# Sign Regulations in Mount Vernon, Illinois

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Mount Vernon, Illinois, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Mount Vernon, Illinois (IL)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/illinois/mount-vernon
- **Data last verified:** 2026-01-26
- **Source:** [amlegal municipal code](https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/mountvernonil/latest/mtvernon_il/0-0-0-8145)

## At a glance

Mount Vernon, Illinois regulates 51 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Temporary Sign (Single Family or Two Family)s in the Residential Zoning Districts (R-1, R-2, R-M2, R-MH, R-3) zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and 8 sq ft total (site aggregate), with a Must comply with general setbacks/vision clearance in § 161.251(B) setback (Sec. § 161.249(A), § 161.251(J)(1) and (3); § 161.226(I)). Most commercial signs in Mount Vernon require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (7 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Residential Zoning Districts (R-1, R-2, R-M2, R-MH, R-3) | 12 | 15 ft | 75 sq ft per sign (or 64 sq ft if using directory option) | — |
| Agricultural Zoning District (A-G) | 9 | 40 ft | 100 sq ft (per sign) | — |
| Flood Plain Zoning District (F-P) | 9 | 40 ft | 100 sq ft (per sign) | — |
| Business Zoning Districts (B-1, B-2, B-3, B-PL) | 13 | Up to 120 ft (see Table 2 tiers) | Up to 450 sq ft (see Table 2 tiers) | — |
| Industrial Zoning Districts (I-1, I-2, I-A) | 11 | Up to 66 ft (see Table 2 tiers) | Up to 450 sq ft (see Table 2 tiers) | — |
| IPCA-PUD | 9 | Up to 120 ft (see Table 2 tiers) | Up to 450 sq ft (see Table 2 tiers under B-3/IPCA-PUD) | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 9 | 30 ft | 100 sq ft per side | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 7 zones)

### Residential Zoning Districts (R-1, R-2, R-M2, R-MH, R-3)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Window Sign (Single Family or Two Family) | 6 ft | 8 sq ft total (site aggregate) | — | — | Any number so long as total sign area on site does not exceed 8 sq ft | On the dwelling; trees, rocks or other natural landscape features may not be used to support signs | — | § 161.249(A); § 161.226; § 161.254(A) |
| Wall Sign (Single Family or Two Family) | 6 ft | 8 sq ft total (site aggregate) | — | — | Any number so long as total sign area on site does not exceed 8 sq ft | Affixed to dwelling | — | § 161.249(A); § 161.251(E)(2) |
| Temporary Sign (Single Family or Two Family) | 6 ft | 8 sq ft total (site aggregate) | — | Must comply with general setbacks/vision clearance in § 161.251(B) | Any number so long as total sign area on site does not exceed 8 sq ft | On private property; not on trees/rocks/natural features | — | § 161.249(A), § 161.251(J)(1) and (3); § 161.226(I) |
| Freestanding Sign (Multi-family Complex / Manufactured Home Park / Legal Subdivision) | 15 ft | 48 sq ft per sign | — | Must meet general setbacks/vision clearance in § 161.251(B) | One per each street frontage | At each separate street frontage of the complex, park, or subdivision site | — | § 161.249(B) |
| Directional Sign (Multi-family Complex / Manufactured Home Park / Legal Subdivision) | 8 ft (if freestanding) | 6 sq ft per sign | — | Must meet general setbacks/clearances | Unlimited | On the site as needed for internal direction | — | § 161.249(B); § 161.251(H)(3) |
| Freestanding Sign (Permitted Non-Residential Use Site in a Residential District) | 15 ft | 75 sq ft per sign (or 64 sq ft if using directory option) | — | Must meet general setbacks/vision clearance in § 161.251(B) | One per each street frontage | At each separate street frontage | — | § 161.249(C) |
| Directory Sign (In Lieu of Freestanding) - Option 1 (Permitted Non-Residential Use in Residential District) | 15 ft | 64 sq ft per sign | — | Must meet general setbacks/vision clearance | One per each street frontage (in lieu of freestanding on that frontage) | At each separate street frontage | — | § 161.249(C) |
| Directional Sign (Permitted Non-Residential Use Site in a Residential District) | 8 ft (if freestanding) | 6 sq ft per sign | — | Must meet general setbacks/clearances | Unlimited | On the site | — | § 161.249(C) |

