TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.20 DEFINITIONS
Section 522.20 Definitions
"Act"
means the Highway Advertising Control Act of 1971 [225 ILCS 440].
"Affiliate"
means a company that directly, or indirectly through one or more
intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with,
another company.
"Air
mile" means a distance of one mile as measured horizontally along a
straight line between the sign and activity advertised.
"Business
Area" means any part of an area adjacent to and within 660 feet
of the right-of-way which is at any time zoned for business, commercial or
industrial activities under the authority of any law of this State; or not so
zoned, but which constitutes an unzoned commercial or industrial area.
However, as to signs along Interstate highways, the term "business
area" includes only areas which are within incorporated limits of any
city, village, or incorporated town, as such limits existed on September 21,
1959, and which are zoned for business, industrial or commercial use, or
to portions of Interstate highways which traverse other areas where the land
use, as of September 21, 1959, was clearly established by State law as
business, industrial or commercial. (Section 3.12 of the Act [225 ILCS
440/3.12]) Areas which were zoned as of September 21, 1959 and were not
specifically zoned for business, commercial or industrial use as of September
21, 1959 and were outside corporate limits on that date will not be considered
business areas along Interstate highways. However, an area zoned for
business, commercial or industrial activities that is adjacent to and within 660
feet of an Interstate highway and that is in Township 41 North, Range 10 East
of the Third Principal Meridian shall be deemed a business area along
Interstate highways. [225 ILCS 440/3.12] (See PA 95-0340, effective January 1,
2008.) Areas which were unzoned on September 21, 1959 may qualify as business
areas along Interstate highways if the applicant can show, based on
contemporaneous historical records of State actions (e.g., State sales tax
records, required State license fees, etc.) that the land on September 21, 1959
was and has continuously been used as business, commercial or industrial. Land
unzoned on September 21, 1959, used for agricultural and/or farming activities,
including but not limited to forestry, ranging, mining and mineral extraction
activities, grazing, wayside produce stands and grain storage bins, will not be
considered as business, commercial or industrial land uses for purposes of this
Part. Additionally, unzoned land used for railroad tracks and minor sidings;
transient or temporary activities not involving permanent buildings or
structures; outdoor advertising structures; activities not visible from the
main-traveled way; activities conducted in a building principally used as a
residence (if the ground floor of the building is more than 50% residence); and
activities located in buildings that are not integral to the business operation
or that are used to store trade equipment and where business transactions do
not take place will not be considered as business, commercial or industrial
land uses.
"Code"
means the Illinois Highway Code [605 ILCS 5].
"Commercial
or industrial activities," as used in the definition of "business
area" and "unzoned commercial or industrial area," means
those activities located within 660 feet of the nearest edge of
the highway right-of-way generally recognized as commercial or
industrial by zoning authorities in this State, such as land use devoted to
commerce, industry, trade, manufacturing, highway service, highway business,
warehouses, offices or similar uses, but for the purpose of determining
unzoned commercial and industrial areas does not include the following:
Agricultural,
forestry, ranging, mining and mineral extraction activities, grazing and
farming activities, including wayside fresh produce stands and grain storage
bins;
Railroad tracks and minor sidings;
Transient
or temporary activities not involving permanent buildings or structures;
Activities that are conducted in a building that is used to store trade
equipment or that is not integral to the business operation where actual
business transactions take place;
Outdoor advertising structures;
Activities not visible from a main-traveled way; and
Activities
conducted in a building principally used as a residence (if the ground
floor of the building is more than 50% residence). (Section 3.10 of the Act)
"Damaged
signs" means signs that require repair beyond normal maintenance.
"Department"
means the Illinois Department of Transportation.
"Directional signs" means signs containing directional
information about public places owned or operated by Federal, State or local
governments or their agencies; publicly or privately owned natural phenomena;
historic, educational, cultural, scientific and religious sites; areas of
natural or scenic beauty; or areas naturally suited for outdoor recreation
which are deemed to be in the interest of the traveling public.
"Director" means the Director of the Division of Highways or
the Director's designee.
"District" means any one of the District offices of the
Department's Division of Highways. (See Illustration M.)
"Erect" means to construct, build, raise, assemble, place,
affix, attach, create, paint, draw or in any other way bring into being or
establish; but does not include any of the foregoing activities when performed
as an incident to the change of advertising message or normal maintenance or
repair of a sign or sign structure. For the
purposes of this definition, the following shall not constitute normal
maintenance or repair of a sign or sign structure: replacing more than 60% of
the uprights, in whole or in part, of a wooden sign structure; replacing more
than 30% of the length above ground of each broken, bent, or twisted support of
a metal sign structure; raising the height above ground of a sign or sign
structure; making a sign bigger; adding lighting; or similar activities that
substantially change a sign or make a sign more valuable. (Section 3.08
of the Act)
"Expressway" means a primary highway constructed either as
a freeway or tollway which has complete control of access. (See
Illustration A.) (Section 3.04 of the Act)
"Federal, State or local law" means a Federal or State
constitutional provision or statute, or an ordinance, rule or regulation
enacted or adopted by a State or Federal agency or a political subdivision of a
State pursuant to Federal or State constitution or statute.
"Illegal Signs" means signs not in compliance with this Part.
"Interchange" means a system of interconnecting roadways in
conjunction with one or more grade separations, providing for the movement of
traffic between two or more roadways on different levels.
"Interstate highway" means any highway, including a
tollway, designated by the Department and approved by the United States
Department of Transportation as a part of the National System of Interstate and
Defense Highways. A highway becomes a part of the National System of
Interstate and Defense highways upon the date of approval of the Route Location
Decision and the approval of the addition of the highway to the National System
of Interstate and Defense Highways by the Governor and the United States
Department of Transportation. (Section 3.02 of the Act)
"Main-traveled way" means the traveled way (i.e.,
pavement) of a highway on which through traffic is carried. In the case of
a divided highway, the traveled way of each of the separated roadways for
traffic in opposite directions is a main-traveled way. It does not include
such facilities as frontage roads, turning roadways, or parking areas.
(Section 3.05 of the Act)
"Maintain" means to allow to exist and includes the
periodic changing of advertising messages as well as the normal maintenance or
repair of signs and sign structures. (Section 3.06 of the Act)
"Multiple Message Sign" means an outdoor advertising sign that
displays a series of message changes, regardless of the technology used. A
multiple message sign provides for a fixed message of at least ten seconds in
length with a transition time between message changes of three seconds or
less. Multiple message signs contain a default design that will freeze the
message in one position if a malfunction occurs.
