# Sign Regulations in Freeburg, Illinois

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Freeburg, Illinois (IL)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/illinois/freeburg
- **Data last verified:** 2025-07-25
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/IL/Freeburg/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=CH40ZOCO_ARTXVISIRE)

## At a glance

Freeburg, Illinois regulates 10 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the Community Business District (B-1) zoning district are capped at 35 ft tall, 100 sq ft per sign, and 13 ft (length or width) wide, with a No part of sign within 10 ft of right-of-way if under 10 ft high setback (Sec. 40-16-1, 40-16-2, 40-16-6, 40-16-17). Most commercial signs in Freeburg require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (7 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Agricultural District (A-1, A) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Single-Family Residence District (Large) (SR-1), Single-Family Residence District (Small) (SR-2), Two-Family Residence District (MR-1), Multiple-Family Residence District (MR-2), Manufactured Housing District (MH-1) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Community Business District (B-1) | 5 | 35 ft | Max 300 sq ft per street front for all signs combined | — |
| Highway Business District (B-2) | 4 | 35 ft | Max 300 sq ft per street front for all signs combined | — |
| Industrial Light District (I-1), Industrial Moderate District (I-2) | 5 | 35 ft | Max 300 sq ft per street front for all signs combined | — |
| Flood Plain Overlay District (O-FP) | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 2 | — | 16 sq ft per individual sign; total temporary signage per lot max 80 sq ft | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 7 zones)

### Community Business District (B-1)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Flush-Mounted Sign) | — | Max 300 sq ft per street front for all signs combined | Shall not project more than 18 inches from wall; cannot extend above the roofline | — | — | Flush against wall/structure | — | 40-16-1, 40-16-2, 40-16-3, 40-16-6, 40-16-13, 40-24-13 |
| Freestanding Sign | 35 ft | 100 sq ft per sign | 13 ft (length or width) | No part of sign within 10 ft of right-of-way if under 10 ft high | No more than one freestanding sign per street front | Not in public right-of-way; must be 10 ft back if below 10 ft high | — | 40-16-1, 40-16-2, 40-16-6, 40-16-17 |
| Projecting Sign | Cannot extend above roofline; maximum height 12 ft above ground | — | May not project more than 4 ft from building | — | One per street front | Mounted perpendicular to the building face | — | 40-16-1, 40-16-2, 40-16-6, 40-16-15 |
| Window Sign (Permanent) | — | — | — | — | — | Mounted in display windows | — | 40-16-14 |
| Canopy/Marquee Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On or under canopy/marquee | — | 40-16-16 |

### Highway Business District (B-2)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Flush-Mounted Sign) | — | Max 300 sq ft per street front for all signs combined | Shall not project more than 18 inches from wall; cannot extend above the roofline | — | — | Flush against wall/structure | — | 40-16-1, 40-16-2, 40-16-13 |
| Freestanding Sign | 35 ft | 150 sq ft per sign | 13 ft (length or width) | No part of sign within 10 ft of right-of-way if under 10 ft high | No more than one freestanding sign per street front | Not in public right-of-way; must be 10 ft back if below 10 ft high | — | 40-16-17 |
| Projecting Sign | Cannot extend above roofline; maximum height 12 ft above ground | — | May not project more than 4 ft from building | — | One per street front | Mounted perpendicular to the building face | — | 40-16-15 |
| Window Sign (Permanent) | — | — | — | — | — | Mounted in display windows | — | 40-16-14 |

### Industrial Light District (I-1), Industrial Moderate District (I-2)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Flush-Mounted Sign) | — | Max 300 sq ft per street front for all signs combined | Shall not project more than 18 inches from wall; cannot extend above the roofline | — | — | Flush against wall/structure | — | 40-16-1, 40-16-2, 40-16-13 |
| Freestanding Sign | 35 ft | 150 sq ft per sign | 13 ft (length or width) | No part of sign within 10 ft of right-of-way if under 10 ft high | No more than one freestanding sign per street front | Not in public right-of-way; must be 10 ft back if below 10 ft high | — | 40-16-17 |
| Projecting Sign | Cannot extend above roofline; maximum height 12 ft above ground | — | May not project more than 4 ft from building | — | One per street front | Mounted perpendicular to building face | — | 40-16-15 |
| Window Sign (Permanent) | — | — | — | — | — | Mounted in display windows | — | 40-16-14 |
| Billboard | 20 ft above ground | 300 sq ft | — | At least 25 ft from lot line or right-of-way, 500 ft from any other billboard on same side of the road | — | Industrial Districts only (I-1, I-2) | — | 40-16-18 |

