Chicago City Zoning Code

   17-12-0101 The sign regulations of this chapter are intended to balance the public interest – in promoting a safe, well-maintained and attractive city – with the interests of businesses, organizations and individuals in ensuring the ability to identify and advertise products, services and ideas, and with the interests of the city and other units of government in communicating public service and emergency messages on a city-wide basis in a coordinated and timely manner through an integrated network of city digital signs. The regulations have the following specific objectives:

      17-12-0101-A to ensure that signs are designed, constructed, installed and maintained in a way that protects life, health, property and the public welfare;

      17-12-0101-B to allow signs as a means of communication, while at the same time avoiding nuisances to nearby properties;

      17-12-0101-C to support the desired character of various neighborhoods and zoning districts and promote an attractive visual environment;

      17-12-0101-D to allow for adequate and effective signs, while preventing signs from dominating the appearance of the area;

      17-12-0101-E to ensure that the constitutionally guaranteed right of free speech is protected; and

   17-12-0102 The regulations allow for a variety of sign types and sizes, based on zoning and lot sizes and requirements needed to establish an integrated network of city digital signs. They do not necessarily ensure every property owner or business owner's desired level of visibility.

(Added Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 25275; Amend Coun. J. 12-12-12, p. 44485, § 6)

   Sign may be erected, placed, established, painted, created or maintained only in conformance with the standards, procedures, exemptions and other requirements of this Chapter and other applicable city regulations. In the event of conflict between the regulations of this chapter and those of other local, state or federal regulations, the more restrictive regulation governs, to the extent allowed by law.

(Added Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 25275)

   Any sign allowed under this chapter may contain any lawful noncommercial message that does not directly advertise a specific business, proprietary product or service, or any other commercial activity, so long as the sign complies with the size, height, and other requirements of this chapter.

(Added Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 25275; Amend Coun. J. 7-19-23, p. 1992, § 2)

   17-12-0401 All signs legally erected or installed before the effective dates specified in Sec. 17-1-0200 may remain in place and in use, subject to Sec. 17-15-0500.

   17-12-0402 All holders of permits for signs issued legally before the effective dates specified in Sec. 17-1-0200 may erect the signs that are the subject of such permits within the times allowed by such permits, and such signs will then be treated as though they had been erected before the effective dates specified in Sec. 17-1-0200 subject to Sec. 17-15-0500. However, such permits may not be extended or amended unless the sign that is the subject of such permit will conform to all of the requirements of this chapter.

   17-12-0403 All violations of the sign regulations repealed by this Zoning Ordinance will remain violations and all penalties and enforcement remedies will be available to the city as though the violation were a violation of this Zoning Ordinance. However, if the effect of this Zoning Ordinance is to make a sign that was formerly illegal or nonconforming become conforming, then enforcement action will cease except to the extent of collecting penalties (other than removal of the sign) for violations that occurred before the effective dates specified in Sec. 17-1-0200.

(Added Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 25275; Amend Coun. J. 3-9-05, p. 44391)

   The following are exempt from regulation under this Zoning Ordinance.

   17-12-0501 Any official sign, public notice sign or warning sign required by a valid and applicable federal, state or local law, regulation or ordinance or by order of a court of competent jurisdiction;

   17-12-0503 Any sign inside an athletic field or other enclosed outdoor space, where the sign is not legible beyond the property line of the lot on which it is located;

   17-12-0504 Works of art with no commercial message;

   17-12-0505 Holiday decorations with no commercial message; and

(Added Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 25275; Amend Coun. J. 12-12-12, p. 44485, § 6; Amend Coun. J. 2-13-13, p. 47133, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 1-23-19, p. 94952, Art. I, § 29)

   17-12-0601 Sign Area.

      17-12-0601-A Signs Enclosed in Frames or Cabinets. The area of a sign enclosed in frames or cabinets is determined based on the outer dimensions of the frame or cabinet surrounding the sign face.

      17-12-0601-B Back-to-back Signs. When the sign faces of a back-to-back sign are parallel or within 30 degrees of parallel, only one side is counted. If the sign faces are not parallel or within 30 degrees of parallel, each is considered one sign face and both faces are counted.

      17-12-0601-C Individual Letters or Elements. The area of a sign comprised of individual letters or elements attached to a building wall is determined by calculating the area of the smallest square or rectangle that can be drawn around the letters and/or elements. Signs consisting of individual letters and/or elements will be measured as one sign when the distance between the letters and/or elements is less than 2 times the dimension of each letter and/or element.

      17-12-0601-D Painted Wall Signs. The area of a painted wall sign is determined by calculating the area of the smallest square or rectangle that can be drawn around all of the sign elements. Sign elements will be measured as one unit when the distance between the elements is less than two times the length of each element.

      17-12-0601-E Awnings and Marquees. The area of a sign that is incorporated into an awning or marquee is determined by calculating the area of the smallest square or rectangle that can be drawn around all of the sign elements.

      17-12-0601-F Dynamic Image Display Signs. The area of a dynamic image display sign feature is determined by calculating the area of the smallest square or rectangle that can be drawn around the edge of each of the dynamic image display elements.

   17-12-0602 Sign Height. The height of a sign or sign structure is measured from the lowest point of the ground directly below the sign to the highest point on the sign or sign structure.

   17-12-0603 Sign Clearance. Clearance is measured from the highest point of the ground directly below the sign to the lowest point on the sign structure enclosing the sign face.

