# Sign Regulations in Cherry Valley, Illinois

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Cherry Valley, Illinois (IL)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/illinois/cherry-valley
- **Data last verified:** 2026-04-27
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/il/cherry_valley/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH6AD_ARTIIBI_S6-41COSI)

## At a glance

Cherry Valley, Illinois regulates 30 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Ground Sign - Single-Occupant Building (Option 1)s in the Commercial Neighborhood District (CN); Commercial Community District (CC); Commercial General District (CG) zoning district are capped at ≤ 15 ft (measured from normal sidewalk level) tall and ≤ 100 sq ft per face, with a ≥ one-fourth of required building setback for zoning district (Sec. 6-41(b)(17)); pylons/base set back ≥ 10 ft from property line (Sec. 6-2). setback (Sec. Sec. 6-41(b)(2), (7)-(8)). Most commercial signs in Cherry Valley require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (8 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 12 | ≤ 35 ft | ≤ 600 sq ft per face + ≤ 50 sq ft extensions/cutouts | — |
| Historical downtown district | 3 | — | 15% of building face area (street-facing) | — |
| Rural Residential District (RR); Mobile Home District (MH) | 5 | — | ≤ 80 square inches | — |
| One-Family Residential District (R1); Two-Family Residential District (R2) | 6 | — | ≤ 80 square inches | — |
| Multiple-Family Residential District (R3); Multiple-Family Residential District (R4) | 5 | — | ≤ 80 square inches | — |
| Commercial Neighborhood District (CN); Commercial Community District (CC); Commercial General District (CG) | 7 | ≤ 15 ft (measured from normal sidewalk level) | ≤ 100 sq ft per face | — |
| Office District (OF) | 5 | ≤ 15 ft (measured from normal sidewalk level) | ≤ 100 sq ft per face | — |
| Industrial-Light District (IL); Industrial-General District (IG); Industrial-Heavy District (IH) | 7 | ≤ 15 ft (measured from normal sidewalk level) | ≤ 100 sq ft per face | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 8 zones)

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Sign - General Requirements | 15 ft (business/adverting ground signs) ; 35 ft (poster board/billboard signs) (existing only) | — | — | Structural pylons/supports/base set back ≥ 10 ft from property line (Sec. 6-2). Minimum setback for any part of a freestanding business or advertising sign ≥ one-fourth of the required building setback of the zoning district (Sec. 6-41(b)(17)). No advertising sign within 300 ft of any public park >5 acres if facing the park and visible therefrom (Sec. 6-41(b)(16)). | — | Must be erected entirely within property lines; no portion may extend into or be placed in the right-of-way. | — | Sec. 6-2; Sec. 6-34(a)-(g); Sec. 6-41(b)(7)-(10), (12) |
| Illuminated Sign - General Illumination Standards | — | — | — | — | Neon/gaseous tube illuminated signs: max 3 per street exposure per building (indoor, ground floor). | On building or freestanding, subject to general placement limits. | — | Sec. 6-41(b)(10)-(13) |
| Directional and Instructional Signs (Parking/Driveways) | — | Entrance/Exit signs: ≤ 3 sq ft per sign (double-faced allowed). Conditions-of-use sign: ≤ 10 sq ft per parking or driveway area. | — | — | One entrance and one exit sign per access point; one conditions-of-use sign per parking/driveway area. | Accessory to parking and driveway areas. | — | Sec. 6-41(c); Sec. 6-36(b)(4) |
| Temporary Signs - Real Estate (Residential Lots) | — | < 10 sq ft | — | — | Max 1 per property (corner lot: one facing each street). | On the lot/premises offered for sale/lease; off-premises posting allowed on Sundays only. | — | Sec. 6-38(a)(1)a; Sec. 6-38(f)(3) |
| Temporary Signs - Real Estate (Commercial/Office/Industrial Lots) | — | < 64 sq ft | — | — | Max 1 per property (corner lot: one facing each street). | On the lot/premises offered for sale/lease; may be attached to side of building facing street. | — | Sec. 6-38(a)(1)b |
| Temporary Signs - Construction Site | — | R-1 or R-2 lots: < 10 sq ft; CN/CC/CG/OF/IL/IG/IH lots: ≤ 32 sq ft | — | — | Max 1 per lot/premises. | On lot/premises where construction/remodeling is in progress. | — | Sec. 6-38(a)(2) |
| Temporary Signs - Developers’/Off-Premises Identification | ≤ 8 ft | ≤ 64 sq ft | — | — | — | On premises advertising intended use/sale/lease/rental/development, or off-premises directing attention to location/opening of a subdivision/commercial/industrial/institutional development. | — | Sec. 6-38(a)(7) |
| Billboard / Poster Board Sign (Existing Only) | ≤ 35 ft | ≤ 600 sq ft per face + ≤ 50 sq ft extensions/cutouts | — | Freestanding sign setback ≥ one-fourth of required building setback (Sec. 6-41(b)(17)). | — | Freestanding; subject to spacing and setback limits. | — | Sec. 6-41(b)(15), (18); Sec. 6-30 |

