Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Porter County

Porter County, IN Outdoor Lighting: Billboard Lighting (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
UDO § 5.46 SI-01(C)
Billboards classified as
Outdoor advertising signs
Blinking/flashing lights
Prohibited
Burned-out bulbs
Fix within 14 days
Light trespass onto neighbors
Prohibited
Permit needed
Sign Permit (§5.46A)

Summary

Porter County treats a billboard as an 'outdoor advertising sign' under UDO Chapter 12, so any lighting on it must meet the countywide illumination standard in § 5.46 SI-01(C): no blinking or flashing elements, no exposed light source, and no light that spills onto a neighboring property.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Porter County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

C. Illumination: All illuminated signs shall comply with the following standards: 1. No sign shall have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights, nor shall any device be utilized which has a changing light intensity, brightness of color, or give such illusion. 2. All illuminating elements shall be kept in satisfactory working condition and repaired or replaced if damaged or inoperable within fourteen (14) days, or as soon as possible if circumstances do not allow. 3. The direct or reflected light from a light element shall not be visible from vehicles on public streets, private streets and parking lots. 4. The light from any illuminated sign shall be so shaded, shielded, or directed such that the light intensity or brightness does not interfere with safety or visibility and does not project onto any adjacent property. No exposed light source is permitted.

View official code

Full Breakdown

46, SI-01(C), adopted with the rest of Chapter 5 in the 2007 UDO. The standard bans blinking, flashing or fluttering lights and any device that simulates changing intensity or color, requires burned-out or damaged illuminating elements to be fixed within fourteen days, and forbids light that is directly or reflectively visible from vehicles on public or private streets and parking lots. Illumination must be shaded, shielded or directed so it does not interfere with driver safety or project onto an adjacent property, and no exposed light source, such as a bare bulb or tube, is allowed on the face or frame. 5. 46(A) is required before a lighted billboard structure can be installed or altered.

Violations & Fines

Installing a billboard with blinking, glaring or unshielded lighting, or one that projects light onto a neighboring property, is enforced as a civil zoning violation for an unpermitted or noncompliant sign under UDO § 11.10(A)(1). The Plan Commission can require correction within 10 to 60 days before billing costs as a lien under § 11.08, and a court conviction under § 11.09 carries a $50 to $2,500 fine per day of continued violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Porter County have a rule specifically for billboard lighting?
Not a separate one. Chapter 12 defines a billboard as an 'outdoor advertising sign,' which puts it under the general sign illumination standard, UDO § 5.46 SI-01(C), the same rule that governs every other lit sign in the county.
Can a billboard have flashing lights in Porter County?
No. UDO § 5.46 SI-01(C)(1) bans blinking, flashing or fluttering lights on any illuminated sign, and also prohibits any device that gives the illusion of changing light intensity, brightness or color.
How quickly must a broken sign light be fixed?
Within fourteen days, or as soon as possible if circumstances prevent it, under UDO § 5.46 SI-01(C)(2), which requires illuminating elements to be kept in working condition and repaired or replaced when damaged.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Porter County

Dark Sky RulesSome RestrictionsLight Trespass & ShieldingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions

All Porter County rules

Compare Porter County to another location·View the Indiana outdoor lighting overview

Get notified when Billboard Lighting in Porter County, IN changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.