Carmel, IN Sign Regulations: Garage Sale Signs (2026)

Carmel's UDO (Section 5.39) does not single out garage or yard sale signs; like political signs they are governed by the content-neutral 'Temporary Sign; Yard Signs in a Residential District' standard, Section 5.39(P). On the owner's own residential property, an unlimited number of yard signs is permitted, subject to a maximum total of 16 square feet of sign area for the premises, a maximum ground-sign height of 6 feet, and a minimum 5-foot setback from the street right-of-way. No permit or fee is required and there is no posted time limit, though signs should be promptly removed after the sale. The common practice of staking directional garage-sale signs at intersections and on utility poles is, however, prohibited. Carmel City Code Section 6-54 bars placing any sign in, on, or upon public property or right-of-way, or on any tree, pole, or shrub there, and imposes a $10 fine for each offending sign as a separate offense. The UDO also prohibits off-premise signs and portable signs not permanently affixed, and bars signs that obstruct the view of an intersection. So directional signs leading to a sale that are not on the seller's property generally are not allowed in the right-of-way. Always keep sale signs on private property with the owner's permission.