# Sign Regulations in Frankfort, Illinois

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Frankfort, Illinois (IL)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/illinois/frankfort
- **Data last verified:** 2025-04-19

## At a glance

Frankfort, Illinois regulates 26 sign types across 15 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Single Tenant/Multi-Tenant)s in the Commercial Zoning District (B1, B2, B3, B4) zoning district are capped at See Tables A/B (Regional Arterial 7-13 ft; Community Arterial 6-11 ft; Major Collector 5-9 ft; Neighborhood Collector 4-7 ft, depending on building size) tall and See Table C: 0-9999 sq ft: 15 sq ft; 10,000-24,999 sq ft: 20 sq ft; 25,000-49,999 sq ft: 30 sq ft; 50,000-99,999 sq ft: 40 sq ft; 100,000-174,999 sq ft: 50 sq ft; 175,000+ sq ft: 75 sq ft, with a 25 ft from property line setback (Sec. §151.041(B)(1)). Most commercial signs in Frankfort require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (15 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Residential Zoning District (ER, R1, R2, R3, R4, HR) | 2 | 6 ft (plus 10% for ornamental features) | 50 sq ft per sign face | — |
| Commercial Zoning District (B1, B2, B3, B4) | 5 | See Tables A/B (Regional Arterial 7-13 ft; Community Arterial 6-11 ft; Major Collector 5-9 ft; Neighborhood Collector 4-7 ft, depending on building size) | Max 200 sq ft; min 20 sq ft | — |
| Industrial Zoning District (I1, I2) | 3 | 7 ft (plus 10% for ornamental features) | 50 sq ft | — |
| Office Research Zoning District (OR) | 3 | 7 ft (plus 10% for ornamental features) | 250 sq ft (max); 20 sq ft (min) | — |
| Downtown Historic District (HI) | 6 | 50 inches (includes base) | 25% of total window frontage area | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 2 | 4 ft | Minimum size 5 in x 7 in | — |
| Church, School, Park District, and Other Public/Quasi-Public Institutions | 2 | 7 ft | 40 sq ft | — |
| Fuel Station | 3 | 7 ft | 200 sq ft (max), 20 sq ft (min) | — |
| Automotive Dealer | 3 | 4-7 ft (see Table A, +10% ornament) | 50 sq ft per sign (max 3 per dealership) | — |
| Theater | 3 | 7 ft | 200 sq ft (max), 20 sq ft (min) | — |
| Temporary Signs - Residential Zoning District (ER, HR, R1, R2, R3, R4) | 3 | 8 ft | 50 sq ft | — |
| Temporary Signs - Commercial, Industrial and Office Research Districts (B1, B2, B3, B4, I1, I2, OR) | 5 | 8 ft | Combined total of all window signage: 75% of window frontage | — |
| Temporary Signs - Downtown Historic District (HI) | 3 | 50 in (includes base) | 25% of total window frontage | — |
| A-Frame Signs for Civic Organizations (All Districts/Public Right-of-Way) | 1 | 4 ft | 16 sq ft per sign face | — |
| Special Event Signs (B1, B2, B3, B4, I1, I2) | 3 | 4 ft | 24 sq ft per sign face | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 15 zones)

### Commercial Zoning District (B1, B2, B3, B4)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Sign (Single Tenant/Multi-Tenant) | See Tables A/B (Regional Arterial 7-13 ft; Community Arterial 6-11 ft; Major Collector 5-9 ft; Neighborhood Collector 4-7 ft, depending on building size) | See Table C: 0-9999 sq ft: 15 sq ft; 10,000-24,999 sq ft: 20 sq ft; 25,000-49,999 sq ft: 30 sq ft; 50,000-99,999 sq ft: 40 sq ft; 100,000-174,999 sq ft: 50 sq ft; 175,000+ sq ft: 75 sq ft | — | 25 ft from property line | 1 per public right-of-way frontage | Setback at least 25 ft from property line; not on right-of-way; 1 per frontage; in landscaped bed | — | §151.041(B)(1) |
| Wall Sign (Single Tenant) | 7 ft | Max 200 sq ft; min 20 sq ft | — | None specified, but no projection into ROW. | 1 per frontage (see description) | On wall; not projecting >1 ft; not covering wall openings; must not encroach on ROW. | — | §151.041(B)(2) |
| Wall Sign (Multi-Tenant) | 7 ft | Max 200 sq ft; min 20 sq ft | — | No projection into ROW; not over 1 ft from wall. | 1 per store frontage (w/road frontage also eligible) | On wall aligned on common centerline per multi-tenant rules. | — | §151.041(B)(2) |
| Soffit Sign | — | 4 sq ft per sign face | — | No part extends beyond overhang edge. | 1 per store frontage | Perpendicular to ROW/entrance; suspended from overhang/walkway/porch; min 8 ft clearance from grade. | — | §151.041(B)(3) |
| Permanent Window Sign | — | 25% of total window frontage | — | — | 1 per frontage/storefront | First floor windows only. | — | §151.041(B)(4) |

