# Sign Regulations in University Park, Illinois

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

- **Jurisdiction:** University Park, Illinois (IL)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/illinois/university-park
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-09
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/IL/University_Park/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=PTTWELVEPLZOCO_TITSIXZOCO_CH1272SI)

## At a glance

University Park, Illinois regulates 25 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Non-illuminated Real Estate For Sale/For Rent Sign (Residential)s in the RI Single-Family Detailed Residence, R1A Single-Family Detached Residence/Air Park, R2 Single-Family Detached Residence, R3 Single-Family Detached Residence, R4 Multiple-Family Residence, R5 Multiple-Family Residence zoning district are capped at 2 ft (vertical), 3 ft (horizontal) tall, 6 sq ft, and 3 ft wide, with a At least 10 ft from side/rear lot lines; no closer to front lot line than 1/2 front yard depth setback (Sec. Sec. 1272-07(a)(2)). Most commercial signs in University Park require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (9 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| RI Single-Family Detailed Residence, R1A Single-Family Detached Residence/Air Park, R2 Single-Family Detached Residence, R3 Single-Family Detached Residence, R4 Multiple-Family Residence, R5 Multiple-Family Residence | 11 | 10 ft | 100 sq ft | — |
| P Public, Private and Conservation Land | 1 | — | 200 sq ft (1 frontage), 400 sq ft (2+ frontages) | — |
| B1 Local Shopping, B2 Community Shopping | 4 | 20 ft (B1/B2 districts) | 200 sq ft (one frontage), 400 sq ft (2 or more frontages) | — |
| B3 Commercial | 1 | 30 ft (Pole or Ground sign) | 200 sq ft (one frontage), 400 sq ft (2+ frontages) | — |
| B4 Outdoor Commercial | 1 | 30 ft (Pole or Ground sign) | 200 sq ft (one frontage), 400 sq ft (2+ frontages) | — |
| I Industrial | 3 | 30 ft | 500 sq ft | — |
| F Public Facilities | 1 | — | 200 sq ft (1 frontage), 400 sq ft (2+ frontages) | — |
| O Office and Research | 1 | — | 200 sq ft (1 frontage), 400 sq ft (2+ frontages) | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | 10 ft | 100 sq ft | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 9 zones)

### RI Single-Family Detailed Residence, R1A Single-Family Detached Residence/Air Park, R2 Single-Family Detached Residence, R3 Single-Family Detached Residence, R4 Multiple-Family Residence, R5 Multiple-Family Residence

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Nameplate/Identification Sign (Single-family dwelling) | — | 1 sq ft per dwelling unit | — | — | 1 per dwelling unit | On structure (attached and parallel to the building or structure) | — | Sec. 1272-06(a)(1)A |
| Identification Sign (Multiple-family dwelling common driveway entrance) | — | 2 sq ft per entrance | — | — | 1 per common entrance | At each common entrance | — | Sec. 1272-06(a)(1)B |
| Identification Sign for Group of Multiple-Family Dwellings | — | 30 sq ft | — | — | — | Indicates only: name of building, address, manager name/address/telephone | — | Sec. 1272-06(a)(1)C |
| Nondwelling Unit Identification Sign (Residential District) | — | 30 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot (can be 2 on corner lot) | Attached and parallel with building | — | Sec. 1272-06(a)(2)A |
| Religious Institution Bulletin Board (Residential) | — | 20 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot, 2 on corner lot (one per entrance) | On lot; if on corner lot, one facing each street entrance | — | Sec. 1272-06(a)(3) |
| Ground Sign (Mailbox Stand at Front Curb) | 5 ft | 1 sq ft | — | Can be placed at front curb | — | At front curb on mailbox stand | — | Sec. 1272-06(a)(4) |
| Temporary Subdivision Advertising Sign (Residential) | 10 ft | 100 sq ft | 20 ft | — | 1 per street frontage | Adjacent to each street of frontage | — | Sec. 1272-07(c)(2) |
| Non-illuminated Real Estate For Sale/For Rent Sign (Residential) | 2 ft (vertical), 3 ft (horizontal) | 6 sq ft | 3 ft | At least 10 ft from side/rear lot lines; no closer to front lot line than 1/2 front yard depth | 1 per lot | On yard or inside window | — | Sec. 1272-07(a)(2) |

### B1 Local Shopping, B2 Community Shopping

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Sign (Wall or Ground, Business Districts) | — | 200 sq ft (one frontage), 400 sq ft (2 or more frontages) | — | — | — | On building or ground in accordance with sign code | — | Sec. 1272-06(b)(1)-(2) |
| Temporary Window Graphic (Business Districts) | — | 25% of window area | — | — | — | In window | — | Sec. 1272-06(b)(3) |
| Temporary Pennants or Banners (Business Districts) | — | — | — | — | — | On lot | — | Sec. 1272-06(b)(4) |
| Ground Sign (Shopping Center, Business Districts) | 20 ft (B1/B2 districts) | 150 sq ft per additional ground sign (in addition to normal max for building, up to total facade area cap) | — | — | 1 additional ground sign for shopping centers (Sec. 1272-05(k)(3)) | Front yard only | — | Sec. 1272-05(k)(3)-(4) |

