# Sign Regulations in Wilmette, Illinois

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Wilmette, Illinois, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Wilmette, Illinois (IL)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/illinois/wilmette
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-09
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/IL/Wilmette/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=COOR_APXAZOOR_ART30-16SI)

## At a glance

Wilmette, Illinois regulates 17 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Ground Signs in the Village Center (VC) zoning district are capped at 10 ft (if oriented to street other than Green Bay Rd, Lake Ave, Skokie Blvd); 15 ft (if oriented to one of those three streets) tall and 30 sq ft (Sec. Sec. 30-16.10(d), Table 16-1). Most commercial signs in Wilmette require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (8 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Village Center (VC) | 6 | 10 ft (if oriented to street other than Green Bay Rd, Lake Ave, Skokie Blvd); 15 ft (if oriented to one of those three streets) | 30 sq ft | — |
| Linden Square (NR-1) | 5 | 5 in | Max 20% of window area (10% if wall/awning sign present) | — |
| North Green Bay Road, Ridge Road, General Commercial (GC-1), General Commercial (GC-2) | 6 | 10 ft (if oriented to street other than Green Bay Rd, Lake Ave, Skokie Blvd); 15 ft (if oriented to one of those three streets only) | 30 sq ft | — |
| Skoke and Old Glenview, Wilmette and Skokie, West Lake Avenue, Office Research (OR) | 5 | 7 ft (in OR District); otherwise 10 ft (if oriented to street other than Green Bay Rd, Lake Ave, Skokie Blvd); 15 ft (if oriented to one of those three streets only) | 30 sq ft | — |
| Residential Zoning Districts | 5 | 7 ft | 10 sq ft | — |
| Non-residential Districts | 1 | 42 in | 6 sq ft per face; 12 sq ft total | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 5 | 7 ft | 40 sq ft | — |

_1 additional zoning district is covered in PermitPal (free account)._

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 8 zones)

### Village Center (VC)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Awning Sign | — | — | — | Cannot extend beyond point two (2) feet inside curb line | No explicit limit in text for awning signs, but only one per street frontage implied by Table 16-1 | Attached to building, not beyond point two (2) feet inside the curb line; 8' minimum clearance above ground | — | Sec. 30-16.10(b), Table 16-1 |
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | One (1) per street frontage | Affixed flat against building wall, min. 8' above ground, max 12" projection from wall, cannot cover windows/doors/features | — | Sec. 30-16.10(j), Table 16-1 |
| Ground Sign | 10 ft (if oriented to street other than Green Bay Rd, Lake Ave, Skokie Blvd); 15 ft (if oriented to one of those three streets) | 30 sq ft | — | — | One per 100' frontage; additional for every 300' beyond first 300', 100' separation | Oriented to roadway with minimum 100' street frontage; additional sign per 300' additional frontage, min. 100' separation | — | Sec. 30-16.10(d), Table 16-1 |
| Window Sign - Permanent | — | Max 20% of window area (10% if wall/awning sign present) | — | — | — | Windows | — | Sec. 30-16.10(k), Table 16-1 |
| Projecting Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | One (1) per business | Perpendicular to street; min 8' height clearance above ground; not above building height | — | Sec. 30-16.10(g), Table 16-1 |
| Valance Sign | 5 in | — | — | — | One per awning | Awning valance | — | Sec. 30-16.10(a)(1)(A), Table 16-1 |

### North Green Bay Road, Ridge Road, General Commercial (GC-1), General Commercial (GC-2)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Awning Sign | — | — | — | Cannot extend beyond point two (2) feet inside curb line | — | Attached to building, not beyond point two (2) feet inside the curb line; 8' minimum clearance above ground | — | Sec. 30-16.10(b), Table 16-1 |
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | One (1) per street frontage | Affixed flat against building wall, min. 8' above ground, max 12" projection from wall, cannot cover windows/doors/features | — | Sec. 30-16.10(j), Table 16-1 |
| Ground Sign | 10 ft (if oriented to street other than Green Bay Rd, Lake Ave, Skokie Blvd); 15 ft (if oriented to one of those three streets only) | 30 sq ft | — | — | One per 100' frontage; additional for every 300' beyond first 300', 100' separation | Oriented to roadway with minimum 100' street frontage; additional sign per 300' additional frontage, min. 100' separation | — | Sec. 30-16.10(d), Table 16-1 |
| Window Sign - Permanent | — | Max 20% of window area (10% if wall/awning sign present) | — | — | — | Windows | — | Sec. 30-16.10(k), Table 16-1 |
| Projecting Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | One (1) per business | Perpendicular to street; min 8' height clearance above ground; not above building height | — | Sec. 30-16.10(g), Table 16-1 |
| Valance Sign | 5 in | — | — | — | One per awning | Awning valance | — | Sec. 30-16.10(a)(1)(A), Table 16-1 |

### Residential Zoning Districts

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Commercial Use) | — | — | — | — | One (1) per street frontage | Street frontage only | — | Sec. 30-16.10(a)(1)(B) |
| Projecting Sign (Commercial Use) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | One (1) per street frontage | Perpendicular to street; min 8' height clearance above ground; not above building height | — | Sec. 30-16.10(a)(1)(B), (g) |
| Wall Sign (Institutional Use) | — | — | — | — | One (1) per street frontage | Street frontage only | — | Sec. 30-16.10(a)(1)(C) |
| Ground Sign (Institutional Use) | 7 ft | 10 sq ft | — | — | One (1) per street frontage | Street frontage only | — | Sec. 30-16.10(a)(1)(C), (d)(2)(A), (d)(3)(A) |
| Ground Sign (Townhouse/Stacked Flat/Multi-family; min 20 units, 100' street frontage) | 7 ft | 10 sq ft | — | — | — | Oriented to street on which it fronts | — | Sec. 30-16.10(a)(2), (d)(2)(A), (d)(3)(A) |