(Added Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 25275; Amend Coun. J. 4-30-14, p. 80382, § 5; Amend Coun. J. 10-31-18, p. 87780, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 3-24-21, p. 29061, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 7-19-23, p. 1992, § 2)

   The following are prohibited in all zoning districts:

   17-12-0701 strobe lights;

   17-12-0702 roof signs, except those allowed as high-rise building signs pursuant to the definition of high-rise building signs and the standards of Sec. 17-12-1005-D;

   17-12-0703 abandoned sign structure;

   17-12-0704 dangerous signs;

   17-12-0705 portable electric signs;

   17-12-0706 signs attached to or painted on a parked motor vehicle or parked trailer if visible from the public right-of-way, unless the vehicle or trailer is used in the normal day-to-day operations of the business;

   17-12-0707 signs that imitate or resemble official traffic lights, signs or signals or signs that interfere with the effectiveness of any official traffic light, sign or signal;

   17-12-0708 signs (including city digital signs) that focus or flash a beam of light into the eyes of a driver of a motor vehicle upon a right-of-way within 200 feet from such sign; and

   17-12-0709 signs erected, constructed or structurally altered that are required to have a permit that were erected, constructed or altered without a permit.

(Added Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 25275; Amend Coun. J. 12-12-12, p. 44485, § 6; Amend Coun. J. 2-13-13, p. 47133, § 2)

   17-12-0711 video display signs; provided that this prohibition does not apply to any video display sign located within a planned development in which the principal use is: (1) a sports stadium; or (2) an exhibition or convention center.

(Added Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 25275; Amend Coun. J. 12-12-12, p. 44485, § 6; Amend Coun. J. 2-13-13, p. 47133, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 4-30-14, p. 80382, § 5)

   17-12-0801 Applicability. The regulations in this section apply to all signs regulated by this chapter.

   17-12-0802 Sign Placement. All signs and sign structures must be located on private property, within the boundaries of the zoning lot, except when expressly allowed to extend into the right-of-way and provided further, however, that city digital signs and city digital sign structures may be located on public property and may be within, partially within, or outside the boundaries of the zoning lot.

   17-12-0803 Incidental Signs.

      17-12-0803-A Incidental signs that meet the standards of this subsection are allowed in all districts and are not counted in determining the total area of all signs on the lot.

      17-12-0803-B Freestanding incidental signs may be up to 6 square feet in area and 42 inches in height. Wall-mounted incidental signs may be up to 6 square feet in area and 12 feet in height.

      17-12-0803-C Direct or indirect lighting is allowed. Dynamic image display sign features and projections into the right-of-way are prohibited.

      17-12-0803-D Incidental signs that do not meet the standards of this subsection must meet the district-specific standards for permanent signs and the area of such signs will be counted against a lot's total maximum sign area limit.

   17-12-0804 Temporary Signs.

      17-12-0804-A Sign Features and Characteristics. Temporary signs may not be illuminated. Dynamic image display sign features and electronic elements are prohibited.

      17-12-0804-B Temporary Wall Signs.

         1.   Residential Districts. In addition to any other signs allowed, one temporary wall sign is allowed per street frontage in R and DR districts. Such a temporary wall sign:

            (a)   may not exceed 18 inches ×18 inches in area in RS1, RS2, or RS3 districts;

            (b)   may not exceed 1 square feet × linear street frontage in area in RT 3.5, RT4, RM4.5, RM5, RM5.5 RM6, RM6.5 or DR districts; and

            (c)   may not be mounted at a height above one story or 20 feet, whichever is less, in any R or DR district.

         2.   Business, Commercial, Downtown and Manufacturing Districts. In addition to any other signs allowed, one temporary wall sign is allowed per street frontage in B, C, M, DC, DX and DS districts. Such a temporary wall sign:

            (a)   may not exceed 2 square feet × linear street frontage in area;

            (b)   may not be mounted at a height above 2 stories or 30 feet, whichever is less; and

            (c)   may not remain in place for more than one year.

      17-12-0804-C Temporary Freestanding Signs.

         1.   Residential Districts. In addition to any other signs allowed, one temporary freestanding sign is allowed per street frontage in R and DR districts. Such a temporary freestanding sign:

            (a)   may not exceed 18 inches ×18 inches in area or 4 feet in height in RS1, RS2, or RS3 districts;

            (b)   may not exceed 2 square feet × linear street frontage in area or 10 feet in height in RT3.5, RT4, RM4.5, RM5, RM5.5 RM6, RM6.5 or DR districts; and

            (c)   may not project into the public way.

         2.   Business, Commercial, Downtown and Manufacturing Districts. In addition to any other signs allowed, one temporary freestanding sign is allowed per street frontage in B, C, M, DC, DX and DS districts. Such a temporary freestanding sign:

            (a)   may not exceed 2 square feet × linear street frontage in area;

            (b)   may not exceed 24 feet in height;

            (c)   may not project into the public way; and

            (d)   may not remain in place for more than one year.

      17-12-0804-D Temporary Banners. Temporary banners are subject to the regulations of this paragraph.

         1.   Residential Districts. Temporary banners in R and DR districts are exempt from the standards for permanent signs and are not counted in determining the total area of all signs on the lot. The following standards apply to temporary banners in R and DR districts:

            (a)   Temporary banners are not allowed on lots with detached houses, two-flats or townhouses.

            (b)   Temporary banners are allowed on lots with multi-unit residential buildings, provided that no more than one temporary banner is allowed for each 50 dwelling units in the building, up to a maximum of 3 banners. Temporary banners may not exceed 32 square feet in area and no more than one may be attached to each building wall. The mounted height of the temporary banner may not exceed 24 feet. Temporary banners on multi-unit buildings may be in place for no more than 180 days in any calendar year.

            (c)   One temporary banner is allowed on lots with allowed nonresidential uses. Such banners may not exceed 32 square feet in area and may remain in place for no more than 180 days per calendar year.

