Lake County, IL Sign Regulations: Holiday Displays (2026)
Key Facts
- Max display period
- 60 days per year
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Lake County only
- Governing chapter
- Ch. 151, Unified Development Ordinance
- Commercial message
- Voids the exemption
Summary
Unincorporated Lake County exempts holiday lights and decorations from sign permitting, but only if displayed no more than 60 days per year.
Signs exempt from regulation. The following signs shall be exempt from regulation under this section: ... (3) Holiday lights and decorations with no commercial message, not to exceed 60 days per year;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 26-0618, passed 6-9-2026 | State legislation current through ILCS Pamphlet 2025 #5).
Full Breakdown
Lake County's Unified Development Ordinance sign rules exempt holiday lights and decorations carrying no commercial message from sign regulation entirely, no permit, no size limit, but only for up to 60 days per year under § 151.173(D)(3). This chapter governs unincorporated Lake County only; Waukegan, North Chicago, Highland Park, Gurnee, Libertyville and the county's many other municipalities set their own sign and holiday-display rules. A display that runs longer than 60 days, or that carries a commercial message, loses the exemption and falls under the county's general sign standards in § 151.173, which can require a permit.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding 60 days converts the display into a regulated sign requiring compliance with § 151.173's permit and area standards; the Planning, Building and Development Department enforces the chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do holiday lights need a sign permit in unincorporated Lake County?
Does this rule apply inside Waukegan or Highland Park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lake County
Compare Lake County to another location·View the Illinois sign regulations overview
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