Sign Regulations in Midlothian, Illinois
Midlothian, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 26 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Exempt Signs, All signs permitted in the residential districts, Wall 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 Midlothian, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Midlothian
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate (R-1, R-2 Single/Two-Family) | — | 2 sq ft | — |
| Nameplate (R-3, R-4, R-5, Multi-Family) | One story or 20 ft above curb level, whichever is lower | 9 sq ft | See additional requirements |
| Sign for Non-Residential Uses (e.g. Church, School, Community Building) | If wall sign: not exceed building height or 30 ft above curb, whichever is lower; if freestanding: ≤10 ft above ground grade | 32 sq ft (single face); 64 sq ft (double face) | 8 ft from side/rear |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for MidlothianFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
26
- Exempt Signs
- All signs permitted in the residential districts
- Wall Sign
- Freestanding Pole Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
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 Midlothian 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 Midlothian, 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 Midlothian, regulated sign types include Exempt Signs, All signs permitted in the residential districts, Wall Sign, Freestanding Pole Sign, 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 Midlothian 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 Midlothian are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Midlothian has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Midlothian, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Midlothian, Illinois regulates 26 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Sign for Non-Residential Uses (e.g. Church, School, Community Building)s in the Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5) zoning district are capped at If wall sign: not exceed building height or 30 ft above curb, whichever is lower; if freestanding: ≤10 ft above ground grade tall and 32 sq ft (single face); 64 sq ft (double face), with a 8 ft from side/rear setback (Sec. 11-14-13(A)(2)(a)-(e)). Most commercial signs in Midlothian require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Midlothian, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Midlothian (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5) | 6 | If wall sign: not exceed building height or 30 ft above curb, whichever is lower; if freestanding: ≤10 ft above ground grade | 32 sq ft (single face); 64 sq ft (double face) | — |
| B-1 District, B-3 District, O/I District | 16 | 30 ft | 500 sq ft or 1 sq ft per linear ft lot frontage, whichever is smaller | — |
| B-2 District | 16 | 10 ft | 500 sq ft or 1 sq ft per linear ft lot frontage, whichever is smaller | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Midlothian(sample of 3 of 4 zones)
Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5)
| 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 (R-1, R-2 Single/Two-Family) | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per dwelling | Affixed flat against the door or adjacent wall; or elsewhere on accessory building/land within lot boundaries. | — | Unlock | 11-14-13(A)(1)(a) |
| Nameplate (R-3, R-4, R-5, Multi-Family) | One story or 20 ft above curb level, whichever is lower | 9 sq ft | — | See additional requirements | — | May be wall sign or freestanding (see setback). | — | Unlock | 11-14-13(A)(1)(b) |
| Sign for Non-Residential Uses (e.g. Church, School, Community Building) | If wall sign: not exceed building height or 30 ft above curb, whichever is lower; if freestanding: ≤10 ft above ground grade | 32 sq ft (single face); 64 sq ft (double face) | — | 8 ft from side/rear | 1 per lot; 2 on corner | On same lot as principal use | — | Unlock | 11-14-13(A)(2)(a)-(e) |
| Sign for Preschool/School Identification | — | 10 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 11-14-13(A)(2)(f) |
| Special Use Occupant Identification Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 11-14-13(A)(2)(g) |
| Exempt Signs | — | See general exemptions | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 11-14-13(A)(1)(c); 11-14-13(A)(2)(h) |
B-1 District, B-3 District, O/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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Pole Sign | 30 ft | — | — | — | 1 per lot; 2 on corner | On lot; see general provisions for pole placement | — | Unlock | 11-14-13(B)(3), (5); 11-14-12(A) |
| Freestanding Monument Sign | 8 ft | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | — | — | Unlock | 11-14-13(B)(4); 11-14-12(B)(1)-(5) |
