Sign Regulations in Vandalia, Illinois
Vandalia, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 34 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Temporary Election Sign, On-site Construction Sign, Residential Development On-Premise Permanent Sign. 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 Vandalia, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Vandalia
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flag | 24 ft (residential districts), 35 ft (nonresidential districts) | — | — |
| Temporary Sign | — | — | At least 10 ft from pavement and outside right-of-way |
| Residential Sign | — | 6 sq ft per sign face | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
34
- Temporary Election Sign
- On-site Construction Sign
- Residential Development On-Premise Permanent Sign
- Parking Direction Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Vandalia
Other Cities in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Vandalia 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 Vandalia, 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 Vandalia, regulated sign types include Temporary Election Sign, On-site Construction Sign, Residential Development On-Premise Permanent Sign, Parking Direction 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 Vandalia 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 Vandalia are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Vandalia has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Vandalia, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Vandalia, Illinois regulates 34 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Site >15,000 sq ft)s in the Nonresidential Zoning Districts, General Commercial District (CG), Light Industrial District (IL), General Industrial District (IG) zoning district are capped at 30 ft tall and 100 sq ft per face (2 faces max), with a 10 ft from right-of-way setback (Sec. 17.18.060(b)D). Most commercial signs in Vandalia require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Vandalia, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Vandalia (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 2 | 24 ft (residential districts), 35 ft (nonresidential districts) | — | — |
| Residential Districts, Single-family Residential Zoning Districts | 6 | 10 ft from top of sign to top of grade | 12 sq ft per face | — |
| RM, Multiple-Family Residential District, RMH, Mobile Home Residential District | 5 | 10 ft from top of sign to top of grade | 12 sq ft per sign face | — |
| Residential Districts (Institutional Uses) | 4 | — | 16 sq ft per sign face | — |
| Nonresidential Zoning Districts, General Commercial District (CG), Light Industrial District (IL), General Industrial District (IG) | 20 | 100 ft | 1000 sq ft | — |
| CD Downtown Commercial District (CD) | 4 | 48 in (4 ft) | 48 in (height) x 30 in (width) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Vandalia(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
Residential Districts, Single-family Residential Zoning Districts
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Sign | — | 6 sq ft per sign face | — | — | 1 per lot | On a lot in a single-family residentially-zoned area | — | Unlock | 17.18.050(c)A |
| Temporary Open House Sign (On-site) | — | 6 sq ft per sign face | — | — | 1 per lot | On site of property for sale/lease/rent | — | Unlock | 17.18.050(c)B |
| Temporary Open House Sign (Off-site) | — | 6 sq ft per sign face | — | — | 1 per lot | Off-site from property for sale/lease/rent | — | Unlock | 17.18.050(c)B |
| Temporary Election Sign | — | 12 sq ft per face | — | — | 1 per candidate/proposition per lot | On any residentially-zoned lot or parcel | — | Unlock | 17.18.050(f) |
| On-site Construction Sign | 10 ft from top of sign to top of grade | 12 sq ft gross sign area | — | — | 1 per development | On site under construction | — | Unlock | 17.18.050(g) |
| Residential Development On-Premise Permanent Sign | — | 12 sq ft per sign face | — | — | — | At subdivision, neighborhood or multi-family development | — | Unlock | 17.18.050(b) |
RM, Multiple-Family Residential District, RMH, Mobile Home Residential District
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Development On-Premise Permanent Sign | — | 12 sq ft per sign face | — | — | — | At subdivision, neighborhood or multi-family development | — | Unlock | 17.18.050(b) |
| Parking Direction Sign | 4 ft | 3 sq ft | — | — | 1 per driveway with 25+ units | For each driveway serving 25+ dwelling units | — | Unlock | 17.18.050(d)B |
| Parking Regulation Sign | — | 3 sq ft | — | — | See description | For each 25 parking spaces or fraction thereof | — | Unlock | 17.18.050(d)C |
| Temporary Election Sign | — | 12 sq ft per face | — | — | 1 per candidate/proposition per lot | On any residentially-zoned lot or parcel | — | Unlock | 17.18.050(f) |
| On-site Construction Sign | 10 ft from top of sign to top of grade | 12 sq ft gross sign area | — | — | 1 per development | On site under construction | — | Unlock | 17.18.050(g) |
Nonresidential Zoning Districts, General Commercial District (CG), Light Industrial District (IL), General Industrial District (IG)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (Site >15,000 sq ft) | 30 ft | 100 sq ft per face (2 faces max) | — | 10 ft from right-of-way | 1 per eligible site | On site, at least 10 ft from right-of-way | — | Unlock | 17.18.060(b)D |
| Freestanding Sign (Businesses near I-70) | 100 ft | 1000 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business | Within 660 ft of Interstate 70 right-of-way | — | Unlock | 17.18.060(b)G |
| Cluster Sign (Multi-tenant) | 34 ft | 16 sq ft per sign, 6 signs per assembly; total sign height max 34 ft | — | 15 ft from right-of-way/property line | Up to 6 per assembly | Multi-tenant sign assembly | — | Unlock | 17.18.060(b)H |
| Shopping Center/Office Park/Institutional Complex Freestanding Sign | 35 ft | 100 sq ft (max 50 sq ft per sign face) | — | 15 ft from right-of-way | 1 per eligible site | Site exceeding 5 acres | — | Unlock | 17.18.060(b)E |
| Parking Direction Sign | 3 ft | 3 sq ft per face | — | — | 1 per direction per driveway | Each driveway | — | Unlock | 17.18.060(d)A |
| Parking Regulation Sign | 10 ft | 5 sq ft | — | — | See description | Each commercial/public parking lot; 1 for each 20 spaces or fraction thereof | — | Unlock | 17.18.060(d)B |
| On-site Construction Sign | 10 ft from top of sign to top of grade; 2 ft from bottom of sign to top of grade | 32 sq ft per face (2 faces max) | — | — | 1 per development | One sign per entire development | — | Unlock | 17.18.060(d)D |
| Covered Walkway Sign | 7 ft minimum from sidewalk to bottom of sign; max 18 in drop from sign bottom to ceiling | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business | Hung from ceiling of covered walkway attached to retail store front, perpendicular to store front | — | Unlock | 17.18.060(d)F |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Vandalia — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 6 zones for Vandalia — start freeProhibited Signs in Vandalia
- Signs visible from a public right-of-way that imitate, blend or conflict with, or that may be confused with traffic signals and signs, such as imitations of 'stop,' 'caution,' 'danger,' or 'warning.'
