Sign Regulations in Westchester, Illinois
Westchester, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 30 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Wall Sign, Window 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 Westchester, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Westchester
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 25 ft | 200 sq ft (per sign) | See general location regulations including intersection/corner lot triangles, driveway triangle; cannot be in sight triangles at corners or driveways. |
| Wall Sign | Not to exceed top of roofline. Electrified/directly illuminated signs: min 8 ft above grade. | 200 sq ft (per sign), subject to overall lot allowance | — |
| Window Sign | — | ≤50% of total display window area | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
30
- Freestanding Sign
- Wall Sign
- Window Sign
- Large-Scale Development Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Westchester
Other Cities in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
In Westchester, wall signs can be up to Not to exceed top of roofline. Electrified/directly illuminated signs: min 8 ft above grade. and monument signs are limited to 25 ft. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Westchester, 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 Westchester, regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Wall Sign, Window Sign, Large-Scale Development Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Westchester, monument signs typically require a See general location regulations including intersection/corner lot triangles, driveway triangle; cannot be in sight triangles at corners or driveways. setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Westchester are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Westchester has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Westchester, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Westchester, Illinois regulates 30 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 25 ft tall, 200 sq ft (per sign), and 15 ft wide, with a See general location regulations including intersection/corner lot triangles, driveway triangle; cannot be in sight triangles at corners or driveways. setback (Sec. 18.58.050(h)(1), (i), (k)). Most commercial signs in Westchester require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Westchester, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Westchester (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 13 | 100 ft | 1200 sq ft (per sign) | — |
| R-1, R-2, R-2A, R-3 | 16 | 100 ft | 1200 sq ft | — |
| B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4 | 16 | 100 ft | 1200 sq ft | — |
| I | 14 | 100 ft | 1200 sq ft | — |
| Westbrook Corporate Center | 3 | 30 ft (above grade) | 200 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Westchester(sample of 3 of 5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 25 ft | 200 sq ft (per sign) | 15 ft | See general location regulations including intersection/corner lot triangles, driveway triangle; cannot be in sight triangles at corners or driveways. | If more than one, 100 ft separation required | Min. 5 ft from side lot line; must not protrude into public ROW unless exception granted; along Roosevelt/Cermak/31st/Mannheim, may extend over sidewalk but set back 3 ft from curb | — | Unlock | 18.58.050(h)(1), (i), (k) |
| Wall Sign | Not to exceed top of roofline. Electrified/directly illuminated signs: min 8 ft above grade. | 200 sq ft (per sign), subject to overall lot allowance | 30 ft | — | — | On exterior front/rear/side wall; must not project above roofline | — | Unlock | 18.58.050(l), (e) |
| Window Sign | — | ≤50% of total display window area | — | — | One or more per business | Display window(s) | — | Unlock | 18.58.050(m), 18.58.080(a)(9) |
| Directional Sign (Parking & On-site Directional) | 6 ft | 4 sq ft (directional), 9 sq ft (parking conditions/identity) | — | ≥3 ft from public ROW | 2 per entrance/exit; 1 parking identity sign per street side | Entrance/exit of parking areas or within parcel | — | Unlock | 18.58.050(q) and 18.58.080(a)(13) |
| Ornamental Entry Sign (Residential District) | 8 ft | 30 sq ft | — | Must meet sight triangle requirements at corners | 1 per access point | Private property at access point of development; not public ROW | — | Unlock | 18.58.050(u) |
| Ornamental Entry Sign (Commercial District) | 8 ft | 50 sq ft | — | Must meet sight triangle requirements at corners | 1 per access point | Private property at access point to development; not public ROW | — | Unlock | 18.58.050(u) |
