Sign Regulations in Riverside, Illinois
Riverside, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 29 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Window Sign, Feather Sign (Freestanding). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 20, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Riverside, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Riverside
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | 40 sq. ft. | — |
| Window Sign | — | 50% of glazed area of window | — |
| Monument Sign | 6 ft. | — | 5 ft. |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for RiversideFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
29
- Wall Sign
- Window Sign
- Feather Sign (Freestanding)
- Feather Sign (Wall-mounted)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Other Cities in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
In Riverside, monument signs are limited to 6 ft.. 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 Riverside, 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 Riverside, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Window Sign, Feather Sign (Freestanding), Feather Sign (Wall-mounted), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Riverside, monument signs typically require a 5 ft. setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Riverside are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Riverside has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Riverside, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Riverside, Illinois regulates 29 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Monument Sign (B1-C and B1-TOD)s in the B1-C Subdistrict, B1-TC Subdistrict, B1-TOD Subdistrict, B1 Business District, B1 Zoning District zoning district are capped at 6 ft. tall and 32 sq. ft., with a 18 in. setback (Sec. Table 2, 4-3-14(C)). Most commercial signs in Riverside require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Riverside, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Riverside (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential zoning districts | 5 | 6 ft. | 50% of glazed area of window | — |
| R-4 Mixed Office Residence District | 1 | — | 4 sq. ft. (attached to building); 24 sq. ft. (on property) | — |
| B2 central business district | 13 | 10 ft. | 25 sq. ft. (individual tenants); 75 sq. ft. (single tenant >40ft) | — |
| B1-C Subdistrict, B1-TC Subdistrict, B1-TOD Subdistrict, B1 Business District, B1 Zoning District | 9 | 10 ft. | 100 sq. ft. | — |
| B2 Zoning District | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | — | No more than 60% of total square footage of sign to which attached | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Riverside(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
Residential zoning 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | 40 sq. ft. | — | — | — | Building wall | — | Unlock | 4-3-8(C) |
| Window Sign | — | 50% of glazed area of window | — | — | — | Window | — | Unlock | 4-3-8(D) |
| Monument Sign | 6 ft. | — | — | 5 ft. | — | — | — | Unlock | 4-3-8(E) |
| Pylon Sign | 6 ft. | — | — | 5 ft. | — | — | — | Unlock | 4-3-8(E) |
| Awning/Canopy Sign - Nonilluminated | — | On vertical edge or vertical fascia of awning/canopy facing street | — | — | — | Awnings/canopies facing public street | — | Unlock | 4-3-8(F) |
B2 central business district
| 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 (Individual Letter) | Cornice line or second floor window line, whichever is lower | 25 sq. ft. (individual tenants); 75 sq. ft. (single tenant >40ft) | — | — | 1 per business; 2 for corner properties | Parapet; above storefront windows, below 2nd floor windows | — | Unlock | 4-3-13(H), Table 1, 4-3-13(H)(2) |
| Wall Sign (Nameplate) | Cornice line or second floor window line, whichever is lower | 18 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per business; 2 for corner properties | See wall sign regulations | — | Unlock | 4-3-13(H), Table 1 |
| Monument/Pylon Sign | 5 ft. | 16 sq. ft. | — | 5 ft. | — | Set back min 5 ft. from any property line, in landscaped area | — | Unlock | 4-3-13(H) Table 1, 4-3-13(H)6 |
| Directory Wall Sign (Upper story office use) | Cornice line or second floor window line, whichever is lower | 12 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 sign for upper story office use | Within 6 ft. of entry to upper story office | — | Unlock | 4-3-13(H), Table 1; 4-3-13(H)1(a)(2) |