         2.   Business, Commercial, Downtown and Manufacturing Districts. Temporary banners in B, C, M, DC, DX and DS are subject to the standards applicable to permanent signs and are counted in the total square footage of signage allowed on the site.

      17-12-0804-E Special Events Signs. The Zoning Administrator is authorized to issue temporary sign permits for special event signs and to impose time limits and other restrictions on the use, location, dimensions and characteristics of such signs to ensure that they are consistent with the purposes of this chapter.

(Added Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 25275; Amend Coun. J. 11-8-12, p. 38872, § 255; Amend Coun. J. 12-12-12, p. 44485, § 6; Amend Coun. J. 4-30-14, p. 80382, § 5)

   17-12-0901 Applicability. The standards of this section apply in all R and DR districts.

   17-12-0902 Permanent, On-premise Signs. The following standards apply to permanent, on-premise signs in R and DR districts.

 

   17-12-0903 Sign Features.

      17-12-0903-A Lighting. Signs in R and DR zoning districts may use only indirect lighting. Direct lighting and internal lighting of signs is prohibited, except in the case of allowed dynamic image display signs.

      17-12-0903-B Dynamic Image Display Signs. Dynamic image display signs are permitted in R and DR districts when such signs are freestanding, on-premise signs for public and civic uses that are located along a through street as classified by the Chicago Department of Transportation. Flashing signs are prohibited.

         17-12-0903-B.1 The zoning lot containing a school serving Chicago Public Schools (“CPS”) shall be allowed a sign, either wall or freestanding, which may include a dynamic image display, in any zoning district, including Planned Developments (P.D.). Such sign may be no wider than 10 feet and no taller than 6 feet, 4 inches* the clearance may not exceed 13 feet, 8 inches and the height may not exceed 20 feet above the ground immediately beneath the sign with no portion of the sign extending more than 24 inches above the roofline of the building immediately above the sign. Any dynamic image display portion may not exceed 64 square feet. Such sign, either wall or freestanding, shall be exempt from total sign calculations for the zoning lot. All CPS digital display signs shall conform to the CPS Digital Display Brightness Standards, which require: automatic brightness adjustment using an ambient light sensor; maximum brightness of 8,000 nits from 8:00 a.m. until sunset; maximum brightness of 300 nits from sunrise until 8:00 a.m. and from sunset until 10:00 p.m.; and automatic shutoff of the display between 10:00 p.m. and sunrise.

   17-12-0904 Off-premise Signs. Off-premise signs are prohibited in R and DR districts. A city digital sign may be located in an R district, or portion thereof, which consists of land or public way owned by the city or a federal, state, local or other unit of government, in whole or in part, and which is not improved with any residential buildings, subject to the separation requirements in Section 17-12-1201-A.4.

(Added Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 25275; Amend Coun. J. 4-14-10, p. 89020, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 12-12-12, p. 44485, § 6; Amend Coun. J. 4-30-14, p. 80382, § 5; Amend Coun. J. 9-25-25, p. 32113, § 1)

   17-12-1001 Applicability. The standards of this section apply in all B, C, M, DC, DX and DS districts.

   17-12-1002 Permanent Signs. Signs are allowed in B, C, M, DC, DX and DS zoning districts in accordance with the Table of Allowed Sign Types in Sec. 17-12-1002-F.

      17-12-1002-A Sign Types. Sign types are defined in Sec. 17-17-0200.

      17-12-1002-B Permitted Uses. Signs identified with a “P” are permitted by-right in the subject zoning district, subject to compliance with all other applicable standards of this Zoning Ordinance.

      17-12-1002-C Special Uses. Signs identified with an “S” may be allowed if reviewed and approved in accordance with the special use procedures of Sec. 17-13-0900. Such signs are subject to compliance with all other applicable standards of this Zoning Ordinance.

      17-12-1002-D Prohibited Uses. Signs identified with a “-” are expressly prohibited. Signs types that are not listed in the table are also prohibited.

      17-12-1002-E Standards. The “Standards” column of the following sign table identifies specific standards that apply to some sign types. Compliance with such standards is required regardless of whether the sign is a Permitted (P) or special use (S).

      17-12-1002-F Table of Allowed Sign Types. Signs are allowed in B, C, M, DC, DX and DS zoning districts as follows:

 

[1]   Freestanding signs and off-premise signs are prohibited on Pedestrian Streets (See Sec. 17-3-0500 and Sec. 17-4-0500 for Pedestrian Street lists).

[2]   Except for city digital signs, which are permitted in DX and prohibited in DC, all other off-premises, freestanding signs are prohibited.

   17-12-1003 Number, Area and Height Standards. All signs in B, C, DC, DX and DS zoning districts are subject to the Sign Area and Height Table of Sec. 17-12-1003-E.

      17-12-1003-A Maximum Total Sign Area. The maximum-total-sign-area standard controls the total combined sign face area of all signs on a zoning lot.

      17-12-1003-B Maximum Freestanding Sign Area. The maximum-freestanding-sign-area standard represents an additional control on the total sign face area of all freestanding signs on a zoning lot. It limits the total area of all freestanding signs to no more than 50% of the total maximum area allowed. A lot with 50 feet of street frontage in the B1 district, for example, would be allowed a total of 150 square feet of total sign area, with no more than 75 square feet of freestanding signs.

      17-12-1003-C Maximum Freestanding Sign Height. The maximum-freestanding-sign-height standard limits the overall height of any freestanding sign. The standard varies according to street frontage and right-of-way width. The maximum height of a freestanding sign on any zoning lot with 75 feet of street frontage or less is 24 feet. On lots with more than 75 feet of street frontage, taller signs are allowed if the abutting street right-of-way is wider than 80 feet.

