Sign Regulations in Washington, Illinois
Washington, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 47 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Home Occupation Sign, Ground Sign (Brewer, Distillery, Winery), Sandwich Board Sign / A-frame / Easel / Sidewalk 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 Washington, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Washington
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandwich Board Sign / A-frame / Easel / Sidewalk Sign | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — |
| Portable Sign (excluding banners and flags) | — | 18 sq ft | — |
| Banner | — | 60 sq ft (ground); 16% of wall/roof (if on wall/roof); total of banners and all permanent signs must not exceed 25% of wall/roof surface | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for WashingtonFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
47
- Home Occupation Sign
- Ground Sign (Brewer, Distillery, Winery)
- Sandwich Board Sign / A-frame / Easel / Sidewalk Sign
- Portable Sign (excluding banners and flags)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Washington
Other Cities in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Washington 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 Washington, 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 Washington, regulated sign types include Home Occupation Sign, Ground Sign (Brewer, Distillery, Winery), Sandwich Board Sign / A-frame / Easel / Sidewalk Sign, Portable Sign (excluding banners and flags), 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 Washington 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 Washington are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Washington has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Washington, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Washington, Illinois regulates 47 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Commercial Center Sign (Consolidated)s in the Commercial District, Industrial District, C-1, C-2, C-3, I-1A, I-1, I-2 zoning district are capped at 34 ft tall and 260 sq ft per side, with a ≥10 ft from public right-of-way, ≥300 ft from residential, ≥500 ft from any other commercial center sign or billboard setback (Sec. Sec. 56-267(2)f). Most commercial signs in Washington require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Washington, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Washington (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | 4 ft | Greater than 64 cubic ft in volume is considered inflatable | — |
| Residential District, AG-1, CE-1, R-1A, R-1, R-2 | 16 | — | 100 sq ft | — |
| Commercial District, Industrial District, C-1, C-2, C-3, I-1A, I-1, I-2 | 21 | 34 ft | 260 sq ft per side | — |
| Agricultural District, AG-1 | 5 | — | 50 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Washington(sample of 3 of 4 zones)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandwich Board Sign / A-frame / Easel / Sidewalk Sign | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | May be placed near the public right-of-way or on the sidewalk immediately adjacent to the main entrance where a storefront meets the sidewalk | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-265(4) |
| Portable Sign (excluding banners and flags) | — | 18 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot/parcel (up to 500 ft frontage), 2 per lot with >500 ft frontage and multiple businesses | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-265(11) |
| Banner | — | 60 sq ft (ground); 16% of wall/roof (if on wall/roof); total of banners and all permanent signs must not exceed 25% of wall/roof surface | — | — | 1 per lot (≤500 ft frontage), 2 per lot (>500 ft frontage and multiple businesses) | Attached to poles, fences, buildings, light poles, or sign poles. Not permitted on ground; Wall/roof banners with restrictions. | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-265(12) |
| Flag | — | 30 sq ft per flag | — | — | 2 (≤200 ft), 4 (201-500 ft), 6 (501-1000), 8 (>1000 ft) | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-265(13) |
| Inflatable Sign | — | Greater than 64 cubic ft in volume is considered inflatable | — | — | — | Displayed more than 6 ft above the ground | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-265(14) |
| Political Sign (Residential Districts) | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | — | Private property, with owner's permission | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-265(15) |
| Political Sign (Agricultural, Commercial, Industrial Districts) | — | 50 sq ft | — | — | — | Private property, with owner's permission | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-265(15) |
Residential District, AG-1, CE-1, R-1A, R-1, R-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name Plate (Single Family) | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | 1 per single-family dwelling | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-266(1)a |
