Sign Regulations in Lombard, Illinois
Lombard, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 146 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Changeable Copy Sign (Automatic). 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 Lombard, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Lombard
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Changeable Copy Sign (Automatic) | — | 16 sq. ft. | — |
| Awnings and Canopy Signs | — | — | No extension beyond two feet inside the curb line. |
| Building Directory Sign | — | 6 sq. ft. | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for LombardFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
146
- Wall Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- Changeable Copy Sign (Automatic)
- Changeable Copy Sign (Manual)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
10
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Lombard
Other Cities in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Lombard 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 Lombard, 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 Lombard, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Changeable Copy Sign (Automatic), Changeable Copy Sign (Manual), 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 Lombard 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 Lombard are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Lombard has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Lombard, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Lombard, Illinois regulates 146 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Shopping Center Identification Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 35 ft. (primary); 20 ft. (second) tall and 150 sq. ft. (primary); 75 sq. ft. (second on same frontage), with a 5' min. from property line setback (Sec. 153.235). Most commercial signs in Lombard require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Lombard, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Lombard (10 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 29 | 35 ft. (primary); 20 ft. (second) | 150 sq. ft. (primary); 75 sq. ft. (second on same frontage) | — |
| Conservation/Recreation District (C/R) | 12 | 10 ft. | 200 sq. ft. per frontage | — |
| Residential Districts (R-0, R-1, R-2, R-4, R-5, R-6) | 14 | 6 ft. (freestanding); wall sign not above roof/eave | 32 sq. ft. | — |
| Office District (O) | 11 | 6 ft. | 100 sq. ft. | — |
| B1 Neighborhood Shopping District (B-1), B2 Neighborhood Shopping District (B-2) | 14 | 15 ft. | 100 sq. ft. (per single awning/canopy sign) | — |
| B3 Community Shopping District (B-3), B4 Corridor Shopping District (B-4), B4A Corridor Shopping District (B-4A) | 23 | 35 ft. (primary), 20 ft. (second/extra) | 400 sq. ft. | — |
| B5 Central Business District (B-5) | 15 | 6 ft. | 100 sq. ft. | — |
| B5A Downtown Perimeter District (B-5A) | 16 | 15 ft. | 100 sq. ft. | — |
| Limited Industrial District (I) | 11 | 25 ft. | 125 sq. ft. | — |
| State or Federal Rights-of-Way (Off-premises sign areas) | 1 | 25 ft. | 125 sq. ft. | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Lombard(sample of 3 of 10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building Directory Sign | — | 6 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per entrance | Exterior wall adjacent to street-level entrance of non-street level establishments. | — | Unlock | 153.212 |
| Development Sign | — | 9 sq. ft. (dwellings <1 acre); 32 sq. ft. (all others) | — | — | 1 per street exposure | Private property with owner consent; not in right-of-way/clear line of sight area. | — | Unlock | 153.215 |
| Informational Sign | 4 ft. | 6 sq. ft. | — | — | — | Ingress/egress (major), not on residential lots <1 acre. No conflict with driver vision. | — | Unlock | 153.218 |
| Institutional Sign | 6 ft. (freestanding); wall sign not above roof/eave | 32 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 freestanding and 1 wall per street frontage | On premises of tax exempt or permitted institution/by conditional use. | — | Unlock | 153.219 |
| Residential Subdivision Sign | 4 ft. | 32 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per entrance | 1 per major entrance | — | Unlock | 153.232 |
| Sandwich Board Sign | 4 ft. (6 ft. including balloon) | 10 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per establishment/right-of-way | Within 10' of establishment or outdoor area; not in clear line of sight area; min 1' from curb; min 4' clear sidewalk. | — | Unlock | 153.234 |
