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| General Issues Regarding the Regulation of Signs in Unincorporated Will County |
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Why Does Will County Regulate Signs?
The Will County Land Use Department - Planning & Zoning Division regulates the design, placement and maintenance of signs in order to protect property values by ensuring signs are appropriate, compatible with the surrounding character of the area, allow for safe and free flow of traffic, and that new signs don’t block existing signs.
Will County’s sign regulations establish minimum and maximum standards for display of signs in direct relationship to the functional use of property and to the intensity of development as permitted within zoning districts that are provided in the Will County Zoning Ordinance.
Types of Signs Allowed
Outdoor signs are allowed in all zoning districts, but not all outdoor signs are allowed in all zoning districts. Here is a summary of the types of signs allowed by zoning district:
Residential districts – nameplate and identification signs; “for sale” or “for rent” signs; and parking area signs. No sign in a residential district may be flashing or illuminated. Please see the Will County Zoning Ordinance for specific details.
Commercial districts – all signs permitted in residential districts; signs on marquees, canopies and awnings; signs on standards; shopping center signs; wall signs; illuminated signs; and advertising signs.
Industrial districts – all signs permitted in commercial districts, billboards (may require a special use permit); and on-premise signs.
Agricultural districts – signs pertaining to the sale of products produced on the premises.
Maintenance and Alteration of Signs
All signs must be maintained in a safe, presentable and structurally sound condition at all times. Routine maintenance on signs is encouraged to maintain signs in presentable condition.
When it is deemed necessary to enlarge, extend, relocate, or rebuild an existing sign, you must ensure that signs conform to the Will County Zoning Ordinance.
Exemptions
The following are examples of signs that are exempt from Will County’s sign regulations (see Section 13 of the Will County Zoning Ordinance for specifics):
Memorials placed on private property
Address numerals and signs with the names of the occupants
Government flags and insignias, when not used for commercial purposes
Legal notices
“For Sale”, “For Rent” or “For Lease” signs
Temporary political signs
Highway directional signs
Church and school signs
How to Obtain a Permit
The following steps should be completed to obtain a sign permit in unincorporated Will County:
Contact the Zoning Division – Briefly describe the type and location of the desired sign. Zoning officials will describe specific requirements as well as the sign application procedure
Complete Sign Permit Application Applications for sign permits may be obtained from the Zoning Division
Submit the Application, Register the Sign & Pay the Applicable Fee If your application meets the requirements of the Zoning Division and all fees have been paid, your application will be approved
Obtain a Building Permit – if your desired sign requires a building permit (such as if the sign needs electrical service), you may apply for the permit upon approval of your sign permit application by the Zoning Division
Contact the Will County Planning & Zoning Division for more information
Frequently Asked Questions
How high can I construct a sign on my property?
Sign height varies depending on the zoning district it will be placed in and the sign function. Contact the Zoning Division at 815-727-8850 for more information, or click here to send email.
Can I have a political sign in my front yard?
Temporary political signs are exempt from regulation provided 1) they are erected not more than 60 prior to an upcoming election, 2) are removed within 6 days after an election, 3) the total copy area does not exceed 32 square feet per zoning lot, and 4) no sign shall exceed 6 feet in height above grade. In addition, all political signs must be placed on private property only.
Can I put a garage sale or business sign on a telephone pole or chain-link fence?
No, this is a violation of Section 13.10(4) of the Will County Zoning Ordinance.
Can I light my sign?
Illuminated signs are allowed only in commercial zoning districts and must meet specific requirements. Contact the Zoning Division at 815-727-8850 for more information or click here to send email.