Sign Regulations in Matteson, Illinois
Matteson, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 57 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include All Signs (General Permit Requirement), Emblem Sign (Governmental / Political / Civic / Philanthropic / Educational / Religious), Government Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: January 7, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Matteson, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Matteson
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-site Directional Sign (Non-electrical, General Use) | — | 4 sq ft (0.37 sq m) per sign | — |
| Business Nameplate (Small Occupation Nameplate) | — | 2 sq ft (0.19 sq m) | — |
| Warning Sign (No Trespassing / No Dumping) | — | 1.5 sq ft (0.14 sq m) per sign | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for MattesonFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
57
- All Signs (General Permit Requirement)
- Emblem Sign (Governmental / Political / Civic / Philanthropic / Educational / Religious)
- Government Sign
- Memorial Sign or Tablet
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Matteson
Other Cities in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Matteson 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 Matteson, 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 Matteson, regulated sign types include All Signs (General Permit Requirement), Emblem Sign (Governmental / Political / Civic / Philanthropic / Educational / Religious), Government Sign, Memorial Sign or Tablet, 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 Matteson 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 Matteson are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Matteson has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Matteson, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Matteson, Illinois regulates 57 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Residential For Sale or For Rent Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 5 ft (1.53 m) above ground level at sign location tall and 8 sq ft (0.74 sq m), with a Max 15 ft from building line; no further yard setback specified. setback (Sec. 159.55(C)(10)). Most commercial signs in Matteson require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Matteson, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Matteson (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 29 | One sign up to 30 ft (9.15 m); two additional free‑standing signs up to 8 ft (2.44 m) above adjacent street curb level | 300 sq ft (27.90 sq m) total face area of all free‑standing signs | — |
| R1: Low Density Residential District, R2: Low-to-Moderate Density Residential District, R3: Moderate Density Residential District, R4: Medium Density Residential District, R5: Medium High Density Residential District, R6: High Density Residential District, R7: Residential Estate District, Residential Districts | 5 | 15 ft (higher only by Plan Commission approval) | 100 sq ft | — |
| C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4 and MXD Zoning Districts | 11 | Where property fronts Lincoln Highway, Cicero Avenue or Central Avenue: ≤30 ft and not higher than predominant roof. Other locations: in designated front yards ≤20 ft and not higher than roof; in all other yards ≤7 ft. | 200 sq ft, unless higher area specifically approved by Plan Commission | — |
| C-5 Zoning Districts | 5 | 15 ft (unless greater approved by Plan Commission) | 200 sq ft (unless greater approved by Plan Commission) | — |
| Industrial Districts, I1: Industrial Service District, I2: Light Industrial District, I3: Planned Industrial District, Industrial Zoning Districts | 6 | Wall and freestanding signs subject to general height rules (freestanding ≤30 ft; 20 ft/7 ft by yard; wall not above wall). | 200 sq ft, unless larger area approved by Plan Commission | — |
| Northwest Region Overlay District | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Matteson(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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warning Sign (No Trespassing / No Dumping) | — | 1.5 sq ft (0.14 sq m) per sign | — | — | 1 per lot by right; more allowed only by Director approval | Per lot; exact siting not further specified. | — | Unlock | 159.55(C)(8) |
| Residential For Sale or For Rent Sign | 5 ft (1.53 m) above ground level at sign location | 8 sq ft (0.74 sq m) | — | Max 15 ft from building line; no further yard setback specified. | 1 per lot | On the lot being advertised; no more than 15 ft (3.05 m) from the building line. | — | Unlock | 159.55(C)(10) |
