Sign Regulations in Mount Prospect, Illinois
Mount Prospect, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 24 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Flag, Temporary Commercial Sign, Temporary Noncommercial 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 Mount Prospect, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Mount Prospect
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flag | 25 ft flagpole for single-family; maximum for principal structures for other properties | 50 sq ft per flag | 5 ft from any property line |
| Window Sign | — | No more than 50% of total window surface area | — |
| Temporary Commercial Sign | 6 ft | 10 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
24
- Flag
- Temporary Commercial Sign
- Temporary Noncommercial Sign
- Sidewalk Sign
- +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 Mount Prospect 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 Mount Prospect, 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 Mount Prospect, regulated sign types include Flag, Temporary Commercial Sign, Temporary Noncommercial Sign, Sidewalk 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 Mount Prospect 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 Mount Prospect are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Mount Prospect has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Mount Prospect, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Mount Prospect, Illinois regulates 24 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Flags in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 25 ft flagpole for single-family; maximum for principal structures for other properties tall, 50 sq ft per flag, and 3 ft (single-family flag), none for others wide, with a 5 ft from any property line setback (Sec. 7.202.E). Most commercial signs in Mount Prospect require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Mount Prospect, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Mount Prospect (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 5 | 25 ft flagpole for single-family; maximum for principal structures for other properties | 50 sq ft per flag | — |
| Single-family residential properties | 3 | 25 ft (flagpole) | Total of all such signs: 16 sq ft | — |
| Other properties | 3 | 6 ft | 50 sq ft per flag | — |
| Nonresidential Districts | 14 | 15 ft from base grade | 150 sq ft (can be up to 300 sq ft if 250'+ setback per director approval) | — |
| B-3 (community shopping) zoning district, B-4 (corridor commercial) zoning district, B-5 (central commercial) zoning district, B-5C (core central commercial) zoning district | 1 | 4 ft | 6 sq ft per face, 2 faces maximum | — |
| C-R district, R-X district, R-1 district, R-A district | 3 | 8 ft | 75 sq ft (may be increased for large developments per 7.302.L.1.b) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Mount Prospect(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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flag | 25 ft flagpole for single-family; maximum for principal structures for other properties | 50 sq ft per flag | 3 ft (single-family flag), none for others | 5 ft from any property line | Single-family: one flagpole/2 flags; Others: 3 flagpoles/2 flags per pole | Flagpoles must be 5 ft minimum from any property line and not within a required interior side yard. Flags may not be on roofs, project over property lines, or contact structures when fully extended. | — | Unlock | 7.202.E |
| Noncommercial Notice Board | — | — | — | — | — | Affixed to building; intended for pedestrians | — | Unlock | 7.202.F |
| Window Sign | — | No more than 50% of total window surface area | — | — | — | On/in window | — | Unlock | 7.202.G |
| Door Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Affixed to door glass | — | Unlock | 7.202.H |
| Municipal Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Village owned property or in public right-of-way for Village events | — | Unlock | 7.202.J |
Single-family residential properties
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Commercial Sign | 6 ft | 10 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On property | — | Unlock | 7.202.C.1 |
| Temporary Noncommercial Sign | — | Total of all such signs: 16 sq ft | — | — | Total area of all signs: 16 sq ft | On property | — | Unlock | 7.202.D.1 |
| Flag | 25 ft (flagpole) | 3 ft x 5 ft (per flag), max 50 sq ft per flag | 3 ft | 5 ft from property line | 1 flagpole/2 flags per lot | One flagpole per zoning lot | — | Unlock | 7.202.E.1 |
Nonresidential 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sidewalk Sign | 4 ft | 6 sq ft per face, 2 faces maximum | — | — | 1 per business | See district-specific rules (B-3, B-4, B-5, B-5C: sidewalk sign allowed on private property) | — | Unlock | 7.202.I |
| Freestanding Sign | 12 ft from base grade | 75 sq ft per face | — | 5 ft min from property line; 50 ft min from another freestanding sign | 1 per street frontage (with exception for multi-tenant with separate entrances) | Perpendicular to street right of way (on mult. frontage properties) | — | Unlock | 7.302.G |
| Projecting Sign | 14 ft from base grade or below roofline (whichever less) | 16 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage per establishment | Perpendicular to building wall | — | Unlock | 7.302.E |
| Directory Sign | 8 ft from base grade | 20 sq ft | — | 50 ft from property line | 1 per lot | No closer than 50 ft to property line | — | Unlock | 7.302.F |
| Directional Sign (Freestanding) | 6 ft | 10 sq ft | — | — | 1 per driveway entrance | Interior of lot (approved by director) | — | Unlock | 7.302.I.1-2 |
| Directional Sign (Wall) | 15 ft from base grade | 10 sq ft | — | — | 1 per driveway entrance | Interior of lot (approved by director), on wall | — | Unlock | 7.302.I.2 |
| Menu Board (Primary) | 8 ft | 40 sq ft | — | — | 2 per drive-through lane | Drive-through lane | — | Unlock | 7.302.J |
| Development Identification Sign (Business use) | 12 ft | 75 sq ft (up to 150 sq ft if >75 acres: +1 sq ft/acre over 75 up to 150) | — | 12 ft from property line; increases 1 ft for each 6.25 sq ft above 75 sq ft | — | Min 12 ft from property line, plus 1 ft per each 6.25 sq ft of area over 75 sq ft | — | Unlock | 7.302.L.1.b, L.2.b, L.3.b |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Mount Prospect — 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 Mount Prospect — start freeProhibited Signs in Mount Prospect
- Any sign which constitutes a traffic hazard by reason of size, location, design, or type of illumination.
