Sangamon County, IL Sign Regulations: Holiday Displays (2026)
Key Facts
- Put up
- 7 days before holiday
- Take down
- 7 days after holiday
- Residential cap
- 1 sign, 12 sq ft
- Other districts cap
- 2 signs, 16 sq ft each
- Coverage
- Unincorporated county only
Summary
Unincorporated Sangamon County lets holiday decorations and signs go up seven days before a holiday and requires removal within seven days after, with size caps by zoning district.
Temporary special events signs and decoration for special events, grand openings, or holidays. Such signs and decorations may be erected seven (7) days prior to a special event or holiday and shall be removed seven (7) days following the event or holiday. For grand openings such signs may be used for no more than thirty (30) days. In residential zoning districts, one temporary sign not to exceed twelve (12) square feet is permitted per zoning lot. In all other districts two (2) temporary signs, not to exceed sixteen (16) square feet each are allowed. In the Agricultural District, agricultural test/demonstration plots shall be considered special events, which run from planting to harvest. Any number of political signs are permitted per zoning lot. No political sign shall exceed thirty-two (32) square feet. Directional/information sign, not to exceed two (2) square feet in sign area or eight (8) feet in height. (Res. No. 11, Exh. A(3), 2-13-2013; Res. 9, Exh. A (part), September 14, 2004; Res. 12 Exh. D (part), May 8, 2001)
Full Breakdown
Sangamon County's zoning ordinance treats holiday decorations as temporary special-event signs, exempt from a permit but not from size and timing rules. They may go up seven days before a holiday and must come down seven days after. Residential lots are capped at one temporary sign up to 12 square feet; lots in other districts get up to two signs, 16 square feet each. This applies only in the unincorporated county. Springfield, Chatham, and the county's other municipalities set their own sign rules.
Violations & Fines
A holiday sign or decoration left up past the seven-day removal window loses its exempt status; the zoning administrator can order it repaired or removed as a defective or nonconforming sign under the maintenance provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can holiday decorations stay up in Sangamon County?
Does this rule apply inside Springfield or Chatham?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sangamon County
Compare Sangamon County to another location·View the Illinois sign regulations overview
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