# Sign Regulations in Franklin Park, Illinois

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Franklin Park, Illinois (IL)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/illinois/franklin-park
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-08
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/IL/Franklin_Park/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=CO_TIT7PUWOPR_CH4SIOVPUWA)

## At a glance

Franklin Park, Illinois regulates 33 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Construction Activity Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 6 feet (freestanding); no specific height for wall/fence signs tall and 32 square feet, with a minimum 5 feet from any lot line setback (Sec. 9-13-6.A). Most commercial signs in Franklin Park require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (6 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 13 | 6 feet (freestanding); no specific height for wall/fence signs | 40 square feet | — |
| Commercial Districts (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5) | 16 | 30 feet | 150 square feet | — |
| Downtown Districts (DT-1, DT-2, DT-3, DT-4) | 14 | 25 feet | Up to 70% of total area of related sign type; area/height = sign it is attached to | — |
| Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5) | 11 | 30 feet | 150 square feet | — |
| Industrial Districts (I-1, I-2) | 13 | 30 feet | 200 square feet | — |
| Special Purpose Districts (P, OS) | 12 | 30 feet | 150 sq feet | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 6 zones)

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Construction Activity Sign | 6 feet (freestanding); no specific height for wall/fence signs | 32 square feet | — | Freestanding: minimum 5 feet from any lot line | One per street frontage | One per street frontage, on site with active construction. Freestanding signs a minimum of 5 feet from any lot line. | — | 9-13-6.A |
| Multiple Tenant Building Entryway | 5 feet (freestanding) | 6 square feet | — | Minimum 5 feet from lot line | One per building entry | Within 5 feet of building entry; minimum 5 feet from lot line | — | 9-13-6.D |
| Noncommercial Message - Freestanding or Wall | — | 16 square feet | — | At least 5 feet from any right-of-way line | No limit | At least 5 feet from any right-of-way line | — | 9-13-6.F |
| Parking Lot and Parking Structure Circulation Point Signs | 4 feet | 4 square feet | — | 5 feet from right-of-way | — | At circulation points; 5 feet from any right-of-way line | — | 9-13-6.G |
| Real Estate Activity - Residential | 6 feet (freestanding); no height specified for wall/window | 12 square feet | — | Freestanding: within 5 feet of any lot line | One per street frontage | On property for sale/lease/rent; one per street frontage | — | 9-13-6.H |
| Real Estate Activity - All Other Districts | 6 feet (freestanding); no height specified for wall/window | 32 square feet | — | Freestanding: within 5 feet of any lot line | One per street frontage | On property for sale/lease/rent; one per street frontage | — | 9-13-6.H |
| Temporary On-Site Improvement Activity Sign | 5 feet | 10 square feet | — | Freestanding: 10 feet from any lot line | One per street frontage | On developed lot under improvement/renovation; one per street frontage; freestanding signs 10 feet from any lot line | — | 9-13-6.I |
| Gas Pump Island Sign | — | 1.5 square feet per face | — | Electronic: not within 15 feet of any lot line | One per pump island | One per pump island | — | 9-13-6.B |

### Commercial Districts (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Sign - Monument (C-1: Prohibited; C-2, C-3: Allowed; C-4, C-5: Limited Area) | 8 feet | C-2/C-3: 80 square feet; C-4/C-5: 32 square feet | — | Minimum 5 feet from lot line | 1 per lot, additional for >300' frontage/entry points (150' apart) | On site of multi-family dwellings and nonresidential uses; min. 5 feet from lot line | — | 9-13-7.F, Table 13-2 |
| Freestanding Sign - Pole (C-2, C-3: Allowed; C-4/C-5: Lower/area & height) | C-2/C-3: 30 feet; C-4/C-5: 20 feet | C-2/C-3: 100 sf; C-4/C-5: 40 sf | — | Minimum 5 feet from lot line | 1 per lot, additional for >300' frontage/entry points (150' apart) | On site of multi-family dwellings and nonresidential uses; min. 5 feet from lot line | — | 9-13-7.F, Table 13-2 |
| Freestanding Sign - Multi-Tenant Retail Center | 30 feet | 150 square feet | — | — | 1 per street frontage, additional per access, 150' apart | Multi-tenant retail centers; 1 per frontage, additional for access points, 150' minimum separation | — | 9-13-7.F.4 |
| A-Frame Sign | 4 feet | 6 square feet per side | — | — | 1 per business/tenant | Within 15 feet of business entrance or in sidewalk/parkway abutting lot | — | 9-13-7.A |
| Freestanding Structural Canopy Sign | 25 feet | 25% of each façade for sign; illuminated band up to 15% of overall facade height | — | 10 feet or district setback (whichever is greater) | — | Gas stations or drive-thru in any district; subject to 10' setback or district setback, whichever greater | — | 9-13-7.D.2.c |
| Electronic Message Sign | — | Up to 70% of total area of related sign type; follows the area/height of freestanding/marquee/projecting sign | — | Must be 250' from any residential district lot line | One per lot | C-2, C-3 districts; must be part of a permitted sign type (freestanding, marquee, or projecting) | — | 9-13-7.E |
| Drive-Thru Sign | 8 feet | 70 square feet per drive-thru lane (grouped, includes preview boards); additional 10 sf for temporary signage | — | Min 15' from any residential district lot line | 2 per drive-thru lane | Within 15 feet of gas station or drive-thru use; min 15' from any residential district lot line | — | 9-13-7.H |
| Temporary Right-of-Way Sign | 4 feet | 4 square feet | — | 10 feet from edge of pavement | As approved by Zoning Administrator | 10 feet from edge of pavement | — | 9-13-7.J |

