Sign Regulations in Chatham, Illinois
Chatham, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 19 sign types across 2 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign - Box Sign, Wall Sign - Screened Box Sign with Raised or Recessed Letters, Wall Sign - Raceway-Mounted Channel Letter Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: September 22, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Chatham, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Chatham
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign - Box Sign | — | 250 sq. ft. | — |
| Wall Sign - Screened Box Sign with Raised or Recessed Letters | — | 250 sq. ft. | — |
| Wall Sign - Raceway-Mounted Channel Letter Sign | — | 250 sq. ft. | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
19
- Wall Sign - Box Sign
- Wall Sign - Screened Box Sign with Raised or Recessed Letters
- Wall Sign - Raceway-Mounted Channel Letter Sign
- Wall Sign - Pin-Mounted Channel Letter Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
2
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Chatham
Other Cities in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Chatham 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 Chatham, 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 Chatham, regulated sign types include Wall Sign - Box Sign, Wall Sign - Screened Box Sign with Raised or Recessed Letters, Wall Sign - Raceway-Mounted Channel Letter Sign, Wall Sign - Pin-Mounted Channel Letter Sign, 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 Chatham 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 Chatham are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Chatham has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Chatham, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Chatham, Illinois regulates 19 sign types across 2 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign - Box Signs in the Commercial zoning districts, Industrial zoning districts, B-1 Community Business District, B-2 General Business District, I-1 Restricted Performance Manufacturing, I-2 General Performance Manufacturing zoning district are capped at 40 ft. tall and 60 sq. ft., with a 10 ft from public ROW, 50 ft from residential zones; vision clearance per § 155-14.80 setback (Sec. § 155-13.50(E)(1)-(6)). Most commercial signs in Chatham require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Chatham, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Chatham (2 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial zoning districts, Industrial zoning districts, B-1 Community Business District, B-2 General Business District, I-1 Restricted Performance Manufacturing, I-2 General Performance Manufacturing | 19 | 40 ft. | 250 sq. ft. | — |
| 1 more zone in PermitPal — start free | ||||
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Chatham(sample of 1 of 2 zones)
Commercial zoning districts, Industrial zoning districts, B-1 Community Business District, B-2 General Business District, I-1 Restricted Performance Manufacturing, I-2 General Performance Manufacturing
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign - Box Sign | 40 ft. | 60 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft from public ROW, 50 ft from residential zones; vision clearance per § 155-14.80 | Maximum one per lot; if lot >1,000 ft street frontage, max two per lot | On lot, at least 10 ft setback from public ROW/curb/driveway; 50 ft from residential zones | — | Unlock | § 155-13.50(E)(1)-(6) |
| Freestanding Sign - Screened Box Sign with Raised or Recessed Letters | 40 ft. | 120 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft from public ROW, 50 ft from residential zones; vision clearance per § 155-14.80 | See Freestanding Sign rules | On lot, at least 10 ft setback from public ROW/curb/driveway; 50 ft from residential zones | — | Unlock | § 155-13.50(E)(2)-(6) |
| Freestanding Sign - Distinctive Materials/Design Sign | 40 ft. | 150 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft from ROW, 50 ft from residential zones; vision clearance | Per Freestanding sign rules | On lot, per setbacks | — | Unlock | § 155-13.50(E)(2)-(6) |
| Freestanding Sign - Other (Unclassified) | 40 ft. | 60 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft from ROW, 50 ft from residential zones | Per Freestanding Sign rules | On lot, per setbacks | — | Unlock | § 155-13.50(E)(2)-(6) |
| Freestanding Sign (Outlot/Outparcel) - Box Sign | 16 ft. | 32 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft from ROW/curb/driveway; 50 ft from residential zone, vision clearance | Max one per outlot/outparcel | On outlot/outparcel in multi-tenant development; setbacks required | — | Unlock | § 155-13.50(F)(2)(a) |
| Freestanding Sign (Outlot/Outparcel) - Screened Box Sign with Raised or Recessed Letters | 16 ft. | 64 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft from ROW/curb/driveway; 50 ft from residential, vision clearance | Max one per outlot/outparcel | On outlot/outparcel | — | Unlock | § 155-13.50(F)(2)(a) |
| Freestanding Sign (Outlot/Outparcel) - Distinctive Materials/Design Sign | 16 ft. | 96 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft from ROW/curb/driveway; 50 ft from residential, vision clearance | Max one per outlot/outparcel | On outlot/outparcel | — | Unlock | § 155-13.50(F)(2)(a) |
| Menu Board Sign - Primary (Drive-through Only) | 8 ft. | 36 sq. ft. | — | 75 ft from residential zoning districts | One per order station (max two per site) | At order station within boundaries of development | — | Unlock | § 155-13.50(F)(Menu Board Signs) |
PermitPal covers all 2 zoning districts in Chatham — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 2 zones for Chatham — start freeProhibited Signs in Chatham
- Freestanding signs must be set back at least 10 feet from all public rights-of-way and from the back of curb or outer edge of all driveways.
- Freestanding signs must be set back at least 50 feet from all residential zoning districts.
- Freestanding signs are subject to the vision clearance provisions of § 155-14.80.
- Freestanding signs may not exceed 40 feet in height.
- The maximum area of a wall sign may not exceed 250 square feet.
- Wall signs may not cover more than 20% of the area of the wall or more than 70% of the building frontage to which they are attached.
- Projecting signs may not project more than 10 feet beyond the wall of the subject building.
- The bottom of a projecting sign must be at least 9 feet above the ground elevation beneath the sign.
Exempt Signs in Chatham
- Street address numbers included on freestanding signs will not be counted as part of the sign's area.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Chatham
- Landscape plans, indicating plant materials and location, must be submitted with the sign permit application for freestanding signs.
- Master sign plans are required for multi-tenant developments in accordance with § 155-13.80.
Source: other municipal code