Sign Regulations in Edwardsville, Illinois
Edwardsville, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 43 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Construction Sign, Directional and Informational Sign, Open House Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 3, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Edwardsville, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Edwardsville
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — |
| Directional and Informational Sign | 3 ft | 3 sq ft | — |
| Garage Sale Sign - On-Premises | 3 ft | 4 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for EdwardsvilleFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
43
- Construction Sign
- Directional and Informational Sign
- Open House Sign
- Temporary Residential Development Identification Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Edwardsville
Other Cities in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Edwardsville 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 Edwardsville, 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 Edwardsville, regulated sign types include Construction Sign, Directional and Informational Sign, Open House Sign, Temporary Residential Development Identification 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 Edwardsville 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 Edwardsville are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Edwardsville has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Edwardsville, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Edwardsville, Illinois regulates 43 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (General)s in the Commercial Districts, Central Business District (B-1), Commercial Business District (B-2), Mixed-Use Business District (B-3) zoning district are capped at 12 ft tall, Max 80 sq ft, and 10 ft (any one dimension) wide, with a Min 13 ft front, 5 ft side/rear setback (Sec. Sec. 94-44(6)). Most commercial signs in Edwardsville require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Edwardsville, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Edwardsville (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 18 | 10 ft | 40 sq ft | — |
| Residential Districts, Single-Family Residential District (R-1), Single-Family Residential Estate Lot District (R-EL), Multiple-Family Residential District (R-2) | 17 | 10 ft | 40 sq ft | Yes |
| Commercial Districts, Central Business District (B-1), Commercial Business District (B-2), Mixed-Use Business District (B-3) | 13 | 30 ft | 340 sq ft | — |
| Industrial District, Light Manufacturing District (M-1) | 4 | 30 ft | Max 300 sq ft (see formula) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Edwardsville(sample of 3 of 4 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garage Sale Sign - On-Premises | 3 ft | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per sale | On the property where sale is conducted | — | Unlock | Sec. 94-42(d) |
| Garage Sale Sign - Off-Premises Directional | 3 ft | 4 sq ft | — | — | 4 per sale | On off-premises residential or commercial property, with property owner's permission | — | Unlock | Sec. 94-42(d) |
| Political Campaign Sign (Residential District) | — | 16 sq ft | — | Min. 10 ft from road pavement edge | 1 per candidate/issue per lot | On private property, must not be closer than 10 ft from road pavement edge and outside right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 94-42(k) |
| Political Campaign Sign (Other Districts) | — | 32 sq ft | — | Min. 10 ft from road pavement edge | 1 per candidate/issue per lot | On private property, must not be closer than 10 ft from road pavement edge and outside right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 94-42(k) |
| Real Estate Sign (Residential) | 6 ft | 10 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street front per lot | On residential property for sale, rental, or lease | — | Unlock | Sec. 94-42(n) |
| Real Estate Sign (Other Property) | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street front per lot | On property for sale, rental, or lease | — | Unlock | Sec. 94-42(n) |
| Open House Sign | 3 ft | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street front (on-premises); up to 6 off-premises with permission | On residential property during open house event; up to 6 off-premises allowed with permission | — | Unlock | Sec. 94-42(n) |
| Temporary Residential Development Identification Sign | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per entrance | At subdivision/condominium site entrance onto collector/arterial street, not in right-of-way/conservation easements | — | Unlock | Sec. 94-47 |