      17-12-1003-D Minimum Guaranteed Sign Area for Ground-floor Tenants. This standard is intended to ensure that each ground-floor tenant in a building or shopping center has the opportunity to identify their respective businesses.

      17-12-1003-E Sign Area and Height Table. The following standards apply to all permanent signs in B, C, M, DC, DX and DS districts:

 

 

   17-12-1004 Sign Features and Characteristics. Signs that are allowed in B, C, M, DC, DX and DS districts are subject to the following standards:

 

 

   17-12-1005 Additional Standards for Specific Types of Signs.

      17-12-1005-A Awning Signs. Awning signs must be affixed flat to the surface of the awning and not extend horizontally or vertically beyond the limits of the awning. Awning signs may not contain internal lighting.

      17-12-1005-B Dynamic Image Display Signs. In B1 and B2 districts, sign face area devoted to dynamic image display signs may not exceed 25% of the maximum total sign area allowed under Sec. 17-12-1003 or 32 square feet, whichever is less. In all districts, sign face area devoted to dynamic image display signs may not exceed 25% of the maximum total sign area allowed under Sec. 17-12-1003 or 64 square feet, whichever is less.

      17-12-1005-C Flashing Signs.

         1.   Maximum Area. The total sign face area of all flashing signs on a lot may not exceed 25% of overall sign area limit or 100 square feet, whichever is less.

         2.   Maximum Height. No part of any flashing sign may exceed a height of 24 feet.

         3.   Prohibited Locations. Flashing signs are prohibited in the following locations:

            (a)   B1 districts;

            (b)   B2 districts;

            (c)   Within 125 feet of any R or public park with an area of 2 acres or more;

            (d)   Within 100 feet of any DR district;

            (e)   Within 500 feet of Lake Shore Drive;

            (f)   Within 500 feet of any designated expressway or toll road; and

            (g)   Within 500 feet of Michigan Avenue, between Oak Street on the north and Roosevelt Road on the south.

      17-12-1005-D High-Rise Building Signs.

         2.   The maximum sign face area of a high-rise building sign is limited as follows:

 

         3.   High-rise building signs must be individual letter signs.

         4.   High-rise building signs may not be attached to roof-mounted structures that exist solely for the purpose of supporting the sign.

         9.   High-rise building signs shall be limited to business identification for the principal tenant of the building or, if applicable, the alternate principal tenant. For purposes of this subsection, "principal tenant" means a tenant that occupies or has a signed lease to occupy at least the lesser of 36% of the building's total floor area or 250,000 square feet of the building's total floor area. If there is no principal tenant, or if the principal tenant informs the Zoning Administrator in writing that it does not wish to display a high-rise building sign, then an alternate principal tenant may apply to the City for approval of a high-rise building sign identifying said alternate principal tenant (in place of, and not in addition to, a high-rise building sign identifying the principal tenant). For purposes of this subsection, "alternate principal tenant" means a tenant which: (i) is the building's largest tenant, or next-largest tenant if there is no principal tenant, or, if there is a principal tenant, is the next-largest tenant; (ii) maintains the primary offices of its international, national or regional headquarters, or similarly publicly recognized significant business unit(s), in the building; and, (iii) either (a) maintains the primary offices of its chief executive or other executive officers in the building and employs 1,000 individuals nationally, or, (b) if those executive positions are not present in the building then employs at least 1,000 individuals in the building. Any principal or alternate principal tenant must provide the Zoning Administrator with building owner support for such high-rise building sign.

         10.   If a principal tenant, as identified in Section 17-12-1005-D.9, maintains, in the subject building: (i) its international headquarters, or if no international headquarters exists, its national headquarters; (ii) its chief executive officer; and (iii) occupies or has a signed lease to occupy at least the lesser of 60 percent of the building's total floor area or 450,000 square feet of the building's total floor area, then such principal tenant is eligible to place two high-rise building signs on the subject building.

         11.   High-rise building sign area does not count toward the Section 17-12-1003-E maximum total sign area permitted on a zoning lot.

      17-12-1005-E Reserved.

      17-12-1005-F Projecting Signs. Projecting signs may project into the public way provided they are set back at least 18 inches from the curb line. Signs that project over the public way by more than 12 inches must have a minimum clearance of 9 feet.

      17-12-1005-G Reserved.

   17-12-1006 Additional Standards for Off- premise Signs.

      17-12-1006-A Separation from R and DR Districts.

         1.   Off-premise signs with a sign face area of more than 100 square feet are prohibited within 250 feet of any residential district.

         2.   Off-premise signs are prohibited entirely within 100 feet of any residential district; except off-premises dynamic image display signs are prohibited entirely within 125 feet of any residential district. This prohibition does not apply to any sign located within a planned development in which the principal use is: (1) a sports stadium; or (2) an exhibition or convention center.

         3.   These distances are to be measured as a straight-line distance from a point on the sign face nearest the R or DR district to nearest residential district boundary. (See Sec. 17-1-0803 for rules governing interpretation of zoning district boundaries)

      17-12-1006-B Separation from Residential Buildings in D Districts.

         1.   Off-premise signs are prohibited entirely within 100 feet of a residential building located in a D district.

         2.   This distance is to be measured as a straight-line distance from a point on the sign face nearest the residential building to nearest property line of the lot on which the residential building is located.

      17-12-1006-C Separation from Waterways.

