Chicago Mayor Emanuel Pondering New Sign Regulations in Trump Fallout

Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced his intentions to create ordinances that would prevent future design controversies like the maligned Trump sign above the Chicago River.

1 minute read

June 27, 2014, 6:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"A ban on any new high-rise signs facing the downtown riverfront is one of three options being considered by Mayor Rahm Emanuel to prevent developers from erecting signs like the one Donald Trump put on his Chicago skyscraper," a spokesperson for Mayor Emanuel announced earlier this week.

The announcement is included in an update on the controversy from Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin, whose been wrapped up in the controversy after voicing criticisms of the sign and provoking unkind comments by Donald Trump.

"Mayor Emanuel’s vision for the river as the city’s next recreational and tourism space requires a rethinking of current city ordinances governing signage in this area," said the spokeswoman, Kelley Quinn, is quoted in the article.

Among the promised "rethinking of current city ordinances," Kamin mentions the following:

  • "Changing the city’s zoning code to limit high-rise building signs to no more than one sign per building, which may not face the riverfront."
  • "Creating a special sign district for the Chicago River corridor." 
  • "Amending the standards and guidelines in the zoning code for 'planned developments.'"

Wednesday, June 25, 2014 in Chicago Tribune

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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