Residential Districts, Single-Family Residential District (R-1), Single-Family Residential Estate Lot District (R-EL), Multiple-Family Residential District (R-2)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction sign | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | One per lot | Confined to the site of the construction; off any public right-of-way. | No | Unlock | Sec. 94-41(g), Sec. 94-42(a) |
| Directional and informational sign | 3 ft | 3 sq ft | — | — | — | — | No | Unlock | Sec. 94-42(b) |
| Garage sale sign | 3 ft | 4 sq ft | — | — | One on-site, up to four off-premises directional | On the property where the yard sale is conducted; up to four off-premises directional signs with property owner permission. | No | Unlock | Sec. 94-42(d) |
| Political campaign sign | — | 16 sq ft | — | At least 10 ft from pavement edge | One per candidate/issue per lot | Confined to private property; not closer than 10 ft from any city road pavement edge or within designated right-of-way. | No | Unlock | Sec. 94-42(k) |
| Real estate sign | 6 ft | 10 sq ft | — | — | One per street front | On residential property; not more than one per street front per lot. | No | Unlock | Sec. 94-42(n)(1) |
| Open house sign | 3 ft | 2 sq ft | — | — | One per street front; up to six off-premises directional | On residential properties only; up to six associated off-premises open house directional signs permitted on residentially or commercially zoned properties with permission. | No | Unlock | Sec. 94-42(n)(2) |
| Temporary residential development identification sign | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | One per entrance | One per entrance onto a collector or arterial street; not within street rights-of-way, stormwater basins, or conservation easements. | Yes | Unlock | Sec. 94-47 |
| Now hiring sign | 3 ft | 4 sq ft | — | — | One per lot | One per lot | No | Unlock | Sec. 94-42(t) |
Commercial Districts, Central Business District (B-1), Commercial Business District (B-2), Mixed-Use Business District (B-3)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Projecting Sign | — | — | — | Min 2 ft from curb if over vehicular way | 1 per street front | Perpendicular to wall; not over street/alley/driveway and min 2 ft from curb. | — | Unlock | Sec. 94-44(2) |
| Freestanding Sign (General) | 12 ft | Max 80 sq ft | 10 ft (any one dimension) | Min 13 ft front, 5 ft side/rear | 1 per lot | On property, min 13 ft from front property line, min 5 ft side/rear lot line, min 13 ft from front property line | — | Unlock | Sec. 94-44(6) |
| Freestanding Sign (B-1 sidewalk portable) | 5 ft (including base support) | 10 sq ft (max 5 sq ft per face, double-faced) | 24 in | — | 1 per establishment | On sidewalk within 4 ft of business storefront | — | Unlock | Sec. 94-44(6)(b) |
| Shopping Center Identification Sign (Over 50,000 to under 150,000 sq ft) | 20 ft | 180 sq ft | — | — | Up to 2; main + second entrance | At main entrance; Additional: second entrance can have 60 sq ft max, max height 8 ft | — | Unlock | Sec. 94-44(5)(a),(f) |
| Shopping Center Identification Sign (150,000 to under 200,000 sq ft, excluding outparcels) | 20 ft (main), 8 ft (additional) | 180 sq ft (main entrances); 60 sq ft (additional entrances); see additional requirements | — | — | See requirements | At entrances | — | Unlock | Sec. 94-44(5)(b) |
| Shopping Center Identification Sign (Over 200,000 sq ft, at least 2 arterial entrances) | 29 ft | 340 sq ft | — | — | Per spec | At up to 2 entrances on different arterial roads; additional entrances on major roads may have 60 sq ft, max height 8 ft | — | Unlock | Sec. 94-44(5)(c) |
| Multi-Tenant Center/Strip Shopping Center/Office Business Center Identification Sign (≤50,000 sq ft) | 12 ft | 80 sq ft | — | — | 1 per center | At one entrance | — | Unlock | Sec. 94-44(5)(d)(e) |
| Billboard | 30 ft | Max 300 sq ft | — | Min 30 ft | — | Special use permit in M-1 only; must be at least 500 ft from other billboards on same side, at least 30 ft from any property line or structure. | — | Unlock | Sec. 94-44(8) |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Edwardsville — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 4 zones for Edwardsville — start freeProhibited Signs in Edwardsville
- Any sign or other street graphic not expressly permitted by this chapter is prohibited.
- No sign or other street graphic shall revolve, rotate, or mechanically move in any manner.
- No sign shall have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or other illuminating devices which have a changing light intensity, brightness, or color (except exempted electronically operated changeable copy signs).
