Sign Regulations in Arlington Heights, IL: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Arlington Heights or are thinking about moving there, sign regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Arlington Heights has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of sign regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Political Signs

Arlington Heights permits political signs on residential property with minimal restrictions consistent with First Amendment protections. Signs may not exceed 6 square feet in area per sign in residential districts. No permit is required for political signs. Signs may not be placed in the public right-of-way or on Village property.

Key details: Permit Required: No. Maximum Size: 6 sq ft per sign in residential. Number Limit: No limit on private property. Right-of-Way: Not permitted. Seasonal Limits: None, year-round display allowed.

Political signs placed in the public right-of-way may be removed by the Village without notice. Signs exceeding size limits may receive a notice of violation. There are no fines for first-time violations of political sign size limits in most cases; the Village typically requests voluntary compliance. Contact Code Enforcement at (847) 368-5200.

The rules around political signs in Arlington Heights lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Holiday Displays

Arlington Heights permits holiday displays and seasonal decorations on residential property with minimal restrictions. Decorations may be displayed for a reasonable period before and after the holiday. Electrical displays must comply with safety standards. Displays that create noise, traffic, or light nuisances for neighbors may be subject to code enforcement.

Key details: Permit Required: No. Duration Limit: Reasonable period around holiday. Electrical Safety: Outdoor-rated equipment required. Noise Rules: Sound displays subject to noise ordinance. Content Restrictions: None on private property.

Holiday decorations rarely result in code enforcement action. Decorations creating safety hazards, excessive noise, or significant light trespass may result in a complaint-driven notice from Code Enforcement at (847) 368-5200. Decorations left in place for unreasonable periods after a holiday may be cited under property maintenance standards.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Arlington Heights gives residents more flexibility on holiday displays.

Garage Sale Signs

Arlington Heights regulates garage sale signs as part of its temporary sign provisions. Signs may be displayed on the property where the sale is held during the sale period. Off-site directional signs are generally not permitted in the public right-of-way. Sign size is limited and signs must be removed promptly after the sale ends.

Key details: Permit Required: No. Maximum Size: 6 sq ft. Display Period: Day before through 24 hours after sale. Right-of-Way Signs: Not permitted. Utility Poles: Signs prohibited, removed without notice.

Signs placed in the public right-of-way will be removed by the Village. Signs not removed within 24 hours after the sale may result in a code enforcement notice. Repeated violations may result in fines. Attaching signs to utility poles or public infrastructure is prohibited. Contact Code Enforcement at (847) 368-5200.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Arlington Heights gives residents more room on sign regulations. 2 of the 3 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

These rules come from Arlington Heights's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.