Sign Regulations in Westmont, Illinois
Westmont, Illinois has specific sign regulations covering 16 sign types across 18 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Ground Sign, Wall Sign, Electronic Message Board 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 Westmont, Illinois
Sample Sign Requirements in Westmont
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | 18 feet | — | — |
| Ground Sign | 8 feet (base 50% width up to 8 ft, 75% if taller); 10 feet for wayfinding signs in O/R; 20 feet if within 660 ft of IL Rt 83 (special district). | Up to 50% of overall allowed signage; shopping centers or multi-tenant devs: up to 200 sq ft per ground sign. | 10' between signs, 25' from property lines for wayfinding, 5' min from drives (temporary). |
| Temporary Sign | 8 feet (only for freestanding) | 32 sq ft (8 ft high freestanding max) | 5’ from property lines; 15’ from drives; not in corner triangles. |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for WestmontFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
16
- Ground Sign
- Wall Sign
- Electronic Message Board Sign
- Sandwich Board Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
18
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Westmont
Other Cities in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
In Westmont, wall signs can be up to 18 feet. 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 Westmont, 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 Westmont, regulated sign types include Ground Sign, Wall Sign, Electronic Message Board Sign, Sandwich Board 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 Westmont 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 Westmont are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Westmont has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
AI-Powered Research
Ready to Research Westmont Sign Permits?
Stop spending hours searching through municipal codes. Get instant access to Westmont, Illinois sign regulations with PermitPal's AI-powered platform.
No credit card required · Get results in seconds
Westmont, Illinois Sign Rules at a Glance
Westmont, Illinois regulates 16 sign types across 18 zoning districts. Ground Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 8 feet (base 50% width up to 8 ft, 75% if taller); 10 feet for wayfinding signs in O/R; 20 feet if within 660 ft of IL Rt 83 (special district). tall and Up to 50% of overall allowed signage; shopping centers or multi-tenant devs: up to 200 sq ft per ground sign., with a 10' between signs, 25' from property lines for wayfinding, 5' min from drives (temporary). setback (Sec. Sec. 11.07(B), 11.10 Chart, 11.07(D)(8), 11.08(C), 11.08(F)). Most commercial signs in Westmont require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Westmont, Illinois
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Westmont (18 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 6 | 18 feet | Up to 50% of overall allowed signage; shopping centers or multi-tenant devs: up to 200 sq ft per ground sign. | — |
| Residential District (including R-4, R-5, R-6) | 7 | 18 feet | Electronic area up to 40% of ground sign, up to 75% if monument style | — |
| Single-family dwelling | 2 | 18 feet | 1 sq ft | — |
| Two- & three-family dwellings | 2 | 18 feet | 1 sq ft | — |
| Multiple-family dwelling | 3 | 18 feet | 8 sq ft per side | — |
| Central Business District (B-1 south of Naperville Road and north of Dallas Street) | 4 | 18 feet | 8 sq ft per side | — |
| B-1 District | 4 | 18 feet | 8 sq ft per side | — |
| B-2 District | 4 | 18 feet | Up to 40% of ground sign area/75% if monument style | — |
| B-3 District | 4 | 18 feet | 300 sq ft | — |
| C-1 District | 4 | 18 feet | Up to 40% of ground sign area / 75% if monument style | — |
| O/R Office/Research District (O/R, O/R-1) | 3 | 18 feet | Up to 40% of ground sign area / 75% if monument style | — |
| Manufacturing District (M) | 3 | 18 feet | Up to 40% of ground sign area / 75% if monument style | — |
| Educational, Recreational, Institutional & Public Service Districts | 3 | 18 feet | Up to 40% of ground sign area / 75% if monument style | — |
| Off-street parking lot | 1 | 10 feet | 20 sq ft | — |
| New Developments (Residential) | 1 | 12 feet | 100 sq ft | — |
| New Developments (All other uses) | 2 | 20 feet | 50 sq ft | — |
| Advertising signs district (within 660 feet of Ill. Route 83 and U.S. Route 34) | 1 | 20 feet above grade (or roadway if higher) | 200 sq ft | — |
| Nonresidential Districts | 1 | 8 feet | 32 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Westmont(sample of 3 of 18 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | 18 feet | — | — | — | 1; 2 on corner lots (see details); see exceptions. | Oriented to street frontage; additional signage under specified circumstances. | — | Unlock | Sec. 11.07(A), 11.10 Chart, 11.07(D)(9), 11.08(B) |
| Ground Sign | 8 feet (base 50% width up to 8 ft, 75% if taller); 10 feet for wayfinding signs in O/R; 20 feet if within 660 ft of IL Rt 83 (special district). | Up to 50% of overall allowed signage; shopping centers or multi-tenant devs: up to 200 sq ft per ground sign. | — | 10' between signs, 25' from property lines for wayfinding, 5' min from drives (temporary). | 1 per lot, 2 on corner lots with street access; Shopping centers: 1 per street frontage. | On property, oriented to street. Shopping centers: one per frontage. | — | Unlock | Sec. 11.07(B), 11.10 Chart, 11.07(D)(8), 11.08(C), 11.08(F) |
