Sign Regulations in Hawthorn Woods, Illinois
Hawthorn Woods, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 21 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Exempt Sign, Wall Sign (General), Temporary Sign (General). 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 Hawthorn Woods, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Hawthorn Woods
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign (General) | Must not exceed roofline of nearby buildings | 16 sq. ft. per sign face | — |
| Exempt Sign | For sale/for rent: 7 ft; Traffic/Parking: 7 ft; Memorial: 4 sq. ft. (area), max set by location. | See 9-12-5, e.g. Address Identification: 1 sq. ft; For sale/for rent: 6 sq. ft. | — |
| Temporary Sign (Residential) | May not exceed roofline | 16 sq. ft. per sign face (9-12-6D1) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Hawthorn WoodsFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
21
- Exempt Sign
- Wall Sign (General)
- Temporary Sign (General)
- Electronic Message Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
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 Hawthorn Woods 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 Hawthorn Woods, 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 Hawthorn Woods, regulated sign types include Exempt Sign, Wall Sign (General), Temporary Sign (General), Electronic Message 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 Hawthorn Woods 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 Hawthorn Woods are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Hawthorn Woods has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Hawthorn Woods, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Hawthorn Woods, Illinois regulates 21 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Ground Sign (300 ft or Less Frontage, <=50 ft Setback)s in the Business Districts, Industrial Districts, Nonresidential Zoning Districts zoning district are capped at 20 ft. above grade tall and 16 sq. ft. per face, with a Min 5’ + 1’/10 sq. ft. sign face from ROW or residential setback (Sec. 9-12-8D1a,2,3,4,5). Most commercial signs in Hawthorn Woods require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Hawthorn Woods, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Hawthorn Woods (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | Must not exceed roofline of nearby buildings | 16 sq. ft. per sign face | — |
| Residential Districts, Residential Zoning Districts | 6 | For sale/for rent: 7 ft; Traffic/Parking: 7 ft; Memorial: 4 sq. ft. (area), max set by location. | 16 sq. ft. per sign face (9-12-6D1) | — |
| Business Districts, Industrial Districts, Nonresidential Zoning Districts | 10 | Monument sign: top <42 in. if near intersection/entrance; Pole sign (if allowed): bottom edge >9 ft. if near intersection/entrance | 100 sq. ft. per face | — |
| PU/IB Public Use And Institutional Buildings District | 1 | 10 ft. or 1 story above curb | 16 sq. ft. | — |
| Property Adjacent to U.S. Route 12 and Other U.S. Highways Designated as Federal Aid Program Highways | 2 | 30% of fascia height (horizontal roof); 8% of building height (horizontal); 13% of building height (peaked) | 2% of total facade area; sign length 25% max of facade | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Hawthorn Woods(sample of 3 of 5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (General) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 9-12-3, 9-12-5 |
| Temporary Sign (General) | Must not exceed roofline of nearby buildings | 16 sq. ft. per sign face | — | — | Max 2 per lot, ground signs max 2 faces | On private property with owner consent, wholly within property lines. Temporary business signs must follow business sign regulations. | — | Unlock | 9-12-6 |
| Electronic Message Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 9-12-4G, 9-12-6G, 9-12-8F |
Residential Districts, Residential 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exempt Sign | For sale/for rent: 7 ft; Traffic/Parking: 7 ft; Memorial: 4 sq. ft. (area), max set by location. | See 9-12-5, e.g. Address Identification: 1 sq. ft; For sale/for rent: 6 sq. ft. | — | — | Varies by sign type | Subject to respective use (e.g. address, for sale, parking, memorial). | — | Unlock | 9-12-5, 9-12-7A |
