Sign Regulations in Third Lake, Illinois
Third Lake, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 25 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Building or Window Identification Sign, Ground Sign - Pylon, Ground Sign - Monument. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 9, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Third Lake, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Third Lake
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Occupation Wall Sign | — | 1 sq ft | Not closer than 3 feet to any lot line |
| Wall Sign (Multiple-family dwellings, 12+ units) | — | 32 sq ft | Not closer than 3 feet to any lot line |
| Residential Development Entrance Sign | 6 ft (improved lot), 8 ft (unimproved lot) | 32 sq ft per street entrance, 64 sq ft total per development | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Third LakeFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
25
- Building or Window Identification Sign
- Ground Sign - Pylon
- Ground Sign - Monument
- Wall Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
10
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Third Lake
Other Cities in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Third 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 Third 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 Third Lake, regulated sign types include Building or Window Identification Sign, Ground Sign - Pylon, Ground Sign - Monument, Wall 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 Third 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 Third Lake are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Third Lake has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Third Lake, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Third Lake, Illinois regulates 25 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Ground Sign - Pylons in the CB zoning district are capped at 20 ft (no face lower than 12 ft above grade) tall and 72 sq ft, with a Not within 10 ft of intersection of vehicular traffic ways/driveways/ROW setback (Sec. Sec. 32-241(b)(3)1). Most commercial signs in Third Lake require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Third Lake, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Third Lake (10 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-1, R-2, R-3, MR | 5 | 6 ft (improved lot), 8 ft (unimproved lot) | 32 sq ft | — |
| CB | 7 | 20 ft (no face lower than 12 ft above grade) | 75 sq ft | — |
| GB | 9 | 20 ft (no face lower than 12 ft above grade) | 75 sq ft | — |
| LI | 6 | 20 ft (no face lower than 12 ft above grade) | 96 sq ft | — |
| Lake Overlay District (LO) | 2 | — | — | — |
| Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, MR) | 7 | 6 ft (improved lots); 8 ft (unimproved lots) | 64 sq ft (total, up to 2 signs) | — |
| Community Business District (CB) | 7 | 20 ft (no face lower than 12 ft above grade) | 75 sq ft | — |
| General Business District (GB) | 9 | 20 ft (no face lower than 12 ft above grade) | 75 sq ft | — |
| Light Industrial District (LI) | 5 | 20 ft (no face lower than 12 ft above grade) | 96 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | BWES: 15 ft above building (max 45 ft in residential); SWES: 175 ft max (100 ft within 500 ft res.); LWES: 400 ft (100 ft w/in 500 ft res.) | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Third Lake(sample of 3 of 10 zones)
CB
| 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 | — | 75 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business/entity | On wall of business | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-241(b)(1)c.1, c.2 |
| Building or Window Identification Sign | — | 10 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building/tenant | Per building; 1 per building or 1 per tenant in multi-tenant retail | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-241(b)(2) |
| Ground Sign - Pylon | 20 ft (no face lower than 12 ft above grade) | 72 sq ft | — | Not within 10 ft of intersection of vehicular traffic ways/driveways/ROW | 1 per lot | One per lot; in any required yard, but must maintain clear view | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-241(b)(3)1 |
| Ground Sign - Monument | 9 ft | 72 sq ft | 12 ft | — | 1 per lot | One per lot; in any required yard | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-241(b)(3)2 |
| Shopping Center Identification Ground Sign (Pylon or Monument) | 20 ft | 72 sq ft | — | — | 1 per center | At shopping center development, 1 per shopping center | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-241(b)(4) |
| Outlot Ground Sign | 6 ft | 60 sq ft | — | — | 1 per outlot | On outlot at shopping center | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-241(b)(4)e |
| Temporary and Promotional Signs | 6 ft (temporary freestanding) | Special events: 32 sq ft, 6 ft tall; Window promotional: up to 50% of window area | — | — | No more than 4 temp business sign permits per year | On premises, see additional requirements | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-244(5) |
