Sign Regulations in North Riverside, Illinois
North Riverside, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 24 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Monument Sign, Awning and Canopy Sign, 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: May 8, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for North Riverside, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in North Riverside
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | At least 8 ft above grade (bottom); as specified per zone for maximum | — | — |
| Freestanding Sign | Varies by zone | — | Varies by zone and sign type |
| Monument Sign | As specified per zone | — | Specified per zone; 3–5 ft typical |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for North RiversideFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
24
- Monument Sign
- Awning and Canopy Sign
- Wall Sign
- Sandwich "A Frame" Board Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for North Riverside
Other Cities in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
In North Riverside, wall signs can be up to At least 8 ft above grade (bottom); as specified per zone for maximum and monument signs are limited to Varies by zone. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in North Riverside, 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 North Riverside, regulated sign types include Monument Sign, Awning and Canopy Sign, Wall Sign, Sandwich "A Frame" Board Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In North Riverside, monument signs typically require a Varies by zone and sign type setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in North Riverside are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. North Riverside has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for North Riverside, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in North Riverside (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 5 | At least 8 ft above grade (bottom); as specified per zone for maximum | No more than 30% of the area of the window in which they're exhibited | — |
| B1 District | 5 | Max 20 ft; only on first floor | 30 sq ft per sign | — |
| B2 District | 6 | 30 ft (excluding mall) | 200 sq ft per face, per sign, up to 4 | — |
| B3 District | 8 | 30 ft, first floor only | 200 sq ft per face, up to 2 signs | — |
| ORA District | 4 | 10 ft | 150 sq ft per sign face | — |
| R1 District, R2 District | 6 | 10 ft | 120 sq in (0.833 sq ft) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in North Riverside(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
B2 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 (not shopping mall facade) | 30 ft (excluding mall) | 150 sq ft per sign | — | — | One per tenant per frontage (or up to 2 per mall exterior) | Affixed to exterior | — | Unlock | 14.01.090(D)(1)(d),(e),(f),(g), (E)(4) |
| Wall Sign (enclosed shopping mall) | Per mall facade; Area max = 2% of gross floor area | — | — | — | Up to 2 per exterior frontage | Exterior mall facade | — | Unlock | 14.01.090(D)(1)(e), (E)(4) |
| Monument Sign | 8 ft | 100 sq ft per face, 200 sq ft total | — | 5 ft from right-of-way/lot lines | One per outlot | Minimum 5 ft from right-of-way/lot line, perpendicular to street, sight triangles maintained | — | Unlock | 14.01.090(D)(1)(c), (E)(3), (F)(2) |
| Ground Sign (development, >10 acres) | 30 ft | 200 sq ft per face, per sign, up to 4 | — | 10 ft from street line | Up to 4 per development | Not less than 10 ft from street line; on boundary streets | — | Unlock | 14.01.090(G)(1) |
| Ground Sign (development <10 acres) | 10 ft | 100 sq ft total, 50 sq ft per side, 1 allowed | — | — | One per development | — | — | Unlock | 14.01.090(G)(2) |
| Awning and Canopy Sign | Min 8 ft above grade | 12 sq ft; 6 sq ft for tenant on multi-tenant building | — | — | — | Mounted on awning/canopy | — | Unlock | 14.01.090(D)(1)(a), (E)(2) |
B3 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 (parcel <3 acres) | 30 ft, first floor only | 50 sq ft per sign | — | — | One per tenant per frontage | Affixed to building | — | Unlock | 14.01.100(D)(1)(d), (E)(4) |
