Sign Regulations in Charlestown, Indiana
Charlestown, Indiana has specific sign regulations covering 24 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Permanent Changeable Copy (Monument or Wall), Temporary Monument Sign, Temporary Marker Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: December 5, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Charlestown, Indiana
Sample Sign Requirements in Charlestown
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Changeable Copy (Monument or Wall) | Monument: 6 ft above ground; Wall: not specified | Monument: 20 sq ft per side; Wall: 20 sq ft | 5 ft from right-of-way or sidewalk, whichever is farthest. |
| Permanent Marker Sign (Agricultural Use) | 12 ft above ground level | 16 sq ft per side | 5 ft from right-of-way or sidewalk, whichever is farthest. |
| Temporary Changeable Copy (Monument Only) | 4 ft above ground level | 5 sq ft per side | 5 ft from right-of-way or sidewalk, whichever is farthest. |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for CharlestownFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
24
- Permanent Changeable Copy (Monument or Wall)
- Temporary Monument Sign
- Temporary Marker Sign
- Temporary Changeable Copy (Monument Only)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Charlestown
Other Cities in Indiana
Frequently Asked Questions
In Charlestown, wall signs can be up to Monument: 6 ft above ground; Wall: not specified and monument signs are limited to Monument: 6 ft above ground; Wall: not specified. 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 Charlestown, 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 Charlestown, regulated sign types include Permanent Changeable Copy (Monument or Wall), Temporary Monument Sign, Temporary Marker Sign, Temporary Changeable Copy (Monument Only), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Charlestown, monument signs typically require a 5 ft from right-of-way or sidewalk, whichever is farthest. 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 Charlestown are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Charlestown has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Charlestown, Indiana Sign Rules at a Glance
Charlestown, Indiana regulates 24 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Permanent Changeable Copy (Monument or Wall)s in the Agricultural (A-1) zoning district are capped at Monument: 6 ft above ground; Wall: not specified by general; see wall sign limits below tall and Monument: 20 sq ft per side; Wall: 20 sq ft, with a 5 ft from right-of-way or sidewalk, whichever is farthest. setback (Sec. Chapter 3: Site Standards, Section E.3.a and Section 4.A-1.iii.1, p. 76, 79.). Most commercial signs in Charlestown require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Charlestown, Indiana
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Charlestown (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 5 | 12 ft above ground level | Monument: 20 sq ft per side; Wall: 20 sq ft | — |
| Agricultural (A-1) | 8 | Sign height: 15 ft; placement not more than 12 ft above ground level | 40 sq ft per side | — |
| Residential (R, R-1, R-2) | 8 | Sign height: 15 ft; placement not more than 12 ft above ground level | 40 sq ft per side | — |
| Residential (R-3, R-4) | 7 | Sign height: 15 ft | 50 sq ft per side | — |
| Business/Commercial & Industrial (B-1, B-2, B-3, I-1, I-2, I-3, M-1) | 14 | 8 ft above ground level | 100 sq ft per side; maximum single-tenant panel area 30 sq ft per side | — |
| Downtown Historic District (DH) | 12 | 8 ft above ground level | Single-tenant: 90 sq ft; Multi-tenant: 50 sq ft per tenant | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Charlestown(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
Agricultural (A-1)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Changeable Copy (Monument or Wall) | Monument: 6 ft above ground; Wall: not specified by general; see wall sign limits below | Monument: 20 sq ft per side; Wall: 20 sq ft | — | 5 ft from right-of-way or sidewalk, whichever is farthest. | Maximum 1 (general standard); A-1 overall: cumulative total of permanent signs permitted on site: 1 per 200 ft of road frontage. | Monument base landscaped; wall sign attached to façade | — | Unlock | Chapter 3: Site Standards, Section E.3.a and Section 4.A-1.iii.1, p. 76, 79. |
| Permanent Marker Sign | 12 ft above ground level | 16 sq ft per side | — | 5 ft from right-of-way or sidewalk, whichever is farthest. | Maximum 1 sign. | Freestanding marker sign on agricultural lots with required frontage | — | Unlock | Chapter 3: Site Standards, Section E.3.b and Section 4.A-1.iii.2, p. 77, 79. |
