# Sign Regulations in Rolling Meadows, Illinois

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Rolling Meadows, Illinois (IL)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/illinois/rolling-meadows
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-05
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/IL/Rolling_Meadows/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH122ZO_ARTXSI)

## At a glance

Rolling Meadows, Illinois regulates 22 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Monument Sign (Residential District Access)s in the R-1 Single-family residence district, R-2 Single-family residence district, R-3 Single-family residence district, R-4 Townhome residence district, R-5 Multi-family residence district zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and 32 sq ft, with a Min 5 ft from front/corner side lot line; 10 ft from interior side lot line setback (Sec. Sec. 122-606(d)). Most commercial signs in Rolling Meadows require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (5 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| R-1 Single-family residence district, R-2 Single-family residence district, R-3 Single-family residence district, R-4 Townhome residence district, R-5 Multi-family residence district | 7 | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| C-1 Community commercial district, C-2 Corridor commercial district, C-3 Office, institutional and research district | 10 | 8 ft (single business); 15 ft (multi-tenant); 18 ft/250 sq ft on lots ≥10 acres | 100 sq ft per sign (menu board) | — |
| M-1 Business park district, M-2 Manufacturing district | 7 | 8 ft (single business), 15 ft (multi-tenant), 18 ft/250 sq ft if lot ≥ 10 acres | Max 40% of sign face (monument sign area limits apply) | — |
| Illinois Rte 53 Expressway Sign Overlay District | 1 | 60 ft above expressway pavement surface (to top of sign) | 1,200 sq ft per face (max 2 faces, single or double sided) | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | — | Up to 14 inches letter/number height | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 5 zones)

### R-1 Single-family residence district, R-2 Single-family residence district, R-3 Single-family residence district, R-4 Townhome residence district, R-5 Multi-family residence district

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Monument Sign (Residential District Access) | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — | Min 5 ft from front/corner side lot line; 10 ft from interior side lot line | Max 2 per subdivision or development access | On commonly owned private open space or in right-of-way as approved by city council | — | Sec. 122-606(d) |
| Wall Sign (Non-Single Family Uses) | — | 10% of wall area up to 100 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building | On building, for non-single family uses only | — | Sec. 122-606(f) |
| Manually Changeable Copy Sign (Option 1: Lot < 3 acres) | 8 ft | 24 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | Per lot, not closer than 8 ft to any other lot | — | Sec. 122-606(g)(3)a |
| Manually Changeable Copy Sign (Option 2: Lot ≥ 3 acres) | 6 ft | 10% of lot frontage OR 100 sq ft (whichever less) | — | — | 1 per lot | On lots of 3 acres or more | — | Sec. 122-606(g)(3)b |
| A-Frame Sign (Non-permit, where allowed for non-residential use) | 5 ft | 15 sq ft (per face) | — | — | 1 per business | Within 10 ft of primary entrance | — | Sec. 122-607(a) |
| Window Sign (Non-permit, all uses) | — | — | — | — | See restrictions | Inside of ground floor window | — | Sec. 122-607(b) |
| Yard Sign (Non-permit, all uses) | 6 ft (residential), 8 ft (non-residential) | 8 sq ft (residential), 20 sq ft (non-residential) | — | Min 5 ft from property line | 2 per street frontage | Yard area | — | Sec. 122-607(c) |