| Political Sign (All Districts, Private Property) | 5 ft | 8 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 ft from any property line; prohibited in right-of-way. | — | On private property; must be at least 5 ft from any property line; cannot be on public right-of-way, on trees, or externally affixed to existing buildings/structures. | — | Unlock | 159.55(J)(5) |
| Construction Sign (Residential Zoning Districts) | 15 ft (4.85 m); greater height only by specific approval of Plan Commission | 100 sq ft (9.30 sq m) in residential zoning districts | — | — | No more than one construction sign per street frontage per project | On same property as the construction project; not in any public right-of-way; not attached to any building, structure, or vegetation in right-of-way. | — | Unlock | 159.55(J)(9) |
| Flag (Governmental, Civic, Philanthropic, Educational, Religious, Corporate by Plan Approval) | Max pole height varies by building height: 20 ft (1–2 stories); 35 ft (3–4 stories); 50 ft (5–7 stories). | — | — | — | 1 flagpole per zoning lot by right; more only via Plan Commission/site plan | On private property; flagpole location as per approved site plan (if multiple poles). | — | Unlock | 159.55(J)(4) |
| Temporary Business Sign (Commercial/Industrial Zoning Districts Only) | — | 1 sq ft of sign area per lineal ft of principal building wall containing primary entrance, up to 100 sq ft max | — | — | 1 temporary sign per street frontage; pennant/flag display once per calendar year per zoning lot (subject to approval) | Mounted flush to the building wall; free‑standing only for Grand Opening with Director approval. | — | Unlock | 159.55(J)(3) |
| Motor Fuel Dispensing Establishment – Free‑Standing Signs | One sign up to 30 ft (9.15 m); two additional free‑standing signs up to 8 ft (2.44 m) above adjacent street curb level | 300 sq ft (27.90 sq m) total face area of all free‑standing signs | — | — | Max 3 free‑standing signs as described | On motor fuel dispensing establishment premises. | — | Unlock | 159.55(J)(1)(2) |
| Shared‑Use Monument Sign (C3/C4/MXD Only – General Regulations For All Zones holder) | Not to exceed sign height that would be allowed for the use located on the combined sign lot | Not to exceed sign area that would be allowed for the use located on the combined sign lot | — | Must comply with freestanding sign setbacks 'as stipulated in this Section' (e.g., 10 ft inside property line where applicable). | 1 shared‑use monument sign per combined sign lot/outlot group | On adjacent outlots of a shopping center; on combined sign lot only, installed per required setbacks for freestanding signs. | — | Unlock | 159.55(J)(8)(a)-(i) |
C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4 and MXD Zoning 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall / Building‑Attached Sign (Per Street Frontage) – C1/C2/C3/C4/MXD | May not extend above top of wall; overall subject to general wall sign height rule. | For each building/storefront frontage: total area of all signs on that frontage ≤ 2 × frontage length (sq ft); no individual wall‑mounted sign >200 sq ft | — | — | 1 wall sign per business per street frontage (office buildings: 1 per building per frontage) | Attached to building or storefront façade that fronts a dedicated street; each side fronting a dedicated street is considered a front. | — | Unlock | 159.55(I)(3)(a)(i)-(iii); 159.55(F)(2) |
| Projecting Wall Sign – C1/C2/C3/C4/MXD | May not extend above top of wall; must maintain 9 ft clearance over sidewalks and 12 ft within 3 ft of driveway/parking. | Counted within wall sign allocation (2 × frontage rule and 200 sq ft cap per sign). | — | — | Included in 'one sign per street frontage' count | Projects from building façade on dedicated street frontage. | — | Unlock | 159.55(I)(3)(a)(iv); 159.55(F)(4)-(5) |
| Freestanding Business Sign – General – C1/C2/C3/C4/MXD | Where property fronts Lincoln Highway, Cicero Avenue or Central Avenue: ≤30 ft and not higher than predominant roof. Other locations: in designated front yards ≤20 ft and not higher than roof; in all other yards ≤7 ft. | 120 sq ft (11.16 sq m) per sign for all except C‑1; in C‑1, 36 sq ft (3.35 sq m) per sign | — | Base at least 10 ft within any property line; also must comply with residential lotline 50 ft spacing and vision triangle rules. | 1 per business site by right; shopping centers: plus 1 per each additional 500 ft street frontage; more possible by Plan Commission approval | Entirely within property lines of business site it serves; base located a minimum of 10 ft inside any property line. | — | Unlock | 159.55(I)(3)(b)(i)-(iv); (I)(3)(d)(i)-(iii); (I)(3)(e); (I)(3)(g) |
| Freestanding Directional Sign – C1/C2/C3/C4/MXD | ≤7 ft | At street entrances: ≤12 sq ft per sign | — | Must meet freestanding sign setbacks/vision triangle/residential buffer standards. | As determined by Plan Commission per site | On business site; at internal driveways and street entrances; exact locations set during Site Plan Review. | — | Unlock | 159.55(I)(3)(c) |
