Political signs on private property in Cook County are protected by the First Amendment and Illinois law. Cook County's sign regulations cannot unreasonably restrict political expression. Standard sign size and placement rules may still apply.
Political signs on private property are protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the Illinois Constitution. Cook County's sign ordinance (Chapter 114) and zoning provisions cannot unreasonably restrict political expression on private property. The U.S. Supreme Court's Reed v. Town of Gilbert decision requires content-neutral sign regulations. Cook County may apply general sign standards (size, placement, setbacks) equally to all temporary signs, but cannot single out political signs for special restrictions or require permits specifically for political messaging. Signs in the public right-of-way are subject to different regulations and may be removed. Political signs should be removed within a reasonable time after elections per good-neighbor practices.
Placement in right-of-way: removal by county. Exceeding general size limits: sign violation. Content-based restriction: unconstitutional.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle political signs.
See how Evanston's political signs rules stack up against other locations.
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