Sign Regulations in Normal, Illinois
Normal, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 47 sign types across 12 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include All Sign Types (General Provisions), Exempt Signs (Official / Government / Public), Exempt Signs (Flags). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: January 9, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Normal, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Normal
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exempt Signs (Official / Government / Public) | 6 ft for street address signs and private traffic direction signs; other exempt public/government signs not specified here. | Street address / nameplate signs: 6 sq ft area, 6 ft height max. Private traffic direction signs: 6 sq ft area, 6 ft total height max. Other exempt public/government notices not given a specific area in this section. | — |
| Exempt Signs (Real Estate Sale or Rental Signs) - R-1A, R-1B, R-2, R-3A, R-3B | Free-standing: 6 ft; wall-mounted: not specified, but typical wall-placement—no projection above wall implied by general wall sign standards. | Free-standing: 6 sq ft; wall-mounted: 6 sq ft. | — |
| Exempt Signs (Real Estate Sale or Rental Signs) - All Other Zoning Districts | Free-standing: 12 ft; wall-mounted: not specified (subject to general wall sign height not above top of wall). | Free-standing: 32 sq ft; wall-mounted: 32 sq ft. | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for NormalFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
47
- All Sign Types (General Provisions)
- Exempt Signs (Official / Government / Public)
- Exempt Signs (Flags)
- Exempt Signs (Integral Signs)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
12
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Normal
Other Cities in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Normal 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 Normal, 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 Normal, regulated sign types include All Sign Types (General Provisions), Exempt Signs (Official / Government / Public), Exempt Signs (Flags), Exempt Signs (Integral Signs), 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 Normal 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 Normal are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Normal has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Normal, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Normal, Illinois regulates 47 sign types across 12 zoning districts. Outdoor Advertising Signs (Billboards) - General Rules in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at Determined by Table 15.13-10(H)(6); in Highrise Sign Corridor freestanding signs may be up to 75 ft tall but within 450 sq ft area. tall and Determined by zoning district and posted street speed using Table 15.13-10(H)(6) (same as freestanding sign limits up to 450 sq ft; in Highrise Corridor up to 450 sq ft, 75 ft height)., with a Spacing setbacks as above relative to other signs and residential zoning districts. setback (Sec. 15.13-10(C)(7); 15.13-10(C)(12) (for Highrise Corridor height/area limit)). Most commercial signs in Normal require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Normal, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Normal (12 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 24 | Up to 75 ft height within Highrise Sign Corridor. | Up to 450 sq ft area (exact allowed area determined by Table 15.13-10(H)(6) based on frontage/speed). | — |
| Agricultural District | 1 | May not project above the top of the wall to which it is affixed. | 2 sq ft total sign area. | — |
| R-1 Single-Family Zoning District, R-2 Mixed Residential Zoning District | 1 | May not project above the top of the wall. | 2 sq ft total sign area. | — |