### I Industrial

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Sign (Wall, Ground, Pole) Industrial Districts | 10 ft for pole, 10 ft for ground; 30 ft for billboards/highway identification signs (special use) | 400 sq ft | — | — | Only one ground sign per building except as otherwise provided (see shopping centers, Sec. 1272-05(k)(3)) | Pole or ground signs in front yard only; wall signs on building | — | Sec. 1272-06(c)(1), 1272-05(k) |
| Billboard (Special Use in Industrial) | 30 ft | 500 sq ft | — | At least 100 ft from public right-of-way | 1 per lot | Vacant lots only, properties fronting on Interstate 57 only | — | Sec. 1272-06(c)(2)A |
| Highway Identification Sign (Special Use in Industrial) | 30 ft | 500 sq ft | — | At least 100 ft from public right-of-way | 1 per lot | Properties fronting on Interstate 57 only | — | Sec. 1272-06(c)(2)B |

## Prohibited signs in University Park

- No person shall erect, affix, repair, relocate, hang, maintain, or otherwise display or alter a sign in the Village, except nameplates or identification signs, including street numbers, pertaining to single residential occupancies, without first obtaining a permit therefor from the Village.
- No portion of any sign shall project over a property line.
- No sign shall be located on the roof of a structure.
- No sign shall be painted on the wall of a structure or adhered to the wall of a structure with glue or mastic.
- No sign shall be erected or maintained so as to prevent or impair free ingress to or egress from a door, window, or fire escape.
- No sign of any kind shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
- No sign located in direct line of vision of a traffic signal shall have red, green, or amber illumination.
- Nonpermitted signs include: advertising signs (except for temporary subdivision advertising signs), advertising signs as provided in Section 1272-06, flashing signs, moving signs, signs on fences or walls which are not a part of a building structure, and signs painted on building walls.
- No sign shall be erected or maintained such that direct rays of light or glare shall beam upon any part of a residential building in existence at the time the sign is constructed, into a residential district or onto a street.
- No semitrailer or other vehicle on which there is painted, attached, or otherwise placed advertising or directional information shall be parked in the Village in a manner that could be construed that such vehicle is functioning as a sign (including specific conditions for location, duration, and use of such vehicles).
- Display of a sign in violation of this chapter is prohibited. A person who owns or manages a building or premises, and any occupant thereof who displays a sign, shall comply with this chapter.
- A sign which does not advertise a bona fide business conducted or a product sold upon the premises shall be taken down and removed by the owner, agent, or person having the beneficial use of the structure or land upon which such sign is found, within ten (10) days after written notification from the Village Manager or his or her designee.
- If the Village Manager or his/her designee finds that a sign is unsafe or insecure or is a menace to the public, or has been constructed or erected, or is being maintained, in violation of this chapter, the Manager or designee shall give written notice of such finding to the owner of the sign. If the owner fails to remove or alter the sign, so as to bring it into compliance with the standards established in this Zoning Code, within ten (10) days after receipt of such notice, the sign may be removed by the Village at the expense of the owner.

## Signs exempt from permit in University Park

- Public information signs, such as, but not limited to, street signs, traffic signs, and Village directional and entrance signs.
- Any sign of the United States, the state or a municipal corporation.
- A sign located completely within an enclosed building, except as otherwise regulated in this chapter.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- No person shall erect, affix, repair, relocate, hang, maintain, or otherwise display or alter a sign in the Village, except nameplates or identification signs, including street numbers, pertaining to single residential occupancies, without first obtaining a permit therefor from the Village. Prior to obtaining such a permit, a person shall submit an application for the permit, along with a detailed drawing of the proposed sign, showing the manner of construction, total dimensions, proposed location and manner of placement.
- A sign permitted in any district shall require a permit unless specifically exempted (such as nameplates for single residential occupancies).
- An application for a sign permit shall be accompanied by required drawings and specifications detailing construction, size, and placement.
- Special signs such as temporary subdivision advertising signs require a sign permit and payment of a fee therefor.
- There are provisions allowing a variance for signs; applicants can apply for a variance, which requires a public hearing and approval according to variance procedures outlined in Chapter 1274 (includes standards, hearings, findings of fact, and public notice).
- Planned developments and special uses may involve sign approvals as part of the development or special use process.

## 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 9 zoning districts in University Park — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=University+Park+IL&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-university-park

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