Sign Regulations in Waukegan, Illinois
Waukegan, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 18 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Primary Sign, Ground Sign, Wall 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 Waukegan, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Waukegan
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Sign | — | 144 sq ft per sign | Ground signs must be set back 5 ft from lot lines and 5 ft from public right-of-way |
| Wall Sign | — | 10% of total wall façade; maximum 144 sq ft | — |
| Ground Sign | 10 ft | 144 sq ft | 5 ft from lot line/right-of-way |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
18
- Primary Sign
- Ground Sign
- Wall Sign
- Yard Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
11
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Waukegan
Other Cities in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Waukegan 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 Waukegan, 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 Waukegan, regulated sign types include Primary Sign, Ground Sign, Wall Sign, Yard 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 Waukegan 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 Waukegan are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Waukegan has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Waukegan, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Waukegan, Illinois regulates 18 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Ground Signs in the Conservation/Recreation (CR), Single-Unit Dwelling (R1), Single-Unit Dwelling (R2), General Residential (R3), General Residential (R4), Multiple-Unit Residential (R5) zoning district are capped at 10 ft tall and 144 sq ft, with a 5 ft from lot line/right-of-way setback (Sec. 12.04.G, Table 12.02-01). Most commercial signs in Waukegan require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Waukegan, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Waukegan (11 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservation/Recreation (CR), Single-Unit Dwelling (R1), Single-Unit Dwelling (R2), General Residential (R3), General Residential (R4), Multiple-Unit Residential (R5) | 4 | 10 ft | 144 sq ft per sign | — |
| Neighborhood Convenience (B1) | 4 | 15 ft | 144 sq ft per sign | — |
| Community Shopping (B2), General Commercial (B3), Entertainment (E) | 2 | 20 ft | 144 sq ft per sign | — |
| Downtown (B4), South Lakefront (L1), Marina (L2), North Harbor (L3) | 5 | 18 in | 144 sq ft per sign | — |
| Health/Civic (H/C) | 2 | 15 ft | 144 sq ft | — |
| Research/Light Industrial (R/LI), Light Industrial (I) | 2 | 20 ft | 144 sq ft | — |
| Residential Zoning Districts (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, CR) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Non-Residential Zoning Districts (B1, B2, B3, B4, H/C, E, L1, L2, L3, R/LI, I) | 1 | — | 144 sq ft | — |
| Downtown and Lakefront Districts (B4, L1, L2, L3) | 1 | — | 144 sq ft | — |
| Entertainment District (E) | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 9 | 8 ft | 60 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Waukegan(sample of 3 of 11 zones)
Conservation/Recreation (CR), Single-Unit Dwelling (R1), Single-Unit Dwelling (R2), General Residential (R3), General Residential (R4), Multiple-Unit Residential (R5)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Sign | — | 144 sq ft per sign | — | Ground signs must be set back 5 ft from lot lines and 5 ft from public right-of-way | 2 per lot; 1 ground sign per lot | On-premises only | — | Unlock | Table 12.02-01, 12.02.A, 12.05 |
| Wall Sign | — | 10% of total wall façade; maximum 144 sq ft | — | — | See total sign area and number above | May not project more than 1 ft from wall; must not cover wall openings | — | Unlock | 12.04.L, 12.05 |
| Ground Sign | 10 ft | 144 sq ft | — | 5 ft from lot line/right-of-way | 1 per lot | Set back at least 5 ft from lot line/right-of-way; not within 100 ft of another ground sign on same lot; within property lines | — | Unlock | 12.04.G, Table 12.02-01 |
| Yard Sign | 6 ft | 8 sq ft | — | 4 ft from right-of-way in required yard | — | Not less than 4 ft from right-of-way in any required yard | — | Unlock | 12.04.N.1–3 |
Downtown (B4), South Lakefront (L1), Marina (L2), North Harbor (L3)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Sign | — | 144 sq ft per sign | — | — | B4: 3 per lot, 1 ground sign per lot; L1/L2/L3: 3 per lot, 1 ground sign per lot | On-premises only | — | Unlock | Table 12.02-01, 12.06 |
| Wall Sign (Surface-Mounted Commercial) | 18 in | Wall sign area per Table 12.02-01 (see above). Individual sign: 18 in height max, 80% band width. | 80% of sign band | — | See total per lot | Within sign band or storefront transom; not on secondary elevations unless sign band and facing ROW. | — | Unlock | 12.06.B–C |
| Wall Sign (Pin-Mounted Commercial) | 18 in | — | 80% of sign band | — | See total per lot | In masonry sign band or suspended above storefront; not on secondary elevations unless facing ROW. | — | Unlock | 12.06.B–C |
| Window Sign | — | 20% of main pane; 50% of transom pane | — | — | — | Must not block interior activity; see other requirements | — | Unlock | 12.06.C.4 |
| Ground Sign | 15 ft | 144 sq ft | — | 5 ft from lot line/right-of-way | 1 per lot | Setback per property; must not block sight lines; see 12.04.G.6 | — | Unlock | 12.06.C.4, Table 12.02-01 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awning Sign | — | — | Max projection: 36 in | — | — | Min 8 ft above sidewalk; project max 36 in from façade | — | Unlock | 12.04.A |
| Blade/Projecting Sign | — | 6 sq ft | 4 in deep; project max 3 ft | — | 1 per leased tenant space | Above ground floor windows near entrance; min 8 ft above sidewalk | — | Unlock | 12.04.B |
