Sign Regulations in Glendale Heights, Illinois
Glendale Heights, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 28 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Canopy Sign, Under Canopy Sign, Menu Board Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 19, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Glendale Heights, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Glendale Heights
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Directional Sign (Street Entrance or Exit) | 3 ft | 3 sq ft per side | — |
| Directional Sign (All Other Locations) | 6 ft | 9 sq ft per side | — |
| Real Estate Sign | 16 ft | 32 sq ft per side | 5 ft from all lot lines |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Glendale HeightsFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
28
- Canopy Sign
- Under Canopy Sign
- Menu Board Sign
- Wall Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Other Cities in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Glendale Heights 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 Glendale Heights, 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 Glendale Heights, regulated sign types include Canopy Sign, Under Canopy Sign, Menu Board Sign, Wall 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 Glendale Heights 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 Glendale Heights are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Glendale Heights has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Glendale Heights, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Glendale Heights, Illinois regulates 28 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Main Sign)s in the Commercial District, C-3 General Commercial District zoning district are capped at 16 ft tall and 120 sq ft per side, with a 7 ft from any lot line setback (Sec. 11-6-11.D.6.a). Most commercial signs in Glendale Heights require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Glendale Heights, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Glendale Heights (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential District | 4 | 16 ft | 32 sq ft per side | — |
| Multi-Family Zoning District | 2 | 7 ft | 32 sq ft per side | — |
| Institutional Uses | 1 | 8 ft | 16 sq ft per side | — |
| Commercial District, C-3 General Commercial District | 10 | 25 ft | 300 sq ft per side | — |
| Industrial District, I District, Business Park District, Office District, Non-residential districts | 9 | 25 ft | 300 sq ft per side | — |
| Special Sign Districts | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Glendale Heights(sample of 3 of 7 zones)
Commercial District, C-3 General Commercial District
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under Canopy Sign | — | 5 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 per business establishment | — | — | Unlock | 11-6-11.D.2 |
| Menu Board Sign | 16 ft | 32 sq ft per side | — | — | 2 | Freestanding or wall sign located in side or rear yards only | — | Unlock | 11-6-11.D.3 |
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | May project up to 1 foot into required yard | 1 per business establishment | Principal building walls facing public streets only; may project a maximum of 1 foot into required yard | — | Unlock | 11-6-11.D.4 |
| Freestanding Sign (Main Sign) | 16 ft | 120 sq ft per side | — | 7 ft from any lot line | 1 per street frontage or lot | Minimum 7 ft from any lot line (outermost perimeter) | — | Unlock | 11-6-11.D.6.a |
| Freestanding Sign (Display Board or Changing Sign) | 16 ft | No greater than main sign; total area of main sign plus display/changing board may not exceed max for main sign | — | 7 ft from any lot line | 1 per street frontage or lot | Minimum 7 ft from any lot line (outermost perimeter) | — | Unlock | 11-6-11.D.6.b |
| Outdoor Advertising Sign | 25 ft | 300 sq ft per side | — | Minimum 100 ft from any other outdoor advertising sign or Residential District | 1 per street frontage or lot | Principal use only; must meet district yard requirements; minimum 100 ft from other outdoor advertising sign and from any Residential District | — | Unlock | 11-6-11.D.6.c, 11-6-6 |
| Main Center Sign (Shopping Centers) | 16 ft | 120 sq ft per side | — | 7 ft from any lot line | 1 per street frontage or lot | Minimum 7 ft from any lot line (outermost perimeter) | — | Unlock | 11-6-11.D.7.a |
| Directory Sign (Shopping Centers) | 16 ft | 120 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 | Must be part of main sign facing for the complex and uniform in size, shape, and color | — | Unlock | 11-6-11.D.7.b |
Industrial District, I District, Business Park District, Office District, Non-residential districts
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under Canopy Sign | — | 5 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 per business establishment | — | — | Unlock | 11-6-11.E.2 |
| Menu Board Sign | 16 ft | 32 sq ft per side | — | — | 2 | Freestanding or wall sign located in side or rear yards only | — | Unlock | 11-6-11.E.3 |
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | May project max 1 ft into required yard | 1 per business establishment | May locate on principal building walls facing public streets only; may project a max of 1 ft into required yard | — | Unlock | 11-6-11.E.4 |
