2018 REVISED SIGN REGULATIONS

Indianapolis-Marion County Revised Code tit. III, ch. 744, art. IX

in effect

Indianapolis-Marion County Revised Code § 744-901 Purpose and application.

Sec. 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)

Indianapolis-Marion County Revised Code § 744-902 Definitions.

Sec. 744-902. - Definitions. [image omitted; see the official code] The words in the text or illustrations of this article shall be interpreted in accordance with the following definitions. The illustrations and diagrams in this section provide graphic representation of the concept of a definition; the illustration or diagram is not to be construed or interpreted as a definition itself. [image omitted; see the official code] A-Frame Sign Example A-frame sign: A pedestrian sign containing two sign faces and whose framing is hinged at the apex at an angle less than 60 degrees. Abandoned sign: Any sign or its supporting sign structure that conforms to this ordinance where the primary use, which has ceased activity for a period of one year or more, is considered abandoned. Any sign or its supporting sign structure that does not conform to this ordinance and which has ceased activity for a period of 60 days or more is considered abandoned. Any sign deemed abandoned will also lose legally non-conforming status. For purposes of this definition, "the primary use" refers to the activity occurring on the property and not to the mere generation of income for the property owner, or the intentions of the property owner or any tenant or sub-tenant. Air dancer: A lightweight inflatable moving product made up of one or more long tubes of thin fabric with two or more outlets, which is attached to and powered by a fan at or near its base that causes the tubes to move about in a dancing or flailing motion. Art (pertaining to signs): Original works created by an individual or team that are designed with the intent of producing a creative or aesthetic outcome, and are not used for advertising a business, product, service or commercial activity except in accordance with Section 744-903 F.2. Automobile rental station: A portion of a legally established parking area or parking garage that serves as the location for the parking, storage, pick-up and drop-off of a rental automobile. Auto sharing: A service in which automobiles are made available to the public for shared use on a short-term basis. Banner: A sign with a message applied to cloth, paper, fabric, or flexible plastic, with any such non-rigid material for background. Bike sharing: A service in which bicycles are made available to the public for shared use on a short-term basis. Building signs: A sign accessory to the primary use of land that is attached to any part of a building including, but not limited to projecting signs, projecting-blade signs, canopy signs, marquee signs, pedestrian-oriented projecting and suspended signs, skyline signs and wall signs. Canopy (pertaining to signs): A permanent roof-like cover, which extends from the building, providing shelter over, for example, a doorway, window area, outside walk or parking area. [image omitted; see the official code] Canopy Sign Examples Canopy sign: Any building sign that is part of or attached to a canopy as an accessory to the primary use of the land, made of fabric, plastic, or structural protective cover over a door, entrance, or window. A canopy/awning sign is not a marquee and is different from pump island canopy signs. [image omitted; see the official code] Example of Changeable Copy Sign Changeable copy sign: A sign or portion thereof with characters, letters, numbers, illustrations that can be changed manually but not remotely, and without altering the physical face or the surface of the sign. Clear sight visibility area: Area between 2.5 feet and nine feet above the driving surface of the adjacent road way within an area formed by measuring 25 feet along both curb lines where they intersect, and connecting the two points to form a triangle. Commercial flag: Flag displayed for commercial proposes. Community (residential): A subdivision, condominium or apartment development or building. Cutoff: See General Definitions, Chapter 740-202. [image omitted; see the official code] Digital Display Sign Example Digital display: Any portion of a sign, such as an electrically or electronically controlled message center, where the characters, letters, or illustrations can be changed or rearranged either non-manually in the field, or from a remote location, without physically altering the face or the surface of the sign. This may include an electronic variable message sign or projected image onto a building. This shall not be construed as a prohibition on the use of LED technology. Drive-thru sign: A sign on a lot that includes a drive-through service window and at least one stacking lane that is devoted exclusively to customers of a drive-through service, which is located at the entrance of or along or over one or more such stacking lanes. Flag: Any fabric or similar light-weight material attached at only one end of the material, usually to a staff or pole, so as to allow movement of the material by atmospheric changes. Flags are considered to be signs. External illumination: A lighting method provided by an external light source. Freestanding sign: Any sign, accessory to the primary use of land, whose primary support is placed on, or anchored in, the ground and is independent from any building or other structure and may include monument signs, pole signs and pylon signs. Gateway signs: A sign indicating entry into a neighborhood or special district. Gateway signs shall be subject to Regional Center or IHPC requirements and administrative approval in all districts. DPW and DBNS approval is required for work and/or encroachment into any right-of-way. Ghost sign: Historic, painted wall sign that remains from an earlier time or advertises the use of a building that provides evidence of the history of the use of the building or activities of the community. Grade level (pertaining to signs): Existing grade prior to construction or the newly established grade after construction, exclusive of any filling, berming, mounding, or excavating solely for the purpose of locating the sign. Halo illumination: A lighting method provided by concealing the light source behind three-dimensional opaque letters, numbers, or other characters of a sign, resulting in the night time perception of a halo around the silhouette of each sign character. This is also referred to as "reverse channel" or "reverse lit" illumination. A sign with halo illumination is not considered an internally illuminated sign for the purpose of this article. Heritage sign: An existing sign having historical significance, and which advertises an establishment or product no longer in existence or a product no longer being offered on the site, may be designated a heritage sign. An exact replica of an original sign attached to a building that would have been at least 50 years old may be designated a heritage sign. See Chapter 744-909 A. Illumination (pertaining to sign and billboard regulation): The lighting of a sign with an artificial light source incorporated internally or externally to emanate light from, or direct light to a sign's surface, whole or in part, or that is created by the projection of light onto a surface such as a building wall. Incidental sign: A permanent sign which has a purpose that is secondary and incidental to the use of the lot on which it is located, such as "hours of operation", "loading zone only," "air," "building directory," and "visitor parking," and which carries no commercial message that is legible beyond the lot on which the sign is located, except for a registered logo on a premises with two or more separately-operating businesses. Inflatable signs: Lighter-than-air or gas-filled balloons or other similar devices used to advertise or define a fixed location are prohibited, except in compliance with Section 744-910. Integrated center (pertaining to signs): An area of development (commercial, industrial or any combination of commercial, industrial and residential uses) that includes multiple businesses or uses in one or more buildings that share common-site facilities. Internal illumination: Illumination created by a light source internal to the sign, transparent or translucent material from a light source within the sign structure or panel, or exposed lighting on the sign face. Legally established nonconforming sign: Any sign and its support structure lawfully erected prior to the effective date of the adoption of this article that fails to conform to the requirements of this chapter. Maintenance (pertaining to a sign): The process of keeping a sign in good repair. Maintenance includes: cleaning, painting, and repair or replacement of damaged or defective parts with like materials in a manner that does not alter the basic design or structure of the sign. Marquee: A permanent roof-like projection above an entrance of a building, supported by the building and designed and constructed to provide protection from the weather and may accommodate changeable copy signs or digital displays. A marquee is not a canopy. [image omitted; see the official code] Marquee Sign Examples Marquee sign: A building sign painted, mounted, constructed or attached in any manner on a marquee and may accommodate changeable copy signs or digital displays. [image omitted; see the official code] Diagram A - Monument Sign Monument sign: A freestanding sign, accessory to the primary use of land, whose sign face is attached to a proportionate sign base or structural frame that maintains a minimum width, without opening, greater than 80% of the width of the widest part of the sign face a constant width, without opening. Municipal bus bench: A seating structure caused to be erected, maintained and managed by or on behalf of the Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation, or their successor, to provide temporary seating for people waiting to use or ride public transportation. Municipal bus shelter: A roofed structure caused to be erected, maintained and managed by or on behalf of the Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation, or their successor, to provide temporary protection of people waiting to use or ride public transportation. Municipal bus stop: A location designated by Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation or their successor, for people waiting to use or ride public transportation that is located next to a roadway served by an operational public transit corridor. Mural: A design or representation painted, drawn or similarly applied on the exterior surface of a structure for artistic expression, see "Art" definition. Typically, the only text includes the artist's name and date of installation. Multi-tenant sign: A single sign structure accommodating multiple sign faces dedicated to individual tenants. Non-commercial flag: A flag that is not a commercial flag. Off-premises sign: A sign that directs attention to a business, profession, commodity, or service offered on the property other than that on which the sign is located. This limitation does not apply to the content of noncommercial messages. On-premises sign: A sign that directs attention to a business, profession, commodity, or service offered on the property on which the sign is located. This limitation does not apply to the content of noncommercial messages. Parapet (wall): The portion of a building wall that rises above the roof level. Pavement sign: A sign built into or affixed to the sidewalk or pavement, typically at the entrance of a building. Pedestrian-oriented building sign: Signs of scale and location that are intended for pedestrian traffic. See definitions for "projecting sign and suspended sign". Pedestrian sign: A sign that is located in pedestrian areas, such as sidewalks or plazas. A pedestrian sign may be of an A- or T-framed design. [image omitted; see the official code] Pole Sign Example Pole sign: A freestanding sign, accessory to the primary use of land, that has as its support structure one or more poles anchored in the ground as it extends upward from grade level. Portable sign: A sign without a sign structure or building, or with a sign structure lacking a permanent foundation or that is otherwise not permanently attached to a fixed location, which can be carried, towed, hauled or driven, and is primarily designed to be moved rather than be limited to a fixed location regardless of modifications that limit its movability, including but not limited to signs on trailer frames, whether or not the trailer wheels have been removed. This definition does not include pedestrian signs. Primary freestanding sign: A monument, pylon or pole sign or other freestanding permanent sign, accessory to the primary use of land, and that is not one of the types specified as a secondary freestanding sign. Primary building sign: A wall sign, canopy sign, marquee sign, skyline sign, roof-integral sign, projecting blade sign, projecting sign or a sign that is not pedestrian-oriented, or other permanent sign, accessory to the primary use of land, that is attached or affixed to a building, and that is not one of the types specified as a secondary building sign. [image omitted; see the official code] Projecting Sign Projecting sign: A building sign that is affixed to a building or wall at an angle in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than 18 inches beyond the surface of such building or wall face. Projecting - Blade sign: A building sign that is a type of projecting sign mounted on a building facade or storefront pole or attached to a surface perpendicular to the normal flow of traffic. [image omitted; see the official code] Projecting Blade Sign Protected District: Specific classes of zoning districts that, because of their low intensity or the sensitive land uses permitted within them, require buffering and separation when abutted by certain more intense classifications of land use. A Protected District includes any Dwelling District, Federally or Locally Designated Historic Preservation District, Hospital District, Parks District, University Quarter District, SU-1 (Church) District or SU-2 (School) District. Public sign: A sign that is constructed, placed or maintained by the federal, state or local government for the purpose of carrying out an official duty or responsibility or a sign that is required to be constructed, placed or maintained by a federal, state or local government either directly or to enforce a property, including but not limited to signs which promote safety, no trespassing, or traffic signs; memorial plaques; signs of historical interest; notices of pending governmental action and signs directing people to public and semi-public facilities; public transit service signs, utility information signs, public restroom or telephone signs, trespassing signs, legal notices; signs of public service companies indicating danger and aids for service or safety. Pump island canopy: A roof-like horizontal structure that extends over or covers the fuel dispenser(s), may be a lighting source for the dispensing area and may display signage. Pump island canopy sign: Any sign that is part of or attached to the pump island canopy. [image omitted; see the official code] Pump Island Canopy Example Pylon sign: A freestanding sign, accessory to the primary use of land, with its sign face attached to a sign base consisting of one or more supports that, from grade level to the sign face, maintains a minimum width extending upward from grade level of 20% up to 100% of the width of the widest part of the sign face. [image omitted; see the official code] Pylon Sign Example Roof line: The uppermost edge of the water-carrying surface of a building or structure. Roof-integral sign: Any building sign erected or constructed as an integral or essentially integral part of a normal roof structure of any design, so that no part of the sign extends vertically above the roof. [image omitted; see the official code] Roof-Integral Sign Roof sign: Any building sign erected and constructed wholly on and over the roof of a building, supported by the roof structure, and extending vertically above the roof. [image omitted; see the official code] Roof Sign Example Rotating sign: Any sign or portion of a sign designed to revolve or move in a similar manner by means of electrical or wind power. Secondary freestanding sign: A vehicle entry point sign, incidental signs, drive-thru sign, auto and bike sharing sign or other permanent sign accessory to the primary use of land and that is not one of the types specified as a primary freestanding sign. Secondary building sign: A window sign, a pedestrian-oriented projecting sign, suspended sign, or incidental sign, which is a permanent building sign, accessory to the primary use of land, and that is not one of the types specified as a primary building sign. Sign: Any structure, fixture, placard, announcement, declaration, device, demonstration or insignia used for direction, information, identification or to advertise or promote any business, product, goods, activity, services or any interests. Sign face: The entire surface area of the sign within a single continuous rectangular shape upon, against, or through which all elements that form the display, including any background, is exhibited. [image omitted; see the official code] Sign Face and Sign Base Example Sign structure: Any structure except a building, including the supports, uprights, bracing and framework that supports or is capable of supporting any sign. Sign type: Itemized categories of freestanding or building signs. Site: A single building or use, not part of an integrated center. For purposes of this Ordinance, an integrated center shall be treated as a single site. Skyline sign: A building sign, located in its entirety, on a building façade above 26 feet in height, measured from grade level. [image omitted; see the official code] Skyline Sign Example Street banner: A message applied to cloth, paper, fabric, or flexible plastic, with any such non-rigid material for background suspended across a street for a temporary period. See Section 744-910(B). [image omitted; see the official code] Street Banner Example Suspended sign: A secondary sign attached at an angle to a ceiling or building overhang. T-frame sign: A pedestrian sign containing two sign faces and whose framing consists of a base perpendicular to the sign face. Temporary sign: A sign that is authorized for a period, not to exceed 10 days. One-time event temporary signs may be a freestanding or building sign. One-time event temporary signs may be made of nondurable materials, such as pennants, banner, flags (unofficial or official), air-filled, as well as more durable materials such as wood, metal, plastic. Vehicle area (pertaining to signs): Any area including any public right-of-way, intersection, vehicle ingress or egress point, transit stop, parking space, drive aisle or driveway. [image omitted; see the official code] Vehicle Entry Point Example Vehicle entry point sign: Secondary, freestanding, permanent on-premises sign, accessory to the primary use of land, located within 10 feet of the right-of-way and the pavement of a driveway. Visibly obstructed: The view of an object that is blocked by a building or other manmade structure so as to be incapable of being seen from that line of sight. Wall sign: Any building sign, accessory to the primary use of land, attached parallel to, and within 18 inches of a wall; it may be painted on or attached to the exterior elevation of a building or parking garage. [image omitted; see the official code] Wall Sign Example Walkway: A passage or path for walking along such as a sidewalk or trail. Window sign: Any sign, accessory to the primary use of land, placed, attached or painted on a window surface. [image omitted; see the official code] Yard Sign Example Yard sign: Freestanding sign, accessory to the primary use of land that is located in the yard of a lot, for temporary purposes only. Examples include signs posted by a real estate professional, land developer, builder, home improvement company, garage sale advertising, and signs expressing an opinion. A yard sign may be a maximum of six square feet in size. (G.O. 10, 2019, § 1)

