Sign Regulations in Palos Hills, Illinois
Palos Hills, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 16 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Official Highway Directional Sign, Nameplate Sign (Single Family Home), Nameplate Sign (Two-Family Dwelling). 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 Palos Hills, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Palos Hills
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate Sign (Single Family Home) | — | 2 sq. ft. | — |
| Nameplate Sign (Two-Family Dwelling) | — | 1 sq. ft. | — |
| Identification Sign (Multifamily/Other) | — | 9 sq. ft. | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
16
- Official Highway Directional Sign
- Nameplate Sign (Single Family Home)
- Nameplate Sign (Two-Family Dwelling)
- Identification Sign (Multifamily/Other)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Palos Hills
Other Cities in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Palos Hills 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 Palos Hills, 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 Palos Hills, regulated sign types include Official Highway Directional Sign, Nameplate Sign (Single Family Home), Nameplate Sign (Two-Family Dwelling), Identification Sign (Multifamily/Other), 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 Palos Hills 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 Palos Hills are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Palos Hills has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Palos Hills, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Palos Hills, Illinois regulates 16 sign types across 4 zoning districts. For Sale / To Rent Sign (Residential)s in the Residential districts zoning district are capped at 6 ft. above ground level tall and 6 sq. ft., with a No projection beyond property line setback (Sec. 17.42.400.B.1, 17.42.400.B.3). Most commercial signs in Palos Hills require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Palos Hills, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Palos Hills (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | — | — | — |
| Residential zones | 1 | — | 2 sq. ft. | — |
| Residential districts | 7 | 15 ft. above curb level or one story | 25 sq. ft. | — |
| Business and manufacturing zones | 7 | 75 ft. above average terrain/highway (whichever is greater) | 400 sq. ft. | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Palos Hills(sample of 3 of 4 zones)
Residential 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate Sign (Single Family Home) | — | 2 sq. ft. | — | — | One per occupancy | On each single-family home | — | Unlock | 17.42.395 |
Residential districts
| 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 (Two-Family Dwelling) | — | 1 sq. ft. | — | — | One per dwelling unit | For each dwelling unit | — | Unlock | 17.42.400.A.1 |
| Identification Sign (Multifamily/Other) | — | 9 sq. ft. | — | — | One per building | For multiple-family dwellings, apartment hotels, or buildings other than dwellings | — | Unlock | 17.42.400.A.2 |
| Construction Sign (Residential) | — | 25 sq. ft. | — | — | One per project; two on corner lots | In connection with construction or remodeling of a building | — | Unlock | 17.42.400.A.3 |
| For Sale / To Rent Sign (Residential) | 6 ft. above ground level | 6 sq. ft. | — | No projection beyond property line | One per zoning lot; two on corner lot | On property for sale or rent; not projecting beyond property line | — | Unlock | 17.42.400.B.1, 17.42.400.B.3 |
| Accessory Parking Area Signs - Directional | 7 ft. above curb level | 2 sq. ft. each | — | No projection beyond property line | Two per entrance/exit | Parking area entrances or exits | — | Unlock | 17.42.400.C.1, 17.42.400.C.3 |
| Accessory Parking Area Signs - Use/Identity | — | 9 sq. ft. | — | No projection beyond property line | One per parking area; two on corner lot | On parking area | — | Unlock | 17.42.400.C.1 |
| Church Bulletin Sign | 15 ft. above curb level or one story | 16 sq. ft. | — | No projection beyond property line | One per zoning lot; two on corner lot | On church property | — | Unlock | 17.42.400.D.1, 17.42.400.D.3 |
Business and manufacturing 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Ground Sign | — | 200 sq. ft. (all faces included) per sign | — | — | One per frontage; more if frontage >200 ft with distance and area restrictions | Each developed parcel or premises with street frontage | — | Unlock | 17.42.405.A |
| Wall or Facia Sign | — | — | — | — | One per occupancy per frontage; under-canopy sign allowed if building has canopy | On building per occupancy | — | Unlock | 17.42.405.B |
| Directional Sign | 8 ft. above grade | 4 sq. ft. | — | — | Two per driveway | At each driveway on each street frontage | — | Unlock | 17.42.405.C.1 |
| Interstate High-Rise/Freeway-Oriented Sign | 75 ft. above average terrain/highway (whichever is greater) | 400 sq. ft. | — | — | — | Within 1,320 ft of interstate right-of-way | — | Unlock | 17.42.405.C.2 |
| Manual or Automatic Changeable Copy Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 17.42.405.C.3 |
| Window Sign | — | Window signs cannot cover more than 50% of the glass area being used | — | — | — | On window panes of nonresidential establishments | — | Unlock | 17.42.405.D |
| Portable Advertising Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 17.42.405.E-F-G |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Palos Hills — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 4 zones for Palos Hills — start freeProhibited Signs in Palos Hills
- No sign shall block any required accessway or window.
- No sign shall be located on vacant property in any district except a sign advertising the premises for sale or lease.
