Sign Regulations in Round Lake, Illinois
Round Lake, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 20 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include A-Frame, Awning, Electronic Message (EMS) - Integrated into Ground Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: October 22, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Round Lake, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Round Lake
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-Frame | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | General rule: All signs shall be 5 feet from property line unless otherwise specified (§18.32.010 Notes). |
| Awning | — | Up to 25% of awning face | General 5 ft property line setback applies to signs; awnings must maintain 8 ft vertical clearance. |
| Canopy-Structural | — | Up to 25% of canopy façade area | General 5 ft property line setback applies. |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Round LakeFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
20
- A-Frame
- Awning
- Electronic Message (EMS) - Integrated into Ground Sign
- Ground Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Round Lake
Other Cities in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Round Lake 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 Round Lake, 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 Round Lake, regulated sign types include A-Frame, Awning, Electronic Message (EMS) - Integrated into Ground Sign, Ground Sign, 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 Round Lake 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 Round Lake are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Round Lake has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Round Lake, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Round Lake, Illinois regulates 20 sign types across 4 zoning districts. A-Frames in the Commercial Districts (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5) zoning district are capped at 4 ft tall and 6 sq ft, with a All signs shall be 5 feet from property line unless otherwise specified (§18.32.010 Notes). setback (Sec. Round Lake Municipal Code §18.32.010 (A-Frame)). Most commercial signs in Round Lake require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Round Lake, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Round Lake (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Districts (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5) | 14 | 15 ft | 75 sq ft total per drive-through lane (two signs) | — |
| Industrial Districts (I-1, I-2) | 10 | 15 ft | Up to 50% of permitted ground sign | — |
| Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6, R-10) | 3 | 6 ft | 25 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | 25 ft (flag pole height) | 20 sq ft per flag | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Round Lake(sample of 3 of 4 zones)
Commercial Districts (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-Frame | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — | General rule: All signs shall be 5 feet from property line unless otherwise specified (§18.32.010 Notes). | 1 | On private property; In Downtown area only, A-frame may be located on the public sidewalk within the right-of-way if sidewalk clearance is maintained and the sign is located in front of the business. | — | Unlock | Round Lake Municipal Code §18.32.010 (A-Frame) |
| Electronic Message (EMS) - Integrated into Ground Sign | N/A (follows ground sign height limits) | Up to 50% of permitted ground sign | — | Minimum 25 ft from any residential use; general 5 ft property line setback for signs applies. | 1 EMS per lot | Integrated into a permitted ground sign for C districts (also allowed for institutional uses). | — | Unlock | §18.32.010 (Electronic Message); §18.20.040(7) (EMS brightness standards) |
| Ground Sign | 12 ft | 50 sq ft (1–3 panels); 75 sq ft (4+ panels per number of tenant spaces) | — | General 5 ft property line setback applies. | 1 | On private property in C districts. | — | Unlock | §18.32.010 (Ground Sign); §18.20.050 (Landscaping) |
| Ground Sign Menu Board (Drive-Through) | 8 ft | 75 sq ft total per drive-through lane (two signs) | — | Minimum 15 ft from any residential use; general 5 ft property line setback applies. | 2 per drive-through lane | Drive-through facilities in C districts. | — | Unlock | §18.32.010 (Ground Sign Menu Board); §18.20.010(7) (Audio components allowed for menu boards only) |
| Ground Sign Wayfinding | 3 ft | 4 sq ft | — | General 5 ft property line setback applies. | Multiple (limited to necessary) | On-site wayfinding in C districts. | — | Unlock | §18.32.010 (Ground Sign Wayfinding) |
