Sign Regulations in Moline, Illinois
Moline, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 66 sign types across 24 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Wall Sign, Window Signs (Temporary). 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 Moline, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Moline
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Display Sign — Brightness and Operation | — | See district-specific maximum as a percent of the sign face (e.g., 25% or 50%) in Table 3-2105.2. | — |
| Temporary Signs (All Districts) | — | Residentially zoned lots: up to 12 sq ft per sign. Nonresidentially zoned lots: up to 32 sq ft per sign. | Minimum 2 ft |
| Banners (General Rules) | Vertical clearance min 9 ft above sidewalk/drive/parking; 12 ft above public street if overhanging ROW under license. | Freestanding banner: up to 36 sq ft. | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for MolineFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
66
- Freestanding Sign
- Wall Sign
- Window Signs (Temporary)
- Residential Sign (Freestanding)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
24
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Moline
Other Cities in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Moline 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 Moline, 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 Moline, regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Wall Sign, Window Signs (Temporary), Residential Sign (Freestanding), 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 Moline 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 Moline are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Moline has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Moline, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Moline, Illinois regulates 66 sign types across 24 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the Office District (O-1) zoning district are capped at 12 ft (≥100 ft frontage); 15 ft (<100 ft frontage) tall and For lots with ≥100 ft frontage: 60 sq ft per sign. For <100 ft frontage: Max sign area scales: (Frontage ÷ 100) × 60 sq ft., with a 5 ft setback (Sec. Table 3-2105.1 (Freestanding — Other = SP; Illumination Internal/External = SP, note e); Table 3-2105.2 (GX‑1/GX‑2/CV/O‑1 freestanding specs; second/additional sign distances)). Most commercial signs in Moline require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Moline, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Moline (24 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 8 | Vertical clearance min 9 ft above sidewalk/drive/parking; 12 ft above public street if overhanging ROW under license. | Up to 40 sq ft per sign face. | — |
| One-Family Residence District (R-2) | 6 | 5 ft | 60 sq ft | — |
| One- to Six-Family Dwelling District (R-4) | 6 | 5 ft | 60 sq ft | — |
| Multifamily Residence District (R-6) | 8 | For ≥100 ft frontage: 12 ft; for <100 ft frontage: 15 ft | For lots with ≥100 ft frontage: up to 24 sq ft per freestanding sign. For <100 ft frontage: area scales proportionally to frontage: Max area = (Frontage ÷ 100) × 24 sq ft. | — |
| Mobile Home Park District (R-7) | 8 | For ≥100 ft frontage: 5 ft; for <100 ft frontage: 15 ft | For lots with ≥100 ft frontage: up to 12 sq ft per sign. For <100 ft frontage: area scales proportionally to frontage: Max area = (Frontage ÷ 100) × 12 sq ft. | — |
| Conservation District (C-2) | 6 | 5 ft | 60 sq ft | — |
| General Agricultural District (AG-2) | 6 | 5 ft | 60 sq ft | — |
| Office District (O-1) | 12 | 42 inches | For lots with ≥100 ft frontage: 60 sq ft per sign. For <100 ft frontage: Max sign area scales: (Frontage ÷ 100) × 60 sq ft. | — |
| Office/Research Park and Technology District (ORT) | 11 | 42 inches | For lots with ≥100 ft frontage: 225 sq ft per sign. For <100 ft frontage: Max area scales: (Frontage ÷ 100) × 225 sq ft. | — |