GB
| 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 | — | 75 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business/entity | On wall of business | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-241(b)(1)c.2 |
| Building or Window Identification Sign | — | 10 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building/tenant | Per building; 1 per building or 1 per tenant in multi-tenant retail | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-241(b)(2) |
| Ground Sign - Pylon | 20 ft (no face lower than 12 ft above grade) | 72 sq ft | — | Not within 10 ft of intersection of vehicular traffic ways/driveways/ROW | 1 per lot | One per lot; in any required yard, but must maintain clear view | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-241(b)(3)1 |
| Ground Sign - Monument | 9 ft | 72 sq ft | 12 ft | — | 1 per lot | One per lot; in any required yard | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-241(b)(3)2 |
| Shopping Center Identification Ground Sign (Pylon or Monument) | 20 ft | 72 sq ft | — | — | 1 per center | At shopping center development, 1 per shopping center | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-241(b)(4) |
| Outlot Ground Sign | 6 ft | 60 sq ft | — | — | 1 per outlot | On outlot at shopping center | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-241(b)(4)e |
| Office/Industrial Park Development Entrance Sign | 9 ft | 72 sq ft (each) | — | — | 2 per entrance | At each entrance (max 2 signs per entrance) | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-241(b)(6) |
| Temporary and Promotional Signs | 6 ft (temporary freestanding) | Special events: 32 sq ft, 6 ft tall; Window promotional: up to 50% of window area | — | — | No more than 4 temp business sign permits per year | On premises, see additional requirements | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-244(5) |
General Business District (GB)
| 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 | — | 75 sq ft | — | — | 1 per entity | On wall of business; 1 per entity; multiple tenants per formula | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-241(b)(1)c.2; Sec. 32-239(2) |
| Building or Window Identification Sign | — | 10 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building/tenant | Per building or per tenant in retail multi-tenant | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-241(b)(2) |
| Ground Sign - Pylon | 20 ft (no face lower than 12 ft above grade) | 72 sq ft | — | 10 ft from traffic intersections; clear view required | 1 per lot | 1 per lot; any required yard | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-241(b)(3)1; Sec. 32-242 |
| Ground Sign - Monument | 9 ft | 72 sq ft | 12 ft | — | 1 per lot | 1 per lot; any required yard | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-241(b)(3)2; Sec. 32-242 |
| Shopping Center Identification Ground Sign (Pylon or Monument) | 20 ft | 72 sq ft | — | — | 1 per center | At shopping center; 1 per center | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-241(b)(4) |
| Outlot Ground Sign | 6 ft | 60 sq ft | — | — | 1 per outlot | On outlot of center | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-241(b)(4)e |
| Office/Industrial Park Development Entrance Sign | 9 ft | 72 sq ft (each) | — | — | 2 per entrance | At each entrance; max 2 per entrance | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-241(b)(6) |
| Temporary and Promotional Signs | 6 ft (freestanding promo) | Freestanding: 32 sq ft, 6 ft tall; Window promotional: up to 50% of window area | — | — | 4 temp promo per year | On premises per permit | — | Unlock | Sec. 32-244(5) |
PermitPal covers all 10 zoning districts in Third 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 10 zones for Third Lake — start freeProhibited Signs in Third Lake
- No sign shall be located, constructed, erected, structurally altered, relocated or enlarged without the owner first having obtained a sign permit, except as otherwise provided.
- Commercial billboards and posterboards are prohibited on vacant premises or when displaying information not related to a business or enterprise on the same premises.
- Flashing signs are prohibited.
- Projecting signs are prohibited.
- Pennants, streamers, portable signs and festoon lights are prohibited unless specifically authorized by the village administrator.
- Commercial signs not indicating bona fide business conducted or a product sold on the premises are prohibited.
- Signs which move or have moving parts are prohibited.
- Signs containing obscene, indecent or immoral content which offend public morals or decency are prohibited.
- Signs which impede, obstruct or conflict with traffic signals, vehicular or pedestrian travel, access to fire hydrants/exits, or otherwise unreasonably impede public health, safety and welfare are prohibited.
- Signs painted on walls or windows of buildings are prohibited except as permitted.
- Signs on vehicles, boats, or trailers (except for sale/rent signs up to 2'x2') are prohibited; this does not prohibit standard vehicle/bus/taxi advertising.