| Permanent Monument Sign | 6 ft above ground level | 40 sq ft per side | — | 5 ft from right-of-way or sidewalk, whichever is farthest. | Maximum 1 sign. | Freestanding monument sign | — | Unlock | Chapter 3: Site Standards, Section 4.A-1.iii.3 (Permanent Monument Sign Standards), p. 79. |
| Permanent Wall Sign | Sign height: 15 ft; placement not more than 12 ft above ground level | 40 sq ft | — | 5 ft from right-of-way or sidewalk, whichever is farthest. | Maximum 2 signs. | On building wall; accessory to primary structure/use | — | Unlock | Chapter 3: Site Standards, Section 4.A-1.iii.4 (Permanent Wall Sign Standards), p. 79–80. |
| Temporary Changeable Copy (Monument Only) | 4 ft above ground level | 5 sq ft per side | — | 5 ft from right-of-way or sidewalk, whichever is farthest. | Maximum 1 per road frontage. | Temporary monument sign on institutional sites | — | Unlock | Chapter 3: Site Standards, Section E.3.c and Section 4.A-1.iv.1, p. 77, 80. |
| Temporary Marker Sign (Agricultural Use) | 8 ft above ground level | 4 sq ft per side | — | 10 ft from right-of-way or sidewalk, whichever is farthest. | Maximum 60 per 300 ft of road frontage. | Freestanding temporary marker sign | — | Unlock | Chapter 3: Site Standards, Section E.3.d and Section 4.A-1.iv.2, p. 77, 80. |
| Temporary Monument Sign | 4 ft above ground level | 5 sq ft per side | — | 5 ft from right-of-way or sidewalk, whichever is farthest. | Maximum 1 per road frontage. | Freestanding temporary monument sign | — | Unlock | Chapter 3: Site Standards, Section E.3.e and Section 4.A-1.iv.3, p. 78, 80. |
| Temporary Wall Sign | Sign height: 4 ft; placement not more than 15 ft above ground level | 5 sq ft | — | 5 ft from right-of-way or sidewalk, whichever is farthest. | Maximum 1 sign. | On building wall | — | Unlock | Chapter 3: Site Standards, Section 4.A-1.iv.4 (Temporary Wall Sign Standards), p. 80. |
Business/Commercial & Industrial (B-1, B-2, B-3, I-1, I-2, I-3, M-1)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Awning Sign | Sign height: 3 ft; bottom clearance: ≥ 9 ft above ground; top of awning sign ≤ 15 ft above ground | Single-tenant: 30 sq ft; Multi-tenant: 20 sq ft | — | — | No maximum quantity specified. | On awning attached to building façade | — | Unlock | Chapter 3: Site Standards, Section 7.iv.2 (Permanent Awning Sign Standards), p. 87. |
| Permanent Changeable Copy (Monument or Wall) | Per permanent monument sign height (monument); wall sign height not specified here | By formula above | — | Per permanent monument sign standards (10 ft from ROW/sidewalk). | Per maximum quantity for permanent monument and wall signs. | Integrated into a monument sign or wall sign | — | Unlock | Chapter 3: Site Standards, Section 7.iv.3 (Permanent Changeable Copy), p. 87. |
| Permanent Electronic Sign (Monument or Wall) | Per permanent monument sign height (6 ft for monument); wall sign height not specified here | By formula above | — | Per permanent monument sign standards (10 ft from ROW/sidewalk). | Per maximum quantity for permanent monument and wall signs. | Integrated into a permanent monument sign (prerequisite) or wall sign area | — | Unlock | Chapter 3: Site Standards, Section 7.iv.4 (Permanent Electronic Sign Standards), p. 87. |
| Permanent Hanging Sign | Sign height: 2 ft; bottom clearance: ≥ 9 ft above ground; top of sign ≤ 15 ft above ground | Single-tenant: 10 sq ft; Multi-tenant: 10 sq ft per tenant | — | — | Maximum 1 per tenant. | Hanging from façade, canopy, or bracket | — | Unlock | Chapter 3: Site Standards, Section 7.iv.5 (Permanent Hanging Sign Standards), p. 87. |
| Permanent Monument Sign | 6 ft above ground level | Single-tenant: 60 sq ft per side; Multi-tenant: see Unified Development Sign Standards | — | 10 ft from right-of-way or sidewalk, whichever is farthest. | Frontage on one public street: 1; frontage on two or more public streets: 1 per frontage, maximum 2 signs. | Freestanding on site; at frontage(s) | — | Unlock | Chapter 3: Site Standards, Section 7.iv.6 (Permanent Monument Sign Standards), p. 88. |
| Permanent Mural Sign | Sign height: 4 ft; placement not more than 16 ft above ground level | Single-tenant: 65 sq ft; Multi-tenant: 50 sq ft | — | — | As specified by tenant/building above. | On building façade | — | Unlock | Chapter 3: Site Standards, Section 7.iv.7 (Permanent Mural Sign Standards), p. 88–89. |