### Downtown Districts (DT-1, DT-2, DT-3, DT-4)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | 1.5 square feet per linear foot of wall or 40 square feet, whichever is greater | — | — | No limit; total area per facade controlled | All facades of nonresidential structures | — | 9-13-7.K |
| Freestanding Sign - Monument | 6 feet | 40 square feet | — | Minimum 5 feet from lot line | 1 per lot, additional for >300' frontage/entry points, 150' apart | On site of multi-family/nonresidential only; min 5 feet from lot line | — | 9-13-7.F, Table 13-2 |
| A-Frame Sign | 4 feet | 6 square feet per side | — | — | 1 per establishment/tenant | Within 15 feet of business entrance or in sidewalk/parkway abutting lot | — | 9-13-7.A |
| Awning Sign | — | 30% of each surface area per facing/valance; 18 inch max above awning | — | 2' from curb | — | Permitted on multi-family/nonresidential; can encroach ROW, min 2' from curb | — | 9-13-7.B, special color requirements for downtown |
| Freestanding Structural Canopy Sign | 25 feet | 25% of each façade; illuminated band up to 15% of facade height | — | 10 feet or district setback | — | Gas stations, drive-thru sites, subject to 10' setback or district setback, whichever greater | — | 9-13-7.D.2.c |
| Electronic Message Sign | — | Up to 70% of total area of related sign type; area/height = sign it is attached to | — | 250' from residential lot line | One per lot | When allowed use is present; must be part of permitted sign structure | — | 9-13-7.E |
| Drive-Thru Sign | 8 feet | 70 sq feet per lane; up to 10 sq ft temporary | — | 15 feet from residential district lot line | 2 per drive-thru lane | 15 feet from any residential district lot line minimum | — | 9-13-7.H |
| Temporary Right-of-Way Sign | 4 feet | 4 sq feet | — | 10 feet from pavement edge | As permitted | 10 feet from edge of pavement | — | 9-13-7.J |

## Prohibited signs in Franklin Park

- No sign may be erected in a location that violates the building code, fire code, and other applicable Village codes or ordinances.
- Only signs that have been placed by or authorized by federal, state, or the Village may be installed on public property. Any sign installed on public property, including rights-of-way, without prior authorization, will be removed by the Village without notice and disposed of.
- No permanent sign may be erected on private property without the consent of the property owner or their authorized agent. Any sign installed on private property without authorization may be removed by the property owner without notice and disposed of.
- No sign may be erected in a manner that obstructs access to any ingress or egress, fire escapes, fire hydrants, fire department connections, or standpipes and similar fire safety connections.
- No sign may be constructed or placed to violate sight triangle provisions (Section 9-10-1.E).
- Sign placement, including projections from a building facade, must protect all trees. Existing trees may not be removed or significantly trimmed in order to install a sign or create more visibility for a sign.
- Audio components are prohibited as part of any sign, except for drive-thru communication, government signs, and permitted gas station pump video screens.
- No sign may be painted on a wall or any other structure. Existing painted wall signs (ghost signs) are exempt but only for restoration of the original graphic; no new information may be added.
- No sign, awning, or canopy attached to the building structure which is visible to ground level traffic shall be constructed above any portion of the parapet wall.
- Balloon signs are prohibited. (Inflatable advertising displays designed to inflate or move by use of a fan or blower.)
- Feather flags/sails are prohibited.
- Flashing signs are prohibited.
- Moving signs are prohibited, including any sign that rotates, revolves, or has any visible moving part, or sign that gives the appearance of movement, including wind-driven movement. (Excludes analog clocks up to 24 sf and barber poles.)
- Off-premise commercial signs — temporary (push signs, bandit signs, snipe signs) are prohibited.
- Pennants and streamers are prohibited.
- Portable signs, including portable readerboard signs, are prohibited.
- Strobe lights, moving or fixed spotlights, and floodlights/searchlights are prohibited as part of a sign.
- Signs that constitute a traffic hazard are prohibited, including signs that: 1) interfere with or obstruct the view of or may be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device; 2) may be confused with public safety lighting; 3) mislead, interfere with, or confuse traffic.
- Signs placed, mounted, installed, or painted on a vehicle for the primary purpose of attracting attention to an occupant’s presence within a building at which the vehicle is being parked are prohibited (with exceptions for business vehicles used in the normal course of business and properly stored).
- Painted wall signs are prohibited (does not include murals and public art).

## Signs exempt from permit in Franklin Park

- Signs internal to a site that are not oriented towards and are not visible from a public right-of-way (excluding drive-thru signs, which are regulated).
- Signs within a building or enclosed space within a development that are not visible from a public right-of-way.
- Signs installed by federal, state, or local governments.
- Logos and labels located on mechanical equipment, recycling bins, trash containers, and similar equipment, which are part of the equipment as manufactured and/or installed.
- Flags of nations, states, and cities, or fraternal, religious, and civic organizations.
- Painting, cleaning, or other normal maintenance and repair of a sign (so long as no structural or electrical changes or changes to sign area/location/dimensions occur).
- Changing the copy of a changeable message sign.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- If a sign extends into a public right-of-way, prior review and approval by the Zoning Administrator is required.
- Encroachment of signs into public right-of-way does not imply approval based solely on adherence to design standards; approval by Zoning Administrator is required.
- Sign landscape must be shown on the landscape plan where applicable (e.g., when site landscape is required and a freestanding sign is included).
- Billboards require a conditional use permit.
- Roof signs intended for aerial view require a conditional use permit in addition to a sign permit.

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

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