Berwyn, IL Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)

Section 1476.05(B)(10) of the Berwyn Code of Ordinances sets the coverage cap: window signs shall not occupy more than 20% of the total ground floor window area on each building facade. The count runs facade by facade, so a storefront on a corner has a separate 20% budget on each side. The code defines a window sign as a sign affixed, hung, placed, posted or printed on the interior or exterior of a building window or door that is intended to be viewed from outside, which means painted lettering and door decals count toward the total. Window signs are permitted in all non-residential districts on every building facade, and in residential districts only for non-residential uses.

Lighting has its own numbers. Neon window signs cannot exceed six square feet per sign, and electronic message signs in a window cannot exceed four square feet in total area. Under § 1476.03(D), an LED sign is capped at 5,000 nits of luminance from dawn to dusk and 150 nits from dusk to dawn, a non-LED sign at one footcandle measured at the curb line, and illuminated signs go dark from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. or 30 minutes after close of business, whichever is later.

Temporary window signs do not need a sign permit but must meet the same (B)(10) standards, per § 1476.06(B)(7). Section 1476.06(A)(1) adds that temporary signs shall not be illuminated, so a lit sale sign fails even if it fits inside the 20%. A banner displayed as a window sign needs a permit, is limited to 32 square feet and a 30-day display, and can go up no more than four times a year on a zoning lot (§ 1476.06(C)(1)).