Sign Regulations in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 20 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Ornamental Entry Gate Sign, Construction Site 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 Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Oakbrook Terrace
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Address Sign (Wall or Freestanding) | Freestanding sign: 18 inches | 2 sq ft | — |
| Ornamental Entry Gate Sign | — | 50 sq ft or 25% of the wall area, whichever is less | Minimum 5 ft from property line or driveway |
| Construction Site Sign | 6 ft | 8 sq ft (2 ft x 4 ft) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Oakbrook TerraceFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
20
- Ornamental Entry Gate Sign
- Construction Site Sign
- Wall Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
10
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Oakbrook Terrace
Other Cities in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
In Oakbrook Terrace, wall signs can be up to Freestanding sign: 18 inches and monument signs are limited to Freestanding sign: 18 inches. 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 Oakbrook Terrace, 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 Oakbrook Terrace, regulated sign types include Ornamental Entry Gate Sign, Construction Site Sign, Wall Sign, Freestanding 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 Oakbrook Terrace 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 Oakbrook Terrace are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Oakbrook Terrace has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
AI-Powered Research
Ready to Research Oakbrook Terrace Sign Permits?
Stop spending hours searching through municipal codes. Get instant access to Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois sign regulations with PermitPal's AI-powered platform.
No credit card required · Get results in seconds
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois regulates 20 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the B-1 Professional Office zoning district are capped at 9 ft (elsewhere), 15 ft (Roosevelt Rd & 22nd St) tall and Based on street frontage: 0-50 ft = 50 sq ft; 51-100 ft = 100 sq ft; 101-200 ft = 150 sq ft; 201+ ft = 200 sq ft, with a monument sign 10 ft setback (Sec. § 156.043(B)(3)(a), (C)(5),(8),(D)). Most commercial signs in Oakbrook Terrace require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Oakbrook Terrace (10 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-1 Single-Family Detached | 3 | Freestanding sign: 18 inches | 50 sq ft or 25% of the wall area, whichever is less | — |
| R-2 Single-Family Attached | 3 | Freestanding sign: 18 inches | 50 sq ft or 25% of wall area | — |
| R-3 Multiple-Family | 6 | 6 ft | 50 sq ft or 25% of wall area | — |
| B-1 Professional Office | 7 | 30 inches | Up to 300 sq ft per building (one frontage), 500 sq ft (2 frontages), 600 sq ft (3+ frontages); Maximum for single wall sign: 25% of wall or 300 sq ft, whichever is less | — |
| B-2 Local Retail, B-3 General Retail | 6 | 30 inches | Up to 300 sq ft per building (one frontage), 500 sq ft (2 frontages), 600 sq ft (3+ frontages); Maximum for single wall sign: 25% of wall or 300 sq ft, whichever is less | — |
| B-4 Service, B-5 Entertainment | 4 | 9 ft, or 15 ft (Roosevelt Rd & 22nd St) | Up to 300 sq ft per building (one frontage), 500 sq ft (2 frontages), 600 sq ft (3+ frontages); Maximum for single wall sign: 25% of wall or 300 sq ft, whichever is less | — |
| B-6 Cemetery | 1 | 50 ft | 700 sq ft (display panel) | — |
| Unit 5 Area M-U Mixed Use | 1 | — | — | — |
| Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensary Overlay District | 2 | — | Up to 300 sq ft per building (one frontage), 500 sq ft (2 frontages), 600 sq ft (3+); Maximum for single wall sign: 25% of wall or 300 sq ft, whichever is less | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | 9 ft | 16 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Oakbrook Terrace(sample of 3 of 10 zones)
R-3 Multiple-Family
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building Identification Sign - Wall Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | One per principal building | On the same side as principal entrance | — | Unlock | § 156.043(B)(3)(c)2A |
| Building Identification Sign - Freestanding | — | 12 sq ft per side | — | Not less than 3 feet from any lot line, driveway, or street pavement | One per principal building; also one per frontage for multiple-building developments | Front yard only, not less than 3 feet from any lot line, driveway, or street pavement | — | Unlock | § 156.043(B)(3)(c)2A |
