# Sign Regulations in River Grove, Illinois

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

- **Jurisdiction:** River Grove, Illinois (IL)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/illinois/river-grove
- **Data last verified:** 2025-04-20

## At a glance

River Grove, Illinois regulates 27 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Residential Nameplate (Multi-Unit Dwelling)s in the Residential Districts (R1, R2, R3, R4) zoning district are capped at 20 ft or one story, whichever is lower tall and 9 sq ft, with a At least 1/2 the required front yard depth if freestanding setback (Sec. 6-13-10(A)(1)(b)). Most commercial signs in River Grove require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (6 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Residential Districts (R1, R2, R3, R4) | 9 | 20 ft or one story, whichever is lower | 80 sq ft | — |
| Commercial Districts (C1, C2, C3, C4) | 12 | 25 ft | 80 sq ft | — |
| Government and Education District (G/E) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Manufacturing Districts (M1, M2) | 1 | — | — | — |
| OS Open Space District (OS) | 1 | 10 ft (freestanding) | 64 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | 4 ft | 100 sq ft | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 6 zones)

### Residential Districts (R1, R2, R3, R4)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Residential Nameplate (Single-, Two-, Three-Unit, or Townhouse Dwelling) | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per dwelling | Affixed flat against the door, on wall adjacent thereto, or elsewhere on an accessory building/structure or land within the lot | — | 6-13-10(A)(1)(a) |
| Residential Nameplate (Multi-Unit Dwelling) | 20 ft or one story, whichever is lower | 9 sq ft | — | At least 1/2 the required front yard depth if freestanding | 1 per multi-unit dwelling | On building (not above one story or 20 ft) or as a freestanding sign as described | — | 6-13-10(A)(1)(b) |
| Awnings and Canopies | — | — | — | No more than 3 ft inside curb line or further restricted by state | — | Must be attached to building; may extend up to 3 ft inside curb, minimum 10 ft above sidewalk | — | 6-13-10(A)(2)(a), 6-13-9(A) |
| Electronic Message Center Sign (R4 only) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | Only in R4 district; as freestanding monument sign or wall sign, only one per lot | — | 6-13-10(A)(2)(b), 6-13-9(B) |
| Freestanding Monument Sign (Nonresidential Use) | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 10 ft minimum from curb line | 1 per lot (2 if corner lot) | On same lot as principal use | — | 6-13-10(A)(2)(c), 6-13-9(C) |
| Projecting Sign (R4 only) | — | 20 sq ft (horizontal projecting); 40 sq ft (vertical projecting) | — | — | — | Mounted at least 10 ft above sidewalk; not projecting more than 2 ft from building and within property lines | — | 6-13-10(A)(2)(d), 6-13-9(E), 7-17-38-41 |
| Street Clock (R4 only) | — | — | 42 inch diameter dial | — | — | Mounted at least 15 ft above sidewalk; may extend up to 2 ft from curb | — | 6-13-10(A)(2)(e), 6-13-9(F), 7-17-55-58 |
| Wall Sign | — | 80 sq ft | — | — | — | Affixed flat against the building wall, not projecting more than 12 inches into ROW or beyond ends/top of wall | — | 6-13-10(A)(2)(f), 6-13-9(G), 7-17-29-32 |

