DeKalb Approves New Sign Regulations

City Council updates rules for digital and electronic signs in residential and downtown areas.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The DeKalb City Council has approved changes to the city's Unified Development Ordinance to update sign regulations for non-residential uses in multi-family residential districts and allow electronic changeable copy signs for wall and projecting signs in the Central Business District. The amendments set size limits and location rules for digital signs, including one wall or projecting sign up to 30 square feet per building, or a combined total of 60 square feet on different building faces.

Why it matters

The new sign regulations aim to balance the needs of businesses to advertise with the aesthetic and safety concerns of residential areas and the downtown district. The changes accommodate requests from local organizations like the Stage Coach Theatre while providing guidelines to prevent visual clutter and driver distraction.

The details

The DeKalb City Council voted to update the city's sign ordinance, allowing more flexibility for electronic and digital signage. The new rules permit one wall or projecting sign up to 30 square feet per building, or a combined total of 60 square feet on different building faces, in the Central Business District. The changes also set guidelines for non-residential signs in multi-family residential areas.

  • The DeKalb City Council approved the sign regulation amendments on Monday, February 11, 2026.

The players

DeKalb City Council

The governing body of the city of DeKalb, Illinois that is responsible for passing local laws and regulations.

Stage Coach Theatre

A local theater organization in DeKalb that requested new 52-square-foot signage, prompting the sign regulation updates.

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The takeaway

The updated sign regulations in DeKalb aim to balance the needs of businesses and organizations to advertise with the aesthetic and safety concerns of residential areas and the downtown district, providing clearer guidelines for digital and electronic signage.