### Business Zoning Districts (B-1, B-2, B-3, B-PL)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Sign (B-1, B-2, B-PL) | 40 ft | 100 sq ft (per sign) | — | B-2: minimum 10 ft from right-of-way or adjoining property; B-3 has same 10 ft rule (see B-3 entry); general setbacks/vision clearance apply | Baseline and additional signs per frontage length as described | On-premise | — | § 161.250(B)(1)(a)-(b); Table 2 (B-1, B-2, B-PL column); § 161.250(B)(6)(a); § 161.254 |
| Freestanding Sign (B-3) | Up to 120 ft (see Table 2 tiers) | Up to 450 sq ft (see Table 2 tiers) | — | Minimum 10 ft from right-of-way or adjoining property in B-3; general setbacks/vision clearance apply | Baseline and additional signs per frontage length as described | On-premise | — | § 161.250(B)(1)(b)2.; Table 2 (B-3 column) |
| Projecting Sign (Business Districts General) | — | Up to 100 sq ft (and limited by 1 sq ft per 2 linear feet of façade) | — | No extension into right-of-way except in B-1 (see next entry) | As stated in additional requirements | Mounted to building façade in Business Districts; not on rooftops or pitched roofs | — | § 161.250(B)(6)(a)-(e); § 161.251(G) |
| Projecting Sign Over Public Sidewalk (B-1 Only) | — | As limited by 1 sq ft per 2 linear feet of façade (max 100 sq ft) | — | Right-of-way extension allowed only as specified | Per projecting sign limits | May extend into the public right-of-way over a sidewalk only within B-1 | — | § 161.251(C)(1); § 161.250(B)(6) |
| Roof Sign (Conditional Use; in lieu of other building signs) | Height above highest architectural point may not exceed 25% of façade vertical dimension (Business District) | Per Table 3 | — | — | Replaces other building signs | Mounted on roof | — | § 161.250(B)(3)(a)1.-(b) |
| Directional Sign (Business Districts) | 8 ft (freestanding) | Freestanding: 6 sq ft; Wall: 16 sq ft | — | General setbacks/clearances apply | Unlimited | On-site | — | § 161.251(H)(1); Table 4 |
| Temporary Signs (Business Districts) | 6 ft | 50 sq ft total | — | Must comply with general setback and clearance requirements | Any number within 50 sq ft total | On private property | — | § 161.251(J)(2)-(3); Table 4 |
| Off-Premise Freestanding Sign (Conditional Sign Permit required) | 30 ft | 100 sq ft per side | — | Per § 161.258(C)(10)-(11); and general § 161.251(B) | Counts toward property's freestanding sign allowance | On permitted non-residential property in B-1, B-2, B-3, B-PL | — | § 161.258(C)(1)-(14) |

### Industrial Zoning Districts (I-1, I-2, I-A)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Sign | Up to 66 ft (see Table 2 tiers) | Up to 450 sq ft (see Table 2 tiers) | — | General setbacks/vision clearance; no extension into ROW | Baseline and additional signs per frontage length as described | On-premise | — | § 161.250(B)(1)(a)-(b); Table 2 (I-1, I-2, I-A column) |
| Wall/Fascia Sign (Industrial) | — | Per Table 3 percentages | — | — | Any number within permitted façade allocation | On façades | — | § 161.250(B)(2); Table 3; § 161.251(E); § 161.250(B)(2)(c) |
| Roof Sign (Conditional Use; in lieu of other building signs) | Height above highest architectural point may not exceed 40% of façade vertical dimension (Industrial) | Per Table 3 | — | — | Replaces other building signs | Mounted on roof | — | § 161.250(B)(3)(a)3.-(b) |
| Directional Sign (Industrial) | 8 ft (freestanding) | Freestanding: 6 sq ft; Wall: 16 sq ft | — | General setbacks/clearances apply | Unlimited | On-site | — | § 161.251(H)(1); Table 4 |
| Temporary Signs (Industrial) | 6 ft | 50 sq ft total | — | General setback and clearance rules apply | Any number within 50 sq ft total | On private property | — | § 161.251(J)(2)-(3); Table 4 |
| Off-Premise Freestanding Sign (Conditional Sign Permit required) | 30 ft | 100 sq ft per side | — | Per § 161.258(C)(10)-(11) and § 161.251(B) | Counts toward freestanding sign allowance | On permitted non-residential property in I-1, I-2, I-A | — | § 161.258(C)(1)-(14) |
| Sexually Oriented Business - Freestanding Sign (I-1 only) | 25 ft (top of sign); minimum ground clearance 10 ft (bottom of sign) | 75 sq ft (one side) or 150 sq ft (two sides total) | — | Minimum 10 ft from ROW and adjoining property | One freestanding sign permitted | On-site freestanding | — | § 161.252(A)(1), (B)-(G) |
| Sexually Oriented Business - Wall Sign (I-1 only) | 25 ft (top of sign) | 75 sq ft | — | — | One wall sign permitted | On building wall | — | § 161.252(A)(2), (B)-(G) |

