Sign Regulations in Metropolis, Illinois
Metropolis, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 31 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include All sign types listed in § 156.459 (General Exemptions), Construction Sign, Directional/Informational Sign. 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 Metropolis, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Metropolis
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — |
| Directional/Informational Sign | — | 3 sq ft | — |
| Garage Sale Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
31
- All sign types listed in § 156.459 (General Exemptions)
- Construction Sign
- Directional/Informational Sign
- Flag
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
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 Metropolis 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 Metropolis, 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 Metropolis, regulated sign types include All sign types listed in § 156.459 (General Exemptions), Construction Sign, Directional/Informational Sign, Flag, 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 Metropolis 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 Metropolis are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Metropolis has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Metropolis, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Metropolis, Illinois regulates 31 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the Commercial Districts, Industrial District zoning district are capped at Top edge max 20 ft above grade tall, 80 sq ft per sign or 10 ft in any dimension (whichever is less), except shopping center ID signs, and 10 ft (maximum in any dimension) wide, with a 10 ft from any lot line; not in public right-of-way setback (Sec. § 156.468). Most commercial signs in Metropolis require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Metropolis, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Metropolis (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 19 | — | 40 sq ft | — |
| Agricultural District | 1 | — | — | — |
| Residential Districts | 1 | — | — | — |
| Commercial Districts, Industrial District | 10 | Top edge max 20 ft above grade | 200 sq ft per sign | — |
| C-3 District, I District | 1 | 30 ft above ground/pavement | 60 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Metropolis(sample of 3 of 5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | — | Confined to site of construction | — | Unlock | § 156.459(A) |
| Directional/Informational Sign | — | 3 sq ft | — | — | — | For public convenience (entrances, parking, etc.) | — | Unlock | § 156.459(B) |
| Garage Sale Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | — | Private residential property | — | Unlock | § 156.459(D) |
| House Number/Name Sign | — | 3 sq ft for single-family, 6 sq ft for multi-family | — | — | — | On lot to which it pertains | — | Unlock | § 156.459(G) |
| Institutional Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | — | On premises of public, charitable, fraternal, not-for-profit or religious institution | — | Unlock | § 156.459(H) |
| Political Campaign Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | — | On private property | — | Unlock | § 156.459(K) |
| Real Estate Sign | — | 6.25 sq ft (residential); 32 sq ft (other) | — | — | One per street front (residential) | On property for sale/rent/lease | — | Unlock | § 156.459(N) |
| Residential Development Identification Sign | — | 40 sq ft | — | — | — | At major entrances to residential developments | — | Unlock | § 156.459(O) |
Commercial Districts, Industrial 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flush-Mounted Sign (Wall Sign) | 4 ft above roofline | 32 sq ft per sign (wall) | — | — | — | Wall or surface to which it is attached | — | Unlock | § 156.451, § 156.462, § 156.463 |
| Projecting Sign | 3 ft above roofline; min 10 ft above ground/pavement | 32 sq ft per sign (assumed same as wall formula) | Can project up to 10 ft from building | — | One per street front | Attached to building front | — | Unlock | § 156.451, § 156.462, § 156.464 |
| Window Sign | — | No more than 30% of window area | — | — | — | Inside window | — | Unlock | § 156.466 |
| Sign on Awning/Canopy/Marquee (Flush-Mounted) | — | See flush-mounted sign regulations | — | — | — | Flush on awning/canopy/marquee | — | Unlock | § 156.465 |
| Sign Suspended Under Awning/Canopy/Marquee (Projecting) | — | See projecting sign regulations | — | — | — | Suspended beneath awning/canopy/marquee | — | Unlock | § 156.465 |
| Freestanding Sign | Top edge max 20 ft above grade | 80 sq ft per sign or 10 ft in any dimension (whichever is less), except shopping center ID signs | 10 ft (maximum in any dimension) | 10 ft from any lot line; not in public right-of-way | One per street front | On lot, not projecting into right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 156.468 |
| Shopping Center Identification Sign | — | 200 sq ft per sign | — | — | 1 per 75 ft frontage, max 2 per center | On premises of shopping center >50,000 sq ft | — | Unlock | § 156.467 |
| Directional Sign (Tract Lot Sales, Off-site) | — | 32 sq ft | — | Off public right-of-way | One per subdivision sale | Off-site for tract sale of 10+ lots | — | Unlock | § 156.473 |
C-3 District, I 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard | 30 ft above ground/pavement | 60 sq ft | — | 20 ft from property lines OR overall height, whichever is greater | Max 25 billboards citywide | — | — | Unlock | § 156.470 |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Metropolis — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 5 zones for Metropolis — start freeProhibited Signs in Metropolis
- Any sign, street graphic or billboard not expressly permitted by this subchapter shall be deemed prohibited in the city. (§ 156.449)
- No sign, street graphic or billboard shall revolve, rotate, or mechanically move in any manner. (§ 156.453)
- No sign, street graphic or billboard shall have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or other illuminating devices which have a changing light intensity, brightness, or color; beacon lights and illumination by flame are prohibited. (§ 156.454(C))