### Commercial Districts (C1, C2, C3, C4)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Residential Nameplate | — | 2 sq ft (single- or two-unit); 9 sq ft (multi-unit, see Residential regs) | — | — | — | See Residential district regulations | — | 6-13-10(B)(1) |
| Awnings and Canopies | — | — | — | No extension beyond 3 ft inside curb unless state rules are stricter | — | Must be attached to building; may extend up to 3 ft inside curb, min 10 ft above sidewalk | — | 6-13-10(B)(2), 6-13-9(A) |
| Electronic Message Center Sign | — | 32 sq ft (may be part of another sign, total area not to exceed sign type max) | — | — | 1 per lot | As freestanding monument, pole, or wall sign; only one per lot | — | 6-13-10(B)(3), 6-13-9(B), (B)(1)(a-f) |
| Freestanding Monument Sign (C1, C2) | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 10 ft from curb | 1 per lot (2 if corner lot) | On same lot as principal use | — | 6-13-10(B)(4), 6-13-9(C)(1)-(2) |
| Freestanding Monument Sign (C3, C4) | 8 ft | 50 sq ft | — | 10 ft from curb | 1 per lot (2 if corner lot) | On same lot as principal use | — | 6-13-9(C)(1)-(2) |
| Freestanding Pole Sign (C3) | 25 ft | 32 sq ft; up to 70 sq ft for corner lots with committee approval | — | 10 ft from curb | 1 per lot (2 if corner lot) | Minimum 10 ft setback from curb, on same lot as principal use | — | 6-13-10(B)(5), 6-13-9(D)(1)-(5) |
| Freestanding Pole Sign (C4) | 25 ft | 70 sq ft | — | 10 ft from curb | 1 per lot (2 if corner lot) | Minimum 10 ft setback from curb, on same lot as principal use | — | 6-13-10(B)(5), 6-13-9(D)(1)-(5) |
| Unified Shopping Center Additional Sign (C4/C3/C2/C1/G/E) | Per district max | 70 sq ft (C4); 60 sq ft (all other commercial/GE) | — | — | 1 per unified shopping center | On same lot | — | 6-13-10(B)(10) |

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Directional Sign (Permanent) | 4 ft | 4 sq ft | — | 5 ft from public ROW | 1 per driveway/access; additional as needed within site | Entirely on the property to which it pertains; 5 ft minimum setback from ROW | — | 6-13-6(C) |
| Bulletin Board (Institutional) | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | — | On premises of public, charitable or religious institution | — | 6-13-6(B) |
| Occupational Sign (Minor) | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | — | On commercial building, public building, or residence | — | 6-13-6(I), 7-17-15(B) |
| Memorial Plaque/Tablet | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | — | On building or location of historic significance | — | 6-13-6(E), 7-17-15(F) |
| "No Trespassing/No Dumping" Warning Sign | — | 1.5 sq ft per sign | — | — | Up to four per lot | Per lot | — | 6-13-6(J) |
| Temporary Sign (No Permit) | — | Varies by type; See below | — | — | See item type | Varies, but always on private property | — | 6-13-7(A) |
| Temporary Sign (Permit Required) | — | 100 sq ft | — | Not extend more than 4 inches over ROW; "A-frame" signs must leave 42 inches clear | 1 per street frontage per lot | One per street frontage per lot | — | 6-13-7(B) |

## Prohibited signs in River Grove

- It is unlawful to erect or maintain advertising benches that advertise a business, product, or service on private or public property.
- Permanent banner signs used to advertise a business, products, or services are prohibited (except as temporary signs with limitations).
- No sign shall have blinking or flashing lights, illuminating devices that change light intensity, brightness, or color, or rotating beacons (except certain electronic signs with restrictions).
- Signs painted, pasted, or affixed to trees, rocks, utility poles, hydrants, bridges, sidewalks, curbs, streets, benches, or trash receptacles are prohibited.
- No sign or advertising structure shall have moving, revolving, or rotating parts or visible mechanical movement of any kind, unless specifically reviewed and determined not to constitute a hazard.
- Off premises signs are prohibited.
- Signs painted directly on an exterior wall, fascia, parapet, or chimney of a building or on a fence are prohibited.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- No sign or advertising device shall display any matter that appeals to prurient interests in sex or is patently offensive regarding sexual matters and is without redeeming social value.
- Signs placed or painted on parked vehicles for the primary purpose of advertising or directing to a business or activity are prohibited, unless the vehicle is used in the normal course of business.
- Signs cannot obstruct free and clear vision at any street, intersection, parking lot entrance or exit, or driveway.
- Signs cannot interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with authorized traffic signs or signals.
- No sign may use words, symbols, or characters such as “stop”, “look”, “danger”, or other wording to mislead or confuse traffic.
- No sign in direct line of vision of a traffic signal shall be illuminated in red, green, or amber color so as to resemble a traffic signal.
- No sign may prevent free ingress to and egress from any door, window, or fire escape, or be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
- Strobe lights, spotlights, and floodlights used to advertise a business or event are prohibited.
- Trailer and portable signs are prohibited.
- No sign or advertising structure may constitute a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate design, construction, repair, or maintenance.
- No sign shall be placed on public property unless by government agency or authorized by the building commissioner.
- No signs shall be placed on private property without prior consent of the property owner and, if applicable, issuance of a sign permit.
- Signs must not encroach upon the public right of way (even exempt signs).