| Wall Sign (parcel ≥3 acres) | 30 ft, first floor only | 100 sq ft per sign | — | — | One per tenant per frontage | Affixed to building | — | Unlock | 14.01.100(D)(1)(d), (E)(4) |
| Monument Sign (parcel <3 acres) | 8 ft | 25 sq ft per face, 50 sq ft total | — | 5 ft from right-of-way/lot lines | One per lot frontage | — | — | Unlock | 14.01.100(D)(1)(c), (E)(3), (F)(2) |
| Monument Sign (parcel ≥3 acres) | 8 ft | 100 sq ft per face, 200 sq ft total | — | 5 ft from right-of-way/lot lines | One per lot frontage | — | — | Unlock | 14.01.100(D)(1)(c), (E)(3), (F)(2) |
| Ground Sign (development >10 acres) | 30 ft | 200 sq ft per face, up to 2 signs | — | 10 ft from street line | Up to 2 per development | Not less than 10 ft from street line on boundary streets | — | Unlock | 14.01.100(G)(1) |
| Ground Sign (2 to 10 acres) | 10 ft | 100 sq ft total, 50 sq ft per side | — | — | One per development | — | — | Unlock | 14.01.100(G)(2) |
| Awning and Canopy Sign | Min 8 ft above grade | 12 sq ft; 6 sq ft for tenants on multi-tenant building | — | — | — | Affixed to awning/canopy | — | Unlock | 14.01.100(D)(1)(a), (E)(2) |
| Sandwich "A Frame" Board Sign | — | 8 sq ft per face, 16 sq ft total | — | — | One per lot | Near main or business entrance, stored inside during non-business hours | — | Unlock | 14.01.100(C)(8) |
R1 District, R2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate Sign (Single Family Dwelling) | — | 120 sq in (0.833 sq ft) | — | — | — | Affixed to building | — | Unlock | 14.01.120(A) |
| Nameplate Sign (Multi-Family Dwelling) | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | — | Affixed to building | — | Unlock | 14.01.120(A) |
| For Sale Ground Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | 10 ft from street or side lot line | One per lot | Front or side yard adjoining street; not closer than 10 ft from street or side lot line | — | Unlock | 14.01.120(B) |
| Identification Sign (Nonresidential Uses, including Educational Institution) | 10 ft | 16 sq ft | — | Not nearer than 8 ft from interior lot line; not closer to front lot line than 1/2 required front yard depth. | One wall and one ground sign per street frontage | Affixed to building wall or ground sign | — | Unlock | 14.01.120(C) |
| Directional Sign | — | 9 sq ft | — | Not less than 10 ft from street line | — | — | — | Unlock | 14.01.120(C)(2)(a) |
| Church Monument Sign (Lot ≥1 acre) | 6 ft | 30 sq ft per face, 2 sides | — | 5 ft from nearest lot line | One per church | At least 5 ft from lot line | — | Unlock | 14.01.120(C)(3)(a) |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in North Riverside — 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 North Riverside — start freeProhibited Signs in North Riverside
- Any sign not expressly permitted by these regulations shall be prohibited.
- No sign not lawfully existing on the effective date of this chapter shall be made lawful solely by the adoption thereof.
- No flashing, blinking or intermittent lights shall be permitted on signs except for public service signs when expressly permitted.
- No unscreened light sources are permitted for sign illumination.
- No sign or sign structure shall obstruct free ingress to or egress from a fire escape, door, window or other required accessway.
- No sign shall project over, occupy or obstruct any exterior window surface required for light or ventilation by any applicable provision of this code.
- No sign shall be maintained at any location where, by reason of its position, size, shape, content, color, or illumination, it may obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view of, or be confused with, any traffic control sign or device, or where it may interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.
- No sign, nor any part of a sign other than a supporting pole or brace no greater than eighteen inches in width or diameter, shall be located lower than eight feet from grade within the area of any sight triangle as defined in this chapter.
- Except as provided, no sign except governmental signs authorized in this chapter shall be placed in or extend into or over any public property or right-of-way.
- No sign shall be located in any area or in any manner so as to create a nuisance or a threat to the public safety and welfare.