| Identification Sign (Multi-Family) | — | 5 sq ft | — | — | 1 per multifamily dwelling | Near the main entrance | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-266(1)b |
| Construction Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — | 5 ft minimum from lot/property line | 2 per site; 4 on corner lots | Not within 5 ft of lot/property line | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-266(1)c-d |
| For Sale / For Rent Sign | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot or 2 on corner lots | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-266(2)a |
| Subdivision Development Directional Sign (off-premises) | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 per subdivision | Directing vehicles to subdivision from arterial road | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-266(4)a |
| Permanent Subdivision/Development Identification Sign (at entry) | — | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per entry street corner | Private property outside public right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-266(4)b |
| Permanent Ground Sign (Assisted Living, Senior Housing, Skilled Nursing) | — | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street entrance | On private property outside public right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-266(4)c |
| Church/School/Nonprofit Institution Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — | Min half of the required district setback | 1 per lot, 2 on corner lots | Set back at least half the minimum setback of district | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-269(1), Sec. 56-269(3) |
Commercial District, Industrial District, C-1, C-2, C-3, I-1A, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground (Freestanding) Sign - C-1 or within 50 ft of Residential | 20 ft from curbline/pavement edge | 160 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 (≤200 ft), 2 (201-500 ft), 3 (501-1,000 ft), 4 (>1,000 ft) frontage | Not projecting into public right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-267(2)b-d1, 2e |
| Ground (Freestanding) Sign - C-2, C-3, I-1A, I-1, I-2 (<45 MPH or not divided) | 25 ft from curbline/pavement edge | 160 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 (≤200 ft), 2 (201-500 ft), 3 (501-1,000 ft), 4 (>1,000 ft) frontage | Not projecting into public right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-267(2)b-d2, 2e |
| Ground (Freestanding) Sign - C-2, C-3, I-1A, I-1, I-2 (Adjacent to 4-lane divided road ≥45 MPH) | 30 ft from curbline/pavement edge | 160 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 (≤200 ft), 2 (201-500 ft), 3 (501-1,000 ft), 4 (>1,000 ft) frontage | Not projecting into public right-of-way; must be adjacent to qualifying roadway | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-267(2)d3, 2e |
| Monument Sign (Business Park/Retail/Shopping Center Individual Lot) | 8 ft | 60 sq ft per side | — | — | Per allowed consolidated commercial center sign regulations | Individual lots only; consolidated centers must use monument signs. | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-267(2)f7 |
| Commercial Center Sign (Consolidated) | 34 ft | 260 sq ft per side | — | ≥10 ft from public right-of-way, ≥300 ft from residential, ≥500 ft from any other commercial center sign or billboard | Per business park eligible for consolidated sign | On- or off-premises, ≤400 ft from center; must be ≥10 ft from public right-of-way, ≥300 ft from residential, ≥500 ft from other center sign/billboard | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-267(2)f |
| Off-premises Ground Sign (Commercial or Industrial Zone) | 15 ft | 32 sq ft; for panels on commercial center sign 16 sq ft | — | — | 1 per parcel | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-267(8) |
| Projecting Sign | — | 1 sq ft per linear ft of storefront (max 24 sq ft), extension max 6 ft from face | — | — | 1 per storefront | Per storefront, exceptions for sidewalk locations | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-267(9) |
| Electronic Message Board | — | 60 sq ft (and ≤40% of sign area it is attached to) | — | ≥100 ft from residential zone | 1 per lot | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 56-267(10) |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Washington. Run a code check for your exact address to get the zone that applies to your property and its full sign requirements — illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
Run a code check for your exact address — freeProhibited Signs in Washington
- No sign may be constructed, erected, remodeled, relocated, or expanded without first obtaining a sign permit, unless specifically exempt.
- No sign shall be constructed on or project into the public rights-of-way except signs installed by public governmental agencies and those signs specifically permitted.
- No sign shall flash or move in an obtrusive manner or create a nuisance. Flashing or moving signs are not permitted unless specifically allowed.
- No rotating beam, beacon, strobe, or similar types of illumination devices shall be allowed.
- No sign shall block any required accessway.