| R-3A Medium-Density Multiple-Family Residential Zoning District, R-3B High Density Multiple-Family Residential Zoning District | 2 | Freestanding signs limited to 6 ft in height. | Total of all signs (wall + freestanding) on each street frontage is 40 sq ft maximum; no per-sign wall limit stated. | — |
| S-1 University District | 1 | — | — | — |
| S-2 Public Lands and Institutions Zoning District, Residential Districts as a Special Use (R-1, R-2, R-3 when regulated by 15.13-10(E)) | 3 | Per Table 15.13-10(E): - Frontage 200 ft or less: max 6 ft. - Frontage 200–500 ft: max 10 ft. - Frontage 500 ft or more: max 12 ft. | Per Table 15.13-10(E): - Lot frontage 200 ft or less: max 75 sq ft. - Lot frontage 200–500 ft: max 150 sq ft. - Lot frontage 500 ft or more: max 200 sq ft. (This is per low-rise sign; this sign area counts toward the site’s total allowed signage area.) | — |
| S-3 Historic and Cultural District | 1 | Same maximum height as underlying zoning district. | Same maximum sign area as underlying zoning district (e.g., Residential, S-2, C-1, etc.). | — |
| C-1 Office District, C-2 Neighborhood Shopping District | 4 | Wall signs not above top of wall; roof signs limited by Table 15.13-10(H)(6) for height; projecting signs may not extend above highest point of building; under-canopy signs must maintain 8 ft clearance. | Per-tenant: at least 16 sq ft. Overall: per-lot aggregate formula above. Projecting/roof/canopy/awning must share the same aggregate; canopy/awning and projecting also subject to their special copy-area or placement rules. | — |
| C-3 Community/Regional Shopping District, B-1 General Business District, M-1 Restricted Manufacturing District, M-2 General Manufacturing District | 4 | Per sign type: low-rise vs non-low-rise freestanding; roof sign heights from Table 15.13-10(H)(6). | Per tenant: at least 32 sq ft. Overall: per-lot formula described above. Canopy/awning/projecting sign copy-area subject to their own percentage rules. Roof sign area is also limited by Table 15.13-10(H)(6) and must be counted against wall sign aggregate. | — |
| B-2 Central Business District | 1 | — | — | — |
| R-1A Single-Family Residence District, R-1B Single-Family Residence District | 2 | Freestanding: 6 ft. | By cross-reference, permanent residential wall sign rules in 15.13-10(B) for R-1 and R-2 likely apply: 2 sq ft total; however R-1A/R-1B are separately referenced mainly in the real estate exemption; no explicit bulk text is provided for permanent signs. Use ‘Residential Districts as a Special Use’ if special use applies. | — |
| R-3 Residential Districts | 3 | — | Total temporary sign area per residential property: 40 sq ft; each temporary sign ≤7 sq ft. | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Normal(sample of 3 of 12 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exempt Signs (Real Estate Sale or Rental Signs) - R-1A, R-1B, R-2, R-3A, R-3B | Free-standing: 6 ft; wall-mounted: not specified, but typical wall-placement—no projection above wall implied by general wall sign standards. | Free-standing: 6 sq ft; wall-mounted: 6 sq ft. | — | — | Generally 1 per dwelling; in R-2, R-3A, R-3B: 1 per dwelling unit (with licensing limitation); plus one additional if both sale and rent are advertised. | On-premise sign on the real estate which is for sale, rental, or lease. | — | Unlock | 15.13-7(I)(1),(3) |
| Exempt Signs (Real Estate Sale or Rental Signs) - All Other Zoning Districts | Free-standing: 12 ft; wall-mounted: not specified (subject to general wall sign height not above top of wall). | Free-standing: 32 sq ft; wall-mounted: 32 sq ft. | — | — | 1 per property per transaction type (sale vs rental/lease), so up to 2 signs if both sale and rent are advertised. | On-premise sign on the real estate being sold/leased/rented. | — | Unlock | 15.13-7(I)(2),(3) |
