# Sign Regulations in Oak Lawn, Illinois

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Oak Lawn, Illinois (IL)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/illinois/oak-lawn
- **Data last verified:** 2025-04-20

## At a glance

Oak Lawn, Illinois regulates 20 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Ground Signs in the Commercial District (C-1, C-2, C-3, O, PK) zoning district are capped at 24 ft tall and 300 sq ft (total of both sides including structural trim), with a No part nearer the street than property line established by law setback (Sec. 6-8-13, 6-8-6.E.5). Most commercial signs in Oak Lawn require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (5 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Residential District (R-1, R-2, R-3, PD R-1, PD R-2, PD R-3) | 5 | 15 ft | 8 sq ft per sign face | — |
| Commercial District (C-1, C-2, C-3, O, PK) | 13 | 24 ft | 500 sq ft (total illuminated surfaces including attraction board and all vertical surfaces) | — |
| Manufacturing District (M-1) | 7 | 24 ft | 300 sq ft (both sides) | — |
| Public District (PL) | 6 | 15 ft | 40% of glass area (applied or within 6 inch of pane, blank-out see code) | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | 17 ft above roof or allowed max zone height | 50 sq ft per side, 100 sq ft total | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 5 zones)

### Commercial District (C-1, C-2, C-3, O, PK)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | 200 sq ft (larger may be approved by Department of Community Development and Growth Management) | — | — | — | On exterior front, rear or side wall, not on public property | — | 6-8-15 |
| Ground Sign | 24 ft | 300 sq ft (total of both sides including structural trim) | — | No part nearer the street than property line established by law | One per interior lot, two per corner lot | At least at property line, at least 10 ft from building or property line if using combustible material and over 64 sq ft | — | 6-8-13, 6-8-6.E.5 |
| Projecting Sign | Zoning district height | 75 sq ft per side | — | — | — | Attached to building, not over right of way | — | 6-8-17 |
| Marquee Sign | — | 500 sq ft (total illuminated surfaces including attraction board and all vertical surfaces) | — | — | — | On marquees attached to building (no posts), not lower than 10 ft above sidewalk; must be within the borderline of the marquee | — | 6-8-18 |
| Window Sign | — | 40% of glass area on front of unit (applies to signs or displays within 6 inches of glass; full window blank-out is permitted by other means) | — | — | — | Inside of window | — | 6-8-29 |
| Portable Sidewalk Sign | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business entrance | At grade level, in front of business, no more than 15 ft from entrance, min 2 ft back from curb; may be on public sidewalk with permit | — | 6-8-30 |
| Temporary Sign - Inflatable | 15 ft | — | — | — | 1 per lot | On building or ground, not in right of way | — | 6-8-21 B, C |
| Temporary Sign - Other | — | 8 sq ft per sign face (over 8 sq ft requires permit and compliance with all code) | — | — | 1 per lot | On lot (not right of way) | — | 6-8-21 D |

### Manufacturing District (M-1)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | 200 sq ft (unless approved larger) | — | — | — | On exterior wall, at least 10 ft above ground | — | 6-8-15 |
| Ground Sign | 24 ft | 300 sq ft (both sides) | — | — | One per interior, two per corner lot | See general ground sign provisions; must meet property line and setback regulations | — | 6-8-13, 6-8-6.E.5 |
| Public Clock | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 6-8-27 |
| Temporary Sign - Banner | — | — | — | — | 1 per wall, max 4 per building | Private property, not in right of way | — | 6-8-21, Table |
| Temporary Sign - Inflatable | 15 ft | — | — | — | 1 per lot | On structure or ground of property | — | 6-8-21 B |
| Temporary Sign - Other | — | 8 sq ft per sign face (over 8 sq ft permit required) | — | — | 1 per lot | On property | — | 6-8-21 |
| Mobile Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Private property only | — | 6-8-22 |

### Public District (PL)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On public buildings | — | No specific section detailing unique public sign restrictions, general sign code applies |
| Window Sign | — | 40% of glass area (applied or within 6 inch of pane, blank-out see code) | — | — | — | Inside window of public building | — | 6-8-29 |
| Public Clock | — | — | — | — | — | On public property or building | — | 6-8-27 |
| Temporary Sign - Banner | — | — | — | — | 1 per wall, max 4 per building | On building/wall, not in right of way | — | 6-8-21 C, D |
| Temporary Sign - Inflatable | 15 ft | — | — | — | 1 per lot | On structure or ground | — | 6-8-21 B |
| Temporary Sign - Other | — | 8 sq ft per sign face (over 8 sq ft: permit required) | — | — | 1 per lot | On property | — | 6-8-21 |

