Getting A New Business Sign In Chicago Takes A Full City Council Vote. Lightfoot Wants To Change That. – WBEZ (Chicago)

Right now, getting any kind of storefront sign — awnings, block letters, big marquees, or even just a framed poster — requires a “public way use permit." The permits cost money — and require an application, a review by city officials, a signature from the local aldermen and, finally, a vote from the other 49 aldermen. Lightfoot’s administration said the whole process can take up to five months.