McHenry County, IL Sign Regulations: Garage Sale Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Small yard signs
- Exempt; no permit
- Temp structural signs
- One per street frontage
- Setback
- 5 feet from side and front lines
- Max display
- 120 days
- Right-of-way
- No encroachment allowed
Summary
Small garage-sale yard signs are exempt from permitting under the McHenry County UDO. A larger temporary structural sign is capped at one per street frontage, must sit at least 5 feet from side and front lot lines, and can be displayed for no more than 120 days.
Temporary structural signs shall be set back a minimum of five (5) feet from any side lot line and five (5) feet from any front lot line. No part of a temporary structural sign may encroach onto a public right-of-way.
Full Breakdown
The UDO exempts yard signs and temporary nonstructural signs from regulation (§ 16.72.090), so a typical garage-sale sign on your own lot needs no permit. If you use a larger temporary structural sign, § 16.72.100 allows one per street frontage without a sign permit (a building permit may apply to structural/electrical parts). It must be set back at least 5 feet from any side and front lot line, cannot encroach on a public right-of-way, is limited to 16 square feet (32 on Regional Transportation Corridors) and 10 feet tall, and may not be displayed for more than 120 days. Do not place signs in the road right-of-way.
Violations & Fines
Signs in the public right-of-way or violating the UDO are subject to removal and zoning enforcement by the county.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stake garage-sale signs along the road?
Do I need a permit for a garage-sale sign?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in McHenry County
Compare McHenry County to another location·View the Illinois sign regulations overview
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