Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 13-20 § 13-20-670

Projecting electrical signs shall have a thickness of drum or box not exceeding 24 inches (610 mm) except by special permission.


(a) Vertical type "V" shaped signs, vertical type "V" shaped projecting signs shall not project more than six feet (1.83 m) from the building and shall not exceed six feet (1.83 m) in width along the face of the building. Said signs shall be enclosed at the top and the bottom and an open space of not more than three inches (76.2 mm) shall be allowed between the building and the sign.


(b) Supported from roof structure. Signs supported by a structure from a roof shall have a minimum distance of three feet (914 mm) from the bottom of the structure or the display, whichever is lower, to the roof. The minimum distance from the face of the display to the exterior wall of the building shall be three feet (914 mm), except as provided for in Section 13-20-650 .


(c) Supported from the ground. Signs supported by a structure from the ground shall have a minimum distance of nine feet (2.74 m) from the bottom of the structure or display, whichever is lower, to the ground. No exposed live parts (lamps, sockets, neon tubes or sockets, etc.) shall be within nine feet (2.74 m) of the ground.


Exception: Ground signs on private property supplied by branch conductors which are protected by an approved ground-fault circuit-interrupter device may have a distance of less than nine feet (2.74 m) from the bottom of the structure or display if all the electrical components are totally enclosed within the sign assembly. All such signs shall be readily accessible.


(Added Coun. J. 11-3-99, p. 13842, § 3)