Des Plaines, IL Home Business: Signage Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- City Code 12-8-8
- Exterior Signs
- Prohibited
- Visible Display
- Not allowed outside dwelling
- General Sign Rules
- Title 12, Chapter 11
- Penalty
- Up to $750/day (1-4-1)
Summary
Des Plaines City Code Section 12-8-8 prohibits any exterior sign, advertising, or display that indicates a home occupation. A home business may not post a sign or any indication of the business in any yard, on the exterior of the dwelling, or in any location visible from outside the dwelling.
There shall be no advertising, signs, display, or other indications of a home occupation in any yard, on the exterior of the dwelling unit or visible from anywhere outside of the dwelling.
Full Breakdown
Section 12-8-8 of the Des Plaines Zoning Code addresses signage for home occupations by prohibiting it entirely: there shall be no advertising, signs, display, or other indications of a home occupation in any yard, on the exterior of the dwelling unit, or visible from anywhere outside of the dwelling. This keeps the residential character of the neighborhood and is stricter than the City's general sign standards in Title 12, Chapter 11, which govern permitted signs in commercial and residential districts. Because a home occupation must remain incidental and secondary to the residence, no on-premise business sign or window display oriented to the public is allowed. Any separate signage would be regulated under Chapter 11 and would require its own zoning certificate under Section 12-3-3, but a home-occupation sign visible from outside is not permitted.
Violations & Fines
Posting a prohibited home-occupation sign is a zoning violation enforceable under Title 12, Chapter 4. Under City Code Section 1-4-1 the fine is up to $750.00 per offense, and each day the sign remains is a separate offense; the City may also order removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put up a sign for my home business in Des Plaines?
Does the City's general sign code allow a small home-business sign?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Des Plaines
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