### Commercial Neighborhood District (CN); Commercial Community District (CC); Commercial General District (CG)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Commercial Occupant) | Not above second-floor window sill level (for any illuminated sign attached to building) | 15% of building side area (per side) | — | — | — | On building sides facing public street or courtyard (street exposure). | — | Sec. 6-41(b)(1), (3)-(6), (10)-(12) |
| Awning Sign | — | 10% of awning exterior area | — | — | — | On awning. | — | Sec. 6-41(b)(14); Sec. 6-41(b)(4)-(5) |
| Ground Sign - Single-Occupant Building (Option 1) | ≤ 15 ft (measured from normal sidewalk level) | ≤ 100 sq ft per face | — | ≥ one-fourth of required building setback for zoning district (Sec. 6-41(b)(17)); pylons/base set back ≥ 10 ft from property line (Sec. 6-2). | Max 1 | On premises of building occupied by fewer than 3 commercial occupants. | — | Sec. 6-41(b)(2), (7)-(8) |
| Ground Sign - Directory-Type (3+ Occupants) | ≤ 15 ft (if ground directory sign used) | ≤ 100 sq ft per face | — | ≥ one-fourth of required building setback (Sec. 6-41(b)(17)); pylons/base set back ≥ 10 ft from property line (Sec. 6-2). | 1 directory ground sign per building, in addition to on-building signs (subject to overall area limits). | Directory sign for multi-tenant buildings; may be a ground sign on the premises. | — | Sec. 6-41(b)(2), (9) |
| Neon/Gaseous Tube Illuminated Signs | — | — | — | — | Max 3 per street exposure | Indoors at ground floor level, visible through windows. | — | Sec. 6-41(b)(11) |
| Electronic Message Display (Special Use) | — | Electronic display: ≤ 20 sq ft; combined area (main sign + electronic display) ≤ 100 sq ft | Electronic display width may not exceed width of primary sign on same pole | — | Max 1 electronic message display per property; max 1 per pole | Mounted on a pole or base below the primary sign; not allowed on building surfaces or roofs. | — | Sec. 6-100; Sec. 6-101(a)-(l); Sec. 6-103 |
| Service Station / Car Wash Signs | — | — | — | — | Max 2 double-faced signs; 1 electronic pricing sign | On or accessory to automobile service stations and car washes. | — | Sec. 6-41(d); Sec. 6-41(b)(19) |

