Sign Regulations in Deerfield, Illinois
Deerfield, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 47 sign types across 14 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Identification Sign (PUD), Temporary Signs (PUD), Business Wall Sign (Separate Entrance). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: September 2, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Deerfield, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Deerfield
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification Sign (Single and Two-Family Dwellings) | No higher than first story of building or 15 ft above curb | 3 sq ft | — |
| Identification Sign (Multiple-Family Dwellings) | 15 ft above curb | 4 sq ft | 15 ft minimum |
| Identification Sign (Non-Residential Uses) | 20 ft above curb | 24 sq ft | 15 ft minimum |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for DeerfieldFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
47
- Identification Sign (PUD)
- Temporary Signs (PUD)
- Business Wall Sign (Separate Entrance)
- Directory Ground Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
14
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Deerfield
Other Cities in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Deerfield 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 Deerfield, 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 Deerfield, regulated sign types include Identification Sign (PUD), Temporary Signs (PUD), Business Wall Sign (Separate Entrance), Directory Ground 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 Deerfield 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 Deerfield are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Deerfield has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Deerfield, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Deerfield, Illinois regulates 47 sign types across 14 zoning districts. Identification Sign (Multiple-Family Dwellings)s in the Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5) zoning district are capped at 15 ft above curb tall and 4 sq ft, with a 15 ft minimum setback (Sec. 9.02-A-1-b). Most commercial signs in Deerfield require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Deerfield, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Deerfield (14 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5) | 14 | 20 ft above curb | 57 sq ft per sign face | — |
| Commercial Districts (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4) | 6 | 30 ft above curb or parapet line, whichever is lower | 250 sq ft | — |
| Industrial Districts (I-1, I-2) | 4 | 6 ft above curb | 45 sq ft per face, 90 sq ft aggregate | — |
| Public Lands District (P-1) | 5 | 9 ft | 45 sq ft per sign; not more than 50% of fence length | — |
| Village Center/Residential Planned Unit Development | 3 | Wall: below second floor or max 15 ft above grade; Ground: max 4 ft above grade | 12 sq ft per face, max two faces | — |
| Residential Planned Unit Developments | 1 | — | 27 sq ft per face | — |
| Village Center/Commercial Planned Unit Development | 3 | Wall: below second floor or max 15 ft above grade; Ground: max 4 ft above grade | 12 sq ft per face, max two faces | — |
| Planned Unit Development in Commercial Districts | 2 | 25 ft above curb | 120 sq ft per face, max two faces | — |
| Shopping Center/Planned Unit Developments in C-2 Outlying Commercial District | 3 | 26 ft above grade | 300 sq ft per face, max two faces, total 600 sq ft | — |
| Shopping Center/Planned Unit Developments in C-1 Village Center District | 1 | 3 ft (pedestal may be 18 in or less above grade, not counted) | 54 sq ft per face, max two faces | — |
| Planned Unit Development in the I-1 Office, Research, Restricted Industrial District | 2 | 10 ft above curb | 50 sq ft per face, max two faces | — |
| Planned Unit Development in the I-2 Limited Industrial District | 2 | 10 ft above curb | 50 sq ft per face, max two faces | — |
| Multiple-Family Rental Development | 3 | 7 ft | 47 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 2 | 15 ft (occupant sign) | Generally up to 3 sq ft (directional); up to 6 sq ft (vending machine); see details | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Deerfield(sample of 3 of 14 zones)
Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification Sign (Single and Two-Family Dwellings) | No higher than first story of building or 15 ft above curb | 3 sq ft | — | — | 1 per dwelling unit (2 for corner lots) | Required front or side yard, not over lot line | — | Unlock | 9.02-A-1-a |
| Identification Sign (Multiple-Family Dwellings) | 15 ft above curb | 4 sq ft | — | 15 ft minimum | 1 per building (2 for corner lots) | No closer than 15 ft from any lot line | — | Unlock | 9.02-A-1-b |
| Identification Sign (Non-Residential Uses) | 20 ft above curb | 24 sq ft | — | 15 ft minimum | 1 per zoning lot (2 for corner lots) | No closer than 15 ft from any lot line | — | Unlock | 9.02-A-1-c |