## Prohibited signs in Wilmette

- It is unlawful to erect, relocate or structurally alter any sign without first obtaining a sign permit from the Village, unless specifically exempted.
- Obsolete signs (signs for businesses or products no longer on premises) must be removed within 20 days of notice, or may be removed by the Village at the owner's expense.
- No sign may be placed on private property without owner consent and, if applicable, a sign permit.
- No sign mounted on the exterior of a structure may cover any windows, doors or architectural features other than doorway transoms.
- All signs must comply with the construction, installation, material, safety, wind load, electrical, and illumination standards of the ordinance.
- All signs must be maintained in a clean, sanitary and inoffensive condition, and free from noxious substances, rubbish and weeds.
- All signs, and the premises surrounding the sign, must be maintained and signs must be repainted or otherwise maintained to prevent corrosion or deterioration.
- If a sign is unsafe, insecure, or a menace to the public, or erected in violation of the ordinance, it must be removed or altered within 20 days of notice; the Village may remove it at the permit holder's or owner's expense, immediately if it is an immediate peril.
- Signs are limited to seven items of information, subject to exceptions (directory, sidewalk, menu board signs, etc.).
- All signs on a lot must be related to goods/services sold or offered on the premises (except non-commercial and political signs).
- The following specific sign types are prohibited: animated signs (including electronic display/message signs); attention-getting devices (strobes, spotlights, floodlights); box signs; flashing signs; moving signs; obscene signs; off-premise signs (unless specifically permitted); signs painted directly on walls, roofs, fascia, parapets, chimneys, or fences; portable signs (excluding sidewalk signs); roof signs; signs that interfere with ingress/egress from doors/windows/fire escapes; signs that interfere with traffic (obstructing vision, resembling or interfering with traffic signals, etc.); vehicle advertising signs (except on public transit vehicles); neon signs within a residential district or within 66 feet of one.
- No sign illumination may exceed 75 footcandles, and must be shielded to prevent glare on roads or adjacent property.
- No sign may be illuminated between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless the activity displaying the sign is open for business; exceptions may be granted for safety/security purposes.
- No wall or window sign may cover windows, doors, or architectural features.
- No sidewalk sign may obstruct ingress/egress, be placed within 5 feet of wheelchair ramps/curb cuts, or create a visual obstruction/hazard.

## Signs exempt from permit in Wilmette

- Alteration and maintenance operations such as changing copy on existing changeable copy signs, painting, cleaning, and other normal maintenance not involving changes to appearance, location, size, structural, or electrical components.
- House numbers as required by code and house nameplates (limited to 60 square inches).
- Banners for non-residential uses, subject to area, number, height, and duration restrictions.
- Construction signs and construction fence signage, subject to area, number, content, and removal/duration rules.
- Directional or instructional signs accessory to parking/driveways, subject to size and content restrictions.
- Signs guiding persons to public facilities (restrooms, phones, walkways, etc.) with no advertising.
- Event signs (business openings/closings, founding anniversaries), subject to area and duration restrictions.
- Flags bearing official national, state, or local designs.
- Garage/yard/house sale signs (private property only, size and duration restricted).
- Government and public signs displayed or required/authorized by government/law.
- Holiday decorations and signs displayed for civic, patriotic, or religious holidays.
- Informational matter on gasoline pumps, vending machines, ATMs, entry doors (push/pull/open/closed), and business hours/credit cards accepted.
- Memorial plaques, cornerstones, historical plaques, and similar non-commercial signs.
- Political/non-commercial message signs posted on private property with permission, but without advertising goods/services.
- Property management signs (must be wall signs, limited in size).
- Real estate signs for sale/lease, subject to location, size, number, and removal conditions.
- Restaurant menu signs containing only current menus/specials (must be wall/window signs, size limited).
- Information on theater marquees relating to current movies or performances.
- Temporary window signs (area and time limits, no off-premise advertising except non-commercial messages).
- Window wrap signs for commercial storefronts under specific conditions (vacant/under construction, coverage and text size limits).

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Unless specifically exempt, a sign permit is required for erection, relocation, or structural alteration of any sign.
- An Appearance Review Certificate must be issued by the Appearance Review Commission before a sign permit may be issued.
- For a building's signable area, a written description or sketch must be filed with the Zoning Administrator by the building owner or occupant. Failure to do so within 20 days after request will result in the Zoning Administrator establishing the signable area.
- Permit for sidewalk signs is required; applicant must sign a compliance statement and indemnification or provide insurance.
- A Local Sign Ordinance (such as for a shopping center or office building) may be submitted for Village Board approval. If approved, it controls in lieu of the Article, and signs conforming to the approved Local Sign Ordinance are exempt from the Appearance Review Certificate requirement, but still require a permit from the Zoning Administrator.
- No explicit requirement for a master sign plan or a variance meeting for sign approval is listed in the provided text, but submission of a Local Sign Ordinance and compliance with its application/review process effectively acts as a plan for multi-tenant developments.

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 8 zoning districts in Wilmette — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Wilmette+IL&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-wilmette

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