Sign Regulations in Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Hoffman Estates, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 90 sign types across 18 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Stationary Time/Temperature Sign, Wall Sign, Freestanding or Ground Identification Sign (Institutional Uses). 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 Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Hoffman Estates
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parking Lot Entrance/Exit Sign | - Typical: 5 ft - If 200 ft or more from any property line: 6 ft | - Typical: 5 sq ft (single-face) or 10 sq ft (multi-face) per sign - If 200 ft or more from any property line: 25 sq ft (single-face) or 50 sq ft (multi-face) | Minimum 10 ft from any property line (typical); distance-based category of larger signs has no explicit setback change but must still be on private property and meet height rules. |
| Parking Lot Instructional Sign | - Typical: 5 ft - If 200 ft or more from any property line: 6 ft | - Typical: 4 sq ft (single-face) or 8 sq ft (multi-face) - If 200 ft or more from any property line: 25 sq ft (single-face) or 50 sq ft (multi-face) | — |
| Official/Corporate Flags | Pole height limits by related building height: - Single-family structures: max pole 20 ft - 0–25 ft building: 30 ft pole - 25.1–50 ft: 35 ft pole - 50.1–75 ft: 40 ft pole - 75.1 ft or higher: 50 ft pole | Lower flag limit as above (≤ 1/2 of upper flag area or 15 sq ft, whichever less) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Hoffman EstatesFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
90
- Stationary Time/Temperature Sign
- Wall Sign
- Freestanding or Ground Identification Sign (Institutional Uses)
- Wall Sign (Institutional Uses)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
18
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Hoffman Estates
Other Cities in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Hoffman Estates 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 Hoffman Estates, 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 Hoffman Estates, regulated sign types include Stationary Time/Temperature Sign, Wall Sign, Freestanding or Ground Identification Sign (Institutional Uses), Wall Sign (Institutional Uses), 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 Hoffman Estates 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 Hoffman Estates are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Hoffman Estates has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Hoffman Estates, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Hoffman Estates, Illinois regulates 90 sign types across 18 zoning districts. Parking Lot Entrance/Exit Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at - Typical: 5 ft - If 200 ft or more from any property line: 6 ft tall and - Typical: 5 sq ft (single-face) or 10 sq ft (multi-face) per sign - If 200 ft or more from any property line: 25 sq ft (single-face) or 50 sq ft (multi-face), with a Minimum 10 ft from any property line (typical); distance-based category of larger signs has no explicit setback change but must still be on private property and meet height rules. setback (Sec. Sec. 9-3-8-L-2-a). Most commercial signs in Hoffman Estates require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Hoffman Estates (18 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 15 | Pole height limits by related building height: - Single-family structures: max pole 20 ft - 0–25 ft building: 30 ft pole - 25.1–50 ft: 35 ft pole - 50.1–75 ft: 40 ft pole - 75.1 ft or higher: 50 ft pole | Village Board sets size through special use review. For designated Primary District Facility Sites: max 325 sq ft per face; EMC panel ≤ 200 sq ft per side. | — |
| AG Agricultural District | 1 | — | Max 45 sq ft total surface area | — |
| One-Family and Two-Family Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6, R-7, R-8) | 3 | Max 10 ft | Up to 100 sq ft per sign (and no more than 0.5 sq ft/lf of building front) | — |
| R-10 Attached Single Family Dwelling Residential District | 1 | Max 6 ft (ground to top) | Max 48 sq ft (single-face) or 96 sq ft (multi-face) per sign | — |
