Sign Regulations in Joliet, Illinois
Joliet, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 13 sign types across 2 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Ground Signboard, Roof Signboard, Wall Bulletin. 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 Joliet, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Joliet
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Signboard | 15 feet if constructed entirely of wood; 24 feet if facing is entirely sheet metal | — | Not closer to street line than the building line |
| Roof Signboard | 31 feet above roof level if solid surface; 75 feet above roof level for non-solid surface on fireproof buildings (35% wind facing area); 50 feet above roof level for non-solid surface on nonfireproof buildings | — | Setback at least 3 feet from face of any front or rear wall |
| Wall Bulletin | — | — | May not extend beyond building line more than 10 inches |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
13
- Ground Signboard
- Roof Signboard
- Wall Bulletin
- Commercial Sign - Projecting
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
2
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Joliet
Other Cities in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Joliet 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 Joliet, 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 Joliet, regulated sign types include Ground Signboard, Roof Signboard, Wall Bulletin, Commercial Sign - Projecting, 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 Joliet 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 Joliet are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Joliet has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Joliet, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Joliet, Illinois regulates 13 sign types across 2 zoning districts. Ground Signboards in the Residential District zoning district are capped at 15 feet if constructed entirely of wood; 24 feet if facing is entirely sheet metal tall, with a Not closer to street line than the building line setback (Sec. Sec. 8-407; Sec. 8-408; Sec. 8-412; Sec. 8-366). Most commercial signs in Joliet require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Joliet, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Joliet (2 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential District | 1 | 15 feet if constructed entirely of wood; 24 feet if facing is entirely sheet metal | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 13 | 31 feet above roof level if solid surface; 75 feet above roof level for non-solid surface on fireproof buildings (35% wind facing area); 50 feet above roof level for non-solid surface on nonfireproof buildings | 60 square feet in total area and not more than 10 feet in any one dimension | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Joliet
Residential 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 Signboard | 15 feet if constructed entirely of wood; 24 feet if facing is entirely sheet metal | — | — | Not closer to street line than the building line | — | May not be erected closer to the street line than the building line of other buildings in the same block | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-407; Sec. 8-408; Sec. 8-412; Sec. 8-366 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Signboard | 15 feet if constructed entirely of wood; 24 feet if facing is entirely sheet metal | — | — | — | — | Supported by uprights or braces placed upon the ground and not attached to any part of any building | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-407; 8-408; 8-409; 8-410; 8-366; 8-375; 8-364; 8-373 |
| Roof Signboard | 31 feet above roof level if solid surface; 75 feet above roof level for non-solid surface on fireproof buildings (35% wind facing area); 50 feet above roof level for non-solid surface on nonfireproof buildings | — | — | Setback at least 3 feet from face of any front or rear wall | — | Not to project beyond any edge of the roof in any direction; must leave clear space of not less than 30 inches between roof level and lowest part of structure and at least 5 feet between vertical supports; must be at least 3 feet from face of any front or rear wall | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-417; 8-418; 8-419; 8-420; 8-366; 8-374 |
| Wall Bulletin | — | — | — | May not extend beyond building line more than 10 inches | — | Front, rear, or side wall of any building; must not extend beyond building line more than 10 inches | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-427; 8-428; 8-429; 8-366; 8-373 |
| Temporary Sign | — | 60 square feet in total area and not more than 10 feet in any one dimension | 10 feet (in any dimension) | — | Maximum three per parcel at one time | Must be outside public right-of-way and any clear vision triangle; not over or into any street, alley, sidewalk, or other public thoroughfare | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-473; 8-475; 8-476 |
| Feather Sign | — | 32 square feet | — | — | 1 per 40 linear feet (max 3 for strip-center), maximum three at any one time | Must be outside right-of-way and clear vision triangle. | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-474; 8-475; 8-476 |
| Banner | — | 60 square feet in total area and not more than 10 feet in any one dimension | 10 feet (in any one dimension) | — | Maximum three per parcel at one time; business logo banners: max 6 per site | Must be outside public right-of-way and any clear vision triangle | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-472 (Banner, Business logo banner); 8-473 |
| Canopy | — | — | — | Not within 2 feet of curb line, min 8 ft above sidewalk | — | Extending from a building over a public way and attached to a sidewalk | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-457 – 8-464 |
| Marquee | — | — | — | Lowest part min 12 ft above sidewalk, not within 2 ft of curb line | — | Permanent canopy of metal, glass or plastic attached over a public way | — | Unlock | Sec. 8-457 – 8-464 |
Run a code check for your exact address to get the zone that applies to your property, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Joliet — with a free PermitPal account.
Run a code check for your exact address — freeProhibited Signs in Joliet
- It is unlawful to post or affix, paint or impose any advertisement, sign or notice of any kind on any curbstone, sidewalk, street surface, trees, tree box, lamppost, telephone, telegraph or electric light pole, hydrant, bridge, road or railroad elevation, structure or retaining walls, or on any building, structure or retaining wall without the consent of the owner.
- No sign shall be posted in any place where it can be seen from public places that contains pictures, illustrations, or language of an obscene or immoral character.
- Signs shall not obstruct or be attached to any part of a fire escape.
- Galvanized steel chain must be used for the supports or guys of signs regulated by this article; cable or wire for supports or guys is prohibited.
- Ornamental or plain glass shall not be permitted to be hung over any public way within the city.
- No glass sign over public way is permitted.
- No marquee shall be constructed over any public way or public place at less than twelve (12) feet above the sidewalk or within two (2) feet of the curb line; canopies framework must not be less than eight (8) feet above the sidewalk and not within two (2) feet of the curb.
- No canopy or marquee may have attached any illuminated or other sign, transparency, placard, streamer or other advertising matter or device of any kind except the name of the business establishment.
- No temporary sign or banner shall be erected so as to extend over or into any street, alley, sidewalk, or other public thoroughfare.
- No temporary sign or banner shall be erected so as to project over any wall opening or prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window, or fire escape.
- No feather sign shall be erected or installed except pursuant to a permit issued by the building inspection division.
- Right-of-way temporary signs are prohibited except for public utility or governmental essential service signs.
- Temporary roof-mounted signs are a prohibited sign type.
- Prohibited sign includes, but is not limited to, roof-mounted signs, signs posted on utility poles or light poles, pennants and streamers, signs posted on unapproved supports, whirly-gigs, rotating and wind-dance air puppet signs.
Exempt Signs in Joliet
- Advertising painted upon the front, side or rear surface of building walls, or ground signboards not erected within sixteen (16) feet of any building, structure or public sidewalk, are exempt from this article unless otherwise specified.
- The posting of legal notices required by city, county, or state law, posted in the manner and place prescribed by law, are exempt.
- This division (temporary signs) does not apply to civic flags, political signs, directional signs, or 501(c)(3) signs, as long as they are not located in the public right-of-way or on public property.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Joliet
- For signs weighing between two hundred fifty (250) pounds and three hundred fifty (350) pounds, detailed plans must be submitted with the application for action by the building inspector.
- For signs weighing more than three hundred fifty (350) pounds, detailed plans and specifications must be submitted and approved individually by the building inspector.
- Permit applications for temporary signs, feather signs, or banners must include a drawing/site plan sufficient to indicate the proposed location and number of signs and their size on the subject real property.
- No explicit mention of a master sign plan requirement was found, but certain sign types and heavier signs require plan or site plan submission.
Source: municode municipal code