| Temporary Marker Sign | 8 ft above ground level | 4 sq ft per side | — | 10 ft from right-of-way or sidewalk, whichever is farthest. | Maximum 60 per 300 ft of road frontage. | Freestanding temporary marker sign | — | Unlock | Chapter 3: Site Standards, Section E.3.d and Section 7.v.1, p. 77, 90. |
| Temporary Monument Sign | 4 ft above ground level | 5 sq ft per side | — | 5 ft from right-of-way or sidewalk, whichever is farthest. | Maximum 1 per road frontage. | Freestanding temporary monument sign | — | Unlock | Chapter 3: Site Standards, Section E.3.e and Section 7.v.2, p. 78, 90. |
Downtown Historic District (DH)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Awning Sign | Sign height: 3 ft; bottom clearance: ≥ 9 ft above ground; top of awning sign ≤ 15 ft above ground | Single-tenant: 30 sq ft; Multi-tenant: 20 sq ft | — | — | No maximum quantity specified. | On awning attached to building façade | — | Unlock | Chapter 3: Site Standards, Section 8.iv.3 (DH Awning Sign Standards), p. 92. |
| Permanent Changeable Copy (Monument or Wall) | Per permanent monument sign height; wall sign height not specified here | By formula above (changeable copy integrated) | — | Per permanent monument sign standards (if applicable). | Per maximum quantity for permanent monument and wall signs. | Integrated into a monument sign or wall sign | — | Unlock | Chapter 3: Site Standards, Section 8.iv.1 and 8.iv.3 (Permanent Changeable Copy/Electronic references), p. 92–93. |
| Permanent Electronic Sign (Monument or Wall) | Per permanent monument sign height; wall sign height not specified here | By formula above | — | Per permanent monument sign standards (if applicable). | Per maximum quantity for permanent monument and wall signs. | Integrated into a permanent monument sign (prerequisite) or wall sign area | — | Unlock | Chapter 3: Site Standards, Section 8.iv.4 (Electronic Sign Standards) and DH table (Monument listed as prohibited), p. 92–93. |
| Permanent Hanging Sign | Sign height: 2 ft; bottom clearance: ≥ 9 ft above ground; top of sign ≤ 15 ft above ground | Single-tenant: 10 sq ft; Multi-tenant: 10 sq ft per tenant | — | — | Maximum 1 per tenant. | Hanging from façade, canopy, or bracket | — | Unlock | Chapter 3: Site Standards, Section 8.iv.5 (DH Hanging Sign Standards), p. 93. |
| Permanent Mural Sign | Sign height: 4 ft; placement not more than 16 ft above ground level | Single-tenant: 65 sq ft; Multi-tenant: 50 sq ft | — | — | As specified above. | On building façade | — | Unlock | Chapter 3: Site Standards, Section 8.iv.6 (DH Mural Sign Standards), p. 93. |
| Permanent Window Sign | 4 ft | 20 sq ft | — | — | As specified above. | On or within window | — | Unlock | Chapter 3: Site Standards, Section 8.iv.8 (DH Window Sign Standards), p. 93. |
| Permanent Wayfinding (Unified Development) | 3 ft above ground level | 4 sq ft | — | — | Maximum 1 per curb cut. | Within development at each curb cut from a public street | — | Unlock | Chapter 3: Site Standards, Section 8.iv.10 (DH Wayfinding Sign Standards), p. 93–94. |
| Temporary Marker Sign | 8 ft above ground level | 4 sq ft per side | — | 10 ft from right-of-way or sidewalk, whichever is farthest. | Maximum 60 per 300 ft of road frontage. | Freestanding temporary marker sign | — | Unlock | Chapter 3: Site Standards, Section E.3.d and Section 8.v.1, p. 77, 94. |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Charlestown — 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 Charlestown — start freeProhibited Signs in Charlestown
- Animated signs are prohibited, including signs utilizing motion pictures, lasers, or visual projection; emitting audible sound, odor, or visible matter; or having blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or changing light intensity, brightness, or color, or giving such illusion.
- Misleading signs are prohibited, including signs imitating or resembling official traffic signs or signals or bearing words like 'Stop', 'Slow', 'Caution', 'Danger', 'Warning', or similar; and signs that may be construed as or display lights of an emergency or road equipment vehicle.
- Roof signs are prohibited, including signs placed on roofs or that extend above the roof line or parapet of a building.
- Vehicle signs are prohibited when the vehicle is parked on public or private property for the primary purpose of displaying the sign (exceptions: lawfully parked overnight or during nonbusiness hours; making deliveries/sales calls/customary business; transporting persons/property; construction operations on a construction site).