- Attention-getting devices are prohibited.
- Signs on, over or across public right-of-way are prohibited and subject to immediate removal.
- Obsolete signs are prohibited.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- Wall/window signs are not permitted on a wall screening rooftop mechanical equipment or covering a window.
- No sign may obstruct ingress or egress of any door.
- Signs cannot project above rooftops or parapets.
- No sign may be attached to a utility pole, tree, standpipe, gutter, drain, or fire escape, nor impair access to a roof.
- Signs obstructing public ways or projecting into rights-of-way are prohibited except as provided, and may be immediately removed.
- Signs imitating or obstructing traffic signs/devices or using certain words (‘Stop’, ‘Go’, etc.) or colored lamps that confuse/obstruct traffic are prohibited.
- No sign may violate the Illinois Highway Advertising Control Act of 1971.
- No sign shall be constructed or maintained in a location prohibited by ordinance.
- No sign may be constructed or maintained so as to prevent free ingress/egress from any door.
- No sign may have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights, or other illuminating devices with changing light intensity, brightness or color.
- No exposed reflective-type bulb or incandescent lamp exceeding 15 watts may be used on the exterior of a sign so as to expose the face to the public street or adjacent property.
- No sign may create glare, traffic hazard or confuse operators of motor vehicles.
- No sign on a public right-of-way (other than certain exempted categories).
- No sign shall exceed height, size or placement restrictions set forth for its district/type.
- Signs are not allowed to be enlarged, expanded, or added onto if they are nonconforming or illegal, except to change the message (if compliant); all other alterations are prohibited.
- Nonconforming signs must be brought into compliance upon required timetable or cease to exist as nonconforming after amortization period (five years after cause of nonconformity).
Exempt Signs in Third Lake
- Signs not visible beyond property boundaries or public thoroughfares/right-of-way are exempt from regulations, except for construction, maintenance, and safety.
- Official signs of any public or government or private nonprofit organization when specifically approved by the village administrator are exempt.
- Any sign of any official court or public office, notices thereof, or any flag, emblem or insignia of a government entity is exempt.
- Any official traffic signs authorized by state law or this article are exempt.
- Temporary signs celebrating traditionally accepted patriotic, religious, national, or state holidays are exempt.
- No trespassing signs, warning signs (e.g., "Beware of Dog"), and other signs regulating property use not exceeding 2 square feet in area are exempt.
- Changing copy of an otherwise permitted sign or bulletin board where no structural changes or alterations are made is exempt.
- Private, noncommercial nameplate identification signs or street address identification signs not exceeding 2 square feet are exempt.
- Tablets, memorials, and cornerstones identifying a building or the date of erection, when built into the wall, are exempt.
- Private traffic direction signs within a premises, not exceeding 4 square feet in area and 4 feet in height, are exempt (illumination permitted per regulations).
- Other noncommercial signs (except as otherwise provided) are exempt, if they meet the bulk regulations for signs in the zoning district where located.
- Time or temperature signs are exempt.
- Public telephone signs up to 6 square feet attached to telephone booths are exempt, provided they do not materially obstruct vision at a street intersection.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Third Lake
- Every permit application for a freestanding or ground sign shall be accompanied by a landscape plan in accordance with section 32-242.
- A site plan is required for model dwelling signs showing size, shape, mounting height, type of material and required landscaping.
- Applications for sign permits must include a landscape plan, if required, per 32-235(b)(3).
- Permit applications for signs must include a sketch of sign faces, exposed surfaces, proposed message, and a description of construction, mounting, and support.
- Every permit application for a freestanding or ground sign must meet landscape requirements: for every square foot of sign area, 1.5 square feet of landscape area is required.
- Landscape plan must show plantings, ground protection, and avoid obscuring the sign.
- Illegal or nonconforming signs that are altered or replaced must meet current sign code provisions; alteration other than message change is not permitted.
- The zoning officer may require plans and specifications sealed by a registered architect, structural engineer, professional engineer, or prepared by a sign manufacturer as part of permit application.
Source: municode municipal code