| Projecting Signs (All Zones where otherwise permitted) | May not extend vertically above the highest point of the building upon which mounted. | Limited in height and area as set forth elsewhere in 15.13-10 (uses zone-specific freestanding/wall allowances—no unique numeric here). | — | — | 1 projecting sign per occupancy per street frontage with public entrance (in lieu of freestanding sign for that frontage). | Mounted projecting from building facade, one per occupancy along any street frontage with public entrance. Except in B-2, may not extend over a public sidewalk or right-of-way. | — | Unlock | 15.13-10(C)(3) |
| Menu / Communication Boards (Drive-Through) | Each board ≤8 ft in height. | Main menu board: ≤75 sq ft; pre-order board: ≤50 sq ft. | — | — | Max 2 boards for single-lane; max 4 boards for dual-lane drive-through. | On-premise for businesses with drive-up service (drive-through lanes), in appropriate commercial/industrial districts; typically internal to site near drive lanes. | — | Unlock | 15.13-10(C)(6) |
| Outdoor Advertising Signs (Billboards) - General Rules | Determined by Table 15.13-10(H)(6); in Highrise Sign Corridor freestanding signs may be up to 75 ft tall but within 450 sq ft area. | Determined by zoning district and posted street speed using Table 15.13-10(H)(6) (same as freestanding sign limits up to 450 sq ft; in Highrise Corridor up to 450 sq ft, 75 ft height). | — | Spacing setbacks as above relative to other signs and residential zoning districts. | Outdoor advertising signs share freestanding sign count with on-premise signs (cannot exceed allowed freestanding sign number per site). | Freestanding off-premise signs within B-1, commercial (C-1, C-2, C-3), and manufacturing (M-1, M-2) zoning districts; must be separated from other off-premise and on-premise freestanding signs and from residential zoning. | — | Unlock | 15.13-10(C)(7); 15.13-10(C)(12) (for Highrise Corridor height/area limit) |
| Temporary Signs – Market Property (Non-Residential Districts) | 12 ft for each additional temporary Market Property sign in non-residential districts. | Each additional Market Property sign: ≤32 sq ft area and ≤12 ft in height. | — | — | Per Market Property in non-residential districts: 1 additional freestanding sign per street frontage plus 1 wall/window sign per unit being marketed. | On Market Property (actively marketed for sale or lease) located in non-residential districts. | — | Unlock | 15.13-10(C)(10)(a),(c),(d) |
| Development and Construction Signs – Single Residential Lot | ≤6 ft height. | ≤6 sq ft area. | — | — | 1 per single residential lot. | On a single residential lot where construction is occurring. | — | Unlock | 15.13-10(C)(11)(a),(e) |
| Development and Construction Signs – Residential Subdivision / Multiple Residential Lots | ≤10 ft height. | ≤32 sq ft area. | — | — | 1 per entrance or 1 on one lot to be built upon. | At each entrance to residential subdivision or on one of the lots to be built upon. | — | Unlock | 15.13-10(C)(11)(b),(e) |
C-1 Office District, C-2 Neighborhood Shopping 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Sign Types – Aggregate Sign Allowance (C-1, C-2) | Controlled per sign type (see low-rise table and freestanding sign table for B/C/M districts; canopy/awning/projecting rules also apply). | Per lot: - With qualifying low-rise freestanding sign: 2.25 × longest frontage (sq ft). - With non-low-rise freestanding sign: 1.5 × longest frontage (sq ft). Each tenant is guaranteed at least 16 sq ft of sign area irrespective of frontage. | — | — | — | On lots in C-1 and C-2 districts, along street fronts. | — | Unlock | 15.13-10(G)(1)-(2) |
| Freestanding Signs – Low-Rise (C-1, C-2) | To qualify as low-rise in B-1/C/M districts (applies to C-1/C-2): - Lot frontage ≤100 ft: height ≤8 ft. - 100–200 ft: height ≤10 ft. - 200 ft or more: height ≤12 ft. (These values from Table 15.13-10(H)(5).) | Must comply with low-rise height thresholds in Table 15.13-10(H)(5); area then constrained only by aggregate per-lot allowance formula (2.25 sq ft/ft when low-rise is chosen). No separate per-sign area in low-rise table for C-1/C-2; practical per-sign area often kept within aggregate and Table 15.13-10(H)(6) if sign is taller than low-rise cap. | — | Minimum 100 ft between freestanding signs on the same lot. | 1 freestanding sign per street frontage (excluding alleys). | One freestanding sign per street frontage per lot (excluding alleys) in C-1/C-2. Low-rise signs may be sited along any frontage provided separated ≥100 ft from other freestanding signs on same lot. | — | Unlock | 15.13-10(G)(1)(a); 15.13-10(G)(3)(a); 15.13-10(H)(5) |