Indianapolis-Marion County Revised Code § 744-903 Administration.

Sec. 744-903. - Administration. A. Consent of property owner. 1. No sign or sign structure shall be placed on private or public property without the expressed written consent of the owner, owner's representative, holder, lessee, agent, trustee, or other party controlling the use of such property. 2. No sign, other than signs placed by agencies of government with appropriate jurisdiction, or a sign whose placement is authorized by such agencies, shall be located, used, or maintained on or over a public property or public right-of-way, except as specifically authorized by this chapter and, if applicable, any requisite encroachment license. No sign may be installed, used, or maintained on or over a drainage or utility easement, except as specifically authorized by the entity granted the easement. B. Required permits. Any sign not exempted from the requirements of obtaining an Improvement Location Permit (ILP) as noted in Section 744-903(E) shall be required to obtain an ILP. Furthermore, any sign not identified as a permitted sign type in Section 744-906 is prohibited. This provision shall not be construed to require an ILP for the changing of a sign face on a sign for which an ILP has previously been issued, except that an ILP is required for the changing of a sign face from a static face to a digital display. This provision shall not be construed to require an ILP for the maintenance of a sign (Refer to Sign Definitions - Section 744-902) for which an ILP has previously been issued, provided that the maintenance or change of parts or copy of a sign does not alter the surface area, height, or otherwise render the sign nonconforming, or increase the existing degree of nonconformity, with the standards of the Ordinance. C. Signs within designated historic districts. The following regulations shall pertain to primary and secondary signs in all districts. Any primary or secondary sign erected on a building or lot located within a federally designated historic district or locally designated historic district—as established by, and under the jurisdiction of, the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission (IHPC)—shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter. The type, number, area, height, illumination and location of such signs located within such locally designated historic districts shall be as determined by the IHPC. The specific standards and requirements for on-premises signs shall be as set forth in and specified by the grant of a Certificate of Appropriateness following all procedures set forth by the IHPC. D. Regional Center Guidelines and Approvals. Any primary or secondary sign erected on a building or lot located within the Regional Center shall be subject to the standards and requirements for on-premises signs as set forth in the Regional Center Guidelines and follow all procedures required for approval by the Administrator. E. Signs that may be erected without a permit. The following signs may be erected and maintained without a permit or fee, provided that such signs comply with all standards applicable to that type of sign. 1. Signs on municipal bus shelters or benches. 2. Yard signs. 3. Non-commercial flags, non-commercial banners or other similar non-commercial emblems that are suspended entirely over private property. See definitions of flag, banner, and commercial flag. 4. Parking structure signs which are not oriented to a right-of-way. 5. Signs within or on railway property or railway easement for the operation of such railway. 6. Window signs. 7. Pedestrian signs. 8. Sign that is integrated into or on a coin-operated machine, vending machine, or fuel pump that is related to its intended purpose. 9. Public signs. 10. Address signs. 11. Signs permitted on undeveloped lots. F. Features that are not considered a sign. The following features are not considered a sign and not regulated by this Chapter 744, Article IX. 1. Tombstones in a cemetery or graveyard are not considered signs. 2. A work of art is considered a sign if it contains a business name, brand name or business logo other than the creator's signature or mark, unless it constitutes a sponsorship element no larger than 5% of the size of the work. 3. Outlining by illumination of structural/architectural elements of buildings in any commercial, industrial or mixed-use district shall not be considered a sign. Such building outline lighting shall not flash or be animated or be located within 600 feet of any Protected District unless visibly obstructed from view from within that District; but in no instance may it be located within 400 feet of such a District. G. Prohibited signs. The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts: 1. Signs in the public right-of-way. No sign or sign structure may be placed on or in the right-of- way of an alley or a street including those posted on utility poles or street signs, with the exception of public signs and signs associated with an approved outdoor café. Where applicable, an encroachment license from the proper governmental agency shall be obtained prior to the placement of the sign. 2. Signs which interfere with public signs or traffic devices in the following manner. a. No sign or sign structure shall be permitted which attempts or appears to attempt to regulate the movement of traffic or which interferes with or obstructs the view of, or can be confused with, imitates, or resembles any official traffic sign, signal, or device. No rotating beam, beacon or flashing illumination resembling any emergency light shall be used in connection with any sign display. b. No sign shall be permitted which obstructs a driver's view of any traffic or roadway sign, signal, device or interfere with the clear sight visibility area as defined in Section 744-902. 3. Signs painted on, attached to, or maintained upon trees, rocks or other natural features, are prohibited. 4. Banners. Banners are prohibited except in one or more of the following circumstances. Exceptions: a. Temporary banners in compliance with Section 744-910. b. Banners on utility poles in compliance with Section 744-909(B). c. Non-commercial banners suspended entirely over private property. d. Banners that are attached securely to the wall of a building on all four corners shall be considered and regulated as wall signs. 5. Portable signs are prohibited. 6. Roof signs are prohibited. 7. Vehicle signs: Signs placed on vehicles parked on public or private property are prohibited where the primary purpose of the vehicle in that location is to display the sign. Prohibited signs do not include those placed on vehicles parked for the purpose of lawfully making deliveries or sales and service calls. Prohibited signs do not include standard advertising or identification practices where such signs or advertising devices are painted on or permanently attached to business or commercial vehicles such as buses or cabs. 8. Audio components: Signs that produce or utilize sound are prohibited with the exception of sound speakers that are components of drive-thru signs and that are components of gasoline pump islands are prohibited. 9. Off-premises signs in any location not expressly permitted by Section 744.911. This limitation does not apply to the content of noncommercial messages. Computations: 1. Computation of area of freestanding signs. The area of a sign face of a freestanding sign is computed by means of the smallest rectangle that encompasses the message area. [image omitted; see the official code] Sign Diagram B - Sign Area for Freestanding Sign 2. Computation of area of signs on landscape walls or fences. If the sign is located on a fence or landscape wall, that is in compliance, only the area of the actual sign itself shall be calculated in determining the maximum sign area, not the fence or landscape wall itself. (Refer to Sign Diagram C for illustrative guidance to computation methods). [image omitted; see the official code] Sign Diagram C - Sign Area for Wall Sign 3. Computation of area of canopy signs. On canopies, the computation of the sign copy area shall be limited only to the area of the canopy plane that contains the graphics or sign. [image omitted; see the official code] Sign Diagram D - Sign Area for Canopy Sign 4. Computation of area of multi-sided signs. Multi-sided signs shall be computed by the measurement of one of the sign faces provided that the faces are back to back or no greater than 15 degrees or 42 inches apart, whichever is greater. (Refer to Sign Diagram E for illustrative guidance to computation methods). [image omitted; see the official code] Sign Diagram E - Two Sided Sign 5. Computation of area of building signs. The sign area for building signs shall be computed by adding together the sign area of each sign face measured individually. 6. Exceptions to number and area computations. a. Address. The area of the sign devoted to the site or building's street number required to comply with Title II, Sections 431-307 and 431-309 of the Revised Code is not included in the calculation of the sign area. b. Heritage signs. The area of a designated heritage sign is not counted toward the total primary and secondary sign area permitted. If the heritage sign is an existing freestanding sign, the sign is considered one of the freestanding signs permitted, however the sign area and height standards may be waived upon designation. 7. Computation of height. The height of a sign shall be computed as the distance from the base of the sign or sign structure at grade level to the top of the highest attached component of the sign structure. [image omitted; see the official code] Sign Diagram F - Sign Heights 8. Measurement to Protected District. The measurement shall be the shortest distance between the closest edge of the sign to the zoning line of the Protected District (Refer to Sign Diagram G). [image omitted; see the official code] Sign Diagram G - Measuring Distance to Protected District (G.O. 10, 2019, § 1)

Indianapolis-Marion County Revised Code § 744-904 Maintenance, safety and removal.

Sec. 744-904. - Maintenance, safety and removal. A. Maintenance required; maintenance of signs. 1. All signs and sign structures including all supports, braces, guys and anchors, shall be kept in good repair and maintained in a safe and legible condition at all times. Activities that do not alter the design or structure of the sign, including the replacement of defective or damaged parts, painting, repainting, cleaning, and other services required for maintenance of the signs shall not require an ILP as determined by the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services. 2. Unmaintained signs shall be removed or brought into compliance immediately upon written notice from the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services. B. Maintenance and restoration of legally established nonconforming signs and sign structures. 1. Safety, maintenance and repair. Nothing in this article shall relieve the owner or user of a legal nonconforming sign, or owner of the property on which the legal nonconforming sign is located, from any provisions regarding safety, maintenance and repair of signs. 2. Any legally established nonconforming sign shall be permitted to be maintained without alteration in size or location or change in materials. Maintenance of such signs shall not include: a. Any changes made to the size, height, bulk, or location of the sign. b. Temporary or permanent removal of the sign. 3. Any abandoned sign and its sign structure shall be removed. However, any heritage sign may remain as provided in Section 744-909(A). [image omitted; see the official code] Example of Abandoned Sign C. Required relocations or elevations; Outdoor Advertising Signs. 1. In accordance with I.C. 8-23-20-25.6 and 8-23-20.5-3, legally-established Outdoor Advertising Signs which are required to be elevated or relocated due to a noise abatement or safety measure, grade changes, construction, directional sign, highway widening, or aesthetic improvement made by any agency of the state along the interstate and primary system or any other highway may be elevated or relocated to the extent allowed by state or federal law and upon approval of a special exception from the Board of Zoning Appeals. The elevated or relocated sign shall comply with all applicable development standards of this ordinance. An improvement location permit shall be required for signs that are elevated or relocated pursuant to I.C. 8-23-20-25.6. (G.O. 10, 2019, § 1; G.O. 23, 2023, § 9; G.O. 1, 2025, § 1)

Indianapolis-Marion County Revised Code § 744-905 General provisions.

