Sign Regulations in Grayslake, Illinois
Grayslake, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 25 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Flat Wall Sign, Ground Sign (Freestanding), Sandwich 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: May 8, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Grayslake, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Grayslake
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification Sign | — | 2 sq ft per building | — |
| Official Flags | — | 24 sq ft (in residential districts) | — |
| Political Election Sign | 8 ft | 16 sq ft for signs; 2 sq ft per sign, total 16 sq ft or 25% window coverage for window signs | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for GrayslakeFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
25
- Flat Wall Sign
- Ground Sign (Freestanding)
- Sandwich Board Sign
- Attention Attracting Device
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
8
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Grayslake
Other Cities in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Grayslake 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 Grayslake, 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 Grayslake, regulated sign types include Flat Wall Sign, Ground Sign (Freestanding), Sandwich Board Sign, Attention Attracting Device, 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 Grayslake 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 Grayslake are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Grayslake has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Grayslake, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Grayslake, Illinois regulates 25 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Ground Sign (Freestanding)s in the General Business District, Shopping Center Business District zoning district are capped at 10.5 ft (sign); 4 ft (support structure) tall and 70 sq ft per sign face (max), with a 7 ft from all right-of-way lines setback (Sec. §15.28.050.A.4). Most commercial signs in Grayslake require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Grayslake, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Grayslake (8 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | 8 ft | 24 sq ft (in residential districts) | — |
| General Business District, Shopping Center Business District | 6 | 20 ft | 250 sq ft | — |
| Central Business District, Central Business A District | 4 | 10.5 ft (sign); 4 ft (support structure) | 80 sq ft (non-residential); 16 sq ft (if in residential zones) | — |
| Commercial Transition (CT), Commercial Transition Limited (CTL) | 3 | 5 ft | 80 sq ft (non-residential); 16 sq ft (if in residential zones) | — |
| Nonresidential Zoning Districts | 11 | 48 in (4 ft) | 80 sq ft | — |
| Non-Residential Zoning Districts (Industrial and Office Parks), General Industry District, Limited Industrial District, Limited Industrial A District, Office and Research District | 3 | 20 ft | 128 sq ft or 20 sq ft per acre (whichever is less) | — |
| Residential Districts | 3 | 6 ft | 45 sq ft | — |
| Gasoline Service Station District (or zoning lots developed with gasoline service station use) | 1 | — | Required minimum size as per regulation | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Grayslake(sample of 3 of 8 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Governmental Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Permitted in all zoning classifications. | — | Unlock | §15.28.050.B.4 |
| Identification Sign | — | 2 sq ft per building | — | — | — | Permitted in all zoning classifications. | — | Unlock | §15.28.050.B.5 |
| Official Flags | — | 24 sq ft (in residential districts) | — | — | — | Displayed on flagpoles. | — | Unlock | §15.28.050.B.6 |
| Political Election Sign | 8 ft | 16 sq ft for signs; 2 sq ft per sign, total 16 sq ft or 25% window coverage for window signs | — | — | — | Not in right-of-way; not attached to poles, light posts, trees, benches, or fences. Not within 15 ft of street intersection. | — | Unlock | §15.28.050.B.7 |
| Political Message Sign | 6 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | 2 per zoning lot | Permitted anywhere, but not within 15 ft of street intersection | — | Unlock | §15.28.050.B.8 |
| Vehicular Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On motor vehicle in normal course of business. | — | Unlock | §15.28.050.B.12 |
| Warning Sign | 5 ft (if not regulated federally/state) | 10 sq ft (if not regulated federally/state) | — | — | — | Areas of danger accessible to public/utility/others. | — | Unlock | §15.28.050.B.13 |
General Business District, Shopping Center Business 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attention Attracting Device | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | — | Permitted only during grand openings, special promotions, or special occasions (max 14 days, max 2 times per year per lot/business) | — | Unlock | §15.28.050.A.1 |
| Flat Wall Sign | — | 80 sq ft (non-residential); 16 sq ft (if in residential zones) | — | — | 1 per business/facade | On building facade. Not above roof line or past building edge. | — | Unlock | §15.28.050.A.3 |
| Ground Sign (Freestanding) | 10.5 ft (sign); 4 ft (support structure) | 70 sq ft per sign face (max) | — | 7 ft from all right-of-way lines | 1 (2 if lot frontage >=350' and signs at least 250' apart) | Setback min 7 ft from all ROWs; not to interfere with traffic sight lines. | — | Unlock | §15.28.050.A.4 |
| Group Development Sign (Commercial Center) | 20 ft | 250 sq ft | — | 5 ft from ROW; none less than 8 ft over grade | 1 per center, 2 if two street frontages | At common entrance to center or per frontage. | — | Unlock | §15.28.050.A.7 |
| Menu Board | 6 ft | 32 sq ft per sign | — | — | 2 per lot | On same lot as drive-through restaurant/pick-up. | — | Unlock | §15.28.050.A.9 |
| Sandwich Board Sign | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business | On same lot or business; not in ROW except in central business and central business A. | — | Unlock | §15.28.050.B.9 |
Nonresidential Zoning 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat Wall Sign | — | 80 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business/facade | On building facade. Not above roof line or past building edge. | — | Unlock | §15.28.050.A.3 |
| Ground Sign (Freestanding) | 10.5 ft (sign); 4 ft (support structure) | 70 sq ft per sign face (max) | — | 7 ft from all right-of-way lines | 1 (2 if lot frontage >=350' and signs at least 250' apart) | Setback min 7 ft from all ROWs; not to interfere with traffic sight lines. | — | Unlock | §15.28.050.A.4 |
| Banners—Commercial Parking Lot | 48 in (4 ft) | — | 28 in | — | — | On light pole in or near commercial parking lot or access drive. | — | Unlock | §15.28.050.A.2 |
| Ground Sign—Short-Term | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Only on vacant/undeveloped lots in nonresidential zone. | — | Unlock | §15.28.050.A.6 |
| Awning and Canopy Sign | — | 15 sq ft (if sign attached under or printed on canopy) or as dictated by awning area (see additional req) | — | — | 1 per use; 1 per frontage for corner lot | Awning/canopy must be >8 ft above sidewalk and not within 4 ft of curb. | — | Unlock | §15.28.050.B.1 |
| Operational/Instructional Sign | 6 ft (all), not specified for entrance/exit | 8 sq ft (all), 2 sq ft (entrance/exit) | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §15.28.050.B.2 |
| Sandwich Board Sign | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business | Not in right-of-way, except in central business/CBA zones. | — | Unlock | §15.28.050.B.9 |
| Window Sign (Permanent/Non-Illuminated) | — | 25% of window pane/glass door area | — | — | — | Interior of window (not on the outside). | — | Unlock | §15.28.050.B.14 |
PermitPal covers all 8 zoning districts in Grayslake — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 8 zones for Grayslake — start freeProhibited Signs in Grayslake
- No sign shall be erected or maintained at any location where, by reason of its position, wording, illumination, size, shape, or color, it may obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view of, or be confused with, any authorized traffic control sign, signal, or device.
