# Sign Regulations in Bloomington, Illinois

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Bloomington, Illinois (IL)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/illinois/bloomington
- **Data last verified:** 2025-08-05
- **Source:** [ecode360 municipal code](https://ecode360.com/34403287#34403287)

## At a glance

Bloomington, Illinois regulates 36 sign types across 12 zoning districts. Roof Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at Closed roof sign: 50 ft above fireproof building, 35 ft above non-fireproof. Open roof sign: 100 ft above roof (fireproof), 60 ft (non-fireproof). On buildings ≤40 ft, max sign height above parapet: 15–30 ft (see Table 2). tall and Counts toward building sign area limit, with a must be at least 3 ft from all outside walls of the building. setback (Sec. § 3-503 [A-I], Table 2). Most commercial signs in Bloomington require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (12 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| A-Agriculture District | 4 | 16 feet above grade | 32 square feet | — |
| Residence Districts (R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, R-2, R-3A, R-3B, R-4) | 5 | 16 feet above grade | 32 square feet | — |
| S-1 University District | 3 | — | 50 square feet per sign | — |
| S-2 Public Lands and Institutions District | 3 | — | 100 square feet per sign | — |
| S-3 Flood Plain (District) | 1 | — | — | — |
| S-4 Historic and Cultural District | 1 | — | — | — |
| S-5 Airport District | 2 | — | 300 square feet per sign (unless otherwise restricted) | — |
| C-1 Office District | 4 | — | 200 square feet per sign | — |
| C-2 District, C-3 District, B-1 District, B-2 District | 2 | — | 300 square feet per sign (unless otherwise restricted) | — |
| B-3 Central Business District | 2 | — | 300 square feet per sign (unless otherwise restricted) | — |
| M-1 Restricted Manufacturing District, M-2 General Manufacturing District | 2 | — | 300 square feet per sign (unless otherwise restricted) | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 9 | Closed roof sign: 50 ft above fireproof building, 35 ft above non-fireproof. Open roof sign: 100 ft above roof (fireproof), 60 ft (non-fireproof). On buildings ≤40 ft, max sign height above parapet: 15–30 ft (see Table 2). | Max 300 sq ft unless variance granted (see full field in Article V) | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 12 zones)

### A-Agriculture District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Identification Sign (Multiple-Family/Other Residential Uses) | — | 16 square feet | — | If freestanding: Cannot project closer than 10 feet to a public right-of-way or property line. | One per lot | Each lot occupied by multiple-family dwellings or other residential uses | — | § 3-401[A], § 3-401[C] |
| Identification Sign (Nonresidential Uses) | — | 32 square feet | — | If freestanding: Cannot project closer than 10 feet to a public right-of-way or property line. | One per lot | Each lot occupied by nonresidential uses except legal nonconforming uses | — | § 3-401[B], § 3-401[C] |
| Facia Sign (A-Agriculture) | — | — | — | — | — | Wall of building on qualifying property | — | § 3-401[C] |
| Freestanding Sign (A-Agriculture) | 16 feet above grade | — | — | 10 feet minimum setback from public right-of-way or property line | — | On qualifying property, not closer than 10 feet to right-of-way/property line | — | § 3-401[C] |

### Residence Districts (R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, R-2, R-3A, R-3B, R-4)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Identification Sign (Multiple-Family/Other Residential Uses) | — | 16 square feet | — | If freestanding: Cannot project closer than 10 feet to a public right-of-way line or property line | One per lot | Each lot occupied by multiple-family dwellings or other residential uses (not including single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, or mobile homes) | — | § 3-402[A], § 3-402[C] |
| Nameplate Sign (Residence Districts) | — | See § 3-802(K): one nameplate per dwelling unit or mobile home not to exceed two square feet in area | — | — | One per dwelling | On premises of occupant | — | § 3-402[A], § 3-802(K) |
| Identification Sign (Nonresidential Uses) | — | 32 square feet | — | If freestanding: Cannot project closer than 10 feet to a public right-of-way line or property line | One per lot | Each lot occupied by nonresidential uses except legal nonconforming uses | — | § 3-402[B], § 3-402[C] |
| Facia Sign (Residence Districts) | — | — | — | — | — | On wall of building on permissible property | — | § 3-402[C] |
| Freestanding Sign (Residence Districts) | 16 feet above grade | — | — | 10 feet minimum setback from public right-of-way or property line | — | On lot subject to setback requirements | — | § 3-402[C] |