Sec. 744-905. - General provisions. A. Address. The address of a site shall be displayed as provided in this chapter. B. Clearance Area Requirements. 1. No sign or sign structure between 2.5 feet and nine feet above the driving surface of the adjacent road way shall be permitted within the area formed by measuring 25 feet along both curb lines where they intersect, and connecting the two points to form a triangle. Refer to Sign Diagram H - Clear Sight Visibility Area below. [image omitted; see the official code] Sign Diagram H - Clear Sight Visibility Area 2. No sign may be located in a way that obstructs or blocks any public right-of-way, sidewalk, walkway, intersection, ingress or egress point, transit stop, pedestrian ramp, parking space, drive aisle, driveway, building entrance, fire escape, or accessibility ramp. 3. Any part of a sign extending over a pedestrian traffic area, walkway or sidewalk shall have a minimum vertical clearance of nine feet above that surface and any part of a sign extending over a vehicle area shall have a minimum vertical clearance of 12 feet above that surface. 4. Freestanding signs shall have at least a vertical clearance of 10 feet from any overhead power line. C. Signs generally prohibited in the right-of-way. No sign shall be located, used, or maintained on or over a public property or public right-of-way, except as specifically authorized by this chapter and, if applicable, any requisite encroachment license. No sign may be installed, used, or maintained on or over a drainage or utility easement, except as specifically authorized by the entity granted the easement. D. Construction of signs. 1. Safety. All electrical fixtures, devices, circuits, conduits, raceways, or any apparatus used to illuminate any sign shall be installed and maintained in compliance with current electrical and fire codes with the NFPA 70. A listing label from a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as UL, shall be provided for any sign with electrical components. 2. Durability. Materials for signs shall be durable and capable of withstanding weathering over the life of the sign with reasonable maintenance. Glass forming any part of a sign, with the exception of exposed lamps, shall be safety glass. 3. Watertight. All signs attached to a building shall be installed and maintained so that wall penetrations are watertight and do not exceed allowable stresses of supporting materials. When a building-mounted sign is removed, the wall shall be repaired and restored to its original condition prior to sign installation. 4. Prevent nesting. All signs and their supporting structures shall be enclosed so as to prevent inhabitation by birds, rodents, insects, and other wildlife. 5. Raceways and transformers. If a raceway is necessary, it shall not extend in width or height beyond the area of the sign. A raceway shall be finished to match the background surface to which it is attached, or integrated into the overall design of the sign. Conduits and other electrical components shall be designed as an integral part of the overall sign structure and hidden from view to the extent technically feasible. Visible transformers are prohibited. 6. Natural features prohibited. No signs shall be permitted to be painted on, attached to, or maintained upon trees, rock outcroppings, or other natural features. E. Number of faces permitted on a freestanding sign structure. Unless specifically restricted by these sign regulations, a sign structure may contain more than one sign face, and may be two-sided or multi-sided, provided all other requirements of these regulations are met. F. Excess sign size square footage. No portion of a maximum size allowance may be transferrable to another sign, another frontage, another façade or between building signs. (G.O. 10, 2019, § 1)

Indianapolis-Marion County Revised Code § 744-906 Primary and secondary signs by district.