| Projecting/Blade Sign | Cornice line or second floor window line, whichever is lower; min 8'6" clearance | 6 sq. ft.; max 3 ft. length | — | — | 1 per business | Frontage of business; wall facing street; may encroach over public right of way | — | Unlock | 4-3-13(H), Table 1, 4-3-13(H)5 |
| Rear Wall Sign | No maximum | 25 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per business | Rear wall facing railroad right of way; mounted on 2nd story | — | Unlock | 4-3-13(H), Table 1; 4-3-13(H)1(c)(2) |
| Sandwich Board Sign | 4 ft. | 6 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per store | Front of business; in front on sidewalk (cannot impede 5 foot pedestrian zone) | — | Unlock | 4-3-13(H)8 |
| Feather Sign (Freestanding) | 10 ft. | 18 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per building or 30 ft storefront; max 2 with Zoning Administrator approval | On-premises; max distance from entrance may apply (see train station exemption) | — | Unlock | 4-3-18 |
B1-C Subdistrict, B1-TC Subdistrict, B1-TOD Subdistrict, B1 Business District, B1 Zoning District
| 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 | Cornice line or second floor window line, whichever is lower | 100 sq. ft. | — | — | No limit on number | Above first floor windows, below second floor sills; must be parallel to street/frontage | — | Unlock | 4-3-14(A)1, 4-3-14(B), Table 2 |
| Window Sign | First floor only | — | — | — | No limit (except B1-C: limited by window area) | Window | — | Unlock | 4-3-14(E), Table 2 |
| Awning Sign | Min. 8'6" clearance | — | — | — | No limit in B1-TC, B1-TOD; B1-C see table | First floor | — | Unlock | 4-3-14(F), Table 2 |
| Projecting Sign | Top of building or below second floor window sills; min. 8'6" clearance above sidewalk | 6 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per business | Above first floor windows, below second story window sills | — | Unlock | 4-3-14(D), Table 2 |
| Monument Sign (B1-C and B1-TOD) | 6 ft. | 32 sq. ft. | — | 18 in. | 1 per zoning lot | Ground sign; min 18 in. setback from property line | — | Unlock | Table 2, 4-3-14(C) |
| Monument Sign (B1-TC) | 6 ft. | 24 sq. ft. | — | 18 in. | 1 per zoning lot | Ground sign; min 18 in. setback from property line | — | Unlock | Table 2, 4-3-14(C) |
| Feather Sign (Freestanding) | 10 ft. | 18 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per building or 30 ft, max 2 with Admin approval | On-premises | — | Unlock | 4-3-18 |
| Feather Sign (Wall-mounted) | — | 15 sq. ft. | 3 ft x 5 ft. | — | 1 per building or 30 ft, max 2 with Admin approval | On-premises wall | — | Unlock | 4-3-18 |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Riverside — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 6 zones for Riverside — start freeProhibited Signs in Riverside
- No projecting signs, except as provided in sections 4-3-7, 4-3-13 and 4-3-14.
- No roof signs.
- No box and cabinet signs.
- No signs advertising the sale of alcoholic beverages, except as detailed for certain licensees.
- No off-premises signs, except as provided in Section 4-3-13(C).
- No flashing, blinking, running or delayed action illuminated signs, excluding time and temperature signage. Only certain reader board signs allowed under section 4-3-15.
- No signs which move or appear to move, including pennants, banners (except those exempted), streamers, and all other signs that flutter, undulate, swing, rotate, oscillate or otherwise move by natural or artificial means (except as provided in Section 4-3-18 for feather signs).
- No portable, wheel mounted or other type of movable or unattached sign intended to be moved from one location to another, except sandwich board signs as provided in section 4-3-13 and feather signs in Section 4-3-18.
- No sign, streamer, banner, flag, pennant or other advertising device supported by ropes or wires or in any other manner, located on, over or across any public street, alley, parkway or park (except as provided in section 4-3-10).
- No signs that imitate traffic signs or use the words 'stop', 'look', 'danger', 'go slow', 'caution', or 'warning', except where such words are part of the name of the business.
- No signs placed on parked vehicles or trailers for the primary purpose of advertising.
- No motor vehicles whose sole apparent purpose is to advertise a business, unless engaged in transportation of goods or passengers.
