Sign Regulations in Auburn, Indiana
Auburn, Indiana has specific sign regulations covering 24 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Temporary Event Sign - Noncommercial Message, Temporary Event Sign - Commercial Message. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: November 24, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Auburn, Indiana
Sample Sign Requirements in Auburn
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (General Standards) | May extend no more than 36 inches above roof line (parapet allowed) (5.70.A.2) | 10% of facade area | — |
| Freestanding Sign (General Standards) | — | — | See zone-specific setbacks in 5.69 SI-02 |
| Drive-Thru Menu Board (General Standards) | 8 ft where specified by zone tables; otherwise per zone (5.69 SI-02; 5.70.G) | — | Not in right-of-way; comply with Vision Clearance (5.70.H.5; 5.68.O.1) |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for AuburnFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
24
- Wall Sign
- Temporary Event Sign - Noncommercial Message
- Temporary Event Sign - Commercial Message
- Freestanding Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Auburn
Other Cities in Indiana
Frequently Asked Questions
In Auburn, wall signs can be up to May extend no more than 36 inches above roof line (parapet allowed) (5.70.A.2). Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Auburn, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Auburn, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Temporary Event Sign - Noncommercial Message, Temporary Event Sign - Commercial Message, Freestanding Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Auburn, monument signs typically require a See zone-specific setbacks in 5.69 SI-02 setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Auburn are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Auburn has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Auburn, Indiana Sign Rules at a Glance
Auburn, Indiana regulates 24 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Temporary Event Sign (General Standards)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at Typically 6 ft; feathered flag signs may be up to 12 ft (5.69 SI-02; 5.70.K.2) tall and Per zone table; noncommercial typically 32 sq ft; feathered flags up to 12 ft tall (5.69 SI-02; 5.70.K.2), with a Per zone (typically 5 ft; see 5.69 SI-02) setback (Sec. UDO Art. 05: 5.70.L; 5.69 SI-02; 5.68.C.1). Most commercial signs in Auburn require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Auburn, Indiana
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Auburn (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 12 | May extend no more than 36 inches above roof line (parapet allowed) (5.70.A.2) | Per zone table; noncommercial typically 32 sq ft; feathered flags up to 12 ft tall (5.69 SI-02; 5.70.K.2) | — |
| PR, AG, ER, R1, R2, R3, TR, M1A, M1, M2, M3, MH | 4 | May extend no more than 36 inches above roof line; max projection 12 inches (5.70.A.2-3) | 32 sq ft | — |
| AC, IS, C1 | 6 | May extend no more than 36 inches above roof line; max projection 12 inches (5.70.A.2-3) | 42 sq ft per sign face | — |
| Downtown Commercial (DC) | 5 | May extend no more than 36 inches above roof line; max projection 12 inches (5.70.A.2-3) | 32 sq ft | — |
| MX | 4 | May extend no more than 36 inches above roof line; max projection 12 inches (5.70.A.2-3) | 32 sq ft | — |
| C2, I1, I2, HI, PD | 8 | May extend no more than 36 inches above roof line; max projection 12 inches (5.70.A.2-3) | 150 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Auburn(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
General Regulations For All Zones
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (General Standards) | May extend no more than 36 inches above roof line (parapet allowed) (5.70.A.2) | 10% of facade area | — | — | Up to 4 per establishment where Wall Signs are permitted by zone (see zone tables, 5.69 SI-02) | Permitted on any side of building; may be attached to a parapet wall; not on roofs/chimneys except as may be permitted in DC (5.70.A.1; 5.68.F.1.f) | — | Unlock | UDO Art. 05: 5.68.H; 5.68.F.1.f; 5.68.J; 5.69 SI-02; 5.70.A |