Sec. 744-906. - Primary and secondary signs by district. A. Commercial, Mixed-Use and Industrial Districts. 1. Undeveloped lots. On lots that are in any Commercial, Mixed-Use or Industrial District, which are not improved with a building, one freestanding sign, that is a maximum of 64 sq. ft. in size and 10 ft. in height is allowed along each improved street right-of-way. Upon completion of the construction of a structure the sign must be removed. Said signs shall not be illuminated and shall comply with the definition of maintenance (pertaining to a sign), Section 744-902, shall not require permit, Section 744-903.E. 2. Primary freestanding signs. On lots that are improved with a legally established and occupied use permanent primary signs indicated in the following Table 744-906.1 are permitted in accordance with the indicated standards. [image omitted; see the official code] Freestanding Sign Examples Table 744-906-1. Primary Freestanding Signs in Commercial and Industrial Districts Commercial | Industrial | Mixed-Use A. Construction Type permitted Monument | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted Pylon | Permitted | Permitted | Only permitted in MU-3 & MU-4 Pole | Only permitted in C-4, C-5, C-7 district | Only permitted in I-3 and I-4 districts | Not Permitted B. Street Type Freeways | Monument, Pylon, Pole | Monument, Pylon, Pole | Monument & Pylon Arterials | Monument, Pylon, Pole | Monument, Pylon, Pole | Monument & Pylon Collector | Monument, Pylon | Monument, Pylon | Monument Local or private | Monument | Monument | Not Permitted C. Number of Signs permitted Choices referenced in columns to right, but in no case more than 2 signs per frontage | Monument | Maximum two monument signs if frontage to which the sign is oriented is greater than 500 ft. (minimum 300 ft. separation between freestanding signs on site) | Maximum two monument signs if frontage to which the sign is oriented is greater than 500 ft. (minimum 300 ft. separation between freestanding signs on site) | Maximum two monument signs if frontage to which the sign is oriented is greater than 500 ft. (minimum 300 ft. separation between freestanding signs on site) Pylon | Maximum one pylon per street frontage; if frontage to which the sign is oriented is greater than 500 ft. an additional freestanding sign is permitted (minimum 300 ft. separation between freestanding signs on site) | Maximum one pylon per street frontage; if frontage to which the sign is oriented is greater than 500 ft. an additional freestanding sign is permitted (minimum 300 ft. separation between freestandingsigns on site) | Maximum one pylon per street frontage; if frontage to which the sign is oriented is greater than 500 ft. an additional freestanding sign is permitted (minimum 300 ft. separation between freestanding signs on site) Pole | Maximum one pole per street frontage; if frontage to which the sign is oriented is greater than 500 ft. an additional freestanding sign is permitted (minimum 300 ft. separation between freestanding signs on site) | Maximum one pole per street frontage; if frontage to which the sign is oriented is greater than 500 ft. an additional freestanding sign is permitted (minimum 300 ft. separation between freestanding signs on site) | Not Permitted D. Maximum Sign Area Per Site Up to 50 linear feet of frontage to which the sign is oriented | 1.5 sf per linear foot of frontage | 1.5 sf per linear foot of frontage | 1.5 sf per linear foot of frontage 50 to 500 linear feet of frontage to which the sign is oriented | Additional 0.5 sf per linear foot frontage; maximum 200 sf | Additional 0.5 sf per linear foot frontage; maximum 200 sf | Additional 0.5 sf per linear foot frontage; maximum 200 sf Over 500 linear feet of frontage to which the sign is oriented | Additional 0.5 sf per linear foot of frontage above 500. In no case shall a sign exceed 300 sf | Additional 0.5 sf per linear foot of frontage above 500. In no case shall a sign exceed 300 sf | Additional 0.5 sf per linear foot of frontage above 500. In no case shall a sign exceed 300 sf E. Maximum Height Monument Sign | 10 feet | 10 feet | 10 feet Pylon | 25 feet | 25 feet | 25 feet Pole | 20 feet | 20 feet | Not permitted F. Front Setback measured from existing street right-of-way Compact Context Area | 5 ft. min. and 20 ft. max. | 5 ft. min. and 20 ft. max. | 5 ft. min. and 20 ft. max.. Metro Context Area | 5 ft. min. | 5 ft. min. | 5 ft. min. G. Other Setbacks • Must meet setbacks of the required side, rear, side transitional, and rear transitional yards of the district. H. Illumination Halo, and External Lighting | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted Internal Lighting | Permitted in C-4, C-5, C-7 & C-S | Permitted in I-3 & I-4 | Permitted in MU-3 & MU-4 • No illumination permitted on signs within 50 feet of a dwelling district without an intervening public or private street. • Must meet additional standards of Sec. 744-907.A I. Digital Displays *, ** Monument Sign | Permitted in C-4, C-5, & C-7 | Permitted in I-3, & I-4 | Not Permitted Pylon | Permitted in C-4, C-5, & C-7 | Permitted in I-3, & I-4 | Not Permitted Pole | Not Permitted | Not Permitted | Not Permitted * Size limited to 40% of the sign area or 100 sf, whichever is lesser. **Must meet additional standards of Sec. 744-907.C for digital display regulations J. Additional Standards No sign may be located in a proposed right-of-way as identified in the Marion County Thoroughfare Plan unless the sign's owner provides a written commitment to the city to relocate the sign at the owner's expense upon the acquisition of the property by the City and shall waive all claims to damages or compensation by reason of the existence or relocation of the sign. 3. Secondary freestanding signs. On lots that are improved with a legally established and occupied use secondary signs indicated in the following Table 744-906-2 are permitted in accordance with the indicated standards. Incidental Sign Examples [image omitted; see the official code] [image omitted; see the official code] Table 744-906-2. Secondary Freestanding Signs in Commercial and Industrial Districts Commercial | Industrial | Mixed Use A. Sign Type permitted Vehicle Entry Point | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted Incidental | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted Drive-Thru | Permitted, subject to additional standards in Section 744-908.B Auto- or Bike-Sharing sign | Permitted, subject to additional standards in Section 744-908. G B. Number of Signs* Vehicle Entry Point | 2 per driveway | 2 per driveway | 2 per driveway Incidental | 2 per acre | 2 per acre | 1 per street frontage Drive-Thru** | 1 | 1 | 1 Auto- or Bike-Sharing sign | 1 | 1 | 1 * Permitted within 5 feet of specific areas of a site such as: pedestrian entrances & exits, parking areas, service areas, loading areas, and similar areas. ** Per drive lane C. Maximum Area permitted Vehicle Entry Point | 6 sf | 6 sf | 6 sf Incidental | 32 sf | 32 sf | 32 sf Drive-Thru | 40 sf | 40 sf | 40 sf Auto- or Bike-Sharing sign | 4 sf | 4 sf | 4 sf D. Maximum Height permitted Vehicle Entry Point | 2.5 ft. | 6 ft. | 6 ft. Incidental | 8 ft. | 8 ft. | 10 ft. Drive-Thru | 6 ft. | 6 ft. | 6 ft. Auto- or Bike-Sharing sign | 6 ft. | 6 ft. | 6 ft. E. Front Setback permitted from a street Vehicle Entry Point | 2 ft. min. | 2 ft. min. | 2 ft. min. Incidental | 10 ft. min. | 10 ft. min. | 5 ft. min Drive-Thru | 10 ft. min. | 10 ft. min. | 5 ft. min. Auto- or Bike-Sharing sign | 10 ft. min. | 10 ft. min. | 5 ft. min. F. Other Setback restrictions May not be located in any transitional yard | May not be located in any transitional yard | May not be located in any transitional yard G. Illumination Internally and Halo permitted | Internally permitted | Internally and Halo permitted H. Digital Display Static LED Drive-thru signs permitted | Static LED Drive-thru signs permitted | Static LED Drive-thru signs permitted I. Additional Standards • Must meet additional standards of Sec. 744-907.A for Illumination • Vehicle Entry Point signs having a maximum height of 2.5 ft. may encroach into the clear sight and clear use area • Drive-thru signs are subject to additional standards in Section 744-908.B. • Auto- or Bike-Sharing Signs subject to additional standards in Section 744-908.G. 4. Primary building signs. On lots that are improved with a legally established and occupied use permanent primary building signs indicated in the following Table 744-906-3 are permitted in accordance with the indicated standards. Wall Sign Example [image omitted; see the official code] [image omitted; see the official code] Table 744 906-3. Primary Building Signs in Commercial, Industrial and Mixed Use Districts Commercial | Industrial | Mixed-Use A. Construction Type permitted Wall | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted Projecting | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted Projecting -Blade | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted Canopy | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted Marquee | Permitted subject to additional requirements of Section 744.908.D | Permitted subject to additional requirements of Section 744.908.D | Permitted subject to additional requirements of Section 744.908.D Skyline | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted Roof-Integral Signs | Permitted | Permitted | Not Permitted B. Number of Signs permitted Wall | No limit on number of wall signs within 26 ft. of grade level | No limit on number of all signs within 26 ft. of grade level | No limit on number of wall signs within 26 ft. of grade level Projecting | One per building | One per building | One per building Projecting-Blade | One per building | One per building | One per building Canopy | No limit on canopy signs within 26 ft. of grade level | No limit on canopy signs within 26 ft. of grade level | No limit on canopy signs within 26 ft. of grade level Skyline | One Skyline sign per elevation with a maximum of 4 per building | One Skyline sign per elevation with a maximum of 4 per building | One Skyline sign per elevation with a maximum of 4 per building Roof-Integral Signs | One per building elevation | One per building elevation | One per building elevation C. Maximum Area Permitted for all primary building signs combined, not to exceed 20% of the front elevation | 20% of the front elevation | 20% of the front elevation 15% of the side elevation | 15% of the side elevation | 15% of the side elevation 10% of the rear elevation | 10% of the rear elevation | 10% of the rear elevation D. Maximum Vertical Sign Dimension Permitted • No more that 30% to a maximum of 4 feet of a sign shall extend above the limits of the wall • No sign except Skyline Signs and Projecting Blade Signs may be higher than 26 ft. above grade level E. Maximum Sign Width Permitted Wall | 80% of the width of the tenant space or building elevation | 80% of the width of the tenant space or building elevation | 80% of the width of the tenant space or building elevation Projecting | 6 ft. | 6 ft. | 6 ft. Projecting (Blade) | 6 ft. | 6 ft. | 6 ft. Canopy | 80% of the width of the canopy side | 80% of the width of the canopy side | 80% of the width of the canopy side Skyline | 80% of the width of the building elevation | 80% of the width of the building elevation | 80% of the width of the building elevation Roof-Integral Sign | 80% of the width of the tenant space or building elevation | 80% of the width of the tenant space or building elevation | 80% of the width of the tenant space or building elevation F. Projection - Maximum distance from the wall to the outer edge of the sign Wall | 18 inches maximum | 18 inches maximum | 18 inches maximum Projecting | 6 ft. maximum with maximum 18 inches between the wall and the inner edge of the sign | 6 ft. maximum with maximum 18 inches between the wall and the inner edge of the sign | 6 ft. maximum with maximum 18 inches between the wall and the inner edge of the sign Projecting-Blade | 6 ft. maximum with maximum 18 inches between the wall and the inner edge of the sign | 6 ft. maximum with maximum 18 inches between the wall and the inner edge of the sign | 6 ft. maximum with maximum 18 inches between the wall and the inner edge of the sign Canopy Sign | 18 inches maximum | 18 inches maximum | 18 inches maximum Skyline | 18 inches maximum | 18 inches maximum | 18 inches maximum Roof-Integral Sign | 18 inches maximum | 18 inches maximum | 18 inches maximum G. Clearance 9 ft. above grade level minimum clearance for all signs protruding more than 8 inches from the building H. Setbacks Compact Context Area | Projecting, Projecting -Blade, Pedestrian Oriented and Canopy (Awning) signs may encroach into the right-of-way up to 6 ft.; however, no sign may be closer than 2 ft. from any street curb Metro Context Area | Setbacks established by the district I. Illumination • Only Halo permitted on signs within 50 ft. of a protected district, without an intervening street. • Must meet additional standards of Sec. 744-907.A J. Digital Displays • Permitted only as or part of a wall sign. • Size limited to 40% of the sign area or 100 sf, whichever is lesser. • Must meet additional standards of Sec. 744-907.C for digital display regulations. K. Additional Standards • Canopies must meet additional standards of Sec. 744-907.B • Illuminated signs shall be designed with the background limited to non-reflective, opaque and dark in color with lettering light in color. Individual letters may be lighted, back lit or neon type letters. 5. Secondary building signs. On lots that are improved with a legally established and occupied use, permanent secondary building signs indicated in the following Table 744-906-4 are permitted in accordance with the indicated standards. Window Sign [image omitted; see the official code] [image omitted; see the official code] [image omitted; see the official code] Point of Entrance Table 744-906-4. Secondary Building Signs in Commercial, Industrial and Mixed-Use Districts Commercial | Industrial | Mixed-Use A. Type permitted Window | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted Pedestrian Oriented Projecting and Suspended | Projecting from building wall: Permitted Suspended: Permitted under a canopy, marquee or protected walkway | Projecting from building wall: Permitted Suspended: Permitted under a canopy, marquee or protected walkway | Projecting from building wall: Permitted Suspended: Permitted under a canopy, marquee or protected walkway Incidental | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted B. Number of Signs permitted Window | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited Pedestrian Oriented Projecting and Suspended | One per pedestrian entrance | One per pedestrian entrance | One per pedestrian entrance Incidental | Two per pedestrian entrance on front façade, otherwise One per pedestrian entrance | Two per pedestrian entrance on front façade, otherwise One per pedestrian entrance | Two per pedestrian entrance on front façade, otherwise One per pedestrian entrance C. Maximum Area permitted Window | • Maximum 30% of all window area per window may be covered • Subject to Transparency requirements of Section 740-303 • Window signs are calculated separately and shall not be included in the total area of other signs permitted | • Maximum 30% of all window area per window may be covered • Subject to Transparency requirements of Section 740-303 • Window signs are calculated separately and shall not be included in the total area of other signs permitted | • Maximum 30% of all window area per window may be covered • Subject to Transparency requirements of Section 740-303 • Window signs are calculated separately and shall not be included in the total area of other signs permitted Pedestrian Oriented Projecting and Suspended | 6 sf per sign | 6 sf per sign | 6 sf per sign Incidental | 6 sf per sign | 6 sf per sign | 6 sf per sign D. Projection - Maximum distance from the wall to the outer edge of the sign Window | Not permitted | Not permitted | Not permitted Pedestrian Oriented, Projecting | 3 ft. maximum width 12 inches between the wall and the closest edge of sign | 3 ft. maximum width 12 inches between the wall and the closest edge of sign | 3 ft. maximum width 12 inches between the wall and the closest edge of sign Pedestrian Oriented, Suspended | Must be completely under the canopy, marquee or covered walkway from which it is suspended | Must be completely under the canopy, marquee or covered walkway from which it is suspended | Must be completely under the canopy, marquee or covered walkway from which it is suspended Incidental | 8 inches | 8 inches | 8 inches E. Clearance 9 ft. above grade level minimum clearance for all signs protruding more than 8 inches from the building F. Illumination Window | Not permitted | Not permitted | Not permitted Pedestrian Oriented Projecting and Suspended | Internally, Halo, and External permitted | Internally, Halo, and External permitted | Internally, Halo, and External permitted Incidental | Internally, Halo, and External permitted | Internally, Halo, and External permitted | Internally, Halo, and External permitted G. Digital Displays • Subject to Digital Display Standards of Sec. 744-907.C B. Central Business Districts (CBD). 1. Undeveloped lots. On lots that are not improved with a building in any CBD, one freestanding sign of up to 32 sq. ft. in size and 10 ft. in height is allowed along each improved street right-of-way. Upon construction of a building the sign must be removed. 2. Primary freestanding signs. On lots that are improved with a legally established and occupied use, permanent primary signs indicated in the following Table 744-906-5 are permitted in accordance with the indicated standards. See below for example of primary freestanding signs. [image omitted; see the official code] Freestanding Primary Sign Examples Table 744-906-5. Primary Freestanding Signs in Central Business Districts CBD-1 | CBD-2 | CBD-3 | CBD-S A. Construction permitted Monument* | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted Pylon* | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted Pole | Not Permitted | Not Permitted | Not Permitted | Not Permitted * No Freestanding sign shall be permitted on the street frontage of any lot abutting American Legion Mall, Veterans Memorial Plaza, the Indiana War Memorial or University Park B. Number of signs Monument or Pylon | Maximum one sign per street frontage | Maximum one sign per street frontage | Maximum one sign per street frontage | Maximum one sign per street frontage C. Maximum Area Monument or Pylon | Shall not exceed 1 sf. in sign area per linear feet of frontage (to which the sign is oriented), with a maximum area of 100 sf. D. Maximum Height Monument | 10 feet | 10 feet | 10 feet | 10 feet Pylon | 20 feet | 20 feet | 20 feet | 20 feet E. Front Setback* Monument | 0 feet from existing right-of-way | 0 feet from existing right-of-way | 0 feet from existing right-of-way | 0 feet from existing right-of-way Pylon | 10 feet from existing right-of-way | 10 feet from existing right-of-way | 10 feet from existing right-of-way | 10 feet from existing right-of-way *Shall meet additional standards of Section 744-903.C. & D. F. Illumination • Halo, External and Internal illumination permitted • No illumination permitted on signs within 50 ft. of a dwelling district without an intervening public or private street. • Must meet additional standards of Section 744-907.A G. Digital Displays • Not permitted H. Additional Standards • No sign may be located in a proposed right-of-way as identified in the Marion County Thoroughfare Plan unless the sign's owner provides a written commitment to the city to relocate the sign at the owner's expense upon the acquisition of the property by the City and shall waive all claims to damages or compensation by reason of the existence or relocation of the sign. 3. Secondary freestanding signs. On lots that are improved with a legally established and occupied use secondary signs indicated in the following Table 744-906-6 are permitted in accordance with the indicated standards [image omitted; see the official code] Freestanding Secondary Sign Examples Table 744-906-6. Secondary Freestanding Signs in Central Business Districts CBD-1 | CBD-2 | CBD-3 | CBD-S A. Construction permitted Vehicle Entry Point | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted Incidental | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted Drive-Thru | Permitted, subject to additional standards in Section 744.908.B | Permitted, subject to additional standards in Section 744.908.B | Permitted, subject to additional standards in Section 744.908.B | Permitted, subject to additional standards in Section 744.908.B Auto- or Bike-Sharing or Taxi Cab Stand Sign | Permitted, subject to additional standards in Section 744.908.G | Permitted, subject to additional standards in Section 744.908.G | Permitted, subject to additional standards in Section 744.908.G | Permitted, subject to additional standards in Section 744.908.G B. Number of signs Vehicle Entry Point | Two per driveway | Two per driveway | Two per driveway | Two per driveway Incidental | One per building entrance | One per building entrance | One per building entrance | One per building entrance Drive-Thru | 1 per lane | 1 per lane | 1 per lane | 1 per lane Auto- or Bike-Sharing or Taxi Cab Stand Sign | 1 per stand or station | 1 per stand or station | 1 per stand or station | 1 per stand or station C. Maximum Area Vehicle Entry Point | 6 sf | 6 sf | 6 sf | 6 sf Incidental | 10 sf | 10 sf | 10 sf | 10 sf Drive-Thru | 40 sf | 40 sf | 40 sf | 40 sf Auto- or Bike-Sharing or Taxi Cab Stand Sign | 4 sf | 4 sf | 4 sf | 4 sf D. Maximum Height Vehicle Entry Point | 2.5 ft. | 2.5 ft. | 2.5 ft. | 2.5 ft. Incidental | 8 ft. | 8 ft. | 8 ft. | 8 ft. Drive-Thru | 6 ft. | 6 ft. | 6 ft. | 6 ft. Auto- or Bike-Sharing or Taxi Cab Stand Sign | 6 ft. | 6 ft. | 6 ft. | 6 ft. E. Front Setback Vehicle Entry Point | 2 ft. min | 2 ft. min | 2 ft. min | 2 ft. min Incidental | 10 ft. min | 10 ft. min | 10 ft. min | 10 ft. min Drive-Thru | NA | NA | NA | NA F. Illumination • Halo and Internal illumination permitted • No illumination permitted on signs within 50 ft. of a dwelling district without an intervening public or private street. • Must meet additional standards of Section 744-907.A G. Digital Displays • Not permitted H. Additional Standards • Vehicle Entry Point signs may encroach into the clear sight visibility area • Drive-thru signs are subject to additional standards in Section 744-908.B • Auto- or Bike-Sharing or Taxi Cab Stand Signs subject to additional standards in Section 744-908.G • No sign may be located in a proposed right-of-way as identified in the Marion County Thoroughfare Plan unless the sign's owner provides a written commitment to the city to relocate the sign at the owner's expense upon the acquisition of the property by the City and shall waive all claims to damages or compensation by reason of the existence or relocation of the sign. 5. Primary building signs. On lots that are improved with a legally established and occupied use permanent primary building signs indicated in the following Table 744-906.7 are permitted in accordance with the indicated standards. [image omitted; see the official code] Primary Building Sign Examples Table 744-906-7 Primary Building Signs in CBD Districts CBD-1 | CBD-2 | CBD-3 | CBD-S A. Construction Type permitted Wall | • Permitted within 26 ft. of grade level • Individual letter construction required. Raceways may be used to mount the letters | • Permitted within 26 ft. of grade level • Individual letter construction required. Raceways may be used to mount the letters | • Permitted within 26 ft. of grade level • Individual letter construction required. Raceways may be used to mount the letters | • Permitted within 26 ft. of grade level • Individual letter construction required. Raceways may be used to mount the letters Projecting | Permitted, except on facades along Monument Circle | Permitted, except on facades along Monument Circle | Permitted, except on facades along Monument Circle | Permitted, except on facades along Monument Circle Projecting-Blade | Permitted, except any lot fronting Monument Circle | Permitted, except any lot fronting Monument Circle | Permitted, except any lot fronting Monument Circle | Permitted, except any lot fronting Monument Circle Canopy | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted Marquee | Permitted subject to additional requirements of Section 744.908.D | Permitted subject to additional requirements of Section 744.908.D | Permitted subject to additional requirements of Section 744.908.D | Permitted subject to additional requirements of Section 744.908.D Skyline | Only Permitted on buildings over 50 ft. in height | Only Permitted on buildings over 50 ft. in height | Only Permitted on buildings over 50 ft. in height | Only Permitted on buildings over 50 ft. in height Roof-Integral Signs | Not Permitted | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted B. Number of Signs permitted Wall | No limit on number of wall signs within 26 ft. of grade level | No limit on number of wall signs within 26 ft. of grade level | No limit on number of wall signs within 26 ft. of grade level | No limit on number of wall signs within 26 ft. of grade level Projecting | One per building facade | One per building façade | One per building façade | One per building facade Projecting-Blade | One per building facade | One per building façade | One per building façade | One per building facade Canopy | No limit on canopy signs within 26 ft. of grade level | No limit on canopy signs within 26 ft. of grade level | No limit on canopy signs within 26 ft. of grade level | No limit on canopy signs within 26 ft. of grade level Skyline | One Skyline sign per elevation with a maximum of 4 per building | One Skyline sign per elevation with a maximum of 4 per building | One Skyline sign per elevation with a maximum of 4 per building | One Skyline sign per elevation with a maximum of 4 per building Roof-Integral Signs | Not Permitted | One per building elevation | One per building elevation | One per building elevation C. Maximum Area Permitted for all primary building signs below 26 feet • Permitted only on elevation facing street • Maximum area permitted = 20% (A × B) formula: A = 26 ft. or the height of the building (measured from grade level), whichever is lesser. B = Width of Building Elevation • Buildings having multiple street frontages may have signs on each of those frontages however, no square footage is transferable to any other elevation D. Maximum Area Permitted for all primary building signs above 26 feet • Permitted only on elevation facing street • Maximum area permitted = 10% (A × B) formula: A = Height of the building (measured at grade level level), less 26 ft. B = Width of Building Elevation on which the sign is to be placed • Buildings having multiple street frontages may have signs on each of those frontages however, no square footage is transferable to any other elevation E. Maximum Permitted Extension Above Roof Line • A maximum 4 feet of a sign may extend above the roof line. • No signs except Skyline Signs and Projecting and Projecting-Blade Signs may be mounted higher than 26 ft. above grade level F. Maximum Sign Width Permitted Wall | 80% of the width of the tenant space or building elevation | 80% of the width of the tenant space or building elevation | 80% of the width of the tenant space or building elevation | 80% of the width of the tenant space or building elevation Projecting | 6 ft. maximum | 6 ft. maximum | 6 ft. maximum | 6 ft. maximum Projecting-Blade | 6 ft. maximum | 6 ft. maximum | 6 ft. maximum | 6 ft. maximum Canopy | 80% of the width of the canopy side | 80% of the width of the canopy side | 80% of the width of the canopy side | 80% of the width of the canopy side Skyline | 80% of the width of the building elevation | 80% of the width of the building elevation | 80% of the width of the building elevation | 80% of the width of the building elevation Roof-Integral Sign | 80% of the width of the tenant space or building elevation | 80% of the width of the tenant space or building elevation | 80% of the width of the tenant space or building elevation | 80% of the width of the tenant space or building elevation G. Projection - Maximum distance from the wall to the outer edge of the sign Wall | 18 inches maximum | 18 inches maximum | 18 inches maximum | 18 inches maximum Projecting | 6 ft. maximum with maximum 18 inches between the wall and the inner edge of the sign | 6 ft. maximum with maximum 18 inches between the wall and the inner edge of the sign | 6 ft. maximum with maximum 18 inches between the wall and the inner edge of the sign | 6 ft. maximum with maximum 18 inches between the wall and the inner edge of the sign Projecting-Blade | 6 ft. maximum with maximum 18 inches between the wall and the inner edge of the sign | 6 ft. maximum with maximum 18 inches between the wall and the inner edge of the sign | 6 ft. maximum with maximum 18 inches between the wall and the inner edge of the sign | 6 ft. maximum with maximum 18 inches between the wall and the inner edge of the sign Canopy Sign | 18 inches maximum | 18 inches maximum | 18 inches maximum | 18 inches maximum Skyline | 18 inches maximum | 18 inches maximum | 18 inches maximum | 18 inches maximum Roof-Integral Sign | 18 inches maximum | 18 inches maximum | 18 inches maximum | 18 inches maximum H. Clearance 9 ft. above grade level minimum clearance for all signs protruding more than 8 inches from the building I. Setbacks Compact Context Area | Projecting, Projecting -Blade, and Canopy signs may encroach into the right-of-way up to 6 ft. and Marquee signs up to 12 ft.; however, no sign may be closer than 2 ft. from any street curb Metro Context Area | Setbacks established by the district J. Illumination • Only Halo permitted on signs within 50 ft. of a dwelling district, without an intervening street. • Internally, Halo, and External permitted on the portions of any building elevation within 50 ft. of right-of-way. • Only Internally and Halo permitted on all other elevations or portion of elevations. • Subject to additional standards of Section 744-907.A. K. Digital Displays • Permitted only as or part of a wall sign. • Size limited to 40% of the sign area or 100 sf, whichever is lesser. • Subject to additional standards of Section 744-907.C for digital display regulations. L. Additional Standards • Canopies must meet additional standards of Section 744-907.B. Illuminated signs shall be designed with the background be limited to opaque and dark in color with lettering light in color. Individual letters may be lighted, back lit or neon type letters. • Projecting and Projecting Blade signs on lots fronting on Market Street between Capital Avenue and Delaware Street and on lots fronting Meridian Street between Washington and Ohio Streets shall not be permitted to obstruct the view of Monument Circle or the State Capital. 6. Secondary building signs. On lots that are improved with a legally established and occupied use, permanent secondary building signs indicated in the following Table 744-906-8 are permitted in accordance with the indicated standards. Table 744-906-8. Secondary Building Signs in CBD Districts CBD-1 | CBD-2 | CBD-3 | CBD-S A. Type permitted Window | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted Pedestrian Oriented - Projecting | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted Pedestrian Oriented - Suspended | Permitted under a canopy, marquee or covered walkway | Permitted under a canopy, marquee or covered walkway | Permitted under a canopy, marquee or covered walkway | Permitted under a canopy, marquee or covered walkway Point of Entrance | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted Incidental | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted B. Number of Signs permitted Window | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited Pedestrian Oriented Projecting or Suspended | One per pedestrian entrance | One per pedestrian entrance | One per pedestrian entrance | One per pedestrian entrance Point of Entrance | Two per pedestrian entrance on front façade; One per pedestrian entrance on other facades | Two per pedestrian entrance on front façade; One per pedestrian entrance on other facades | Two per pedestrian entrance on front façade; One per pedestrian entrance on other facades | Two per pedestrian entrance on front façade; One per pedestrian entrance on other facades Incidental | One per pedestrian entrance | One per pedestrian entrance | One per pedestrian entrance | One per pedestrian entrance C. Maximum Area permitted Window | Maximum 20% of all window area per window, maximum 100 sf • Subject to additional transparency requirements of Section 740-303 F. • Window signs are calculated separately and shall not be included in the total area of other signs permitted | Maximum 20% of all window area per window, maximum 100 sf • Subject to additional transparency requirements of Section 740-303.F. • Window signs are calculated separately and shall not be included in the total area of other signs permitted | Maximum 20% of all window area per window, maximum 100 sf • Subject to additional transparency requirements of Section 740-303.F. • Window signs are calculated separately and shall not be included in the total area of other signs permitted | Maximum 20% of all window area per window, maximum 100 sf • Subject to additional transparency requirements of Section 740-303.F. • Window signs are calculated separately and shall not be included in the total area of other signs permitted Pedestrian Oriented Projecting/Suspended | 6 sf per sign | 6 sf per sign | 6 sf per sign | 6 sf per sign Point of Entrance | 6 sf per sign | 6 sf per sign | 6 sf per sign | 6 sf per sign Incidental | 4 sf per sign | 4 sf per sign | 4 sf per sign | 4 sf per sign D. Projection - Maximum distance from the wall to the outer edge of the sign Window | No projection permitted | No projection permitted | No projection permitted | No projection permitted Pedestrian Oriented Projecting | 3 ft. maximum width 12 inches maximum between the wall and the closest edge of sign | 3 ft. maximum width 12 inches maximum between the wall and the closest edge of sign | 3 ft. maximum width 12 inches maximum between the wall and the closest edge of sign | 3 ft. maximum width 12 inches maximum between the wall and the closest edge of sign Pedestrian Oriented Suspended | Must be completely under the canopy, marquee or covered walkway from which it is suspended | Must be completely under the canopy, marquee or covered walkway from which it is suspended | Must be completely under the canopy, marquee or covered walkway from which it is suspended | Must be completely under the canopy, marquee or covered walkway from which it is suspended Point of Entrance | 8 inches | 8 inches | 8 inches | 8 inches Incidental | 8 inches | 8 inches | 8 inches | 8 inches E. Clearance 9 ft. above grade level minimum clearance for all signs protruding more than 8 inches from the building F. Illumination Window | Not permitted | Not permitted | Not permitted | Not permitted Pedestrian Oriented Projecting and Suspended | Internally, Halo, and External permitted | Internally, Halo, and External permitted | Internally, Halo, and External permitted | Internally, Halo, and External permitted Point of Entrance | Internally, Halo, and External permitted | Internally, Halo, and External permitted | Internally, Halo, and External permitted | Internally, Halo, and External permitted Incidental | Internally, Halo, and External permitted | Internally, Halo, and External permitted | Internally, Halo, and External permitted | Internally, Halo, and External permitted G. Digital Displays • Permitted for Point of Entry signs only. • Subject to additional standards of Section 744-907.C for digital display. C. Dwelling Districts. 1. Undeveloped lots. On lots that are in any Dwelling District, which are not improved with a building, one primary, freestanding sign, that is a maximum of 32 sq. ft. in size and 10 ft. in height is allowed along each improved street right-of-way. Upon completion of the construction of a structure the sign must be removed. Said signs shall not be illuminated and shall comply with the definition of maintenance (pertaining to a sign), Section 744-902 shall not require permit, Section 744-903. C. 2. Gateway signs. Signs shall be subject to Regional Center or IHPC requirements and approval if within the applicable designated area and/or Administrative Approval in all other Districts. A permit is required. DPW and DBNS approval is required for work and/or encroachment into any right of way. 3. Primary freestanding signs. On lots that are improved with a legally established and occupied use, permanent primary signs indicated in the following Table 744-906-9 are permitted in accordance with the indicated standards. [image omitted; see the official code] Freestanding Sign Examples Table 744-906-9. Primary Freestanding Signs in Dwelling Districts D-A, D-S, D-1, D-2, D-3, D-4, D-5, D-5II, D-6, D-6II, D-7, D-8, D-9, D-10, D-11 A. Construction Type permitted Monument | Two permitted for each residential community Pylon | Not Permitted Pole | Not permitted B. Number of Signs permitted Two (2) Monument signs per residential community C. Maximum Area 40 sf D. Maximum Height 6 ft. feet from grade level, subject to the definition of grade level in Section 744-902 E. Front Setback measured from existing street right-of-way Minimum 10 ft. except that if an established building setback line along such right-of-way is less than 15 ft. from the right-of-way, the sign may be located so that no part of the sign is closer to the right-of-way than building setback line F. Illumination External Lighting only G. Additional Standards No sign may be located in a proposed right-of-way as identified in the Marion County Thoroughfare Plan unless the sign's owner provides a written commitment to the city to relocate the sign at the owner's expense upon the acquisition of the property by the City and shall waive all claims to damages or compensation by reason of the existence or relocation of the sign. 4. Secondary Freestanding Signs. On lots that are improved with a legally established and occupied use secondary signs indicated in the following Tables 744-906-10 are permitted in accordance with the indicated standards. Incidental Sign Example [image omitted; see the official code] [image omitted; see the official code] Table 744-906-10. Secondary Freestanding Signs in Dwelling Districts D-A, D-S, D-1, D-2, D-3, D-4, D-5, D-5II, D-6, D-6II, D-7, D-8, D-9, D-10, D-11 A. Sign Type permitted Vehicle Entry Point | Permitted for residential community Incidental | Permitted B. Number of Signs Vehicle Entry Point | Two per residential community driveway Incidental | One per street frontage C. Maximum Area permitted Vehicle Entry Point | 6 sf. per residential community entry sign Incidental | 10 sf. per sign D. Maximum Height permitted Vehicle Entry Point | 2.5 ft. Incidental | 4 ft. E. Front Setback permitted from street Vehicle Entry Point | 2 ft. min. Incidental | 10 ft. min. F. Illumination Not permitted G. Additional Standards No sign may be located in a proposed right-of-way as identified in the Marion County Thoroughfare Plan unless the sign's owner provides a written commitment to the city to relocate the sign at the owner's expense upon the acquisition of the property to the City and shall waive all claims to damages or compensation by reason of the existence or relocation of the sign. 5. Building signs. On lots that are improved with a legally established and occupied use permanent primary building signs indicated in the following Table 744-906-11 are permitted in accordance with the indicated standards. Projecting Sign Example [image omitted; see the official code] [image omitted; see the official code] Table 744 906-11. Building Signs in Dwelling Districts D-A, D-S, D-1, D-2, D-3, D-4, D-5, D-5II | D-6, D-6II, D-7, D-8, D-9, D-10, D-11 A. Construction Type permitted Wall Sign | Permitted | Permitted Projecting or Suspended Sign | Not Permitted | Permitted Canopy Sign | Not Permitted | Permitted Window Signs | Not Permitted | Permitted Roof Sign | Not Permitted | Not Permitted Roof-Integral Sign | Not Permitted | Not Permitted B. Number of Signs permitted Wall | One sign per building | One sign per building Projecting (Suspended) Sign | Not Permitted | One per pedestrian entrance Canopy | Not Permitted | Subject to additional requirements in 744 907.B.1 Window | Not Permitted | One sign per pedestrian entrance C. Maximum Area Permitted Wall | 6 sf | 3% of the front elevation, but no larger than 300 sf Projecting (Suspended) | Not Permitted | 5 sf Canopy | Not Permitted | Subject to additional requirements in Section 744-907.B Window | Not Permitted | 20% of window area, but no larger than 6 sf D. Clearance 9 ft. above grade level minimum clearance for all signs protruding more than 8 inches from the building E. Illumination Wall | Not Permitted | Halo or External only Projecting (Suspended) | Not Permitted | Not Permitted Canopy | Not Permitted | Not Permitted Window | Not Permitted | Not permitted D. Planned Unit Development Districts (D-P). 1. The purpose of the Planned Unit Development District (D-P) includes promoting flexibility and incentives for residential, non-residential and mixed-use development including the creation of a planning document governing the development standards. 2. Planned Unit Development District (D-P) submissions shall include a sign program, identifying permitted signs and development standards, or a reference to the Section of the Sign Ordinance that should be applied for compliance of any proposed signage. 3. All development shall be in conformity with the approved detailed planned unit development and any material deviations from the approved detailed planned unit development shall be subject to appropriate enforcement action. E. Special Zoning Districts. Undeveloped lots. On lots that are not improved with a building in any HD, SZ, SU, PK or UQ-1 District, one freestanding sign of up to 32 sq. ft. in size and 10 ft. in height is allowed along each improved street right-of-way. Upon construction of a building the sign must be removed. 1. Hospital Districts. a. The purpose of the Hospital District (H-D) is to facilitate the development, expansion, and modernization of a hospital campus or complex and the diversity of land uses and services that support and the hospital use. b. Hospital District submissions shall include a sign program, identifying permitted signs and development standards, or a reference to the section of the Sign Ordinance that should be applied for compliance of any proposed signage. c. All development shall be in conformity with the approved sign program and any material deviations from the approved sign program shall be subject to appropriate enforcement action. 2. Special Use Districts (SU), Park Districts (PK), Speedway (SZ-1, SZ-2) and University Quarter (UQ) Districts. a. All sign applications in any SU, PK, SZ or UQ Districts shall be submitted for and subject to Administrative Approval. b. All sign applications in SZ-1 and SZ-2 districts shall comply with additional standards in the Speedway District Regulations, Section 744-108.E. 3. Primary freestanding signs. On lots that are improved with a legally established and occupied use, permanent primary signs indicated in the following Table 744-906-12 are permitted in accordance with the indicated standards. [image omitted; see the official code] Freestanding Primary Sign Examples Table 744-906-12. Primary Freestanding Signs in Special Districts All SU, PK, SZ and UQ-1 A. Construction permitted Monument | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted Pylon* | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted Pole | Not Permitted | Not Permitted | Not Permitted | Not Permitted * No Freestanding Pylon Sign shall be permitted within 600 feet of a Dwelling District. The method of measurement shall be taken from the leading edge of the sign to the zoning line of the dwelling district. Exceptions: The provision prohibiting pylon signs within 600 feet of a dwelling district shall not apply if it can be determined that: i. A commercial or industrial use, legally established by permanent variance or lawful nonconforming use, exists upon adjoining property or abutting frontage property, although zoned as a dwelling district; or ii. The sign is visibly obstructed from the protected district and must meet additional standards of Section 744-907.A B. Number of signs Choices referenced in columns to right, but in no case more than 2 signs per frontage | Monument | Maximum two monument signs if frontage to which the sign is oriented is greater than 500 feet (minimum 300' separation between freestanding signs on-site). Pylon | Maximum one pylon per street frontage; if frontage to which the sign is oriented is greater than 500 feet an additional monument sign is permitted (minimum 300' separation between freestanding signs on site). Pole | Not Permitted C. Maximum Area Monument or Pylon | The maximum sign area of a freestanding sign shall not exceed an amount equal to 3% of the building side or other architectural elevation to which the sign is oriented, or 240 sf, whichever is the lesser. D. Maximum Height Monument | 5 feet Pylon | 15 feet E. Front Setback Monument and pylon | 10 feet from existing right-of-way* *Shall meet additional standards of Section 744-905 F. Illumination • Halo, External and Internal illumination permitted. • No illumination permitted on signs within 50 feet of a protected district. Exceptions: The provision prohibiting illumination of signs within 50 feet of a protected district shall not apply if it can be determined that: i. A commercial or industrial use, legally established by permanent variance or lawful nonconforming use, exists upon adjoining property or abutting frontage property, although zoned as a protected district; or ii. The sign is visibly obstructed from the Dwelling District and must meet additional standards of Section 744-907.A G. Digital Displays • Not permitted H. Additional Standards • No sign may be located in a proposed right-of-way as identified in the Marion County Thoroughfare Plan unless the sign's owner provides a written commitment to the city to relocate the sign at the owner's expense upon the acquisition of the property by the City and shall waive all claims to damages or compensation by reason of the existence or relocation of the sign. 4. Secondary freestanding signs. On lots that are improved with a legally established and occupied use secondary signs indicated in the following table 744-906-13 are permitted in accordance with the indicated standards. [image omitted; see the official code] Freestanding Secondary Sign Examples Table 744-906-13. Secondary Freestanding Signs in Special Zoning Districts All SU, PK, SZ and UQ-1 A. Construction permitted Vehicle Entry Point | Permitted Incidental | Permitted Auto- or Bike-Sharing Sign | Permitted, subject to additional standards in Section 744-908.G B. Number of signs Vehicle Entry Point | Two per driveway Incidental | 2 per acre Auto- or Bike-Sharing Sign | 1 per station C. Maximum Area Vehicle Entry Point | 6 sf per sign Incidental | 10 sf per sign Auto- or Bike-Sharing Sign | 4 sf per sign D. Maximum Height Vehicle Entry Point | 2.5 ft. Incidental | 8 ft. Auto- or Bike-Sharing Sign | 6 ft. E. Front Setback Vehicle Entry Point | 2 ft. min Incidental | 10 ft. min Auto- or Bike-Sharing Sign | NA F. Illumination • Halo and Internal illumination permitted • No illumination permitted on signs within 50 feet of a dwelling district Exceptions: The provision prohibiting illumination of signs within 50 feet of a dwelling district shall not apply if it can be determined that: i. A commercial or industrial use, legally established by permanent variance or lawful nonconforming use, exists upon adjoining property or abutting frontage property, although zoned as a dwelling district; or ii. The sign is visibly obstructed from the Dwelling District and must meet additional standards of Section 744-907.A G. Digital Displays • Not permitted H. Additional Standards • Vehicle Entry Point signs may encroach into the clear sight visibility area • Auto- or Bike-Sharing Signs subject to additional standards in Section 744-908.G • No sign may be located in a proposed right-of-way as identified in the Marion County Thoroughfare Plan unless the sign's owner provides a written commitment to the city to relocate the sign at theowner's expense upon the acquisition of the property by the City and shall waive all claims to damages or compensation by reason of the existence or relocation of the sign. 5. Primary building signs. On lots that are improved with a legally established and occupied use permanent primary building signs indicated in the following Table 744-906-14 are permitted in accordance with the indicated standards. [image omitted; see the official code] Primary Building Sign Examples Table 744 906-14 Primary Building Signs in Special Zoning Districts All SU, PK, SZ and UQ-1 A. Construction Type permitted Wall | Permitted Canopy | • Permitted • Subject to additional standards of Section 744-907.B Marquee | • Permitted in all SU, all HD & PK-2 Districts • Subject to additional requirements of Section 744-908.D. Roof Sign | Not Permitted Roof-Integral Signs | Permitted B. Number of Signs permitted Wall | No limit Canopy | No limit Roof-Integral Signs | One per building elevation C. Maximum Area Permitted • The maximum sign surface area for building signs shall not exceed an amount equal to 3% of the building side or other architectural elevation to which the sign is oriented. • Permitted only on elevation facing street • Buildings having multiple street frontages may have signs on each of those frontages however, no square footage is transferable to any other elevation D. Maximum Sign Width Permitted Wall | 80% of the width of the tenant space or building elevation Canopy | 80% of the width of the canopy side Roof-Integral Sign | 80% of the width of the tenant space or building elevation E. Projection - Maximum distance from the wall to the outer edge of the sign Wall | 18 inches maximum Canopy Sign | 18 inches maximum Roof-Integral Sign | 18 inches maximum F. Clearance 9 ft. above grade level minimum clearance for all signs protruding more than 8 inches from the building G. Setbacks In the Compact Context Area | Canopy signs may encroach into the right-of-way up to 6 ft. and Marquee signs up to 12 ft.; however, no sign may be closer than 2 ft. from any street curb In the Metro Context Area | Setbacks established by the district H. Illumination • Halo and Internal illumination permitted • No illumination permitted on signs within 50 feet of a dwelling district Exceptions: The provision prohibiting illumination of signs within 50 feet of a dwelling district shall not apply if it can be determined that: i. A commercial or industrial use, legally established by permanent variance or lawful nonconforming use, exists upon adjoining property or abutting frontage property, although zoned as a dwelling district; or ii. The sign is visibly obstructed from the Dwelling District and must meet additional standards of Section 744-907.A I. Digital Displays Not Permitted 6. Secondary building signs. On lots that are improved with a legally established and occupied use, permanent secondary building signs indicated in the following Table 744-906-15 are permitted in accordance with the indicated standards. Window Sign Example [image omitted; see the official code] [image omitted; see the official code] [image omitted; see the official code] Projecting Sign Example Table 744-906-15. Secondary Building Signs in Special Zoning Districts All SU, PK, SZ and UQ-1 A. Type permitted Window | Permitted Pedestrian Oriented - Projecting | Permitted Pedestrian Oriented - Suspended | permitted Point of Entrance | Permitted Incidental | Permitted B. Number of Signs permitted Window | Unlimited - Subject to transparency requirements of Section 740-303. Pedestrian Oriented Projecting and Suspended | One per pedestrian entrance Point of Entrance | Two per pedestrian entrance on front façade One per pedestrian entrance on other facades Incidental | 2 per acre C. Maximum Area permitted Window | -Maximum 20% of all window area per window, maximum 100 sf -Subject to transparency requirements of Section 740-303 -Window signs are calculated separately and shall not be included in the total area of other signs permitted Pedestrian Oriented Projecting and Suspended | 6 sf per sign Point of Entrance | 6 sf per sign Incidental | 4 sf per sign D. Projection - Maximum distance from the wall to the outer edge of the sign Window | No projection permitted Pedestrian Oriented Projecting | 3 ft. maximum width 12 inches between the wall and the closest edge of sign Pedestrian Oriented Suspended | Must be completely under the canopy, marquee or covered walkway from which it is suspended Point of Entrance | 8 inches Incidental | 8 inches E. Clearance 9 ft. above grade level minimum clearance for all signs projecting more than 8 inches from the building F. Illumination Not Permitted G. Digital Displays Not Permitted (G.O. 10, 2019, § 1)