| Window Sign (Permanent) | — | Aggregate of all permanent and temporary window signs must not exceed 50% of display window area; permanent window + wall signs must not exceed wall sign max | — | — | — | Display window | — | Unlock | 11-6-11.E.5 |
| Freestanding Sign (Industrial or Office Park Entrance) | 8 ft | 150 sq ft per side | — | 5 ft from lot line | 1 per street entrance | Entrance, minimum of 5 ft from any lot line | — | Unlock | 11-6-11.E.6.a |
| Directory Sign (Industrial/Business/ Office Park) | 16 ft | 150 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 | Must be part of main sign facing for complex and uniform in size, shape, and color | — | Unlock | 11-6-11.E.6.b |
| Outdoor Advertising Sign | 25 ft | 300 sq ft per side | — | 100 ft from any other outdoor advertising sign or Residential District | 1 per street frontage or lot | Principal use only; must meet district yard requirements; minimum 100 ft from any other outdoor advertising sign and from any Residential District | — | Unlock | 11-6-11.E.6.c, 11-6-6 |
| Freestanding Sign (Other Signs) | 6 ft | 50 sq ft per side | — | 7 ft from any lot line | 1 per street frontage or lot | Minimum 7 ft from any lot line (outermost perimeter) | — | Unlock | 11-6-11.E.6.d |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign (Banner) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business establishment, except in multi-tenant buildings/shopping centers where 2 are allowed | Banners displayed on a wall must be secured taut; may not cover permanent business signs | — | Unlock | 11-6-10.A.3 |
| Temporary Sign (Portable Sign) | 8 ft | 24 sq ft | — | 7 ft from property line | See temporary sign requirements | Must be set back a minimum of 7 ft from any property line, and outside vision clearance triangle; located on same zoning lot as temporary use | — | Unlock | 11-6-10.A.3-4 |
| Temporary Sign (Feather Sign) | 10 ft | 24 sq ft | — | 7 ft from property line | See temporary sign requirements | Set back at least 7 ft and not in vision clearance triangle | — | Unlock | 11-6-10.A.3 |
| Temporary Pole Banner | 6 ft | — | 2.5 ft | — | No more than 2 per pole | Mounted maximum of 16 ft above grade; clearance above parking lots/driveways 9 ft | — | Unlock | 11-6-10.B.2 |
| Election Campaign Sign (Window) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per candidate per street frontage per lot | Window or lawn (see next entry) | — | Unlock | 11-6-4.K |
| Election Campaign Sign (Freestanding/Lawn) | 8 ft (if freestanding) | 32 sq ft | — | 1 ft from property line | 1 per candidate per street frontage per lot | Minimum 1 ft setback (must not interfere with sight distances at intersections) | — | Unlock | 11-6-4.K |
| Operational and Instructional Sign | — | 6 sq ft (2 sq ft for service doors and pedestrian entrances) | — | — | — | Building wall | — | Unlock | 11-6-4.T |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Glendale Heights — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 7 zones for Glendale Heights — start freeProhibited Signs in Glendale Heights
- Temporary signs and any attention getting device or activity, except as otherwise permitted or exempted from these regulations.
- Projecting, roof, festoon, flashing, beacon, vehicle sign, snipe sign, and trailer sign.
- Inflatable signs, except as otherwise permitted by this chapter.
- Murals or signs painted on exterior building walls or fences.
- Signs on vacant land other than real estate signs, construction signs, or outdoor advertising signs, as defined and regulated herein.
- Outdoor display of merchandise to attract attention to a business except as permitted by a temporary use permit or a conditional use permit for an open sales lot, and service stations as permitted by this chapter.
- Signs consisting of a string of hanging lights, except for seasonal decorations, Christmas tree sales, and theater marquees as permitted by this chapter.
- Pennants, except as permitted by this chapter for grand openings.
- Signs which move or have moving parts, which movement is caused either by the wind or mechanically, except for temporary feather signs.
- Signs which contain statements, words, pictures or other depictions of an obscene, indecent or immoral character and which offend public morals or decency.
- Miscellaneous advertising devices, other than signs which conform to the provisions of this chapter, shall not be allowed.
- Signs in conflict with traffic signals, vehicular or pedestrian travel, access to fire hydrants and fire lanes and exits, and other signs which reasonably impede or impair the public health, safety and welfare.
- Obsolete signs.
- Signs which are determined by the zoning administrator and village chief of police to constitute a traffic hazard by reason of size, location, content, color or illumination.
- Searchlights.
- No sign shall be erected, relocated or maintained so as to prevent free access to, or egress from, any door, window or fire escape.
- No sign of any kind shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
- No sign shall, by reason of shape, color, content, or use of lighting, be similar in appearance to any traffic signal or traffic sign in a way that may interfere with traffic movement or safety.