| Under Canopy Sign (General Standards) | — | — | — | — | Allowed only where under-canopy signs are permitted by zone (see DC in 5.69 SI-02) | Oriented perpendicular to sidewalk; visible to pedestrians on sidewalk (5.70.B.1) | — | Unlock | UDO Art. 05: 5.70.B; 5.68.J |
| Freestanding Sign (General Standards) | — | — | — | See zone-specific setbacks in 5.69 SI-02 | See zone-specific limits in 5.69 SI-02 | Not within utility or drainage easement unless a Utility Service Agreement approval is obtained (5.70.E.3) | — | Unlock | UDO Art. 05: 5.70.E; 5.68.N.2; 5.68.J; 5.68.O; 5.68.F |
| Drive-Thru Menu Board (General Standards) | 8 ft where specified by zone tables; otherwise per zone (5.69 SI-02; 5.70.G) | — | — | Not in right-of-way; comply with Vision Clearance (5.70.H.5; 5.68.O.1) | Per zone tables (e.g., 2 per drive-thru window; 1 per curbside pick-up station where allowed, 5.69 SI-02) | Adjacent to queue lane for drive-up window; not in ROW; must maintain safe circulation (5.70.G.3; 5.70.H.5-6) | — | Unlock | UDO Art. 05: 5.70.G; 5.70.H; 5.68.J |
| Directional Device Sign (General Standards) | 36 inches | 3 sq ft | — | — | — | May only indicate vehicular points of entry/exit; not in right-of-way; must not interfere with safe circulation (5.70.H.1,5-6) | — | Unlock | UDO Art. 05: 5.70.H |
| Subdivision Entrance Sign (General Standards) | — | — | — | Per freestanding sign rules and VC standards | One per side of each subdivision entrance (5.70.I.1) | Allowed at each entrance to subdivision – one sign on each side of the street; within a sign easement, common area, or private property (5.70.I.1-2) | — | Unlock | UDO Art. 05: 5.70.I; 5.68.B.4(d) |
| Inflatable Sign (General Standards) | 12 ft maximum (5.70.K.2) | — | — | Per Temporary Event Sign setback by zone (typically 5 ft) | — | On private property per Temporary Event Sign rules (5.70.L.4) | — | Unlock | UDO Art. 05: 5.70.K; 5.70.L; 5.68.B.4 |
| Temporary Event Sign (General Standards) | Typically 6 ft; feathered flag signs may be up to 12 ft (5.69 SI-02; 5.70.K.2) | Per zone table; noncommercial typically 32 sq ft; feathered flags up to 12 ft tall (5.69 SI-02; 5.70.K.2) | — | Per zone (typically 5 ft; see 5.69 SI-02) | Per zone (typically 1 per street frontage per event/issue/belief for noncommercial; commercial varies by zone) | On private property only (5.70.L.4) | — | Unlock | UDO Art. 05: 5.70.L; 5.69 SI-02; 5.68.C.1 |
AC, IS, C1
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 20 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 5 ft | 1 per street frontage | On private property; not in easements without approval; comply with Vision Clearance (5.70.E; 5.68.O.1) | — | Unlock | UDO Art. 05: 5.69 SI-02 (AC/IS/C1 table); 5.70.E; 5.68.J |
| Drive-Thru Menu Board | 8 ft | 42 sq ft per sign face | — | 5 ft | 2 per drive-thru window | Adjacent to queue lane for drive-up window (5.70.G.3) | — | Unlock | UDO Art. 05: 5.69 SI-02 (AC/IS/C1 table); 5.70.G; 5.68.J |
| Curbside Pick-Up Station Menu Board | 8 ft (by table for menu boards generally) | 6 sq ft per sign face | — | 5 ft | 1 per curbside pick-up station | Adjacent to curbside service bays (5.70.G.4) | — | Unlock | UDO Art. 05: 5.70.G.4; 5.68.J; 5.69 SI-02 (AC/IS/C1 table) |
| Wall Sign | May extend no more than 36 inches above roof line; max projection 12 inches (5.70.A.2-3) | 10% of facade area | — | — | 4 per establishment | Any side of building; parapet allowed (5.70.A.1-2) | — | Unlock | UDO Art. 05: 5.69 SI-02; 5.70.A; 5.68.H |
| Temporary Event Sign - Noncommercial Message | 6 ft; 12 ft for feathered flag signs | 32 sq ft | — | 5 ft | 1 per street frontage for each event, issue, or belief | Entirely on private property (5.70.L.4) | — | Unlock | UDO Art. 05: 5.69 SI-02; 5.70.K.2; 5.70.L.4; 5.68.B.4.c |
