Sign Regulations in Machesney Park, Illinois
Machesney Park, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 24 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign - Address Numbers, Nameplate/Identification Sign (Single-Family Use). 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 Machesney Park, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Machesney Park
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | 6 feet above roof line | — | — |
| Real Estate Sign | — | 32 square feet | Not closer than 8 feet to another zoning lot. |
| Directional Sign | — | 5 square feet (general); 24 square feet (parking facilities) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
24
- Wall Sign
- Freestanding Sign - Address Numbers
- Nameplate/Identification Sign (Single-Family Use)
- Identification Sign (Non-Residential Use)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Machesney Park
Other Cities in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
In Machesney Park, wall signs can be up to 6 feet above roof line. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Machesney Park, 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 Machesney Park, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign - Address Numbers, Nameplate/Identification Sign (Single-Family Use), Identification Sign (Non-Residential Use), 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 Machesney Park 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 Machesney Park are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Machesney Park has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Machesney Park, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Machesney Park, Illinois regulates 24 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Real Estate Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 32 square feet, with a Not closer than 8 feet to another zoning lot. setback (Sec. Sec. Z-75(10)). Most commercial signs in Machesney Park require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Machesney Park, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Machesney Park (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 9 | 6 feet above roof line | 100 square feet (electronic portion only) | — |
| Agricultural district | 4 | One story or 15 feet, whichever is lower | 64 square feet | — |
| Residential districts | 5 | One story or 20 feet above grade (whichever is lower), Nonresidential use; 5 feet above grade max for residential use | 64 square feet | — |
| Office district (OF district) | 4 | 10 feet | 200 square feet (aggregate per lot) | — |
| Commercial districts | 6 | 15 feet | 100 square feet | — |
| Industrial districts | 5 | 50 feet | 680 square feet | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Machesney Park(sample of 3 of 6 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 | 6 feet above roof line | — | — | — | — | Attached to wall of building; must not extend more than 6 feet above roof line. | — | Unlock | Sec. Z-73(1)-(13) |
| Temporary Special Event Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Private property | — | Unlock | Sec. Z-75(9) |
| Real Estate Sign | — | 32 square feet | — | Not closer than 8 feet to another zoning lot. | 1 per zoning lot; 1 per street side on corner lot | Private property; not closer than 8 feet to another zoning lot. | — | Unlock | Sec. Z-75(10) |
| Directional Sign | — | 5 square feet (general); 24 square feet (parking facilities) | — | — | — | Within property lines. | — | Unlock | Sec. Z-75(7)-(8) |
| Memorial Sign or Tablet | — | 4 square feet | — | — | — | Private property | — | Unlock | Sec. Z-75(1) |
| Off-Premises Identification Sign | — | 32 square feet per face (2 faces max) | — | — | Max 1 per qualifying circumstance | Off-premises but location justified for safety/traffic reasons | — | Unlock | Sec. Z-76 |
| Temporary Business Sign | — | To be determined by planning/zoning manager based on review | — | — | To be determined by planning/zoning manager | Commercial and industrial zones | — | Unlock | Sec. Z-77 |
| Electronic Message Board | — | 100 square feet (electronic portion only) | — | — | 1 per lot (single business); 2 per shopping center | Commercial/industrial zones; or for educational, religious, government or institutional uses in any district | — | Unlock | Sec. Z-78 |
Residential 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate/Identification Sign (Single-Family Use) | — | 2 square feet | — | — | 1 per dwelling unit per street side | On dwelling unit | — | Unlock | Sec. Z-80(1)(a) |
| Identification Sign (Multi-Family) | — | 32 square feet | — | Cannot be closer than 8 feet to any other zoning lot | 1 per street side if corner lot | On multiple-family dwelling | — | Unlock | Sec. Z-80(1)(b) |
| Identification Sign (Non-Residential Use) | — | 64 square feet | — | Not closer than 8 feet to another zoning lot | 1 per street side if corner lot | On property for church bulletins, cemeteries, educational institutions, recreation etc. | — | Unlock | Sec. Z-80(2)(a) |
| Agricultural Product Sign | — | 16 square feet | — | — | — | On property selling ag products grown/produced at site | — | Unlock | Sec. Z-80(2)(b) |
| Wall Sign (Projection and Height, Non-Residential Use) | One story or 20 feet above grade (whichever is lower), Nonresidential use; 5 feet above grade max for residential use | — | — | — | — | Attached to wall of building or structure | — | Unlock | Sec. Z-80(2)(c); Sec. Z-80(1)(c) |
Commercial 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Sign (Total Allowance) | — | — | — | — | — | On zoning lot | — | Unlock | Sec. Z-82(2)(a) |
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Attached to wall of building | — | Unlock | Sec. Z-82(2)(b) |
| Freestanding Business Sign | 10 feet or above adjacent roadway as measured from curb (whichever is taller) | 100 square feet | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Each street frontage of zoning lot | — | Unlock | Sec. Z-82(2)(c) |
| Freestanding Business Sign (Integrated Shopping Center) | 15 feet | 100 square feet | — | — | 1 per shopping center in addition to main | Integrated shopping centers | — | Unlock | Sec. Z-82(2)(d) |
| Freestanding Business Sign (North Second St., north of Roosevelt) | 15 feet or above adjacent roadway curb (whichever is taller) | 100 square feet | — | — | — | Freestanding along North Second St., north of Roosevelt | — | Unlock | Sec. Z-82(2)(f) |
| Freestanding Sign - Address Numbers | — | — | — | — | — | On all new freestanding signs or reconstructed signs | — | Unlock | Sec. Z-82(3) |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Machesney Park — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 6 zones for Machesney Park — start freeProhibited Signs in Machesney Park
- No sign may block any required access way, window, fire escape, door or other entrance or exit way, nor any window surface required for ventilation.
