New Permit Requirements for Signs in Joliet

Submitted by the City of Joliet

The City of Joliet recently approved an ordinance amendment (effective April, 2015) designed to curtail the influx of temporary signs, feather signs, and banners in commercial areas of the City. Signs temporarily placed by street corners and driveways at commercial business entrances create a traffic visibility hazard. The proliferation of temporary commercial signs also creates an unsightly appearance in the city.

The new temporary sign regulations can be found on the Joliet website at cityofjoliet.info. Certain signs like civic flags, small directional on premise signs, and not-for-profit signs are exempt from the new ordinance fee structure, although a permit may be required. Please allow 2 weeks for the processing of sign permit applications.

A summary of changes contained in the new regulations include implementation of a $50 fee per sign; a limit on the maximum number of signs per business to 3 for a maximum of 30 days, two times per year. Also, there is required spacing of 40 feet between any freestanding temporary sign, feather sign, or banner.

The Joliet Inspections Staff will be enforcing the provisions of the temporary sign regulations. Signs in violation are subject to immediate removal if located in city parkways or in traffic visibility areas. Non-conforming signs are not allowed to continue under provisions of the new sign regulations. The temporary sign, feather sign, and banner provisions will help promote an attractive appearance of our commercial areas. The cooperation of business owners is appreciated. If you have questions, or wish to obtain a permit application for a temporary sign, feather sign, or banner, please visit our web site or contact the Planning Division at 815-724-4050.