         1.   Off-premise signs are prohibited within 100 feet of a waterway.

         2.   The waterways subject to this provision include: Chicago River Main Branch, Chicago River North Branch and North Branch Canal, Chicago River South Branch and South Fork of the South Branch, North Shore Channel, Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, Calumet River and Lake Calumet, Little Calumet River, Grand Calumet River, Wolf Lake, and Des Plaines River.

         3.   Measurement of the 100-foot distance from waterways is to be made from the high water mark boundary of the waterway along an axis generally perpendicular to the waterway.

      17-12-1006-D Separation from Public Parks.

         1.   Off-premise signs are prohibited within 400 feet of a public park with an area of 10 acres or more if the sign face is legible from the subject park.

         2.   Off-premise signs are prohibited within 100 feet of a public park with an area of 2 acres or more if the sign face is legible from the subject park.

         3.   These distances are to be measured as a straight-line distance from a point on the sign face nearest the park to the center line of any street bounding the park.

      17-12-1006-E Lakefront Protection District. Off-premise signs are prohibited within the boundaries of the Lake Michigan and Chicago Lakefront Protection District. (See Chapter 16-4, “Lake Michigan and Chicago Lakefront Protection Ordinance”)

      17-12-1006-F Separation from Designated Major Streets and Roads.

         1.   Off-premise signs are prohibited within 500 feet of the following street and road rights- of-way:

            (a)   Lake Shore Drive;

            (b)   any designated expressway or toll road;

            (c)   Michigan Avenue, between Oak Street on the north and Roosevelt Road on the south.

         2.   Off-premise signs visible from those street and roads indicated in Sec. 17-12-1006-F-1 but located more than 500 feet of the right-of-way must be at least 500 feet from all other off-premise signs located on the same side of the street or road.

         3.   Separation distances from streets and roads are to be measured as a straight-line distance from a point on the sign face nearest the referenced street or road to the nearest right-of-way line of such street or road. Separation distances between off-premise signs are to be measured as a straight-line distance from points on the respective sign faces that are nearest the other sign.

      17-12-1006-G Primary Boulevards. Off- premise signs are prohibited on any lot with street frontage on a primary boulevard.

      17-12-1006-H Separation from Other Off- premise Signs.

         1.   New off-premise signs proposed in B or C districts are prohibited within 300 feet of any other off-premise sign located on the same side of the street.

         2.   New off-premise signs proposed in D or M districts are prohibited within 150 feet of any other off-premise sign located on the same side of the street.

         3.   Separation distances between off- premise signs are to be measured as a straight-line distance from points on the respective sign faces that are nearest the other sign.

      17-12-1006-I Flashing and Video Display Elements. Off-premise signs may not contain flashing elements or video displays, except as allowed in section 17-12-0711.

(Added Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 25275; Amend Coun. J. 3-9-05, p. 44391; Amend Coun. J. 9-13-06, p. 84870, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 5-9-07, p. 105899, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-19-08, p. 47220, Art. VII, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 12-12-12, p. 44485, § 6; Amend Coun. J. 2-13-13, p. 47133, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 4-30-14, p. 80382, § 5; Amend Coun. J. 5-28-14, p. 82414, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-19-14, p. 98820, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 7-20-16, p. 29358, §§ 1, 2; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 38287, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 10-31-18, p. 87780, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 3-24-21, p. 29061, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 7-19-23, p. 1992, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 5-22-24, p. 12078, § 1)

   17-12-1101 Michigan Avenue Corridor Special Sign District.

      17-12-1101-A Boundaries. The Michigan Avenue Corridor special sign district consists of all parcels adjacent to Michigan Avenue, between Oak Street on the north and Roosevelt Road on the south.

      17-12-1101-B Regulations and Standards. The following standards apply to signs within the Michigan Avenue Corridor special sign district. These sign regulations are supplemental standards that apply in addition to existing zoning regulations. All existing zoning regulations apply except those that conflict with regulations imposed for the Michigan Avenue Corridor. In case of conflict between the Michigan Avenue Corridor regulations and existing, underlying zoning district regulations, the Michigan Avenue Corridor regulations will govern.

         1.   Maximum Area. The gross sign face area of all signs on a zoning lot may not exceed 3 square feet times the lot’s street frontage. For any zoning lot with live theater uses, theater marquee sign area does not count toward the maximum total sign area permitted on a zoning lot.

         2.   Projections. Except for live theater signs, one sign per ground-floor tenant may project no more than 4 feet across the property line into the public way, up to 3 feet in height and up to 6 inches in thickness. Hotel signs and live theater signs may project across the property line into the public way up to 6 feet. Live theater marquee signs may project across the property line into the public way up to 12 feet.

         3.   Roof Signs. Roof signs are prohibited.

         4.   Painted Wall and Applied Vinyl Signs. The exterior surface of any building, window, wall, or fence may not be used for a painted wall or applied vinyl signs.

         5.   Freestanding Signs.

            (a)   Not more than one freestanding sign is permitted per street frontage.

            (b)   Freestanding signs may not exceed 15 feet in height.

         6.   Show Windows. Show windows may be used for regularly changed display of merchandise sold in the building. Signs may not be applied to more than 30 percent of any single window. Window lettering that is less than 2 inches in height will not be counted, provided it is limited to information such as a building’s address, hours of operation, product information, and logos.

         7.   Banners. One banner per 30 linear feet of each building facade along the street frontage of a zoning lot may be placed. Banners may project across the property line up to 4 feet into the public way and shall not exceed 15 feet in height and 60 square feet in area. Banners may only be placed within the first two floors of a building.

         8.   Neon Signs. Neon signs and other forms of direct lighting using tubes similar in appearance to neon are prohibited when visible from Michigan Avenue. Neon lighting may be used as a source of light when completely shielded and not visible from public streets, sidewalks, or alleys.

