Illuminated Signs & LED Neon Signs in Chicago

In Chicago the Department of Buildings issues sign permits; applications start online, with drawings and a supplemental form. According to the city:

• A sign permit is generally required. No permit is needed for interior signs only legible from inside, window signs covering 25% or less of the glass (painted or permanent film), or signs whose characters are all under 2 in tall.
• Signs over the public way – blade and projecting signs – also need a Public Way Use permit and a City Council ordinance, via the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) or your alderman.
• Installation: new sign boxes or channel letters need engineered drawings and a licensed general contractor; electrical work needs a registered electrical contractor.
• Landmarks: the exemptions may not apply to a Chicago Landmark or landmark district – contact the Historic Preservation Division.

Sources: City of Chicago – sign permits, When a sign permit is not required, as of October 2026. This is not legal advice – the local authority makes the final decision.

The city asks for drawings with dimensions, position and illumination – engineered drawings for sign boxes and channel letters. With your free design preview you get:

• your sign shown on a photo of your storefront
• dimensions, materials and light color
• which elements light up and which are printed

You or your sign installer submit the application.

• Indoor LED neon signs come with fixings and a plug-in power supply – hang it up and plug it in, step by step in our installation guide.
• Outdoor signs, light boxes and hard-wired signs should be connected by a qualified electrician. Chicago has plenty of sign installers who also fit signs made by others.

Tell us where the sign will go and we will tell you what you need for installation.

• LED neon signs – for bars, restaurants and store windows
• Channel letters – with engineered drawings for the permit
• Back-lit acrylic letters – subtle halo light
• Projecting signs – with a Public Way Use permit

All sign types at a glance

1. Send your logo, sketch or text – ideally with a photo of your storefront
2. Receive your free digital design preview
3. After your approval, production takes about 2–3 weeks
4. Insured delivery to your address in Chicago

Every sign is dimmable and comes with a remote control and a 24-month warranty. Delivery is duty paid – no import charges when it arrives.

Do I need a permit for a sign in Chicago?
Generally yes. Exceptions include interior signs, window signs covering 25% or less of the glass, and signs with characters under 2 in tall.

What do I need for a blade sign over the sidewalk in Chicago?
A sign permit plus a Public Way Use permit and a City Council ordinance, arranged through BACP or your alderman.

Do you install signs in Chicago?
Indoor LED neon signs come with fixings and a plug-in power supply, so you can hang them yourself. For outdoor signs, light boxes and hard-wired signs we recommend a local electrician or sign installer.

Can I see the sign on my storefront before ordering?
Yes. Send us a photo of your storefront and we will show you a free design preview with your sign in place.