Sign Regulations in Countryside, Illinois
Countryside, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 26 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Vertical Pole Banner Sign, For Sale and For Rent Signs, Directional or information sign of a public or quasi-public nature. 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 Countryside, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Countryside
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Directional or information sign of a public or quasi-public nature | — | 6 sq ft | — |
| Real estate for sale or for rent sign (general permit exception) | — | 4 sq ft (general exception); other zones may allow larger | — |
| Nameplate and Identification Sign (One- and Two-Family) | — | 1 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for CountrysideFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
26
- Vertical Pole Banner Sign
- For Sale and For Rent Signs
- Directional or information sign of a public or quasi-public nature
- Real estate for sale or for rent sign (general permit exception)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
7
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 Countryside 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 Countryside, 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 Countryside, regulated sign types include Vertical Pole Banner Sign, For Sale and For Rent Signs, Directional or information sign of a public or quasi-public nature, Real estate for sale or for rent sign (general permit exception), 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 Countryside 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 Countryside are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Countryside has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Countryside, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Countryside, Illinois regulates 26 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the Business Zoning Districts zoning district are capped at 20 ft above curb or height of highest commercial building on lot, whichever is less tall and 100 sq ft per side (max 2 sides), with a Not within 5 ft of public right of way setback (Sec. 8-5-9.B). Most commercial signs in Countryside require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Countryside, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Countryside (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | — | 6 sq ft | — |
| Residential Zoning Districts | 9 | One story or 15 ft above curb, whichever is lower | 18 sq ft | — |
| Business Zoning Districts | 11 | Letters may project up to 24" above marquee/canopy | 100 sq ft per side (max 2 sides) | — |
| Manufacturing Zoning Districts | 1 | — | — | — |
| Open Lands Zoning Districts | 2 | — | — | — |
| ARC Arterial Road Corridor Overlay District | 1 | — | — | — |
| City Center Design Standards Overlay District | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Countryside(sample of 3 of 7 zones)
General Regulations For All Zones
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Directional or information sign of a public or quasi-public nature | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 8-5-13.F.1 |
| Real estate for sale or for rent sign (general permit exception) | — | 4 sq ft (general exception); other zones may allow larger | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 8-5-13.F.2 |
| Vertical Pole Banner Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 8-5-13.F.3 |
Residential Zoning 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate and Identification Sign (One- and Two-Family) | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | 1 per dwelling unit | At main entrance or typical mounting location for address/name | — | Unlock | 8-5-8.A.1.a |
| Identification Sign (Multiple-Family/Other Buildings) | One story or 15 ft above curb, whichever is lower | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building | Indicating only building name/address and name of management | — | Unlock | 8-5-8.A.1.b, 8-5-8.A.1.c |
| For Sale and For Rent Signs | 6 ft above curb | 8 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot; 2 per corner lot | On residential lot | — | Unlock | 8-5-8.A.2 |
| Parking Area Accessory Sign (Entrance/Exit) | 6 ft above curb | 3 sq ft | — | — | 1 per entrance/exit | At entrance or exit | — | Unlock | 8-5-8.A.3.a, 8-5-8.A.3.b |
| Parking Area Accessory Sign (Conditions/Identity) | 6 ft above curb | 8 sq ft | — | — | 1 per parking area; 2 per corner lot | Designating conditions of use or identity of parking area | — | Unlock | 8-5-8.A.3.a |
| Temporary Sign (Construction/Remodeling) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | On property under construction/remodeling | — | Unlock | 8-5-8.A.4.a |
| Temporary Sign (Personal/Family Celebration) | — | — | — | 10 ft from property line | — | Not within 10 ft of property line | — | Unlock | 8-5-8.A.4.c |
| Church Bulletin Sign | One story or 15 ft above curb, whichever is lower | 18 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot, or 2 for corner lots | — | — | Unlock | 8-5-8.B |
Business Zoning 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 20 ft above curb or height of highest commercial building on lot, whichever is less | 100 sq ft per side (max 2 sides) | — | Not within 5 ft of public right of way | 1 per zoning lot | Front yard only; not over or within 5 ft of right-of-way | — | Unlock | 8-5-9.B |
| Marquee, Canopy, or Awning Sign | Letters may project up to 24" above marquee/canopy | — | — | — | — | Affixed flat to surface of canopy or marquee; not extended horizontally or vertically beyond edge except as letters projecting up to 24" | — | Unlock | 8-5-9.D |
| Painted Window Sign (Permanent or Temporary) | — | No more than 30% of window panel area | — | — | — | Window panel | — | Unlock | 8-5-9.F |
| For Sale and For Rent Signs | 6 ft above curb | 32 sq ft; max 4 ft tall x 8 ft wide | 8 ft | — | 1 per lot; 2 on corner lot | On business/industrial lot; may be attached to building | — | Unlock | 8-5-9.G |
| Monument Sign | 6 ft above curb | 65 sq ft per side (max 2 sides) | — | Not within 5 ft of right of way | 1 per zoning lot | Front yard only; not over or within 5 ft of right-of-way | — | Unlock | 8-5-9.H |
| Daily Promotional Sign - Up to 6 sq ft | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per front side of building/business | On subject property; see additional | — | Unlock | 8-5-9.I |
| Daily Promotional Sign - Over 6 sq ft, up to 32 sq ft | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per front side of building/business | On subject property; see additional | — | Unlock | 8-5-9.I |
| Vertical Pole Banner Sign | — | — | — | — | 1 per pole | 1 per pole | — | Unlock | 8-5-9.J |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Countryside — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 7 zones for Countryside — start freeProhibited Signs in Countryside
- No sign or related structure shall be erected at the intersection of any streets in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision; or at any location where, by reason of the position, shape or color, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device; or which makes use of lights or any word, phrase, symbol or character in such manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.
