Carmel, IN Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

Consistent with the First Amendment, Carmel's UDO (Section 5.39) regulates signs without reference to message, so there is no separate 'political sign' rule. Political yard signs fall under the content-neutral category 'Temporary Sign; Yard Signs in a Residential District' (Section 5.39(P)). That standard allows an unlimited number of yard signs, a maximum total of 16 square feet of sign area for the premises, a maximum ground-sign height of 6 feet, and requires the sign to be at least 5 feet from the street right-of-way. No permit, approval, or fee is required, and there is no time limit, so signs may stay up before and after an election. Signs must be on the owner's property (a tenant assumes the right if leased). Separately, Carmel City Code Section 6-54 prohibits attaching, posting, or placing any sign in, on, or upon public property or right-of-way, or on any tree, pole, shrub, or similar object there, with a $10 fine for each offending sign as a separate offense (official traffic devices excepted). The UDO also prohibits off-premise signs and signs that obstruct an intersection's view. Note that homeowners associations may impose private covenant restrictions on yard signs separate from city rules.