- No signs containing untruthful or misleading matter.
- No backlit canopies or awnings.
- No pole signs.
- No bunting, banners or streamers attached to wires or temporary supports, except as a temporary sign.
- No sign footings or support structures placed in the Village right-of-way.
- No sign projections over the Village right-of-way except as specifically permitted.
- No signs shall be located so as to obstruct required windows, doors, exits, entrances, fire escapes or stand pipes, nor obstruct the view of persons in a street, of approaching traffic or traffic signs or signals.
- No sign on a building shall extend above the normal parapet wall or roof.
- All signs, canopies, and awnings must have no protruding nails, tacks, wires, or other hazardous projections.
Exempt Signs in Riverside
- Home occupation signs up to 2 square feet, affixed parallel with the wall of the main residence.
- A reader board not exceeding 20 square feet operated by a public or private not-for-profit institution, and located on its premises. (Electronic boards are not exempt except for Metra/Pace displays under certain standards.)
- Single-family residence sign not exceeding 2 square feet with occupant name and street number, set at least 1 foot back from front property line.
- Real estate sign not exceeding 12 square feet for sale or lease, to be removed following sale or rental.
- Construction identification sign (builder/contractor/architect/etc.) not exceeding 12 square feet, to be removed following termination of services.
- Non-residential R-4 district identification sign not exceeding 4 square feet (attached) or 24 square feet (on property); no other sign to designate use.
- Governmental/public signs, including those required by law, railroads, utilities; subject to law but not ordinance limitation (including Metra/Pace digital displays and platform numbers under specified standards).
- Parking control and fire lane signs (max 1 per entry/exit), and one towing info sign per lot, not exceeding 6 square feet and excluding business names/logos.
- Federal, State, or local flags.
- Other temporary signs not specified, except feather signs (see Section 4-3-18); Section 4-3-7 applies to all temporary signs.
- Window/door matter showing business hours, credit cards, etc., up to 2 square feet per establishment.
- On-premises regulatory signs ('No Trespassing', 'No Soliciting'): max 2 square feet in residential, 5 square feet in nonresidential, limited to one sign each.
- Memorial plaques and cornerstones up to 2 square feet, of durable material and permanently affixed.
- Information/matter on newspaper vending boxes, ATMs, and other vending machines.
- Village-sanctioned roadway, gateway, and wayfinding signs.
- Entry door matter ('Push', 'Pull', etc.), up to 1 square foot per establishment.
- Auxiliary entry sign (wall mounted)--max 2 feet wide, one per business.
- Informational matter on gasoline pumps and fuel pricing signs; fuel prices incorporated as part of monument sign up to 20 square feet are exempt from the monument sign area calculation.
- Transit schedule/service status information signs for Regional Transportation Authority agencies, including Metra and Pace, provided requirements are met (restrictions on messages and appearance, no commercial ads).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Riverside
- A sign permit is required to erect or alter any sign (except exempt signs listed in Section 4-3-4), including replacement or changes in sign copy.
- Permit applications must include scaled drawings, site plans, and documentation of design, materials, color, and location.
- Applications for wall, window, and ground signs require site/building elevation drawings and site plans.
- A permit may be denied or referred to the Planning and Zoning Commission for review/input.
- Signs erected under permit must be inspected for compliance.
- A business license must be kept current for any sign requiring a permit.
- Monument or pylon signs as primary signage in the B2 district require 'site plan review by the planning and zoning commission.' Approval is only given if a wall sign is insufficient for identification from the public street.
- Variations from the code (including sign standards) require a formal application, fee, notice, public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission, and ultimate Board of Trustees decision.
- Variation requests may be referred to the Preservation Commission for review if the property has historic significance.
- Feather signs require a specific permit, which may only be issued for up to 30 days per calendar year and must include depiction, size, and location; application must be signed by owner.
- Murals require a permit application showing depiction, size, and information necessary to determine compliance; application must be signed by structure owner.