Indianapolis-Marion County Revised Code § 744-907 Additional standards.

Sec. 744-907. - Additional standards. A. Illumination. Any illumination of a sign shall comply with the following additional regulations. 1. All externally illuminated signs that emit more than 900 lumens shall meet the exterior lighting standards per Section 744-604. 2. External light sources or lamps shall be concealed or shielded so that the light emitting element is not visible from any property line to minimize the potential for glare and unnecessary diffusion on adjacent property. 3. Efficiency. All exterior light sources shall produce at least 80 lumens per watt of energy consumed, as documented by manufacturer's specifications or the results of an independent testing laboratory. 4. The fixtures of an externally illuminated sign shall be within 12 feet of a sign face. 5. Any light source on the underside or bottom of a pump island canopy shall be fully recessed into the canopy and shall not protrude downward beyond the lowest edge. 6. The lighting of a sign shall not be directed at any vehicle travelling on a street or any pedestrian on sidewalk. 7. No sign that uses an intermittent or flashing light source to attract attention shall be permitted or maintained. Permitted digital signs operated in accordance with the standards established in Section 744-907.C are not considered flashing or animated. [image omitted; see the official code] Canopy Sign Example B. Canopy Sign Regulations. Canopies on which signs are placed shall comply with the following additional regulations. Maximum size of sign copy permitted on any canopy shall not exceed 45% of the area of the canopy plane on which it is placed. 1. Maximum projection of any canopy without support columns shall be six feet from the supporting wall. 2. Maximum distance from the top to the bottom of any canopy shall be nine feet, including any valance. 3. No canopy may extend to a point closer than two feet from any street curb or edge of an interior access drive. 4. If located over a sidewalk, no outer support columns shall be located in or obstruct the continuous, effective walkway along the public street, and the effective walkway width shall be a minimum of eight feet in the CBD districts and five feet in all other districts. C. Digital display regulations. Any digital display shall comply with the following additional regulations. 1. No digital display shall be located within 600 feet of any Protected District unless visibly obstructed from view from within that district; but in no instance may it be located within 400 feet of such a District. Measurement is made from the leading edge of the digital display sign face in a 180-degree arc from the plane of the sign face to the zoning district boundary. 2. In no instance shall digital display signs be permitted in a federally or locally designated historic district or within 600 feet of the boundary of a federally or locally designated historic district or historic site. 3. Digital displays shall only display static messages, and shall not have movement or the appearance of or the optical illusion of movement during any part of the display. No static message shall include flashing or the varying of light intensity and the message shall not scroll. 4. Message change shall be completed in one second or less. All transition effects are prohibited. The digital display shall not flash, nor appear to move or be animated. 5. Each static message on any Digital Display shall be displayed for a minimum of 10 seconds. 6. Any digital display shall be operated with systems and monitoring in place to either turn the display off or show "full black" on the display in the event of a malfunction. 7. Each digital display shall have an operational light sensing device that adjusts the brightness as ambient light conditions change. a. The brightness level for any digital display shall not operate over 464 foot candles during daytime operation. b. The brightness level for any digital display shall be calibrated for less than 0.30 foot candles above ambient light levels, as measured at 250 feet, but in no instance shall the light level, measured at any right-of-way, exceed 2.0 foot candles. 8. Light intensity of the digital display shall not cause glare. (G.O. 10, 2019, § 1)

Indianapolis-Marion County Revised Code § 744-908 Use-specific sign standards.