| Freestanding Signs – Non-Low-Rise (C-1, C-2) | Per same table: - 0–35 mph: 15 ft (0–150 ft frontage); 20 ft (≥150 ft frontage). - 40–55 mph: 15 ft (0–87.5 ft), 20 ft (87.5–150 ft), 30 ft (≥150 ft). - ≥60 mph: 15 ft (0–22.5 ft), 25 ft (22.5–75 ft), 35 ft (75–127.5 ft), 50 ft (≥127.5 ft). | Per Table 15.13-10(H)(6) for B-1, C-1, C-2, C-3, M-1, M-2: - Posted speed 0–35 mph: • Frontage 0–150 ft: up to 150 sq ft. • Frontage ≥150 ft: up to 200 sq ft. - Posted speed 40–55 mph: • Frontage 0–87.5 ft: up to 150 sq ft. • Frontage 87.5–150 ft: up to 225 sq ft. • Frontage ≥150 ft: up to 300 sq ft. - Posted speed ≥60 mph: • Frontage 0–22.5 ft: up to 120 sq ft. • Frontage 22.5–75 ft: up to 225 sq ft. • Frontage 75–127.5 ft: up to 330 sq ft. • Frontage ≥127.5 ft: up to 450 sq ft. | — | Minimum 100 ft between freestanding signs on same lot; outdoor advertising and Highrise Corridor rules may add additional spacing if used for billboards. | 1 freestanding sign per street frontage (excluding alleys). | Freestanding on C-1/C-2 parcels, 1 per street frontage, separated at least 100 ft between freestanding signs on same lot. | — | Unlock | 15.13-10(G)(1)(b); 15.13-10(G)(3)(a)-(b); 15.13-10(H)(6); 15.13-10(C)(3),(5) |
| Wall / Fascia / Canopy / Awning / Projecting / Roof Signs (C-1, C-2) | Wall signs not above top of wall; roof signs limited by Table 15.13-10(H)(6) for height; projecting signs may not extend above highest point of building; under-canopy signs must maintain 8 ft clearance. | Per-tenant: at least 16 sq ft. Overall: per-lot aggregate formula above. Projecting/roof/canopy/awning must share the same aggregate; canopy/awning and projecting also subject to their special copy-area or placement rules. | — | — | No numerical limit on wall/roof/canopy/awning/projecting signs; limited by aggregate area and one projecting sign per occupancy per frontage if used in lieu of freestanding sign. | On building walls, roof, canopies, awnings, or projecting from facade on C-1 and C-2 parcels. | — | Unlock | 15.13-10(G)(2)-(3); 15.13-10(C)(1)-(5) |
C-3 Community/Regional Shopping District, B-1 General Business District, M-1 Restricted Manufacturing District, M-2 General Manufacturing 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Sign Types – Aggregate Sign Allowance (C-3, B-1, M-1, M-2) | Per sign type: low-rise vs non-low-rise freestanding; roof sign heights from Table 15.13-10(H)(6). | Per lot: - With qualifying low-rise freestanding sign: 3 × longest frontage (sq ft). - With non-low-rise freestanding sign: 2 × longest frontage (sq ft). At least 32 sq ft of area reserved per tenant space. | — | — | — | Lots in C-3, B-1, M-1, and M-2 districts. | — | Unlock | 15.13-10(H)(1)-(2); 15.13-10(C)(5),(7) |
| Freestanding Signs – Low-Rise (C-3, B-1, M-1, M-2) | Per Table 15.13-10(H)(5): - Lot frontage 100 ft or less: max 8 ft. - 100–200 ft: max 10 ft. - 200 ft or more: max 12 ft. - 200 ft or more in C-3 and M-2: up to 15 ft. (Thus, a low-rise sign in C-3 or M-2 with frontage ≥200 ft can be up to 15 ft tall.) | Low-rise table gives height limits; area then constrained by aggregate site allowance formula (3 sq ft/ft for these districts when low-rise used). No explicit per-sign area in low-rise table; practical area may also need to be consistent with Table 15.13-10(H)(6) if height exceeds low-rise caps. | — | Minimum 100 ft between freestanding signs on the same lot (per 15.13-10(H)(3)(a)). Outdoor advertising spacing rules may impose larger separations when used as billboards. | 1 freestanding sign per street frontage (excluding alleys). | On lots in C-3, B-1, M-1, M-2; one freestanding sign allowed per street frontage (excluding alleys). Signs may be along same frontage if separated ≥100 ft. | — | Unlock | 15.13-10(H)(1)(a); 15.13-10(H)(3)(a); 15.13-10(H)(5) |