"Municipality" means a city, village, or incorporated town
in the State of Illinois, but, "municipal" or
"municipality" does not include a township, town when used as the
equivalent of a township, incorporated town which has superseded a civil
township, county, school district, park district, sanitary district or any
other similar governmental district. (Section 3.09 of the Act)
"National Highway System" means the designation
provided to certain highways by the Department, which designation must be
approved by the United States Department of Transportation and the United
States Congress for the purpose of providing an interconnected system of
principal arterial routes that serve major population centers, international
border crossings, ports, airports, public transportation facilities, other
major travel destinations, and interstate and inter-regional travel and meet
national defense requirements. (Section 3.15 of the Act)
"Non-conforming sign and/or sign structure" means a registered
sign and/or sign structure lawfully in existence as of the effective date of
the Highway Advertising Control Act (July 1, 1972), but which thereafter does
not conform with the provisions of the Act. The term also includes a lawful
sign and/or sign structure rendered non-conforming by its subsequently becoming
subject to the terms of the Act, including but not limited to its being
adjacent to a highway, and not in a business area, that subsequently comes
under control of the Act or a sign and/or sign structure that is rendered
non-conforming by subsequent amendment to the Act (except that sign and/or sign
structures subject to the amendments of Section 6.01 (Size) and 6.03 (Spacing)
of the Act by Public Act 87-1205 shall not be rendered non-conforming, the text
of this definition notwithstanding). A non-conforming sign and/or sign
structure may be maintained, but neither a lawfully erected conforming sign
and/or sign structure nor a lawfully erected non-conforming sign and/or sign
structure may be compelled to be altered or removed under this Act until just
compensation is paid to the sign and/or sign structure owner and the owner or
owners of the property on which the sign and/or sign structure is erected.
"Official notices" means service club and religious notices and
public service signs.
"Official signs" means signs erected and maintained by public
officers or public agencies within their territorial or zoning jurisdiction and
pursuant to and in accordance with direction or authorization contained in
Federal, State or local law for the purposes of carrying out an official duty
or responsibility. Historical markers authorized by State law and erected by
State or local government agencies or non-profit historical societies are
considered official signs.
"On premise signs" means those signs which advertise activities
conducted on the property on which they are located. Variety seed signs,
fertilizer signs, and other agricultural product signs are not on premise signs
unless at least 50 percent of the sign face is devoted to identification of the
farm owner or operator. A sale or lease sign which also advertises any product
or service not located upon and unrelated to the business of selling or leasing
the land on which the sign is located is not an on premise sign.
"Parkland" means any publicly owned land which is designed or
used as a public park, recreation area, conservation area, wildlife or
waterfowl refuge or historic site.
"Primary highway" means any highway, other than an
Interstate highway, designated by the Department and approved by the
United States Department of Transportation as a part of the Federal-Aid Primary
System in existence on June 1, 1991 or any highway other than an
Interstate highway that is not on such system that is on the National Highway
System. (Section 3.03 of the Act)
"Public utility signs" means warning signs, informational
signs, notices or markers which are erected and maintained by publicly or
privately owned public utilities as essential to their operations.
"Responsible Local Officials" means in urbanized areas,
principal elected officials of general purpose local governments acting through
the Metropolitan Planning Organization designated by the Governor; or in urban
areas not within any urbanized area, principal elected officials of general
purpose local governments.
"Rest area" means an area or site established and maintained
within or adjacent to the highway right-of-way by or under public supervision
or control for the convenience of the traveling public.
"Right-of-way" includes all property, whether it is presently
being used for highway purposes or not, either under the jurisdiction of the
Department or owned in fee by the State of Illinois or dedicated to the People
of the State of Illinois for highway purposes, for which the jurisdiction,
maintenance, administration, engineering or improvement of any highway situated
thereon has been contracted by the Department to any other highway authority
pursuant to Section 4-409 of the Highway Code.
"Scenic area" means any area of particular scenic beauty or
historical significance as determined by Federal, State or local officials
having jurisdiction over said areas, and includes interests in land which have
been acquired for the restoration, preservation and enhancement of scenic
beauty.
"Scenic byway" means that portion of a highway that has been
nominated by the Department to the United States Department of Transportation
for designation as a National Scenic Byway or All-American Road, and that has
received national designation. "Scenic byway" does not include a
section of primary or Interstate highway that traverses a business area at the
time of nomination, except in accordance with Section 14.02(a)(5) of the Act.
(Section 3.16 of the Act)
"Secretary" means the Secretary of the Department.
"Service club and religious notices" means signs and notices
relating to meetings of not for profit service clubs and charitable
associations, or religious services.
"Sign" means any outdoor sign, display, device, notice,
figure painting, drawing, message, placard, poster, billboard, or other thing,
which is designated, intended or used to advertise or inform, and of which any
part of the existing or intended advertising or informative contents is or will
be visible from any place on the main-traveled way of any portion of an
Interstate or primary highway and which is within 660 feet of the
nearest edge of the right-of-way of such highway. (Section 3.07 of the Act)
"Sign"
also means any sign described above which is more than 660 feet
from the nearest edge of such highway right-of-way, outside of an urban
area, visible from any place on the main-traveled way of any portion of such
highway and erected with purpose of its message being read from such
main-traveled way. (Section 3.07 of the Act)
"Sign
Structure" means the assembled components which make up an outdoor
advertising display, including but not limited to uprights, supports, display
area and trim.
"Unzoned
commercial or industrial area" means any area adjacent to the right-of-way
of a primary highway or an Interstate highway for purposes of Section
522.210, not zoned by any county or municipality and which lies within 600
feet of any commercial or industrial activity. All measurements shall be
from the outer edges of the regularly used buildings, parking lots, storage or
processing areas of the activities, not from the property lines of the
activities, and shall be along or parallel to the edge or pavement of the
highway. On primary highways other than expressways, but not along
Interstate highways for purposes of Section 522.210, where there is an
unzoned commercial or industrial area on one side of the road in accordance
with the preceding, the unzoned commercial or industrial area shall also
include those lands directly opposite on the other side of the highway to the
extent of the same dimensions except where such lands are publicly owned or
controlled for scenic or recreational purposes. (See Illustration B.)
(Section 3.11 of the Act)
"Urban
area" means an urbanized area or, in the case of an urbanized area
encompassing more than one state, that part of the urbanized area in each such
state, or an urban place as designated by the Bureau of the Census of the
United States having a population of 5,000 or more and not within any urbanized
area, within boundaries to be fixed by responsible state and local officials in
cooperation with each other, subject to approval by the Secretary of the United
States Department of Transportation. Such boundaries shall, as a minimum,
encompass the entire urban place designated by the Bureau of the Census.
(Section 3.14 of the Act)
"Visible"
means capable of being seen (whether or not legible) without visual aid by
persons of normal visual acuity. (Section 3.13 of the Act)
(Source: Amended at 35 Ill.
Reg. 8523, effective May 17, 2011)
SUBPART B: PERMIT APPLICATION AND REGISTRATION PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS
 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.30 SIGNS REQUIRING PERMITS AND REGISTRATIONS
Section 522.30 Signs
Requiring Permits and Registrations
The following types of signs may
be erected and maintained only after a permit or registration has been issued
by the Department. Further, existing signs erected pursuant to the
Act can only be re-erected or improved
(any change that adds value to the sign) subsequent to the receipt of a permit
(see Section 522.50, Permit Application Contents).
a) Signs along Interstate highways that advertise the sale or
lease of property on which they are located;
b) On premise signs located along Interstate highways;
c) Signs located along Interstate highways that provide
information relative to lodging, food, outdoor recreational facilities or
automotive service facilities;
d) Signs in business areas other than directional signs, official
signs, official notices, public utility signs, or those non-business area signs
described in subsections (a), (b), and (c);
e) Any sign listed in subsections (a) through (d) that, after
receiving a permit or a registration, is erected again, is enlarged or extended
by the sign owner. These signs shall require new permits and payment of the
application fee.
