Sign Regulations in Glenview, Illinois
Glenview, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 29 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign (Front), Wall Sign (Side), Wall Sign (Rear). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 27, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Glenview, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Glenview
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Projecting/Blade Sign | — | Max 44 inches width; depth max 12 inches if installed below 9'-0", or max 18 inches if installed at 9'-0" or higher | — |
| Electronic/Manual Changeable Copy Sign (Auto Service Stations) | — | - Pricing display: per street frontage, up to 4 fuel grade prices per face on an otherwise-permitted ground sign. - Fuel/charge dispenser displays: up to 2.0 sq ft per fueling/charging position (for unit price, transaction total, and volume). - Refueling position availability display: up to 6.0 sq ft per queue. | Must meet setbacks of the underlying sign type (e.g., ground signs). |
| Electronic/Manual Changeable Copy Sign (Parking Garages) | — | 1 stall-counter display per entrance; size governed by the host sign type (wall or ground sign) | Must meet setbacks of the underlying sign type. |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for GlenviewFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
29
- Wall Sign (Front)
- Wall Sign (Side)
- Wall Sign (Rear)
- Awning/Canopy 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 Glenview
Other Cities in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Glenview 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 Glenview, 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 Glenview, regulated sign types include Wall Sign (Front), Wall Sign (Side), Wall Sign (Rear), Awning/Canopy 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 Glenview 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 Glenview are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Glenview has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Glenview, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Glenview, Illinois regulates 29 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Ground Sign (Identification – Single‑Tenant)s in the Business and commercial districts (B-1, B-2, B-3) zoning district are capped at Max 19 ft overall tall and 120 sq ft per face (up to 180 sq ft per face on frontages >120 ft, but not exceeding the frontage in feet), with a centerline offset as stated; otherwise at or beyond minimum setback (plus 12‑inch projection allowance) setback (Sec. Sec. 98-337(4)(a)1, 3–6). Most commercial signs in Glenview require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Glenview, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Glenview (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 10 | — | Max 44 inches width; depth max 12 inches if installed below 9'-0", or max 18 inches if installed at 9'-0" or higher | — |
| Residential districts (R-1, R-1.3, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6, RT-8, R-18, R-E) | 7 | — | Up to 120.0 sq ft per sign face | — |
| Business and commercial districts (B-1, B-2, B-3) | 9 | Max 19 ft overall | 120 sq ft per face (up to 180 sq ft per face on frontages >120 ft, but not exceeding the frontage in feet) | — |
| Industrial districts (I-1, I-2) | 7 | Main body max 6 ft | 120 sq ft per face | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Glenview(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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Projecting/Blade Sign | — | Max 44 inches width; depth max 12 inches if installed below 9'-0", or max 18 inches if installed at 9'-0" or higher | 44 inches | — | — | Mounted perpendicular to storefront | — | Unlock | Sec. 98-333(4) and Sec. 98-337(1)(a) note on total permitted area including blade signs and awnings |
| Electronic/Manual Changeable Copy Sign (Auto Service Stations) | — | - Pricing display: per street frontage, up to 4 fuel grade prices per face on an otherwise-permitted ground sign. - Fuel/charge dispenser displays: up to 2.0 sq ft per fueling/charging position (for unit price, transaction total, and volume). - Refueling position availability display: up to 6.0 sq ft per queue. | — | Must meet setbacks of the underlying sign type (e.g., ground signs). | - 1 pricing display per street frontage; - 1 unit price display per fuel grade/charge option per fueling position; - Up to 2 transaction counters per fueling position; - 1 availability display per queue | On permitted ground sign for pricing; on dispensers; at queue for availability display | — | Unlock | Sec. 98-333(13)(a) and (b)(i)–(iv) |
| Electronic/Manual Changeable Copy Sign (Parking Garages) | — | 1 stall-counter display per entrance; size governed by the host sign type (wall or ground sign) | — | Must meet setbacks of the underlying sign type. | 1 per entrance | At each garage entrance on a permitted wall or ground sign | — | Unlock | Sec. 98-333(13)(c) |
