Oak Lawn, IL Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit
- Not required if compliant
- Size cap
- 8 sq ft per sign face
- Duration limit
- None (exempt from 60-day cap)
- Location
- No public right-of-way placement
- Penalty for violation
- $25-$750 civil fine per day
Summary
Oak Lawn exempts election and candidate signs from sign permits, but caps them at 8 square feet and bars placement in the public right of way.
Political signs displayed in accordance with an official election or signs erected on behalf of candidates for public office. Such signs shall be subject to the public right of way location restriction set forth in subsection 6-8-20A3 of this chapter and shall not exceed eight (8) square feet per sign face in area.
9. Historical signs/iconic signs, as defined by the Oak Lawn historical preservation commission and the office of quality control. [Listed provided by Village]
10. Exempt Lighting. Any and all lighting used for temporary emergencies to ensure public safety, lighting used for municipal construction, lighting utilized for flags, lighting for radio, communication, and navigation towers, and temporary exterior lighting approved by the Village.
B. No permit shall be required for normal painting or maintenance. (Ord.
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
Village Code section 6-8-23A8 exempts political signs "displayed in accordance with an official election" or "erected on behalf of candidates for public office" from the sign chapter's permit requirements. The exemption is conditional: signs must respect the right-of-way location restriction in section 6-8-20A3 and cannot exceed 8 square feet per sign face. Unlike other temporary signs, political signs are also carved out of the general 60-day display limit in section 6-8-21B4. Signs exceeding the 8-square-foot cap lose the exemption and fall under the full sign code, including its permit process.
Violations & Fines
Sign chapter violations carry a civil penalty of $25 to $750 under section 6-8-24, with each day of continuing violation a separate offense; the Department of Community Development and Growth Management enforces and interprets the chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a political yard sign in Oak Lawn?
Is there a time limit on how long a political sign can stay up in Oak Lawn?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oak Lawn
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How other cities in Cook County handle political signs.