(Source: Amended at 35 Ill.
Reg. 8523, effective May 17, 2011)
 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.40 PLACE OF FILING
Section 522.40 Place of
Filing
The permit application or
registration shall be filed with the Department office having jurisdiction over
the area in which the sign is to be erected or is located. (See Illustration M.)
(Source: Amended at 35 Ill.
Reg. 8523, effective May 17, 2011)
 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.50 PERMIT APPLICATION CONTENTS
Section 522.50 Permit
Application Contents
a) The permit application shall be a form prescribed by the
Department. The application shall require the applicant to provide specific
information necessary for the Department to determine whether a permit should
be issued.
b) The following additional documentation shall be attached to
the permit application:
1) Verification as to the zoning classification for the proposed
sign location. For proposed signs along Interstate highways, the documentation
shall show whether the site lies within incorporated limits as they existed on
September 21, 1959, and, if not, the land use as it was zoned on September 21,
1959. If the site was not zoned on September 21, 1959, or is not zoned now,
this shall be stated.
A) Verification of zoning classification will consist of an
ordinance, certification by the current zoning official and any other
documentation that shows the zoning classification. The zoning certification
must be submitted on the local governing agency's letterhead and must certify
to the site's zoning classification as well as to the site's adherence to the
September 21, 1959 criteria prescribed in subsection (b)(1) of this Section.
B) Zoning must be comprehensive. Signs will not be permitted on
spot zoned land or land on which the only plausible commercial or industrial
use is outdoor advertising.
C) When the application is for a site in a newly zoned commercial
or industrial area and no commercial or industrial site development is evident,
the zoning certification must certify to the site's pending commercial or
industrial use. For purposes of this subsection (b)(1)(C), "newly
zoned" means zoning that occurs from time-to-time when market conditions
warrant a change of land use. As evidence of pending commercial or industrial
use, the application shall include a site plan that has been approved by the
local zoning authority. If an approved site plan does not exist, the
application shall include a statement by the local zoning authority certifying
to the existence of utilities, roads and streets necessary to support
commercial or industrial development.
2) Illinois State Plane Coordinates or reference to
latitude/longitude coordinates for the proposed location, as well as a site
drawing of the proposed location. The site drawing for business area signs
other than on premise signs and signs that advertise the sale or lease of
property on which they are located shall contain at least the following
information:
A) The exact location of the proposed sign.
B) The distance as measured along the edge of the highway pavement
between the proposed sign and the nearest existing signs other than on premise
signs and signs that advertise the sale or lease of property on which they are
located, whether illegal or legal as long as the sign is visible from any place
on the main traveled way of the highway regardless of which highway the sign's
message is primarily intended to face and, in urban areas, is within 660 feet
of the nearest edge of the highway right-of-way. Measured distances between
the proposed sign and the nearest existing sign shall be as prescribed in the
table in subsection (b)(3).
C) The distance between the proposed sign and the nearest edge of
the highway right-of-way.
D) For signs located along interstate highways or expressways
outside incorporated municipalities, the distance between the proposed sign and
the beginning or ending of pavement widening for any interchange within 600
feet.
3) For signs with display area in excess of 150 square feet, the
site drawing shall contain all of the information required in subsection (b)(2)
of this Section, and, in addition, shall be prepared or approved by a land
surveyor licensed by the State of Illinois and shall show measured distances
between the proposed sign and the nearest existing sign according to the
following table:
|
Type of Highway
|
Distance
(feet)
|
|
Interstate
|
600
|
|
Expressway
|
600
|
|
Primary (Unincorporated Area)
|
600
|
|
Primary (Incorporated Area)
|
400
|
4) For signs with display area in excess of 150 square feet, a
current title commitment or other evidence of title showing ownership of the
proposed site.
5) Whenever the applicant does not own the proposed site, a
certificate of good corporate standing from the Illinois Secretary of State's
Office will be required, as well as a fully executed site lease, contract to
purchase or other proof of consent to erect and maintain a sign on the site.
Leases shall contain all riders. Rents need not be shown. All changes made to
the lease, contract to purchase, or consent which are related to the
requirements of this Part shall also be submitted to the Department. Whenever
the lease, contract to purchase or consent is not signed by the property owner,
proof of authority shall also be provided. A lease, contract to purchase, or
other form of consent to erect and maintain a sign that is subject to a permit
being issued by the Department to erect a sign will be considered a valid and
binding document. If the lease, contract to purchase or other consent to erect
and maintain a sign is terminated prior to the erection of the sign, the permit
is void.
6) For on-premise signs, a plat or survey shall be provided
showing the location of the sign, the location of the activity being
advertised, and the distance to the nearest edge of the highway right of way.
7) For signs that advertise the sale or lease of property on
which they are located, a site drawing shall be provided showing the location
of the sign and the distance to the nearest edge of the highway right-of-way.
8) For signs described by Section 522.210, the distance in air
miles between the proposed sign and the activity advertised.
9) A copy of written notice by the applicant to the municipality
where the sign is to be located, or to the county where the sign is to be
located in an unincorporated area, of the fact that an application has been filed
with the Department. A copy of the completed application form shall be
forwarded to the municipality or county.
10) Remittance of the non-refundable application fee by check or
money order payable to the Treasurer of the State of Illinois. As of July
1, 1993, the application fee shall be as follows:
A) For signs of less than 150 square feet, the fee shall be
$50.
B) For signs of at least 150 but less than 300 square feet, the
fee shall be $100.
C) For signs of 300 or more square feet, the fee shall be $200.
(Section 8 of the Highway Advertising Control Act of 1971) [225 ILCS 440/8]
D) The square feet shall be measured by the smallest square,
rectangle, triangle, circle, or combination that will encompass the entire
display area. If one side of the sign provides for more display area than
another, the measurements will be made on the larger side.
11) For signs to be located along Interstate highways in business
areas on parcels of land located in areas which were unzoned on September 21,
1959, proof based on contemporaneous historical records of State actions that
the land use on September 21, 1959 was business, commercial or industrial, must
be submitted with the permit application.
12) When a permit has previously been issued for a specific sign
at a specific site and the holder of that permit wishes to change that
permitted sign in a manner that would require the issuance of a new permit, the
applicant must provide a copy of the original permit application identifying
the permit number and application approval. This type of application will also
require the following:
A) A statement that the application is being submitted in order to
improve an existing permitted sign and that this action will not cause any
violations pursuant to the requirements of the Act and this Part.
B) The removal of the existing permitted sign will occur prior to
the erection of any other sign approved as a result of this permit application.
C) All other requirements of the Act and this Part are satisfied
without conditions.
c) The applicant shall certify that all of the information
provided is true and accurate and that the applicant is not the owner of, or
affiliated with an owner of, an abandoned or illegal sign as defined by this
Part. This certification shall be supported by an oath or affirmation
acknowledged by a notary public.
