Sign Regulations in Godfrey, Illinois
Godfrey, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 25 sign types across 12 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Temporary Campaign Sign, Identification Sign, Warning Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 8, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Godfrey, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Godfrey
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification Sign | 6 ft. | 3 sq. ft. | Right-of-way |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign | 6 ft. | 60 sq. ft. | Right-of-way |
| Temporary Yard or Garage Sale Sign | 6 ft. | 60 sq. ft. | Right-of-way |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for GodfreyFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
25
- Temporary Campaign Sign
- Identification Sign
- Warning Sign
- Incidental or Instructional Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
12
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Godfrey
Other Cities in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Godfrey 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 Godfrey, 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 Godfrey, regulated sign types include Temporary Campaign Sign, Identification Sign, Warning Sign, Incidental or Instructional 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 Godfrey 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 Godfrey are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Godfrey has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Godfrey, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Godfrey, Illinois regulates 25 sign types across 12 zoning districts. Identification Signs in the Single-Family Residential Districts zoning district are capped at 6 ft. tall and 3 sq. ft., with a Right-of-way setback (Sec. 80.008.1 (Identification Signs - Single-Family Res. Districts)). Most commercial signs in Godfrey require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Godfrey, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Godfrey (12 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family Residential Districts | 4 | 6 ft. | 60 sq. ft. | — |
| Multifamily Residential Districts | 3 | 6 ft. | 50 sq. ft. | — |
| Residential Districts | 2 | 8 ft. | 6 sq. ft. | — |
| Nonresidential Districts | 3 | 8 ft. | Aggregate limited to 25% of window area | — |
| Business Districts (B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, B-5) | 5 | 30 ft. | 300 sq. ft. | — |
| Manufacturing Districts (M-1, M-2) | 3 | 40 ft. | 300 sq. ft. | — |
| Agricultural Districts (Ag) | 3 | 15 ft. | 200 sq. ft. | — |
| Planned Unit Developments | 1 | — | — | — |
| Conservation Overlay Districts | 1 | — | — | — |
| Visual Corridor (Viewshed) Areas | 1 | — | — | — |
| Historic Districts | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 6 | 40 ft. | 60 sq. ft. | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Godfrey(sample of 3 of 12 zones)
Single-Family 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification Sign | 6 ft. | 3 sq. ft. | — | Right-of-way | 2/building or lot | On building or lot | — | Unlock | 80.008.1 (Identification Signs - Single-Family Res. Districts) |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign | 6 ft. | 60 sq. ft. | — | Right-of-way | 1/frontage | Right-of-way | — | Unlock | 80.008.1 (Temporary Real Estate, Yard and Garage Sale, and Construction Signs - Single-Family Res. Districts) |
| Temporary Yard or Garage Sale Sign | 6 ft. | 60 sq. ft. | — | Right-of-way | 1/frontage | On premises or property with owner's permission | — | Unlock | 80.008(c)(2), 80.008.1 |
| Temporary Campaign Sign | 6 ft. | 16 sq. ft. | — | O/R/W (5 feet from public/private village streets, 10 feet from state or county streets/highways) | Not limited | O/R/W (Setback from right-of-way) | — | Unlock | 80.008.1 (Temporary Campaign Signs - Res. Districts) |
Business Districts (B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, B-5)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Accessory Sign (B-1) | 8 ft. | 100 sq. ft. | — | At least 10 ft inside property line; not over/in right-of-way | Minimum one per lot; more depends on frontage and spacing | Not in right-of-way, must be at least 10 ft inside property line | — | Unlock | 80.013.6(a)-(f) |
| Freestanding Accessory Sign (B-2, B-3) | 12 ft. | 150 sq. ft. | — | At least 10 ft inside property line | Minimum one per lot; more depends on frontage and spacing | Not in right-of-way, must be at least 10 ft inside property line | — | Unlock | 80.013.6(a)-(f) |
| Freestanding Accessory Sign (B-4, Ag) | 15 ft. | 200 sq. ft. | — | At least 10 ft inside property line | Minimum one per lot; more depends on frontage and spacing | Not in right-of-way, must be at least 10 ft inside property line | — | Unlock | 80.013.6(a)-(f) |
| Freestanding Accessory Sign (B-5) | 30 ft. | 300 sq. ft. | — | At least 10 ft inside property line | Minimum one per lot; more depends on frontage and spacing | Not in right-of-way, must be at least 10 ft inside property line | — | Unlock | 80.013.6(a)-(f) |
| Wall Sign (Attached Accessory Sign) | Top of wall or roof (so long as it does not rise above) | Per above formula | — | — | — | Attached to building or structure | — | Unlock | 80.013.5 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Directional Sign | 6 ft. | 3 sq. ft. | — | Right-of-way | Not limited | R/W (right-of-way); must comply with intersection sight triangle | — | Unlock | 80.008.1 |
| Historical or Memorial Marker | 6 ft. | 4 sq. ft. | — | R/W | 1/lot | R/W | — | Unlock | 80.008.1 |
| Flag, Emblem, or Insignia | 40 ft. | 60 sq. ft. | — | R/W | 1/frontage | R/W | — | Unlock | 80.007(k), 80.008.1 |
| Information Board | 8 ft. | 32 sq. ft. | — | 15 ft. | 1/building or lot | May be freestanding or attached, 15 ft. setback | — | Unlock | 80.008.1 |
| Vending Machine Sign | 6 ft. | 18 sq. ft. | — | — | Not limited | On applicable device | — | Unlock | 80.008.1 |
| Noncommercial Protected Speech Sign | N/A | N/A | — | R/W | N/A | R/W | — | Unlock | 80.008.1 |
PermitPal covers all 12 zoning districts in Godfrey — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 12 zones for Godfrey — start freeProhibited Signs in Godfrey
- Any sign not expressly permitted by this Ordinance is prohibited.
