Oak Lawn prohibits signage for home-based businesses. The Village's zoning code requires that home occupations have no exterior evidence of the business, which includes signs of any type. Commercial signs are restricted to commercially-zoned properties under Oak Lawn's sign ordinance.
Oak Lawn's home occupation regulations require that there be no exterior indication that a business is being conducted on the premises. This prohibition extends to all forms of signage including permanent signs, temporary signs, window signs, yard signs, banners, and illuminated signs advertising the home business. Vehicles displaying commercial lettering for the home business should not be stored in view from the public right-of-way as they can constitute exterior evidence of commercial activity. Oak Lawn's sign code restricts commercial signage to commercially-zoned districts to preserve residential neighborhood character, particularly along residential blocks off 95th Street, 103rd Street, and Ridgeland Avenue. Home business operators may advertise through online platforms, business cards, mailers, and other off-site means without violating the home occupation provisions.
Displaying signage for a home business violates Oak Lawn's zoning code. Code Enforcement may issue a notice requiring removal. Fines typically begin at $75 per day of continued violation. Repeated violations may jeopardize the ability to continue the home occupation.
Oak Lawn, IL
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