| Shopping Center Identification Sign | 35 ft. (primary); 20 ft. (second) | 150 sq. ft. (primary); 75 sq. ft. (second on same frontage) | — | 5' min. from property line | max 2 per street frontage if >10 acres and >1,500' frontage | 1 per street abutting property; 250' apart min. 2 per street if >1,500' frontage. | — | Unlock | 153.235 |
| Valet Parking Sign | — | 16 sq. ft. | — | Not more than 4' from curb (public ROW); not on pavement. | Up to 2 per loading area. | Within loading zone; up to two at loading area, others at ingress/egress if not hazard. | — | Unlock | 153.241 |
B3 Community Shopping District (B-3), B4 Corridor Shopping District (B-4), B4A Corridor Shopping District (B-4A)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic Changeable Copy Sign (B3/B4/B4A) | — | 16 sq. ft. | — | — | — | Non-residential on arterial frontages. | — | Unlock | 153.505(B)(3), 153.210 |
| Freestanding Sign (Standard, State ROW <200') | 20 ft. | 50 sq. ft. | — | 5' min from ROW | 1 per parcel | Site w/ min 4 parking spaces; 1 per parcel; 100' apart; 5' setback min from ROW. | — | Unlock | 153.505(B)(6), Table: 153.505(B)(6)(b) |
| Freestanding Sign (State ROW ≥200') | 25 ft. | 125 sq. ft. | — | 5' from ROW | 1 per parcel | Site w/ min 4 parking spaces; 1 per parcel. | — | Unlock | 153.505(B)(6), Table: 153.505(B)(6)(b) |
| Freestanding Sign (150'+ Frontage, State ROW <200') | 20 ft. | 100 sq. ft. | — | 5' from ROW | 1 per parcel | Parcels w/ >150' frontage. | — | Unlock | 153.505(B)(6), Table: 153.505(B)(6)(b) |
| Freestanding Sign (All other ROW) | 20 ft. | 50 sq. ft. | — | 5' from ROW | 1 per parcel | Site w/ min 4 parking spaces. | — | Unlock | 153.505(B)(6), Table: 153.505(B)(6)(b) |
| Off-premises Sign (B3/B4/B4A) | 25 ft. | 125 sq. ft. | — | Meets min. district yards; 100' from residential. | 1 per zoning lot | Adjacent to state/federal rights-of-way in B3/B4/B4A. | — | Unlock | 153.505(B)(10), 153.226 |
| Sandwich Board Sign (B3/B4/B4A) | 4 ft. | 10 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per business, or per abutting ROW | Within 10' of business/outdoor area. | — | Unlock | 153.505(B)(13), 153.234 |
| Shopping Center Identification Sign (B3/B4/B4A) | 35 ft. (primary), 20 ft. (second/extra) | 150 sq. ft. (primary), 75 sq. ft. (second/extra) | — | 5' min. from property line | Max 2 per street frontage (see above) | ≥250' apart; max 2 per street frontage if >10 acres and >1,500' frontage. | — | Unlock | 153.505(B)(14), 153.235 |
B5A Downtown Perimeter District (B-5A)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building Directory Sign (B5A) | — | 6 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per non-street level entrance | Exterior wall near entrance | — | Unlock | 153.507(B)(4), 153.212 |
| Freestanding Sign (B5A, Standard) | 6 ft. | 20 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per parcel | Site with min 4 parking spaces and car access | — | Unlock | 153.507(B)(6)(b), 153.216 |
| Freestanding Sign (B5A, Building Setback 30'+) | 15 ft. | 30 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per parcel | Principal structure set back at least 30' from property line. | — | Unlock | 153.507(B)(6)(b-ii) |
| Informational Sign (B5A) | 4 ft. | 6 sq. ft. | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 153.507(B)(7), 153.218 |
| Institutional Sign (B5A) | 6 ft. (freestanding); wall sign not above roof/eave | 32 sq. ft. | — | — | — | On premises of qualifying institution/conditional use. | — | Unlock | 153.507(B)(8), 153.219 |
| Motor Fuel Rate Sign (B5A) | — | 9 sq. ft. | — | — | — | As part of wall/freestanding sign. | — | Unlock | 153.507(B)(10), 153.223 |
| Rear Service Door Sign (B5A) | — | 12" x 24" | — | — | — | Centered on/adjacent to rear door | — | Unlock | 153.507(B)(13), 153.230 |
| Sandwich Board Sign (B5A) | 4 ft. (6 ft. with balloon) | 10 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per establishment/right-of-way | Within 10' of business/outdoor area. | — | Unlock | 153.507(B)(14), 153.234 |
PermitPal covers all 10 zoning districts in Lombard — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 10 zones for Lombard — start freeProhibited Signs in Lombard
- It is unlawful for any person to erect, construct, alter or relocate any sign within the village without first obtaining a permit from the Director and paying the fee required, unless said sign is specifically exempt from such requirements by provisions of this ordinance.