- Wind-blown devices such as pennants, streamers, spinners, balloons, gas-filled figures and other similar devices, except as advertising or notice for a temporary event or special promotion as permitted under the temporary sign standards.
- Animated signs, except for electronic changeable copy signs or time and temperature signs.
- Portable signs, except those not readable from the public right-of-way or those permitted as a temporary sign.
- Portable changeable copy signs are prohibited except as temporary signs under limitations and may not be converted to permanent signs.
- Signs which project over a public right-of-way, except as allowed for wall signs (not more than 18 inches) in certain districts or as otherwise permitted.
- Signs on vehicles or trailers parked primarily for advertising purposes.
- Signs affixed to trees, rocks, or other natural features.
- Signs of any type which imitate traffic control devices.
- Roof signs (as defined), except for approved 'roof signs, integral.'
- Signs on roadside appurtenances (benches, shelters, planters, utility poles, refuse containers), except warning or governmental signs.
- A series of two or more signs placed in a line parallel to a street or similar fashion, all carrying a single commercial message split across signs.
- Beacons.
- Signs which move or have any moving parts.
- Strings of lights not permanently mounted to a rigid background, except as otherwise permitted.
- Flashing signs (except as expressly permitted).
- Signs painted directly on any exterior building wall.
- Defunct or abandoned signs (those advertising an activity/business no longer on the premises).
- Signs in the public right-of-way or on public property, except as provided in section 80.010.
- No sign shall be erected so as to obstruct any fire escape or required exit, window, door, or wall opening intended as a means of ingress or egress.
- No sign shall be erected or maintained in a manner which would interfere with, obstruct the view of, or create likely confusion with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device.
- No sign shall be erected or maintained in a manner which would interfere with line of sight or create any sort of traffic hazard or impediment to the ingress or egress of traffic.
- No sign shall be erected so as to interfere with any opening required for ventilation.
- No sign shall be erected so as to interfere with the view of any existing warning or instructional sign.
- No sign shall be illuminated in a manner that creates a nuisance to the public or surrounding properties or creates a traffic hazard.
- No sign of any type shall be erected, located, or maintained: (1) so as to interfere with any line of sight for any vehicular or pedestrian traffic; (2) so as to interfere with, obstruct the view of, or cause confusion with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device; (3) so as to prevent free access or egress from any door, window, fire escape or driveway; or (4) so as to create any sort of hazard or danger to any other nearby structure, property, or the public.
- Movement (revolve, rotate, mechanically move) is prohibited for attached and freestanding accessory signs.
- No accessory sign shall be located or installed in any conservation overlay district or visual corridor (viewshed) except by approval of the planning and zoning commission.
Exempt Signs in Godfrey
- Governmental signs.
- Any public notice or warning required by a valid and applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation or ordinance.
- Works of art with no commercial message.
- Lights and decorations with no commercial message, temporarily displayed on traditionally accepted civic, patriotic, or religious holidays (not to exceed eight weeks during any consecutive 16-week period, must not constitute a nuisance/hazard).
- Hand-carried signs.
- Signs located on the interior of buildings, courts, lobbies, stadia, or other structures not intended to be seen from outside or legible from more than 20 feet beyond the property line.
- Signs affixed to vehicles and trailers used in normal transport where the sign is incidental and accessory to vehicle use.
- Signs affixed to vehicle windows displaying information about sale terms for the vehicle.
- Signs not legible from a public or private street.
- Traffic control signs on private property meeting Illinois DOT standards and containing no commercial messages.
- Flags of the United States, State of Illinois, local jurisdictions, foreign nations with diplomatic relations, and other flags sanctioned by the Village, subject to established flag protocols and a maximum individual size of 60 sq. ft. (larger subject to accessory sign regulations).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Godfrey
- A master or common signage plan is required for any individual permanent sign requiring a permit before a permit is issued (Section 80.012).
- The master or common signage plan must include site layout, specifications for each sign (including height, area, setback), accurate locations, illumination methods, and provisions for shared usage of freestanding signs.
- The master or common signage plan must be approved before the issuance of any sign permit.
- A master or common signage plan can be amended by filing a new plan, subject to review and must comply with the ordinance.
- No permanent sign shall be erected, affixed, placed, painted, or otherwise established except as consistent with the approved master or common signage plan.
- Any plan for signage is enforced like any provision of the ordinance; in case of conflict between plan and ordinance, the ordinance prevails.
- A master or common signage plan must accompany any development plan processed under zoning or subdivision ordinances and can be processed simultaneously.
- Sign permit applications must include a master or common signage plan (Section 80.014(a)(3)).
- Minor changes to a master or common signage plan may be approved by the zoning administrator if in compliance with the ordinance.
- Signs installed not in accordance with a governing plan or permit are a violation (Section 80.018(a)).
- If a sign requires planning and zoning commission approval, the application is considered at their next meeting after referral.
- Applications for variance, such as for height, setback, or spacing, are processed under the Village's zoning variance procedures by the planning and zoning commission.
Source: municode municipal code