- No sign shall be located on vacant unimproved property except for signs advertising premises for sale or lease, political and election campaign signs, or no hunting, no trespassing, or legal notices.
- No sign shall be attached to a tree or utility pole.
- Within a public right-of-way no sign or associated lighting fixture shall be erected or displayed except traffic control and traffic information signs.
- Within 300 feet of any freeway, expressway or tollway, no freestanding advertising sign structure designed to be viewed from such road shall be permitted to be erected within 1,000 feet of any other such sign structure on the same side of the road, unless separated by a building or other obstruction that prohibits the motorist's view in his direction of travel.
- No advertising shall be permitted to be erected within 300 feet of any public park over five acres if facing and visible from such park.
- Sign illumination shall be constant in intensity and color; it shall not cause glare in surrounding properties or public streets; no direct or reflected light shall create a traffic hazard.
- No advertising sign shall be erected or placed within 400 feet of any adjoining residential district boundary lines.
- No flashing sign of any type shall be erected or placed within 150 feet of an adjoining residential district boundary line.
- Abandoned signs must be removed as specified.
- No cannabis business establishment nor any other person or entity shall place or maintain placement of advertisements for cannabis or cannabis-infused products within 1,000 feet of the perimeter of school grounds, playgrounds, recreation centers, child care centers, public parks or public libraries, or game arcades to which admission is not restricted to persons 21 or older.
- Signs which constitute a hazard to public health and safety are prohibited, including those which interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic, or imitate/resemble/obscure a traffic-control device.
- Vehicle signs attached to a motor vehicle or semi-trailer primarily to display the sign to the public are prohibited.
- Portable signs are prohibited except as allowed under section Z-77, Temporary signs.
- Temporary signs are prohibited except as allowed under section Z-77.
- Search lights, beacon lights, revolving lights, oscillating lights, and stroboscopic-type lights are prohibited.
- Rotating signs, signs with moving parts, or audible signs are prohibited.
- Off-premises signs are prohibited except as specifically permitted in the article.
- No sign may be painted, pasted, or similarly posted directly on the surface of any wall, nor may any sign be placed on any wall, fence, or standard facing the side of any adjoining lot located in any residential district.
Exempt Signs in Machesney Park
- Memorial signs and tablets of four square feet or less displayed on private property.
- Signs of duly constituted governmental bodies, including traffic and similar regulatory devices, legal notices or warnings at railroad crossings.
- Flags or emblems of political, civic, charitable, educational, or religious organizations.
- Political signs displayed on private property, provided they are no closer than 100 feet to a polling place on Election Day; not permitted on public property; must be removed within seven calendar days following a general election.
- Contractor, architect, or engineer signs placed on construction sites, not exceeding 64 square feet in area, and removed within 14 days of completion or turnover.
- Signs required to be maintained by law or governmental order, rule, or regulation, with a total surface area not exceeding ten square feet per zoning lot.
- Small signs displayed for direction or convenience of the public (e.g., restrooms, freight entrances), with a total surface area not exceeding five square feet per zoning lot.
- Accessory structure for identification of entrance to a residential development, provided the copy area contains the name of the development only.
- Individual directional signs designating entrances, exits and conditions of use of parking facilities accessory to the main use of the premises, provided they are within the property lines and do not exceed 24 square feet.
- Temporary special event signs for events in the village, allowed 14 days prior and removed within 48 hours after the event; may only advertise the event.
- Real estate signs advertising a property for sale, rent, or lease: one per zoning lot (or one per street side on a corner lot), not exceeding 32 square feet in area, not placed closer than eight feet to any other zoning lot.
- Interior signs (permanent or temporary signs inside a building) do not require a sign permit.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Machesney Park
- A sign permit is required for all signs except as provided under section Z-75, Exemptions.
- A temporary business sign permit is required for all temporary business signs (Sec. Z-77).
- A sign permit is required for electronic message board signs (Sec. Z-78).
- Additional inspections may be requested by the planning and zoning manager for temporary and electronic message board signs.
- A variance from sign requirements may be granted per Sec. Z-84, subject to the specified procedures and criteria.
Source: municode municipal code