| Light Pole Banner | Mounted at 10 ft or higher above ground | 15 sq ft | — | General 5 ft property line setback applies. | 1 per pole; up to 25% of parking lot poles | Mounted on private property light poles; banner held taut between support arm and pole, perpendicular to the pole. | — | Unlock | §18.32.010 (Light Pole Banner) |
| Limited Duration - Commercial | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — | General 5 ft property line setback applies. | 1 per frontage | Per frontage in C districts. | — | Unlock | §18.32.010 (Limited Duration Commercial) |
| Projecting | Vertical clearance between 8–15 ft above ground; maximum projection 4 ft from wall | 9 sq ft | — | General 5 ft property line setback applies. | 1 per frontage | Building-mounted in C districts. | — | Unlock | §18.32.010 (Projecting) |
Industrial Districts (I-1, I-2)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-Frame | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — | General 5 ft property line setback applies. | 1 | On private property in I districts. | — | Unlock | §18.32.010 (A-Frame) |
| Awning | — | Up to 25% of awning face | — | General 5 ft property line setback applies; 8 ft vertical clearance required. | 1 | Building-mounted awning in I districts. | — | Unlock | §18.32.010 (Awning) |
| Electronic Message (EMS) - Integrated into Ground Sign | N/A (follows ground sign height limits) | Up to 50% of permitted ground sign | — | Minimum 25 ft from any residential use; general 5 ft property line setback applies. | 1 EMS per lot | Integrated into permitted ground signs in I districts (also allowed for institutional uses). | — | Unlock | §18.32.010 (Electronic Message); §18.20.040(7) |
| Ground Sign | 12 ft | 50 sq ft (1–3 panels); 75 sq ft (4+ panels per number of tenant spaces) | — | General 5 ft property line setback applies. | 1 | On private property in I districts. | — | Unlock | §18.32.010 (Ground Sign); §18.20.050 |
| Ground Sign Wayfinding | 3 ft | 4 sq ft | — | General 5 ft property line setback applies. | Multiple (limited to necessary) | On-site wayfinding in I districts. | — | Unlock | §18.32.010 (Ground Sign Wayfinding) |
| Light Pole Banner | Mounted at 10 ft or higher above ground | 15 sq ft | — | General 5 ft property line setback applies. | 1 per pole; up to 25% of parking lot poles | Mounted on private property light poles; banner held taut between support arm and pole, perpendicular to the pole. | — | Unlock | §18.32.010 (Light Pole Banner) |
| Limited Duration - Commercial | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — | General 5 ft property line setback applies. | 1 per frontage | Per frontage in I districts. | — | Unlock | §18.32.010 (Limited Duration Commercial) |
| Temporary (Attention Getting Device: banner, feather, etc., located on premise) | 15 ft | 32 sq ft | — | Must be set back from property line; general 5 ft property line setback applies. | 1 | On-site (setback from property line or on building per wall/window standards) in I districts. | — | Unlock | §18.32.010 (Temporary Attention Getting Device) |
Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6, R-10)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign - Residential Entrance | 6 ft | 25 sq ft | — | General 5 ft property line setback applies. | 1 per residential subdivision or multi-family complex entrance | At entrance to residential subdivision or multi-family complex. | — | Unlock | §18.32.010 (Ground Sign Residential); §18.20.050 |
| Limited Duration - Residential | 6 ft | 16 sq ft | — | General 5 ft property line setback applies. | 1 per frontage | Per frontage in R districts. | — | Unlock | §18.32.010 (Limited Duration Residential) |
| Temporary - Residential (e.g., Garage Sale, Open House) | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — | General 5 ft property line setback applies. | 1 | On private property in R districts. | — | Unlock | §18.32.010 (Temporary Residential) |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Round Lake — 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 Round Lake — start freeProhibited Signs in Round Lake
- All signs not expressly permitted by Title 18 are prohibited (18.24.010).
- No sign may be erected, constructed, altered, or relocated without a sign permit unless specifically exempt (18.12.005).
- Audio components are prohibited on any sign, except on menu boards and only for customer-service communication (18.20.010(7)).
- Hand-lettered signs are prohibited; all signs must be professionally produced (18.20.010(8)).
- No sign installation may violate building codes or obstruct ingress/egress, fire escapes, standpipes, or similar fire safety connections (18.20.60(1)).
- No sign may obstruct the sight triangle at intersections (18.20.60(2)).
- Signs may not be installed on public property or in the public right-of-way unless placed by or authorized by a government; unauthorized signs may be removed (18.20.60(3)).
