Oak Lawn, IL Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)
Key Facts
- New/replacement billboards
- Prohibited village-wide
- Electronic/animated signs
- Also separately prohibited
- Only exception
- Public-lands zoning tracts
- Enforcement
- Building, planning and zoning division
Summary
Oak Lawn bans new or replacement billboards village-wide, including electronic ones, except on a narrow public-lands zoning tract where they're a permitted use.
Billboards, off site identification signs, or outdoor advertising signs not existing at the time of the adoption of this Chapter. Any replacement or erection of a billboard, off site identification sign, or outdoor advertising sign shall be prohibited.
5. Any signs or attention getting devices, that rotate, revolve, or any visible moving parts or that gives the appearance of movement, including, but not limited to, searchlights, spinners, streamers, banners, balloons, barrels, and other similar devices, or ornamentation designed for purposes of attracting attention, promoting, or advertising, unless otherwise provided for in this Chapter.
6. Any sign or structure which constitutes a hazard to public health, safety, or welfare, including dangerous construction or sight obstructions.
7. Any sign located in the public right-of-way, unless otherwise provided for in this Chapter.
8. Pole signs. (Ord. 9-13-41)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Code current through: Ord. 26-09-22, passed April 28, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Oak Lawn's sign code prohibits any billboard, off-site identification sign, or outdoor advertising sign not already standing when the chapter was adopted, and bars replacing or erecting one anywhere in the Village. Electronic billboards qualify as animated signs under the code and are separately barred as attention-getting devices with moving or changing displays. The one exception: the Nonmunicipal Public Lands District zoning classification (federal, state, county, township, school or park district land) lists electronic billboards as a permitted use, subject to the sign chapter's other requirements.
Violations & Fines
Sign division enforcement under the building, planning and zoning division; an unpermitted billboard is treated as an illegal sign subject to removal, with obsolete/abandoned signs also removable at owner expense and lienable to the property (Village Code § 6-8-11).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put up a new digital billboard in Oak Lawn?
Is there any place in Oak Lawn where an electronic billboard is allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oak Lawn
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