Indianapolis, IN Sign Regulations: Holiday Displays (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Zoning Code Ch. 744, Art. VI
- Holiday lights status
- Exempt from lighting standards
- Other exemptions
- Monuments, FAA lighting, events
- Applies to
- Temporary decorative seasonal lighting
Summary
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.
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 construction;4.Temporary lighting for theatrical, television and performance areas, or for special public events;5.Lighting for a special area designated for special lighting standards in an adopted plan or ordinance, such as Regional Center or an IHPC District Plan; and6.Temporary decorative seasonal lighting. (G.O. 64, 2015, § 2)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 47 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 744's exterior lighting article applies to new and replacement lighting citywide, but Section 744-602.B lists exceptions that fall outside those standards entirely: including public monument lighting, FAA-regulated lighting, temporary construction lighting, temporary event lighting, and, specifically, temporary decorative seasonal lighting. That means holiday light displays are not measured against the chapter's foot-candle caps, full-cutoff shielding rule, or pole-height limits that apply to permanent exterior fixtures.
Violations & Fines
Because seasonal lighting is exempt from Article VI, there's no standalone Chapter 744 violation for holiday lights; general nuisance or property-maintenance rules would apply only if a display created a separate hazard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Indianapolis limit how long I can keep holiday lights up?
Do holiday lights have to meet Indianapolis's shielding or brightness rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Indianapolis
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