(Source: Amended at 35 Ill.
Reg. 8523, effective May 17, 2011)
 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.60 RECEIPT OF APPLICATION
Section 522.60 Receipt of
Application
a) All permit applications shall be stamped or otherwise marked
with the date and time upon receipt at the designated Department office.
b) Priority of processing permit applications shall be in the
order they are received.
c) If a receipt is requested showing the date and time the
application was received, the applicant shall submit a self-addressed, stamped
envelope.
d) Applications must be delivered to the designated Department
office with jurisdiction and not to any other District or to personnel other
than the personnel designated to accept applications.
e) Mailed applications will be considered to be received on the
date postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) on the envelope (at 11:59
PM). Private postmark stamps, bulk rate, or business stamping machines will not
establish the proper postmark. The postmark will be established by the
canceled stamp or USPS insignia on the envelope. If a postmark fails to exist,
then the date shall be the date and time actually received and marked by the designated
personnel at the Department office.
f) Attempting to "notarize" or acknowledge a time other
than 11:59 PM will not be recognized when applications are mailed.
g) Faxed or electronically submitted applications, letters,
protests or messages will not be accepted unless agreed to in writing by the Department
office.
h) Applications submitted by delivery or expedited mail service
(e.g., overnight mail, Federal Express, UPS) will be considered to be
applications delivered in person and not applications submitted by the private
postmark date.
i) If two or more applications are mailed or received at the
same time that could contradict the interests of the others, and the Department
cannot determine which application was there first with any degree of
certainty, priority will be determined by the Department by lottery, drawing
straws, coin toss, or any other fair and impartial method determined by the Department.
j) To ease administration of permit applications, the
Department, at its discretion, may group applications for a particular site or
geographic area.
k) Priority will not defeat the erection of a validly permitted
or registered conforming but damaged sign re-erected at the same location.
l) Examples of Priority Applications:
1) Example One: Application "A" postmarked on the
third of the month and received on the fifth; Application "B" hand
delivered on the fifth. Application "A" has priority since it was
postmarked on the third at 11:59 PM.
2) Example Two: Application "A" postmarked on the
third of the month and received on the fifth; Application "B"
received at 5:00 PM on the third. Application "B" has priority since
it was received at 5:00 PM and Application "A" could have been mailed
and postmarked up to 11:59 PM.
3) Example Three: Group A consists of five applications received
at different times for a particular location with the first application having
priority over the others. The administrator inspects the site during his/her
regular duties or schedules a special trip. If conditions will not allow the
issuance of a permit, the applications are denied. During the period for
processing the denial, conditions change which may allow the issuance of a
permit. The application with priority will be considered first, the application
with second priority will be considered second, and so forth.
4) Example Four: Same facts as Example three but all five
applications receive final denial notice from the Department. Department then
moves on to Group B applications, inspects the sites and determines if any
permits could be issued. If not, a 30-day notice is sent. If, after
reinspection, conditions change, the application with first priority in Group B
is considered to determine whether a permit can be issued. If not, the second
priority application is reviewed and so forth until the formal denial process
ends. The Department then moves on to Group C if one exists.
5) Example Five: Two applications arrive at different dates but
are postmarked on the same date or two or more people claim they are first in
line at the designated Department office to have their applications processed.
The Department is unable to determine with any degree of certainty who has
priority. The Department will inform the parties that the Department will
determine priority by lottery as described in subsection (i) of this Part.
(Source: Amended at 35 Ill.
Reg. 8523, effective May 17, 2011)
 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.70 APPROVAL OF APPLICATION
Section 522.70 Approval of
Application
a) The Department shall approve the permit application upon its
determination, after a site investigation that it is complete, correct and in
compliance with the requirements of the Act and this Part. The application
shall be marked "approved" on its face.
b) The Department shall notify the permittee that the application
has been approved by sending a copy of the approved application to the
permittee.
c) Permittees shall be issued an identifying tag by the Department
which shall be securely affixed to the front face of the sign or sign
structure in a conspicuous place by the owner or the Department upon
erection of the sign or within ten days after receipt of the tag,
whichever is later (Section 8 of the Act). Permittees shall provide
evidence such as "as-built" plans or affidavit, but, preferably by
photograph, of erection of signs.
(Source: Amended at 35 Ill.
Reg. 8523, effective May 17, 2011)
 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.80 DENIAL OF APPLICATION
Section 522.80 Denial of
Application
a) If a review of the application or a site investigation reveals
that the permit application is incomplete, contains incorrect information or is
not in compliance with the requirements of the Act or this Part, or that the
applicant is the owner of, or affiliated with an owner of, an abandoned or
illegal sign, then the Department shall notify the applicant in writing by
certified mail of its intent to deny the permit application and state the
reasons for that action. The notification shall inform the applicant that
he/she has 30 calendar days from the date of receipt of the notification to
challenge the intent to deny or to correct the deficiencies noted. No time
extensions will be permitted. The challenge shall be made in writing, state
the position of the applicant, the facts in support of that position and shall
contain any relevant documentation. The challenge must be received in the Department
office within the 30 day period. The Department will review the challenge and
shall either approve or deny the application based on the requirements of this
Part. No appeal may be taken from the Department 's decision on the challenged
application. The applicant's priority will be retained pending the Department's
final decision. Only one application per applicant will be processed for the
same site or any site within 500 feet of the site along an Interstate,
expressway or a primary highway outside a municipality, or within 300 feet
along a primary highway within a municipality, for which a permit application is
submitted prior to the final decision by the Department.
b) If, after consideration of the challenge, the Department approves
the application, the procedures in Section 522.70 shall apply. If, after
consideration of the challenge, the Department denies the application, it shall
be marked "denied" on its face and the reason for denial stated on
the application. The Department shall notify the permittee of the denial by
sending a copy of the denied application.
c) The permittee shall be deemed to have waived the right to
challenge if the challenge is not filed in the time specified in subsection (a)
of this Section. In such case, the application will be denied and be processed
in the same manner as an application denied with a challenge.
(Source: Amended at 35 Ill.
Reg. 8523, effective May 17, 2011)
 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.90 RENEWAL OF PERMITS
Section 522.90 Renewal of
Permits
a) Signs must be erected within three years after the date the
permit is issued. If a sign is not erected within three years, the permit will
become void and the applicant will be required to wait 60 calendar days before
a new application for that site can be submitted and considered.
b) Upon a change in permittee or sign ownership,
the new permittee or owner of the sign shall notify the Department,
in writing, of the sign permit or registration number and the old and new
permittee or sign owners' names within 60 days after the change in
permittee or sign ownership. No application fee is required under these
circumstances. Any permit or registration not so renewed shall become
revocable in accordance with the provisions of Subpart C. (Section 8 of the
Act)
(Source: Amended at 35 Ill.