| Temporary Sign (Residential) | May not exceed roofline | 16 sq. ft. per sign face (9-12-6D1) | — | — | Max 2 per lot | On private property | — | Unlock | 9-12-7B, 9-12-6 |
| Address Identification Sign | — | 1 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per dwelling | Flat against building | — | Unlock | 9-12-5A, 9-12-7C |
| Nameplate and Identification Sign (One and Two Family) | — | 1 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per dwelling unit | On dwelling | — | Unlock | 9-12-7D1 |
| Identification Sign (Multiple-Family) | 7 ft. above grade at sign location | 9 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per building | — | — | Unlock | 9-12-7D2 |
| Neighborhood Identification Sign | — | 16 sq. ft. | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 9-12-7E |
Business Districts, Industrial Districts, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign (Business) | — | 16 sq. ft. per sign face | — | — | Max 2 per lot | On private property, wholly within property lines, not to interfere with sightlines | — | Unlock | 9-12-6 |
| Wall Sign (First Side) | 20 ft. above curb, not above roofline | 50 sq. ft. max (first side), but <10% of wall area | — | — | Signage on up to two sides per business, with differing area limitations | Mounted on side(s) facing public street. Includes facia, awning, permanent window signs. | — | Unlock | 9-12-8C1,3,4,5,6 |
| Wall Sign (Second Side) | 20 ft. above curb, not above roofline | 50 sq. ft. max (second side), but <5% of wall area | — | — | — | Mounted on additional side facing public street | — | Unlock | 9-12-8C1,3,4,5,6 |
| Wall Sign (Multiple Tenant Building - No Exterior Walls) | 20 ft. above curb, not above roofline | 50 sq. ft. (combined) | — | — | 2 per building (one directory, one name) | — | — | Unlock | 9-12-8C2 |
| Ground Sign (300 ft or Less Frontage, <=50 ft Setback) | 20 ft. above grade | 16 sq. ft. per face | — | Min 5’ + 1’/10 sq. ft. sign face from ROW or residential | 1 per street frontage | Min 5’ plus 1’ for every 10 sq. ft. of sign face from ROW and residential zones | — | Unlock | 9-12-8D1a,2,3,4,5 |
| Ground Sign (300 ft or Less Frontage, >50 ft Setback) | 20 ft. above grade | 50 sq. ft. per face | — | Min 5’ + 1’/10 sq. ft. sign face from ROW or residential | 1 per street frontage | Min 5’ plus 1’ for every 10 sq. ft. of sign face from ROW and residential zones | — | Unlock | 9-12-8D1b,2,3,4,5 |
| Ground Sign (300+ ft Frontage, <=50 ft Setback) | 20 ft. | 40 sq. ft. per face | — | Min 5’ + 1’/10 sq. ft. sign face from ROW/residential | 1 or 2 per street frontage (if frontage exceeds 1,000 ft.) | Min 5’ + 1’/10 sq. ft. sign face from ROW/residential | — | Unlock | 9-12-8D1c,2,3,4,5 |
| Ground Sign (300+ ft Frontage, >50 ft Setback) | 20 ft. | 100 sq. ft. per face | — | Min 5’ + 1’/10 sq. ft. sign face from ROW/residential | 1 or 2 per street frontage (if frontage exceeds 1,000 ft.) | Min 5’ + 1’/10 sq. ft. sign face from ROW/residential | — | Unlock | 9-12-8D1d,2,3,4,5 |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Hawthorn Woods — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 5 zones for Hawthorn Woods — start freeProhibited Signs in Hawthorn Woods
- No sign may be painted, pasted or similarly posted directly on the surface of any wall, roof or fence.
- No sign shall be permitted on any wall, fence or standard facing the interior side yard of any adjoining lot located in a residential district, except as provided for in exempt signs.
- Signs shall not be erected on the roof of any building or structure.
- No sign shall be attached to a tree or utility pole.
- No sign shall block any required accessway or window.
- Advertising signs and outdoor billboards advertising products or matters not related to the occupancy and use of the premises are not permitted except as a temporary sign per temporary sign provisions.
- Portable or mobile signs are prohibited except as a temporary sign per temporary sign provisions.
- No electric, internally illuminated, flashing or revolving signs shall be permitted, except electric and internally illuminated signs may be approved by the Village Board after review as part of a unified sign plan.