         9.   Flashing or Dynamic Image Display Signs. No flashing or dynamic image display signs shall be illuminated between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Except for live theater signs and marquees, no flashing or dynamic image display signs are permitted on the exterior of any building or structure on the Michigan Avenue frontage. For all uses, interior dynamic image display signs are permitted only as on-premise signs, set back behind the show window glass by a minimum of 12 inches, and the text, image, or display on the face of the sign shall not change more than once every 15 minutes. The sign face area devoted to dynamic image display signs may not exceed 30 percent of the show window area, and the total sign face area devoted to dynamic image display signs shall not exceed the size allowed pursuant to Section 17-12-1005-B, whichever is less. For live theater marquees, additional dynamic image display signs are permitted to exceed the area allowed pursuant to Section 17-12-1005-B to allow dynamic image display signs to fit within the end caps or up to 100 square feet each, whichever is less, of the live theater marquees for each live theater tenant. For live theater marquees, the text, image, or display on the face of the sign shall not change more than once every hour.

         10.   Off-premise Signs. Off-premise signs are prohibited in the Michigan Avenue special sign district.

         11.   Awning Signs. Signs on awnings counts toward the maximum allowable sign area and must be affixed flat to the surface thereof, must be non-illuminated and no such sign may extend vertically or horizontally beyond the limits of said awning. The maximum letter size (height and width) placed on any awning may not exceed 12 inches. All awnings must be fabric or canvas and may project no more than 6 feet over the sidewalk. Retractable awnings are encouraged.

         12.   Box and Cabinet Signs. Any box or cabinet sign must have an opaque and non-illuminated face with illuminated lettering or logos only and shall not exceed 3 feet in height, 10 feet in length and 8 inches in thickness. Individual letter signs are encouraged.

         13.   Temporary Signs. Temporary signs, such as grand opening signs, but specifically excluding signs advertising merchandise or special sales, may be permitted for a period not to exceed 12 weeks. In addition, temporary signs may be installed on construction barricades during a building’s construction, for a period not to exceed 24 months. Signs placed on construction barricades may not be placed more than 20 feet above grade and may not exceed 8 feet in vertical dimension. Time extensions for temporary signs may be granted by the Zoning Administrator upon written request. Temporary signs do not count toward the maximum allowable sign area.

   17-12-1102 Oak Street Corridor Special Sign District.

      17-12-1102-A Boundaries. The Oak Street Corridor special sign district consists of all parcels adjacent to Oak Street, between Michigan Avenue on the east side and State Street on the west.

      17-12-1102-B Regulations and Standards. The following standards apply to signs within the Oak Street Corridor special sign district. These sign regulations are supplemental standards that apply in addition to existing zoning regulations. All existing zoning regulations apply except those that conflict with regulations imposed for the Oak Street Corridor. In case of conflict between the Oak Street Corridor special sign district regulations and other zoning regulations, the Oak Street Corridor regulations will govern.

         1.   Maximum Area. The gross sign face area of all signs on a zoning lot may not exceed 2 square feet times the lot's street frontage, except in the case of buildings that have multiple retail tenants where the gross area of all signs may not exceed 1.5 times the lot's street frontage.

         2.   Letter Size. The size of the individual letters on any sign may not exceed 18 inches in height or width.

         3.   Projections. All signs must be affixed on building walls parallel to the property line, and no sign may project more than 12 inches from the building's façade.

         4.   Roof Signs. Roof signs are prohibited.

         5.   Painted Wall Signs. Painted wall signs are prohibited.

         6.   Prohibited Signs. The following types of signs are prohibited within the Oak Street Corridor special sign district:

            (a)   free-standing ground signs;

            (b)   banners;

            (c)   neon signs (neon tubing may be used as a source of light when completely shielded and not visible from public streets, sidewalks or alleys);

            (d)   flashing,

            (e)   dynamic image display signs; and

            (f)   off-premise signs.

         7.   Show Windows. Show windows may be used for regularly changed display of merchandise sold in the building. Signs may not be applied to more than 15% of any single window. Window lettering that is less than 2 inches in height will not be counted, provided it is limited to information such as a building's address, hours of operation, product information, and logos.

         8.   Awning Signs. Signs on awnings counts toward the maximum allowable sign area and must be affixed flat to the surface thereof, must be non- illuminated, and may indicate only the name and or address of the establishment. Further, no such sign may extend vertically or horizontally beyond the limits of said awning. The maximum letter size (height and width) placed on any awning may not exceed 9 inches. All awnings must be retractable (fabric or canvas) and may project no more than 6 feet over the sidewalk. No awning may be installed with vertical supports and back-lit or internal lighting of awning signs is prohibited.

         9.   Temporary Signs. Temporary signs, such grand opening signs, but specifically excluding signs advertising merchandise or special sales, may be permitted for a period not to exceed 6 weeks. In addition, temporary signs may be installed on construction barricades during a building's construction, for a period not to exceed 24 months. Signs placed on construction barricades may not be placed more than 20 feet above grade and may not exceed 8 feet in vertical dimension. Time extensions for temporary signs may be granted by the Zoning Administrator upon written request. Temporary signs do not count toward the maximum allowable sign area.

   17-12-1103 State Street/Wabash Avenue Corridor Special Sign District.

      17-12-1103-A Boundaries. The State Street/Wabash Avenue Corridor consists of all parcels adjacent to State Street and Wabash Avenue between Wacker Drive on the north and Harrison Street on the south. The State Street/Wabash Corridor extends west of State Street to the east right-of-way line of North and South Dearborn Street and extends east of Wabash Avenue to the west boundary line of the Michigan Avenue Corridor.