| R-9 Planned Development District | 2 | Max 10 ft | Up to 100 sq ft per sign (and no more than 0.5 sq ft/lf of building front) | — |
| R-9 Planned Development District (F-2 Business Subzone) | 4 | Max 25 ft above adjacent grade; mansard-mounted signs located not more than 12 ft above adjacent grade; may not extend above roofline | Up to 200 sq ft per sign; total ≤ 1.5 sq ft/lf of building front | — |
| R-9 Planned Development District (F-1 Commercial Subzone) | 1 | — | — | — |
| R-9 Planned Development District (A, B, C, D Subzones) | 3 | Max 10 ft | Up to 100 sq ft per sign (and no more than 0.5 sq ft/lf of building front) | — |
| RPD Residential Planned Development District | 17 | Max 25 ft above adjacent grade; mansard-mounted signs located not more than 12 ft above adjacent grade; may not extend above roofline | Up to 200 sq ft per sign; total ≤ 3 sq ft/lf of building front | — |
| A-1 Apartment District | 5 | Max 20 ft (with minimum 8-ft ground clearance if sign exceeds 8 ft in height) | Max 150 sq ft (single-face) or 300 sq ft (multi-face) per sign | — |
| O-1 Office District | 4 | May not extend higher than 25 ft above adjacent grade | Up to 200 sq ft per sign; total ≤ 1.5 sq ft/lf of building front | — |
| O-2 Office and Research District; O-3 Office and Research Tollway District | 4 | May not extend higher than 25 ft above adjacent grade | Up to 200 sq ft per sign; total ≤ 0.5 sq ft/lf of building front | — |
| O-4 Office and Research Campus District | 4 | May not extend higher than 25 ft above adjacent grade | Up to 200 sq ft per sign; total ≤ 0.5 sq ft/lf of building front | — |
| O-5 Office District | 9 | Max 20 ft (with minimum 8-ft ground clearance if sign exceeds 8 ft in height) | Max 125 sq ft (single-face) or 250 sq ft (multi-face) per sign | — |
| B-1 Neighborhood Business District; B-2 Community Business District; B-3 Business District | 20 | Max 25 ft above adjacent grade; mansard-mounted signs not more than 12 ft above adjacent grade; may not extend above roofline | Max 375 sq ft (single-face) or 750 sq ft (multi-face) per sign | — |
| B-4 Business District | 5 | Max 25 ft above adjacent grade; mansard-mounted not more than 12 ft; may not extend above roofline | Up to 200 sq ft per sign; total ≤ 3 sq ft/lf of building front | — |
| M-1 Manufacturing District; M-2 Manufacturing District | 5 | Max 25 ft above adjacent grade | Up to 200 sq ft per sign; total ≤ 3 sq ft/lf of building front | — |
| F-P Forest Preserve District | 4 | Village Board sets height; at Primary District Facility Sites ≤ 20 ft | Village Board sets size through special use review; for designated Primary District Facility Sites: max 325 sq ft per face; EMC panel ≤ 200 sq ft per side | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Hoffman Estates(sample of 3 of 18 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parking Lot Entrance/Exit Sign | - Typical: 5 ft - If 200 ft or more from any property line: 6 ft | - Typical: 5 sq ft (single-face) or 10 sq ft (multi-face) per sign - If 200 ft or more from any property line: 25 sq ft (single-face) or 50 sq ft (multi-face) | — | Minimum 10 ft from any property line (typical); distance-based category of larger signs has no explicit setback change but must still be on private property and meet height rules. | Max 1 per entrance/exit | At each parking lot entrance/exit | — | Unlock | Sec. 9-3-8-L-2-a |
| Official/Corporate Flags | Pole height limits by related building height: - Single-family structures: max pole 20 ft - 0–25 ft building: 30 ft pole - 25.1–50 ft: 35 ft pole - 50.1–75 ft: 40 ft pole - 75.1 ft or higher: 50 ft pole | Lower flag limit as above (≤ 1/2 of upper flag area or 15 sq ft, whichever less) | — | — | Max 1 pole per lot (except up to 4 poles in O-2, O-3, O-4, O-5, B-3, B-4, and M-2); max 2 flags per pole | On poles exclusively designed for flags; on private property | — | Unlock | Sec. 9-3-8-L-1(a)–(i) |
