# Sign Regulations in Grayslake, Illinois

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Grayslake, Illinois (IL)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/illinois/grayslake
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-08
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/IL/Grayslake/codes/Municipal_Code?nodeId=TIT15BUCO_CH15.28SICO)

## 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.

## Sign rules by zoning district (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 (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 | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Governmental Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Permitted in all zoning classifications. | — | §15.28.050.B.4 |
| Identification Sign | — | 2 sq ft per building | — | — | — | Permitted in all zoning classifications. | — | §15.28.050.B.5 |
| Official Flags | — | 24 sq ft (in residential districts) | — | — | — | Displayed on flagpoles. | — | §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. | — | §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 | — | §15.28.050.B.8 |
| Vehicular Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On motor vehicle in normal course of business. | — | §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. | — | §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 | 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) | — | §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. | — | §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. | — | §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. | — | §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. | — | §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. | — | §15.28.050.B.9 |

### Nonresidential Zoning Districts

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Flat Wall Sign | — | 80 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business/facade | On building facade. Not above roof line or past building edge. | — | §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. | — | §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. | — | §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. | — | §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. | — | §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) | — | — | — | — | — | §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. | — | §15.28.050.B.9 |
| Window Sign (Permanent/Non-Illuminated) | — | 25% of window pane/glass door area | — | — | — | Interior of window (not on the outside). | — | §15.28.050.B.14 |

## Prohibited 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.

## Signs exempt from permit 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

- 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.

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

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