- No sign shall use beacon lights or illumination by flame.
- No exposed reflective type bulb, and no strobe light or incandescent lamp over 15 watts, shall be used on the exterior surface of any sign so as to expose the face of the bulb, light, or lamp to any public street or adjacent property.
- No sign or other street graphic shall be erected, relocated, or maintained so as to prevent access or egress from any door, window, fire escape, or driveway.
- No sign or other street graphic shall be erected or maintained so that it interferes with or obstructs the view of, or is likely to be confused with, any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device.
- Roof mounted signs are strictly prohibited everywhere in this municipality.
- Mobile/portable marquees are prohibited everywhere in this municipality (except as specifically allowed for temporary or promotional use).
- Pennants, streamers, ribbons, strings of light bulbs, spinners, and similar street graphics are prohibited.
- Signs attached to trees, fences, light posts/standards, or utility poles (except warning or regulatory signs issued by public utilities) are prohibited.
- Obsolete business signs must be removed within 14 days after written notification from the zoning administrator.
- Signs placed in public right-of-way are prohibited (except as permitted in Section 94-42 and with conditions).
- Accent lighting affixed to the building exterior, including around exterior facing windows and doors, that change color, flash or appear to move is prohibited.
- Signs advertising or displaying commercial activity within residential zoning districts (R-1, R-EL, R-2) are prohibited, except limited construction signs.
- Off-site signage is prohibited.
- Billboards and off-premises advertising signs are prohibited except by special use permit in the M-1 light manufacturing district.
- Dynamic display signs on billboards or off-premises advertising signs are prohibited.
- Inflatable signs or displays are prohibited from building rooftops.
Exempt Signs in Edwardsville
- Signs listed in Section 94-42 are exempt from permitting requirements as long as they meet specified conditions for placement, size, and duration. These include: construction signs; directional/informational signs; flags of any country, state, or unit of local government; garage sale signs; governmental or public signs; holiday decorations; house number/name signs; institutional signs for public, charitable, or religious institutions; integral signs inlaid into buildings; interior signs not visible from outside; political campaign signs; property regulation signs (e.g. no trespassing), public interest signs for nonprofit events; real estate and open house signs; permanent residential development identification structures; development identification signs at apartment complexes/residential PUDs; street banners for public entertainment/event (with council approval); utility company signs for public safety or location markers; memorial signs/tablets when part of masonry/structure; now hiring signs (one per lot, size limited); school enrollment signs (one per lot, time restricted); non-flashing, non-moving accent lighting as described in Section 94-42(v).
- Properly permitted dynamic display signs installed by a government or public agency for directing or regulating pedestrian or motor vehicle movement are exempt from the definition of dynamic display sign (and generally permitted).
- Sign permits are not required for activities considered normal maintenance and repair (e.g., replacing or repairing lamps, ballasts, transformers, hardware, painting sign supports/cabinets).
- Permits are not required for interior signs located within the interior of a building and not visible from outside.
- Fees for street graphic permits for temporary signs and special promotions are waived for charitable, civic, religious, fraternal, and not for profit groups/organizations.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Edwardsville
- A building sign package is required for multiple-story buildings (three stories or more) where signs are to be located above the second floor (Section 94-21.1(b)(3)). This sign package must be provided as part of the sign permit and approved by the city planner.
- Every applicant for a street graphic permit must submit a detailed application per Section 94-63, including site plans, elevations, sign locations, sizes, and related information.
- Street graphic permits are required for any sign, billboard, or other street graphic (except those exempted in Section 94-42) to be erected, expanded, altered, replaced, relocated, or reconstructed (Section 94-62).
- Inflatable signs/displays require a street graphic permit and must comply with Section 94-62 (permit) and Section 94-63 (application).
- If a variance from ordinance requirements is requested, it triggers a review process including a variance meeting with the administrative and community services committee and approval by the city council (Section 94-68).
Source: municode municipal code