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Signs are an important part of any successful business, but it is often forgotten that signs become an important part of the landscape. The Village of Mount Prospect has developed these sign guidelines to help promote strong business practices while preserving the image of the Village. The complete sign code is available on line or for purchase through the Village Clerk’s Office. We hope this information is helpful. If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the Community Development Department at 847-818-5328.

Q: How big can the sign be?

A: Sign size is controlled by the type of street, the land use, and proximity to residential lot lines. For wall signs, the sizes range for 20% of the signable area in a residential zone to 50% in a commercial zone. Two detailed charts are included in the sign ordinance (Section 7.315). One chart contains limits for signs within 100 ft of residential property and the other outside of 100 of residential property. The Sign Ordinance can be found on line. Here and on the back are examples of calculating the sign area or size.

Q: What is the “signable area”?

A. Basically, a rectangle (or triangle for gabled buildings) on the building façade that is unbroken by windows, doors or architectural features. See illustration below.

Q: How many signs can there be?

A. For free standing and wall signs, there can be one per street frontage. In some cases, such as a rear entrance, an additional wall sign is allowed.

Q: Do I need a permit for special events?

A: Yes! Any special event/grand opening sign such as a balloon or searchlight requires a permit. There are four (4) special event permits allowed per business per year. Balloons can only be spherical in shape and not be larger than 40’ in height and 20’ in diameter. Searchlights must be turned off between 11:00 pm and 7:00 am. Any special event sign can up a maximum of four (4) consecutive days.

Banners are exempt as long as:

there is only one (1) per street frontage
it is securely fastened on private property
it is displayed for no more than thirty (30 days)
no more than two special event banners are displayed
per business per year

Permit Process
Sign permit applications are available from the Building Division on the first floor of Village Hall. Please submit the following:

Scaled site plan: if free standing, showing location of sign, landscape details, and distance between signs and buildings
Building Elevations (4 copies), for non-freestanding signs, a scaled drawing showing the face of the building where the sign will be placed; all windows, doors, roof lines, and other architectural elements; all dimensions and signable area where the sign will be placed; location and the size of the sign on the building face including height above grade

Sign Elevations (4 copies, at least 1 color) showing all dimensions of the sign, description of the materials, colors and finishes, all specifications of the sign face including size and color of letters and graphic elements

Site Photo (1 Photo copy’ color preferred)

$25.00 Deposit which is nonrefundable and will be applied towards the permit fee upon approval

For more information, please contact:

Community Development Department
50 South Emerson
Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056
Phone: 847-818-5328
Fax: 847-818-5329
E-mail: