Political Signs: Chicago vs Des Plaines
How do political signs rules compare between Chicago, IL and Des Plaines, IL?
Des Plaines has fewer restrictions than Chicago.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago regulates political signs under content-neutral temporary sign rules in MCC §13-20-560. Residential properties may display non-illuminated temporary signs up to 6 square feet per sign without permits. The city updated rules after Reed v Gilbert to apply uniformly to all temporary signs. Signs in the public right-of-way are removed by Streets and Sanitation without notice.
View full Chicago 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 | Chicago | Des Plaines |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Permit | - | Not required (residential) |
| Size Limit | - | ~6-8 sq ft typical |
| Right-of-Way | - | Prohibited |
| Sight Triangle | - | Must be clear |
| Time Limit | - | Generally none |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
When can I put up a political sign in Chicago?
Any time of year. After Reed v Gilbert, Chicago applies content-neutral temporary sign rules; the prior election-window restriction was removed.
How big can my sign be?
Up to 6 square feet per sign on residential property without a permit, with aggregate limits per parcel.
Can I post signs on parkway trees or utility poles?
No. Placement on parkways, parkway trees, utility poles, traffic signals, medians, or any public right-of-way is prohibited and subject to summary removal.
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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