| Neighborhood Business District (B-1) | 10 | 42 inches | For lots with ≥100 ft frontage: 60 sq ft per sign. For <100 ft frontage: Max area scales: (Frontage ÷ 100) × 60 sq ft. | — |
| Neighborhood Center District (NC) | 4 | 12 ft (≥100 ft frontage); 15 ft (<100 ft frontage) | For lots with ≥100 ft frontage: 60 sq ft per sign. For <100 ft frontage: Max area scales: (Frontage ÷ 100) × 60 sq ft. | — |
| Central Business District (B-2) | 9 | 24 ft (≥100 ft frontage); 15 ft (<100 ft frontage) | For lots with ≥100 ft frontage: 110 sq ft per sign. For <100 ft frontage: Max area scales: (Frontage ÷ 100) × 110 sq ft. | — |
| Community Business District (B-3) | 9 | 24 ft (≥100 ft frontage); 15 ft (<100 ft frontage) | For lots with ≥100 ft frontage: 110 sq ft per sign. For <100 ft frontage: Max area scales: (Frontage ÷ 100) × 110 sq ft. | — |
| Highway/Intensive Business District (B-4) | 3 | 36 ft (≥100 ft frontage); 15 ft (<100 ft frontage) | For lots with ≥100 ft frontage: 225 sq ft per sign. For <100 ft frontage: Max area scales: (Frontage ÷ 100) × 225 sq ft. | — |
| Light Industrial District (I-1) | 3 | 36 ft (≥100 ft frontage); 15 ft (<100 ft frontage) | For lots with ≥100 ft frontage: 225 sq ft per sign. For <100 ft frontage: Max area scales: (Frontage ÷ 100) × 225 sq ft. | — |
| General Industrial District (I-2) | 7 | 24 ft (≥100 ft frontage); 15 ft (<100 ft frontage) | For lots with ≥100 ft frontage: 225 sq ft per sign. For <100 ft frontage: Max area scales: (Frontage ÷ 100) × 225 sq ft. | — |
| Moline Centre District, Mixed-Use Storefront Core (SX-1) | 9 | Overhang clearances 9 ft/12 ft. | Up to 50% of sign face may be dynamic display in SX‑1/B‑2/B‑3. | — |
| Moline Centre District, Mixed-Use Storefront Core (SX-2) | 3 | 12 ft (≥100 ft frontage); 15 ft (<100 ft frontage) | Wall: up to 10% of wall area; Projecting: 40 sq ft; Window temp: 25% of ground-floor window area; Dynamic display: up to 25% of sign face with 12‑sec dwell and 100 ft separation; Banners: freestanding 36 sq ft; Portable: 9 sq ft/42 in. | — |
| Moline Centre District, General Residential - Office Mix Core (GX-1) | 3 | 12 ft (≥100 ft frontage); 15 ft (<100 ft frontage) | For lots with ≥100 ft frontage: 60 sq ft per sign. For <100 ft frontage: Max area scales: (Frontage ÷ 100) × 60 sq ft. | — |
| Moline Centre District, General Residential - Office Mix Edge (GX-2) | 2 | Freestanding 12 ft (≥100 ft frontage); overhang clearances 9 ft/12 ft. | As GX‑1: Freestanding 60 sq ft (≥100 ft frontage) or scaled; Wall 10% of wall; Projecting 40 sq ft; Window temp 25% window area; Dynamic 25% of sign face with 12‑sec dwell; Portable 9 sq ft/42 in; Banners 36 sq ft (freestanding). | — |
| Moline Centre District, Residential Mix (RX) | 6 | 12 ft (≥100 ft frontage); 15 ft (<100 ft frontage) | For ≥100 ft frontage: 24 sq ft; for <100 ft frontage: scale proportionally. | — |
| Moline Centre District, Civic & Institutional - Buildings (CV-1) | 2 | Freestanding 12 ft (≥100 ft frontage) or 15 ft (<100 ft); overhang clearances 9 ft/12 ft. | Freestanding: 60 sq ft (≥100 ft frontage) or scaled; Wall: 10% of wall; Projecting: 40 sq ft; Window temp: 25% window area; Dynamic: up to 25% of sign face with 12‑sec dwell and 100 ft separation; Banners 36 sq ft (freestanding); Portable 9 sq ft/42 in. | — |
| Moline Centre District, Civic & Institutional - Parks (CV-2) | 2 | Freestanding 12 ft (≥100 ft); overhang clearances 9 ft/12 ft. | Freestanding 60 sq ft (≥100 ft frontage) or scaled; Wall 10% of wall; Projecting 40 sq ft; Window temp 25%; Dynamic 25% of sign face with 12‑sec dwell and 100 ft separation; Banners 36 sq ft; Portable 9 sq ft/42 in. | — |
| Institutional & Nonconforming Uses in Residential Districts (INS) | 6 | 12 ft (≥100 ft frontage); 15 ft (<100 ft frontage) | For lots with ≥100 ft frontage: 40 sq ft per sign. For <100 ft frontage: area scales (Frontage ÷ 100) × 40 sq ft. | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Moline(sample of 3 of 24 zones)