- Trailblazer or point of destination signs are prohibited.
- Billboards are prohibited.
- Inflatable signs are prohibited.
- Search lights are prohibited.
- Pennants, streamers, and/or spinners are prohibited.
- Bench signs are prohibited.
- Portable signs are prohibited.
- Off-premise signs are prohibited.
- Pole signs are prohibited.
- Projecting signs are prohibited.
- Signs with moving or movable parts are prohibited.
- Obscene signs are prohibited, including those with profane language or depictions of male or female genitalia.
- Illumination prohibitions: No sign may have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or use devices with changing light intensity, brightness, or color or that give such illusion.
- Illumination safety: Direct or reflected light from a sign may not create a traffic hazard; light must be shaded, shielded, or directed so it does not interfere with safety/visibility and does not project onto adjacent property; no exposed light source is permitted.
- Location/placement prohibitions: Signs may not be installed in any public right-of-way unless specifically authorized by the City Council or designee.
- Location/placement prohibitions: Signs may not be installed in any utility easement unless authorized by the City Council or designee.
- Location/placement prohibitions: Signs may not be installed in any no-build or no-disturb zone.
- Location/placement prohibitions: Signs may not be installed in any public park or other public property except those specifically permitted.
- Location/placement prohibitions: Signs may not be installed on traffic control signs, highway construction signs, benches, fences, utility poles, street signs, trees, or other natural objects.
- Location/placement prohibitions: Signs may not obstruct any door, fire escape, stairway, or any opening intended to provide entrance or exit for any building or structure.
- Location/placement prohibitions: Signs may not be installed in a manner that obstructs or interferes with safe movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
- Installation prohibition: The ground shall not be raised or lowered to artificially change the point at which sign height is measured.
- Materials prohibition: Pole signs shall not have wooden poles or support structures.
- Abandoned signs: It is prohibited to leave on-site signs, their mounting, and related components in place beyond six months after the business ceases; if a permanent sign allows a face-out/face-in change to identify a new business, it may remain only if covered with a durable, attractive material and in no case for more than three months; the property owner is responsible for removal or covering.
Exempt Signs in Charlestown
- Building addresses are exempt if installed per standards: every building must post its numerical street address.
- Single-family residential address numbers: Arabic numerals 3 to 8 inches in height on mailbox and/or main entrance door, whichever is more visible.
- Apartment complex address numbers: Arabic numerals 5 to 10 inches in height; each building’s address must be displayed in an obvious location if unit entrances are not clearly labeled.
- Non-residential address numbers: if posted ≤100 feet from right-of-way, numbers 5 to 12 inches; if 100–200 feet, 8 to 16 inches; if >200 feet, 12 to 20 inches.
- Address legibility: address numbers must contrast with the mounting surface and be clearly visible and identifiable from the street.
- Directional devices are exempt if used to indicate entry/exit for a business, public amenity, or off-street parking; maximum 4 square feet per entrance; maximum height 42 inches; must not interfere with traffic circulation or driver visibility; not within public right-of-way; must be on the property to which they refer; no more than 2 per street frontage, maximum 4 per parcel; messages limited to terms like 'in', 'enter', 'exit', 'do not enter', or directional arrows and may not include a logo.
- Flags (flags, pennants, insignia of any nation, state, city, or other political unit) are exempt if not mounted more than 35 feet in height and not more than 40 square feet in area; residential maximum area 25 square feet; non-residential maximum area 35 square feet.
- Holiday decorations are exempt, including window painting, trees, wreaths, decorative lighting, and similar seasonal displays that do not contain the name or logo of an establishment or any type of advertising.
- Informational signs are exempt.
- Murals are exempt provided they do not contain the name or logo of an establishment or any type of advertising; only non-commercial messages are allowed.
- Residential private property informational signs are exempt up to 1 square foot in area.
- Religious symbols incorporated into architecture on places of worship or structures owned/operated by religious organizations are exempt when not accompanied with text.
- Scoreboards are exempt when used in conjunction with a legally established sports field, contain no commercial messages, do not exceed 20 feet in height above ground, total area does not exceed 100 square feet, and are single-sided.
- Wayfinding signs erected by the municipality are exempt.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Charlestown
- No master sign plan or sign plan requirement is specified in the provided text.
- Sign permits are required for all signs that are located, erected, constructed, reconstructed, moved, or altered unless the sign type is specifically exempt as listed (permit exemptions align with the 'Signs Exempt from These Regulations' list).
Source: other municipal code