- Any sign located in or extending over the public right of way except as otherwise permitted or authorized by the village board.
- Any permanent sign located over or upon a village utility or easement without prior consent from the director of community development.
- Any sign which moves or assumes a nonstationary position by mechanical means except as otherwise permitted or authorized by the village board, or under normal wind currents except as regulated.
- Portable signs, except as otherwise permitted or authorized by the village board.
- Any sign painted directly on exterior building surfaces.
- Signs on light poles.
- Signs attached or affixed to a roof and projecting above the ridgeline or parapet of a building.
- Pennants, streamers, tethered balloons, or stringed fringe.
- Inflatable signs or devices inflated by cold air, hot air, or other inflatable gas.
- Nonpermanent signs placed on or affixed to vehicles/trailers parked so as to be visible from a public right of way and used to attract attention to a business/activity.
- Display of unauthorized signs, signals, markings, or advertising signs upon/in view of any street which imitates or resembles an official traffic-control device, or attempts to direct, hide, or interfere with movement or effectiveness of any traffic-control device.
- Placement of any traffic sign or signal on a street bearing any commercial advertising.
- Signs on flagpoles, sign poles, trees, or similar structures or objects (except as allowed for public rights of way for flags).
- Wall mounted flags that have poles extending above the roofline.
- Flags mounted on roofs.
Exempt Signs in Mount Prospect
- Traffic control signs or those for regulatory purposes, including private property parking control and official messages erected by a public officer in performance of duty.
- Public information, noncommercial, permanent signs required or authorized by law or necessitated by public health or safety, in all zoning districts, not exceeding two square feet in area or as approved by director.
- Temporary commercial activity signs on property, meeting size, height, number, and duration limits (e.g., for sale/lease, help wanted, garage sales, contractor signs, special sales).
- Temporary noncommercial signs on property, meeting area, duration, and location requirements.
- Flags meeting limitations on number, size, pole height, setbacks and mounting, and not mounted on roofs or certain structures.
- Noncommercial notice boards affixed to a building for pedestrians, with non-changeable information and no flashing/lights/movable means.
- Signs on/in windows, provided total area of all window signs does not exceed 50% of total window surface area (plus other requirements for certain message types).
- Signs on door glass identifying name, address, contact, or hours of establishment.
- Commercial sidewalk signs in nonresidential districts, compliant with conditions regarding purpose, location, size, number, use, illumination, materials, and maintenance.
- Municipal signs on Village owned property or in the public right of way for Village sponsored/related events.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Mount Prospect
- Shopping/business centers must submit a written sign criteria identifying sign type, color, and design to unify wall signage. Upon approval by the director, this criteria will be used in addition to the guidelines to evaluate new signs in the center.
- Where written sign criteria has not been established for a shopping/business center, and there is a mixture of existing sign types/colors/design, future wall sign criteria for the center will be established based on the maximum percentage of signs currently installed on the site.
- A sign permit is required unless otherwise exempted under the chapter. Application process includes staff review and submission requirements as per the Sign Permit Application form.
- Variation from sign ordinance standards (height, area, minimum distance) may be requested via meeting/hearing with planning and zoning commission, with public notice required.
- No permit shall be issued during the pendency of an appeal or variation request before the planning and zoning commission.