- Illumination by bare bulbs or flames is prohibited; except, that bare bulbs are permitted on changing copy signs or on theater marquees.
- No sign or associated light fixture shall be located within, project into, or overhang a public right of way, such as a sign upon a tree or utility pole therein.
- No sign may obstruct a fire escape, door, window, or other entrance or exitway, nor any window surface required for ventilation by any village code.
- No sign may, by reason of location or location and size, obstruct the vision of drivers or obstruct or detract from the visibility or effectiveness of any traffic signal or control device.
- No metal sign shall be located within a vertical distance of eight feet (8') or a horizontal distance of four feet (4') of electrical wires or conductors, even if such wires or conductors are insulated or otherwise protected.
- No sign or display shall contain words or pictures of obscene, indecent, or immoral character that offend the public morals and decency of the village.
- No sign shall be constructed, erected or maintained in violation of the provisions of this chapter.
Exempt Signs in Glendale Heights
- Real estate signs for one to five (5) residential units not exceeding four (4) square feet in area, displayed a minimum of five feet (5') from all lot lines, and removed one week after the consummation of the sale or rental. Real estate signs for other properties are not exempt.
- Informational signs or displays maintained by a government body or public utility, including traffic or parking regulatory devices, legal notices, warnings of hazards, and similar displays.
- Street address numerals, public hearing signs and other signs or exterior displays required to be maintained by government order or regulation; provided, that the content and size thereof does not exceed that required by such order or regulation.
- Nameplate signs no larger than two (2) square feet in area.
- The flag, pennant, or insignia of any governmental unit or religious, civic, educational, or philanthropic organization.
- Memorial signs and tablets.
- A maximum of two (2) no trespassing, no dumping, or no hunting signs, or the like, per lot, each not larger than two (2) square feet in area.
- Decorations clearly incidental, customary, and/or commonly associated with a national, local, or religious holiday or celebration, and not otherwise prohibited by this chapter. Holiday decorations shall not be displayed more than 14 days past the holiday, with Christmas decorations permitted until April 1 of the following year.
- Garage/yard sale and residential directional signs (subject to specific regulations provided in this chapter).
- One or more temporary window signs that advertise only sales or special events and, together with all nonexempt permanent window signs, have an aggregate area not greater than fifty percent (50%) of the total display window area of a business premises.
- One election campaign sign per candidate, per street frontage, per lot that is not illuminated, does not exceed a total of thirty-two (32) square feet in area, has a minimum setback of one foot (1'), is not higher than eight feet (8') above grade if freestanding, and window signs are permitted in addition to freestanding lawn signs.
- Scoreboards for athletic fields.
- Nonilluminated directional signs not over three (3) square feet in area or three feet (3') in height.
- Changes in copy on a sign designed for replaceable copy, including painted or printed signs.
- Painting, cleaning, repair, maintenance, or face replacement of a sign not involving structural change and made necessary by breakage or deterioration but not by a change in advertiser.
- Accessory displays at automobile service stations as described, including oil racks, tire racks, product displays, and pricing signs as specified.
- Signs not visible beyond the boundaries of the lot or parcel upon which they are situated or from any public thoroughfare or right-of-way.
- Any sign which is located completely within an enclosed building, and which sign is not visible from outside of the building.
- Vending machine signs.
- No parking signs which warn “no parking or violators will be towed at owners’ expense” in an Industrial, Commercial or Multi-Family Zoning District.
- Non-illuminated operational and instructional signs designating building entrances, service doors, and loading docks, or otherwise notifying or instructing the public about the functional operation of the building and premises, wall mounted and not exceeding six (6) square feet (two (2) square feet for service doors and pedestrian entrances).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Glendale Heights
- An application for a sign permit must be submitted for all signs except those listed as exempt in section 11-6-4.
- Every permit application for a freestanding or ground sign shall be accompanied by a landscape plan.
- Permit application requirements include a site plan, plans and specifications, elevation sketch, and other details as listed in 11-6-16.
- A comprehensive sign plan is required for any special sign district. No sign for which a permit is required may be erected in a special sign district unless it is in conformance with the comprehensive sign plan approved for that district.
- Applications for establishment of a special Sign District must include a sign plan for all signs to be used in the district, including maximum size, color, location, illumination, lettering, mounting, and landscaping details.
- Comprehensive sign plans for special sign districts are reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission using design guidelines.
- Variances and appeals relating to the application of sign regulations shall be as provided for other provisions of this title.
- Permit applications for signs located so that they may fall upon a public right of way require submission of a liability insurance policy or indemnity bond.