| Temporary Sign | 8 feet (only for freestanding) | 32 sq ft (8 ft high freestanding max) | — | 5’ from property lines; 15’ from drives; not in corner triangles. | 1 per business; multi-tenant: 1 per frontage | Attached to building or anchored freestanding; not in sight triangles; min 5’ from property lines and 15’ from drives. | — | Unlock | Sec. 11.07(C) |
| Projecting Sign | Placed max 15’ above grade; structure incl. lights max 18’ | 6 sq ft per side (10 sq ft for corner blade sign) | — | — | 1 per eligible façade | Permitted in B-1; per 1st floor business façade or parking-lot entry; single 45° sign for corners. | — | Unlock | Sec. 11.07(D)(6) |
| Electronic Message Board Sign | — | Up to 40% of ground sign face, up to 75% if monument style | — | — | Accessory (see 'ground sign') | Mounted or located below identification area on primary ground sign | — | Unlock | Sec. 11.07(D)(8) |
| Open Sales Lot Sign | — | — | — | — | See additional requirements | On open sales lots (and gasoline stations/car dealerships per Note) | — | Unlock | Sec. 11.07(D)(5) |
Residential District (including R-4, R-5, R-6)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Single-family dwelling) | 18 feet | 1 sq ft | — | — | 1 | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 11.10 Chart |
| Wall Sign (Two- & three-family dwellings) | 18 feet | 1 sq ft | — | — | 1 | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 11.10 Chart |
| Wall Sign (Multiple-family dwelling) | 18 feet | 0.5 sq ft per dwelling, max 30 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 11.10 Chart |
| Ground Sign (Multiple-family dwelling) | 18 feet | 0.5 sq ft per dwelling, max 30 sq ft | — | 8' from front, 1' side, 10' between signs. | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 11.10 Chart |
| Ground Sign (Single-family, Two- & three-family dwellings) | 18 feet | 1 sq ft | — | — | 1 | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 11.10 Chart |
| Electronic Message Board Sign (Educational, governmental, religious uses) | — | Electronic area up to 40% of ground sign, up to 75% if monument style | — | — | Accessory | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 11.07(D)(8) |
| Sandwich Board Sign (multiple-family, R-4, R-5, R-6 only) | 4 feet | 8 sq ft per side | — | 5 feet from property lines | 1 per street frontage | On private property | — | Unlock | Sec. 11.11(E)(4) |
Central Business District (B-1 south of Naperville Road and north of Dallas Street)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | 18 feet | — | — | — | — | On wall; see general wall sign rules for corner lots, entrances | — | Unlock | Sec. 11.10 Chart, footnotes 4,5,12 |
| Ground Sign | 16 feet | — | — | 4’ front, 5’ side, 10’ between signs | 1 per lot, up to 2 on corner lots with street access | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 11.07(B), 11.10 Chart |
| Projecting Sign | Sign: 15 ft; structure incl lights: 18 ft | 6 sq ft/side (10 sq ft for corner blade) | — | — | 1 per eligible façade | On eligible façades; at 45° on corner option | — | Unlock | Sec. 11.07(D)(6) |
| Sandwich Board Sign | 4 feet | 8 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 per business | On private and PUBLIC sidewalks in front of business (must allow 5’ path) | — | Unlock | Sec. 11.11(E)(2) |
PermitPal covers all 18 zoning districts in Westmont — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 18 zones for Westmont — start freeProhibited Signs in Westmont
- It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, enlarge, alter or maintain any sign without first obtaining a permit from the community development department, except as otherwise provided.
- Signs or advertising structures shall not be erected at street intersections in a manner that obstructs free and clear vision or may be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device.
- No sign shall use words or symbols such as 'stop,' 'look,' 'drive-in,' 'danger,' or other phrases that interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.
- No sign or advertising structure may display matter that predominantly appeals to prurient interest.
- All new wall signs must be individual letter; new cabinet or box type signs are prohibited.
- Pole signs are prohibited.
- No ground sign shall be placed nearer than ten feet to any other sign, nor so as to obscure the view from the public right-of-way of any other sign on adjacent property.
- Signs shall not obstruct or impede traffic flow, or be placed in sight or corner vision triangles for public roadways.
- No flashing, blinking, incandescent, or stroboscopic lights shall be permitted.
- No sign, including temporary signs, shall be located, erected, altered, or maintained on the roof of a building.
- No sign shall project above the building wall unless designed as an architectural element such as a marquee.
- No sign may obstruct any fire escape, window, door, or opening used for egress or firefighting, nor be attached to a fire escape or interfere with any required ventilation opening.
- No sign shall be placed in, on, or above any street, alley, park, parkway, sidewalk, or other public place, except as expressly permitted.