- Flags other than one United States of America and one corporate, one Village and State flag are prohibited except as a temporary sign.
- No sign, streamer, banner, flag, pennant or similar device supported by rope or wires or otherwise is allowed to encroach on, over or across any public street, alley, sidewalk, parkway or park, except as a temporary sign.
- No fluttering or wind-actuated sign, bunting, banners, streamers, pennants or flags shall be erected or maintained except as a temporary sign.
- Beacons and inflatable blimps, figures or similar attention-attracting devices are prohibited.
- It is unlawful to erect or maintain any fluttering, undulating, swinging, rotating or otherwise moving or flashing sign or any attention-attracting device, marquee, canopy or awning so as to obstruct free and clear vision or distract the attention of drivers by position, shape or color.
- No sign or advertising structure shall use the words 'stop', 'go', 'look', 'slow', 'danger' or similar words/phrases/symbols or be in conflict with public traffic signals.
- Pole signs (except for flags and where authorized as part of a unified sign plan) are prohibited.
- Electronic message signs are prohibited except as authorized in other sections.
- Obsolete signs, including those for non-existent businesses or products, must be taken down and removed promptly after notification.
- Nonconforming signs are not allowed to be altered, rebuilt, enlarged, extended, or relocated.
- Signs that block sightlines at intersections with public rights-of-way or internal circulation are prohibited.
- Signs must not interfere with or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device.
- Temporary signs may not be illuminated.
- Roof signs are not permitted in any zoning district.
Exempt Signs in Hawthorn Woods
- Address identification signs and nameplates, subject to size and location restrictions.
- For sale, for rent, and garage sale signs, subject to quantity, size, height, and illumination limitations.
- Traffic and parking signs designating parking area entrances or exits and conditions, subject to size and quantity limits and noncommercial content.
- Memorial signs limited to construction date and building name, inlaid as an integral part of structure and size restricted.
- Church bulletins and signs for public or quasi-public buildings and civic organizations, subject to number, area, and height restrictions.
- Signs of a noncommercial nature erected in the public interest by or on order of a public official, including safety signs, legal notices, danger signs, trespassing signs, traffic signs, memorial plaques, historical interest signs, and similar.
- Flags representing the state, village, fraternal, religious, or civic organizations (with some restrictions if the pole exceeds 20 feet in height).
- Signs indicating restrooms, telephones, or similar public information, not exceeding two square feet.
- No trespassing, video surveillance, and no dumping signs, subject to number, area, setback, and height limitations.
- Holiday decorations clearly incidental and customary to holidays, displayed for no more than 45 days per holiday.
- Window promotional signs on the interior of glass show windows, provided no more than 10% of window area is covered.
- Political signs, subject to size limitations and required removal after elections.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Hawthorn Woods
- No person shall construct, alter, rebuild, enlarge, erect, extend, place or relocate a sign without first filing a written application and obtaining a permit from the Village Board; application requires information and drawings as required by Plan Commission or Architectural Review Commission.
- The Plan Commission or Architectural Review Commission may require that all plans be drawn by a registered architect or structural engineer.
- Applications for sign permits are reviewed by the Plan Commission or Architectural Review Commission, which makes recommendations to the Village Board.
- Electric and internally illuminated signs may be approved as part of a 'unified sign plan' authorized in business and industrial districts, following review by the Architectural Review Commission and approval by the Village Board.
- Pole signs may be authorized as part of a 'unified sign plan.'
- In an integrated business or industrial development under unified control, increased sign size is permitted provided that a unified sign plan is submitted to the Architectural Review Commission, and must be approved by the Village Board.
- Nameplate and identification signs for multifamily dwellings and neighborhood identification signs require review by the Architectural Review Commission and approval by the Village Board.
- Extensions to the time allowed for nonconforming signs or temporary signs may follow special use or variation procedures as provided by the Village Board.
- Permit applications must include information as required, and may be subject to additional requirements as set by Plan Commission or Architectural Review Commission.