      17-12-1103-B Regulations and Standards. The following standards apply to signs within the State Street/Wabash Avenue Corridor special sign district. These sign regulations are supplemental standards that apply in addition to existing zoning regulations. All existing zoning regulations apply except those that conflict with regulations imposed for the State Street/Wabash Avenue Corridor special sign district. In case of conflict between the State Street/Wabash Avenue Corridor regulations and existing, underlying zoning district regulations, the State Street/Wabash Avenue Corridor regulations will govern.

         1.   Area.

            (a)   On State Street the gross sign face area of all signs on a zoning lot may not exceed 4 square feet times the lot's street frontage. The gross sign face area of any single sign may not exceed 2 square feet times the lot's street frontage.

            (b)   On Wabash Avenue the gross sign face area of all signs on a zoning lot may not exceed 6 square feet times the lot's street frontage.

            (c)   On all other streets in the State Street/Wabash Avenue Corridor, the gross sign face area of all signs on a zoning lot may not exceed 4 square feet times the lot's street frontage.

            (d)   For any zoning lots with live theater uses, theater marquee sign area does not count toward the maximum total sign area permitted on a zoning lot.

         2.   Projections. Except for live theater signs, one sign per ground-floor tenant may project no more than 4 feet across the property line into the public way, up to 3 feet in height and up to 6 inches in thickness, except for live theaters and hotels. Hotel signs and live theater signs may project across the property line into the public way up to 6 feet. Live theater marquee signs may project across the property line into the public way up to 12 feet.

         3.   Roof Signs. Roof signs are prohibited.

         4.   Show Windows. Show windows may be used for regularly changed displays. No paper or vinyl signs may be attached to show windows. Signs may not be applied to more than 30 percent of any single window. Window lettering that is less than 2 inches in height will not be counted, provided it is limited to information such as a building’s address, hours of operation, product information, and logos.

         5.   Banners. Banners are permitted in the State Street/Wabash Avenue Corridor. No banner may project more than 4 feet from the building line.

         6.   Flashing and Dynamic Image Display Signs. No flashing or dynamic image display signs shall be illuminated between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Except for live theater signs and marquees, no flashing or dynamic image display signs are permitted on the exterior of any building or structure in the State Street/Wabash Avenue Corridor. For all uses, interior dynamic image display signs are permitted only as on-premise signs, set back behind the show window glass by a minimum of 12 inches, and the text, image, or display on the face of the sign shall not change more than once every 15 minutes. The sign face area devoted to dynamic image display signs may not to exceed 30 percent of the show window area, and the total sign face area devoted to dynamic image display signs shall not exceed the size allowed pursuant to Section 17-12-1005-B, whichever is less. For live theater marquees, additional dynamic image display signs are permitted to exceed the area allowed pursuant to Section 17-12-1005-B to allow dynamic image display signs to fit within the end caps or up to 100 square feet each, whichever is less, of the live theater marquees for each live theater tenant. For live theater marquees, the text, image, or display on the face of the sign shall not change more than once every hour.

         7.   Box and Cabinet Signs. Any box or cabinet sign must have an opaque and non-illuminated face with illuminated lettering or logos only. Individual letter signs are encouraged.

         8.   Off-premise Signs. Off-premise signs are prohibited in the State Street/Wabash Corridor special sign district.

         9.   Awning Signs. Signs on awnings are permitted on the valance only, and must be affixed flat to the surface thereof and must be non-illuminated. No sign may extend either vertically or horizontally beyond the limits of any awning. Awning lettering placed on the valence may not exceed 12 inches in height. All awnings must be metal, fabric or canvas. Retractable awnings are encouraged.

         10.   Nonconforming Signs. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Zoning Ordinance, a nonconforming sign that has been in lawful existence for 50 or more years may be reconditioned and/or replaced with a sign that substantially conforms to the size and placement of the pre-existing sign.

         11.   Freestanding Signs. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Zoning Ordinance, including without limitation Section 17-12-1002-F hereof, the Zoning Administrator is authorized to approve one or more Freestanding Signs for a zoning lot within the State Street/Wabash Avenue Corridor so long as: (i) the Zoning Administrator has determined that the Freestanding Sign otherwise complies with the provisions of 17-12-1003-B; (ii) the Freestanding Sign identifies a significant corporate headquarters employing in excess of 1,000 full-time persons or the offices of a governmental agency; and (iii) the Freestanding Sign does not project across the property line into the public way.

         7.   In the event there is a conflict between this section and other provisions of the code, the more restrictive shall apply.

         8.   No member of the city council or other municipal officer shall introduce, and no committee of the city council shall consider or recommend, any ordinance or amendment thereto, including any council order pursuant to Section 13-20-680 , that is contrary in any way to any of the requirements of this section.

   17-12-1105 Wrigley Field Adjacent Special Sign District.

      17-12-1105-A Boundaries. The “Wrigley Field Adjacent special sign district” consists of all properties located within the Wrigley Field Adjacent Area, as that term is defined in Section 4-388-010 (b).

      17-12-1105-B Regulations and Standards. The following standards apply to signs within the Wrigley Field Adjacent special sign district. These sign regulations are supplemental standards that apply in addition to existing zoning regulations. All existing zoning regulations apply except those that conflict with regulations imposed for the Wrigley Field Adjacent special sign district. In case of conflict between the Wrigley Field Adjacent special sign district regulations and existing, underlying zoning district regulations, the Wrigley Field Adjacent special sign district regulations shall govern.

         1.   Area. The maximum area for all signs on a zoning lot within the Wrigley Field Adjacent special sign district shall not exceed 775 square feet.

