Chicago is one of the more challenging municipalities in which to obtain a permit for a sign. One of the main reasons for this is that the Aldermen in each of Chicago's 50 Wards want to review the signs that are being installed in their neighborhoods. So, if a sign projects over the sidewalk, is over 100 square feet or installed higher than 24 feet, there is a required City Council review process in addition to the permit review process. This can lengthen the overall permit review to 3 - 6 months from beginning to end which can be a difficult for a new business opening their doors to customers.

Permitting for your signs is not an easy process, but necessary. The best approach is to align yourself with a sign company that is licensed in the City of Chicago.

Step 1: Hire a sign company that is licensed and bonded with the Chicago Department of Buildings to apply for all permits and install your signs.

Step 2: Determine the type of sign you want for your business and have the sign company design a sketch that shows the sign dimensions, the detailed installation method if it is going on the building, and foundation details if it is a ground sign.

Step 3: Your sign company will print a copy of the City Zoning Map of your property, which details the Zoning District, property frontage measurement, and Alderman Ward information, all needed when applying for the permit.

Step 4: If your sign is over 100 square feet, or installed higher than 24 feet on the building, you will need an Alderman-approved Council Order. This application is presented at City Council in the first month, approved in the second month, and written as approved Council Order Journal entry in the third month. A copy of this Journal entry is required for final sign permit approval.

Step 5: If your sign projects over the sidewalk, you are also required to apply for a Use of Public Way permit. Again, this is a separate application, submitted to the Alderman, with the same City Council review and approval process as Council Orders. As a business owner you will pay the city an annual Use of Public Way fee for your sign to hang over the sidewalk.

Step 6: Your sign company will apply for the sign permit through the City of Chicago Department of Buildings online site. At the end of the application a credit card payment for the Zoning Review fee must be remitted online ($200 for an on-premise sign and $500 for an off-premise sign.)

Step 7: A hard copy of the permit application, along with a detailed sketch of the sign and Zoning map of the location is forwarded to City Hall, Building Department for permit review.

Step 8: Permit review status is posted online and your sign company can keep you updated on this process.

If a business does not permit for their signs the City of Chicago can put a hold on their business license renewal until they come into compliance. So the best approach is to permit.

Work with a sign company that is familiar with the permit process in Chicago, and has contacts in the various Wards to help streamline the review process. The City Of Chicago lists licensed and bonded sign companies at their Permit Process for Signs site.