Sign Regulations in Indianapolis, IN (2026)
5 verified sign regulations for Indianapolis, Indiana, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Garage Sale Signs
If an Indianapolis garage sale is advertised with signs, Sec. 987-203(c) requires those signs to follow the number, size, location, and duration limits set out in the separate Sign Regulations of Marion County, rather than the general sign chapter. The rule sits alongside the twice-a-year sale limit and the ban on street-obstructing sales.
Indianapolis Garage Sale Sign Rules
Light RestrictionsRevised Code of the Consolidated City and County (Indianapolis - Marion County), Sec. 987-203(c)
If a garage sale is advertised by the use of signs, the number, size, location, and duration of such signs shall comply with section 2.10(C) of the "Sign Regulations of Marion County," Appendix D, Part 19.
Holiday Displays
Indianapolis's exterior lighting ordinance carves out an exception for temporary decorative seasonal lighting, so holiday lights aren't subject to the city's foot-candle limits or shielding rules.
Indianapolis Exempts Seasonal Holiday Lighting
Few RestrictionsZoning Ordinance of Indianapolis-Marion County, Chapter 744, Sec. 744-602.B.6
B.Exceptions. The following types of lighting are not subject to the requirements of this Chapter 744, Article VI Street and Exterior Lighting:1.Lighting of public monuments and statuary;2.Lighting required and regulated by the FAA or another agency of the state or federal government with authority to regulate that type of lighting;3.Temporary lighting for emergency or nighttime work and constr...
Digital Billboards
Indianapolis-Marion County's off-premises sign rules flatly ban video, LED, LCD and other electrically powered graphic displays on billboards, and bar internal illumination altogether. The only digital exception is a narrow price-pack conversion on freeway-adjacent billboards, changeable no more than three times a day, plus a slow three-panel rotating Tri-vision display.
Indianapolis Bans Video and LED Billboards
Heavy RestrictionsThe Zoning Ordinance of Indianapolis-Marion County, Chapter 744, Sec. 744-911(A)(9)-(10); see also Sec. 744-911(B)(2)(d)(2)
9.Advertising sign. Advertising sign faces consisting of three or less panels that rotate to present a single fixed display at a time, commonly known as Tri-vision signs, are permitted, provided that the rotation of one display to another is no more frequent than every 15 seconds.10.Video, LED, (light emitting diode), LCD (liquid crystal display) or electrically powered. No advertising sign sha...
Window Signs
Window signs in Indianapolis's Commercial, Industrial and Mixed-Use zoning districts can cover no more than 30 percent of each window's glass area, per Table 744-906-4 of the sign ordinance. They are unlimited in number, need no Improvement Location Permit, but illumination is prohibited and their area is calculated separately from other secondary building signs on the same property.
Indianapolis Window Sign Coverage Capped at 30%
Some RestrictionsThe Zoning Ordinance of Indianapolis-Marion County, Chapter 744, Sec. 744-906.A.5, Table 744-906-4 (Secondary Building Signs in Commercial, Industrial and Mixed-Use Districts)
Table 744-906-4. Secondary Building Signs in Commercial, Industrial and Mixed-Use Districts. A. Type permitted Window Permitted Permitted Permitted. B. Number of Signs permitted Window Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited. C. Maximum Area permitted Window Maximum 30% of all window area per window may be covered. Subject to Transparency requirements of Section 740-303. Window signs are calculated separ...
Freeway-Facing Signs
Any sign within 660 feet of a freeway or expressway right-of-way in Indianapolis-Marion County sits in a 'Protected Area' under Zoning Ordinance Sec. 744-911.B. Off-premises advertising signs there are capped at 14 feet by 48 feet, 60 feet total height, set back 50 feet from the right-of-way, and cleared nine feet off the ground, on top of standard permit rules.
Indianapolis Freeway Sign Rules: 660-Ft Protected Zone
Some RestrictionsThe Zoning Ordinance of Indianapolis-Marion County, Chapter 744, Sec. 744-911.B (Signs on freeways and expressways)
B.Signs on freeways and expressways. All signs within 660 feet of the right-of-way of freeways and expressways, as shown on the Official Thoroughfare Plan shall comply with the requirements of this section in addition to all other provisions of this Chapter 744 Article IX.1.Permitted signs. Unless prohibited by local, state or federal law, erection or maintenance of the following signs shall be...