| Projecting Sign (Horizontal) | — | 50 sq ft per side | — | Not less than 3 ft inside curb line | — | 9 ft or more above public sidewalk, within 2 ft of building face, ≥3 ft inside curb line | — | Unlock | 11-14-13(B)(6); 11-14-12(D) |
| Projecting Sign (Vertical) | — | 100 sq ft per side | — | Not less than 3 ft inside curb line | — | 9 ft or more above public sidewalk, within 2 ft of building face, ≥3 ft inside curb line | — | Unlock | 11-14-13(B)(6); 11-14-12(D) |
| Marquee Sign | — | — | No wider than entrances + 5 ft each side; entrances <20 ft apart may have continuous structure | No part beyond 3 ft inside curb line | — | Attached/hung from marquee at building entrance(s) | — | Unlock | 11-14-13(B)(7); 11-14-12(E) |
| Awning Sign | — | Advertising and logo may occupy ≤25% of side area; address excluded | — | No part beyond 3 ft inside curb line | — | At least 9 ft above sidewalk/street; can't extend beyond 3 ft inside curb line | — | Unlock | 11-14-13(B)(8); 11-14-12(F) |
| Canopy Sign | — | Advertising and logo may occupy ≤25% of side area; address excluded | — | No part beyond 3 ft inside curb line | — | At least 9 ft above sidewalk/street; can't extend beyond 3 ft inside curb line | — | Unlock | 11-14-13(B)(9); 11-14-12(F) |
| Real Estate Sign | — | 16 sq ft per sign | — | — | 1 per lot | On lot for sale/lease/rent | — | Unlock | 11-14-13(B)(12); 11-14-3(B)(1) |
B-2 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 | — | 500 sq ft or 1 sq ft per linear ft lot frontage, whichever is smaller | — | — | — | On wall of building | — | Unlock | 11-14-13(C)(2); 11-14-12(C) |
| Freestanding Monument Sign | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | — | — | Unlock | 11-14-13(C)(3),(4); 11-14-12(B) |
| Projecting Sign (Horizontal) | — | 50 sq ft per side | — | Not less than 3 ft inside curb line | — | 9 ft or more above public sidewalk, within 2 ft of building face, ≥3 ft inside curb line | — | Unlock | 11-14-13(C)(6); 11-14-12(D) |
| Projecting Sign (Vertical) | — | 100 sq ft per side | — | Not less than 3 ft inside curb line | — | 9 ft or more above public sidewalk, within 2 ft of building face, ≥3 ft inside curb line | — | Unlock | 11-14-13(C)(6); 11-14-12(D) |
| Marquee Sign | — | — | No wider than entrances + 5 ft each side; entrances <20 ft apart may have continuous structure | No part beyond 3 ft inside curb line | — | Attached/hung from marquee at building entrance(s) | — | Unlock | 11-14-13(C)(7); 11-14-12(E) |
| Awning Sign | — | Advertising/logo ≤25% of side area; address excluded | — | No part beyond 3 ft inside curb | — | At least 9 ft above sidewalk; cannot extend beyond 3 ft inside curb line | — | Unlock | 11-14-13(C)(8); 11-14-12(F) |
| Canopy Sign | — | Advertising/logo ≤25% of side area; address excluded | — | No part beyond 3 ft inside curb | — | At least 9 ft above sidewalk; cannot extend beyond 3 ft inside curb line | — | Unlock | 11-14-13(C)(9); 11-14-12(F) |
| Real Estate Sign | — | 16 sq ft per sign | — | — | 1 per lot | On lot for sale/lease/rent | — | Unlock | 11-14-13(C)(12); 11-14-3(B)(1) |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Midlothian — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 4 zones for Midlothian — start freeProhibited Signs in Midlothian
- No sign or other advertising structure shall obstruct free and clear vision at any street, intersection, parking lot entrance or exit, or driveway.
- No sign shall interfere with or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device because of its position, shape or color.
- No sign shall use the words 'STOP', 'LOOK', 'DETOUR', 'DANGER' or any other word, phrase, symbol or character in a manner that misleads, interferes with or confuses traffic.
- No sign shall be erected or maintained in violation of the permit requirements.
- Billboards, except those allowed within office/industrial zoning districts and near interstate highways, are prohibited.
- Pasted signs on the exterior surface of a building or structure are prohibited.
- No sign shall have visible, moving, revolving, or rotating parts or visible mechanical movement, except for the movable hands of street clocks.
- Roof signs erected after the effective date of the ordinance are prohibited.
- Any sign painted, pasted, or otherwise affixed to any tree, rock, utility pole, hydrant, bridge, sidewalk, curb, street, bench or trash receptacle is prohibited.
- Searchlights without a permit and special approval are prohibited.
- Beacons and strobe lights are prohibited.
- Signs on public property without prior approval of the village board are prohibited.
- Signs attached to a vehicle or trailer primarily for display are prohibited, except for normal business vehicle identification.