Sec. 744-908. - Use-specific sign standards. A. Automobile fueling station signs: When an Automobile Fueling Station is allowed and developed, the following signs, in addition to the signs permitted by the district, are permitted subject to the following standards. [image omitted; see the official code] Fuel Canopy Example 1. Pump island canopy signs. In addition to the signs permitted by the district, one sign per side of any freestanding canopy is permitted and shall not exceed 25% of the facade of the canopy on which it is located. This calculation shall not include the open area beneath the pump island canopy. Permits are required. 2. Public safety information and signs required by State and Federal laws are allowed and may be placed under the canopy or next to the appropriate emergency safety areas. Permits are not required. 3. Fuel pump signage is allowed. Maximum size is limited to six square feet. Permits are not required. 4. Signs may be internally illuminated or have LED components. B. Drive-thru signs. 1. Drive-Thru Board—One freestanding drive-thru sign per drive-thru lane with a maximum sign area of 40 square feet. [image omitted; see the official code] Drive-Thru Board Sign Examples 2. Canopy over stacking lane(s). One sign is permitted on one side of any canopy erected over each stacking lane sign area not to exceed 25% of canopy. Signs may be internally illuminated or have LED components. [image omitted; see the official code] Canopy Sign Examples C. Commercial parking lot and commercial parking garage signs. When a commercial parking lot or commercial parking garage is allowed and developed, in addition to the signs allowed by the district or required by other ordinances or licenses, the following signs are allowed subject to the following additional standards. 1. Signs on payment kiosk. Two signs, maximum eight square feet each, permitted on the kiosk. Signs may be internally illuminated or have LED components if sign does not face any street. 2. Vehicle entry point signs. One vehicle entry point sign per entrance lane or exit lane allowed with six square feet maximum area, six feet maximum height and two feet minimum setback. Signs may be internally illuminated or have LED components if sign does not face any street. 3. T-frame or A-frame sign. Sign shall not impede any sidewalk, ramp, travel lane, access drive or parking space. Signs shall be on display during business hours only. D. Marquees for theaters and other indoor spectator venues. When a performance theater or similar other indoor spectator venue is allowed and developed, marquee signs are permitted in addition to the signs permitted by the district, subject to the following additional standards: [image omitted; see the official code] Marquee Sign Examples 1. Illuminated marquee signs shall be located at least 600 feet from a Protected District, unless visibly obstructed, but no less than 400 feet. 2. One marquee, may have multiple planes with marquee signs permitted on each face. 3. Maximum width is 80% of the width of the tenant space or building elevation, with a maximum width of thirty feet, except in the CBD there is no limit. 4. Maximum projection from a building wall shall be 15 feet. 5. Minimum clearance of the marquee shall be 10 ft. above grade level. 6. Marquee signs may contain a digital display sign, subject to additional standards of Section 744-907.C. 7. Marquee signs may be illuminated, subject to additional standards of Section 744-907.A. When the business is open to the public, lights on a marquee may flash and otherwise be animated. 8. In no instance shall any marquee extend to a point closer than two feet from any street curb, pavement edge, or edge of an interior access drive. E. Bus shelter signs/rapid transit stops/super stops. When a bus shelter is developed at a municipal bus stop, the following signs, in addition to the signs permitted by the district, are permitted on the walls of the shelter subject to the following additional standards. (See illustration below). [image omitted; see the official code] Bus Shelter Sign Example Non-illuminated signs, which may be double-sided, but which shall not exceed 32 cumulative sf or 25% of each individual window/panel. In no case shall signage be allowed within four feet grade level. Two digital display signs, which may be double-sided, but which shall be no larger than four square feet. Must meet additional standards of Section 744-907.C. F. Municipal bus bench sign. When a municipal bus bench is located within 12 feet of a municipal bus stop without a municipal bus shelter, one sign, in addition to the signs permitted by the district, is permitted subject to the following additional standards. 1. Maximum sign dimensions are 81 inches across horizontally, 24 inches vertically, and no higher than 36 inches from grade level. Sign shall be one-sided, non-illuminated, and located on the bench. Sign shall not be located on a lot, adjacent to a lot, or across the street from a lot improved with a single-family detached dwelling. [image omitted; see the official code] Bike Sharing Sign Example G. Automobile rental station/bike-sharing signs/ taxi cab signs. When an automobile rental station, bike-sharing facility or taxi cab stand is allowed and developed, one non-illuminated or internally illuminated, freestanding sign with a maximum area of four square feet is permitted in addition to the signs permitted by the district. No digital signs are allowed. Regional Center or IHPC approval may be required if within the applicable designated area and permitting is required. (G.O. 10, 2019, § 1)

Indianapolis-Marion County Revised Code § 744-909 Specialty signs.

Sec. 744-909. - Specialty signs. A. Historic/heritage signs. 1. Historic sign. A painted wall sign that remains from an earlier time or advertises the use of a building that provides evidence of the history of the use of the building or activities of the community. a. Ghost sign. 1. Ghost signs are considered wall signs and are not off-premises signs. 2. Ghost signs existing at the effective date of this article are exempt from these requirements and are considered conforming. 3. Ghost signs need IHPC approval to repaint/restore. [image omitted; see the official code] Ghost Sign Example 2. Heritage signs. An existing sign having historical significance, and which advertises an establishment or product in existence or no longer in existence or a product offered or no longer being offered on the site, may be designated a heritage sign. An exact replica of an original sign attached to a building that would have been at least 50 years old may be designated a heritage sign. There are three types of heritage signs: 1. Retaining. 2 Restoring. 3. Replica. [image omitted; see the official code] heritage Sign Example a. In accordance with the designation, a heritage sign may be maintained, repaired, reconstructed, or relocated, so long as no new items of information, sign features, or sign area are added to the sign. In accordance with the designation, a replica of a building sign previously located on the site at least 50 years ago may be considered a heritage sign, except a billboard. b. Heritage signs are not considered nonconforming signs. c. Heritage sign may not be a billboard. d. A heritage sign may be inside or outside of an IHPC designated historic area. e. The area of a heritage sign is not counted toward the total primary and secondary sign area permitted. If the heritage sign is an existing freestanding sign, the sign is considered one of the freestanding signs permitted, however the sign area and height standards may be waived upon designation. f. Designation. In order for a sign to be designated a heritage sign, the IHPC Administrator shall make written findings that the sign is at least 50 years old, or is an exact replica of an original sign previously located on the site at least 50 years ago, and meets at least one of the following criteria: i. The sign has historic character, interest, or value as part of the development, heritage, or cultural characteristics of Indianapolis or the surrounding area or the building to which it is attached. ii. The sign is significant as evidence of the history of the product, business, or service advertised. iii. The sign embodies elements of design, construction, detailing, materials, or craftsmanship that make it significant or innovative. iv. The sign has a unique location or contains singular physical characteristics that make it an established or familiar visual feature within Indianapolis or the surrounding area; or v. In an IHPC-adopted historic area plan, the sign is identified as having historic significance. g. The IHPC Administrator may impose additional requirements or conditions upon the designation pertaining to the construction, restoration, shape, size, placement and method of maintenance of any heritage sign. h. The IHPC Administrator shall maintain and make available a list of designated heritage signs. [image omitted; see the official code] Heritage Sign Example B. Banners on light, utility or free-standing poles. If allowed, banner signs on light, utility or freestanding poles are subject to the following regulations. 1. In the CBD districts and MU districts, banner signs may be located on a light, utility or freestanding pole in the right-of-way provided the banner signs are at least 10 feet from any overhead power lines and upon authorization and issuance of the applicable encroachment or right-of-way permit. 2. In all other districts, banner signs on light, utility or freestanding poles shall be at least 10 feet from any street right-of-way and any overhead power lines. [image omitted; see the official code] Freestanding Pole Sign Example 3. No more than two banner signs may be placed upon one light utility or freestanding pole. 4. Banner signs and sign hardware shall: a. Be mounted on a light, utility or freestanding pole structurally capable of accommodating the banners and hardware; b. Be at least 12 feet above grade, unless it overhangs an interior access drive or right-of-way, in which case it shall be at least 15 feet above grade; c. Be made out of weather-resistant and rust-proof material; d. Not project more than three feet from the pole onto which it is mounted. [image omitted; see the official code] Light Pole Sign Examples 5. No banner sign may exceed 18 square feet in size. 6. Administrator's approval is required. The Administrator's decision to grant or withhold approval under this section is governed by the applicable criteria in this chapter. 7. Providing the provisions of this section and all other requirements of the ordinance are met, a one-time permit for the banner attachment hardware is required as well as an Encroachment License, if within a right-of-way, and an agreement to attach for any municipal owned utility pole(s). (G.O. 10, 2019, § 1)

Indianapolis-Marion County Revised Code § 744-910 Temporary signs.

Sec. 744-910. - Temporary signs. A. Banner signs. Shall be permitted in addition to permitted primary and secondary building signs in Commercial, Central Business, Mixed-Use, Special Use and Industrial Districts, subject to the following standards: 1. Shall not be located in any right-of-way; 2. Shall be securely attached at all corners and along all sides; 3. Shall be securely fastened to withstand displacement by the wind. Signs that have been displaced by the wind or located in the right-of-way are subject to immediate removal; 4. Shall not block any sidewalk, walkway, pedestrian ramp or any driveway; 5. Subject to all requirements of any secondary zoning district or overlay district that may apply; 6. Shall not be higher than 2.5 feet above grade level of any sidewalk if located in the clear sight visibility area; 7. Shall not be illuminated and may not be a digital sign; 8. Maximum size shall not exceed 32 square feet; 9. Maximum height of 6 ft.; 10. Maximum one banner sign per use; 11. Maximum duration shall not exceed a 10-day period; 12. Maximum frequency shall not exceed three times a calendar year; and 13. Permits are required. B. Street banners. Shall be permitted in addition to permitted primary and secondary signs, subject to the following standards: 1. Shall be securely attached at all corners; 2. Shall not be illuminated and may not be a digital sign; 3. Maximum one street banner per thoroughfare; 4. Maximum duration shall not exceed a 30-day period; 5. Maximum frequency shall not exceed three times a calendar year; 6. Permits are required; and 7. Issuance of the applicable encroachment or right-of-way permit is required. C. Pedestrian sign regulations. If allowed, pedestrian signs shall comply with the following additional regulations: 1. Shall be within 20 feet of a pedestrian entrance; 2. Shall only be displayed during business or operating hour; 3. Maximum eight square feet in size. See Section 744.902: A-Frame and T-Frame definitions; 4. Maximum height five feet; 5. Maximum one sign per use; 6. Shall not be located in any designated parking area or parking space, street or pedestrian ramp or within the clear visibility area, as defined in Section 744.902; 7. If located on a walkway, shall maintain a minimum clear walkway width of five feet; 8. Must be weighted or anchored to prevent the wind from moving the sign; and 9. No permit is required. D. Signs on construction sites or construction barricades. When a site is being developed or redeveloped as authorized by a valid permit, one sign per frontage may be freestanding, or located or placed upon any necessary construction barricades while a site is under construction or significant renovation in addition to any signs or displays required by law or ordinance. If permitted, signs on construction sites and signs on construction barricades are subject to the following standards: 1. May fully cover the construction barricade; 2. Does not horizontally project from the surface of the barricade; 3. Securely attached at all corners and along all sides; 4. Maximum height eight feet. No illumination is permitted; and 5. No permit is required. E. Election-period signs. During the 60-day period before and the six-day period after a national, state, or local government election, there shall be no limit on the number of yard signs permitted in any district, provided however, the following standards are met: 1. Maximum size of any sign shall be 32 sq. ft.; 2. Maximum sign height is five feet; 3. Sign shall not be in the right-of-way; 4. Sign shall not be illuminated; 5. Sign shall not be located in any clear sight visibility area as per, Section 744-905.B.; and 6. Permits are not required. F. Inflatable signs and air dancers. 1. Shall not block any sidewalk, walkway, pedestrian ramp or any driveway; 2. Subject to all requirements of any secondary zoning district or overlay district that may apply; 3. Shall not be higher than 2.5 feet above grade level of any sidewalk if located in the clear sight visibility area; 4. Shall not be illuminated and may not be a digital sign; 5. Maximum one inflatable or air dancer sign per use; 6. Maximum duration shall not exceed a 10-day period; 7. Maximum frequency shall not exceed three times a calendar year; and 8. Permits are required. (G.O. 10, 2019, § 1)

Indianapolis-Marion County Revised Code § 744-911 Off-premises (outdoor advertising) signs.

