How to Obtain an Outdoor Sign Permit in Chicago

The City of Chicago's Department of Buildings requires that anyone placing an outdoor sign, canopy, or awning on their building obtains a sign permit. As a business or building owner, you cannot apply for the sign permit directly. Instead, you need to hire a sign erector company that's registered and bonded with the Department of Buildings to apply for the permit on your behalf. The sign erector company can also help you with the design and implementation of your sign.

Instructions

Obtaining a Sign Permit

1. Hire a sign erector company to file the sign permit application for your business. Ensure that the company is registered and bonded with the City of Chicago's Department of Buildings, or they will be unable to file the permit.

2. Design your sign and decide on the placement of the sign. If you'd like, the sign erector company can help you with this planning stage. The sign erector company will obtain a sign permit application. Fill out the form with the details of your planned sign.

3. If your sign is over 100 square feet, you must receive approval from the Chicago City Council. The sign erector company will send a copy of your application form to the city council, and they will vote on your proposed sign at their next meeting. You must inform any residents within 250 feet of the sign location of your plans to erect the sign, and of the city council meeting.

4. The sign erector company will file your application with the Department of Buildings on your behalf.

5. If your sign extends into public space, you must additionally obtain a use of public way permit. The sign erector company will request a use of public way permit application. Fill out the application, and the sign erector company will then file it with the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection.

References

• City of Chicago: Comprehensive Sign Permit Process

Resources

• City of Chicago Department of Buildings