| Governmental Community Information Sign (Special Use) | Village Board sets height through special use review; at Primary District Facility Sites: ≤ 20 ft | Village Board sets size through special use review. For designated Primary District Facility Sites: max 325 sq ft per face; EMC panel ≤ 200 sq ft per side. | — | Village Board establishes via special use; at Primary District Facility Sites: general setback not specified except landscape base required | One per property (as described) | On property owned/operated by Village, township, park district, or public library with elected board; allowed in all districts by special use | — | Unlock | Sec. 9-3-8-L-8(a)–(c) |
| Temporary Special Event Sign (Residential Districts incl. A-1 and RPD, excluding single-/two-family lots) | Max 10 ft | Max 32 sq ft total surface area | — | — | One per permit/event | Within any R District, A-1 District or RPD District (excluding commercial uses) | — | Unlock | Sec. 9-3-8-K-5-b(1)–(6) |
| Temporary Special Event Sign (Commercial Districts: R-9 F-2 subzone and all B Districts) – Grand Opening | Max 10 ft | Total of all signs: max 75 sq ft | — | — | Max 2 | On the subject development | — | Unlock | Sec. 9-3-8-K-5-c(1)(a)–(e) |
| Temporary Special Event Sign (Commercial Districts – Automobile Sales, annual permit) | Max 10 ft | Per frontage: one ground and one wall banner allowed; no one sign > 75 sq ft; total for all signs ≤ 150 sq ft | — | — | One freestanding and one wall per public street frontage | Automobile sales establishments in B Districts | — | Unlock | Sec. 9-3-8-K-5-c(2)(a)–(b) |
| Temporary Construction Business Signs (Major Road Projects) – Individual Lots | - Freestanding temporary: ≤ 10 ft - A-frame: ≤ 3 ft | - Banner: ≤ 150 sq ft - Freestanding temporary: ≤ 32 sq ft - A-frame: ≤ 9 sq ft (3 ft x 3 ft) | A-frame: ≤ 3 ft | — | As specified per frontage/driveway | Within property lines of commercial lot inside designated major road construction project limits | — | Unlock | Sec. 9-3-8-K-7-a,c–g |
| Temporary Construction Business Signs (Shopping Centers with Management) | Freestanding center-wide: ≤ 10 ft; A-frame ≤ 3 ft | - Banner per business per street frontage: ≤ 150 sq ft - Center-wide freestanding: ≤ 150 sq ft - A-frame: ≤ 9 sq ft (3 ft x 3 ft) | A-frame ≤ 3 ft | — | As specified per business/frontage/driveway | Within property lines of the shopping center lot | — | Unlock | Sec. 9-3-8-K-7-b–g |
RPD Residential Planned Development 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Identification Sign (Attached/Multiple Dwelling Complex) | Max 10 ft | Max 75 sq ft (single-face) or 150 sq ft (multi-face) | — | Minimum 20 ft from any property line | One permanent ground sign per complex | At complex identifying the development as a whole | — | Unlock | Sec. 9-3-8-M-4-b |
| Shopping Center – Freestanding or Ground Identification Sign (RPD Commercial Areas) | Max 20 ft | Max 125 sq ft (single-face) or 250 sq ft (multi-face) | — | ≥ 10 ft property line; ≥ 5 ft interior roadway/walkway | One per center | At shopping center within RPD | — | Unlock | Sec. 9-3-8-M-10-a(3) as applied by Sec. 9-3-8-M-4-c |
| Shopping Center – Tenant Wall or Permanent Awning Sign (RPD Commercial Areas) | Max 25 ft above adjacent grade; mansard-mounted signs located not more than 12 ft above adjacent grade; may not extend above roofline | Up to 200 sq ft per sign; total ≤ 3 sq ft/lf of building front | — | — | Max two (one per eligible wall), subject to combined area cap | On tenant storefront walls facing a public street and/or parking area | — | Unlock | Sec. 9-3-8-M-10-a(4) as applied by Sec. 9-3-8-M-4-c |
| Shopping Center – Under-Canopy/Marquee Sign (Per Entrance) | Maintain ≥ 8 ft clearance above walkway | 5 sq ft (single-face) or 10 sq ft (multi-face) | — | — | One per entrance | Under canopy/marquee at each entrance | — | Unlock | Sec. 9-3-8-M-10-a(5) as applied by Sec. 9-3-8-M-4-c |
| Automobile Service Station – Wall Sign | Max 25 ft above adjacent grade; mansard-mounted ≤ 12 ft above grade | Up to 200 sq ft per building (subject to formula) | — | — | One per building (with provisions for second on eligible wall) | On service station building | — | Unlock | Sec. 9-3-8-M-10-c(3) as applied by Sec. 9-3-8-M-4-d |
| Automobile Service Station – Freestanding or Ground Sign | Max 20 ft | Max 100 sq ft (single-face) or 200 sq ft (multi-face); may include electronic fuel price display | — | ≥ 10 ft property line; ≥ 5 ft interior roadway/walkway | One | On station premises | — | Unlock | Sec. 9-3-8-M-10-c(4) as applied by Sec. 9-3-8-M-4-d |
