# Sign Regulations in Rock Falls, Illinois

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Rock Falls, Illinois (IL)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/illinois/rock-falls
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-08
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/IL/Rock_Falls/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=MUNICIPAL_CODE_CH24SI)

## At a glance

Rock Falls, Illinois regulates 4 sign types across 1 zoning district. Freestanding Sign (Ground or Monument Sign)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district must be set back Should be coordinated with plantings/landscaping within required setback area. (Sec. Sec. 6-154(c)(2),(8),(9); Sec. 6-224(14)). Most commercial signs in Rock Falls require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (1 zone)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | — | — | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Shall be part of the architectural concept; location and arrangement shall be harmonious with building design and compatible with adjacent buildings. | — | Sec. 6-154(c)(1); Sec. 6-152(b)(6); Sec. 6-224(14) |
| Freestanding Sign (Ground or Monument Sign) | — | — | — | Should be coordinated with plantings/landscaping within required setback area. | — | Location and design within a setback area should be coordinated with landscape treatment. Landscaping, including low growing shrubs, flower, and ground cover to be provided at base and full perimeter per Sec. 6-153(2)c. | — | Sec. 6-154(c)(2),(8),(9); Sec. 6-224(14) |
| Identification Sign (Prototype Design) | — | — | — | — | — | Must conform to criteria for building and ground signs; must be harmonious with building and landscape. | — | Sec. 6-154(c)(3); Sec. 6-224(14) |
| Temporary Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Sec. 6-224(15); Sec. 6-226 |

## Prohibited signs in Rock Falls

- All proposed and existing signs must comply with the city existing sign ordinance, outlined in chapter 24 of the Municipal Code.
- Excessive brightness and brilliant colors shall be avoided in sign colors.
- Sign lighting must comply with regulations outlined in section 34-424(e).
- Materials used in signs must be harmonious with building design and surrounding landscape.
- Signs must have good scale in their design and in their visual relationship to buildings and surroundings.

## Signs exempt from permit in Rock Falls

- The Uptown Business Design Guide is not applicable to all single-family detached and two-family residences on individual lots.
- The fee for installation of a temporary sign does not include real estate sale signs, election signs, rummage sale or church benefit signs.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- All proposed and existing signs shall comply with the city existing sign ordinance, outlined in chapter 24 of the Municipal Code.
- Proposed signs should be part of a BSO (Building, Site, and Operation) plan where applicable (Uptown Business Design Guide).
- A sign plan must be included with BSO plan submittals, including the location, height, dimensions, color, materials, lighting, and sign copy area of all proposed exterior signage.
- The building department may require building material samples, including for signage, as part of building elevation submissions.
- If the building official or department deems it necessary, any building plan (which may include sign plans) may be required to be submitted to a certified plan reviewer at the applicant’s expense.
- Sign fees: For construction or alteration of advertising signs a flat fee applies; for installation of a temporary sign (excluding listed exempt categories) a separate fee applies.

## Full detail

Complete sign requirements for Rock Falls, including every field PermitPal tracks for each sign type, are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Rock+Falls+IL&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-rock-falls

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