- No sign shall be located on vacant property except a sign advertising the premises for sale or lease which meets the standards.
- No sign shall be attached to a tree or utility pole whether on public or private property.
- All signs must conform to applicable building and electrical codes.
- No sign shall be maintained at any location whereby reason of its position, size, shape, or color it may obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view of traffic, or be confused with any traffic control sign, signal, or device, or where it may interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.
- Obsolete signs must be removed by the owner within 30 days following written notification by the code enforcement officer, if qualifying requirements are not met.
- No more than one portable sign may be displayed on a single lot or parcel with a frontage of 500 feet or less; lots with more than 500 feet frontage and multiple businesses may have up to two portable signs.
- Portable signs may not exceed 18 square feet and must have a message displayed; no flashing lights allowed but backlighting is permitted.
- Banners displayed on the ground are not permitted.
- Banners attached to structures are permitted only if a permanent sign exists and other criteria are satisfied.
- No more than one banner per 500 feet of frontage (or two for larger lots with multiple businesses).
- Banners on walls or roofs are not permitted unless certain criteria are met.
- Flags are not permitted unless a permanent sign exists, with additional quantity and size restrictions.
- Inflatables are only allowed on site for no more than 30 calendar days per year.
- Temporary political signs must be removed within seven days after the election (except in residential districts, where there is no duration restriction).
- No sign shall be structurally altered to prolong the life of a nonconforming sign, nor expanded in size.
- No nonconforming sign may be reestablished after removal for 30 days.
- No nonconforming sign may be reestablished after damage or destruction if the repair cost exceeds 50 percent of appraised replacement cost.
Exempt Signs in Washington
- Flags or emblems of a government or of a political, civic, philanthropic, educational, or religious organization, displayed on private property, are exempt from permit requirements and all regulations except section 56-267(1).
- Signs of a duly constituted governmental body, including traffic or similar regulatory devices, legal notices, and warnings at railroad crossings, are exempt from permit requirements and all regulations except section 56-267(1).
- Address numerals and other signs required to be maintained by law or governmental order, rule, or regulation, provided content and size do not exceed such requirements, are exempt from permit requirements and all regulations except section 56-267(1).
- Small signs not exceeding two square feet in area, displayed on private property for the convenience of the public (e.g. restrooms, freight entrances), are exempt from permit requirements and all regulations except section 56-267(1).
- Flags, streamers, placards, pennants not exceeding six square feet in area, and small balloons not exceeding five cubic feet in volume, are exempt from permit requirements and all regulations except section 56-267(1).
- Temporary signs, banners, and displays for special church, school, institutional, civic, or community events, erected outside public right-of-way for a period no more than 60 days prior and three days after the event, are exempt from permit requirements and all regulations except section 56-267(1).
- Welcome signs erected outside public right-of-way near major community entrances that contain no advertising other than participating groups or organizations are exempt from permit requirements and regulations except section 56-267(1), but are subject to city council review and approval prior to construction.
- Signs permitted by section 56-266 (residential accessory signs and for sale/for rent signs) are exempt from permit requirements but must still comply with all other regulations.
- Changing the advertising copy or message on an approved painted sign or on changeable letter panels or bulletin boards designed for replaceable copy, or painting, repainting, cleaning and routine maintenance of a sign, does not require a sign permit.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Washington
- Application for a sign permit is required for nearly all signs, per Sec. 56-259, except for specifically exempted types.
- Application for a permit must include detailed plans except for banner, inflatable, and temporary sign permits.
- Variances from the sign regulations may be permitted by the planning and zoning commission after a hearing, per Sec. 56-273.
- No specific reference to 'master sign plan' or similar is found in this text; however, business parks, retail plazas, and shopping centers consolidating ground signs into an enlarged commercial center sign must comply with special sign standards (Sec. 56-267(2)f), which may require additional review.
- Any appeal of decisions regarding sign permits or violations goes to the planning and zoning commission.
Source: municode municipal code