Political Signs: Chicago vs Tinley Park
How do political signs rules compare between Chicago, IL and Tinley Park, IL?
Tinley Park 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 →Tinley Park, IL
Cook County
Political signs in Tinley Park residential yards are permitted under sign code provisions that must be content-neutral under U.S. Supreme Court precedent (Reed v. Town of Gilbert, 2015). Typical rules limit residential temporary signs to reasonable sizes and aggregate coverage. Signs in the public right-of-way are prohibited, and signs must be removed within a reasonable period after the election.
View full Tinley Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Tinley Park |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Residential Signs | - | Permitted on private property |
| Typical Size | - | ~6 sq ft per sign |
| Right-of-Way | - | Prohibited |
| Permit | - | Not required |
| Removal | - | ~10 days post-election |
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.
Tinley Park FAQ
Can I put political signs in my Tinley Park yard?
Yes. Political signs are permitted on residential private property with the owner's consent, subject to content-neutral size and number limits in the sign code. No permit is required.
Can I put signs in the parkway or median?
No. Signs in the public right-of-way, including parkways between sidewalk and street, medians, and traffic islands, are prohibited and subject to removal by Village crews.
How long after an election must signs come down?
A reasonable time after the election, commonly within 10 days. Leaving signs up indefinitely may result in a code enforcement notice.
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