| Electronic/Manual Changeable Copy Sign (Drive‑Thru Banks/Pharmacies) | — | - Lane indicator: up to 3.0 sq ft per drive‑thru lane - Interactive teller display: up to 1.5 sq ft per lane - ATM display: up to 1.5 sq ft per lane | — | — | Per lane: 1 lane indicator, 1 interactive teller display, and 1 ATM display | Within drive‑thru lanes | — | Unlock | Sec. 98-333(13)(d) |
| Electronic/Manual Changeable Copy Sign (Drive‑Thru Food/Beverage & Car Wash) | — | - Menu preview: up to 10.0 sq ft per lane (on a permitted ground sign) - Primary menu board: up to 80.0 sq ft per lane (on a permitted ground sign) - Order confirmation: up to 2.5 sq ft per lane (on a permitted ground sign) - Price confirmation: up to 1.0 sq ft per lane (on a permitted wall sign) | — | Must meet setbacks of the underlying sign type (ground or wall). | Per lane: 1 preview, 1 menu, 1 order confirmation, 1 price confirmation | Drive‑thru lanes (ground or wall as specified) | — | Unlock | Sec. 98-333(13)(e) |
| Electronic/Manual Changeable Copy Sign (Transit Shelter) | — | Up to 5.0 sq ft per shelter | — | — | 1 per shelter | Within each transit shelter | — | Unlock | Sec. 98-333(13)(f) |
| Parking Area Entrance/Exit Sign | — | Up to 2.0 sq ft per sign | — | Exempt from minimum setback, but must be at least 1 foot behind the lot line | 1 per entrance and 1 per exit | At each parking area entrance or exit | — | Unlock | Sec. 98-335(1) and Sec. 98-332(c)(2) where applicable |
| Parking Area Conditions‑of‑Use Sign | — | Up to 9.0 sq ft per sign | — | Exempt from minimum setback, but must observe screening requirement | 1 per parking area | Within each parking area | — | Unlock | Sec. 98-335(2) |
Residential districts (R-1, R-1.3, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6, RT-8, R-18, R-E)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate (Single‑Family Dwelling) | — | Up to 1.0 sq ft | — | Set back at least one‑half of the district’s required minimum front setback (street line) | 1 per dwelling | On the dwelling or lot | — | Unlock | Sec. 98-334(1)a; Sec. 98-332(c)(1) |
| Identification Sign (Multi‑Family Building) | — | Up to 5.0 sq ft | — | Set back at least one‑half of the district’s required minimum front setback (street line) | 1 per lot (2 on a corner lot if facing each street only where allowed for other types) | Near main entrance of the building | — | Unlock | Sec. 98-334(1)b; Sec. 98-332(c)(1) |
| Construction/Remodeling Sign (Residential) | — | Up to 25.0 sq ft | — | Set back at least one‑half of the district’s required minimum front setback (street line) | 1 per lot (2 on a corner lot—one facing each street) | On the subject lot | — | Unlock | Sec. 98-334(1)c |
| Residential Subdivision Identification Sign (on Private Property) | — | As approved under the Village’s Residential Identification Sign Handbook/Design Guidelines | — | As approved; generally must meet applicable setbacks per approved plan | Max 2 per street frontage | On subdivision private property | — | Unlock | Sec. 98-334(1)d |
| For Sale/To Rent Sign (Single‑Family Dwelling or Lot) | — | Up to 12.0 sq ft | — | Set back at least one‑half of the district’s required minimum front setback (street line) | No more than 1 per yard adjoining a street | On the subject property; in each yard adjoining an existing or dedicated street | — | Unlock | Sec. 98-334(2)a; Sec. 98-332(c)(1) |
| For Sale/To Rent Sign (Individual Multi‑Family Unit) | — | - Yard sign: up to 12.0 sq ft (1 per yard adjoining a street) - At unit entry: up to 3.0 sq ft within 10 ft of unit door (no more than 1 per unit) | — | Yard sign must be set back at least one‑half of the district’s required minimum front setback (street line) | - Yard: 1 per yard adjoining a street - Entry: 1 per unit | On the subject property; near unit entry and/or in yards adjoining streets | — | Unlock | Sec. 98-334(2)b; Sec. 98-332(c)(1) |
| For Sale/To Rent Sign (Subdivisions/Projects with >6 Units or Lots by Same Seller) | — | Up to 120.0 sq ft per sign face | — | Must fully comply with the district’s minimum setback (note: unlike smaller residential signs, these must meet the full minimum setback, not one‑half) | 1 per public street access | Facing each public street providing access to the property being offered | — | Unlock | Sec. 98-334(2)c |
Business and commercial districts (B-1, B-2, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Front) | — | 8% of facade area; per-sign cap 125 sq ft | — | — | Multiple allowed so long as total area cap (8% of facade) is not exceeded | On the front facade; side/rear facades may have signs only where there is no front identification sign in the same line of sight | — | Unlock | Sec. 98-337(1)(a),(c)–(g) |
| Wall Sign (Side) | — | 10% of side wall area; cap 200 sq ft | — | May project up to 12 inches into required side yard | — | Side wall facing qualifying side yard or side street | — | Unlock | Sec. 98-337(2)(a)–(g) |