Sec. 744-911. - Off-premises (outdoor advertising) signs. A. General regulations. The following regulations shall pertain to off-premises signs (also known as outdoor advertising signs) in all districts where permitted by this Section 744-911, Section 744-903.F, Table 744-903-7. Also, refer to Section 744-911(B) - Signs on freeways and expressways, for additional requirements. 1. ILP required. An ILP shall be required for any new or relocated outdoor advertising sign—or alterations to an existing outdoor advertising sign—not exempted by Section 744-904: Maintenance required; Maintenance of Signs. 2. Outdoor advertising signs inside I-465. No portion of an outdoor advertising sign shall be erected or otherwise located within 660 feet of the right-of-way of a freeway or expressway, as herein defined, located within the entire area circumscribed by the interior right-of-way line of the Outer Belt Freeway commonly identified as I-465. (The application of these provisions is illustrated in Sign Diagram 21.) 3. Relocations for outdoor advertising signs. a. Relocations for outdoor advertising signs inside I-465. For legally-established, nonconforming signs located in the area described in Section 744-911.A.2, an owner of an outdoor advertising sign may relocate an outdoor advertising sign upon the same parcel of property from which it is being removed. The outdoor advertising sign structure and/or face must not be expanded or enlarged unless in compliance with the standards of this Ordinance. The relocated outdoor advertising sign shall require an ILP. This subsection does not limit any relocation that is governed by Indiana Code 8-23-20-25.6 and 8-23-20.5-3. b. Relocations for outdoor advertising signs outside I-465. Legally-established, non-conforming outdoor advertising signs may be relocated outside of I-465 provided that the outdoor advertising sign structure and/or face must not be expanded or enlarged unless in compliance with the standards of the Ordinance. The relocated outdoor advertising sign shall require and ILP. This subsection does not limit any relocation that is governed by Indiana Code 8-23-20-25.6 and 8-23-20.5-3. 4. Proportional regulations. The size of an outdoor advertising sign on a lot shall not exceed the size specified in Table 744-903-4: Table 744-903-4 Proportional Regulations Lot Size (in square feet) | Maximum Sign Dimensions (vertical by horizontal) Up to 10,000 | 6 ft. by 12 ft. 10,000+—20,000 | 12 ft. by 12 ft. 20,000+—43,560 | 12 ft. by 25 ft. 43,560+ | 10.5 ft. by 36 ft. plus extensions or 12 ft. by 50 ft. or 14 ft. by 48 ft. plus extensions 5. Extensions. Elements of an outdoor advertising sign may be permitted to extend beyond the horizontal or vertical sign edge. The maximum length of an extension shall not be greater than five feet beyond the top edge of the sign, three feet below the bottom edge of sign face and extend more than two and a half feet along all other sign edges. The maximum width of an extension shall not be greater than 45% of the linear length of the horizontal or vertical dimension of the outdoor advertising sign (Refer to Extension Sign Diagram 35). 6. Outdoor advertising sign size. The face of an outdoor advertising sign shall not be greater than 14 feet in vertical dimension nor greater than 48 feet in horizontal dimension, except where specifically regulated by Section 744-911(B). The sign shall not contain more than two advertising signs per facing. The advertising sign displays may be oriented side-by-side or in a stacked position provided that the total face shall not be greater than 14 feet in vertical dimension nor greater than 48 feet in horizontal dimension. 7. Flashing, intermittent or moving lights. No advertising sign shall be permitted which contains, includes, or is illuminated by a flashing, intermittent or moving light or lights. 8. Animation. No advertising sign shall be permitted which has animated or moving images. 9. Advertising sign. Advertising sign faces consisting of three or less panels that rotate to present a single fixed display at a time, commonly known as Tri-vision signs, are permitted, provided that the rotation of one display to another is no more frequent than every 15 seconds. 10. Video, LED, (light emitting diode), LCD (liquid crystal display) or electrically powered. No advertising sign shall be permitted which displays video or emitting graphics except as permitted in Section 744-911(B)(2)(d)(2). Internal illumination of outdoor advertising signs is not permitted. 11. Distance between outdoor advertising signs. Except as otherwise provided for signs in the protected areas along highways, freeways and expressways (see Section 744-911(B)), the minimum distance between outdoor advertising signs shall be as specified below. The applications of these provisions are illustrated in Sign Diagrams 18 and 19. a. Radial spacing between outdoor advertising signs. In no event shall any point of an outdoor advertising sign or sign structure be closer than 1,000 feet from any point of any other outdoor advertising sign or sign structure. b. Outdoor advertising signs adjacent to protected districts. In no event shall any point of an outdoor advertising sign be closer than 300 feet from a protected district. For the purposes of this section, a protected district shall include any dwelling district, parks district, university quarter district, SU-1 (church) district or SU-2 (school) district. (The applications of these provisions are illustrated in Sign Diagram 20.) 12. Signs on freeways and expressways. In addition to the requirements of this section, outdoor advertising signs shall further comply with Section 744-911(B) when located on freeways and expressways. 13. Roof top outdoor advertising signs. Roof top outdoor advertising signs shall not be permitted in any zoning district. 14. Advertising sign on or appurtenant to buildings. Advertising signs shall not be located on, above or below any portion of primary buildings. 15. Outdoor advertising sign setback. Signs or sign structures shall be set back in accordance with the building setback lines required by the applicable zoning district. Advertising signs shall not be eligible for setback averaging exceptions. (See Table 744-903-6 below.) Table 744-903-6: Setbacks Zoning District | Freeways | Primary/Secondary | Collector/Local Streets Commercial Districts | 50 feet | 10 feet from proposed R.O.W. | 10 feet from proposed R.O.W. Industrial Districts - Compact Context Area | 50 feet | 30 feet from proposed R.O.W. | 20 feet from proposed R.O.W. Industrial Districts - Metro Context Area | 50 feet | 30 feet from proposed R.O.W. | 50 feet from proposed R.O.W. 16. Maximum and minimum height of outdoor advertising signs and sign structures. a. The maximum height of signs and sign structures shall not exceed 60 feet above grade level at the base of such sign or sign structure. b. No outdoor advertising sign or sign structure (except for the supports, building, structure or column) shall be at its lowest point less than nine feet above grade level. Ground signs, where permitted, shall not exceed four feet in height above grade level. 17. Construction of outdoor advertising signs. The supports, uprights, bracing and framework of an outdoor advertising sign shall be of steel construction. 18. Districts permitted and allowable square footage. (Refer to Table 744-903-7 below.) Table 744-903-7: Districts Permitted Zoning Classification | Dwelling | Commercial and Mixed-Use | Industrial | Special Use | CBD/RC District | All Districts | C-1, MU-1 | C-3, MU-2 | C-4, C-5, C-7 | C-S | All Districts | All Districts | All Districts Maximum Square Footage | NP | NP | 378* | 672* | NP | 672* | NP | NP Key/Note: NP: Not Permitted. *Extensions available if requirements met. *Advertising signs shall not be permitted in HP-C Districts. B. Signs on freeways and expressways. All signs within 660 feet of the right-of-way of freeways and expressways, as shown on the Official Thoroughfare Plan shall comply with the requirements of this section in addition to all other provisions of this Chapter 744 Article IX. 1. Permitted signs. Unless prohibited by local, state or federal law, erection or maintenance of the following signs shall be permitted in Protected Areas. a. Official signs. Directional or other official signs or notices erected and maintained by public officers or agencies pursuant to and in accordance with direction or authorization contained in local, state, or federal law, for the purpose of carrying out an official duty or responsibility. b. On-premises (business) signs. However, not more than one freestanding identification sign shall be permitted to be located on each premises. c. Off-premises (advertising) signs. 2. General provisions. No off-premises signs shall be permitted to be erected or maintained on freeways or expressways in any manner inconsistent with the following: a. Flashing, intermittent or moving lights. No sign shall be permitted which contains, includes, or is illuminated by a flashing, intermittent or moving light or lights. b. Animation. No sign shall be permitted which moves or has any animated or moving parts. c. Rotating, louvered (vertical and or horizontally), moving or other elements. Advertising signs with rotating, louvered (vertical and/or horizontally), moving parts or elements shall not be permitted. d. Video, LED (light emitting diode), LCD (liquid crystal display) or electrically powered. 1. No sign shall be permitted which displays video or emitting graphics. Internal illumination of outdoor advertising signs is not permitted. 2. Sign faces can be converted to include a pricing display, commonly known as price packs, which may be remotely changed no more than 3 times per day. This display is limited to 10% of an outdoor advertising sign face and only permitted on one face on a single outdoor advertising sign structure. e. Measurement of distance. 1. The distance from the edge of a right-of-way shall be measured horizontally along a line normal or perpendicular to the centerline of the freeway or expressway. 2. All dimensions parallel to the alignment of the freeway or expressway shall be measured along the centerline of the freeway or expressway between two vertical planes which are normal or perpendicular to and intersect the centerline of the freeway or expressway, and which pass through the termini of the measured distance. 3. Regulations for off-premises (advertising) signs. a. Off-premises signs within informational sites. If the Indiana Department of Transportation (IDOT) constructs an Informational Site, on the freeway system in Marion County, control over off-premises signs within such site shall be the responsibility of that Department. b. Off-premises signs outside of informational sites. 1. The erection or maintenance of the following signs shall be permitted within protected areas outside of informational sites: off-premises signs which are located within 660 feet of a freeway or expressway, as herein defined. 2. The erection or maintenance of off-premises signs permitted under Section 744-911(b)(3)(a) shall not be permitted in any manner inconsistent with the following: i. Sign spacing: Subject to the other provisions of this Section 744-911(b)(3), within protected areas adjacent to freeway or expressway rights-of-way, no part of any off-premise sign structure shall be located within 1,000 feet of any other off-premises sign structure located adjacent to said freeway or expressway on the same side of said freeway. Said 1,000 feet distance shall be measured linearly along the centerline of the freeway or expressway. (The application of this provision is illustrated in Sign Diagrams 26 and 27.) ii. Maximum sign dimensions: The maximum size of any sign shall not exceed 14 feet in vertical dimension and 48 feet in horizontal dimension, plus extensions as defined in Section 744-911(A). iii. Sign setback: Signs shall not be located closer than 50 feet to the right-of-way of the freeway or expressway. iv. Sign clearance: Signs shall not be less than nine feet above grade level at the lowest point, except for the supporting structure. v. Maximum sign height: The maximum height of signs and sign structures shall not exceed 60 feet above grade level at the base of such sign structure. vi. Entrance or exit roadway limitation: Signs shall not be permitted in protected areas adjacent to any freeway or expressway right-of-way upon any part of the width of which is constructed an entrance or exit roadway. No sign shall be permitted within 500 feet from the point of intersection between the traveled way of such entrance or exit roadway and the main traveled way of the freeway or expressway. Said 500 feet distance shall be measured to the nearest point of the intersection of the traveled way of the entrance or exit roadway and the main-traveled way of the freeway or expressway. (Refer to Sign Diagram 26.) Sign Diagrams 18 and 19. Measurement of Distance between Advertising Signs [image omitted; see the official code] Sign Diagram 20. Measurement of Distance between Advertising Signs and Protected Districts [image omitted; see the official code] Sign Diagram 21. Outdoor Advertising Signs Inside I-465 [image omitted; see the official code] Sign Diagram 26. Signs on Interstate Freeways and Expressways: Measurement of Separation for Off-Premise Signs [image omitted; see the official code] Sign Diagram 27. Signs on Interstate Freeways and Expressways: Entrance Roadway Limitation [image omitted; see the official code] Sign Diagram 35. Advertising Sign or Off-Presises Sign Extension [image omitted; see the official code] (G.O. 10, 2019, § 1; G.O. 1, 2025, § 2) (G.O. 10, 2019, § 1) (G.O. 10, 2019, § 1) (G.O. 10, 2019, § 1) (G.O. 10, 2019, § 1; G.O. 1, 2025, § 2) (G.O. 10, 2019, § 1) (G.O. 10, 2019, § 1; G.O. 1, 2025, § 2)

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_ARTIX2018RESIREFetched: 10/27/2026