Purpose and application.
Indianapolis-Marion County Revised Code § 744-901
in effectSec. 744-901. - Purpose and application.
A. Purpose. This Chapter 744, Article IX creates the legal framework for sign regulations that are intended to facilitate an easy and agreeable communication between people and to balance the interests and objectives of the sign owner and the community audience. It is recognized that signs serve an important function and, therefore, reasonable and adequate display of signs is permitted under the provisions of this Article IX. It is further recognized that while aesthetics and design quality can vary greatly, the overall impact upon on the surrounding larger community can significantly impact property values, safety, long-term vitality and the overall quality of life in Indianapolis and its neighborhoods.
The purpose of the sign regulations set forth in this Section 744-901 shall be to:
Eliminate or reduce potential hazards to motorists and pedestrians;
Maintain an equitable opportunity for effective communication;
Enhance efficient location of places for ease of commerce, emergency response, and the convenience of residents and guests;
Eliminate excessive and confusing sign displays;
Preserve the scenic and natural beauty;
Preserve and protect historic signs;
Assure the maintenance of signs;
Encourage signs to be compatible with the scale of buildings;
To preserve and improve the appearance of the city as a place in which to live and work and act as an attraction to nonresidents who come to visit or trade;
Supplement and be a part of the regulations imposed and the plan set forth under the Comprehensive Plan for Marion County; and to
Promote the public health, safety, morals and general welfare.
B. Applicability of regulations.
1. The requirements, conditions, prohibitions and exceptions specified in Chapter 744, Article IX of the Zoning Ordinance shall apply to all signs and sign structures in all zoning districts in Marion County, Indiana.
2. No sign or sign structure, or part thereof, shall be constructed, erected, converted, enlarged, extended, reconstructed or relocated except in conformity with these regulations.
C. Substitution. Noncommercial content may be substituted for other content on any sign permitted under this Chapter 744, Article IX or any legal nonconforming sign under this zoning ordinance.
D. Severability. If any decision, subsection, sentence, phrase or portion of this Chapter 744, Article IX is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, that portion of these regulations shall be deemed separate and distinct, and that holding shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining portions of this section, which shall remain in full force and effect.
(G.O. 10, 2019, § 1)
Source: Consolidated City of Indianapolis and Marion County, Revised Code (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/in/indianapolis_-_marion_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITIIIPUHEWE_CH744DEST_ARTIX2018RESIRE_S744-901PUAPFetched: 10/27/2026