| Other Commercial Uses – Freestanding or Ground Sign (RPD Commercial Areas) | Max 20 ft | Max 100 sq ft (single-face) or 200 sq ft (multi-face) | — | ≥ 10 ft property line; ≥ 5 ft interior roadway/walkway | One | On individual commercial lot within RPD (not shopping center outlots or auto uses) | — | Unlock | Sec. 9-3-8-M-10-d(4) as applied by Sec. 9-3-8-M-4-e |
| Other Signs Permitted on All Commercial Lots within RPD – Off-site Real Property Directional (on unimproved property) | Max 10 ft | Max 50 sq ft (single-face) or 100 sq ft (multi-face) | — | ≥ 10 ft from any property line; ≥ 100 ft separation between such signs | One per development | On unimproved property within the Village, directing public to real property for sale/lease elsewhere in the Village | — | Unlock | Sec. 9-3-8-M-10-e(3) |
B-1 Neighborhood Business District; B-2 Community Business District; B-3 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shopping Center – Freestanding or Ground Identification Sign | Max 20 ft | Max 125 sq ft (single-face) or 250 sq ft (multi-face) | — | ≥ 10 ft property line; ≥ 5 ft interior roadway/walkway | One per center | At shopping center | — | Unlock | Sec. 9-3-8-M-10-a(3) |
| Shopping Center – Tenant Wall or Permanent Awning Sign | Max 25 ft above adjacent grade; mansard-mounted signs not more than 12 ft above adjacent grade; may not extend above roofline | Up to 200 sq ft per sign; total ≤ 3 sq ft/lf of building front | — | — | Max two (one per eligible wall), subject to combined area cap | On tenant storefront walls facing a public street and/or parking area | — | Unlock | Sec. 9-3-8-M-10-a(4) |
| Automobile Dealership – Freestanding or Ground Sign | Max 20 ft | Max 125 sq ft (single-face) or 250 sq ft (multi-face) | — | ≥ 10 ft property line; ≥ 5 ft interior roadway/walkway | One | At dealership site | — | Unlock | Sec. 9-3-8-M-10-b(4) |
| Automobile Service Station – Full Sign Package | Freestanding up to 20 ft; others per wall/canopy standards | See RPD automobile service station entries for detailed individual caps (identical in B Districts) | — | Freestanding: ≥ 10 ft property line; ≥ 5 ft interior roadway/walkway; others per element | Per element limits | On service station premises | — | Unlock | Sec. 9-3-8-M-10-c(3)–(11) |
| Other Business Uses – Freestanding or Ground Sign | Max 20 ft | Max 100 sq ft (single-face) or 200 sq ft (multi-face) | — | ≥ 10 ft property line; ≥ 5 ft interior roadway/walkway | One | On individual lot | — | Unlock | Sec. 9-3-8-M-10-d(4) |
| Other Signs Permitted on All Business Lots – Off-site Real Property Directional (on unimproved property) | Max 10 ft | Max 50 sq ft (single-face) or 100 sq ft (multi-face) | — | ≥ 10 ft from any property line; ≥ 100 ft separation between such signs | One per development | On unimproved property within the Village, directing public to real property for sale/lease elsewhere in the Village | — | Unlock | Sec. 9-3-8-M-10-e(3) |
| Business Subdivision Identification Sign (Special Use) – B-2/B-3 | Max 20 ft (with minimum 8-ft ground clearance if sign exceeds 8 ft in height) | Max 125 sq ft (single-face) or 250 sq ft (multi-face) per sign | — | ≥ 10 ft from any property line | Max two per subdivision | On a property created under single plat; max two per subdivision | — | Unlock | Sec. 9-3-8-L-3(a)–(b) |
| Business Subdivision Identification Sign – Tollway-Oriented (Special Use) | Max 20 ft | Max 375 sq ft (single-face) or 750 sq ft (multi-face) per sign | — | ≥ 10 ft from Tollway; ≥ 50 ft from other property lines | One per qualifying subdivision | At one point along the Illinois Tollway on a qualifying nonresidential subdivision of ≥ 30 acres | — | Unlock | Sec. 9-3-8-L-3(c) |
PermitPal covers all 18 zoning districts in Hoffman Estates — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 18 zones for Hoffman Estates — start freeProhibited Signs in Hoffman Estates
- No sign, billboard, or advertising device may be erected, constructed, relocated, structurally or graphically altered, or maintained without a Village sign permit, except exempt signs and ordinary maintenance that does not change surface area, height, or copy (Sec. 9-3-8-A-1).