| Freestanding Signs – Non-Low-Rise (C-3, B-1, M-1, M-2) | Per same table: - 0–35 mph: 15 ft (0–150 ft), 20 ft (≥150 ft). - 40–55 mph: 15 ft (0–87.5 ft), 20 ft (87.5–150 ft), 30 ft (≥150 ft). - ≥60 mph: 15 ft (0–22.5 ft), 25 ft (22.5–75 ft), 35 ft (75–127.5 ft), 50 ft (≥127.5 ft). In Highrise Corridor, height may reach 75 ft while area still limited to 450 sq ft per Table 15.13-10(H)(6). | Per Table 15.13-10(H)(6): - 0–35 mph: • 0–150 ft frontage: up to 150 sq ft. • ≥150 ft frontage: up to 200 sq ft. - 40–55 mph: • 0–87.5 ft: up to 150 sq ft. • 87.5–150 ft: up to 225 sq ft. • ≥150 ft: up to 300 sq ft. - ≥60 mph: • 0–22.5 ft: up to 120 sq ft. • 22.5–75 ft: up to 225 sq ft. • 75–127.5 ft: up to 330 sq ft. • ≥127.5 ft: up to 450 sq ft. | — | At least 100 ft between freestanding signs on same lot; if used as billboard, additional spacing and residential-distance setbacks per 15.13-10(C)(7). | 1 freestanding sign per street frontage (excluding alleys). | Freestanding on C-3, B-1, M-1, M-2 parcels along street frontage, 1 per frontage; may be spaced along same frontage with ≥100 ft separation. | — | Unlock | 15.13-10(H)(1)(b); 15.13-10(H)(3)(a)-(b); 15.13-10(H)(6); 15.13-10(C)(7) |
| Wall / Fascia / Canopy / Awning / Projecting / Roof Signs (C-3, B-1, M-1, M-2) | Wall signs: not above top of wall. Roof signs: height limited to the corresponding freestanding sign height in Table 15.13-10(H)(6). Projecting signs: not above highest point of building. Under-canopy: minimum 8 ft clearance below; maximum height determined by mounting condition. | Per tenant: at least 32 sq ft. Overall: per-lot formula described above. Canopy/awning/projecting sign copy-area subject to their own percentage rules. Roof sign area is also limited by Table 15.13-10(H)(6) and must be counted against wall sign aggregate. | — | — | No explicit numerical limit for non-freestanding signs; limited by aggregate area; 1 projecting sign per occupancy per frontage if used instead of a freestanding sign. | On buildings, roofs, canopies, awnings, or projecting from facades on C-3, B-1, M-1, and M-2 parcels. | — | Unlock | 15.13-10(H)(2)-(4); 15.13-10(C)(1)-(5) |
PermitPal covers all 12 zoning districts in Normal — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 12 zones for Normal — start freeProhibited Signs in Normal
- Any sign not expressly permitted by the Sign Code is prohibited in the Town of Normal. (15.13-3)
- All signs must comply with all applicable provisions of the Town of Normal building, electrical, and municipal codes. (15.13-3)
- No sign other than an official traffic sign or similar sign may be erected within the right-of-way lines of any street or within any public way, unless specifically authorized by other Town ordinances or by specific authorization of a Town official. (15.13-6(2))
- Signs placed within public rights-of-way without proper authorization may be deemed a hazard and removed immediately by the Zoning Code Administrator or delegate. (15.13-6(2))
- No sign or sign structure may be erected at a street intersection so as to obstruct free and clear vision, or at any location where its position, shape or color may interfere with or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device. (15.13-6(3))
- Signs may not be of such size, location, movement, content, coloring or manner of illumination that they may be confused with or construed as a traffic control device, or hide from view any traffic or street sign or signal, or make use of words such as “stop”, “look”, “danger” etc. in a manner that interferes with, misleads, or confuses pedestrians or vehicle operators. (15.13-8(1))