### C-1 Community commercial district, C-2 Corridor commercial district, C-3 Office, institutional and research district

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Monument Sign | 8 ft (single business); 15 ft (multi-tenant); 18 ft/250 sq ft on lots ≥10 acres | 1 sq ft per lineal frontage, max 100 sq ft | — | 5 ft (front/corner side); 10 ft (side) | 1 per principal structure/road frontage | 5 ft from front/corner side lot line; 10 ft from interior side lot line | — | Sec. 122-606(d) |
| Wall Sign (Tenant Space) | — | 25% of façade, up to 200 sq ft (per sign) | — | — | 1 per tenant frontage; up to 2 per tenant (front & qualified side) | On tenant façade (front, side if visible from parking lot or right-of-way) | — | Sec. 122-606(f) |
| Projecting (Blade) Sign | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | 1 per tenant; 2 if corner unit with 2 entry doors | Attached to face or under covered walkway; at least 8 ft above grade | — | Sec. 122-606(e) |
| A-Frame Sign (Non-permit) | 5 ft | 15 sq ft (per face) | — | — | 1 per business | Within 10 ft of primary entrance, private property only | — | Sec. 122-607(a) |
| Yard Sign (Non-permit) | 8 ft | 20 sq ft | — | Min 5 ft from property line | 2 per street frontage | Yard area | — | Sec. 122-607(c) |
| Signs Adjacent to Drive Thru Lanes | 7 ft | 100 sq ft per sign (menu board) | — | Menu board min 15 ft from any residential zoned lot line | 2 per drive-thru lane | Min 15 ft from residential lot line | — | Sec. 122-606(c) |
| Electronic Message Sign (Monument Sign Only, Restricted Lots) | See monument sign | Max 40% of monument sign face | — | Same as monument sign | 1 per property | As part of monument sign structure | — | Sec. 122-606(h) |
| Temporary Banner Sign | — | 10% of wall area of premises (max 100 sq ft); free standing: 32 sq ft | — | Free standing: min 15 ft from property line | 1 per business (banner); up to 4 as part of Grand Opening package | Wall, window, or free standing in front/side yard (min 15 ft from property line) | — | Sec. 122-606(i), (k) |

### M-1 Business park district, M-2 Manufacturing district

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Monument Sign | 8 ft (single business), 15 ft (multi-tenant), 18 ft/250 sq ft if lot ≥ 10 acres | 1 sq ft per lineal frontage, max 100 sq ft | — | 5 ft (front/corner side); 10 ft (side) | 1 per principal structure/road frontage | 5 ft from front/corner side lot; 10 ft from side | — | Sec. 122-606(d) |
| Wall Sign (Single User or Multi-Tenant) | — | 10% of façade up to 200 sq ft | — | — | 1-2 per tenant space | On front/side façade | — | Sec. 122-606(f) |
| A-Frame Sign (Non-permit, if allowed per City Code for business) | 5 ft | 15 sq ft (per face) | — | — | 1 per business | Within 10 ft of primary entrance | — | Sec. 122-607(a) |
| Window Sign (Non-permit) | — | — | — | — | — | Mounted inside ground floor window | — | Sec. 122-607(b) |
| Yard Sign (Non-permit) | 8 ft | 20 sq ft | — | 5 ft from property line | 2 per street frontage | Yard area | — | Sec. 122-607(c) |
| Electronic Message Sign (Monument Sign Only) | Sign height per monument sign rules | Max 40% of sign face (monument sign area limits apply) | — | Same as monument sign | 1 per property | As part of monument sign; must be surrounded/enclosed by durable materials per code | — | Sec. 122-606(h) |
| Manually Changeable Copy Sign (as part of Monument or Wall Sign) | — | See main sign limits | — | — | — | As part of permitted sign only | — | Sec. 122-606(g) |

## Prohibited signs in Rolling Meadows

- No sign may be illuminated by any flashing, blinking, or intermittent lights, or lights that change in intensity.
- No reflective material may be included in a sign so as to reflect light directly upon an adjacent right-of-way or residential property.
- No illuminated sign may exceed the limit of one footcandle at a commercial property line and one-half footcandle at a residential property line, nor emit more than 75 footcandles at a distance of ten feet from the sign.
- Illuminated signs with revolving or rotating beams or beacons are not permitted.
- All illuminated signs must be turned off between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., or 30 minutes after close of business, whichever is later, and in no case past 1:00 a.m.
- No temporary sign shall be illuminated.
- Signs with LED lighting must not exceed 5,000 nits of luminance from dawn to dusk and 150 nits from dusk to dawn.
- The following types of signs are prohibited in all areas of the city: attention-getting devices (searchlights, pennants, banners, propellers, spinners, streamers, balloons, and similar devices); feather signs; moving signs (with limited exceptions); off-premises signs (with specific exceptions); painted wall signs; pole signs (except where specifically permitted); portable signs (except where specifically permitted); roof signs; signs with more than two sign faces; signs that are a traffic hazard; animated signs or those supported by manufactured air pressure; temporary window signs in excess of 25% of total window area; vehicle signs; signs placed in vehicles containing more than six square feet; and any other sign prohibited elsewhere in the City Code.
- Signs may not be in or over public rights-of-way, except as specified for certain governmental or city uses.
- Signs may not be located within easements for overhead utilities (except as specifically permitted).
- No sign, whether temporary or permanent, can be posted, installed, or mounted on trees or utility poles.
- No sign face shall contain more than 13 items of information.
- No sign may have flashing lights, moving or spinning parts, sound, smoke, or odor emitters.
- No signs are to be mounted on semi-trailers, shipping containers, or portable storage units, except when used for their primary (non-signage) purpose and properly parked.
- Signs are prohibited from blocking or interfering with building features necessary for safety or convenient ingress/egress, including doors, windows, fire escapes, or exits.
- No sign may conceal windows, doors, or unique architectural features (excluding window signs).
- No sign is permitted with content that presents a clear and present danger due to confusion with traffic control/public safety signs, is indecent or harmful to minors, advertises unlawful activity, or constitutes obscenity, true threats, fighting words, or incitement to imminent lawless action.
- No sign may be illuminated by any exposed tubes or bulbs, strobe or incandescent lamp or floodlights, or use reflective devices (for off-premise signs in the Illinois Rte 53 Overlay District).
- Vehicle signs and signs on semi-trailers (or similar) serving primarily as signage rather than their normal use are prohibited.
- No roof signs are permitted.
- No sign may display motion pictures or have speakers/audio presentations (applicable in off-premises advertising context, digital and overlay).
- No sign may be installed or maintained in a manner which is a hazard to persons or property.
- No sign may be installed or maintained in a manner that is a traffic hazard or interferes with driver, bicyclist, or pedestrian safety.
- No sign may emit glare, light, or illumination that produces a nuisance or exceeds code limits at property lines.

