Commercial Signage Updates
Update - August 6, 2026
The Village of Antioch recently approved updates to Village Code regulations related to commercial signage, including permanent window signage on commercial buildings.
These changes are intended to give local businesses greater flexibility to market products, services, promotions, and brand identity through building windows, while maintaining clear and consistent community signage standards.
To help maintain consistent standards throughout the community, the Village will begin enhanced signage enforcement on October 1, 2026. Businesses are reminded that temporary signage, including flutter signs, sail fabric signs, flags, banners, and other attention-getting devices, is only allowed with a permit issued by the Community Development Department. Temporary signage displayed without an approved permit should be removed.
What window signage changes were made?
The Village Board approved changes to the allowable amount of permanent window signage on commercial buildings. Previously, commercial window signage in the downtown area was allowed to cover up to 25% of a window, while commercial window signage outside of the downtown area was allowed to cover up to 35% of a window. Under the updated regulations, permanent commercial window signage may now cover up to 40% of a window in both downtown and non-downtown commercial areas. This change creates a consistent standard throughout the Village and provides businesses with additional flexibility to advertise products, services, and promotions through their building windows.
Temporary signage still requires a permit
Businesses are reminded that temporary signage and attention-getting devices may require a permit from the Village’s Community Development Department.
Examples include:
- Flutter signs
- Sail fabric signs
- Flags
- Banners
- Other temporary or attention-getting signage devices
If temporary signage is displayed without an approved permit, it should be removed until the proper permit has been issued.
What should business and property owners do now?
- Review all current window signage on your building.
- Confirm that permanent window signage does not exceed 40% of each window.
- Check whether any temporary signage currently displayed requires a Village permit.
- Remove unpermitted temporary signage or contact the Community Development Department to discuss permit requirements.
- Share this information with tenants, property managers, franchise representatives, and sign vendors as needed.
When will enforcement begin?
Enforcement of the updated signage regulations is scheduled to begin in October 2026.
The Village is providing advance notice so commercial property owners, business owners, and tenants have time to review their existing window signage and make any needed adjustments.
Village Considering Zoning Compliance Certification for New Businesses
The Village of Antioch is reviewing a potential zoning compliance certification process for new businesses locating in the community.
The proposed concept would provide a simple way for the Village to confirm that a new business use is appropriate for the property’s zoning district before the business opens or begins operations. It would also help the Village maintain more accurate information about new businesses, improve communication with business owners and property stakeholders, and better connect businesses with Village resources and updates.
The topic is expected to be discussed by the Planning and Zoning Commission in September. More information will be provided closer to that meeting, including meeting details and any draft materials available for review.
Public input would be accepted as part of the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. Business owners, property owners, brokers, and other interested stakeholders are encouraged to watch for additional information and participate in the discussion.
The proposed certification would apply to new businesses only. There would be a nominal certification fee for new businesses once the process is approved by the Village Board.
Existing businesses are not required, but are encouraged to participate at no cost by filling out the Certificate of Occupancy form and returning it to permits@antioch.il.gov.
