Sign Regulations in Salem, Illinois
Salem, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 11 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Architectural Sign, Freestanding Sign, Temporary Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: March 25, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Salem, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Salem
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural Sign | 32 feet | Determined by Architectural Sign Schedule | — |
| Freestanding Sign | 32 feet | 150 square feet per side, up to 400 square feet per side with setback increase | 20 feet from street curbline or 8 feet of clearance |
| Temporary Sign | — | Varies by event type | 20 feet from curb line unless flush wall |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
11
- Architectural Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- Temporary Sign
- Driveway Entrance/Exit Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
3
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Salem
Other Cities in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
In Salem, monument signs are limited to 32 feet. 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 Salem, 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 Salem, regulated sign types include Architectural Sign, Freestanding Sign, Temporary Sign, Driveway Entrance/Exit Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Salem, monument signs typically require a 20 feet from street curbline or 8 feet of clearance 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 Salem are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Salem has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Salem, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Salem, Illinois regulates 11 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 32 feet tall and 150 square feet per side, up to 400 square feet per side with setback increase, with a 20 feet from street curbline or 8 feet of clearance setback (Sec. Sec. 6-142). Most commercial signs in Salem require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Salem, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Salem (3 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | 32 feet | 150 square feet per side, up to 400 square feet per side with setback increase | — |
| NU, RS-1, RS-2, RS-3, RM-1, RM-2 | 6 | 5 feet | 12 square feet | — |
| B-1, B-2, B-3, I | 4 | 32 feet | 150 square feet per side, up to 400 square feet per side with setback increase | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Salem
General Regulations For All Zones
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural Sign | 32 feet | Determined by Architectural Sign Schedule | — | — | No limit except as restricted by sign area provisions | Any place on private property | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-143 |
| Freestanding Sign | 32 feet | 150 square feet per side, up to 400 square feet per side with setback increase | — | 20 feet from street curbline or 8 feet of clearance | One per street frontage | On street frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-142 |
| Temporary Sign | — | Varies by event type | — | 20 feet from curb line unless flush wall | Varies by event type | On or off-premise for events | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-167 |
NU, RS-1, RS-2, RS-3, RM-1, RM-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driveway Entrance/Exit Sign | 5 feet | 2 square feet | — | — | — | Driveway entrances and exits | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-122 |
| Identification Sign | — | 12 square feet | — | 15 feet from lot line | One per institution | Schools, churches, hospitals, similar institutions | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-123 |
| Real Estate Sign | — | 6 square feet | — | — | One per property | On property for sale, lease, or rent | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-124 |
| Ground Sign | 5 feet | — | — | 15 feet from lot line | One per property | On property | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-125 |
| Garage/Yard/Estate/Auction Sale Sign | — | 4 square feet | — | — | Three per sale | On sale premises or public right-of-way with permission | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-126 |
| Home Occupation Sign | — | 2 square feet | — | — | One per home occupation | Facade of building | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-127 |
B-1, B-2, B-3, I
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Off-Premises Sign - Non-Interstate Interchange | — | Varies | — | — | One per property | On property with permission | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-141-1 |
| Off-Premises Sign - Interstate Interchange | — | 32 square feet | — | — | Up to 6 per property | Within 250 feet of interstate interchange | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-141-1 |
| Freestanding Sign | 32 feet | 150 square feet per side, up to 400 square feet per side with setback increase | — | 20 feet from street curbline or 8 feet of clearance | One per street frontage | On street frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-142 |
| Architectural Sign | 32 feet | Determined by Architectural Sign Schedule | — | — | No limit except as restricted by sign area provisions | Any place on private property | — | Unlock | Sec. 6-143 |
Run a code check for your exact address to get the zone that applies to your property, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Salem — with a free PermitPal account.
Run a code check for your exact address — freeProhibited Signs in Salem
- Billboards.
- Festoon lighting.
- Moving signs.
- Flashing signs.
- Portable signs.
- Off-premises signs, with the exception of signs referenced in sections 6-126 and 6-141-1.
Exempt Signs in Salem
- Flags of nations, an organization of nations, states, cities, fraternal, religious, and civic organizations.
- Merchandise, pictures, models of products, or services incorporated in a window display.
- Signs not exceeding two (2) square feet in area and bearing only property numbers, post office box numbers, names of occupants of premises, or other identification of premises not having commercial connotations.
- Legal notices, informational, or directional signs erected, required or permitted by the city.
- National, state, religious, fraternal, professional, and civic symbols or crests.
- Official traffic, street, and informational signs.
- Temporary real estate signs and construction signs.
- Window promotional signs.
- Temporary yard sale signs.
- Official identification or directional signs associated with historic sites and buildings.
- Political signs.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Salem
- The erection of or relocation of a freestanding sign, architectural sign or other signs as may be otherwise defined in this article, shall require the submission of a site plan to the zoning administrator as part of the application process.
Source: municode municipal code