Naperville, IL Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)

Section 6-16-2 defines a WINDOW SIGN as 'a sign installed inside, painted upon, or placed against a window for purposes of viewing from outside the premises, excluding merchandise located in a window display,' meaning product displays visible through the glass do not count against the limit. 7 lists window signs among the Exempt Signs that do not require a sign permit, but conditions that exemption on staying within two coverage caps measured at the same time: a maximum of 75 percent of any single window pane, and no more than 50 percent of the total window surface area across the whole storefront elevation.

The Measurements chapter, section 6-16-7, item 9 restates the identical 75 percent/50 percent formula for calculating window sign area during a compliance review. 3: window signs there are likewise exempt from permit and held to 50 percent of the total window surface area of the facade, with the 75 percent per-pane cap available to exceed 'unless otherwise approved by the Zoning Administrator,' giving downtown storefronts a narrow administrative path to more coverage than the citywide standard allows. Residential properties are governed separately: section 6-16-4 does not list window signs among the residential Exempt Signs, so a window display on a residentially used property outside a permitted home occupation is not covered by this exemption.