| Large-Scale Development Sign | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | 10 ft (max per side) | 15 ft from front and side property lines | 1 per development, or 2 if >2 street abutments | Ground-mounted, private property for developments ≥5 acres, erected only during construction | — | Unlock | 18.58.050(w) |
| Off-Site LED Electronic Message Billboard | 100 ft | 1200 sq ft (per sign) | — | Must not extend over property line | — | Only by special use, only on lots abutting I-290/I-294 | — | Unlock | 18.58.050(aa) |
R-1, R-2, R-2A, R-3
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ornamental Entry Sign (Residential District) | 8 ft | 30 sq ft | — | — | 1 per access point | Private property at access point to development | — | Unlock | 18.58.070(a)-(d), 18.58.050(u) |
| Institutional Sign | 6 ft | 20 sq ft (single face); 40 sq ft (double face) | — | — | 1 per zoning lot | On premises of public, charitable or religious institution | — | Unlock | 18.58.050(t) |
| Government Sign (not on public ROW) | Same as Institutional Sign | Same as Institutional Sign in Residential | — | — | Same as institutional | On property not ROW; in R-1, R-2, R-2A, R-3 subject to institutional sign rules | — | Unlock | 18.58.050(y) |
| Large-Scale Development Sign | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | 10 ft (side) | 15 ft from property lines | 1 per development tract; 2 if abutting >2 streets | Only during construction of 5+ acre projects | — | Unlock | 18.58.050(w), 18.58.070 |
| Open House Sign | 3 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | Max 2 off-site | On private property only (with owner permission) | — | Unlock | 18.58.070(a)-(d); 18.58.100(j)(4) |
| Real Estate Sign | 6 ft surface (resid), 9 ft (multi/comm.) | 6 sq ft per face (single fam), 16 sq ft (multi fam/comm.) | — | 3 ft from property line | 1 | Front yard, at least 3 ft from property line, not in ROW/attached to utility pole | — | Unlock | 18.58.070(a)-(d); 18.58.100(j)(3) |
| Construction Site Sign | — | 32 sq ft, 10 ft (max one side) | 10 ft per side | — | 1 per project | On site of construction project | — | Unlock | 18.58.070(a)-(d); 18.58.100(j)(1) |
| Off Premises Not-for-Profit Event Advertisement Sign | 6 ft | 12 sq ft | 4 ft | — | — | Off-site on private property with permission; not in ROW | — | Unlock | 18.58.070(a)-(d); 18.58.100(i) |
B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4
| 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 | 25 ft | 200 sq ft (per sign); see also shopping center rules (2.5 sq ft per ft frontage - interior lots; 2 sq ft per ft frontage - street lots) | 15 ft | General | 1 per frontage; more allowed w/ 100 ft separation | Min. 5 ft from side lot line; not in ROW except by special approval | — | Unlock | 18.58.070(e)-(h); 18.58.050(h), (i), (k) |
| Wall Sign | Not above roofline; electrified/direct illuminate must be ≥8 ft from grade | 200 sq ft/sign; subject to lot aggregation | 30 ft | — | — | On exterior wall | — | Unlock | 18.58.070(e)-(h); 18.58.050(l) |
| Signs Accessory to Parking Areas | 6 ft | 4 sq ft (directional), 9 sq ft (parking identity/conditions) | — | Min 3 ft from public ROW | 2 directional per entrance/exit, 1 conditions sign per street side | Parking area entrances/exits or premises | — | Unlock | 18.58.050(q); 18.58.070(e)-(h) |
| Drive-Through Menu Board | 6 ft | 40 sq ft | — | — | — | Accessory to drive-through | — | Unlock | 18.58.050(s); 18.58.070(e)-(h) |
| Institutional Sign | 6 ft | 20 sq ft (single); 40 sq ft (double face) | — | — | 1 per lot | On institution's property | — | Unlock | 18.58.050(t); 18.58.070(e)-(h) |
| Ornamental Entry Sign (Commercial District) | 8 ft | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per access | Private property at access point | — | Unlock | 18.58.050(u); 18.58.070(e)-(h) |
| Large-Scale Development Sign | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | 10 ft/side | 15 ft from property lines | 1 per dev, 2 if multi street | Ground-mounted on ≥5 acre dev only during construction | — | Unlock | 18.58.050(w); 18.58.070(e)-(h) |
| Real Estate Sign | 9 ft (multi-family/comm); 6 ft (single family) | 16 sq ft (multi-family or commercial buildings) | — | ≥3 ft from line | 1 | Front yard, ≥3 ft from property line | — | Unlock | 18.58.100(j)(3); 18.58.070(e)-(h) |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Westchester — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 5 zones for Westchester — start freeProhibited Signs in Westchester
- Any sign not expressly permitted by these regulations shall be prohibited.