Office District (O-1)
| 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 Sign | 12 ft (≥100 ft frontage); 15 ft (<100 ft frontage) | For lots with ≥100 ft frontage: 60 sq ft per sign. For <100 ft frontage: Max sign area scales: (Frontage ÷ 100) × 60 sq ft. | — | 5 ft | Per frontage increments above | On private property. | — | Unlock | Table 3-2105.1 (Freestanding — Other = SP; Illumination Internal/External = SP, note e); Table 3-2105.2 (GX‑1/GX‑2/CV/O‑1 freestanding specs; second/additional sign distances) |
| Wall Sign | — | Up to 10% of the area of the wall on which the sign is mounted. | — | — | Per facade; within total sign area limits | On any facade except those facing immediately abutting residential zoning. | — | Unlock | Table 3-2105.1 (Wall = SP in GX/CV/O‑1); Table 3-2105.2 (Wall Area % = 10% for GX‑1/GX‑2/CV/O‑1; notes c–d) |
| Projecting Sign | — | Up to 40 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building | Affixed to a building, projecting >6 inches from the wall. | — | Unlock | Table 3-2105.1 (Projecting = SP in GX/CV/O‑1; Exposed bulbs/neon = SP in GX/CV/O‑1); Table 3-2105.3 (Projecting); Sec. 3-2108(1)(d) |
| Canopy Sign | — | Up to 25% of the vertical surface of the canopy | — | — | 1 per building | On canopy/awning vertical face. | — | Unlock | Table 3-2105.1 (Canopy = SP in GX/CV/O‑1); Table 3-2105.3 (Canopy) |
| Dynamic Display (Electronic) — O-1 | — | Up to 25% of the sign face may be dynamic display in O‑1. | — | — | Max 1 dynamic display sign per lot (Table 3-2105.3) | On permitted sign types (e.g., part of a freestanding sign). | — | Unlock | Table 3-2105.2 (GX‑1/GX‑2/CV/O‑1 — Dynamic Display: 25% max; 12‑sec dwell; 100 ft separation); Sec. 3-2107(4); Sec. 3-2107(4) |
| Banners (Freestanding and Building) | Vertical clearance 9 ft (sidewalks/parking) or 12 ft (public street overhang with license). | Freestanding banner: up to 36 sq ft; building banners within total sign area limits. | — | — | Freestanding: per frontage rule | On private property; over ROW requires license. | — | Unlock | Table 3-2105.1 (Banner = SP in GX/CV/O‑1); Table 3-2105.3 (Banner); Sec. 3-2105(2)g; Sec. 3-2108(1)(d) |
| Portable Sign (Sandwich Board/A-frame) | 42 inches | 9 sq ft; max height 42 inches | — | — | 1 per entrance | On private property (nonresidential districts only). | — | Unlock | Table 3-2105.3 (Portable c) |
| Incidental, Identification, Building Marker, Flags, Temporary Signs | — | Identification: 2 sq ft per face; Building marker: 4 sq ft; Flag: 60 sq ft; Temporary: 32 sq ft in nonresidential districts. | — | Temporary signs: 2 ft | Temporary: up to 5 per lot; Identification: 1 per building face; Building marker: 1 per building | On private property. | — | Unlock | Sec. 3-2102(14), (19); Sec. 3-2105(2)f; Table 3-2105.1 (these types = NP); Table 3-2105.3 |
Office/Research Park and Technology District (ORT)
| 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 Sign | 36 ft (≥100 ft frontage); 15 ft (<100 ft frontage) | For lots with ≥100 ft frontage: 225 sq ft per sign. For <100 ft frontage: Max area scales: (Frontage ÷ 100) × 225 sq ft. | — | 10 ft | Per frontage increments above | On private property. | — | Unlock | Table 3-2105.1 (Freestanding — Other = SP; Illumination Internal/External = SP, note e); Table 3-2105.2 (I‑1/ORT freestanding specs; second/additional sign distances) |
| Wall Sign | — | Up to 20% of the area of the wall on which the sign is mounted. | — | — | Per facade; within total sign area limits | On any non‑residential facade as limited. | — | Unlock | Table 3-2105.1 (Wall = SP in I‑1/ORT); Table 3-2105.2 (Wall Area % = 20% for I‑1/ORT; notes c–d) |