Reg. 8523, effective May 17, 2011)
 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.100 REGISTRATION OF EXISTING SIGNS
Section 522.100 Registration
of Existing Signs
a) When a highway or a section of a highway is added to the
primary system, the Department shall so notify owners of signs along such a
highway that they have 90 days to register their signs.
b) When a primary highway is added to the Interstate system, the
Department shall so notify owners of on premise signs and signs which advertise
the sale or lease of property on which they are located that they have 90 days
to register their signs.
c) Registration shall be on a form prescribed by the Department
and shall be accompanied by a check or money order in the amount of $5.00
payable to the Treasurer of the State of Illinois.
d) Signs not registered in accordance with this Section shall
receive notice as provided in Subpart C of this Part.
(Source: Amended at 35 Ill.
Reg. 8523, effective May 17, 2011)
SUBPART C: REVOCATION OF PERMITS
 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.110 NOTICE OF INTENT TO REVOKE
Section 522.110 Notice of
Intent to Revoke
Whenever the Department
determines that grounds exist for the revocation of a permit or registration
(including but not limited to false information in the application, errors in
permit processing, failure to erect what was permitted, classification as an
owner of an illegal or abandoned sign, use of aliases, affiliates or subsidiary
companies to obtain permits, or any other violation of the Act or this Part),
the Department shall notify the permittee by certified mail of its intent to
revoke the permit. This notice shall be called the "Notice of Intent to
Revoke Permit" ("Notice") and shall inform the permittee that he
or she has 30 calendar days from receipt of the notice to reply. The
procedures in this Subpart shall not apply when a permit has expired without
any sign being erected within three years after issuance.
(Source: Amended at 35 Ill.
Reg. 8523, effective May 17, 2011)
 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.120 REPLY OF PERMITTEE
Section 522.120 Reply of
Permittee
a) The Reply shall be made to the Department in writing and
received at that office within the 30 day period. No time extensions will be
permitted. The Reply shall specifically state one of the following:
1) That the sign has been removed. In such case, evidence of the
removal (an affidavit or photograph) shall be submitted with the Reply.
2) That the problem cited in the Notice of Intent to Revoke has
been corrected or that measures to correct the problem will be undertaken in
the manner and within the times set forth in the Reply. Evidence of the
correction (an affidavit or photograph) shall be submitted with the Reply.
3) That a dispute exists and a review is requested.
b) If the permittee fails to reply or to reply within the 30 day
period, the Notice shall constitute the "30 day letter" as provided
for in Section 522.140 and shall have the same force and effect as same.
c) If the evidence submitted with the Reply shows that the sign
has been removed, then the Department will notify the permittee that the permit
is revoked.
d) If the evidence shows that the permittee has corrected the problem,
the Department will so notify the permittee and the Notice shall be considered
null and void.
e) If the Department finds that the evidence submitted with the
Reply fails to show that the sign has been removed or that no measures have
been taken or proposed to correct the problem, and no review is requested; then
the Department will issue a "30 day letter" in accordance with
Section 522.140.
(Source: Amended at 35 Ill.
Reg. 8523, effective May 17, 2011)
 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.130 REVIEW PROCEDURES
Section 522.130 Review
Procedures
a) Proceedings
1) In response to the timely receipt of the permittee's reply
requesting a review, the Department will notify the Director within 14 calendar
days that a request for review has been received. The Department will also
send a copy of the written notice to the permittee by certified mail.
2) Within 28 calendar days after the permittee's receipt of the Department's
notice to the Director, the permittee shall submit to the Director in duplicate
its written argument supporting its positions. The permittee shall also send a
copy of its argument to the Department by certified mail.
3) Within 28 calendar days after the Department's receipt of the
permittee's argument, the Department will submit to the Director in duplicate
its written argument and response to the permittee's argument supporting its
positions. The Department is responsible for assembling the record for review
and will include the record for review with its argument to the Director. The Department
will also send a copy of its argument and response and the record for review to
the permittee by certified mail.
4) Within 14 calendar days after receipt of the Department's argument
and response and the record for review, the permittee shall submit to the
Director in duplicate its written rebuttal argument to the Department's
argument and response. The permittee's rebuttal argument shall only address
the Department's argument and response and shall not introduce new theories on
the disputed matter. The permittee shall also send a copy of its rebuttal
argument to the Department by certified mail.
5) The Director may hold a conference if it is necessary to
adjudicate conflicting facts or to simplify relevant issues. Conferences may
be held in person or by telephone.
6) Within 28 calendar days after receipt of arguments, rebuttal
argument, exhibits and a conference, if one is held, the Director shall render
the decision and promptly notify the Department and the permittee in writing by
certified mail of the decision.
A) The decision will be based on the written arguments, rebuttal
argument, the fact finding conference, and relevant exhibits.
B) All ex parte communications with the Director pertaining to the
review will be promptly summarized and communicated in writing to the opposing
parties.
7) Written arguments and written rebuttal arguments must contain
proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law.
8) If the permittee fails to submit a written argument or does
not submit it within the 28 calendar day period, the resultant decision will be
that the allegation or allegations as set forth in the Notice of Intent to
Revoke Permit are true, correct, and proven.
9) If the Department fails to submit a written argument or does
not submit it within the 28 calendar day period, the resultant decision will be
that the allegation or allegations as set forth in the Notice of Intent to
Revoke Permit are unproven.
10) If the permittee fails to submit a written rebuttal argument
within the 14 calendar day period, the rebuttal argument will not be
considered.
11) The Director may extend deadlines prescribed in this Section
upon a written request by either the permittee or the Department.
b) Departmental Action Following Review
1) If a sign has been found to be unlawful, the Department shall
issue a "30 day letter" as provided in Section 522.140.
2) If a sign has been found to be in compliance with this Part,
the permit will be considered lawful.
3) If the Director finds that insufficient information has been
provided, he/she shall direct the parties to supply the needed information so
that a decision can be rendered.
(Source: Amended at 35 Ill.
Reg. 8523, effective May 17, 2011)
 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.140 ISSUANCE OF THE "30 DAY LETTER"
Section 522.140 Issuance of
the "30 Day Letter"
When the Department has found a
sign to be unlawful as provided in Section 10 of the Act or Subpart C of this
Part, the Department shall notify the permittee or sign owner by certified mail
of the following:
a) The sign must be removed or brought into compliance within
thirty days from receipt of notice.
b) After the thirty day period, the sign shall become the
property of the Department if not removed or brought into compliance.
c) The Department shall sell, by public sale, auction, or sealed
bids; remove or paint over all unlawful signs which have not been removed or
brought into compliance within the thirty day period or shall seek a court
order to force abatement by the sign owner.
d) The sign owner shall reimburse the Department for all costs incurred
by the Department in selling, removing or painting over the sign.
SUBPART D: STANDARDS FOR SIGNS
 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.150 SIGNS THAT MAY NOT BE ERECTED OR MAINTAINED
Section 522.150 Signs that
may not be Erected or Maintained
The following signs shall not be
erected or maintained:
a) Signs located within the right-of-way of an Interstate or
primary highway or on any structure, wire, cable, or other device over or
above an Interstate or primary highway right-of-way except the
following:
1) Signs designating the name of the railroad which owns
the bridge.
2) Signs designating the clearance provided (Section
9-112.1 and 9-112.2 of the Code) by the bridge.
3) Public utility signs.
4) Signs required by the Code.
