Sangamon County, IL Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Area cap, residential
- 12 sq ft total
- Area cap, other districts
- 16 sq ft total
- Removal deadline
- 7 days after election
- Permit required
- No
Summary
Sangamon County allows unlimited political signs in unincorporated areas but caps total area at 12 square feet in residential districts and 16 square feet elsewhere, with removal required seven days after the election.
Any number of political signs not to exceed a total of twelve (12) square feet in residential zoning districts or sixteen (16) square feet in all other zoning districts. Such signs must be removed seven (7) days following the election. 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
County Code Section 17.62.100 permits any number of political signs in every unincorporated zoning district without a permit, but limits their combined area to twelve square feet in residential districts and sixteen square feet in all other districts. Signs must come down within seven days after the election they support. The rule sits alongside the county's other permit-free sign categories, construction signs, nameplates, and directional signs, all governed by the same section. Springfield, Chatham, and the county's other incorporated towns set their own political-sign limits inside their corporate limits.
Violations & Fines
A political sign left up more than seven days after the election, or exceeding the twelve/sixteen-square-foot area cap, violates Section 17.62.100 and can be ordered removed by the zoning administrator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big can political signs be in unincorporated Sangamon County?
When must political signs come down?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sangamon County
Compare Sangamon County to another location·View the Illinois sign regulations overview
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