Sign Regulations in Markham, Illinois
Markham, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 12 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Sign (For Sale or Rental), Sign (For Sale or Rental - Subdivision/Area over 5 lots or 5 acres), Wall Sign (Dwelling Unit). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 20, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Markham, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Markham
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Dwelling Unit) | — | 1 sq ft | — |
| Wall Sign (Other Than Dwelling Unit) | — | 10 sq ft | — |
| Church Bulletin Board | — | 18 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
12
- Sign (For Sale or Rental)
- Sign (For Sale or Rental - Subdivision/Area over 5 lots or 5 acres)
- Wall Sign (Dwelling Unit)
- Wall Sign (Other Than Dwelling Unit)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
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 Markham 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 Markham, 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 Markham, regulated sign types include Sign (For Sale or Rental), Sign (For Sale or Rental - Subdivision/Area over 5 lots or 5 acres), Wall Sign (Dwelling Unit), Wall Sign (Other Than Dwelling Unit), 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 Markham 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 Markham are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Markham has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Markham, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Markham, Illinois regulates 12 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Wall Sign or Freestanding Sign (Business Identification)s in the C District zoning district are capped at 24 ft above ground tall and 60 sq ft per establishment (optionally up to 200 sq ft max for large frontage per formula) (Sec. § 156.341(B)(1)-(2)). Most commercial signs in Markham require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Markham, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Markham (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R District | 3 | — | 18 sq ft | — |
| C District | 3 | 24 ft above ground | 60 sq ft per establishment (optionally up to 200 sq ft max for large frontage per formula) | — |
| L District | 2 | — | — | — |
| C and L Districts | 2 | — | 60 sq ft | — |
| L-1 District | 1 | 120 ft | 1,200 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | — | 12 sq ft total | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Markham(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
R 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Dwelling Unit) | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | — | On dwelling unit | — | Unlock | § 156.341(A)(1), (4) |
| Wall Sign (Other Than Dwelling Unit) | — | 10 sq ft | — | — | — | On non-dwelling structure | — | Unlock | § 156.341(A)(2), (4) |
| Church Bulletin Board | — | 18 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 156.341(A)(3), (4) |
C 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign or Freestanding Sign (Business Identification) | 24 ft above ground | 60 sq ft per establishment (optionally up to 200 sq ft max for large frontage per formula) | — | — | 1 per business establishment, but subject to aggregate signage formula for large lots | Main building on the lot | — | Unlock | § 156.341(B)(1)-(2) |
| Sign (For Sale or Rental) | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per property or subdivision as permitted | — | — | Unlock | § 156.341(B)(3); § 156.344 |
| Sign (For Sale or Rental - Subdivision/Area over 5 lots or 5 acres) | — | 60 sq ft | 10 ft | — | 1 per subdivision or area | In connection with subdivision marketing | — | Unlock | § 156.341(B)(3); § 156.344 |
C and L 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sign (For Sale or Rental) | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per property | — | — | Unlock | § 156.341(D); § 156.344 |
| Sign (For Sale or Rental - Subdivision/Area over 5 lots or 5 acres) | — | 60 sq ft | 10 ft | — | 1 per subdivision/area | — | — | Unlock | § 156.341(D); § 156.344 |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Markham — 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 Markham — start freeProhibited Signs in Markham
- No sign or billboard may protrude or extend beyond the property lines of the lot on which it is erected.
- No artificial light or reflecting device connected or used with a sign or billboard may be located or displayed where such light or device competes for attention with, or may be mistaken for, a traffic signal.
- No sign or billboard may contain any commercial message except one which advertises a product, service, event, person, institution, activity or business located on the lot where the sign is located, or the sale or rental of such lot (with limited exceptions for C or L Districts within 660 feet of an interstate and for-sale/lease signs).
- No sign may be animated or audible.
- No structure formerly used as a sign or billboard and not in use for any other purpose may be maintained for more than 120 days after its use for a sign or billboard has ceased.
- No person shall erect an awning or maintain it over any sidewalk in the city at a height less than six and one-half feet above the surface of the sidewalk.
- No person shall allow a sign to project from any building into and over any sidewalk or street unless elevated at least eight feet above the sidewalk or street.
- No street name signs may be erected without authorization, approval, and consent by the Mayor and City Council.
- No person shall injure or obstruct street name signs posted by the city.
- It is unlawful to erect, alter or relocate any sign, billboard or other advertising structure without obtaining a permit from the Building Department.
- It is unlawful to maintain any sign, billboard or other advertising structure without obtaining an annual license from the office of the City Clerk.
- All signs must be maintained in a state of good repair; dangerous, unsafe, abandoned, or nonconforming signs are subject to removal by the city.
Exempt Signs in Markham
- Any sign or billboard not visible to motorists or pedestrians on any public highway, street or alley.
- Any sign, traffic sign or billboard installed or maintained by the state, the county, or the city.
- Property in the L-1 District and adjacent to an interstate expressway (special provisions apply).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Markham
- Plans for construction of outdoor advertising signs along expressways must be submitted to and approved by the Building Department, particularly concerning structural integrity.
- Permit required from the Building Department for the erection, alteration, or relocation of any sign, billboard, or advertising structure.
- Certificate of insurance, surety bond, and maintenance provisions required with permit applications for certain signs and billboards.
- No explicit master sign plan or sign variance meeting process is named within the provided sections; permit process and department approval appear to be the mechanism for sign regulation.