- No permanent sign may be erected on private property without property owner consent; written permission is required when the applicant is not the owner (18.20.60(4)).
- Banners used as permanent signs, including banners wrapped around permanent sign structures, are prohibited (18.24.010(1)).
- Inflatable, balloon, or air-infused/air-inflated signs are prohibited (18.24.010(2)).
- Flashing, animated, or video display signs (electronic) are prohibited (18.24.010(4)).
- Moving signs, including any sign that rotates, revolves, has visible moving parts, or appears to move (wind-moved), are prohibited (clocks and barber poles excluded) (18.24.010(5)).
- Obscene signs are prohibited per defined obscenity criteria (18.24.010(6)).
- Obsolete copy and obsolete signs are prohibited; obsolete copy must be removed within 30 days; sign frames may not remain unfilled or expose internal elements; obsolete wall signs must be removed entirely and the wall restored (18.24.010(7)).
- Off-premises commercial signs, including billboards, are prohibited (18.24.010(8)).
- Pennants and streamers are prohibited (18.24.010(9)).
- Pylon and pole signs are prohibited (18.24.010(10)).
- Boxed or canned signs are prohibited, except for corporate logos (18.24.010(11)).
- Portable reader-board signs are prohibited (18.24.010(12)).
- Roof signs are prohibited (18.24.010(13)).
- Outlining windows, doors, architectural features, or building facades with LED, neon, or any type of lighting; strobe lights; moving or fixed spotlights; and floodlights/searchlights are prohibited (18.24.010(14)).
- Signs that constitute a traffic hazard or that interfere with, obstruct the view of, or may be confused with authorized traffic signs/signals/devices (including use of red/green/amber illumination resembling a traffic signal, or misleading words like "stop", "detour", etc.) are prohibited (18.24.010(15)).
- Vehicle signs on unlicensed, uninsured, or inoperable vehicles used primarily to attract attention to a business/building occupant are prohibited (exceptions for vehicles used in the normal course of business and vehicle for-sale signs) (18.24.010(16)).
- Signs affixed to structures, trees, natural vegetation, rocks, poles, or located in the public right-of-way are prohibited (unless authorized) (18.24.010(17)).
- No sign may be painted directly on a wall or any other structure (18.24.010(18)).
- No sign illumination may be combined with reflective materials that would increase glare (18.20.040(4)).
Exempt Signs in Round Lake
- Painting, cleaning, or other normal maintenance and repair of a sign that does not involve structural changes or changes in electrical components is exempt from a sign permit; increasing sign area/height/dimensions or relocating a sign requires a permit; changing the sign face is not exempt (18.28.010(1)).
- Changing the copy of a changeable message sign or electronic message sign is exempt from a sign permit (18.28.010(2)).
- Signs not visible from any public areas are exempt (18.28.020(1)).
- Logos and labels on mechanical equipment, recycling bins, trash containers, etc., that are part of the equipment as manufactured/installed are exempt (18.28.020(2)).
- One sign mounted on each gas station pump (up to 1.5 sq ft, oriented toward the fueling vehicle) is exempt and may be a video sign (18.28.020(3)).
- One small wall-mounted sign identifying only the address and name of a building or occupant (up to 2 sq ft) per street frontage or primary building entry is exempt (unless otherwise authorized) (18.28.020(4)).
- Umbrellas for outdoor seating are exempt (18.28.020(5)).
- Government signs installed by federal, state, county, or local governments or taxing bodies in the public interest do not require a permit and are allowed in all zones (18.32.010, Government Sign).
- Temporary public information/event signs for not-for-profit community events located off-premise are allowed in all zones without a permit for up to 30 days; they cannot be used to direct attention to for-profit commercial activity (18.32.010, Temporary Public Information/Event Sign).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Round Lake
- No master sign plan or sign program requirement is stated in the provided sections.
- Sign permit application must include all required submittals; a landscape plan may be required (18.12.020).
- A Modification and Variance chapter (18.40) is referenced but its content is not provided; no variance meeting or sign plan requirements are indicated in the provided text.
Source: other municipal code