- No sign shall be located or use any word, phrase, symbol, shape, form, or character in such manner as to interfere with moving traffic.
- No part of any sign attached to a building shall be erected to a sign height greater than that permitted for such building.
- Signs which may be, or may hereafter become, rotted, unsafe, or unsightly shall be immediately repaired or removed by the permittee or owner of the sign or upon notice by the building department.
- Except as expressly authorized by this chapter (including with respect to awning and canopy signs, sandwich boards, and flat wall signs), no sign or part of any sign shall be erected in or over, or extended into or over, the public right-of-way except those signs established by, or by order of, any governmental agency. Any such signs not established by, or by order of, a governmental agency, may be removed by the village without notice.
- No sign is permitted which includes flashing lights, mechanically moving parts, or noise emissions.
- No sign over four (4) square feet in sign area may be suspended by chains, ropes or other nonmechanical means that readily permit the sign to swing or move freely.
- No obsolete sign shall be permitted.
- No vehicular sign attached or painted onto an inoperable or unlicensed motor vehicle in view of the public right-of-way or attached to or painted on a licensed motor vehicle which is parked or maintained in full view of the right-of-way or on the property to which the sign thereon refers for a period of more than thirty (30) consecutive days shall be permitted.
- Portable or unattached signs are prohibited, except for sandwich boards and attention attracting devices as permitted by this chapter and except for signs that are worn or carried by a person.
- No sign shall be painted directly on the wall or roof of a building or directly on a fence or other accessory structure or directly on any paved surface other than required traffic control information on the pavement.
- No sign shall be located at the rear of premises facing a residential property.
- No sign shall be attached to a tree.
- No sign shall be attached to a fence or wall constructed in accordance with the Grayslake Fence Ordinance, except for street address numbers and residents' names no greater than two (2) square feet.
- Except as provided in Section 15.28.050.A.2, freestanding pole signs are prohibited.
- Off-premises advertising signs (signs directing attention to a use, business, service, or commodity that is conducted, offered, or sold at a location other than the zoning lot on which the sign is located) are prohibited.
- Neon or xenon type sign lighting is prohibited.
- Backlit box type wall sign is prohibited.
- No signs shall be painted on or attached to benches, outdoor furniture, or similar items on either public or private property.
- No other sign not specifically permitted by this chapter shall be erected or maintained.
- Internally illuminated wall signs shall be prohibited except as expressly permitted by this chapter.
- Illuminated window signs shall be prohibited except as expressly permitted by this chapter.
Exempt Signs in Grayslake
- Governmental signs (signs established, erected, or maintained by, or by order of, any governmental agency or authority) are permitted in all zoning classifications without the need for a permit.
- Identification signs (house numbers and nameplates not exceeding two (2) square feet in sign area for each residential, commercial, or industrial building) are permitted in all zoning classifications without a permit.
- Official flags (flag of any nation or political subdivision) are permitted in all zoning classifications, with area limits in residential zones, without a permit.
- Vehicular signs (signs on a motor vehicle operating in the normal course of business, which business is not primarily the display of signs) are permitted in all zoning classifications without a permit.
- Warning signs (signs limited to messages of warning, caution, or damage) are permitted in all zoning classifications without a permit; size and height may be governed by federal or state law.
- Symbols, emblems, plaques or insignias used in a non-commercial context are permitted as flat wall signs not exceeding four (4) square feet in all non-residential zoning classifications and for non-residential uses in residential zones, without a permit.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Grayslake
- A plan drawn to scale showing the rendered design of the sign, materials, method of construction, and means of attachment must be submitted with every permit application.
- Applications for a sign permit must also include any other information required by the building department to ensure compliance with the sign code.
- Adopted subarea plan sign stipulations and architectural treatments required for signs in Chapter 15.48 Building Facade Architectural Design Standards become part of the sign code; depictions, illustrations, and text set forth in any adopted subarea plan regulate signs in the applicable subarea; the more restrictive standard applies in case of conflict.
- Variances from sign code requirements require submission of sketches, drawings, or photographs, and a written petition explaining the variance need; variances are reviewed in a meeting with the Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals and require village board approval.
- Appeals of permit denials or other administrative decisions regarding signs are reviewed by the Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals and village board at a public meeting.
Source: municode municipal code