- Only those signs specifically permitted by the Code are allowed; no others (Sec. 9-3-8-M).
- Signs on or over public property are prohibited (Sec. 9-3-8-C-1).
- Signs attached, affixed, or painted on chimneys, antennas or satellite dishes, fences or fence-type walls, benches, fence posts, trash receptacles, utility poles or boxes, storage sheds, bus shelters, or other accessory structures are prohibited, except where expressly allowed (Sec. 9-3-8-C-2).
- Roof signs are prohibited except where specifically provided (Sec. 9-3-8-C-3).
- Signs attached to or painted on trees, other living vegetation, landscaping, or natural materials are prohibited (Sec. 9-3-8-C-4).
- Portable signs are prohibited (Sec. 9-3-8-C-5).
- Vehicle- or trailer-mounted advertising signs on parked vehicles/trailers visible from the right-of-way are prohibited when used to advertise a product or direct the public, except windshield/window signs on vehicles in automobile dealership lots (Sec. 9-3-8-C-6).
- Revolving, rotating, intermittent, moving, or flashing signs/devices are prohibited, except as allowed for window signs, stationary time/temperature signs in Business/Office/Manufacturing districts, and beacon light signs (Sec. 9-3-8-C-7).
- "A" frame or sandwich board signs are prohibited (Sec. 9-3-8-C-8).
- Signs that imitate traffic control devices (e.g., arrows, “stop,” “danger”) are prohibited (Sec. 9-3-8-C-9).
- Tent and umbrella signs are prohibited, except as permitted in conjunction with an approved special event (Sec. 9-3-8-C-10).
- Signs that obstruct traffic sight lines, traffic control signals, or public signs at intersections or railroad crossings are prohibited (Sec. 9-3-8-C-11).
- Exposed exterior neon tubing and exposed light bulbs are prohibited, except exterior strings of lights in residential districts for traditional civic/patriotic/religious holidays (Sec. 9-3-8-C-12).
- Banner signs are prohibited except as provided in Temporary Signs and Other Special Provision Signs (Sec. 9-3-8-C-13).
- Pennant signs are prohibited (Sec. 9-3-8-C-14).
- Advertising flags are prohibited (Sec. 9-3-8-C-15).
- Balloons and inflatable signs are prohibited (Sec. 9-3-8-C-16).
- Signs on light poles are prohibited except as provided in Other Special Provision Signs (Sec. 9-3-8-C-17).
- Off-site signage is prohibited unless otherwise provided in the Code (Sec. 9-3-8-C-18).
- Signs emitting sound, odor, or visible matter, or containing obscene/pornographic/immoral content are prohibited (Sec. 9-3-8-C-19).
- Signs advertising businesses in a Residential Zoning District/development are prohibited (Sec. 9-3-8-C-20).
- Illuminated backlighted canopies are prohibited (Sec. 9-3-8-C-21).
- Electronic message center signs are prohibited except as expressly allowed (window signs per Sec. 9-3-8-B-9; automobile service station fuel price displays per Sec. 9-3-8-M-10-c; Governmental Community Information Signs per Sec. 9-3-8-L-8) (Sec. 9-3-8-C-22).
- Signage attached to automotive fuel pump handles or hoses is prohibited (Sec. 9-3-8-C-23).
- Signage attached to or displayed from trash receptacles, washer fluid bins, towel dispensers and similar items is prohibited (Sec. 9-3-8-C-24).
- No sign may be erected within 8 feet of any electrical power or communication line, conductor, or service drop (Sec. 9-3-8-I-2).