- No sign shall display or depict specified criminal acts, sexual activities, nudity, or specified anatomical areas as defined in chapter 10.
- A-frame signs used to identify a business are prohibited, except as temporary exempt signs.
- Advertising signs or displays within single-family residential R-1 or R-2 districts are prohibited.
- Window signs exceeding 50% of the window surface area of each windowpane are prohibited.
- Banners used to identify a business are prohibited, except for ‘grand opening’ banners (limited to 30 days), and other temporary banners exempt per code.
- Flashing signs or signs with lights that flash, move, rotate, scintillate, blink, flicker, or vary in intensity or color are prohibited (except time-temperature-date signs and electronic message boards).
- Electrical mobile signs are prohibited.
- No sign shall be inadequately maintained to show deterioration including peeling, rust, dirt, fading, discoloration or holes.
- No sign shall create a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate design, construction, repair, or maintenance.
- No sign shall be erected, relocated or maintained so as to obstruct doors, windows, or fire escapes, or attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
- No sign shall be illuminated with lights that glare into or upon the surrounding area or any residential premises or distract operators of vehicles or pedestrians.
- It is unlawful to park a vehicle anywhere in the village with a 'for sale' or similar sign unless in a licensed car lot, or to place signs on parked vehicles to advertise or direct the public, except as allowed.
- Temporary directional signs and garage sale signs maintained in violation of exemptions are prohibited.
- It is unlawful to erect any political sign in violation of exempt sign provisions.
Exempt Signs in Midlothian
- Changing advertising copy or message on an existing changeable copy or approved sign, whether illuminated or not.
- Normal maintenance and repair of a sign, including painting and cleaning, not involving structural or electrical changes.
- Window signs attached to the inside of a window not exceeding 50% of the window surface area of each windowpane. (Illuminated window signs requiring electrical permits are not exempt.)
- Signs that are an integral part of the historic nature of a landmark building or historic district.
- Municipal directional signs for traffic or directions to streets, schools, historic sites, or public buildings.
- Flags in business and office/industrial districts up to 150 sq ft and in residential districts up to 40 sq ft, provided they comply with code.
- Commercial building occupational signs not exceeding 2 sq ft in area.
- Memorial or commemorative plaques not exceeding 4 sq ft.
- Property identification/address signs not exceeding 2 sq ft in residential areas and 6 sq ft in nonresidential.
- Bulletin boards up to 16 sq ft for public or religious institutions on their premises.
- Permanent residential development signs at major entrances, up to 15 sq ft, with no commercial advertising and of compatible materials.
- Multi-family residence/project identification signs up to 9 sq ft, one per street frontage.
- Public recreation/community facility identification sign up to 64 sq ft per sign face; illuminated signs in this category require a no fee permit.
- Real estate signs up to 8 sq ft in residential areas and 16 sq ft elsewhere; must be removed within 7 days of property sale/rental; one per tenant space.
- Political signs up to 8 sq ft per side, only on private property with owner permission, not on public property.
- Temporary directional signs for garage sale or public events, posted no earlier than 24 hours prior and removed within 24 hours after event.
- Temporary event signs for charitable, not-for-profit organizations up to 32 sq ft, no earlier than 14 days before event, removed within 3 days after; time may be extended by written appeal.
- Temporary displays/decorations associated with holidays, erected up to 45 days before and removed within 14 days after event.
- Hand held noncommercial signs not affixed to the ground and not exceeding 10 sq ft.
- Construction site signs (not in single-family residential areas) up to 32 sq ft, erected only after site plan approval, removed within 7 days after occupancy permit or project completion.
- Temporary special occasion signs (e.g., birth, birthday, holiday) up to 24 sq ft, displayed up to 7 days.
- Banners for decorative purposes, meeting dimensional and structural criteria, as described.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Midlothian
- No general, village-wide requirement for a master sign plan or comprehensive sign plan was identified in the provided ordinance text.
- For construction site signs, a site plan must be approved before sign is erected.
- The code requires a sign permit for all non-exempt signs, via application to the superintendent of buildings, with plan details including blueprints or drawings for review.
- For certain sign types (freestanding signs over 10 feet high, all projecting signs, marquees, canopies), a structural engineer or manufacturer statement regarding structural integrity is required with the application.
- No reference to a required variance meeting, master sign plan, or administrative sign plan for multi-tenant developments in the ordinance as provided.