| Freestanding Shopping Center Identification Sign – C1/C2/C3/C4/MXD | As per freestanding sign height limits (see above). | Within 120 sq ft limit per freestanding sign (36 sq ft for C‑1) and general area rules; tenant areas must be ≥15 sq ft each and not exceed area of center name face. | — | As per general freestanding sign setbacks. | Counts toward general freestanding sign allowances for center | On site of regional or community shopping center of ≥5 acres. | — | Unlock | 159.55(I)(3)(e) |
| Freestanding Sign with Manual Changeable Copy – C1/C2/C3/C4/MXD | Same as host freestanding sign. | Manual changeable copy portion ≤50% of total freestanding sign face area | — | Same as host freestanding sign. | 1 manual changeable copy component per freestanding sign | Integrated as component of single‑ or multi‑tenant freestanding sign, installed beneath primary sign face. | — | Unlock | 159.55(I)(3)(f)(i)(a)-(i) |
| Freestanding Sign with Electronic Message – C1/C2/C3/C4/MXD | Same as host freestanding sign. | For single‑tenant freestanding sign: electronic message face ≤50% of sign face. For multi‑tenant freestanding sign: electronic message face ≤30% of sign face. | — | Same as host freestanding sign. | 1 electronic message component per freestanding sign | Integrated component of single‑ or multi‑tenant freestanding sign, installed beneath primary sign face. | — | Unlock | 159.55(I)(3)(f)(ii)(a)-(i) |
| Shared‑Use Monument Sign – C3/C4/MXD (Zone‑Specific) | ≤height allowed for use on combined sign lot | ≤area allowed for use on combined sign lot | — | Subject to general freestanding sign and vision triangle/residential buffer rules. | 1 shared‑use monument sign per combined sign lot/outlot configuration | On adjacent outlots of a shopping center within C3, C4, MXD; on combined sign lot, meeting all setbacks. | — | Unlock | 159.55(J)(8)(a)-(i) |
Industrial Districts, I1: Industrial Service District, I2: Light Industrial District, I3: Planned Industrial District, Industrial Zoning 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 and Identification Signs – Industrial without Building (Outdoor Storage Premises) | — | 80 sq ft (7.44 sq m) maximum | — | — | — | On industrial parcel with qualifying conditions. | — | Unlock | 159.55(I)(8)(a) |
| Business and Identification Signs – Industrial with Building | Wall and freestanding signs subject to general height rules (freestanding ≤30 ft; 20 ft/7 ft by yard; wall not above wall). | 3 × principal building frontage (sq ft) per frontage | — | Freestanding sign bases must be ≥10 ft inside property lines and observe residential buffers/vision triangles. | — | On industrial parcel; each side of principal building facing a major public thoroughfare is considered a front. | — | Unlock | 159.55(I)(8)(b)-(c) |
| Freestanding Industrial Sign (General) | Freestanding signs may not exceed predominant roof of related building or 30 ft. In front yard: ≤20 ft and not higher than roof; other yards: ≤7 ft. | Within area allowances computed per 3 × frontage rule or 0.005 × parcel area rule; no specific per‑sign cap given for industrial. | — | Base at least 10 ft within property line; 50 ft from abutting residential side/rear lot lines for signs facing those lines. | — | On industrial parcel, inside property line. | — | Unlock | 159.55(F)(1); 159.55(I)(8) |
| Wall / Building‑Attached Industrial Sign | Must not extend above wall top. | Total parcel sign area ≤3 × frontage; no single wall sign length >70% of wall length. | — | — | — | On walls of principal industrial building, facing major public thoroughfares. | — | Unlock | 159.55(I)(8)(b)-(c); 159.55(F)(2) |
| Temporary Business Sign – Industrial | — | 100 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage per allowed period | Flush‑mounted on industrial building; freestanding only for Grand Opening with Director approval. | — | Unlock | 159.55(J)(3) |
| Construction Sign – Industrial | 15 ft, unless greater height approved by Plan Commission | 200 sq ft, unless larger area approved by Plan Commission | — | — | 1 per street frontage per project | On industrial property under construction. | — | Unlock | 159.55(J)(9)(b)-(f) |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Matteson — 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 Matteson — start freeProhibited Signs in Matteson
- No sign may be constructed, erected, originally painted, converted, altered, rebuilt, enlarged, remodeled, relocated, or expanded without first obtaining a sign permit from the Director of Community Development, except where specifically exempted for maintenance.
- No sign is exempt from maintenance and public safety requirements; all signs, including exempt signs, must comply with those provisions.
