempt from the dynamic display requirements, except for brightness.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Bellwood
- The Building Commissioner may require a master signage plan depicting all existing and proposed signs on the building or lot as part of a sign permit application.
- A sign package is required to be reviewed and approved by the Plan Commission for (i) any newly constructed building containing multiple storefronts with ground floor entrances; or (ii) any existing building with multiple storefronts for which a building permit application has been submitted for exterior facade improvements involving all storefronts.
- A sign package may voluntarily be submitted for (i) any property containing more than one building applying for more than one sign; (ii) properties with frontage on two or more streets seeking more than one sign; (iii) multiple tenant buildings seeking more than one sign.
- Signs that are part of or in connection with a planned unit development or a use requiring a conditional/special use permit require Plan Commission review at a public meeting prior to sign permit issuance unless consistent with a previously approved sign package.
- New pole signs in Residential and Industrial Districts require a Conditional Use Permit.
- For certain applications, the Building Commissioner may refer the sign permit application to the Plan Commission for review.
- Any sign not complying with a previously approved sign package will require new approval.
- Plan Commission may impose conditions to protect public welfare and achieve ordinance purposes in approving sign permits or sign packages.