Local Sign Laws in Oak Brook, IL

Oak Brook is a well‑planned village in DuPage County, Illinois, known for its upscale residential neighborhoods, strong business community and the popular Oakbrook Center shopping mall. Because the village wants to maintain an attractive appearance and protect public safety, it adopted a detailed sign ordinance that regulates the design, placement and maintenance of all signs visible from public rights‑of‑way. Understanding these local laws is essential for business owners, developers, property managers and residents who plan to install permanent or temporary signage. This article summarizes the key provisions of Oak Brook’s sign regulations, explains the permitting process and provides practical guidance on how to comply with the rules. The final section includes a call to action for those who need professional help navigating the sign code.

Purpose and scope of the Oak Brook sign ordinance

The Oak Brook sign ordinance begins by explaining why the village regulates signs. The stated purpose is to promote and protect public health, safety and welfare, reduce the depreciation of property values caused by incompatible signs, create a more attractive economic and business climate in commercial and office areas, enhance and protect the physical appearance of all areas of the village and reduce distractions and hazards for pedestrians and drivers. In other words, the village sees thoughtfully designed signage as an important part of community aesthetics and economic vitality, while poorly designed or excessive signs can create clutter and harm property values.

The scope of the ordinance clarifies that the regulations apply to the erection, enlargement, expansion, alteration, operation, maintenance, relocation and removal of all signs visible from any street, sidewalk or public or private open space. Any sign not expressly permitted is prohibited. The regulations govern both on‑premises and off‑premises signs and apply to permanent signs such as channel letters and monument signs as well as temporary signs like banners, political signs and contractor job site signs. Signs inside buildings that are not visible from outside are not regulated, but storefront windows displaying signage or advertisements facing a street fall under the ordinance.

When a sign permit is required

Section 13‑11‑3 of the ordinance states that no sign may be erected, enlarged, expanded, altered, relocated or maintained without first obtaining a village sign permit, except for signs listed in section 13‑11‑6 (signs permitted without a permit). Routine sign maintenance such as replacing light bulbs, repainting or changing interchangeable sign copy does not require a permit as long as it does not change the functional classification of the sign. The village uses the permitting process to ensure that each sign meets size, location, illumination and structural requirements and fits into the overall signage plan for the property.

Application requirements

Applicants must submit detailed plans and documentation with their permit application. Required materials include:

• Plans and specifications showing the sign’s location on the lot or building and the method of construction, illumination and support.
  
• Scale drawings showing the sign faces, exposed surfaces, proposed message, design, size and color.
  
• A landscape plan for monument signs showing proposed plantings around the sign base.
  
• Photographs of the property showing existing signs.
  
• Calculations of the total amount of sign area currently on the property.
  
• Evidence of a valid village business license if the sign is accessory to a business.
  
• An attestation that the total sign area does not exceed the maximum allowed for the property.
  

Because Oak Brook reviews signs individually rather than issuing blanket approvals, these detailed submissions help the village verify compliance. Businesses planning major redevelopment or new construction often consult architects and signage professionals to prepare these materials.

General standards applicable to all signs

Section 13‑11‑4 sets out baseline standards that apply to every sign in Oak Brook regardless of type or zoning district. Key requirements include:

Illumination standards

• Shielding and positioning of light sources: External artificial light sources must be located, shielded and directed so they are not directly visible from public streets or nearby residences. Light fixtures at the base of a sign must be screened by site grading or evergreen shrubs; no unscreened light sources are permitted.
  
• Maximum illumination levels: Sign illumination may not exceed 175 foot‑candles when measured perpendicular to the sign at a distance equal to the narrowest dimension of the sign face. At the property line, illumination may not exceed 0.5 foot‑candles. These limits prevent glare and light pollution.
  
• No flashing or moving lights: The ordinance prohibits flashing, blinking or intermittent lights except for public service signs (such as time and temperature displays) expressly permitted by the section.
  
• External vs. internal illumination: External illumination must be provided by a white, steady, stationary light directed solely at the sign and shielded from adjacent properties and rights‑of‑way. Internal illumination must use white lighting with primary and secondary images lit or silhouetted on an opaque background; additional illuminated borders or outlines are not permitted.
  