- No sign may contain statements, words, or pictures of an obscene, pornographic, or immoral character, or advertising matter that is untruthful.
- No sign may purport to be, imitate, or resemble an official traffic sign or signal.
- No sign may use the words “Stop”, “Go Slow”, “Caution”, “Warning”, “Look”, “Drive In”, “Danger”, or any similar word, phrase, symbol or character in a manner that interferes with, misleads, or confuses traffic.
- No sign may state that real property is zoned, or will be zoned in the future, for land uses when in fact the property is not so zoned.
- No real estate sign may declare that property is reserved for or held for a future land use inconsistent with the existing zoning classification.
- Business or industrial signs must pertain only to the name or type of business conducted on the premises and may use no more than four additional descriptive words pertaining to the business.
- No sign may be erected or maintained so as to prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window, or fire escape.
- No sign may interfere with any opening required for ventilation.
- No sign may be installed closer than two feet horizontally or vertically from any overhead electrical conductor or public utility guy wire, and must maintain the clearances required by the National Electrical Code.
- No sign may be located so as to obstruct the view from a public thoroughfare or the view of an existing sign, display window, or major entrance of an adjacent business.
- No sign may be attached to a standpipe, fire escape, or other fire-safety-related device.
- No sign may be located where, by reason of its position, size, shape, or color, it obstructs, impairs, obscures, interferes with the view of, or is confused with any traffic control sign, signal, or device, or where it may interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.
- No sign may be located within required street-intersection vision triangles as defined for major/collector and other intersections.
- No sign may be nailed, tacked, or otherwise affixed to trees or other vegetation.
- No advertising other than a permitted sign may be placed on any sign support.
- No sign may be painted directly upon the exterior walls of a structure.
- No vehicle or trailer bearing any sign or advertising device may be parked so as to be visible from a public right‑of‑way for the purpose of providing advertisement or directing people to a business or activity.
- No off‑site signs are permitted, except where specifically allowed for shared‑use signs in Section 159.55 J.8.
- No sign may encroach upon the public right‑of‑way or public property, except where the Director of Community Development grants an exception for small directional signs to places of public interest not exceeding four square feet in area.
- No sign facing the side or rear lot line of an abutting residentially zoned lot may be located within fifty feet of that residential lot line.
- No free‑standing sign may extend above the predominant roof of the building to which it relates, and no free‑standing sign may exceed thirty feet in height above grade.
- No wall sign may extend above the vertical surface of the wall to which it is fixed.
- Any projecting or hanging sign or marquee must maintain a minimum vertical clearance of nine feet above grade, and twelve feet above the top of curb if within three feet of a driveway or parking area.
- All signs must be designed, constructed, anchored, and maintained so they will not swing, come loose, or otherwise endanger persons, and must meet structural and safety requirements of the Matteson Building Code.
- Illuminated signs may not have flashing, scintillating, traveling, or blinking lights or rotating beacons, and may not use mechanisms that periodically change the color of projected light, except for limited time/temperature displays meeting wattage and timing limits.
- Illuminated signs must be shaded where necessary to avoid casting bright light on property in residential districts or on public streets or parks.
- Internally illuminated signs must allow light to shine through only the lettering and graphic elements and must be controlled to prevent glare.
- All electrical signs must have a disconnect within sight of the sign, and outside sign disconnects must be weatherproof.
- All signs, including those not requiring a permit, must be kept clean, in good repair, and the surrounding area must be free of debris or nuisance, with landscaping kept trimmed and healthy.
- Any sign that is an immediate peril to persons or property is subject to summary removal by the Director of Community Development.
- Any sign on property that becomes vacant and unoccupied for three months or more, or that pertains to a time, event, or purpose that no longer applies, must be removed by the owner or person having beneficial use of the property, unless an extension is granted for temporary business suspension.
Exempt Signs in Matteson
- Emblems of governmental, political, civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organizations displayed on private property are exempt from permitting requirements, but must comply with maintenance and public safety provisions.
- Government signs of duly constituted governmental bodies, including traffic or similar regulatory devices, directional signs, legal notices, warnings at railroad crossings, and other instructional or regulatory signs related to health, hazards, parking, swimming, dumping, etc., are exempt from permitting requirements, but must comply with maintenance and public safety provisions.