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Facia Sign) | Cannot extend above parapet or roofline (unless as architectural blade, see also Table 2 for specific roof sign limits) | Maximum sign area on building: Per allowed Zoning District sq ft per lineal foot of lot frontage × building frontage | — | — | — | On building wall within signable area, not extending more than 15 inches from wall face | — | § 3-502 [A-F] |
| Freestanding/Ground Sign | See Table 1 (varies by right-of-way width and speed) | — | — | See § 3-501(C), and visibility triangle appendices for intersection sight lines | — | Must not block access/egress and must meet visibility triangle | — | § 3-501 [A-H], Table 1 |
| Roof Sign | Closed roof sign: 50 ft above fireproof building, 35 ft above non-fireproof. Open roof sign: 100 ft above roof (fireproof), 60 ft (non-fireproof). On buildings ≤40 ft, max sign height above parapet: 15–30 ft (see Table 2). | Counts toward building sign area limit | — | On buildings over 40 ft: must be at least 3 ft from all outside walls of the building. | — | On roof or above parapet | — | § 3-503 [A-I], Table 2 |
| Projecting Sign | — | Counts toward building sign area limit | — | — | — | At a 90° angle from building face, or 45° from corner | — | § 3-504 [A-H] |
| Canopy (Marquee) Sign | 7 ft sign height. Min clearance 10 ft above sidewalk, cannot project below fascia. | — | — | — | — | On or hung from canopy/marquee | — | § 3-505 [A-F] |
| Off-Premise Sign | — | Max 300 sq ft unless variance granted (see full field in Article V) | — | See § 3-507(L), (M) | No more than three off-premise signs per 1/2 mile on the same side | Subject to spacing from other off-premise signs, not closer than 15 ft from side lot line and not closer than 100 ft to a residential district boundary | — | § 3-507 [A-M] |
| Directional Sign | 12 feet | 4 sq ft per face | — | — | — | On property to which they pertain; not allowed in public right-of-way except by exception | — | § 3-508[B] |
| Incidental Sign | — | 5 sq ft per sign | — | — | Max 2 per location | On freestanding sign structure or on building wall | — | § 3-508[A] |

## Prohibited signs in Bloomington

- No sign shall be permitted which displays exposed incandescent lamps with ratings in excess of 40 watts.
- No sign shall be permitted which displays exposed incandescent lamps with internal or external metallic reflectors.
- No sign shall be permitted which displays revolving beacon lights.
- No sign shall be permitted which displays any continuous or sequential flashing operation in which more than 2/3 of the lights are turned on or off at one time.
- No sign shall be permitted which is tacked, pasted, or otherwise affixed in a miscellaneous manner visible from a public way on walls, barns, sheds, trees, poles, posts, fences, or other structures unless otherwise permitted by the Code.
- Abandoned signs are prohibited.
- No sign shall be placed on any curb, sidewalk, post, pole, electrolier, hydrant, bridge, tree or other surface located on public property or over or across any street or public thoroughfare except as may otherwise expressly be authorized by this Code or by written agreement approved by the City Council.
- Banners, pennants, search lights, twirling signs, sandwich board signs, balloons or other gas filled figures shall not be used except as specifically allowed elsewhere in the Code.
- Flags other than those of any nation, state or political subdivision, religious flag, and corporate flags are prohibited except as otherwise specifically provided.
- "A" frame or similar signs without approved support or anchorage are prohibited; they may be considered as temporary signs and subject to applicable Code provisions.
- Signs that bear or contain obscene, pornographic, immoral, or untruthful advertising matter are prohibited.
- Signs painted on or attached to any fence or wall not structurally part of a building are prohibited, except to identify a residence or structure by name or address.
- Signs that operate with projection, visible moving parts, illusions of motion, or moving media (except at licensed drive-ins) are prohibited.
- Signs emitting audible sound, odor or visible matter are prohibited.
- Signs which purport to be or imitate official traffic signs/signals, or bear words such as 'Stop', 'Go Slow', etc., are prohibited.
- Signs which by size, location, movement, content, coloring or illumination could be confused with traffic control devices or obstruct motorists' or pedestrians' view are prohibited.
- Signs declared unsafe or unlawful under Chapter 10 of the Bloomington City Code are prohibited.
- Use and display of electrical portable signs is prohibited, except for permanent LED signs no larger than eight square feet on publicly funded, not-for-profit transit vehicles.
- No sign shall be erected, constructed, or maintained so as to obstruct any fire escape, required exit, window or door opening used as a means of egress.
- No sign shall be attached in any form, shape, or manner that will interfere with any opening required for ventilation, except for allowed transom windows.
- It shall be illegal to erect, create, paint, own, keep, display or maintain any sign which does not comply with the provisions of this Code or any other applicable laws.
- Non-electrical portable signs are prohibited unless in compliance with Article VI or VII.
- No sign shall be erected in such a manner as to impede visibility in required sight triangles for intersection safety.

## Signs exempt from permit in Bloomington

- Changing the advertising copy or message on an existing approved sign, provided the sign is specifically designed for replaceable copy.
- Painting, repainting, cleaning or other normal maintenance and repair of a sign not involving structural changes. Plastic face replacement is included if due to breakage/deterioration, but not if for a new advertiser.
- Changes in the contents of show window displays and permitted temporary signs.
- One construction sign per construction project up to 32 sq ft in residential or 64 sq ft in commercial/industrial, located on site, and meeting time limitations.
- Directional or instructional signs entirely on property, not advertising merchandise/services/business, not exceeding four sq ft, e.g., restrooms, walkways, parking lot signs.
- Flags, emblems or insignia of any nation, political subdivision, or official corporate flag.
- Governmental signs for traffic/regulation, street signs, danger signs, railroad crossing, public service, erected by a public officer in performance of duty.
- Holiday/decorative signs associated with national, local or religious holidays, of any type, number, area, height, illumination, or animation for no more than 60 consecutive days up to 60 days per year, with location and clearance limitations.
- House numbers not exceeding two sq ft per dwelling unit or mobile home.
- Non-electrical interior signs (not visible from public right-of-way) inside buildings, lobbies, or courts. Such signs must still meet structural/materials requirements.
- Memorial signs or tablets, building names/dates, cut into masonry, inlaid, or of bronze/incombustible material.
- Notice bulletin boards up to 32 sq ft for medical, public, charitable or religious institutions, located on premise.
- No trespassing or no dumping signs up to 1.5 sq ft per sign, max four per lot, unless additional approved by Administrator.
- Occupant signs/nameplates up to two sq ft per unit or mobile home indicating occupant identity, home office, if use is legal.
- In business/manufacturing zones, a sign painted on a fence or approved wall or a non-illuminated wall sign on a structure not more than 10 sq ft.
- Official public notices posted by officers/employees in performance of duties.
- Public signs required or specifically authorized for a public purpose by law/statute/ordinance, with no limitation on type, number, area, height, location or illumination.
- One real estate sign per residential lot, unlighted, max nine sq ft, must be removed after close/lease; one per commercial/industrial lot, max 25 sq ft.
- Permanent window signs inside ground floor windows in non-residential zones, not exceeding 25% of window area or 1 sq ft per lineal front foot, whichever is less.
- Signs in display windows incorporated with merchandise/service displays complying with permanent window sign rules.
- Religious or commemorative symbols/plaques/emblems up to four sq ft, to be placed flat against building.
- Temporary signs up to four sq ft for civic, philanthropic, educational, religious organizations for duration of drive/event (max 30 days before, removed within 15 days after).
- Warning signs regarding existence of danger (no advertising), of size necessary, to be removed when danger ceases.
- Neighborhood identification signs featuring only neighborhood or tract name.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Permit applications must include clear and legible drawings showing the location of the sign subject to application and all other existing signs whose construction requires permits when such signs are on the same premises.
- Permit applications must include drawings showing dimensions, construction supports, size, electrical wiring/components, materials, method of attachment, and character of structural members to which attached; engineering data/certification may be required.
- If an off-premise (billboard) sign exceeding 300 sq ft in area is desired, a variance must be obtained from the Sign Code Board of Review.
- Appeals from Administrator's denial or revocation of a sign permit are to the Sign Code Board of Review.
- For signs in the S-4 Historic and Cultural District (historic district), no sign shall be erected, moved, demolished or altered without approval of the Council after a public hearing and recommendation by the Historic Preservation Commission.
- The Administrator may require plans certified by a registered architect or engineer for sign permits when deemed necessary.
- When detailed plans are required (e.g., for freestanding/pylon sign foundations), detail drawings must accompany permit applications.
- Review of decisions relating to issuance of permits, removal of illegal signs, and the granting of variances is done by the Zoning Board of Appeals pursuant to Chapter 44, unless related to construction standards, in which case it goes to Construction Board of Appeals.
- Special permits may be issued by the Administrator for temporary subdivision development signs in any zone.
- Temporary signs for special events require approval by the Administrator.

## 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 12 zoning districts in Bloomington — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Bloomington+IL&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-bloomington

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