Sign Regulations in Olympia Fields, Illinois
Olympia Fields, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 27 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign (Monument Type), Wall Sign, Temporary 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 Olympia Fields, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Olympia Fields
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name Plate Sign | — | 1 sq. ft. (residential, per occupant) | — |
| General Information Sign | — | 4 sq. ft. | — |
| Memorial Sign or Tablet | — | 5 sq. ft. | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Olympia FieldsFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
27
- Freestanding Sign (Monument Type)
- Wall Sign
- Temporary Sign
- Name Plate Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
8
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Olympia Fields
Other Cities in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Olympia Fields 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 Olympia Fields, 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 Olympia Fields, regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign (Monument Type), Wall Sign, Temporary Sign, Name Plate 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 Olympia Fields 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 Olympia Fields are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Olympia Fields has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
AI-Powered Research
Ready to Research Olympia Fields Sign Permits?
Stop spending hours searching through municipal codes. Get instant access to Olympia Fields, Illinois sign regulations with PermitPal's AI-powered platform.
No credit card required · Get results in seconds
Olympia Fields, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Olympia Fields, Illinois regulates 27 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Contractor/Construction Signs in the Residential District (R-1, R-2, R-3) zoning district are capped at 10 ft. tall and Combined 32 sq. ft. (not more than 2 signs), with a No sign closer than 15 ft to any property line. setback (Sec. Sec. 22-428.1(a)3). Most commercial signs in Olympia Fields require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Olympia Fields, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Olympia Fields (8 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 5 | 30 ft. (of pole) | 40 sq. ft. | — |
| Residential District (R-1, R-2, R-3) | 8 | 10 ft. | Combined 32 sq. ft. (not more than 2 signs) | — |
| Commercial District (B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4) | 7 | 10 ft. | Max 200 sq. ft.; min 20 sq. ft.; may be increased by 20% with setback. | — |
| Manufacturing District (M-1) | 3 | 10 ft. | Max 150 sq. ft. | — |
| Planned Unit Development (PUD) | 2 | As specified in Uniform Sign Plan | As specified in Uniform Sign Plan, but not to exceed otherwise applicable zone standards unless explicitly approved | — |
| Lincoln Highway (Rt. 30)/Western Avenue/Vollmer Road Special Sign District | 1 | 10 ft. | As allowed by base zoning (up to 100 sq. ft. per sign, 250 sq. ft. total per lot) | — |
| Medical District | 3 | 10 ft. | Max 150 sq. ft. (freestanding bldg); max 200 sq. ft. (multi-tenant); can be increased by 20% if set back 200+ ft | — |
| R-4 District (residential, per wireless and antenna regulations) | 2 | 12 feet above roof or 4 feet above mounting roof | 30 inches x 24 inches (identification; no advertising) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Olympia Fields(sample of 3 of 8 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name Plate Sign | — | 1 sq. ft. (residential, per occupant) | — | — | 1 per occupant (2 on corner lot) | On building; on corner lots, one facing each street. | — | Unlock | Sec. 22-426(a) |
| General Information Sign | — | 4 sq. ft. | — | — | — | On-premises traffic, parking regulation, lavatory, public phone area, etc. | — | Unlock | Sec. 22-426(e) |
| Memorial Sign or Tablet | — | 5 sq. ft. | — | — | — | On building; commonly as a cornerstone | — | Unlock | Sec. 22-426(g) |
| Flag | 30 ft. (of pole) | 40 sq. ft. | — | — | Max 3 flags/flagpoles (6 in commercial area) | Behind property line; at parks during events | — | Unlock | Sec. 22-426(h) |
| Temporary Political Sign | — | 16 sq. ft. (per sign); 80 sq. ft. combined per property | 4 ft. | Not within 5 ft of right-of-way or parking lot on public property; as otherwise required for visibility. | — | On private property; not on public right-of-way; specific rules for public property during early voting. | — | Unlock | Sec. 22-426(o), (p) |
Residential District (R-1, R-2, R-3)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification Sign (Multifamily bldg) | — | 5 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per building | Within 10 ft. of building main entrance | — | Unlock | Sec. 22-428.1(b)1 |
| Residential Subdivision Identification Sign | 6 ft. | 10 sq. ft. per sign; max 2 signs per entrance | — | — | Max 2 per entrance | At subdivision entrance(s) | — | Unlock | Sec. 22-428.1(b)2 |