## Prohibited signs in Freeburg

- No permanent sign shall be erected without a zoning permit issued by the Zoning Administrator. (40-16-1)
- No sign shall be erected, relocated or maintained so as to prevent free access or egress from any door, window, fire escape, or driveway. (40-16-5)
- No sign shall be erected or maintained in such a manner that it interferes with, obstructs the view of, or is likely to be confused with any authorized traffic-control device. (40-16-5)
- Every sign shall be designed and constructed in conformity with any applicable provisions of the adopted Building Code. (40-16-5)
- Every sign and appurtenance shall be maintained in a neat and attractive condition by its owner; the sign supports shall be kept painted to prevent rust or deterioration. (40-16-5)
- No sign shall employ red, yellow, or green lights in such a manner as to confuse or interfere with vehicular traffic. (40-16-6)
- No sign other than those providing time and temperature information shall have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or any other illuminating device which has a changing light intensity, brightness, or color; except white LED message boards are permitted. (40-16-6)
- The light from any illuminated sign shall be shaded, shielded, or directed so that it creates neither a nuisance to adjacent property nor a traffic hazard. (40-16-6)
- Signs attached to trees, fences or public utility poles, other than warning signs posted by government officials or public utilities, are strictly prohibited. (40-16-9)
- Defunct signs, including the posts or other supports that advertise or identify an activity, business, product, or service no longer conducted on the premises where such sign is located, are strictly prohibited. (40-16-9)
- Roof-mounted signs that project or protrude above the highest point of the roof are strictly prohibited. (40-16-9)
- Mobile/portable marquees are strictly prohibited except as may be allowed as a temporary sign. (40-16-9, 40-16-19)
- No sign other than those listed in Section 40-16-10 (enumerated exempt signs) shall be erected in any Residential District. (40-16-11)

## Signs exempt from permit in Freeburg

- Construction signs identifying architects, engineers, contractors and other individuals or firms involved with the construction and/or announcing the character or purpose of the building, but not advertising any product, confined to the site of construction. (40-16-10)
- Real estate signs indicating the sale, rental or lease of the premises on which they are located. (40-16-10)
- Political signs announcing candidates seeking public office and/or political issues or questions to be voted upon at an upcoming election or referendum. (40-16-10)
- Garage sale signs advertising a garage or yard sale to be held on private residential property. (40-16-10)
- Public interest signs and street banners publicizing a charitable or non-profit event of general public interest. (40-16-10)
- Governmental, public and directional signs such as traffic-control signs; railroad crossing signs; legal notices; signs indicating the location of underground cables; no trespassing signs; no parking signs; signs indicating the entrances and exits of parking lots; signs indicating the location of public telephones, restrooms and the like. (40-16-10)
- Institutional signs identifying a public, charitable or religious institution, located on the premises of such institution, and not obstructing the vision of motorists. (40-16-10)
- Integral signs carved into stone or inlaid so as to become part of the building, and containing such information as date of erection, name of building and memorial tributes. (40-16-10)
- Home occupation signs identifying only the name and occupation of the residents. (40-16-10)
- Subdivision entrance signs identifying a residential subdivision or apartment complex. (40-16-10)
- Permanent house numbers and/or permanent name of occupant signs located on the lot to which the sign applies. (40-16-10)
- Signs located in the interior of any building or within an enclosed lobby or court of any building or group of buildings, provided such signs are designed and located to be viewed exclusively by the patrons or residents of such buildings. (40-16-10)
- Signs as specifically listed above are not debited against the displaying establishment's sign area allowance.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- No permanent sign may be erected without first obtaining a zoning permit from the Zoning Administrator. (40-16-1)
- For Planned Developments (PDs), a Master Sign Plan is required as part of the information submitted with the development plan for review and approval by the Village. (40-3-7 (B)(9))
- All permanent signs, except those specifically exempted in Section 40-16-10, require a zoning permit regardless of district.
- Any variance from sign regulations requires a hearing with and formal action by the Combined Planning and Zoning Board (see 40-21-1 et seq.).

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

---

PermitPal — AI sign code research. Full HTML page: https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/illinois/freeburg