Political Signs: Arlington Heights vs Des Plaines
How do political signs rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Des Plaines, IL?
Arlington Heights and Des Plaines have similar restriction levels.
Arlington Heights, IL
Cook County
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.
View full Arlington Heights rules →Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Political signs on private residential property in Des Plaines are constitutionally protected free speech and largely permitted without permits, subject only to content-neutral size, placement, and safety restrictions. Signs may not be placed in the public right-of-way or block sight lines for traffic.
View full Des Plaines rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Des Plaines |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Required | No | - |
| Maximum Size | 6 sq ft per sign in residential | - |
| Number Limit | No limit on private property | - |
| Right-of-Way | Not permitted | Prohibited |
| Seasonal Limits | None, year-round display allowed | - |
| Permit | - | Not required (residential) |
| Size Limit | - | ~6-8 sq ft typical |
| Sight Triangle | - | Must be clear |
| Time Limit | - | Generally none |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington Heights FAQ
Do I need a permit for a political yard sign in Arlington Heights?
No permit is required for political signs on residential property. Each sign may not exceed 6 square feet in area. There is no limit on the number of signs you may display on your private property.
Can I put political signs in the parkway or median?
No. Political signs may not be placed in the public right-of-way, on Village property, or on utility poles. Signs must be entirely on private property.
Do I have to remove political signs after an election?
No. Arlington Heights does not require removal of political signs after elections. Signs may be displayed year-round. However, signs that become deteriorated should be maintained or removed under general property maintenance standards.
Des Plaines FAQ
Can I put a political sign in my yard in Des Plaines?
Yes. Political signs on private residential property are permitted without a permit, subject to size and placement restrictions. Signs in the public right-of-way are not allowed.
When do I have to take political signs down?
Des Plaines's sign code, like most post-Reed v. Gilbert codes, does not impose strict election-keyed deadlines for political signs on private property. Reasonable maintenance is expected.
Can the City remove signs from the parkway?
Yes. Signs placed in the public right-of-way (parkways, medians, utility poles) may be removed by Public Works without notice regardless of message content.
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