- Signs must maintain clearance and not interfere with surface/underground utilities or natural/artificial drainage (Sec. 9-3-8-I-3).
- Illuminated signs may not cause glare onto streets or adjacent property; illumination must be directed to the sign face (Sec. 9-3-8-F-3).
- Any illuminated sign within 300 feet of a residence may not be operated between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., except wall signs for businesses open during those hours (Sec. 9-3-8-F-4).
Exempt Signs in Hoffman Estates
- Name plates up to 2 sq ft indicating the name of the occupant; one per building or dwelling unit (Sec. 9-3-8-B-1).
- Address signs up to 2 sq ft indicating the legal address (Sec. 9-3-8-B-2).
- Real estate For Sale/For Rent/Sold signs: max 6 sq ft single-face or 12 sq ft multi-face; on the property being sold/leased; allowed while for sale/lease and up to 3 weeks after closing/lease; one per building/dwelling unit or lot per street frontage; max two per zoning lot (Sec. 9-3-8-B-3).
- Plaques/memorial signs/tablets, building names and dates cut into masonry or made of bronze/other non-combustible material (Sec. 9-3-8-B-4).
- Public and traffic control signs required/authorized by law (traffic/municipal signs, legal notices, RR crossing, warning/danger/temporary emergency signs) (Sec. 9-3-8-B-5).
- Bulletin boards for charitable or religious institutions on-premises, up to 15 sq ft (Sec. 9-3-8-B-6).
- Occupational signs denoting only the name and profession of an occupant in a commercial or public institutional building, up to 2 sq ft (Sec. 9-3-8-B-7).
- Directional or instructional signs up to 4 sq ft providing service/direction/courtesy info; no advertising/logos/promotional content; may identify facilities like entrances, self-service, restrooms, hours, credit cards; may be illuminated; excludes parking area accessory signs covered in Sec. 9-3-8-L-2 (Sec. 9-3-8-B-8).
- Window signs located entirely inside the building; total window sign area up to 50% of first-floor window area; illuminated window signs limited to 10% of first-floor window area; no window signs above first floor; neon tubing along a window perimeter counts entire window as sign; LED electronic message center window signs allowed only in B-2 subject to restrictions (quantity, brightness, change rate/type, exclusivity of other window signs, special use if over 50 sq ft, and permit required) (Sec. 9-3-8-B-9).
- Private regulatory signs (e.g., no trespassing/dumping/parking/towing): in residential districts up to 2 sq ft single-face or 4 sq ft multi-face, max 2 per zoning lot; in non-residential districts up to 4 sq ft single-face or 8 sq ft multi-face, max 4 per zoning lot; no advertising/logos/promotional content; Director of Code Enforcement may authorize additional if warranted (Sec. 9-3-8-B-10).
- Service entrance wall sign: one per individual unit; up to 2 sq ft; not illuminated; located adjacent to the service entrance; limited to tenant name, address numerals, delivery instructions (Sec. 9-3-8-B-11).
- Vending machine/ice/ATM signs: permanent, non-flashing, limited to original machine signage relating to contents/pricing/directional or instructional info; may be illuminated only on the front; logos/names treated as permitted sign (Sec. 9-3-8-B-12).
- Garage/yard sale signs: up to 4 sq ft single-face or 8 sq ft multi-face; one per lot per street frontage (max 2 per zoning lot); max 5 ft tall; displayed no more than 4 consecutive days; prohibited in public right-of-way, other public property, or off-premises (Sec. 9-3-8-B-13).
- Political campaign signs: max 32 sq ft single-face or 64 sq ft multi-face; on non-residential private property may be erected not more than 60 days before an election and must be removed within 70 days after; on residential private property may be displayed at any time (Sec. 9-3-8-B-14).
- Cook County Forest Preserve District signs on F-P zoned land (Sec. 9-3-8-B-15).
Sign Permit Fees & Timelines in Hoffman Estates
| Item | Details | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | Tiered fee — full schedule with a free account | cite: 9, 14 |
| Standard Review | approximately 21 days (starts when resubmittal of plans for development review) | cite: 6 |
| See all Hoffman Estates sign permit fees & timelines — start free | ||
Source: municode municipal code