| Temporary Event Sign - Commercial Message | — | — | — | 5 ft | 1 per street frontage | Entirely on private property (5.70.L.4) | — | Unlock | UDO Art. 05: 5.69 SI-02; 5.70.L.2,5; 5.68.B.4.d |
C2, I1, I2, HI, PD
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (≤ 0.5 acre parcel) | 20 ft | 50 sq ft | — | 10 ft | 1 per street frontage | On private property; not in easements without approval; comply with Vision Clearance (5.70.E; 5.68.O.1) | — | Unlock | UDO Art. 05: 5.69 SI-02 (C2/I1/I2/HI/PD table) |
| Freestanding Sign (> 0.5 and < 1 acre parcel) | 20 ft | 100 sq ft | — | 10 ft | 1 per street frontage | On private property; not in easements without approval; comply with Vision Clearance (5.70.E; 5.68.O.1) | — | Unlock | UDO Art. 05: 5.69 SI-02 (C2/I1/I2/HI/PD table) |
| Freestanding Sign (≥ 1 acre parcel) | 20 ft | 150 sq ft | — | 10 ft | 1 per street frontage | On private property; not in easements without approval; comply with Vision Clearance (5.70.E; 5.68.O.1) | — | Unlock | UDO Art. 05: 5.69 SI-02 (C2/I1/I2/HI/PD table) |
| Drive-Thru Menu Board | 8 ft | — | — | 10 ft | 2 per drive-thru window | Adjacent to queue lane for drive-up window (5.70.G.3) | — | Unlock | UDO Art. 05: 5.69 SI-02 (C2/I1/I2/HI/PD table); 5.70.G; 5.68.J |
| Curbside Pick-Up Station Menu Board | 8 ft (by menu board general) | 6 sq ft per sign face | — | 10 ft | 1 per curbside pick-up station | Adjacent to curbside service bays (5.70.G.4) | — | Unlock | UDO Art. 05: 5.69 SI-02 (C2/I1/I2/HI/PD table); 5.70.G.4; 5.68.J |
| Wall Sign | May extend no more than 36 inches above roof line; max projection 12 inches (5.70.A.2-3) | 10% of facade area | — | — | 4 per establishment | Any side of building; parapet allowed (5.70.A.1-2) | — | Unlock | UDO Art. 05: 5.69 SI-02 (C2/I1/I2/HI/PD table); 5.70.A; 5.68.H |
| Temporary Event Sign - Noncommercial Message | 6 ft; 12 ft for feathered flag signs (inflatable signs max 12 ft per 5.70.K) | 32 sq ft | — | 5 ft | 1 per street frontage for each event, issue, or belief | Entirely on private property (5.70.L.4) | — | Unlock | UDO Art. 05: 5.69 SI-02 (C2/I1/I2/HI/PD table); 5.70.K.2; 5.70.L.4; 5.68.B.4.c |
| Temporary Event Sign - Commercial Message | — | — | — | 5 ft | 1 per street frontage | Entirely on private property (5.70.L.4) | — | Unlock | UDO Art. 05: 5.69 SI-02 (C2/I1/I2/HI/PD table); 5.70.L.2,5; 5.68.B.4.d; 5.70.F.3 |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Auburn — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 6 zones for Auburn — start freeProhibited Signs in Auburn
- Signs that emit audible sound, odor, or visible matter
- Signs with blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights, or changing light intensity, brightness, or color more than two times per second
- Signs that project laser light, cast intense visible light beams, or cast laser or projector-created images onto surfaces
- Vehicle signs with cumulative area greater than 8 square feet parked for the primary purpose of displaying the sign (exceptions for discreet overnight/non-business parking, active business use such as deliveries/sales/transport, and customary construction operations)
- Strobe lights, search lights, beacons, or any lights that rapidly flash or project beams skyward or horizontally in a circle, whether part of or independent of a sign
- Signs with moving or movable parts or devices with visibly moving parts
- Any sign displaying obscene, indecent, or immoral matter
- Signs in a public right-of-way unless authorized by the Board of Public Works and Safety (except as allowed in Section 5.70)
- Signs on any traffic control device, street sign, construction sign, or utility pole
- Permanent signs on fences (except sponsorship banners along playing fields)
- Signs attached to any tree, shrub, or other natural object
- Signs attached to or integrated into telecommunication antennae or towers, television antennae, or similar towers
- Signs attached to or perceived to be attached to roofs or chimneys (except as may be permitted in the DC zoning district), including signs integrated into roofing material