- Except where otherwise allowed in the code, signs encroaching upon or overhanging public right-of-way are prohibited, and no sign may be attached to any utility pole, light standard, street tree, or other public facility in the public right-of-way. (15.13-8(2))
- Animated signs using flashing, scintillating, blinking, or traveling lights are prohibited. (15.13-8(3))
- Portable electric signs are prohibited. (15.13-8(4))
- Any sign attached to or placed on a vehicle or trailer parked on public or private property is prohibited unless: (a) the primary purpose of the vehicle or trailer is not the display of signs; (b) the signs are magnetic, decals or painted on an integral part of the vehicle as designed by the manufacturer and do not break the silhouette; and (c) the vehicle or trailer is in operating condition, currently registered and licensed if applicable, and actively used or available for use in the daily function of the related business. (15.13-8(5))
- Vehicles and trailers used primarily as static displays to advertise a product or service are prohibited. (15.13-8(6))
- Balloons, streamers, pinwheels, non-exempt flags or banners are prohibited, except when temporarily displayed (no more than 84 days per calendar year) as part of a special sale, promotion, or community event. (15.13-8(7))
- Abandoned signs, defined as any sign that constitutes an abandoned sign for 14 consecutive days, are prohibited. (15.13-8(8))
- No freestanding sign may be placed or remain on property unless the property is a lot of record with frontage on a public road. (15.13-8(9) and 15.13-6(9))
- Any sign hereafter erected must conform to the Sign Code and Chapter 11 (Building Code) and any other applicable Town ordinances or regulations. (15.13-6(1))
- Every permitted sign must be kept in good condition and repair; unsafe, insecure, unlawfully installed or nonconforming signs must be repaired, brought into compliance, or removed upon notice, or they may be removed by the Town at the owner’s expense. (15.13-6(5))
- Obsolete non-premise sign copy (sign copy that no longer advertises or identifies a use conducted on the property) must be covered or removed within 30 days after written notification, or it may be removed by the Town at the owner’s expense. (15.13-6(6))
- Nonconforming signs may not be: changed to another nonconforming sign; structurally altered to prolong life; expanded; re-established after removal for more than 30 days; or re-established after damage/destruction if reconstruction cost exceeds 50% of fair cash value before destruction. (15.13-6(7)(a)-(e))
- All freestanding signs, including on-premise, high-rise, and billboards, must be designed and constructed so as not to detract aesthetically or create an adverse economic impact on adjacent or surrounding property. (15.13-6(8))
- All freestanding signs must be located on a lot of record with frontage on a public road. (15.13-6(9))
- All signs must comply with Building Code structural requirements, including foundations and materials for freestanding signs, adequate strength of parapet walls, proper supports/braces, wind-load design, and anchoring to prevent lateral movement. (15.13-11(1)-(6))
- All illuminated signs must comply with electrical requirements, including a disconnect switch, maintenance of illuminated components, use of licensed electrical contractors, no direct light rays into residential buildings or districts or public streets, and restrictions on colors that could be confused with traffic signals. (15.13-11(8))
- Gas-discharge (neon) systems must be UL listed or equivalent and installed per Article 600 of the National Electrical Code, with specified voltage and safety requirements. (15.13-11(8)(c))
- Any sign contractor who installs, services, or constructs electrical signs must be registered annually with the Town. (15.13-11(8)(d))
Exempt Signs in Normal
- The listed 'Exempt Signs' in 15.13-7 are exempt from the permit provisions of the chapter but must still comply with the prohibited sign regulations in 15.13-8 and all stated conditions.