### Downtown Historic District (HI)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | 15 sq ft | — | — | 1 per frontage on ROW/ingress/Old Plank Road Trail | On wall; no projection >1 ft. | — | §151.044(B)(1) |
| Pole-Mounted Shingle Sign | 8 ft | 4 sq ft per sign face | — | — | — | On private property | — | §151.044(B)(2) |
| Projecting Sign | — | 15 sq ft | — | 5 ft max extension; 8 ft min clearance above sidewalk. | 1 per frontage | May extend up to 5 ft from building; 8 ft above sidewalk min; may encroach ROW (if zero-lot line); fixed to wall; chain/cable supports from roof prohibited. | — | §151.044(B)(3) |
| Soffit Sign | — | 4 sq ft per sign face | — | — | 1 per store frontage | Perpendicular to ROW/entrance; suspended from overhang, walkway, or porch; min 8 ft above grade; adjacent to business. | — | §151.044(B)(4) |
| Permanent Window Sign | — | 25% of total window frontage area | — | — | 1 per frontage | First floor windows only. | — | §151.044(B)(5) |
| A-Frame Sign (Temporary) | 50 inches (includes base) | 6 sq ft per sign face | — | Min 6 ft from curb; maintain 5 ft unobstructed walkway | 1 per frontage | Private property and public sidewalks (if at least 5 ft unobstructed walkway remains); not more than 6 ft from primary entrance of business; min 6 ft setback from curb; must not block ingress/egress or lines of sight. | — | §151.078(B)(3) |

### Temporary Signs - Commercial, Industrial and Office Research Districts (B1, B2, B3, B4, I1, I2, OR)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Contractor Sign (Temporary) | 6 ft (B districts), 8 ft (I/OR districts) | 32 sq ft | — | Min 25 ft from property line/right-of-way. | 1 per public right-of-way frontage | On private property, min 25 ft from property line or public right-of-way. | — | §151.077(B)(1) |
| Development Sign (Temporary) | 8 ft | 50 sq ft | — | Min 5 ft from property line/right-of-way. | 1 per public right-of-way frontage | On private property, min 5 ft from property line/right-of-way. Not to interfere with sight lines. | — | §151.077(B)(2) |
| Freestanding Real Estate Sign (Temporary) | 6 ft | 12 sq ft per sign face | — | Min 25 ft from property line/right-of-way. | 1 per property | On private property, min 25 ft from property line/right-of-way; mounted on wooden/metal post. | — | §151.077(B)(5) |
| Window Real Estate Sign (Temporary) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business | Store window only. | — | §151.077(B)(4) |
| Temporary Window Sign | — | Combined total of all window signage: 75% of window frontage | — | — | — | Windows adjacent to public right-of-way or main ingress/egress. | — | §151.077(B)(3) |