| Resident or Occupant Directory - Wall Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | One per principal building | At principal entrance to building | — | Unlock | § 156.043(B)(3)(c)2F |
| Ornamental Entry Gate Sign | — | 50 sq ft or 25% of wall area | — | Minimum 5 ft from property line or driveway | One per entrance/side of entrance | At entrance to subdivision or planned unit development, not within public right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 156.043(B)(3)(d), (B)(3)(c)2C |
| Instruction Board/Bulletin Board | — | 20 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 156.043(F)(2) |
| Construction Site Sign | 6 ft | 8 sq ft (2 ft x 4 ft) | — | — | One per site | Affixed to building/fence or mounted behind the front lot line | — | Unlock | § 156.043(B)(3)(f) |
B-1 Professional Office
| 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 | — | Up to 300 sq ft per building (one frontage), 500 sq ft (2 frontages), 600 sq ft (3+ frontages); Maximum for single wall sign: 25% of wall or 300 sq ft, whichever is less | — | — | Multiple signs allowed as long as combined total complies with gross area rule | Building wall | — | Unlock | § 156.043(B)(1), (B)(3)(b), (D) |
| Freestanding Sign | 9 ft (elsewhere), 15 ft (Roosevelt Rd & 22nd St) | Based on street frontage: 0-50 ft = 50 sq ft; 51-100 ft = 100 sq ft; 101-200 ft = 150 sq ft; 201+ ft = 200 sq ft | — | Not less than 3 ft from property line/driveway; Roosevelt/22nd: monument sign 10 ft | One per building | Front yard; not less than 3 ft from property line or driveway (Roosevelt/22nd special for monument signs: 10 ft) | — | Unlock | § 156.043(B)(3)(a), (C)(5),(8),(D) |
| Window Sign | — | Not more than 25% of window area | — | — | — | Window | — | Unlock | § 156.043(B)(3)(e), (F)(8) |
| Directional Sign | 30 inches | 3 sq ft per face | — | — | Two per entrance/exit | Entrances, exits, walkways, parking lots, driveways | — | Unlock | § 156.043(F)(5) |
| Ornamental Entry Gate Sign | — | 50 sq ft or 25% of wall area (not including columns) | — | 5 ft from property line or driveway | One per entrance/side | Subdivision or planned unit development entrance; not placed in right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 156.043(B)(3)(d), (C)(8), (B)(3)(c)1 |
| Construction Site Sign | 6 ft | 8 sq ft (2 ft x 4 ft) | — | Behind front lot line | One per site | Affixed/attached to building or fence, or mounted behind lot line | — | Unlock | § 156.043(B)(3)(f) |
| Building Marker Sign | — | 15 sq ft | — | — | — | May be cut into masonry surface or plaque on building | — | Unlock | § 156.043(F)(3) |
B-2 Local Retail, B-3 General Retail
| 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 | — | Up to 300 sq ft per building (one frontage), 500 sq ft (2 frontages), 600 sq ft (3+ frontages); Maximum for single wall sign: 25% of wall or 300 sq ft, whichever is less | — | — | Multiple signs allowed as long as combined total complies with gross area rule | Building wall | — | Unlock | § 156.043(B)(1), (B)(3)(b), (D) |
| Freestanding Sign | 9 ft (all locations except Roosevelt Rd/22nd St), 15 ft (Roosevelt Rd/22nd St) | Based on street frontage: 0-50 ft = 50 sq ft; 51-100 ft = 100 sq ft; 101-200 ft = 150 sq ft; 201+ ft = 200 sq ft | — | Monument signs on Roosevelt/22nd: 10 ft from property line | One per building | Front yard; not less than 3 ft from property line or driveway | — | Unlock | § 156.043(B)(3)(a), (C)(5), (D) |
| Window Sign | — | Not more than 25% of window area | — | — | — | Window | — | Unlock | § 156.043(B)(3)(e), (F)(8) |
| Directional Sign | 30 inches | 3 sq ft per face | — | — | Two per entrance/exit | Entrances/exits, walkways, parking lots, driveways | — | Unlock | § 156.043(F)(5) |
| Monument Sign | 9 ft; 15 ft on Roosevelt Rd/22nd St | — | — | 10 ft from property line on Roosevelt/22nd; elsewhere 3 ft | — | As freestanding sign | — | Unlock | § 156.043(C)(5) |
| Electronic Digital Display/Digital Sign | — | — | — | — | One per Zoning Lot | As wall or freestanding sign | — | Unlock | § 156.043(B)(3)(h), § 156.052(H) |
PermitPal covers all 10 zoning districts in Oakbrook Terrace — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 10 zones for Oakbrook Terrace — start freeProhibited Signs in Oakbrook Terrace
- It is unlawful to erect, alter, relocate, or maintain any sign, other advertising structure, marquee, canopy, or awning without first obtaining a sign permit from the Director of Community and Economic Development.