| Changeable Copy Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Part of wall or ground sign | — | Unlock | 12.04.C |
| Directory Sign | — | — | — | 5 ft from property line if not at property line | — | District with no front yard: at property line; elsewhere: set back 5 ft min | — | Unlock | 12.04.D |
| Drive-Through Sign (Menu Board) | 8 ft | 60 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lane | Drive-through lane | — | Unlock | 12.04.E |
| Electronic Message Center | — | Up to 50% of sign's area or 40 sq ft, whichever is less | — | 15 ft from property line; 250 ft from residential | 1 per lot | Min 250 ft from residential district, min 15 ft from property line; 1 per lot | — | Unlock | 12.04.F |
| Monument Sign | 5 ft | 30 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 12.04.I |
| Painted Sign | — | 20% of wall area | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 12.04.J |
PermitPal covers all 11 zoning districts in Waukegan — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 11 zones for Waukegan — start freeProhibited Signs in Waukegan
- Any sign or similar object, color, light, shape, or combination thereof which resembles an official traffic control device or sign or is a representation of such a traffic control device or sign not installed by a government entity or its contracted agent.
- Any obscene language or graphic material or other representation of an obscenity or obscene act.
- Any sign that emits music, speech, simulated speech, or any other sound on a regular or intermittent basis.
- Any sign affixed to a tree not installed by a government entity or its contracted agent.
- Any sign affixed to a utility pole, public light or streetlight, traffic control device or similar standard used for lighting, such as parking lot lights not installed by a government entity or its contracted agent.
- Any sign or similar device that contains a strobe light or any other high intensity light that is emitted on a periodic or intermittent basis or any such light used as an eye catcher.
- Any sign attached or painted onto an inoperable or unlicensed motor vehicle, or any sign attached to a licensed vehicle located within 50 feet of the public right-of-way or on the property to which the sign thereon refers.
- Any outdoor advertising sign that is not a permitted sign (including legal nonconforming outdoor advertising signs), or any outdoor advertising sign which is not an exempt sign as provided in Section 12.02.J (Exemptions).
- Bench signs.
- Cabinet signs, when mounted directly to building.
- Cross-Street Banners. Banners strung across the public right-of-way are prohibited.
- Eye catchers.
- Off-premises signs.
- Roof signs.
- Larger than life size inflatable and/or plastic figures.
- Any otherwise exempt sign that exceeds the regulations or restrictions for size, location or time of display, placed on such exempt signs by Section 12.02.J (Exemptions).
Exempt Signs in Waukegan
- Traffic control signs, warning signs and temporary construction and routing signs erected, maintained, or operated by a governmental agency or its contracted agent in conformance with the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
- Signs authorized and erected by the City of Waukegan, including public notices posted by public officials or employees in the performance of their duties.
- Warning signs placed by utility companies or others in areas of danger that are accessible to the public.
- Identification tags, labels, plaques, and signs used by utility companies and other organizations to identify fixed operating equipment and for similar purposes.
- Cornerstones.
- Seasonal decorations, including items of a primarily decorative nature associated with national, local, or religious holidays, provided such decorations visible from the public right-of-way are removed no later than 30 days after the event.
- Signs on vehicles provided such signs are not relocatable signs as regulated by this Ordinance and provided further that such vehicles are fully operable and licensed by the State of Illinois and are being operated in normal and customary fashion.
- Flag displays.
- Non-Commercial Messaging Signs, subject to: a maximum surface area of six square feet per sign face, a maximum height of four feet, no animated or automatically changing graphics, may not be illuminated, must be removable and not permanently affixed or secured into the ground with a concrete foundation, must be kept in a state of good repair, and may not be located closer than six (6) feet to any lot line on non-residentially zoned property.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Waukegan
- A uniform sign plan is required for all residential subdivisions, multi-unit dwellings and townhouse developments, planned unit developments, and all multi-building or multi-occupant commercial developments before any signs for such development may be erected on the subject property.
- Uniform sign plans must be submitted and approved by City Council (for residential subdivisions and planned unit developments) or by the Zoning Administrator (for multi-unit dwellings and townhouse developments) prior to the final subdivision plat approval or issuance of building permits.
- Amendments to an approved uniform sign plan must be filed as a new master plan and approved by the appropriate authority.
- All owners, tenants, subtenants, and purchasers of individual units within such developments must comply with the uniform sign plan.
- For primary signs in downtown and lakefront districts, a variance from the Planning and Zoning Commission is required to exceed limitations regarding size, type, location, number, and total area of signs for a lot's zoning district.
Source: municode municipal code