### Industrial-Light District (IL); Industrial-General District (IG); Industrial-Heavy District (IH)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Industrial/Commercial Occupant) | Not above second-floor window sill level (for any illuminated sign attached to building) | 15% of building side area (per side) | — | — | — | On building sides facing public street or courtyard (street exposure). | — | Sec. 6-41(a), (b)(1), (3)-(6), (10)-(12) |
| Awning Sign | — | 10% of awning exterior area | — | — | — | On awning. | — | Sec. 6-41(b)(14); Sec. 6-41(b)(4)-(5) |
| Ground Sign - Single-Occupant Building (Option 1) | ≤ 15 ft (measured from normal sidewalk level) | ≤ 100 sq ft per face | — | ≥ one-fourth of required building setback for zoning district (Sec. 6-41(b)(17)); pylons/base set back ≥ 10 ft from property line (Sec. 6-2). | Max 1 | On premises of building occupied by fewer than 3 occupants. | — | Sec. 6-41(b)(2), (7)-(8) |
| Ground Sign - Directory-Type (3+ Occupants) | ≤ 15 ft (if ground directory sign used) | ≤ 100 sq ft per face | — | ≥ one-fourth of required building setback (Sec. 6-41(b)(17)); pylons/base set back ≥ 10 ft from property line (Sec. 6-2). | 1 directory ground sign per building, in addition to on-building signs (subject to overall area limits). | Directory sign for multi-tenant buildings; may be a ground sign on the premises. | — | Sec. 6-41(b)(2), (9) |
| Neon/Gaseous Tube Illuminated Signs | — | — | — | — | Max 3 per street exposure | Indoors at ground floor level, visible through windows. | — | Sec. 6-41(b)(11) |
| Electronic Message Display (Special Use) | — | Electronic display: ≤ 20 sq ft; combined area (main sign + electronic display) ≤ 100 sq ft | Electronic display width may not exceed width of primary sign on same pole | — | Max 1 electronic message display per property; max 1 per pole | Mounted on a pole or base below the primary sign; not allowed on building surfaces or roofs. | — | Sec. 6-100; Sec. 6-101(a)-(l); Sec. 6-103 |
| Service Station / Car Wash Signs | — | — | — | — | Max 2 double-faced signs; 1 electronic pricing sign | On or accessory to automobile service stations and car washes. | — | Sec. 6-41(d); Sec. 6-41(b)(19) |

## Prohibited signs in Cherry Valley

- It is unlawful to advertise any unlawful business or article in the village.
- No portion of a freestanding sign may extend into, be erected, or placed in the public right‑of‑way; all freestanding signs must be within property lines and all pylons/supports/sign bases must be set back at least ten feet from the property line.
- Flashing signs (whether stationary, revolving or rotating), including message boards with flashing lights, running lights, or lights creating an illusion of movement, are prohibited.
- Signs upon, above or attached to the roof of any building are prohibited (excluding those legally in existence at the time of enactment).
- Signs painted directly on the wall of a building or on a fence are prohibited.
- Signs, or spotlights/floodlights used to illuminate signage, may not project more than three inches into the right‑of‑way of any public street, sidewalk, alley or public place (except that, if over eight feet above the adjoining sidewalk, they may project up to 13 inches).
- Signs consisting of a string, cluster or series of lights are prohibited.
- Signs that, as determined by the designated village official, constitute a hazard to traffic or the public by reason of obstruction of view, distraction, or danger to safety are prohibited.
- Temporary signs or attention‑getting devices that contain or consist of banners, posters, placards, pennants, ribbons, feather flags, streamers, strings of light bulbs or flags, A‑frame signs, poster panels, spinners, signs attached to or on vehicles, inflatables, or similar devices are prohibited except as specifically allowed under the temporary sign regulations.
- Signs that advertise an activity, business, product or service no longer conducted on the premises upon which the sign is located are prohibited.
- Advertising signs and devices which direct attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment or attraction sold, offered or existing elsewhere than upon the same lot where such sign is displayed (off‑premises advertising) are prohibited.
- Temporary signs or attention‑getting devices with lights that flash, blink, or vary in intensity, or with red, yellow, amber, or green lights, are prohibited.
- Temporary signs and attention‑getting devices are not allowed on people for the purpose of outdoor advertising (walking advertisers), except as specifically conditioned and permitted in limited instances.
- No temporary signage that is torn, tattered, faded, or partially destroyed is allowed.
- No sign may be erected, relocated, maintained or otherwise permitted to obstruct or prevent free ingress or egress from any window, door, fire escape, or stairway; no sign may be attached to a fire escape.
- No sign may be erected, constructed or maintained where, by reason of position, shape, color or wording, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device, or otherwise cause a safety hazard.