- No exposed reflective type bulb, and no strobe light or incandescent lamp which exceeds 15 watts, shall be used on the exterior surface of any sign, street graphic or billboard in such a manner as to expose the face of the bulb, light, or lamp to any public street or to adjacent property. (§ 156.454(E))
- No sign, street graphic or billboard shall be erected, relocated, or maintained so as to prevent access or egress from any door, window, fire escape, or driveway. (§ 156.455(A))
- No sign, street graphic or billboard shall be erected or maintained in such a manner that it interferes with, obstructs the view of, or is likely to be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device. (§ 156.455(B))
- No sign, street graphic or billboard shall be located so as to obstruct vision at an intersection or vehicular entry or exit from the property. (§ 156.455(C))
- No sign or street graphic shall exceed a maximum height of 20 feet. (§ 156.455(D))
- Any sign, street graphic and billboard not designed and constructed in conformity with applicable building code or electrical code for illuminated signs is prohibited. (§ 156.456(A)-(B))
- All elevated, free standing signs, street graphics and billboards shall be designed to withstand sustained winds of not less than 90 mph; applicants must submit certified plans and specifications. (§ 156.457)
- Mobile/portable signs are prohibited except as allowed in §§ 156.471 and 156.472. (§ 156.458(A))
- Signs attached to trees, fences, or public utility poles, other than warning signs issued by public utilities, are prohibited, except as noted. (§ 156.458(B))
- Signs advertising or identifying an activity, business or service no longer conducted must be removed within 60 days. (§ 156.458(C))
- Signs painted on roofs or walls advertising off-premises businesses are prohibited. (§ 156.458(D))
- All roof-mounted signs, street graphics and billboards are prohibited everywhere in the city. (§ 156.469)
Exempt Signs in Metropolis
- Construction signs identifying architects, engineers, contractors, or the character/purpose of the building, not exceeding 32 sq ft, confined to the construction site, and removed within 14 days after substantial completion. (§ 156.459(A))
- Directional and informational signs for the convenience of the public (e.g., entrances, exits, parking areas, restrooms), not exceeding three sq ft. (§ 156.459(B))
- Flags of any country, state, or unit of local government. (§ 156.459(C))
- Garage sale or yard sale signs on private residential property, not exceeding four sq ft, posted for a maximum of three days, and not allowed on street right-of-way. (§ 156.459(D))
- Governmental or public signs such as traffic control, railroad crossing, legal notices, etc. (§ 156.459(E))
- Holiday decorations, provided they are removed within a reasonable time after the holiday. (§ 156.459(F))
- House numbers and/or name of occupant signs on the lot to which it pertains, not exceeding three sq ft (single-family) or six sq ft (multi-family). (§ 156.459(G))
- Institutional signs for public, charitable, fraternal, not-for-profit or religious institutions, on-premises only, not obstructing vision, not exceeding 32 sq ft. (§ 156.459(H))
- Integral signs carved into stone or inlaid so as to be part of a building (date of erection, name of building, memorial tributes, etc.). (§ 156.459(I))
- Interior signs located inside a building or within a lobby/court, not visible from the exterior. (§ 156.459(J))
- Political campaign signs on private property, not exceeding 32 sq ft, no more than 45 days before and 7 days after the election. (§ 156.459(K))
- Property regulations signs such as no trespassing, no hunting, no fishing, not exceeding three sq ft. (§ 156.459(L))
- Public interest signs for charitable or nonprofit events, not exceeding 16 sq ft in residential district or 32 sq ft elsewhere; displayed up to 30 days prior to and 7 days after the event. (§ 156.459(M))
- Real estate signs indicating sale, rental or lease, limited to six and one-fourth sq ft on residential property (one per street front), 32 sq ft elsewhere, removed within 7 days after sale/rental/lease. (§ 156.459(N))
- Residential development identification signs (no commercial advertising), not exceeding 40 sq ft. (§ 156.459(O))
- Street banners advertising public entertainment/event, placed in locations approved by the Mayor, allowed 14 days before and 7 days after the event. (§ 156.459(P))
- Utility company signs for public safety or indicating the location of public telephones, underground cables, etc. (§ 156.459(Q))
- Memorial signs/tablets, names of buildings and date of erection, cut into masonry or made of bronze or incombustible material. (§ 156.459(R))
- Armed Forces 'yellow ribbon' signs approved by AMVETS, attached to utility poles only, 12 inches by 18 inches, mounted minimum eight feet above grade. (§ 156.459(S))
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Metropolis
- All elevated, free standing, and billboard signs must have written plans and specifications certified by a licensed structural engineer submitted prior to commencement of construction. (§ 156.457)
- Every applicant for a sign, street graphic and billboard permit must submit an application (city-provided form) with detailed narrative and/or graphic information (location, dimensions, area, height, illumination, support/attachment, etc.) to the Administrative Official. (§ 156.477)
- Permit applications are reviewed by the Administrative Official and, for variances, by the Zoning Board of Appeals, which holds a public hearing and findings of fact. (§ 156.475(A), § 156.482)
- No sign, billboard, or street graphic except those listed as exempt may be erected, expanded, altered, relocated, or reconstructed without a permit issued by the Administrative Official. (§ 156.476)
- Variances are decided by the Zoning Board of Appeals after public hearing and require findings according to the guidelines in §§ 156.100 through 156.106, 156.120 through 156.127, and 156.140 through 156.144. (§ 156.482)