## Signs exempt from permit in River Grove

- Changing the advertising copy or message on an existing changeable copy sign or similar approved sign (not involving structural or electrical changes) is exempt from permit requirements.
- Painting, repainting, cleaning, changing permitted items of information, or normal maintenance and repair of a sign not involving structural or electrical changes is exempt from permit requirements.
- Bulletin boards not over 12 square feet in area for public, charitable, or religious institutions on premises of such institutions are exempt.
- Permanent directional signs (subject to area, content, height, and setback limitations) are exempt.
- Flags of any government or governmental agency, or any patriotic, religious, charitable, civic, educational, or fraternal organization are exempt.
- Memorial or commemorative plaques or tablets denoting a building name and/or date of erection, or historic significance, not exceeding 4 square feet in area are exempt.
- Informational matter on gasoline pumps, vending machines, ATMs, entry doors (e.g., 'push/pull', 'open/closed'), and on display windows/doors denoting hours, credit cards, etc., are exempt.
- Municipal signs (traffic, municipal, legal notices, railroad crossing signs, signs regulating traffic or designating streets/schools/historic sites/public buildings, temporary emergency or non-advertising signs) are exempt but subject to village board approval.
- Neon and/or LED window signs, provided the signage does not exceed 25% of window area and follows applicable district restrictions, are exempt.
- Occupational signs denoting only the name and profession of an occupant in a commercial building, public building, or residence and not exceeding one square foot in area are exempt.
- 'No Trespassing' or 'No Dumping' signs not exceeding 1.5 square feet per sign and no more than four per lot are exempt (with special permission possible for more).
- Temporary construction signs identifying architects, engineers, developers, or contractors, not exceeding 16 square feet, are exempt within time, height, and number limits.
- Temporary directional signs for real estate open houses or certain public events under time and placement limits are exempt.
- Displays or decorations of a primarily decorative nature associated with national, local, or religious holidays are exempt.
- "For Sale" and "For Rent" property signs (up to 8 square feet residential, up to 32 square feet commercial in specified districts) are exempt, with time/removal and location restrictions.
- "For Sale" vehicle signs (when on permitted sales lots or at individual’s home, not in public right of way) are exempt with removal deadlines.
- Temporary residential garage or yard sale signs (limited to two per event, up to 4 square feet each, and only when sale is occurring) are exempt.
- Temporary signs for not-for-profit special events, up to 16 square feet, posted up to 30 days ahead and removed within 5 days after event, are exempt.
- Political signs (up to 8 square feet per side), not posted on public property, with time and posting/removal restrictions, are exempt.
- Temporary window signs affixed inside advertising goods/services (provided all window signs do not exceed 25% of area and are not up more than 30 days) are exempt.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A master sign plan is required when more than one wall sign, awning, or canopy is proposed on any building with multiple tenants. The master sign plan must be submitted for review by the site plan review committee.
- Master sign plans must provide for coordinated design for all building-mounted signage, including appearance, format, font size and style, lighting, location, and materials. Signs on walls of multi-tenant shopping centers must be located at a generally uniform height and not cover or overhang architectural features.
- For freestanding pole or monument signs advertising multiple tenants, the signage is limited to one item of information per tenant, plus the address.
- Projecting signs over 20 square feet and freestanding pole signs in certain cases (corner lots in C3 district) require review and approval by the site plan review committee.
- No sign may be erected, relocated, or structurally altered except as provided for in the code and after obtaining a sign permit, except for signs specifically exempted.

## 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 6 zoning districts in River Grove — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=River+Grove+IL&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-river-grove

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