## Signs exempt from permit in Cherry Valley

- Signs, flags, and emblems of and on the premises of the United States, the State of Illinois, and municipal corporations and public bodies of the state are totally exempt from this article’s regulations, unless the sign/flag/emblem is advertising a parcel of real estate owned by a state or municipal corporation used primarily for recreational or revenue‑generating purposes.
- Permitted, non‑illuminated signs of organizations described in the section for religious/charitable/educational/private club institutions are partially exempt: they must comply with intent/policy, prohibited sign, and safety/maintenance provisions, but are otherwise exempt from the article.
- Memorial plaques, cornerstones, historical plaques and similar noncommercial designations are partially exempt: they must comply with intent/policy, prohibited sign, and safety/maintenance provisions, but are otherwise exempt from the article.
- Signs required of property owners or occupants by police, fire or other governmental departments for public safety and convenience are partially exempt: they must comply with intent/policy, prohibited sign, and safety/maintenance provisions, but are otherwise exempt from the article.
- Directional or instructional signs conveying directions or instruction for public safety and convenience (vehicular or pedestrian) or necessary for operation of the premises, not exceeding three square feet in area, are partially exempt: they must comply with intent/policy, prohibited sign, and safety/maintenance provisions, but are otherwise exempt from the article.
- Signage attached to vehicles located in establishments authorized to sell automobiles is partially exempt: it must comply with intent/policy, prohibited sign, and safety/maintenance provisions, but is otherwise exempt from the article.
- All signs existing on the effective date of the ordinance are exempt from compliance with the terms of the article, except that they remain subject to maintenance requirements.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Projects that include a number of signs and graphics must have an overall plan.
- A sign permit is required to erect, construct, or display any sign; the permit application is also considered an application for a certificate of appropriateness, and no sign permit is issued until the certificate of appropriateness is granted.
- Preliminary (advisory) review of a prospective sign project by the Planning and Zoning Commission is available on written request before filing a formal application to help guide development of a compliant signage plan.
- Certificate of Appropriateness process: upon referral by the designated village official, the Planning and Zoning Commission considers the certificate, may request additional evidence and recommend changes to the signage plans; the Village Board of Trustees issues the certificate by majority vote subject to stated timelines.
- Sign permit submittal must include: drawings showing sign position relative to adjacent signs/buildings/structures; design/size/structural details/materials and placement; current color photographs of existing signs on the premises and adjacent property; a statement of aggregate size of all existing signs on the premises; and any other information needed to demonstrate compliance.
- For commercial signs less than 15 feet in height (as measured from normal sidewalk level), applications go to the designated village official; the president of the board seeks an advisory opinion of the board of trustees; if favorable, the sign permit is issued; if no decision within three weeks from complete submittal (or within 20 days after all required information is provided), the petition is deemed granted.
- Temporary signs, attention‑getting devices, and walking advertisers require a separate temporary sign permit; applications are content‑neutral, reviewed and granted or denied within seven days; fees apply (first two temporary signs free, then $20 per sign).
- Variations (variances) from the sign code may be requested by applying to the Planning and Zoning Commission (advisory) with final action by the Village Board of Trustees; variances cannot authorize prohibited signs, waive design review procedures, or violate safety/maintenance provisions.
- Electronic message displays are allowed only as special uses in commercial and industrial districts and require an application (and fee) prior to installation, with operational limitations and spacing requirements.

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

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