| Contractor/Construction Sign | 10 ft. | Combined 32 sq. ft. (not more than 2 signs) | — | No sign closer than 15 ft to any property line. | Max 2 | On property being developed | — | Unlock | Sec. 22-428.1(a)3 |
| Civic Event Sign | 10 ft. | 6 sq. ft. | — | Not within 10 ft of property line. | 1 per property (2 if corner lot) | Only on the site where event is to occur. | — | Unlock | Sec. 22-428.1(a)4 |
| Temporary Sign (General, Residential Use) | 5 ft. | 6 sq. ft. | — | Not within 10 ft of lot line. | 1 per lot (2 on corner lot) | Must be 10 ft from any lot line unless blocked & with approval. | — | Unlock | Sec. 22-428.1(b)4(i)-(iv) |
| Identification Sign (Public use, religious institution, nonprofit) | — | 32 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per lot (2 if corner lot) | On the lot; 2 signs allowed on corner lots | — | Unlock | Sec. 22-428.1(c)1(i) |
| Temporary Sign (Public use, religious institution, nonprofit) | — | As in commercial districts (typically up to 30 sq. ft.) | — | — | — | On institutional lot | — | Unlock | Sec. 22-428.1(c)4 |
| Parking Sign (Nonresidential buildings) | 5 ft. | 2 sq. ft. per sign | — | Not within 10 ft of property line. | 2 per entrance or exit | At parking entrances/exits, adjacent thereto | — | Unlock | Sec. 22-428.1(c)5 |
Commercial District (B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4)
| 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 (Freestanding structures, not shopping centers or PUDs) | — | Max 150 sq. ft. | — | No wall sign facing residential districts unless only frontage faces residential. | Max 3 per facade | Attached to parapet or facade of main structure; not above parapet or roof; not painted directly. | — | Unlock | Sec. 22-428.2(c)1–7 |
| Wall Sign (Shopping Centers/Commercial PUDs single tenant) | — | Max 200 sq. ft.; min 20 sq. ft.; may be increased by 20% with setback. | — | — | 1 per tenant (2 for corners) | On building facade | — | Unlock | Sec. 22-428.2(d) |
| Window/Glass Door Sign (Permanent) | — | Lesser of 10% of window (or door) area or 5 sq. ft. per business | — | — | 1 permanent business sign, plus allowed address/hours signs | On or immediately behind window/glass door, visible from exterior | — | Unlock | Sec. 22-428.2(e)1 |
| Window/Glass Door Sign (Temporary) | — | Max 40% of area of glass | — | — | Variable, but max 40% coverage | Behind glass, not on exterior of window/door | — | Unlock | Sec. 22-428.2(e)2 |
| Freestanding Sign (Monument Type) | 10 ft. | Max 100 sq. ft. per sign; max 250 sq. ft. total freestanding signage per lot | — | Min 10 ft. from any property line; see also landscaping requirements. | 1 per zoning lot (special approval for more via PUD only) | Entirely within property lines; at least 10 ft. setback from any property line | — | Unlock | Sec. 22-428.2(f) |
| Temporary Sign (Commercial) | 6 ft. | 30 sq. ft. per display surface; Max 2 display surfaces (60 sq. ft. total) | — | — | Max 4 permits per business/year | On private property; not in public right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 22-428.2(g) |
| Human Sign | — | 6 sq. ft. | — | Not within 300 ft of intersection; must not block traffic signs. | — | Private property or public parkway/sidewalk (not within 300 ft of intersection) | — | Unlock | Sec. 22-428.2(i) |
PermitPal covers all 8 zoning districts in Olympia Fields — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 8 zones for Olympia Fields — start freeProhibited Signs in Olympia Fields
- All signs not expressly permitted under the Sign Code are prohibited within the village.
- Off-site signs are prohibited unless within an approved planned unit development or an approved special use.
- Pole signs are prohibited.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- Projecting signs are prohibited.
- Balloons, pennants, streamers, portable signs, festoon lights or any other attention-getting devices are prohibited unless specifically authorized in certain exceptions.
- Commercial signs not advertising a business conducted or a product sold on the same property are prohibited except as permitted in the Sign Code.
- Obscene signs are prohibited.
- Miscellaneous advertising devices not conforming to the Sign Code or other Village Code provisions are prohibited.
- Signs in conflict with traffic signs, vehicular or pedestrian travel, access to fire hydrants and fire lanes and exits, and other signs that reasonably impede or impair public health, safety, and welfare are prohibited.
- Signs painted on the walls or windows of any building or fence are prohibited.
- Signs hung across any street or alley are prohibited.
- Any sign on a tree or utility pole, whether on public or private property, is prohibited.
- Vehicle signs used as stationary or mobile displays are prohibited, except as provided for permitted vehicle signs.
- Obsolete signs (advertising non-existing businesses) are prohibited.
- Portable signs as defined are prohibited.
- Paper signs are prohibited.
- Lawn service signs are prohibited.