- No sign shall be attached to a tree or utility pole.
- No person shall construct, alter, rebuild, enlarge, erect or place a sign without first filing a written application and obtaining a permit (except for exempt signs).
- No sign shall be permitted which is placed on public property or over or across the street or public thoroughfare.
- No tacking, pasting, or otherwise affixing of signs of a miscellaneous character, visible from a public way, located on the walls of buildings, barns, sheds, on trees, poles, posts, fences or other structures.
- No person shall park any vehicle or trailer on a public right-of-way with a sign or advertising device for the basic purpose of providing advertisement.
- Flags other than those of any nation, state or political subdivision or corporate flags are prohibited except as set forth in Section 17.42.600.
- No sign shall be suspended by chains or other devices that will allow the sign to swing due to wind action.
- "A"-frame or sandwich board, sidewalk or curb signs are prohibited.
- No sign shall be permitted to be placed on any wall, fence or standard facing any adjoining lot located in a residence district.
- No illuminated sign shall be of the flashing or intermittent type except advertising devices denoting the time, temperature and other similar information.
- Signs in conflict with public traffic signals shall not be permitted.
- Ad bench signs are prohibited.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- Billboards are prohibited.
- Off premises or off-site signs are prohibited.
- No person shall maintain or permit to be maintained on any premises any sign which is in a dangerous or defective condition.
- No person shall erect on any premises any sign which does not comply with the provision of the code.
- Signs bearing or containing statements, words or pictures of obscene, pornographic, or immoral character, or which contain untruthful advertising matter, are prohibited.
- Signs purporting to be, or imitating officials traffic signs, or bearing words such as "Stop," "Go Slow," "Caution," or "Warning" are prohibited.
- No sign shall exceed 30 feet in height without special consent of the city council.
Exempt Signs in Palos Hills
- Changing the advertising copy or message on an existing approved painted or printed sign, marquee, changeable copy sign or similar approved sign specifically designed for the use of replaceable copy.
- Painting, repainting, cleaning or other normal maintenance and repair of a sign not involving structural changes, replacement of the plastic face due to breakage and/or deterioration, not involving substitution of a new or different advertiser.
- Changes in the content of show window displays and permitted temporary signs.
- Traffic or directional signs designating entrances, exits and conditions of use of parking facilities accessory to the main use of the premises, provided located within the property line.
- One construction sign per construction project not exceeding 32 square feet in residential districts or 64 square feet in commercial or industrial districts, subject to time and location requirements.
- Directional or instructional signs entirely on property to which they pertain and not exceeding two square feet, including restroom, public telephone, walkways, parking lot entrance and exit signs and similar.
- Flags, emblems or insignia of any nation or political subdivision or corporate flag; banners promoting commercial or public activity or event upon approval by city council.
- Governmental signs for control of traffic and other regulatory purposes, street signs, danger signs, railroad crossing signs, and public service company signs indicating danger and aids to service or safety required by law or public officer.
- Holiday or seasonal signs or decorations of a primarily decorative nature commonly associated with national, local, or religious holidays.
- House numbers and nameplates not exceeding two square feet in area for each residential building.
- Signs not readily visible from the outside and located within any interior building, stadium, enclosed lobby or court, inner/outer lobby or entrance of any theater (still subject to structural/electrical/material code).
- Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when part of building or in incombustible material.
- Notice bulletin boards not over 32 square feet for public, charitable, or religious institutions on their premises.
- No-trespassing or no-dumping signs not to exceed two square feet and not exceeding four per lot, except with special permission.
- One identification sign per dwelling unit not to exceed two square feet, indicating name or location of occupant or home office.
- Plaques or nameplate building signs not more than four square feet fastened to building.
- Signs required or specifically authorized for a public purpose by any law, statute, or ordinance.
- Political campaign signs (meeting area, size, location, time, and other requirements per 17.42.705).
- One real estate sign per lot or parcel, within property, not illuminated, not exceeding six (6) square feet in residential areas and sixteen (16) square feet in business/manufacturing, removed within seven days after transfer.
- Religious symbols, historical plaques, and emblems not exceeding four square feet and placed flat against the building.
- Warning signs warning of danger, excluding advertising material, to be removed upon subsidence of danger.
- Neighborhood identification signs consisting only of neighborhood or tract name.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Palos Hills
- The administrator may require that all plans be drawn by a registered architect or structural engineer. (17.42.345 Permits—Filing—Fee)
- The application for a permit shall contain all such information and drawings as may be required by the administrator, including sign type, size, location, and method of attachment. (17.42.345 Permits—Filing—Fee)
- On denial of a permit, appeals are heard by the zoning board of appeals (ZBA); the plan commission hears requests for special use to construct or install a sign or signs other than as permitted in this chapter (17.42.890, 17.42.375).
- Requests for hearings for signs other than as permitted must be made in writing to city council and reviewed/heard by the plan commission (17.42.900, 17.42.910).
Source: municode municipal code