## Prohibited signs in Frankfort

- Any sign which is not included under the types of signs permitted in a district or the general regulations of this section.
- Any sign which advertises or publicizes an activity not conducted on the premises upon which such sign is maintained, except as permitted for temporary signs in residential districts.
- Changeable copy signs, except as outlined in this chapter.
- Projecting signs, except as permitted in the Historical district.
- Flashing signs.
- Any sign which rotates, revolves, or has any visible moving part, or gives the appearance of movement.
- Pennants, streamers, festoon lighting, and other attention-getting device.
- Inflatable signs, except as permitted by § 151.075(C)(3) of this chapter.
- Any signs attached to any tree, fence, or public utility pole other than warning signs issued by public utilities.
- Bare bulb illumination.
- Flame as a source of light.
- Portable signs, except as permitted via a temporary sign permit as described in this chapter.
- Any sign or sign structure which constitutes a hazard to public health or safety.
- Billboards, as defined in this chapter.
- Vehicle signs, unless the vehicle is used for deliveries or an activity related to the subject business. The parking of a vehicle containing a vehicle sign in a manner that serves as an advertisement for the business is strictly prohibited.
- Roof signs or signs where any portion of the sign extends above the roof of the building where the sign is located.
- Pylon or pole signs, as defined in this chapter.
- Any sign and or sign structure which obstructs the view of, may be confused with or purports to be, a governmental or traffic direction/safety sign.
- No sign shall be permitted to contain statement, words, or pictures of any obscene, pornographic, immoral character, or which contain advertising matter which is untruthful.
- Signs which emit visible smoke, vapor, particles, or odor.
- Projection signs.
- Signs painted on a fence.
- Strings of light bulbs used in connection with commercial premises for commercial advertising purposes, other than traditional holiday decorations.
- Beacon.
- Neon and other similar type signs (visible or exposed bare bulb) located in such a manner as to attract public attention from outside the building. Specifically, this refers to neon and other similar signs that contain a message clearly intended for public recognition outside the building, or is clearly legible from the public right-of-way or adjacent property, including but not limited to, such signs as “drive thru,” “vacant,” “sale” and other similar signs. For the purpose of this chapter, simulated neon is included in this regulation.
- Any sign attached to gas pumps or gas pump islands that can be read or understood from a location off the property except as provided for in this chapter.
- Box signs, except as outlined in this chapter.
- Backlit canopies/awnings.
- Outdoor umbrella that contains any business name, logo, slogan, or contains more than two colors.
- Internally illuminated wall signs in the B-4 and H-1 districts.
- Freestanding signs in the H-1 district.
- Plastic awnings.

## Signs exempt from permit in Frankfort

- Traffic or other municipal street graphics such as railroad crossing signs, legal notices, and such temporary emergency signs as may be authorized by the Village Board.
- Signs of public utility companies indicating danger or which serve as an aid to public safety or which show the location of underground facilities or of public telephones. Such signs shall not exceed five square feet, unless otherwise required or mandated by state statute.
- Address numbers located on the lot to which the sign is appurtenant and not exceeding four square feet in area.
- Signs located in the interior of any building or within an enclosed interior lobby or court of any building; the signs are to be designed and located to be viewed exclusively by patrons of such use or uses.
- Seasonal decorations temporarily displayed in connection with a local festivity approved by the Village Board; or for a national holiday. Such decorations may not be used for advertising purposes, or for sale of product, and shall have a time limit on display of 45 days.
- "No Trespassing" signs or other such signs regulating the use of a property, such as "No Hunting," "No Fishing," and the like, of no more than two square feet in area.
- United States flag, and/or any other single flag emblems or insignia of any nation or political subdivision. Flags used as "attention getting devices" or oversized flags that may cause a noise nuisance or act as a life safety hazard are subject to removal upon investigation by a code official.
- Memorial signs or tablets which identify the names of buildings and the date of erection, and nameplate signs when cut into any masonry surface or inlaid so as to be part of the building or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible material; not to exceed six square feet in area.
- Public identification signs erected, required, or authorized by governmental bodies, or authorized for a public purpose by any law, statute, or chapter, including community identification signs as approved by the village.
- Information signs such as "business hour signs," "help wanted signs," not to exceed one square foot in area.
- "Open" signs. One illuminated open sign may be displayed in any location within a business establishment with the word "open" on it. The sign shall be limited to one color and may not exceed two square feet in size. Open signs may not flash, flicker or alternate colors.
- Any sign inside an athletic field or other enclosed outdoor space, where the sign is not legible from more than three feet beyond the lot line on the site on which it is located.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A uniform sign plan is required for all planned unit developments (PUD) and all multi-tenant or multi-building developments (including residential, commercial, industrial, office research, and downtown historic) before any signs for such development may be erected on the property.
- All owners, tenants, subtenants and purchasers of individual units within the development shall comply with the approved uniform sign plan.
- The uniform sign plan must be submitted and approved by the code official before any sign installation in relevant developments.
- Amendments to a uniform sign plan must be approved by the code official.
- After approval, no sign shall be erected, placed, painted, or maintained, except in accordance with such plan, and the plan may be enforced as any provision of this chapter.
- In any instance of conflict between a provision of a uniform sign plan and one or more provisions of the sign ordinance chapter, the stricter provision applies.
- For all sign permit applications for permanent signs, plans must be submitted, drawn to scale, with specific requirements including site plan, elevations, and design details.
- A sign permit is required before erecting, altering, repairing, or relocating any sign, except as otherwise exempted or permitted.
- Variances, appeals, or modifications to the manner of construction or materials require filing an application for appeal to the Sign Appeals Committee.

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

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