## Prohibited signs in Mount Vernon

- Signs containing strobe lights, revolving lights, or search lights
- Abandoned signs or sign structures remaining on a premises more than 60 days after becoming abandoned
- Signs placed on or painted on parked motor vehicles or trailers when the primary purpose is to provide signage (business identification on vehicles primarily, actively, and regularly used for transportation is allowed)
- Signs that imitate or resemble official traffic lights, signs, or signals, or that interfere with the effectiveness of any official traffic device
- Mechanically moving or environmentally activated signs and displays, including pennants, streamers, spinners, propellers, and search lights
- Flashing signs (defined as illumination cycles with on/off phases of 4 seconds or less)
- Posters or handbills affixed to any structure other than a permitted sign structure, or affixed to trees, natural vegetation, rocks, utility poles, or other poles
- Roof signs, except where permitted by Conditional Use in Non-Residential districts
- Any sign or sign structure that may be confused with or obstruct authorized traffic signs/signals, that obstructs the sight-distance triangle at intersections, or that unlawfully extends into the public right-of-way
- Portable signs
- Signs that prevent free ingress or egress from doors, windows, fire escapes, or free roof access; attaching any sign to a stand-pipe or fire escape
- Signs that emit smoke, visible vapors, particles, sound, or odor; open flames used to attract attention
- Use of mirrors as part of a sign
- Inflatable signs except when used as temporary signs
- Projecting signs and permanent banners except within Business Zoning Districts
- Any sign upon or within a public right-of-way or extending into a public right-of-way, unless specifically permitted by the ordinance
- Any sign type not allowed as a permitted sign or conditional use sign within its zoning district; where the regulations are silent or do not provide a basis to conclude a sign is allowed, the sign is prohibited
- Any sign constructed of plywood, particle board, or similar material with wood supports (e.g., 2x4, 4x4, 4x6, 6x6) that is larger than 8 square feet or has an exposed support structure greater than 24 inches in height
- Any sign requiring a permit for which no permit has been obtained, or any sign not placed and maintained in accordance with the Sign Regulations
- Any sign not legally installed in conformance with regulations in effect at the time of installation; any nonconforming sign for which nonconformity status ceases
- No sign may be installed within the 30-foot vision clearance triangle at intersections of rights-of-way, alleys, or driveways
- No sign or awning may extend over areas where vehicles travel or are parked unless the bottom of the structure is at least 14 feet above ground
- No sign or awning may extend more than 12 inches over pedestrian areas unless the bottom of the structure is at least 8 feet above ground
- Signs, sign structures, and awnings may not interfere with fire escapes, means of egress, or standpipes; attaching to a fire escape is prohibited
- Signs, sign structures, and awnings may not obstruct light, ventilation, or exhaust below code requirements
- All signs and sign structures must be erected and attached entirely on or within the site/property to which they refer; no placement on other property without the owner's written consent
- No sign (including supports/foundations) may be placed within the right-of-way of any street, alley, or public way, nor upon public property without City Council approval, except as specifically permitted
- Freestanding signs may not extend into the right-of-way
- Fascia or wall signs may not extend above the top of the building wall and may not project more than 18 inches from the wall (no more than 4 inches on single- and two-family residential sites)

## Signs exempt from permit in Mount Vernon

- Routine maintenance or changing parts designed for changes is not considered an alteration (and does not trigger a permit) if it does not alter surface area, height, or make the sign nonconforming
- Signs not exceeding 1 square foot bearing only property numbers, post box numbers, names of occupants, or other identification of premises without commercial connotations are not subject to a permit
- Legal notices, identification, informational, or directional signs erected by governmental bodies are not subject to a permit
- Signs not exceeding 1 square foot that direct and guide traffic and parking on private property, bearing no advertising or property identification, are not subject to a permit
- Decals or logos affixed to windows or door glass panels (e.g., membership stickers, credit card acceptance) that do not advertise a product/service or identify the property are not subject to a permit
- Physically Disabled Parking Space or Towing Notice signs permitted by the Illinois Vehicle Code are not subject to a permit
- On-premise private drive signs limited to one per driveway entrance, not exceeding 1 square foot per sign, are not subject to a permit
- Public signs erected by government agencies or utilities (traffic, utility, safety, railroad crossing, and public facility identification) are not subject to a permit
- Security and warning signs (e.g., no trespassing, no hunting, no soliciting) not exceeding one per street frontage and 1 square foot on residential properties, or one per street frontage and 3 square feet on nonresidential properties, are not subject to a permit
- Temporary signs as defined in §161.251(J) are not subject to a permit
- Permit fees are not charged when the work is for a governmental entity, fees are not included in any contractor payment, and the applicant obtains all necessary permits or is exempt by law

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A sign permit is required before any sign is erected, enlarged, altered, rebuilt, or relocated; transfer of ownership/use of a sign requires a Sign Transfer Permit
- Off-premise signs are permitted only with a Conditional Sign Permit, are subject to specific placement, size, and spacing conditions, and require payment of initial and annual permit fees
- Roof signs are permitted only by Conditional Use in Non-Residential districts and are in lieu of other building signs; area is limited per Table 3 and height caps by district apply
- Electronic Message Centers on permitted non-residential use sites in Residential districts require a Conditional Use Permit (EMCs are permitted signs on non-residential use sites in the R-3 district; EMCs are permitted in Non-Residential districts subject to §161.253)
- No variance of the Sign Regulations is permitted except a limited setback variance that may be granted by the City Manager under §161.251(B)(1) when right-of-way changes prevent compliance; such variance must be issued by written permit filed with the City Clerk
- Conditional Sign Permit procedure requires a written application, public notice (mailing, newspaper publication, posting on property), a public hearing before the Board of Appeals, Board findings of compatibility and traffic safety, and a final grant or denial by the City Council

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 7 zoning districts in Mount Vernon — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Mount+Vernon+IL&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-mount-vernon

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