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City ServicesCommunity Development
There are forms or permits related to this department available in the Online Reference Desk section of our website.  Click here.Overview  |  Department Head Biography  |  This document is available to view in PDF format. Adopted Building Code Changes
Architectural Review Commission  |  Building Permits    |  Business License Process
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Oakton/Elmhurst Subarea Plan  |  Zoning Ordinances
Community Development     Project Procedures and Requirements
Overview  |  Commercial - Existing Buildings  |  Commercial - New Buildings
Concrete Work  |  Decks  |  Demolition  |  Driveways and Paved (Hard) Surfaces
Miscellaneous  |  New Single Family Residence  |  Pools, Spas and Ponds
Residential Detached Garages  |  Remodeling, Room Additions and Attached Garages
Right-Of-Way Excavations  |  Sanitary Sewer Lateral Program  |  Signs  |  Storage Sheds

Signs

  1. A permit application must be completed for each sign, with two (2) sets of drawings showing dimensions and construction details of proposed sign attached.
  2. Provide two (2) Plats of Survey indicating location of proposed sign on each plat.
  3. If changes are being proposed for an existing sign, include a photograph of existing sign.
  4. Licensed electrical contractors must install illuminated signs.
  5. Every sign installer must be licensed per the attached requirements.
  6. Wall signs for a building which fronts on a public street may have three (3) square feet of signage for each lineal foot of building frontage with a maximum of 100 square feet. Corner buildings fronting on two (2) streets will be allowed two (2) signs - each not to exceed 100 square feet. Surveys must be submitted locating signage and showing measurements for lot frontage.
  7. Pole (ground) signs are based on lot frontage and "determined frontage." Minimum lot frontage is 75 lineal feet. A lot with between 75 lineal feet and 120 lineal feet may have one ground sign, not to exceed 75 square feet. Lot frontages in excess of 120 lineal feet may have a sign up to a maximum of 90 square feet. A variance is required if the lot frontage is between 67 ˝ and 75 lineal feet; if less than 67 ˝ lineal feet no variance can be applied for or granted.
  8. Pole and monument signs are required to provide and maintain landscaping in a 3’ width on each side of the sign’s base.
  9. The leading edge of ground signs must be five feet (5’) from the frontage property line. Maximum height of a pole sign is 20’ 0". Maximum height of a monument sign is 5’. 0".
  10. Temporary signs are allowed four times per year, with 60 days in between. They are valid for 30 days only. A $200.00 refundable bond is required. Such signs include banners, pennants and tents, etc. Tents must have a flame rating certificate.
  11. Additional items covered under the Sign Ordinance include awnings, canopies, marquees and street clocks. However, these structures will require an Application for Development Permit. For items with lettering, a Sign Permit Application will also be required.
  12. See the Sign Ordinance for details, or contact the Plan Examiner at 847-391-5372.
  13. Call JULIE, Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators, at 800-892-0123, for the utility line location information. JULIE is a free service.
  14. Be advised that the above-mentioned are guidelines. Each permit is treated individually and certain other requirements may apply. Once the above-mentioned information is submitted, the correct determination can be made.
  15. Sign variations are limited; please see the Sign Ordinance.

 

 

 

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City of Des Plaines
1420 Miner St.
Des Plaines, IL  60016
847-391-5300

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Events Calendar
10/6/08 City Council Meeting
10/7/08 Special Meeting of the City Council
10/8/08 Economic Development Commission
10/8/08 Architectural Commission
News Headlines
10/2/08 Flooding Information and Updates
10/2/08 Des Plaines Firefighters Sell Pink T-Shirts
9/29/08 News From the Community Foundation
9/26/08 This document is available to view in PDF format. History Center Affected by Flood
9/26/08 Chiro One Wellness Centers Recently Opened in Metro Square
9/25/08 City Clerk Announces Early Voting
9/24/08 Citizen Police Academy Postponed
9/24/08 Police Officer Sworn In
9/24/08 First Lady's Luncheon Rescheduled to October 12
9/19/08 Clerk Announces Last Day To Register To Vote
9/18/08 IEMA, FEMA, SBA To Begin Flood Damage Assessments
9/15/08 Governor Blagojevich Tours Flood-Impacted Areas
9/8/08 Chamber of Commerce and Industry Week
9/5/08 Constitution Week Declared by Mayor
9/3/08 Firefighters Sworn In
8/29/08 Lexington Park Ribbon Cutting

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