## Signs exempt from permit in Rolling Meadows

- Address signs and numbers required for public safety that do not exceed 14 inches in height (or as approved by the fire chief) are exempt from sign area calculations.
- Maintenance or routine repair/changing of parts of a sign (without altering surface area, height, copy, or making the sign nonconforming) is permissible without permit.
- Official and legal notice signs issued by any court, public body, person, or officer in the performance of a public duty are exempt from permit requirements.
- Traffic control and safety signs installed or required by the city or other jurisdictions are exempt from permit requirements.
- Signs on vehicles used for normal operations, with current registration, that are properly parked in designated parking spaces and for which sign display is incidental to vehicle use.
- Flags smaller than 30 square feet affixed to permanent or building-mounted flagpoles are exempt from permit requirements.
- Signs affixed to a building or structure less than one square foot in area per elevation (and certain very small signs affixed to equipment, machines, fences, gates, gasoline pumps, public telephones, utility cabinets, etc., less than 0.75 square feet) are exempt from permit requirements.
- Carried signs (signs being physically held by people and not propped/set down) are exempt from permit requirements.
- Interior signs not visible from adjoining property or public rights-of-way (for informational/interior use) are exempt from permit requirements.
- Bumper stickers on vehicles are exempt from permit requirements.
- Window displays consisting of merchandise, fixtures, or product models are exempt from permit requirements.
- Outdoor political campaign signs on residential property (with respect to restrictions on content or message) are exempt from permitting, subject to size limits.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A sign permit issued by the zoning administrator is required for any person to erect, construct, alter, or locate any sign or part of a sign in the City of Rolling Meadows, except those signs explicitly listed as not requiring a permit or that are otherwise exempt.
- Routine maintenance or changing of parts that does not alter surface area, height, or copy, or make the sign nonconforming, does not require a sign permit.
- Photometric plans may be required by the city as a condition to issuance of a sign permit to demonstrate compliance with applicable lighting and luminance standards.
- For regulated developments (commercial, office, manufacturing, and multi-family residential of six units or more), a screening and landscaping plan (distinct from a Master Sign Plan) must be submitted and approved by the zoning administrator prior to issuance of any building permit, which may include sign permits.
- A variance to sign regulations (e.g., dimensional, height, area) may be requested using the variance procedure set out in Section 122-393; such variance applications require a public hearing and review by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council.
- Special Use permits may be required for certain types of electronic message signs, signs for religious institutions on specific properties, or for exceptions to standard sign regulations as designated in this article and Table 5.13.
- All applications for sign permits must conform to both the sign ordinance and, as relevant, all other provisions of the City Code and applicable building/electrical codes.
- Nonconforming signs must be brought into compliance or removed under certain change of use, abandonment, or damage/destruction scenarios; repair/replacement of face or structure cannot increase nonconformity.

## 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 5 zoning districts in Rolling Meadows — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Rolling+Meadows+IL&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-rolling-meadows

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