Will County, IL Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)
Key Facts
- Allowed zones
- Only C-4, I-1, I-2, I-3 districts
- Permit
- Special use required for new dynamic display
- Brightness cap
- 5,000 nits day / 250 nits night
- Dwell time
- Minimum 10 seconds per image
- Jurisdiction
- Unincorporated Will County only
Summary
In unincorporated Will County, a new digital billboard requires special use approval under the zoning code's dynamic display rules, with strict brightness, dwell-time and spacing limits.
A new advertising sign that incorporates a dynamic display may be established only if approved as a special use (in accordance with the procedures of § 155-16.40), subject to compliance with all applicable advertising sign and dynamic display regulations of this section.
(b) An existing, conforming advertising sign face may be converted to incorporate a dynamic display if approved as a special use (in accordance with the procedures of §
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-25: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinance No. 24-100, passed 4-18-2024 and Res. 23-387, passed 11-16-2023; and State legislation approved through 2024 Pamphlet #2).
Full Breakdown
Will County's zoning code allows digital billboards only as advertising signs in C-4, I-1, I-2 and I-3 districts, and a new dynamic display advertising sign needs special use approval under Code § 155-13.70(A)(2)(a). Existing conforming sign faces can convert as-of-right only by removing two square feet of nonconforming advertising sign for every square foot of dynamic display added. Brightness is capped at 5,000 nits by day and 250 nits from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, dwell time must run at least ten seconds, and displays are barred within 300 feet of a residential structure. This applies only in unincorporated Will County. Joliet, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Plainfield and Lockport regulate signs under their own municipal codes.
Violations & Fines
Operating a noncompliant dynamic display is a zoning violation; the county can order brightness reduced or displays brought into compliance, and unpermitted signs are subject to removal and code enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put up a digital billboard anywhere in Will County?
How bright can a digital billboard be at night?
Does this rule apply inside Joliet or Bolingbrook?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Will County
Compare Will County to another location·View the Illinois sign regulations overview
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