- The following specific types of signs are prohibited in all districts: Advertising signs, including billboards; Attention getting devices; Banner signs (except those approved by the village with a sixty day temporary sign permit); Box signs; Reader board/changeable copy/electronic message center sign that falls outside of the provisions of Section 14.01.050.B.13; Home occupation identification signs; Moving or animated signs; Off premises identification signs; Portable signs; Roof signs; Temporary signs, except as expressly authorized in this chapter and when approved in connection with temporary use or event; Vehicle/trailer signs; Any sign that advertises, identifies or pertains to a business no longer conducted, or a product no longer sold, on the premises where such sign is located; Any sign on a tree or utility pole, whether on public or private property; Any sign on public property, except governmental signs authorized in this chapter; Any sign painted directly on a wall, roof or fence; In a residential district, any sign located in a homeowners' association common area, except for a homeowners' association sign; Any sign with neon or other gas tube illumination consisting of a neon or other gas tube which is bent to form letters, symbols or other shapes; Advertising benches located in or on any public sidewalk or other public land or property within village boundaries or on land or property owned by the village.
- Any sign on a tree or utility pole, whether on public or private property.
- Any sign on public property, except for governmental signs authorized by this chapter.
- Any sign painted directly on a wall, roof, or fence.
- Any sign with neon or other gas tube illumination which is bent to form letters, symbols or other shapes.
- Any sign that is a bench or seat used for the purpose of advertising or as a commercial signboard (advertising benches) located in or on public sidewalk or public land/property.
- No sign not in compliance with this ordinance or other applicable governmental law or code provision is permitted.
- Signs shall not be erected, maintained, or permitted to continue in any zoning district if not expressly permitted by the chapter.
Exempt Signs in North Riverside
- Governmental signs erected and maintained pursuant to any governmental function or required by any law, ordinance, or government regulation.
- Holiday decorations for up to sixty consecutive days or forty-five days following the holiday provided they do not create a safety hazard, nuisance or adverse impact on adjacent properties.
- Nameplate signs (one per occupancy, not more than one square foot per occupancy, not more than three square feet, nonilluminated).
- Official flags and emblems (on flagpoles up to twenty-four square feet in area, on wall up to four square feet in area).
- On site informational signs (not more than six square feet in area; freestanding signs not more than four feet in height; illuminated only as necessary).
- Political signs (not more than six square feet; not illuminated; not affixed to any public utility, pole, tree or natural object; not in right-of-way; not to create safety or sight problems).
- Private sale signs in residential areas (not more than six square feet; located on premises of sale; marked with responsible person's info; erected no more than 24 hours before the sale and removed within 24 hours after sale; no freestanding sign higher than four feet or closer than three feet to lot line).
- Private warning signs (not more than two square feet; limited to number necessary; illuminated only as required).
- Standard size real estate signs (one single or double-faced non-illuminated up to six square feet per face, setback no less than three feet from property line; not for properties that have sold/are under contract; larger signs or multi-unit real estate signs require a permit).
- Window signs, temporary interior (except one open/closed sign, otherwise must not be illuminated and must comply with max area and other restrictions).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for North Riverside
- Every sign permit application must include plans and specifications showing the location, construction, illumination, and support of the proposed sign.
- A scale drawing of the sign, accurately representing size, area, proportion, and color, must be included in the permit application.
- A landscape plan for monument signs must be submitted with the permit application.
- Permit applications must include a calculation of existing total sign area on the property, and applicant attestation that total proposed will not exceed code limitations.
- Evidence of a valid business license for the business the sign serves must be submitted if applicable.
- Certain types of signs or deviations may require a variation, which must follow the variance procedure outlined in the zoning ordinance (Title 17, Section 12.07).
- Electronic message center signs may only be permitted for municipal buildings, recreation centers, and public schools as part of a monument sign, and require approval of a village permit subject to meeting all sign code standards.
- Permits and variance/appeal procedures may be subject to additional requirements as found in referenced sections of the zoning ordinance.
- Annual permit renewal is required for all permanent sign permits and annual inspections will be conducted for code compliance.
Source: municode municipal code