- No sign shall be erected, relocated or maintained 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, fire escape, utility pole, or tree.
- No business sign may be located within seventy five feet (75') of a residence district line, and no billboard may be located within six hundred sixty feet (660') of a residence district line.
- The illumination of any sign located within one hundred feet (100') of a residence district line shall be diffused or indirect and designed so as not to reflect direct rays of light into adjacent residences.
- No person may maintain any advertising sign, other than a billboard, which does not direct attention to or advertise a use, business, commodity, service, or activity conducted, sold, or offered upon the premises on which the sign is located.
- Signs, awnings and marquees may not extend over a public way and must have minimum clearances from the property line and above finished grade as specified.
- The exposed lighting source of an illuminated sign shall be shaded, shielded or directed so the light intensity or brightness is not objectionable to surrounding areas. No exposed reflecting type bulb or incandescent lamp exceeding fifteen (15) watts shall be used in any sign.
- Sign brightness must not exceed the recommended levels for luminous background sign luminances specified by the Illuminating Engineering Society Of North America.
- Illuminated signs shall produce no more than 0.5 foot-candles in adjoining residential districts or 3 foot-candles in adjoining commercial districts, measured perpendicularly to the sign at the property line at ground level.
- No illuminated sign shall contain blinking, flashing, or flurry lights or other illuminating devices which have changing light intensity, brightness, or color.
- The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts: air dancers, animated signs, changing signs (automatic and EVM), chaser signs, feather flags, festoon lighting, flashing signs, handbills, obsolete signs, off premises signs (except billboards where permitted), portable signs, rooftop balloon signs, searchlights, signs in conflict with traffic signals, any signs painted on buildings/fences/walls/structures, and temporary signs painted upon wood or other material and hung on a wall or fence.
Exempt Signs in Countryside
- A sign not visible beyond the boundaries of the lot or parcel upon which it is situated or from any public thoroughfare or right of way.
- An official sign of any public or governmental agency.
- Any sign of any official court or public notices thereof, or any flag, emblem or insignia of a government, school, or religious group.
- Any sign which is located completely within an enclosed building and not visible from outside.
- Any tablet, grave marker, headstone, statuary/memorial plaque or remembrance of persons or events which is noncommercial in nature.
- Any official traffic sign authorized by the Illinois Compiled Statutes or the Illinois vehicle code.
- Any temporary sign celebrating a traditionally accepted patriotic holiday, as well as a national and state holiday.
- Any sign of a noncommercial nature and in the public interest, erected by or on the order of a public officer.
- Any sign on a truck, bus, trailer, or other vehicle used in the normal course of business, not primarily for display of such signs.
- Changing of the copy of a sign, bulletin board, display encasement or marquee, or maintenance where no structural change is made, or changing of letters on a sign designed for use of interchangeable letters.
- Any private (noncommercial) nameplate identification or street address identification sign not exceeding one square foot in area.
- Any tablet, such as a memorial, cornerstone, name of a building, date of erection, when built into or affixed to a wall of the building.
- Any temporary sign for a general citywide civic or public benefit event authorized by the city council, removed within twenty-four hours after event expiration.
- Any 'no trespassing', warning, and similar signs regulating property use, not exceeding two square feet in area.
- All signs exempted in the international building code (except wall and ground signs) are exempted under this chapter.
- Highway directional signs and markers made and installed per city or IDOT specifications.
- Traffic or directional signs designating entries/exits/conditions of parking facilities, provided they are within property lines.
- Direction or information signs of a public or quasi-public nature, not exceeding six square feet in area, provided compliance with illumination and other requirements, needing no permit.
- Temporary signs indicating a public event (election, church/public meeting, community affairs) may be erected on a 30-day nonrenewable permit upon approval.
- Real estate, for sale or for rent signs not exceeding four square feet in area.
- Vertical pole banner signs.
- Exceptions above apply only to permit requirements and do not relieve responsibility for erection/maintenance/compliance.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Countryside
- No mention of a master sign plan or sign plan requirement is present in the ordinance text.
- Variations from existing regulations may be sought by application and require a public hearing and findings from the Zoning Board of Appeals, with recommendations to the Mayor and City Council.
- For special uses such as billboards in open lands zoning districts, a special use permit must be granted pursuant to the zoning ordinance.
- Permit applications for permanent signs exceeding two square feet in area are required, using forms from the building commissioner, who will examine for compliance before approval and issuance.
- Monument sign placement and size must be reviewed and approved by the city engineer prior to permit issuance.
- A temporary 'special event' permit may allow use of otherwise prohibited signs/devices; these are limited in duration and number per year.