Madison County, IL Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit needed
- None, exempt under § 93.122(A)
- Size limit
- 25% of ground-floor window area per facade
- Display period
- 30 days per calendar year
- Zoning districts
- Allowed in all districts
- Violation remedy
- Order of removal, then § 93.999 fine
Summary
Temporary window signs in unincorporated Madison County are exempt from a sign permit under County Code § 93.122(A)(1) but cannot cover more than 25% of a building's ground-floor window area per facade, and each display is capped at 30 days per calendar year.
(1) Temporary window signs. (a) Zoning district. Temporary window signs are allowed in all zoning districts. (b) Size. Temporary window signs shall not occupy more than 25% of the total ground floor window area on each building facade. (c) Display period. Temporary window signs are limited to a display period of 30 days per calendar year.
Full Breakdown
116, such as the ban on obstructing traffic visibility. A temporary window sign is allowed in every zoning district in the county, so the exemption is not limited to business areas. The size limit is set per building facade: the sign, or combination of signs, cannot occupy more than 25% of the total ground-floor window area on that facade. Coverage is measured facade by facade, so a corner building with windows on two street-facing walls gets a separate 25% allowance for each wall. The display period is capped at 30 days in a calendar year, whether that time is used in a single continuous run or split across several shorter postings; the code does not exempt seasonal or sale signage from that cap.
Because temporary window signs skip the review process, the Zoning Administrator does not pre-approve individual layouts, but a sign left up past the display window or exceeding the 25% coverage limit loses the exemption and can be ordered removed.
Violations & Fines
Failing to comply with the temporary window sign standards triggers an order of removal under § 93.122(A), and because the sign no longer qualifies for the review exemption, it is treated as an unpermitted sign subject to the zoning code's general penalty in § 93.999(A): $10 to $500, with each day of continued violation after notice a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a temporary window sign in Madison County?
How big can a window sign be?
How long can I leave a window sign up?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madison County
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