- Official notices authorized by a court, public body, or public safety official are exempt from sign permit requirements. (15.13-7(1))
- Directional, warning, or information signs authorized by federal, state, or municipal governments are exempt from sign permit requirements. (15.13-7(2))
- Street address signs and combination nameplate/street address signs that contain no advertising copy and do not exceed 6 square feet in area or 6 feet in height are exempt from sign permit requirements. (15.13-7(3))
- Public signs of a non-commercial nature (safety, danger, trespassing, traffic, street name, municipal identification, scenic/historic point-of-interest signs, memorial plaques, signs/emblems of nationally recognized service clubs, and signs ordered by a public official in the performance of public duty) are exempt from sign permit requirements. (15.13-7(5))
- Flags bearing the official design of a nation, state, municipality, business enterprise, educational institution, or service organization, when appropriately and properly displayed, are exempt from sign permit requirements. (15.13-7(6))
- Integral signs such as building names, dates of construction, commemorative tablets, and similar items that are carved into permanent materials (stone, concrete, bronze, aluminum, etc.) and made an integral part of the building or structure are exempt from sign permit requirements. (15.13-7(7))
- Private traffic direction and related signs (e.g., parking, exit/entrance, drive-up window, restroom) located on the premises, not exceeding 6 square feet in area and 6 feet in height if freestanding, are exempt from sign permit requirements. (15.13-7(8))
- On-premise real estate signs advertising the sale, rental, or lease of the property on which they are located, within the dimensional and zoning limits set out in 15.13-7(9), are exempt from sign permit requirements, provided they are removed within 14 days after the property is sold, leased, or rented. (15.13-7(9))
- Standard warning signs marking routes of underground public utility pipes, conduits, and cables are exempt from sign permit requirements. (15.13-7(10))
- Incidental signs that either (i) have a total area of less than 1 square foot, or (ii) are not intended to be viewed from the public right-of-way, are exempt from sign permit requirements. (15.13-7(11))
- Temporary signs in non-residential zoning districts do not require a permit, provided total area and duration limits in 15.13-10(C)(8) are met. (15.13-10(C)(8)(a))
- Temporary signs in residential zoning districts do not require a permit, provided size and area limits in 15.13-10(C)(9) are met. (15.13-10(C)(9)(a))
- Menu/communication boards for drive-up services, within specified height and area limits, are exempt from the sign bulk requirements (though not explicitly exempt from permits). (15.13-10(C)(6))
- Additional temporary signs for Market Property do not count toward temporary sign area limits and are exempt from the usual temporary sign time limits, but must be removed within 14 days after the property is no longer for sale or lease. (15.13-10(C)(10)(3))
- Signs within the S-1 University District are regulated by Illinois State University and are not subject to the Town’s sign regulations. (15.13-10(B)(4))
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Normal
- Unless specifically exempted, a permit from the code official is required for erection and maintenance of all signs in the Town of Normal; exemptions from permits do not relieve owners from compliance with all other provisions of the ordinance. (15.13-9(1))
- Signs in the B-2 Central Business District require both a sign permit and a Certificate of Compliance under Division 15.17 (Design Review in B-2). (15.13-9(1) and 15.13-10(H)(9))
- Before a permit is granted for any sign requiring a permit, construction documents must be filed showing dimensions, materials, construction details, loads, stresses, anchorage, and owner/lessee consent; signs over 100 sq. ft. or 15 ft. high require documents sealed by a structural engineer. (15.13-9(2))
- Any structural alteration, enlargement, or relocation of a sign must comply with code provisions and, if required, a new permit must be obtained; copy/face/content changes are not structural but do require a permit where required by the fee schedule. (15.13-9(3))
- Temporary signs in non-residential and residential districts are specifically stated to not require a permit, but must comply with stated size, area, and duration limits. (15.13-10(C)(8)-(9))
- Development and construction signs are permitted in all districts subject to size, height, and timing limits; they may only be displayed after issuance of construction permits and must be removed within 24 hours after issuance of occupancy permits. (15.13-10(C)(11))
- Variations (akin to variances) from number of signs, maximum height, maximum area, and minimum setback may be granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals in appropriate cases, following the intent in 15.13-2 and standards in 15.12-4. (15.13-13)
- Any person aggrieved by an enforcement decision related to signs may appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals within 5 days, in accordance with 15.12-3. (15.13-12(4))
- Abandoned or noncompliant signs may be removed by the Zoning Code Administrator after notice (or immediately if an immediate safety threat), with costs charged to the responsible party; aggrieved parties may seek administrative relief under 15.12-3. (15.13-12(1)-(3))
- Substitution of noncommercial speech for any otherwise allowed sign copy is allowed without additional approval or permitting; this substitution clause overrides contrary provisions. (15.13-17)
Source: other municipal code