Signage Rules: Downers Grove vs Naperville
How do signage rules rules compare between Downers Grove, IL and Naperville, IL?
Naperville has fewer restrictions than Downers Grove.
Downers Grove, IL
DuPage County
In unincorporated DuPage County, the Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 37, Sec. 37-3.2) defines a Home Occupation as a use clearly incidental and secondary to residential use of the dwelling, and prohibits any exterior evidence — including signs, displays, or advertising — that the dwelling is being used for anything other than a residence. Incorporated municipalities set their own sign rules.
View full Downers Grove rules →Naperville, IL
DuPage County
Naperville regulates all signage under Title 6, Chapter 16 (Street Graphics Control). Home occupations may display only a small permitted sign. Signage in the public right-of-way is prohibited. Sign permits are required for most business signage.
View full Naperville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Downers Grove | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Code | - | Title 6, Chapter 16 |
| Right-of-Way | - | Signs prohibited |
| Permit | - | Required for most signs |
| Home Business | - | Small sign permitted |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Downers Grove FAQ
Can I put a sign for my home-based business in front of my DuPage County house?
Not if you are in unincorporated DuPage County. Sec. 37-3.2 of the Zoning Ordinance defines a Home Occupation as a use with no external evidence — no signs, no displays, no advertising of the business at the dwelling. If you live inside a DuPage municipality, your city or village code controls and may have different rules.
Does the DuPage County rule apply if I live in Naperville or Wheaton?
No. The DuPage County Zoning Ordinance only applies in UNINCORPORATED DuPage County. Cities and villages like Naperville, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Aurora, Bolingbrook, and Lombard have their own zoning and sign ordinances that govern home occupations within their boundaries.
Can I put my business name on my mailbox or door?
Under Sec. 37-3.2, the home occupation may not be advertised externally and the dwelling may not be altered to indicate non-residential use. A mailbox, door plaque, or window sign that advertises the business would generally be inconsistent with the "no external evidence" standard. Contact DuPage Building and Zoning, (630) 407-6700, before posting anything.
Naperville FAQ
Can I put a sign for my home business in Naperville?
Home occupations may display a small sign as permitted under the zoning code. The sign must be minimal and consistent with the residential character of the neighborhood.
Can I put signs on the sidewalk or street?
No. Signage in the public right-of-way is prohibited under Naperville's Street Graphics Control ordinance. Illegally placed signs will be removed and violators fined.
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