Sign Regulations in Cook County, IL (2026)

6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 8 cities in Cook County, Illinois.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Cook County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Political Signs

Political signs on private property in Cook County are protected by the First Amendment and Illinois law. Cook County's sign regulations cannot unreasonably restrict political expression. Standard sign size and placement rules may still apply.

Cook County Political Sign Rules

Few Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Garage Sale Signs

Garage sale signs in unincorporated Cook County must comply with general sign regulations. Signs may not be placed on utility poles, traffic signs, or public right-of-way. Temporary signs should be removed after the sale ends.

Cook County Garage Sale Signs

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Holiday Displays

Cook County does not have specific restrictions on residential holiday decorations in unincorporated areas. Displays are considered temporary and generally permitted. Lighting must not create a traffic hazard or unreasonable light trespass.

Cook County Holiday Display Rules

Few Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Digital Billboards

In unincorporated Cook County, digital billboards along expressways and primary highways must comply with Cook County Zoning Ord. Ch. 102 sign standards plus the Illinois Highway Advertising Control Act (225 ILCS 440), which caps brightness, mandates eight-second message holds, and prohibits animation, flashing, or scrolling effects.

Digital Billboards Limited By Cook Zoning And IL Highway Advertising Act

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Window Signs

Cook County Zoning Ch. 102 caps window signs at roughly 25 percent of glazed area in unincorporated commercial districts. Suburban Cook municipalities each set their own rules: Evanston allows 30 percent, Oak Park 25 percent, Schaumburg 20 percent, with permanent versus temporary distinctions.

Window Sign Coverage Caps Vary Suburb By Suburb In Cook

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Freeway-Facing Signs

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.