| Identification Sign (Childcare Facility at Place of Worship) | 12 ft above building grade | 8 sq ft | — | — | 1 per zoning lot | On outermost wall fronting street or parking | — | Unlock | 9.02-A-1-d |
| Identification Sign (High School/Post-Secondary Education Program) | 3 ft above grade | 18 sq ft per sign face | — | 15 ft minimum | 2 per use | No less than 15 ft from lot line; ground signs only | — | Unlock | 9.02-A-1-j |
| Bulletin Board (Wall Signs) | 15 ft above curb or one story | 18 sq ft | — | ½ minimum required setback | 1 per zoning lot | No closer to front/side lot line than ½ minimum setback | — | Unlock | 9.02-A-2-d(1) |
| Bulletin Board (Ground Signs) | 10 ft above curb | 18 sq ft | — | ½ minimum required setback | 1 per zoning lot | No closer to front/side lot line than ½ minimum setback | — | Unlock | 9.02-A-2-d(2) |
| Signs Accessory to Parking Areas (Conditions/Identity) | 7 ft above average grade | 9 sq ft | — | ½ minimum setback | One per parking area (two for corner lots) | No closer to lot line than ½ minimum setback required | — | Unlock | 9.02-A-3-d |
Commercial Districts (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification Sign (All Commercial Districts) | 15 ft above curb | 10 sq ft per face, max two faces | — | — | 1 per zoning lot, 2 if corner lot | Anywhere in required yard, adjacent to entrance, not over lot line | — | Unlock | 9.02-B-1 |
| Business Wall Sign (Front and Rear Walls) | 30 ft above curb or parapet line, whichever is lower | 250 sq ft | — | — | One per ground floor use | Outermost wall fronting public street/right-of-way/access/parking area | — | Unlock | 9.02-B-2-b, O-11-33 |
| Business Wall Sign (Side Walls) | 30 ft above curb or parapet line, whichever is lower | 250 sq ft | — | — | Side wall; one per ground floor use | Side wall of building fronting public way | — | Unlock | 9.02-B-2-b, O-11-33 |
| Business Ground Sign | 20 ft above curb | 32 sq ft per face, max 2 faces, 64 sq ft total | — | — | One per zoning lot, more for certain uses | Required yard, not over lot line or traffic sightline | — | Unlock | 9.02-B-2-b(2), Ord. 0-14-34 |
| Automobile Service Station Fuel Price Sign (LED component) | 6 ft from curb | 32 sq ft per face (max 64 sq ft total), LED numerals max 14 in height | — | — | One per zoning lot | Same zoning lot as principal use, not over lot line, in green area with barrier curb | — | Unlock | 9.02-B-15 |
| Sidewalk Sign (effective 3-1-2025) | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | One per business, add'l in drive-thru/car wash aisle as allowed | Front of and within 15 ft of entrance, unobstructed 36-in pathway required | — | Unlock | 9.02-B-16 |
Public Lands District (P-1)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification/Informational Signs | Ground signs: 6 ft above grade; Wall signs: parapet line | Minimum necessary (typically max two exposed faces per sign) | — | ½ minimum required setback | Minimum necessary per facility | Ground signs not closer to side/front lot line than ½ minimum setback req.; wall signs on any wall as appropriate | — | Unlock | 9.02-F-1 |
| Seasonal Advertising Signs (on Sports Field Fences) | — | 45 sq ft per sign; not more than 50% of fence length | — | — | — | On sports field fences only | — | Unlock | 9.02-F-2 |
| Digital Scoreboard (Public High School Athletic Field) | — | — | — | — | One per athletic field | Athletic field | — | Unlock | 9.02-F-3 |
| Sidewalk Sign (Public Facility) | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | Max two per facility | At listed facilities and Village parking lots, not obstructing sight lines | — | Unlock | 9.02-F-4 |
| Digital Monument Sign (Public High School) | 9 ft | 44 sq ft | — | Min 100 ft from residential | One per property | 100 ft from residential property, adjacent to state highway | — | Unlock | 9.02-F-5 |
PermitPal covers all 14 zoning districts in Deerfield — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 14 zones for Deerfield — start freeProhibited Signs in Deerfield
- No sign shall be painted on masonry or frame walls, roofs or fences; all existing signs painted on walls, fences or roofs shall be removed within three years from the effective date of this Ordinance.
- Signs shall not be erected on the roof of any building or structure.
- No sign, streamer, banner, flag, pennant or other advertising structure shall encroach upon, over or across any public street, alley, sidewalk, parkway or park except as a Temporary Sign, as provided in Article 9.03.
- No sign shall block any required accessway or window.
- No sign shall be attached to a tree.
- No sign, other than an authorized temporary sign, may be erected on vacant property.
- Signs on awnings, marquees and canopies are considered wall signs and subject to the regulations applicable to wall signs.
- It is unlawful to erect or maintain any moving, flashing or shimmering sign or advertising device, inside or outside of a building when visible from any private or public street, or parking lot.