- No sign shall project into the normal line of vision of any motor vehicle in a public street, within one hundred fifty feet of a traffic signal, or at a street or railroad intersection.
- No sign shall be attached to any tree, fence, or public utility pole, other than warning signs installed by public utilities or governmental bodies.
- No sign shall imitate or resemble any official traffic control device.
- No sign shall hide or interfere with the effectiveness of any official traffic control device.
- No exposed reflective type bulb, strobe or fluorescent light bulb shall be used on any sign.
- Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, signs that move or have moving parts are prohibited, whether or not such signs are illuminated.
- No sign visible from the street shall contain the words 'Danger' or 'Stop' or otherwise simulate any traffic sign or signal erected by any governmental body.
- Flashing signs, rotating or moving signs, animated signs, signs with moving lights, or creating the illusion of movement, and flashing or moving lights shall not be permitted.
- Outlining buildings or premises by use of exposed neon tubing, strings of lights, or by any similar method is prohibited.
- Vehicle signs are prohibited in all districts.
- Trailer signs are prohibited in all districts.
- Signs mounted on a roof of a building are prohibited in all districts.
- Signs painted directly on a wall are prohibited in all districts.
- Signs located on the public right-of-way, unless the sign is property of a governmental body, or allowed with permission of the authority having jurisdiction of the right-of-way, are prohibited in all districts.
- Exposed chain, metal, iron, guy wires or other similar non-architectural materials used as the sign superstructure are prohibited in all districts.
- Temporary use of vehicles as signs is specifically prohibited.
- Temporary use of portable trailer signs is specifically prohibited.
Exempt Signs in Westchester
- Government signs when located on public right-of-way.
- Holiday decorations, provided that such decorations shall be displayed for a period of not more than sixty days for each holiday.
- Name plate signs, subject to specified limitations: limited to one wall sign per occupancy, no more than one square foot in area, not allowed in residential multi-family developments, no more than four per building, and calculated in total allowable sign surface area.
- Flags or symbols of state, village, fraternal, religious or civic organizations, provided that if the flag pole is over twenty-five feet in height, a special use shall be required, flags may not exceed twenty-four square feet in area, and no more than one flag pole per property.
- Private warning signs (e.g., 'No Trespassing', 'Beware of Dog', 'No Solicitation'), no more than two per property, each no more than two square feet.
- Garage sale signs as regulated by Section 18.58.100(g).
- Campaign/political signs as regulated by Section 18.58.100(j)(2).
- Open house signs as regulated by Section 18.58.100(j)(4).
- Window promotional signs as regulated by Section 18.58.050(n).
- Address signs.
- Legal notice signs required pursuant to federal, state, county, or local law are not subject to any further regulation.
- Real estate signs.
- Directional signs.
- Signs required in accordance with Chapter 8.16 of the municipal code.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Westchester
- Every application for a sign permit must be accompanied by plans and specifications showing the location, method of construction, illumination, and support of the sign.
- A scale drawing showing sign faces, exposed surfaces, and proposed message and design must be included in the permit application.
- Photographs showing all existing signs on the property and a calculation of the total existing sign area are required with permit applications.
- Written permission from the property owner is required if the applicant is not the owner.
- For variations from sign height, area, or location regulations, a meeting/hearing and recommendation from the plan and zoning commission is required, according to the variance (variation) process of the Village Zoning Ordinance.
- Special uses (such as off-site LED electronic billboards, electronic message board signs in specified locations) require approval via special use procedure as provided in the Village Zoning Ordinance. This may require a plan commission hearing or equivalent review process.
- Permit applications for neon and tube signs and outlining elements must be submitted before any work is performed.
Source: municode municipal code