5) Signs required by the Illinois Vehicle Code [625 ILCS 5].
6) Signs, displays and devices giving specific information in the
interest of the traveling public erected and maintained by the Department or by
the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority.
b) Signs that attempt or appear to attempt to direct the
movement of traffic or which contain wording, color or shape which is
similar to official traffic control signs or other traffic control devices.
(Section 9-112.2 of the Code)
c) Signs that contain oscillating, rotating, flashing,
intermittent or moving light or lights (Section 9-112.2 of the Code),
except the following:
1) Signs giving public service information including but
not limited to time, weather, date and temperature (Section 6.02(a) of
the Act) and multiple message signs with displays that change not more frequently
than once every 10 seconds.
2) Pole supported business or brand identification signs
inside business areas with constant illumination and color and in which the
only movement is a slow rotation of the entire body of the sign so as to be visible
from all directions. (Section 9-112.2 of the Code)
3) On premise signs which comply with Section 522.190(g).
d) Signs that are erected, painted or drawn upon trees, rocks
or other natural features. (Section 5 of the Act)
e) Signs that are obsolete (i.e., advertises something that is no
longer there), abandoned (i.e., where no message or display appears for one
year, unless such display advertises the availability of the sign), or structurally
unsafe or in disrepair (Section 5 of the Act), unless such structural
conditions may be repaired in accordance with the provisions of the Act, and
the sign owner agrees in writing to make the repairs within 30 days after
receipt of the notice to remove.
f) Signs that project beams or rays of light at the
travelled way of a State highway or cause such beams or rays to create glare
or to impair the vision of a driver of any motor vehicle. (Section
6.02(b) of the Act)
g) Signs that are located within 1,000 feet of official
traffic signs, signals, or devices and obscure or interfere with a driver's
view of such sign, signal or device. (Section 6.03(a) of the Act)
h) Signs that are located within 1,000 feet of
approaching, merging or intersecting traffic and obscure or interfere with a
driver's view of such traffic. (Section 6.03(a) of the Act)
i) Signs that require a permit for erection or registration
under this Part and for which no permit or registration has been issued.
j) Signs that advertise activities that are illegal under
Federal, State or local law in effect at the location of those signs or
activities.
k) Signs (other than multiple message signs) that contain any animated
or moving parts. (Section 4.02(g) of the Act)
l) Signs that violate airport hazard zoning regulations adopted
by the Department pursuant to the Airport Zoning Act [620 ILCS 25]. (See
Illustration J.)
m) Signs erected adjacent to a scenic byway that is a primary
or Interstate highway after August 2, 1996, except those signs described in
Sections 4.01, 4.02, 4.03, 4.06 and 4.08 of the Act. (Section 5(d) of the
Act)
n) Registered
non-conforming signs that are damaged, as defined in Section 522.20 (definition
of Damaged Signs), unless maintained or repaired, as defined in Section 522.20 (definition
of Erect).
(Source: Amended at 35 Ill.
Reg. 8523, effective May 17, 2011)
 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.160 STANDARDS FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES
Section 522.160 Standards
for Official Notices
In addition to the standards set
forth in Section 522.150, the following standards apply to religious notices,
service club notices, and public service signs.
a) Service club and religious notices shall not exceed 8 square
feet in area.
b) Public service signs may be located only on school bus stop
shelters that are authorized by and are located at places approved by city,
county or State law, regulation or ordinance. Only safety slogans or messages
may be displayed on the sign and such slogans or messages shall occupy not less
than 50 percent of the sign area. The remaining 50 percent may contain only
the identity of the donor, sponsor or contributor of the shelter. Such signs
may not exceed 32 square feet in area. Not more than one sign on each shelter
shall face in any one direction.
(Source: Amended at 30 Ill.
Reg. 15792, effective October 1, 2006)
 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.170 STANDARDS FOR DIRECTIONAL SIGNS
Section 522.170 Standards
for Directional Signs
In addition to the standards set
forth in Section 522.150, the following standards shall apply to directional
signs.
a) To be eligible for determination, privately owned attractions
or activities must be nationally or regionally known, and of outstanding
interest to the traveling public. The Department will make a determination of
eligibility for each attraction or activity based on the information provided
in the submission, including any licenses held. In making this determination,
the Department will avail itself of the experience and knowledge of selected
groups in the specific type of attraction or activity being considered. These
groups shall include, but not be limited to, commissions, boards, other
agencies and/or other State Departments.
b) No such sign may be located within 2,000 feet of an
interchange, or intersection at grade along an Interstate highway or expressway
(measured from the nearest point of the beginning or ending of pavement
widening at the exit from or entrance to the main traveled way).
c) No such sign may be located within 2,000 feet of a rest area,
parkland or scenic area.
d) No two such signs facing the same direction of travel shall be
spaced less than one mile apart.
e) Not more than three such signs pertaining to the same activity
and facing the same direction of travel may be erected along a single route
approaching the activity.
f) Such signs located along Interstate highways shall be within
seventy-five air miles of the activity.
g) Such signs located along primary highways shall be within
fifty air miles of the activity.
h) The message on such signs shall be limited to the
identification of the attraction or activity and directional information useful
to the traveler in locating the attraction, such as mileage, route numbers, or
exit numbers. Descriptive words or phrases, and pictorial or photographic
representations of the activity or its environs are prohibited.
i) No such sign shall exceed the following limits:
1) Maximum area – one hundred fifty square feet
2) Maximum height – twenty feet
3) Maximum length – twenty feet
j) All dimensions include border and trim, but exclude supports.
 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.175 STANDARDS FOR OFFICIAL SIGNS
Section 522.175 Standards for Official Signs
No standards other than those
set forth in Section 522.150 of this Part shall apply to official signs.
(Source: Added at 30 Ill.
Reg. 15792, effective October 1, 2006)
 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.180 STANDARDS FOR SIGNS ADVERTISING THE SALE OR LEASE OF PROPERTY ON WHICH THEY ARE LOCATED
Section 522.180 Standards
for Signs Advertising the Sale or Lease of Property on which they are Located
In addition to the standards set
forth in Section 522.150, the following standards apply to signs advertising
the sale or lease of property on which they are located along interstate
highways outside business areas:
a) There may not be more than one such sign designed to
attract traffic on the highway proceeding in any one direction.
b) Such signs may not exceed twenty feet in length, width
or height or one hundred fifty square feet (Section 4.02(a) and (b) of
the Act) in area, including border and trim, but excluding supports.
 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.190 STANDARDS FOR ON PREMISE SIGNS
Section 522.190 Standards
for On Premise Signs
In addition to the standards set
forth in Section 522.150, the following standards shall apply to on premise
signs located along Interstate highways outside business areas.
a) There may not be more than one such sign located more than
50 feet from the advertised activity designed to attract
traffic proceeding in any one direction. (Section 4.03(a) of the Act)
b) No such sign visible to traffic and located more than 50
feet from the advertised activity which displays any trade name
referring to or identifying any service rendered or product sold, used or
otherwise handled, may be permitted unless the name of the advertised activity
is displayed as conspicuously as such trade name. This restriction does not
apply if the trade name identifies or characterizes places for lodging, eating,
telephone facilities, vehicle service and repair, or identifies vehicle
equipment, parts, accessories, fuels, oils or lubricants being offered for sale
at such places. (Section 4.03(b) of the Act)
c) No such sign which is located more than 50
feet from the activities conducted upon the property where the sign is
located may exceed 20 in length, width or height or 150
square feet in area, including border and trim, but excluding supports.