- It is unlawful to erect or maintain any sign or advertising structure so as to obstruct free and clear vision, to distract attention of drivers by position, shape or color, or to interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.
- Reader Board signs are prohibited.
- Time and Temperature signs that alternately or simultaneously display time and temperature are prohibited (clocks are permitted, but not with signage on the clock face/enclosure unless included in gross surface area calculation).
- Vehicles or trailers parked for the apparent purpose of providing additional signage or advertising for a business are prohibited. Incidental signs painted or affixed to vehicles are allowed only if vehicles are not parked for advertising.
- Flashing signs are expressly prohibited.
- Temporary signs shall not be illuminated in any manner.
- No sign shall be illuminated by any colored light (red, yellow, orange, green, etc.) as may interfere with or confuse traffic.
- No more than two sign faces per sign unless otherwise specifically provided.
- Parallel sign faces cannot be separated by more than 18 inches without approval (modification); 'V'-shaped signs are not permitted unless otherwise specifically provided.
- No spherical, concave, convex, or equivalent angled sign face shapes are permitted.
- Signs must comply with applicable Village Building and Electrical Codes.
- Permanent signs must display a conspicuous identification tag: date of erection, name of permittee, permit number, voltage (if electrical).
- Holiday decorations, lights, or decorative lighting observable from any private or public street or parking lot for commercial use in a non-residential district shall not flash.
- Window signage is prohibited in second floor windows in the C-1 (Village Center) District and above eye level in windows generally; exceptions only where noted.
- Sidewalk signs that contain letter boards, flashing or moving parts, bright lights, or movement of any kind are prohibited.
- Signs on vacant property except authorized temporary signs are prohibited.
Exempt Signs in Deerfield
- Memorial signs: memorial plaques or tablets, grave markers, statuary or other non-commercial remembrances.
- Public signs: traffic and other signs erected and maintained by the Village or governmental agency, legal notices, signs required by law.
- Holiday decorations: temporary decorations for traditionally-accepted patriotic or religious holidays, subject to removal within two weeks after the holiday and not flashing for commercial uses if observable from the public way.
- Flags, emblems, insignia of political, religious or educational organizations for non-commercial display.
- Directional signs: small non-illuminated signs up to two square feet for direction, safety or convenience, such as for rest rooms, entrances, telephones, etc.
- Works of fine art not displayed in conjunction with a commercial enterprise that may benefit from the display.
- Permanent, non-flashing signs on vending machines, gas pumps, or ice containers indicating only the contents, limited to three square feet.
- Occupant signs: wall and ground signs limited to occupant name and address, two per street frontage, maximum three square feet each, up to fifteen feet in height, may be illuminated but not flashing or moving.
- Signs required by State or Federal law for construction or demolition activities.
- Instructional or regulatory signage necessary for the operation of freestanding Automatic Teller Machines (ATM).
- Holiday decorations are exempt from window sign regulations as noted in Article 9.01-A,3 and 9.13.d(8).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Deerfield
- All signs within a Planned Unit Development (PUD), whether wall signs or ground signs, must have the approval of the owner or management of the development prior to the issuance of a permit by the Director of Building and Zoning.
- In PUDs (in Commercial, Residential, and I-1/I-2 Industrial Districts), exceptions to sign regulations may be authorized by the Village Board after recommendation from the Plan Commission or Board of Zoning Appeals considering signage plans and needs.
- Signs in multi-tenant commercial developments, office buildings, or merchant associations may submit 'sign criteria' (i.e., master sign plan) to the Appearance Review Commission for approval. This requires an application with sign details (design, location, color, materials, illumination).
- All requests for modifications, variations, or exceptions from sign regulations require a public meeting/hearing with the Board of Zoning Appeals (variances) and often also require an Appearance Review Certificate from the Appearance Review Commission.
- If signs conform to approved sign criteria for the property, and conform to relevant codes, Appearance Review Certificates may not be required (unless directed by the Principal Planner).
- Temporary development marketing signs for Residential Planned Unit Developments (R-5) are permitted only as part of an approved signage plan for the development.
- Requests to allow redundancy in permanent window signs can be granted by the Appearance Review Commission upon application.
- Appearance Review Commission may grant variations for signs to allow wall signs above the roof deck, up to three feet, in commercial zoning districts after hearing and upon adequate reason.
- Approval process for sign criteria/master sign plan includes application submission, Appearance Review Commission public meeting, and may result in approval, conditional approval, or denial.
Source: amlegal municipal code