| Wall Sign (Rear) | — | 50% of front wall allowance | — | May project up to 12 inches into required rear yard | — | Rear wall | — | Unlock | Sec. 98-337(3)(a)–(e) |
| Ground Sign (Identification – Single‑Tenant) | Max 19 ft overall | 120 sq ft per face (up to 180 sq ft per face on frontages >120 ft, but not exceeding the frontage in feet) | — | Per district: centerline offset as stated; otherwise at or beyond minimum setback (plus 12‑inch projection allowance) | Counts as 1 of up to 4 allowed ground signs per lot (see below) | Along public street frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 98-337(4)(a)1, 3–6 |
| Ground Sign (Multi‑Tenant Monument) | 11 ft | 80 sq ft per face | — | Outside clear sight triangle; otherwise at or beyond required minimum setbacks for the district | Max 1 per public street frontage (and part of the total allowance of up to 4 ground signs per lot) | One per public street frontage; not within the intersection clear sight triangle | — | Unlock | Sec. 98-337(4)(a)2(i)–(iii) |
| Ground Signs (Other Permitted – Business/Commercial) | 19 ft | 120 sq ft per face | — | Same centerline offset rules as identification signs | Total ground signs per lot (all types combined) not to exceed 4 | Perimeter of lot per code siting rules | — | Unlock | Sec. 98-337(4)(a)3–6 |
| Awning/Canopy Sign | — | 20% of awning face and valance | — | — | — | Over individual windows/doors | — | Unlock | Sec. 98-337(6)(a)–(d); note in Sec. 98-337(1)(a) |
| Real Estate Signs (Commercial Property) | Limited to the maximum sign height allowed by the zoning district for ground signs | Up to 120 sq ft per sign (per face) within tier rules | — | On private property; outside easements/ROW and clear‑sight area | Max 1 per street frontage; max 2 per lot total | On the subject property | — | Unlock | Sec. 98-337(9) and Sec. 98-332(c) |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Glenview — 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 Glenview — start freeProhibited Signs in Glenview
- No balloons, pennants, streamers, or similar attention-getting devices are permitted (Sec. 98-333(1)).
- No flashing, rotating, moving, animated signs, or signs with moving lights or creating the illusion of movement; time/temperature signs allowed if changes are no more frequent than every 15 seconds. Electronic changeable message signs are only allowed via conditional use (Sec. 98-333(3)).
- Illuminated signs must be shaded to avoid casting bright light on residential property, public streets, or parks; illuminated signs visible from a residential district may not be lit between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., except licensed liquor retailers during permitted business hours (Sec. 98-333(2)).
- No sign may block any required accessway or window (Sec. 98-333(5)).
- No signs on vacant property except a compliant for-sale/for-lease sign (Sec. 98-333(6); Sec. 98-334(2)).
- No signs attached to trees or utility poles on public or private property (Sec. 98-333(7)).
- Signs must not obstruct or be confused with traffic control devices or impair visibility/safety (Sec. 98-333(10)).
- Off-premises and obsolete signs are prohibited; signs must advertise a business presently conducted on or adjacent to the premises (Sec. 98-333(11)).
- No signs on public streets, alleys, parkways, or other public property, except a garage/bazaar sign up to 9 sq. ft. for up to 3 days (and one additional sign on the nearest thoroughfare if needed) (Sec. 98-333(12)).
- Roof signs are prohibited (no part of any sign may be on or above a roof) (e.g., Sec. 98-337(5); Sec. 98-336(3)(iv), (4)(iv)).
Exempt Signs in Glenview
- Flags or emblems of a government or political, civic, philanthropic, educational, or religious organization displayed on private property (permit-exempt) (Sec. 98-332(b)(1)).
- Government signs (traffic/regulatory devices, legal notices, railroad warnings) (permit-exempt) (Sec. 98-332(b)(2)).
- Memorial signs and tablets on private property (permit-exempt) (Sec. 98-332(b)(3)).
- Address numerals and other signs required by law, limited to what the law requires (permit-exempt) (Sec. 98-332(b)(4)).
- Small convenience signs up to 2 sq. ft. (e.g., restrooms, freight entrances) (permit-exempt) (Sec. 98-332(b)(5)).
- Residential nameplates and small for-sale/for-rent signs for single-family and individual multifamily units (permit-exempt but must comply) (Sec. 98-332(c)(1); Sec. 98-334(1); Sec. 98-334(2)(a)–(b)).
- Small real estate signs up to 12 sq. ft. (permit-exempt but must comply) (Sec. 98-332(c)(1); Sec. 98-337(9)(a)).
- Signs accessory to buildings devoted to religious worship, elementary/secondary schools, nonprofit institutions, or governmental agencies (permit-exempt but must comply with standards) (Sec. 98-332(c)(2); Sec. 98-336).
- Any sign containing noncommercial copy in lieu of other copy (permit-exempt) (Sec. 98-332(c)(3)).
Source: municode municipal code