Sign Code Summary

Forrest, IL

Local sign ordinance requirements — free, cited to the source section.

Last updated March 2026

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Understanding sign regulations in Forrest, IL

Every outdoor sign in Forrest is governed by the municipality’s sign ordinance, which sets how large a sign may be, how tall it may stand, how far it must sit from the property line, whether it may be illuminated, and which sign types are permitted in each zoning district. This page summarizes those requirements in plain language and links each value back to the section of the Forrest code it came from.

Sign rules here are layered. The base zoning district — commercial, industrial, or residential — sets the default limits, and overlay districts such as historic or downtown districts can tighten them further. Because the most specific jurisdiction controls, a freestanding monument sign on a commercial parcel and a wall sign in a historic overlay can face very different limits even on the same street in Forrest.

Use the figures below as a fast first check, then run a full address lookup to confirm the exact limits for a specific parcel in Forrest, Illinois. The full report also covers permit requirements, prohibited sign types, and illumination rules — each cited to the source ordinance so your permit application can reference it directly.

Before you order or install a sign in Forrest, confirm three things: the maximum sign area and height allowed in the parcel’s zoning district, the minimum setback from the right-of-way, and whether the sign type you want — freestanding, monument, wall, projecting, or awning — is permitted there at all. Many permit denials come from missing a setback or an overlay-district restriction rather than from the size of the sign itself, so checking the governing section before applying saves a costly resubmittal.

Awning Signs

Awning Sign Clearance: Signs, marquees, or awnings must not overhang a sidewalk at less than 7 feet above the surface
Awning Projection Clearance: Must not overhang roadway or sidewalk less than seven feet above sidewalk surface

General Info

Jurisdiction Name: Village of Forrest, IL
Jurisdiction Name: Forrest, IL

General Standards

Sign Maintenance: No person may sell cigarettes at retail using a cigarette vending machine unless a sign with the message 'SURGEON GENERAL'S WARNING: SMOKING BY PREGNANT WOMEN MAY RESULT IN FETAL INJURY, PREMATURE BIRTH, AND LOW BIRTH WEIGHT' is displayed in plain view on the machine
Sign Maintenance: All signs required under this section shall be printed on white cards in red letters at least 1/2 inch in height

Ground Signs

Ground Sign Other: Any sign, marquee, or awning which is in an unsafe condition, or which overhangs any roadway, or which overhangs any sidewalk less than seven feet above the sidewalk surface

Other

Warning Sign Specifications: Signs must be printed on white cards with red letters at least 1/2 inch in height
Warning Sign Color And Format: Signs must be printed on white cards in red letters

Permit Process

Permit Application Requirements: Failure to display a warning sign is a business offense with a fine not to exceed $1,000

Prohibited Signs

Prohibited Sign Types: Any advertisements or signs affixed to any building, wall, fence, sidewalk, street or other private or public property without permission of the owner thereof
Prohibited Sign Types: Any sign, marquee, or awning which is in an unsafe condition, or which overhangs any roadway, or which overhangs any sidewalk less than seven feet above the sidewalk surface
Prohibited Sign Types: in full report
Prohibited Sign Types: in full report
Prohibited Sign Types: in full report
Prohibited Sign Types: in full report
Prohibited Sign Types: in full report
Prohibited Sign Types: in full report

6 more prohibited signs rules in the full report →

Temporary Signs

Temp Signs Allowed: Permit required
Temp Signs Allowed: Not allowed
Temp Sign Rules: in full report

1 more temporary signs rule in the full report →

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