## Prohibited signs in Oak Lawn

- Any sign not expressly permitted in this Chapter is prohibited.
- Signs by which color, location, or design resemble or conflict with traffic control signs or signals.
- Portable signs.
- Commercial signs on a vehicle where said vehicle is parked adjacent to or near the right-of-way for the purposes of identifying or calling attention to the business, such as utilizing directional signage, and is not used for daily operations or during the regular course of business, or is not licensed, insured, or operational.
- Billboards, off site identification signs, or outdoor advertising signs not existing at the time of the adoption of this Chapter. Any replacement or erection of a billboard, off site identification sign, or outdoor advertising sign shall be prohibited.
- Any signs or attention getting devices, that rotate, revolve, or any visible moving parts or that gives the appearance of movement, including, but not limited to, searchlights, spinners, streamers, banners, balloons, barrels, and other similar devices, or ornamentation designed for purposes of attracting attention, promoting, or advertising, unless otherwise provided for in this Chapter.
- Any sign or structure which constitutes a hazard to public health, safety, or welfare, including dangerous construction or sight obstructions.
- Any sign located in the public right-of-way, unless otherwise provided for in this Chapter.
- Pole signs.
- No sign shall be erected, relocated or maintained so as to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window, fire escape or fire hydrant. No sign of any kind shall be attached to a standpipe, fire escape or fire hydrant or light pole.
- Signs shall be installed so that there shall be a minimum clearance of three feet (3') between the sign and any overhead utility wires.
- No sign or other advertising structure shall be erected at the intersection of any streets in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision; or at any location where, by reason of the position, shape or color, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device; or which makes use of the words 'Stop', 'Drive-In', 'Danger' or any other word, phrase, symbol or character, in such manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.
- No permanent or temporary sign or portion of a sign or its supports shall extend into or over the property line into the public right of way, except as noted for wall signs and portable sidewalk signs.
- No cable or wire uplifts or guys are permitted.
- It shall be unlawful for any person to maintain any sign which extends over public property which is wholly or partially illuminated by floodlights or spotlights.
- It shall be prohibited to place marquee lighting on any indoor illuminated sign or building structure, including but not limited to windows, doors, parapet, exterior walls, support beams, roofs and balconies. The use of such lighting shall be restricted to wall signs, and marquee signs.
- Illuminated signs shall only be illuminated by steady, stationary, shielded, and shaded light sources directed solely at the sign, or internal to it so that the light intensity or brightness does not create either a nuisance to adjacent property or a traffic hazard for motorist or pedestrians.
- Any sign that is illuminated, whether by internal or external means, shall not have lighting intensity exceeding specified foot-candle levels (value to be specified in code), measured four feet from the sign.
- It shall be prohibited to place marquee lighting on any outdoor illuminated sign or building structure, including but not limited to windows, doors, parapet, exterior walls, support beams, roofs and balconies. The use of such lighting shall be restricted to wall signs and marquee signs.
- No awning or canopy shall be permitted to extend beyond the property line into public right of way.
- No advertising shall be placed on any awning or canopy except for the name of the owner and business, industry or pursuit conducted within the premises, and as approved by the Department of Community Development and Growth Management.
- No pennants shall be permitted (as a general prohibition under temporary signs).
- Inflatable signs may not be tethered or otherwise suspended above the ground but must be fastened directly to the ground without any vertical clearance.

## Signs exempt from permit in Oak Lawn

- The provisions and regulations of this chapter shall not apply to house numbers, house nameplates, and professional nameplates not exceeding two (2) square feet in area.
- Signs painted on the exterior surface of a building or structure, provided they do not have raised borders, letters, characters, decorations or lighting appliances. If the painted sign covers more than 25% of wall, owner must apply to Department and obtain a permit.
- Traffic or other municipal signs, legal notices, railroad crossing signs and danger signs (governmental signs).
- Holiday decorations, signs or other material displayed in connection with civic, patriotic or religious holidays.
- Official flags, pennants, or insignia of any governmental or nonprofit organization.
- A sign advertising the sale or lease of a lot or space on which the sign is placed, not exceeding eight square feet per face, one per lot (two on double frontage), must be removed within five days of sale. Subject to public right of way location restriction.
- A construction sign identifying the parties in construction on the lot it is placed, not exceeding eight square feet per face, info restrictions apply, must be removed within five days of occupancy certificate.
- Political signs displayed in accordance with an official election or for candidates for public office, not exceeding eight square feet per face. Subject to public right of way location restriction.
- Historical signs / iconic signs, as defined by the Oak Lawn historical preservation commission and the office of quality control.
- Exempt lighting: any and all lighting used for temporary emergencies to ensure public safety, lighting used for municipal construction, lighting utilized for flags, lighting for radio, communication, and navigation towers, and temporary exterior lighting approved by the Village.
- No permit shall be required for normal painting or maintenance.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A sign permit is required prior to erection, repair, alteration, relocation or maintenance of any sign or other advertising structure or awning or canopy for commercial or business use.
- Applications for sign permits must include two blueprints or ink drawings of the plans, specifications, and method of construction and attachment, as well as a detailed lighting plan if the sign is illuminated.
- For signs with electrical wiring and connections, plans must be submitted to the chief electrical inspector for compliance with electrical code before Department review.
- If external or internal illumination, a detailed lighting plan (including photometric plan and manufacturer specs) is required as part of sign permit submission.
- A sketch showing the size of the post and details of hanging for illuminated sign posts must be submitted with the application for permit signed and stamped by a state of Illinois registered architect or structural engineer (per 6-8-12 H.2).
- No general reference to 'master sign plan,' 'sign plan,' or required variance/public hearing for general sign installation is found in the chapter, but site-unique painted wall signs exceeding 25% coverage or certain awning/canopy signage may require administrative review and approval.
- All permit applications shall be reviewed by the Department of Community Development and Growth Management and the Architectural Review and Preservation Commission.
- For transportation shelters and advertising thereon, prior specific approval of the Zoning and Planning Commission and president and board of trustees is required, but not a general variance/public hearing. Advertising contracts may apply.
- For illuminated signs, there are additional permit fees and sign plan examination fees as specified in 6-2A-4.

## 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 5 zoning districts in Oak Lawn — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Oak+Lawn+IL&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-oak-lawn

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