- The following named signs are prohibited: Abandoned signs, Flashing signs, Moving signs, Portable signs, Roof signs (except inflatables), Vehicle signs (including trailer mounted signs), Signs painted directly on walls, Balloon signs in which the string or rope length is greater than two feet, Any sign or sign structure which by reason of size, location, content, coloring, or manner of illumination, obstructs the vision of drivers, or obstructs or detracts from the visibility or effectiveness of any traffic control device, Any sign or sign structure which by reason of size, location, content, coloring, or manner of illumination, obstructs free access to or egress from, or obscures the visibility of a fire escape, door, window, or other required exit, Any sign or sign structure which by reason of size, location, content, coloring, or manner of illumination, constitutes a hazard to public health or safety.
- No signs shall be located in the clear line of sight area, as defined and regulated within the Lombard Zoning Ordinance.
- No awning or canopy sign may be displayed in conjunction with a wall sign.
- No projecting sign may be displayed in conjunction with a wall, awning, or canopy sign.
- No wall sign may be displayed in conjunction with an awning, canopy, or projecting sign.
- For any sign projecting over a public right-of-way, liability insurance or an indemnity bond must be maintained or the permit shall be revoked.
- No temporary signs shall be located in or on the public right of way, sidewalk or other public thoroughfare. No temporary signs shall be located in the clear line of sight area.
- No other temporary sign shall be displayed concurrently or attached to an inflatable sign or feather sign, and their supports.
- Signs must not be installed or placed prior to receipt of a permit where a permit is required; penalties apply for noncompliance.
- Signs having special, historical, aesthetic or architectural significance are exempt only if a formal declaration and process is followed; such signs cannot otherwise violate general restrictions.
Exempt Signs in Lombard
- Signs not intended to be viewed from public right-of-way, window displays, window signs, product dispensers and point of purchase displays, scoreboards on athletic fields, flags, gravestones, barber poles, religious symbols, commemorative plaques, the display of street numbers, or any display or construction not defined herein as a sign are outside the scope of this Chapter.
- The following types of signs are not subject to a fee when obtaining a permit unless the sign is illuminated: Institutional signs, Memorial signs, Rear service door signs, Noncommercial signs.
- The following signs do not require a permit unless the sign is illuminated (but must still meet any requirements of the Chapter): Residential directional signs, Noncommercial signs 16 square feet or less in area, Window displays, Rummage or garage sale signs, Nameplates, Real estate signs for single family residences, Flags, Holiday decorations, Motor fuel promotional signs, Traffic control signs, Sponsor signage, Balloon signs, Window signs.
- Maintenance or changing of parts designed for changes shall not be considered an alteration, provided such change does not alter the surface area, height or otherwise make the sign nonconforming.
- Maintenance and incidental repair or changing of parts designed for changes that do not require a permit are permitted for nonconforming signs.
- Signs having special, historical, aesthetic or architectural significance, whose preservation is declared by resolution after a public hearing and Historic Preservation Commission determination, are exempt from the provisions of this Chapter.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Lombard
- There is no explicit mention of a 'master sign plan' or similar requirement in the ordinance text provided.
- Permit application and plans must be reviewed and approved by the Director of Community Development prior to permit issuance for any sign where a permit is required.
- Requests for variations (i.e., deviation from the sign code) must be reviewed in a public hearing by the Zoning Board of Appeals or Plan Commission, as applicable.
- Sign code compliance reviews and permit application reviews are part of administrative functions outlined in the ordinance.
Source: municode municipal code