         2.   Prohibited Signs. The following types of signs are prohibited with in the Wrigley Field Adjacent special sign district:

            (a)   banners;

            (b)   flashing and dynamic image display signs;

            (c)   motion or moving signs;

            (d)   signs which emit noise;

            (e)   wall signs;

            (f)   painted wall signs;

            (g)   projecting signs;

            (h)   box or cabinet signs;

            (i)   awnings;

            (j)   show windows; and

            (k)   freestanding signs.

         3.   Roof Signs. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Zoning Ordinance, including without limitation Section 17-12-0702, the Zoning Administrator is authorized to approve one roof sign on West Waveland Avenue and one roof sign on North Sheffield Avenue on Team Buildings contained within the Wrigley Field Adjacent special sign district; provided, however, the roof sign must be a static sign facing into Wrigley Field with the top of the sign not exceeding 69 feet above grade for those buildings subject to the height restrictions of 4-388-170 (a)(1) and 63 feet above grade for those buildings subject to the height restrictions of 4-388-170 (a)(2). LED backlighting for the roof sign is prohibited except during a game, stadium event as defined in Section 4-160-110 , or Wrigley Field production as defined in Section 4-388-010 (k).

         4.   Off-premises signs are permitted.

         5.   Signs established pursuant to the criteria of the Wrigley Field Adjacent special sign district shall need no other City Council approvals otherwise required pursuant to Section 13-20-680 of the Municipal Code of Chicago.

(Added Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 25275; Amend Coun. J. 9-13-06, p. 84917, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 9-13-06, p. 84921, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-19-08, p. 47220, Art. VII, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-8-12, p. 38872, § 256; Amend Coun. J. 12-12-12, p. 44485, § 6; Amend Coun. J. 4-30-14, p. 80382, § 5; Amend Coun. J. 11-5-14, p. 96204, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-19-14, p. 98820, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 10-31-18, p. 87780, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 4-17-24, p. 11285, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 10-30-24, p. 19857, § 1)

      1.   Number, Area And Height Standards. The provisions of Section 17-12-1003 shall not apply to city digital signs. The maximum height of a city digital sign shall be 100 feet, measured from the lowest point of the ground directly below the city digital sign structure to the highest point on the sign or sign structure.

      2.   Dynamic Image Display Signs. The sign face of a city digital sign may not exceed 1,200 square feet.

      3.   Flashing Signs. City digital signs must not be wall signs, awning signs, flashing signs, high-rise building signs, marquee signs or video display signs.

      4.   Separation from R and DR Districts. Subject to Section 17-12-0904, city digital signs are prohibited within 125 feet of any R and DR district, provided, however, that such separation requirement may be reduced by 25% if (a) the city digital sign is not operated from 12:00 A.M. to 5:00 A.M., except for emergency purposes, and (b) either (i) the sign face is not visible from the front yard of residences in the abutting R or DR district, or (ii) the sign face is angled to primarily face an expressway or toll road, as designated by the Chicago Department of Transportation. For purposes of testing such proximity restriction, property that is zoned as an R or DR district but which consists of land or public way owned by the city or a federal, state, local or other unit of government, in whole or in part, and which is not improved with any residential buildings, shall not be regarded as an R or DR district for purpose of such proximity restriction.

      5.   Separation from Residential Buildings in D Districts. City digital signs are prohibited entirely within 100 feet of a residential building located in a D district.

      6.   Separation from Waterways. City digital signs are prohibited within 100 feet of a waterway described in Section 17-12-1006-C.

      7.   Separation from Public Parks. City digital signs are prohibited within 100 feet of a public park of two acres or more (other than a linear park that is more than one mile in length and is primarily located within the public way, as to which no proximity restriction shall apply) if the sign face is legible from the subject park.

      8.   Lakefront Protection District. City digital signs are prohibited within the boundaries of the Lake Michigan and Chicago Lakefront Protection District.

      9.   Separation from Designated Major Streets and Roads. City digital signs are prohibited within the following boundaries:

         (a)   within 500 feet of Lake Shore Drive;

         (b)   Michigan Avenue, between Oak Street on the north and Roosevelt Road on the south.

   For purposes of clarity, the proximity restriction in Section 17-12-1006-F.1(b) applicable to expressways or toll roads, as designated by the Chicago Department of Transportation, shall not apply to city digital signs, and the separation between sign requirements set forth in Section 17-12-1006-F.2 shall not apply to city digital signs, except as to signs described in Section 17-12-1201-A(10).

      10.   Separation from Other Off-Premises Signs. City digital signs shall be subject to the separation requirement in Section 17-12-1006-H, provided, however, that such separation requirement shall only apply to off-premises signs lawfully established with and operated pursuant to a current and valid permit, including, without limitation, the correct ownership information, the payment of all fees and other amounts due the city, and the operation of the sign within the limitations (e.g., size, height, type of sign) included in the approved permit for such signs, or otherwise applicable.

      11.   Flashing and Video Display Elements. City digital signs may not contain flashing elements or video displays.

      12.   Overlay Districts. City digital signs are prohibited in overlay districts established pursuant to Chapter 17-7.

      13.   Special Sign Districts. City digital signs are prohibited in special sign districts established pursuant to Section 17-12-1100.

      14.   Planned Developments and Planned Manufacturing Developments. City digital signs may be located on land or public way owned by the City and located within planned developments, so long as the underlying zoning for such planned development is not predominantly residential, and, notwithstanding Section 17-6-0403-F, on land or public way owned by the city and located within a planned manufacturing district.

(Added Coun. J. 12-12-12, p. 44485, § 6; Amend Coun. J. 4-30-14, p. 80382, § 5)