(Sections 4.03(b) and (c) of the Act)
d) No such sign shall be erected or maintained by a lessee on
property that is not being leased for lessee's advertised activity.
e) Such signs may be erected and maintained by persons who
operate the business which is advertised on property contiguous with the
property where the advertised activity is located as long as the parcels of
land where the sign and business are located are owned by the same entity or
person.
f) No such sign will be considered part of or contiguous with the
premises on which the advertised activity is conducted if its location,
configuration, use or purpose indicates an attempt to circumvent the intent of
the Act. Some examples of attempts to circumvent the intent of the Act include
but are not limited to erecting signs on easements or narrow strips of land.
g) No such sign may be erected or maintained which contains,
includes, or is illuminated by any flashing, intermittent or moving light or
lights except those which may be changed at reasonable intervals (see
Section 522.20, "Multiple Message Sign") by electronic process or
by remote control as long as these do not interfere with the effectiveness of
an official traffic control device. (Section 4.03(e) of the Act)
(Source: Amended at 30 Ill.
Reg. 15792, effective October 1, 2006)
 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.200 STANDARDS FOR SIGNS IN BUSINESS AREAS
Section 522.200 Standards
for Signs in Business Areas
In addition to the standards set
forth in Section 522.150, the following standards are applicable to signs in
business areas:
a) No such sign may be erected which exceeds 30
feet in height, 60 feet in length, and 1200 square feet in
display area on each side including border and trim but excluding ornamental
base or apron, supports and other structural members, measured by the smallest
square, rectangle, triangle, circle, or combination thereof which will
encompass the entire display area. (Section 6.01 of the Act) No temporary
extensions, cut-outs or ornamentation is allowed which enlarges a sign beyond
1200 square feet as measured herein. Except with respect to repair,
rebuilding, or replacement of any sign lawfully erected before July 1,
1993, no such sign may be erected in any county with a population
under 2,000,000 that exceeds 800 square feet in surface area per
side excluding extensions and cut-outs. The extensions and cut-outs may
account for no more than an additional 20% in sign surface area per side.
(Section 6.01 of the Highway Advertising Control Act of 1971 [225 ILCS
440/6.01])
b) No more than two such signs may be erected in a facing with
such facing not to exceed the size limitation stated in subsection (a) above.
c) Such signs may be double faced or placed back to back or
constructed in a V-type as long as the angle created is less than ninety
degrees. (Section 6.01 of the Act)
d) No such sign may be erected along the same side of an
interstate highway or expressway within five hundred feet of another such sign
structure or location where another such sign has been permitted but not yet
erected.
e) Except with respect to repair, rebuilding, or replacement
of any sign lawfully erected before July 1, 1993 (Section 6.03 of the Act) when
located outside of any incorporated municipality, no such sign may be erected
along the same side of a primary highway within 500 feet of another such sign
structure or a location where another such sign has been permitted but not yet
erected.
f) Except with respect to repair, rebuilding, or replacement
of any sign lawfully erected before July 1, 1993 (Section 6.03 of the Act),
when located inside of any incorporated municipality, no such sign may be
erected along the same side of a primary highway within 300 feet of another
such sign structure or a location where another such sign has been permitted
but not yet erected.
g) The spacing requirements described in subsections (d),
(e) and (f) above shall not apply to signs where the sign structures
are completely separated or screened by buildings, natural surroundings
or other obstructions in such manner that only one such sign facing located
within such distance is visible at any one time. (Section 6.03(b) of the
Act) A sign structure cannot be construed as an obstruction of a sign.
h) The spacing requirements described in subsections (d), (e) and
(f) above shall be measured along the edge of the pavement of the highway
between the points of each sign structure which lie closest to the highway pavement
but in no event shall the distance between signs be less than the required
spacing. (See Section 522.Illustrations D-G.) Signs visible from two or more
highways must be considered in spacing measurements along all such highways.
Any sign which has received a permit or a registration shall be included in
spacing measurements whether or not the permit or registration has been revoked
as long as the sign is visible from any place on the main traveled way of the
highway. When measuring spacing between signs involving back-to-back or V-type
sign structures and all points equidistant between the sign faces are on a line
perpendicular to the edge of pavement, the measurement between such sign
structures will be taken along the edge of pavement as shown in Section
522.Illustrations K and L. If the measurements cannot conform to those shown
in Section 522.Illustrations K and L, the measurements for signs involving
back-to-back or V-type sign structures shall be made between the points of each
sign structure which lie closest to the highway pavement.
i) Outside of an incorporated municipality, no sign structure
may be erected along an interstate highway or expressway adjacent to or within
500 feet of an interchange, rest area or weigh station, such 500
feet to be measured along the main traveled way from the beginning or ending
of pavement widening at the exit from or entrance to the main traveled way.
(Section 6.03(c) of the Act) (See Section 522.Illustration C.)
j) The requirements of this Section shall not be construed to
apply to or to impose additional limitations on directional signs, official
signs, official notices, public utility signs, signs advertising the sale or
lease of property on which they are located, or on premise signs nor shall
such signs be counted nor shall measurements be made from them for purposes of
determining compliance with (Section 6.04 of the Act) subsections (d), (e)
and (f) above.
(Source: Amended at 22 Ill. Reg. 7262, effective April 9, 1998)
 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.210 STANDARDS FOR SIGNS PROVIDING INFORMATION RELATIVE TO LODGING, FOOD, OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES OR AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE FACILITIES
Section 522.210 Standards
for Signs Providing Information Relative to Lodging, Food, Outdoor Recreational
Facilities or Automotive Service Facilities
In addition to the standards set
forth in Sections 522.150 and 522.200, the following standards apply to signs
providing information relative to lodging, food, outdoor recreational
facilities or automotive service facilities (Section 4.07 of the Act).
a) Such signs may be erected and maintained within six hundred
sixty feet from the edge of the highway right-of-way within
twelve air miles (Section 4.07 of the Act) from the advertised activity in
the following areas:
1) In business areas.
2) Along interstate highways in areas which at any time are
zoned for commercial or industrial activities.
3) Along interstate highways in unzoned commercial or
industrial areas.
b) No such sign shall be erected or maintained within two
miles approaching or within 1000 feet beyond an interchange. (Such
distances shall be measured along the main traveled way from the beginning or
ending of pavement widening at the exit from or entrance to the main traveled
way.)
c) Only six such signs may be erected or maintained within two
to five miles approaching an interchange. (Such distances shall be
measured along the main traveled way from the beginning or ending of pavement
widening at the exit from or entrance to the main traveled way.)
d) An average of only one such sign per mile may be
erected or maintained more than five miles approaching an interchange.