- Signs with exposed guy wires, chains, or similar connections attached to the ground which pose a safety hazard are prohibited.
- Home improvement signs as defined are prohibited.
- Exterior neon signs are prohibited.
- Unlawful signs as defined are prohibited.
- No sign shall be painted, postered, or plastered directly on the exterior walls or roof of any building.
- No sign or sign structure shall be attached to a tree, fence, telephone pole, or other utility pole or structure, whether on public or private property.
- No sign shall be erected or located in a public right-of-way except as established by authorized public entity.
- No sign or portion thereof shall rotate, flash, flutter, or appear to move except as otherwise permitted.
- No sign shall be constructed or maintained on any portion of a roof, nor shall any sign attached to a project be placed above any portion of the roof or parapet wall.
- Exposed light bulbs, neon or LED tubes, flashing, blinking, and similar illumination with changing intensity, brightness, or color are prohibited (unless otherwise approved as part of a PUD).
- Illumination of signs shall not reflect into public streets or adjacent properties, or create a traffic hazard.
- Temporary signs shall not be illuminated.
- No sign shall be maintained at a location where, by reason of position, size, shape, or color, it may obstruct or confuse traffic control signs, signals, or devices.
- Signs not specifically listed as permitted in a zoning district are expressly prohibited.
- No permanent sign may be painted, constructed, erected, remodeled, relocated, or expanded until a sign permit is obtained.
- Freestanding signs must be monument signs; other types of freestanding signs are prohibited.
Exempt Signs in Olympia Fields
- Name plate signs indicating the name and address of the occupant, not to exceed one square foot (or two such signs on a corner lot).
- Real estate signs not exceeding four square feet in sign area on residential property (with additional sign on corner lot), subject to removal and placement restrictions.
- Open house signs for dwellings offered for sale by any person, not more than two signs not exceeding twelve square feet in area and only on the day of the open house.
- Bulletin boards for public, charitable, or religious institutions, not exceeding sixteen square feet and bearing no commercial advertising (limited to one per lot or two on corner lot).
- General information signs regulating on-premises traffic and parking, or denoting building sections such as lavatories, not over four square feet and not bearing commercial advertising.
- Traffic and other signs erected by a governmental body, including railroad crossing signs, safety signs, and signs identifying public schools.
- Memorial signs, tablets, or building erection/name signs no larger than five square feet.
- Flags, pennants, or insignias of government, educational, religious, charitable, or fraternal organizations for noncommercial purposes, limited to three per zoning lot and specific size and height requirements.
- Signs identifying places of worship when located on the premises, up to thirty-two square feet per side.
- Signs not visible beyond the boundaries of the lot or parcel on which they are situated or from any public thoroughfare or right-of-way.
- Official signs of any public or governmental agency, including official courts, public offices, and notices.
- Any sign completely within an enclosed building and not visible from outside the building.
- Tablets, grave markers, headstones, statuary, or memorial plaques/plaques/markers that are noncommercial.
- Private traffic direction signs not exceeding four square feet in area and four feet in height.
- Political signage, including election and issue signs, subject to location, placement, and size restrictions.
- Political election signs on public property during early voting, pursuant to Illinois Election Code and subject to location and timing restrictions.
- Homeowners association meeting signs (civic event signs) as defined.
- Garage sale signs as specified in the ordinance, subject to number, size, location, duration, and removal requirements.
- Decorations displayed in connection with civic, patriotic, or religious holidays (up to thirty days).
- Traditional holiday scenes exhibited between November 1 and January 15.
- Yard signs publicizing a birth, family member participation, or home security systems, subject to location, size, and removal requirements.
- Vehicle signs (painted on or applied directly to the vehicle) under specified operating, location, and use requirements.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Olympia Fields
- A uniform sign plan is required for all Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) and all multi-tenant developments prior to any signs for such development being erected on the property.
- All owners, tenants, subtenants, and purchasers of individual units within the development shall comply with the approved uniform sign plan.
- The uniform sign plan must include design, materials, colors, lighting, dimensions, site plan, elevations, information on size standards, sign color, sign material, and a common method of illumination.
- The uniform sign plan is subject to approval by the sign commission prior to any signs being erected for the development.
- A uniform sign plan for PUDs and multi-building, multi-tenant occupied buildings shall not be approved until the sign commission finds that the plan provides for signs of a similar type and function with a consistent color scheme and materials, and meets size, location, and other applicable requirements.
- Amendments to a uniform sign plan must be filed by the owner or an authorized agent, and approved by the sign commission.
- After approval of a uniform sign plan, no sign shall be erected, placed, painted, or maintained except in accordance with such plan.
- In case of conflict between a uniform sign plan and the Sign Code, the stricter of the two shall apply.
Source: municode municipal code