- Signs on a fire escape or placed such that they substantially block view from the right-of-way to a fire door
- Signs that obstruct or interfere with internal or external safe movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic
- Artificially altering ground elevation, increasing wall height, or creating parapet walls to improve sign height or visibility
- Signs located in areas prohibited by Vision Clearance Standards (VC)
- No sign may block or obstruct any vehicular entrance or exit to a parking lot, vehicular access way, parking space, or pedestrian sidewalk, path, or crosswalk
Exempt Signs in Auburn
- Any allowed sign may display any lawful noncommercial message in lieu of other content, subject to size, height, and other requirements
- Permit exemptions: replacing or altering the message on a changeable copy sign; painting, repairing, cleaning, or maintaining a sign without structural change; noncommercial message signs; portable signs; real estate signs; election signs; subdivision entrance signs; property for lease signs; 'now hiring' signs
- Election signs are exempt from quantity, size, and duration regulations in the Sign Standards; must comply with Indiana Code 36-1-3-11 and the ordinance’s limits (maximum 32 square feet counted on one side; may be installed 60 days prior to an election and must be removed 6 days after; must follow Temporary Sign location standards for the zoning district)
- Home business signs are exempt from the Sign Standards and must comply with the Home Businesses (HB) standards
- Items not considered signs and therefore exempt from Sign Standards (unless noted conditions apply): flags/pennants/insignia of political units (unless integral to a commercial message); outdoor scoreboards used with legally-established sports fields (unless visible from a public street and containing a commercial message); posting of street addresses for identification (unless used as a commercial message); public safety or private property messages up to the standard temporary sign maximum or 4 square feet, whichever is greater; operational limitation/information postings up to 4 square feet; postings required by agencies or law at minimum required size/height; indoor commercial messages; miniscule commercial messages near a primary entrance (each ≤30 square inches; total ≤240 square inches per entrance); holiday decorations (unless integral to a commercial message); street banners approved by the Mayor and installed by the City Street Department; murals without commercial messages; hand-held items with messages carried by a person; memorial items such as historical markers or tablets
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Auburn
- Special Exception is required to install any sign type not allowed by the Article
- Variance of Development Standards is required to install any sign that does not conform to the Article’s standards (e.g., size, height, location)
- Improvement Location Permit is required for all permanent signs unless otherwise specified
- Temporary Improvement Location Permit is required for all temporary event signs unless otherwise specified
- Written approval from the Auburn Board of Public Works and Safety or the easement holder is required before locating a sign within an easement, prior to seeking an Improvement Location Permit
- Electrical permit is required for any illuminated sign; illuminated signs must be connected to permanent electrical service and wiring for newly constructed detached signs must be underground
- Freestanding signs may not be located in utility or drainage easements without a Utility Service Agreement approved by the Board of Public Works and Safety
- Temporary event signs containing a commercial message on non-residential property require a temporary event sign permit (maximum four per establishment per calendar year, 10-day gap between permits, permit effective upon placement and expires at event termination)
- No master sign plan requirement is stated in the provided sections
Source: other municipal code