Lake County, IN Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Election window
- 60 days before to 6 days after
- Suspended for signs up to
- 32 square feet
- Noncommercial message
- Allowed on any sign, no permit
- Residential temporary sign
- One, up to 8 sq ft
- Right-of-way placement
- Prohibited
Summary
In unincorporated Lake County, the UDO's size and number limits on signs up to 32 sq ft are suspended from 60 days before an election until the 6th day after. Any allowed sign may also carry a noncommercial (including political) message with no permit required.
Pursuant to Indiana Code Sec. 36-1-3-11, all provisions of this UDO relating to the number or size of signs (the areas of which do not exceed 32 square feet) are suspended and unenforced during the following periods: (1) Beginning 60 days before an election... and (2) Ending at the beginning of the 6th day after the election.
Full Breakdown
Under UDO No. 2560 section 154-15-030.F.4, pursuant to Indiana Code 36-1-3-11, all provisions on the number or size of signs whose area does not exceed 32 square feet are 'suspended and unenforced' from 60 days before an election through the 6th day after. Separately, section 154-15-010.C establishes content neutrality: any allowed sign 'may contain, in lieu of any other sign message or copy, any lawful noncommercial message' without a permit, if it meets size, height, and location rules. Outside that window, a residential lot may still display one temporary sign up to 8 sq ft. Signs may not be placed in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, or so as to obstruct traffic sightlines.
Violations & Fines
The county may still enforce sign rules at any time if needed for public safety; other sign violations follow the UDO's 15-day cure process and citation penalties up to $2,500 first / $7,500 subsequent (IC 36-1-3-8).
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I put up campaign signs?
Can I put a political sign in the parkway by the road?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lake County
Compare Lake County to another location·View the Indiana sign regulations overview
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