- All signs must conform to the construction, size, location, height, and illumination restrictions established in the ordinance.
- Signs shall not obstruct any driveway, door, window, fire escape, ladder, or opening intended to provide light, air, access or egress for any building or structure.
- No sign, other advertising structure, canopy, or awning shall be an immediate peril to persons or property; unsafe or insecure signs may be summarily removed.
- Signs that imitate, resemble, hide, or interfere with official traffic control devices are prohibited.
- Flashing signs, rotating or moving signs, animated signs, signs with moving lights or that create the illusion of movement, and flashing or moving lights are prohibited.
- Lights around the perimeter of principal or accessory structures are prohibited except during the holiday season.
- Signs must not create glare upon the street or adjacent property; exterior illumination must be shielded from view beyond the lot line.
- No sign, other advertising structure, canopy or awning may be erected in violation of the sign code, or in an unsafe or unlawful manner.
- Responsibility for timely removal of signs at the termination of a business or commercial enterprise lies with the property owner; failure to remove within 60 days authorizes city removal at owner expense.
- All signs must be properly maintained. Failure to repair or maintain a sign after notice is a continuing violation with each day deemed a separate offense.
- Obstructions: No sign shall extend above, across, over, or under any public or private right-of-way or obstruct passage unless specifically permitted.
- Pole, monument, or off-premises freestanding signs must not be closer than three feet from any property line or driveway (or as otherwise specified).
Exempt Signs in Oakbrook Terrace
- Signs identifying the name and/or address of a building or dwelling, not exceeding two square feet in area and plainly visible from the street (subject to height and display requirements).
- A bulletin or instruction board not exceeding 20 square feet for a public, charitable, or religious institution, located on the same premises.
- A building marker sign not exceeding 15 square feet, with the name and/or date of erection of the building, which may be cut into masonry or depicted on a plaque.
- Traffic and parking regulation signs or other municipal signs and banners, public utility signs, legal notice signs, railroad crossing signs, danger, temporary emergency or temporary non-advertising signs on public rights-of-way if erected by a public body or with city permission. Parking signs on private property within driveways and parking lots are also exempt.
- Directional signs within an off-street parking area, identifying entrances, walkways, and similar features, not exceeding three square feet per side or 30 inches in height (unless otherwise required for visibility); such signs may include business names/logos and count against overall sign allowance.
- Temporary election signs not exceeding 16 square feet, provided they are not placed in the right-of-way and with the owner's permission.
- Menu boards that are accessory to permitted drive-through restaurants and oriented away from street view.
- Temporary window signs, subject to applicable area restrictions.
- Window signs identifying hours of operation and/or open/closed status.
- Garage sale signs in compliance with city code.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Oakbrook Terrace
- A sign permit is required prior to erecting, altering, relocating, or maintaining any sign (except as specifically exempted). Applications for a sign permit must include detailed plans, site information, structural and electrical details, and owner's written consent for multi-tenant uses.
- Highway advertising signs require a special use permit and compliance with detailed submittal requirements, including plans, location, spacing, structural, lighting, and insurance/bonding details. A public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission is required, with City Council approval.
- Nonconforming (existing) signs may be continued only if they are adequately maintained, not enlarged, not moved, and conform to specified restoration and abandonment/replacement requirements.
- For planned unit developments (PUDs) and certain site developments, submittal and approval of a site plan—including a sign plan—may be required before building or sign permits are issued.
- Administrative denial of a sign permit may be appealed in accordance with city appeal procedures.
- For landscaping plans that may include signs, the landscape plan must be submitted for review and approval before building permits (including sign permits) are issued.
Source: municode municipal code