- Signs that are of a size, location, movement or illumination as may be confused with or construed as a traffic control device or which might obstruct from view any traffic or street sign or signal.
- Signs on public land, except those erected at the direction of or with the permission of an appropriate public authority.
- Strips or strings of lights used to call attention to a use or occupancy by outlining property lines, sales area, roof lines, doors, windows, wall edges, or other architectural features of a building site. (Exemptions: holiday lighting from November 15 through January 15; lights that are an integral architectural feature as approved by the Planning Commission.)
- Moving signs, including those of which all or any part of the sign moves or appears to move; includes strings of light bulbs and rotating signs whether part of any sign or maintained as an independent feature.
- Snipe signs.
- Unsightly or unkempt signs.
- Roof Signs, except in a free standing/single tenant commercial structure or a multi-use shopping and/or office center. A roof sign permitted by this exception may not exceed two (2) square feet for each linear foot of eave.
- Permanent or temporary window signs above the second floor, including lettering painted or applied to glass, and temporary promotional displays above the ground floor.
- Portable Signs in residentially zoned districts.
- Off-premises signs, except for temporary open house signs.
- No sign shall project beyond a property line or into a public right-of-way, except traffic control signs or as permitted in the 'CD' Downtown Commercial District.
- No sign shall be erected, displayed, or maintained so as to obstruct any fire escape, required exit way, window, or door opening used as a means of egress, or to obstruct other means of egress required by the building code.
- No sign shall be erected, displayed, or maintained in a manner that interferes with any opening required for ventilation under the building code.
- No sign shall have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or other illuminating device of variable light intensity, brightness, or color. (Exceptions: certain public service message signs with restrictions.)
- No colored lights shall be used at any location or in any manner so as to be confused with or construed as traffic control devices.
- Neither direct nor reflected light from primary light sources shall create a hazard to operators of motor vehicles on public thoroughfares.
- No exposed reflective-type bulb or incandescent lamp which exceeds forty (40) watts shall be used on the exterior of any sign in such manner as to expose the face of the bulb, light or lamp to any public street or adjacent property.
Exempt Signs in Vandalia
- Governmental and official signs including public notices and official notices posted or authorized by government officials in the performance of their duties.
- Governmental and official signs for the control or direction of traffic and other appropriate public purposes.
- "No parking" and "no trespassing" signs that are no larger than one (1) square foot in gross sign area.
- On-premise permanent signs not exceeding two (2) square feet in sign area, including: name plates attached to a structure and not exceeding two (2) square feet used to identify a professional service or home occupation permitted in the single-family residential zoning district; residential address number located on a sign not larger than one (1) square foot in gross sign area; commercial address numerals required to be prominently displayed on each building, not to exceed two (2) square feet in area.
- Flags are permitted in any zoning district without a permit, subject to quantity and height limitations.
- With the exception of maintenance and safety (Section 17.18.040(b)), prohibited signs (Section 17.18.040(d)), and miscellaneous requirements (Section 17.18.040(g)), the general sign code regulations do not apply to the above exempted signs listed in Section 17.18.040(e).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Vandalia
- An application for a sign permit must be submitted to the Building Official and be accompanied by plans that show the size and shape of the sign, location, setbacks, illumination, colors, materials, and method of support or attachment.
- Permanent signs designating a residential subdivision, neighborhood, or multi-family development must be approved by the Planning Commission through the site plan approval process as defined in Section 17.16.020.
- A planned shopping center, office park, or institutional complex occupying a site in excess of five (5) acres may have a single, freestanding, on-premise sign identifying the center, park or complex by site plan approval in accordance with Section 17.16.020.
- Marquee signs for theaters, cinemas, exhibition centers and similar public assembly uses are permitted only upon the specific authorization of the Planning Commission, subject to a site plan review under Section 17.16.020.
- Where practical difficulties or unnecessary hardship exist, the Board of Zoning Appeals may grant variances after a public hearing according to the procedures in Section 17.24.020.
Source: municode municipal code