Landscaping and aesthetics

Permanent ground signs must have their bases landscaped so they are concealed from public view. The landscaping must extend at least three feet beyond all sign faces in all directions. Exposed foundations must be constructed with finished materials such as brick, stone or wood, and landscaping cannot block addresses or other critical information. These requirements encourage attractive integration of signs into building sites.

Electrical and structural safety

All wiring and materials used in illuminated signs must comply with the village’s electrical code, and any electrical fixtures attached to signs must be at least nine feet above grade unless grounded and bonded. Permanent signs must be constructed of fire‑resistant materials and able to withstand wind pressure of at least 30 pounds per square foot and the dead loads of the structure.

Minimum elevation and obstructions

The bottom of every awning, canopy, marquee, wall and pylon sign must be at least eight feet above grade. Signs cannot obstruct fire escapes, doors, windows or other required accessways, nor can they project over windows required for light or ventilation.

Traffic safety and rights‑of‑way

Signs must not be placed where they might be confused with traffic control devices or obstruct sight lines for drivers. Only governmental signs (and temporary civic function signs approved by the village manager) may be placed in public rights‑of‑way. This rule keeps public sidewalks and roadways clear and safe.

Identification, maintenance and measurement

All signs must be plainly marked with the name of the installer and the sign permit number. Sign owners and property owners are jointly responsible for maintaining signs in safe, neat and orderly condition keeping illumination sources working and preventing rust, corrosion or deterioration. The ordinance also provides detailed rules for measuring sign area: supporting structures are excluded unless part of the message, multiple faces are counted, and the smallest regular geometric figure encompassing the sign message is used.

Classification of signs

Oak Brook’s sign regulations classify signs by function and structure to ensure consistent treatment across districts. Understanding these definitions helps property owners select the correct sign type for their needs.

Functional types

• Advertising sign: Directs attention to a business or service located off‑premises.
  
• Attention‑getting device: Uses flashing lights, spinners, streamers or balloons to attract attention.
  
• Business sign: Directs attention to a business or service on the premises.
  
• Construction sign: Temporary sign identifying architects, contractors and others involved in a construction project.
  
• Drive‑through sign: Facilitates ordering and pickup in a drive‑through facility.
  
• Governmental sign: Erected in discharge of a governmental function or required by law.
  
• Holiday decorations: Decorations associated with national, local or religious holidays.
  
• Home‑occupation sign: Identifies a home‑based business.
  
• Identification sign: Provides only the name, trademark or address of a building or business.
  
• Institutional bulletin board sign: Identifies a school, library or similar institution and displays announcements.
  
• Joint identification sign: Identifies a planned development or business park without naming individual tenants.
  
• Memorial sign: Memorialises a person or event.
  
• Nameplate sign: Lists the names or addresses of occupants of a building.
  
• Off‑premises identification sign: Identifies a business or development located on another lot.
  
• Official flag or emblem: Displays a governmental or membership emblem.
  
• On‑site directory sign: Lists occupants and locations within a building; not readable from the public right‑of‑way.
  
• On‑site informational sign: Provides directions or information necessary for people on the property.
  
• Private sale sign: Temporary sign for garage sales or house sales.
  
• Private warning sign: Warns of hazards such as “Beware of Dog”.
  
• Public service sign: Displays time, temperature, stock quotes or civic messages.
  
• Real estate sign – standard size: Non‑illuminated sign up to six square feet advertising sale or lease of property.
  
• Real estate sign – large size: Non‑illuminated sign up to 24 square feet advertising sale or lease.
  

Structural types

• Awning, canopy or marquee sign: Mounted on or painted on an awning or canopy; it cannot project beyond the physical dimensions of the awning.
  
• Banner sign: Made of fabric or non‑rigid material and supported on multiple edges.
  
• Billboard sign: Displays advertising for off‑premises goods or services.
  
• Box sign: Self‑enclosed square or rectangular structure, single or double sided.
  
• Freestanding sign: Supported by a frame or pole and not attached to a building.
  
• Gas station price sign: Displays gasoline prices.
  
• Monument sign: Freestanding sign integrated into landscaping or a solid base.
  
• Moving or animated sign: Moves or creates an impression of movement.
  
• Paint‑on‑wall sign: Painted directly on a wall.
  
• Portable sign: Not permanently affixed; excludes vehicle graphics.
  