- No sign shall be placed on fences, except as expressly permitted.
- No sign shall be placed on utility poles, street lights, electric traffic signals, or other public poles or posts.
- Off-premises commercial advertising signs are prohibited except as expressly permitted.
- Projecting signs are prohibited except as expressly permitted.
- Signs advertising terminated businesses or uses are prohibited.
- Wind-driven devices, signage with flashing, blinking, or movement, balloon or inflatable devices are prohibited.
- Temporary signs attached to vehicles are prohibited.
- Signs in any location in violation of the zoning ordinance are prohibited.
- Signs shall not be painted on or glued/adhered to exterior building walls; wire, strips of wood or nails cannot be used to secure signs.
- Vinyl and fabric signs are considered temporary signs and are not permitted as permanent signs.
- No repair or alteration that increases the size of a nonconforming sign is permitted.
- No nonconforming sign may be moved in whole or in part to a new location unless it is brought into compliance with all regulations.
- No message on an electronic message board sign may flash, animate, create the illusion of movement, or use live or pre-recorded video.
- Electronic message board sign messages may not change more frequently than once every five seconds.
- Signs shall not be illuminated so as to project light toward residence districts or in a way that resembles a traffic signal.
Exempt Signs in Westmont
- Address numbers (non-illuminated or directly illuminated) located on the structure.
- Signs erected by a governmental body, or under the direction of a governmental body (traffic signs, railroad crossing signs, safety signs, public facility identification signs).
- Signs erected by not-for-profit organizations located within the village and funded wholly or in part by the village (subject to advance village board approval of time, location, and size).
- On residential properties (excluding multiple-family): flags displaying only non-commercial speech, images, or messages.
- On residential properties (excluding multiple-family): real estate signs not exceeding nine square feet and six feet in height advertising the sale or lease of the premises (one per street frontage).
- On residential properties (excluding multiple-family): temporary construction or contractor yard signs, one per lot, not exceeding six square feet and six feet in height, removed within 30 days after completion.
- On residential properties (excluding multiple-family): temporary non-commercial, non-illuminated wall and ground signs up to four square feet in area and five feet in height.
- On commercial properties (including multiple-family residential): flags displaying only non-commercial speech, images, or messages.
- On commercial properties (including multiple-family residential): real estate signs not exceeding 32 square feet and eight feet in height for sale or lease of premises (one per street frontage).
- On commercial properties: temporary construction signs for active projects, not to exceed 32 square feet per sign, placed on the property or construction fencing, removed within three days after completion.
- On commercial properties: entry, exit, or on-premises traffic direction signs not exceeding five square feet per side (nine square feet in O/R District), total ten square feet (18 in O/R), and three feet in height (six in O/R).
- On commercial properties: bulletin boards not to exceed 32 square feet for public, charitable, or religious institutions.
- On commercial properties: non-advertising business signs (hours, help wanted, open/closed, etc.), up to two signs per business, each limited to four square feet.
- Memorial signs or tablets, names, and date of erection cut into masonry or constructed of bronze or other incombustible materials.
- Professional nameplates or name/address plates (wall-mounted), displaying only business/resident name and address, limited to one square foot.
- On-premises signs denoting building sections (lavatories, phones), up to two square feet per side, no commercial advertising.
- Window signs of paper or similar materials, not to exceed 40% of window area, not prohibiting transparency or causing safety hazard. (Business operation signs are exempt from this window signage rule.)
- Menu boards for restaurants with drive-through lanes (no more than two per property, total area not exceeding 50 square feet), provided they are not used for additional advertising to attract more street customers.
- Restaurant menu displays up to four square feet, enclosed in glass or plexiglass, one per restaurant.
- Pennants or logo flags on private light poles in nonresidential districts, one per pole, not exceeding four square feet, attached with a rigid frame.
- On commercial properties: temporary non-commercial, non-illuminated wall and ground signs up to 12 square feet, five feet in height, placed on private property (not in sight triangles).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Westmont
- All new ground sign structures must have plans prepared by an Illinois licensed architect or structural engineer for permit approval, except that this requirement may be waived at the discretion of the economic development director.
- All newly constructed ground signs require a landscape plan with permit application and must meet landscaping standards.
- Electronic message board sign permit applications must include proof that the sign module has dimmer controls able to meet village light emission standards.
- Special event banners or posters over the public right-of-way require approval by the board of trustees as part of special event permit approval.
- Multi-tenant shopping centers may change single panels on monument signs to reflect tenant changes without full sign alteration.
- For some sign types in certain districts (e.g., projecting signs encroaching over public property), a license agreement with the village is required, executed by the economic development director.
- Variations from these regulations (exceptions) may be granted by the board of trustees, in which case those signs are not considered nonconforming.
- In residential districts, electronic message board signs for educational, governmental, and religious uses require a special use permit pursuant to article XIII, section 13.09.
- Signs for 'other uses' (not specified in the chart) require approval by the Village Board.
Source: municode municipal code