- Memorial signs or tablets listing names of buildings and date of erection, when cut into masonry or inlaid as part of the building or constructed of bronze or other incombustible material, are exempt from permitting requirements, but must comply with maintenance and public safety provisions.
- Address numerals and other signs required to be maintained by law or governmental order, rule, or regulation, provided the content and size do not exceed what the law requires, are exempt from permitting requirements, but must comply with maintenance and public safety provisions.
- Non‑electrical on‑site directional signs not exceeding four square feet in area that provide instruction or direction (e.g., rest rooms, telephones, walkways, parking lot entrances/exits and similar features) and do not bear a business name or advertising information are exempt from permitting requirements, but must comply with maintenance and public safety provisions.
- Holiday decoration displays of a primarily decorative nature, clearly incidental and customary and commonly associated with national, local, or religious holidays, are exempt from permitting requirements, but must comply with maintenance and public safety provisions.
- Non‑electrical business nameplates denoting the business name of an occupation legally conducted on the premises, not exceeding two square feet in area, are exempt from permitting requirements, but must comply with maintenance and public safety provisions.
- No‑trespassing or no‑dumping warning signs not exceeding 1.5 square feet per sign, limited to one per lot unless additional signs are specifically permitted by the Director of Community Development, are exempt from permitting requirements, but must comply with maintenance and public safety provisions.
- Religious symbols, identification emblems of religious orders, or commemorative plaques of recognized historical agencies, not exceeding four square feet, placed flat against a building, stone, or other permanent surface, are exempt from permitting requirements, but must comply with maintenance and public safety provisions.
- Residential For Sale or For Rent signs that are non‑illuminated, do not exceed eight square feet in area, are located on the lot being advertised within fifteen feet of the building line, do not exceed five feet in height, and are limited to one sign per lot, are exempt from permitting requirements, but must comply with maintenance and public safety provisions.
- Temporary signs of civic, charitable, or religious nature are exempt from the specific temporary‑sign regulations in Section J.3 but still require specific approval of the Director of Community Development and remain subject to maintenance and public safety requirements.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Matteson
- The Plan Commission may approve an alternate façade for calculating allowed building signage where a property owner determines another façade is more advantageous for sign display; the location change must be requested by application to the Plan Commission.
- The number of directional signs per business site is determined by the Plan Commission during Site Plan Review, based on site size, roadway context, traffic pattern complexity, and building orientation.
- Free‑standing sign base width exceptions for directional signs, and continuity of sign design on multi‑use development sites, are subject to Plan Commission review and approval as part of overall site and sign design.
- Additional free‑standing signage for a business site beyond the by‑right allowance may be permitted only upon application to, and approval by, the Plan Commission, according to criteria related to health, safety, welfare, site conditions, and development scale.
- The Plan Commission may grant additional signs and/or sign area for business sites in certain commercial districts where specific criteria (e.g., safety needs, unique lot configuration, mixed‑use site identification) are met, upon written request forwarded by the Director of Community Development.
- Subdivision monument or identification signs require specific approval by the Board of Trustees upon recommendation of the Plan Commission; the Board considers size, colors, illumination, traffic safety, public safety, impact on adjacent properties, and compliance with the code.
- Signs with a surface area greater than eighty square feet for real estate advertising require a special use permit approved by the Village Board upon recommendation of the Plan Commission; the Director of Community Development formally reviews such permits annually for continued compliance.
- Construction signs exceeding standard height or area limits may be permitted only upon specific approval of the Plan Commission, following review of size, duration, traffic safety, public safety, and impact on adjacent properties.
- Shared‑use monument signs on adjacent outlots of a shopping center require submission of a site plan showing sign location and setbacks, written permission from the combined sign lot owner, and a recorded Sign Easement Agreement, all subject to Village Attorney review and approval as part of the sign permit process.
- Flag displays involving more than one flagpole per zoning lot, or flag arrangements treated as an integral part of site landscaping and architecture, may be allowed only through an approved site plan indicating Plan Commission review and acceptance.
- The Board of Trustees may specifically approve pennants and/or flags as temporary partially unsecured signs, upon review of a request and subject to conditions, and the Community Development Department issues the corresponding permits.
- Free‑standing 'Grand Opening' temporary signs and other temporary signs are subject to review and approval by the Director of Community Development, who evaluates sign size, duration, colors or illumination, traffic safety, public safety, impact on adjacent properties, and compliance with the code.
Source: other municipal code