# Sign Regulations in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois (IL)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/illinois/oakbrook-terrace
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-08
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/IL/Oakbrook_Terrace/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=TITVIITRCO_CH71TRRE_S71.08SI)

## 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.

## Sign rules by zoning district (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 (sample of 3 of 10 zones)

### R-3 Multiple-Family

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Building Identification Sign - Wall Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | One per principal building | On the same side as principal entrance | — | § 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 | — | § 156.043(B)(3)(c)2A |
| Resident or Occupant Directory - Wall Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | One per principal building | At principal entrance to building | — | § 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 | — | § 156.043(B)(3)(d), (B)(3)(c)2C |
| Instruction Board/Bulletin Board | — | 20 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | § 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 | — | § 156.043(B)(3)(f) |

### B-1 Professional Office

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | 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 | — | § 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) | — | § 156.043(B)(3)(a), (C)(5),(8),(D) |
| Window Sign | — | Not more than 25% of window area | — | — | — | Window | — | § 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 | — | § 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 | — | § 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 | — | § 156.043(B)(3)(f) |
| Building Marker Sign | — | 15 sq ft | — | — | — | May be cut into masonry surface or plaque on building | — | § 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 | 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 | — | § 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 | — | § 156.043(B)(3)(a), (C)(5), (D) |
| Window Sign | — | Not more than 25% of window area | — | — | — | Window | — | § 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 | — | § 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 | — | § 156.043(C)(5) |
| Electronic Digital Display/Digital Sign | — | — | — | — | One per Zoning Lot | As wall or freestanding sign | — | § 156.043(B)(3)(h), § 156.052(H) |

## Prohibited 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).

## Signs exempt from permit 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

- 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.

## 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 10 zoning districts in Oakbrook Terrace — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Oakbrook+Terrace+IL&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-oakbrook-terrace

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