(Such distances shall be measured along the main traveled way from the
beginning or ending of pavement widening at the exit from or entrance to the
main traveled way.)
e) Not more than two such signs will be permitted within any
mile distance measured from any point, and no such signs will be permitted to
be less than 1000 feet apart (Section 4.07(a)-(f) of the Act).
f) No such sign may exceed twenty feet in length, width or
height or one hundred fifty square feet in area, including border and
trim, but excluding supports (Section 4.03(c) of the Act).
g) There may not be more than one such sign designed to
attract traffic on an interstate highway proceeding in any one direction
(Section 4.03(a) of the Act).
h) The limitations contained in subsections (b),(c),(d),(e) and
(g) above shall be applied against signs based on the direction of travel they
are intended to face.
(Source: Amended at 17 Ill. Reg. 7258, effective May 7, 1993)
SUBPART E: SIGNS WHICH MAY BE ERECTED WITHOUT A PERMIT
 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.220 DEPARTMENT NOTIFICATION
Section 522.220 Department
Notification
The following types of signs do
not require a permit for erection or a registration. However, the sign owner
shall notify the appropriate Department Office in writing of the exact sign
location, type of sign and size prior to erection.
a) Directional signs which comply with the standards set forth in
Section 522.170.
b) Official notices which comply with the standards set forth in
Section 522.160.
c) Public Utility signs.
d) Official signs.
(Source: Amended at 35 Ill.
Reg. 8523, effective May 17, 2011)
SUBPART F: MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.230 MULTIPLE SIGNS
Section 522.230 Multiple
Signs
Multiple sign structures shall
be considered as one sign for spacing purposes if the sign structures are
physically contiguous or connected by the same structure or cross bracing or
located not more than 15 feet apart at their nearest point in the case of back-to-back
or "V" type signs.
 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.240 SIGNS FACING TWO OR MORE HIGHWAYS
Section 522.240 Signs Facing
Two or More Highways
When a sign is erected which is
visible from two or more highways, one or more of which is an interstate or
primary highway, the more stringent of applicable control requirements shall
apply (see Illustration I).
Section 522.ILLUSTRATION A Expressway
 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.ILLUSTRATION A EXPRESSWAY
Section 522.ILLUSTRATION A Expressway

 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.ILLUSTRATION B UNZONED COMMERCIAL OR INDUSTRIAL AREA
Section 522.ILLUSTRATION B Unzoned
Commercial or Industrial Area

 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.ILLUSTRATION C INTERCHANGE SPACING
Section 522.ILLUSTRATION C Interchange
Spacing

 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.ILLUSTRATION D SPACING MEASUREMENT ALONG PAVEMENT
Section 522.ILLUSTRATION D Spacing
Measurement Along Pavement

 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.ILLUSTRATION E SPACING MEASUREMENT AT RIGHT ANGLE
Section 522.ILLUSTRATION E Spacing
Measurement At Right Angle

 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.ILLUSTRATION F SPACING MEASUREMENT ON SAME LINE
Section 522.ILLUSTRATION F Spacing
Measurement On Same Line

 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.ILLUSTRATION G SPACING MEASUREMENT ALONG CURVES
Section 522.ILLUSTRATION G Spacing
Measurement Along Curves

 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.ILLUSTRATION H MAP OF HIGHWAY DISTRICTS (REPEALED)
Section 522.ILLUSTRATION H Map
of Highway Districts (Repealed)
(Source: Repealed at 30 Ill.
Reg. 15792, effective October 1, 2006)
 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.ILLUSTRATION I CONTROL ALONG INTERSECTING HIGHWAYS
Section 522.ILLUSTRATION I Control
Along Intersecting Highways

 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.ILLUSTRATION J PUBLIC AIRPORTS
Section 522.ILLUSTRATION J Public
Airports

(Source: Added at 17 Ill. Reg. 7258, effective May 7, 1993)
 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.ILLUSTRATION K SPACING MEASUREMENT MONOPOLE BACK-TO-BACK V-TYPE
Section 522.ILLUSTRATION K Spacing
Measurement Monopole Back-to-Back V-Type

(Source: Added at 22 Ill. Reg. 7262, effective April 9, 1998)
 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.ILLUSTRATION L SPACING MEASUREMENT STANDARD BACK-TO-BACK V-TYPE
Section 522.ILLUSTRATION L Spacing
Measurement Standard Back-to-Back V-Type

(Source: Added at 22 Ill. Reg. 7262, effective April 9, 1998)
 | TITLE 92: TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBCHAPTER f: HIGHWAYS
PART 522
CONTROL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ADJACENT TO
PRIMARY AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS
SECTION 522.ILLUSTRATION M DEPARTMENT OFFICES AND COUNTIES
Section 522.ILLUSTRATION M Department Offices and
Counties
|
Central Bureau of
Land Acquisition
|
2300 South Dirksen Parkway
Springfield IL 62764
217/785-0808
|
Statewide
|
|
District 1
|
201 West Center Court
Schaumburg IL 60196-1096
847/705-4313
|
Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake,
McHenry and Will
|
|
|
|
District 2
|
819 Depot Avenue
Dixon IL 61021-3500
815/284-2217
|
Boone, Carroll, Henry, JoDaviess,
Lee, Ogle, Rock Island, Stephenson,
Winnebago and Whiteside
|
|
|
|
District 3
|
700 East Norris Drive
Ottawa IL 61350
815/434-8417
|
Bureau, DeKalb, Ford, Grundy,
Iroquois, Kankakee, Kendall,
LaSalle and Livingston
|
|
|
|
|
|
District 4
|
401 Main
Peoria IL 61602
309/671-4460
|
Fulton, Henderson, Knox, Marshall,
McDonough, Mercer, Peoria,
Putman, Stark, Tazewell, Warren and
Woodford
|
|
|
|
|
|
District 5
|
13473 IL Hwy. 133
P.O. Box 610
Paris IL 61944
217/465-4181
|
Champaign, DeWitt, Douglas, Edgar,
McLean, Piatt and Vermilion
|
|
|
|
District 6
|
126 East Ash
Springfield IL 62704-4792
217/782-7314
|
Adams, Brown, Cass, Christian,
Hancock, Logan, Macoupin, Mason,
Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Pike,
Sangamon, Schuyler and Scott
|
|
|
|
|
|
District 7
|
400 West Wabash
|
Clark, Clay, Coles, Crawford,
|
|
|
Effingham IL 62401
217/342-3951
|
Cumberland, Edwards, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Lawrence,
Macon, Moultrie, Richland, Shelby, Wabash and Wayne
|
|
|
|
|
|
District 8
|
1102 EastPort Plaza
Collinsville IL 62234
618/346-3280
|
Bond, Calhoun, Clinton, Greene,
Jersey, Madison, Marion, Monroe,
Randolph, St. Clair and Washington
|
|
|
|
District 9
|
State Transportation
Building
2801 West Murphysboro
P.O. Box 100
Carbondale IL 62903
618/351-5240
|
Alexander, Franklin,
Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson,
Jefferson, Johnson, Massac, Perry,
Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union,
White and Williamson
|
(Source: Amended at 35 Ill.
Reg. 8523, effective May 17, 2011)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|