Louisville, KY Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Max coverage
- 25% of each window's area
- Eligible use
- Ground-floor, non-residential only
- Muntins/mullions
- Panes counted as one window
- Permit
- None required if not permanently affixed
Summary
Louisville Metro caps window signs at 25% of each ground-floor window's area for non-residential uses, with no permit required.
A principal non-residential use may display window signs in windows on the ground floor of the building so long as the area of such signs does not exceed 25% of total of each window in which the signs are located. For purposes of computation of area, window panels separated by muntins or mullions shall be considered as one continuous windowpane. Window signs shall not be considered attached signs subject to regulation under the applicable zoning regulations unless the sign is permanently attached to the window in such a manner as to require the removal of the glass to accomplish the removal of the window sign.
(E) Rent/sale signs. Rent/sale signs shall be allowed pursuant to this section.
(1) Permitted location, number of signs and time for display. Rent/sale signs are permitted in any zoning district. One rent/sale sign shall be permitted for each street abutting the property on which the sign is placed. Where a non-residential property's street frontage exceeds 600 linear feet, two rent/sale signs may be located along that street frontage. Rent/sale signs must be removed no later than seven days following the closing of sale or consummation of lease for the property.
(2) Dimensional requirements. Rent/sale signs located on a non- residential property may not exceed 64 square feet in area. Rent/sale signs located on a residential property may not exceed 12 square feet in area. Where
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-47: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinances passed by the Council and approved by the Mayor as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under Louisville Metro Code § 155.22(D), a principal non-residential use may post window signs only on ground-floor windows, and the signs can't cover more than 25% of the area of each window. Window panels split by muntins or mullions count as one continuous pane for that math. Signs applied to glass without permanently affixing it (i.e., removable without pulling the glass) aren't treated as attached signs under the zoning rules, so no separate sign permit applies to a compliant window sign.
Violations & Fines
The Building Official (Louisville Metro Develop Louisville) enforces sign rules; oversized or noncompliant window signage is treated the same as any other sign code violation, subject to a notice to remove or correct and citation under the Chapter 155 enforcement provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Louisville store cover its whole storefront window with signs?
Do window signs need a permit in Louisville Metro?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Louisville
Compare Louisville to another location·View the Kentucky sign regulations overview
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