• Projecting sign: Projects more than twelve inches from a building and depends on the building for support.
  
• Pylon sign: Freestanding pole sign.
  
• Reader board/changeable copy sign: Allows manual or electronic message changes.
  
• Roof sign: Mounted on the roof or projects above the roof line.
  
• Sandwich board sign: A movable, A‑frame sign.
  
• Temporary sign: Constructed of light materials for display up to thirty days.
  
• Vehicle/trailer sign: Attached to a vehicle parked to attract attention.
  
• Wall sign: Fastened to a wall and projecting no more than twelve inches.
  
• Window sign: Applied to or inside a window and readable from outside.
  

Signs allowed without a permit

Section 13‑11‑6 lists signs that may be erected in any district without obtaining a sign permit, provided they comply with general standards and are not prohibited. Highlights include:

• Governmental signs: Limited to the requirements of the law or ordinance authorizing them.
  
• Holiday decorations: Allowed for up to 60 consecutive days, plus an additional 20 days following the holiday; they may be of any type or size so long as they do not create a safety hazard.
  
• Nameplate signs: One per occupancy, no more than three square feet and non‑illuminated.
  
• Official flags and emblems: Flagpoles may not exceed 20 feet in height; wall‑mounted flags must not exceed three square feet.
  
• On‑site informational signs: Up to six square feet and four feet high if freestanding, illuminated only as necessary.
  
• Private sale signs (residential): Limited to six square feet and must be located entirely on the premises.
  

Other categories include identification signs for institutions, memorial plaques, directory signs not visible from public ways, and certain temporary signs. Even without a permit, such signs must adhere to the general standards on lighting, height, landscaping and safety.

Prohibited signs and enforcement

The ordinance lists categories of signs that are specifically prohibited in all districts to preserve aesthetics and safety. Examples include signs that mimic or obstruct traffic control devices, signs affixed to trees or utility poles, signs painted on roofs, abandoned signs, flashing or animated signs (except for public service messages), portable signs without a permit, and signs that constitute a hazard to pedestrians or motorists. Violators may be subject to fines, removal of non‑compliant signs and denial of future permits. Property owners are responsible for removing obsolete or damaged signage and keeping the site free of weeds and debris.

Navigating the permit process

Compliance with Oak Brook’s sign ordinance often requires careful planning. Businesses should start by determining how much sign area their property is allowed based on zoning district and frontage. Because the ordinance limits the number and size of signs by district and site conditions, early consultation with a professional sign company is advised. Experienced firms can design signage that meets marketing goals while staying within the village’s area, height, illumination and landscaping requirements. They can also prepare the detailed drawings, landscape plans and calculations required for the permit application and assist with revisions if the village requests changes. Finally, property owners should budget for ongoing maintenance such as landscape upkeep and lamp replacements to ensure long‑term compliance.

Local expertise matters

Oak Brook’s sign ordinance is comprehensive and regularly updated. The village is known for strict enforcement, particularly in commercial corridors near busy roads and shopping centers. Because non‑compliant signs can delay openings or result in costly removals, businesses benefit from working with experts who understand both design and regulatory requirements. A reputable sign company will advise clients on selecting appropriate sign types (e.g., monument vs. pylon), choosing legible fonts and colors, integrating landscaping and lighting, and positioning signs to maximize visibility without violating setbacks or sight‑triangle rules. For tenants in multi‑user developments like Oakbrook Center or office parks, professional guidance is especially valuable because sign area must be allocated among multiple users.

Call to action: Partner with Ambees Signage

Navigating Oak Brook’s sign ordinance requires more than artistic talent; it demands technical knowledge, an understanding of local zoning, and experience with village approvals. Ambees Signage has more than forty years of experience designing, fabricating and installing custom signage in Chicagoland. Their team stays current on Oak Brook’s regulations, prepares the necessary permit documentation and works closely with village staff to obtain approvals smoothly. Whether you need a sophisticated monument sign for your corporate campus, attractive wall signs for a retail store in Oakbrook Center or tasteful informational signs for a residential development, Ambees delivers high‑quality, code‑compliant solutions. Reach out to Ambees Signage to ensure your next sign project enhances your brand while meeting every requirement of the Oak Brook sign ordinance.