| Projecting Sign | — | Up to 40 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building | Affixed to building, projecting. | — | Unlock | Table 3-2105.1 (Projecting = SP in I‑1/ORT; Exposed bulbs/neon = SP in I‑1/ORT); Table 3-2105.3 |
| Canopy Sign | — | Up to 25% of the vertical surface of the canopy | — | — | 1 per building | On canopy/awning vertical face. | — | Unlock | Table 3-2105.1 (Canopy = SP in I‑1/ORT); Table 3-2105.3 (Canopy) |
| Dynamic Display (Electronic) — ORT | — | Up to 50% of sign face may be dynamic display in I‑1/ORT. | — | — | Max 1 dynamic display sign per lot (Table 3-2105.3) | On permitted sign types (e.g., part of a freestanding sign). | — | Unlock | Table 3-2105.2 (I‑1/ORT — Dynamic Display: 50% max; 12‑sec dwell; 100 ft separation); Sec. 3-2107(4); Sec. 3-2107(4) |
| Banners (Freestanding and Building) | 9 ft over sidewalks/parking; 12 ft over public street overhang (with license). | Freestanding banner up to 36 sq ft; building banner within total sign area. | — | — | Freestanding: per frontage rule | On private property; over ROW requires license. | — | Unlock | Table 3-2105.1 (Banner = SP in I‑1/ORT); Table 3-2105.3; Sec. 3-2105(2)g; Sec. 3-2108(1)(d) |
| Portable Sign (Sandwich Board/A‑frame) | 42 inches | 9 sq ft; max height 42 inches | — | — | 1 per entrance | On private property (nonresidential districts only). | — | Unlock | Table 3-2105.3 (Portable c) |
| Incidental, Identification, Building Marker, Flags, Temporary Signs | — | Identification: 2 sq ft per face; Building marker: 4 sq ft; Flag: 60 sq ft; Temporary: 32 sq ft in nonresidential districts. | — | Temporary signs: 2 ft | Temporary: up to 5 per lot; Identification: 1 per face; Building marker: 1 per building | On private property. | — | Unlock | Sec. 3-2102(14), (19); Sec. 3-2105(2)f; Table 3-2105.1; Table 3-2105.3 |
Neighborhood Business District (B-1)
| 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 Sign | 12 ft (≥100 ft frontage); 15 ft (<100 ft frontage) | For lots with ≥100 ft frontage: 60 sq ft per sign. For <100 ft frontage: Max area scales: (Frontage ÷ 100) × 60 sq ft. | — | 5 ft | 1 (no additional signs via frontage increments) | On private property. | — | Unlock | Table 3-2105.1 (Freestanding — Other = SP; Illumination Internal/External = SP, note e); Table 3-2105.2 (B‑1/NC freestanding specs; second/additional sign rows = NA) |
| Wall Sign | — | Up to 10% of the wall area on which each sign is mounted. | — | — | Per facade; within total sign area limits | On eligible facades. | — | Unlock | Table 3-2105.1 (Wall = SP; Exposed bulbs/neon = NO in B‑1/NC); Table 3-2105.2 (Wall Area % = 10%; notes c–d) |
| Projecting Sign | — | Up to 40 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building | Affixed to building, projecting. | — | Unlock | Table 3-2105.1 (Projecting = SP in B‑1/NC; Exposed bulbs/neon = NO); Table 3-2105.3 (Projecting); Sec. 3-2108(1)(d) |
| Canopy Sign | — | Up to 25% of the vertical surface of the canopy | — | — | 1 per building | On canopy/awning vertical face. | — | Unlock | Table 3-2105.1 (Canopy = SP in B‑1/NC); Table 3-2105.3 |
| Dynamic Display (Electronic) — B-1 | — | Up to 25% of sign face may be dynamic display in B‑1/NC. | — | — | Max 1 dynamic display per lot (Table 3-2105.3) | On permitted sign types (e.g., freestanding). | — | Unlock | Table 3-2105.2 (B‑1/NC — Dynamic Display: 25% max; 12‑sec dwell; 100 ft separation); Sec. 3-2107(4); Sec. 3-2107(4) |
| Banners (Freestanding and Building) | 9 ft (sidewalks/parking); 12 ft (over public street with license). | Freestanding banner up to 36 sq ft; building banners within total sign area. | — | — | Freestanding: per frontage rule | On private property; ROW overhang needs license. | — | Unlock | Table 3-2105.1 (Banner = SP in B‑1/NC); Table 3-2105.3; Sec. 3-2105(2)g; Sec. 3-2108(1)(d) |
| Portable Sign (Sandwich Board/A‑frame) | 42 inches | 9 sq ft; 42 inches height | — | — | 1 per entrance | On private property (nonresidential district). | — | Unlock | Table 3-2105.3 (Portable c) |
| Incidental, Identification, Building Marker, Flags, Temporary Signs | — | Identification: 2 sq ft per face; Building marker: 4 sq ft; Flag: 60 sq ft; Temporary: 32 sq ft in nonresidential districts. | — | Temporary: 2 ft | Temporary: up to 5 per lot; Identification: 1 per face; Building marker: 1 per building | On private property. | — | Unlock | Sec. 3-2102(14), (19); Sec. 3-2105(2)f; Table 3-2105.1; Table 3-2105.3 |
PermitPal covers all 24 zoning districts in Moline — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 24 zones for Moline — start freeProhibited Signs in Moline
- All signs not expressly permitted by the ordinance are prohibited.
- No signs are allowed in the public right-of-way except as expressly authorized for governmental/public purpose signs and certain licensed projecting/suspended/awning signs.
- Any sign that incorporates moving, oscillating, revolving, strobing, or flashing lights (except traffic warning devices) is prohibited.
- Signs that do not conform to the City’s illumination performance standards are prohibited.
- Animated signs are prohibited.
- Dynamic display signs are prohibited in any historic district or on a historic landmark.
- Pennants, spinners, streamers, inflatable signs, tethered balloons, and non‑conforming banners are prohibited except for one temporary occurrence not to exceed seven consecutive days per calendar year.
- Portable signs are prohibited except where specifically allowed.
- Revolving signs are prohibited.
- Sequential message signs are prohibited.
- String lights other than holiday decorations are prohibited.
- Signs designed to achieve movement by action of wind currents are prohibited.
- Any sign or structure that is structurally unsafe, inadequately maintained, dilapidated or abandoned, not kept in good repair, or capable of causing electrical shock is prohibited.
- Any sign that obstructs required ingress or egress from a door, window, fire escape, or other required exit is prohibited.
- Any unlawfully installed, erected, or maintained sign is prohibited.
Exempt Signs in Moline
- Emergency warning signs erected by a governmental agency, public utility, or contractor doing authorized or permitted work within the public right‑of‑way.
- Informational signs of a public utility regarding its poles, lines, pipes, or facilities.
- Any public notice or warning required by federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance.
- Traffic control signs on public or private property that meet Department of Transportation standards and contain no commercial message.
- Transit signs erected by a public transit authority.
- Any sign inside a building, not attached to a window or door, and not legible from more than three feet beyond the lot line.
- Works of art that do not include a verbal or textual message.
- Holiday lights and decorations displayed no more than six weeks total per calendar year.
- Handbills regulated under Sec. 3‑1100 et seq. of the Moline Code of Ordinances.
- Signs directly associated with an approved Special Event per City policy, located within the event area, displayed no more than 15 days before the event and removed within 48 hours after the event.
Sign Permit Fees & Timelines in Moline
| Item | Details | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Sign permit application | No charge per 2016 Development Review Application Fee Schedule (City Council resolution). Sec. 3-2105(4) states fees shall be established by City Council from time to time by resolution. | — |
| Completeness Review | Within three (3) days of receiving an application for a sign permit, the administrator shall review it for completeness. | Sec. 3-2105(5) |
| See all Moline sign permit fees & timelines — start free | ||
Source: amlegal municipal code