Freeway-Facing Signs: Arlington Heights vs Evanston
How do freeway-facing signs rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Evanston, IL?
Arlington Heights and Evanston have similar restriction levels.
Arlington Heights, IL
Cook County
Signs visible from I-90, I-94, I-294, I-55, I-57, I-80, I-88, and I-355 in Cook County are governed by the Illinois Highway Advertising Control Act (225 ILCS 440), administered by IDOT. Counties and municipalities cannot authorize signs that fail state spacing, size, lighting, or zoning standards.
View full Arlington Heights rules →Evanston, IL
Cook County
Signs visible from I-90, I-94, I-294, I-55, I-57, I-80, I-88, and I-355 in Cook County are governed by the Illinois Highway Advertising Control Act (225 ILCS 440), administered by IDOT. Counties and municipalities cannot authorize signs that fail state spacing, size, lighting, or zoning standards.
View full Evanston rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Evanston |
|---|---|---|
| State permit | IDOT outdoor advertising required | IDOT outdoor advertising required |
| Max face size | 1,200 square feet | 1,200 square feet |
| Max height | 50 feet above ground | 50 feet above ground |
| Spacing | 500 feet urban interstate | 500 feet urban interstate |
| Zoning needed | Commercial or industrial only | Commercial or industrial only |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington Heights FAQ
Can a Cook County municipality approve a billboard IDOT denied?
No. State law preempts local approval of off-premises freeway-facing signs that fail HACA standards. Local governments may impose stricter limits but cannot override IDOT permit denials based on size, spacing, or zoning grounds.
Are on-premises business signs covered by HACA?
No. Signs that advertise the activities or products of the business on the same property where the sign sits are exempt from HACA permitting. They remain subject to Cook County or municipal sign code zoning regulations including height and area.
How do I apply for an IDOT outdoor advertising permit?
Submit IDOT Form OUT 102 with site plan, lease or ownership proof, zoning verification, and the permit fee to the IDOT Bureau of Operations. Annual renewals are required, and signs must be tagged with the issued state permit number.
Evanston FAQ
Can a Cook County municipality approve a billboard IDOT denied?
No. State law preempts local approval of off-premises freeway-facing signs that fail HACA standards. Local governments may impose stricter limits but cannot override IDOT permit denials based on size, spacing, or zoning grounds.
Are on-premises business signs covered by HACA?
No. Signs that advertise the activities or products of the business on the same property where the sign sits are exempt from HACA permitting. They remain subject to Cook County or municipal sign code zoning regulations including height and area.
How do I apply for an IDOT outdoor advertising permit?
Submit IDOT Form OUT 102 with site plan, lease or ownership proof, zoning verification, and the permit fee to the IDOT Bureau of Operations. Annual renewals are required, and signs must be tagged with the issued state permit number.
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