Obey The Political Sign Display Regulations This Election Season

JOLIET, IL — Election season is here. Candidates and voters are gearing up for the Consolidated Primary Election on Tuesday, Feb. 26, and are looking ahead to the Consolidated Election on Tuesday, April 2. Political candidates are campaigning, and residents are supporting their preferred candidates in several ways, including with yard signs. But the City of Joliet is reminding residents to remember some important regulations regarding political signs this election season.

The size and location of campaign signs are strictly enforced and regulated by the City of Joliet Zoning Ordinance. According to a state law set in place by former Governor Pat Quinn on Jan. 1, 2011, municipalities in Illinois are unable to regulate when the signs are posted on residential properties (Public Act 096-0904).

However, the size, height and location of the signs are still controlled by the City of Joliet. Residents must adhere to the following guidelines set in place by the City:

• Signs cannot be larger than 16 square feet in area, which includes the support structure. Signs also cannot be more than five feet in height.

• Signs must be placed on private property and not in the City’s right-of-way, which includes the parkway between the street and the sidewalk or in the median. Signs placed here will be removed and discarded.

• Political signs should not be placed any closer than 10 feet from the edge of the pavement.

• In areas where sidewalks are present, signs need to be placed a minimum of two feet beyond the private property side of the edge of the sidewalk.

• The use of trees or utility poles as sign supports or standards is prohibited.

If signs are found to be in violation of the above-mentioned guidelines, they will be considered illegal and subject to removal. Additionally, residents may receive possible fines for violating the guidelines.

A more in-depth review of the ordinance and its specifications can be found here by selecting the Zoning Ordinances link and reviewing section 47-17.21.

For questions regarding campaign signs or to report a violation, be sure to contact the City of Joliet at 815-724-4000.