Sign Regulations in Clarksville, Indiana
Clarksville, Indiana has specific sign regulations covering 33 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Awning Sign, Projecting Sign, Canopy-Mounted Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: January 27, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Clarksville, Indiana
Sample Sign Requirements in Clarksville
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exempt Signs - Incidental Signs (Entrance Sign - Single-/Two-Family Lots) | — | 1 sq ft per sign | — |
| Exempt Signs - Incidental Signs (Entrance Sign - All Other Lots) | — | Total 3 sq ft per entrance for up to 2 signs | — |
| Exempt Signs - General Incidental Building Sign | — | 3 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for ClarksvilleFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
33
- Awning Sign
- Projecting Sign
- Canopy-Mounted Sign
- Monument Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
11
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Clarksville
Other Cities in Indiana
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Clarksville vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in Clarksville, 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 Clarksville, regulated sign types include Awning Sign, Projecting Sign, Canopy-Mounted Sign, Monument Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Clarksville vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Clarksville are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Clarksville has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Clarksville, Indiana Sign Rules at a Glance
Clarksville, Indiana regulates 33 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Exempt Signs - Driveway/Parking Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at Driveway/Parking lot signs ≤3 ft; Parking space signs ≤6 ft tall and ≤2 sq ft per face, with a ≥2 ft from property lines setback (Sec. Sec. 200-2.B.5(a)-(e)). Most commercial signs in Clarksville require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Clarksville, Indiana
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Clarksville (11 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 20 | ≤8 ft | ≤36 sq ft per sign | — |
| Single-Family Residence (R-1), Single- and Two-Family Residence (R-2), Single-, Two- & Multiple-Family Residence (R-3) | 2 | ≤8 ft (single pole mounted or hanging); ≤5 ft (double-pole mounted) | ≤60 sq ft per face | — |
| R-3 (except Single-Family and Duplex Lots), Mobile Home Park (MHP) | 5 | Max sign length 12 ft; ≥8 ft clearance to walk | ≤100 sq ft per sign; ≤30% of awning area used for signage | — |
| Residential/Professional Office (RPO), Medical Zone (MD, MED), Open Space (OPS) | 8 | ≤14 ft overall; with waiver, up to 20 ft allowed on frontages with right-of-way width >65 ft | ≤150 sq ft per face | — |
| SCMU (General, Civic, Warehouse Building Type) | 7 | Max sign length 12 ft; ≥8 ft clearance | ≤100 sq ft; ≤30% of awning area used for signage | — |
| SCMU (Commercial Cottage Building Type) | 6 | Max sign length 12 ft; ≥8 ft clearance | ≤100 sq ft; ≤30% of awning area used for signage | — |
| SCMU (Storefront Building Type) | 6 | Max sign length 12 ft; ≥8 ft clearance | ≤100 sq ft; ≤30% of awning area used for signage | — |
| Local (Neighborhood) Business (B-1), Veterans Parkway Corridor Zone (VPCZ) | 9 | ≤14 ft overall; with waiver, ≤20 ft allowed on street frontages >65-ft ROW width | ≤150 sq ft per face | — |
| General Business (B-2), Adult Business (AB), Eastern Boulevard Corridor Zone (EBCZ) | 10 | ≤25 ft overall height; ≥6 ft clearance from bottom of sign to ground (up to 30 ft with sign waiver) | ≤150 sq ft per face | — |
| Light Industry (I-1), Heavy Industry (I-2) | 6 | ≤75 ft (measured from top of curb/edge of pavement of adjacent highway to top of sign); may not exceed the maximum height of the zone | ≤672 sq ft per face; ≤1,344 sq ft total per sign; dimensions ≤14 ft by 48 ft (exclusive of structural members/supports) | — |
| Planned Unit Development (PUD) | 10 | ≤25 ft (up to 30 ft with waiver); ≥6 ft clearance | ≤150 sq ft per face | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Clarksville(sample of 3 of 11 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exempt Signs - Driveway/Parking Signs | Driveway/Parking lot signs ≤3 ft; Parking space signs ≤6 ft | ≤2 sq ft per face | — | ≥2 ft from property lines | As specified per frontage/space | Adjacent to vehicular driveways; on parking spaces | — | Unlock | Sec. 200-2.B.5(a)-(e) |
| Drive-Through Sign - Major | ≤6 ft | ≤36 sq ft per sign | — | ≥25 ft from R district lots | Max 1 per order station; ≤2 primary drive-through signs per lot | Within 10 ft of drive-through lane in side or rear yard | — | Unlock | Sec. 200-2.B.6(a)-(f) |
| Drive-Through Sign - Minor | ≤4 ft | ≤15 sq ft | — | ≥25 ft from R district lots | ≤1 per lot | Within 10 ft of drive-through lane in side or rear yard | — | Unlock | Sec. 200-2.B.6(a)-(f) |
| Temporary Yard Sign - Single-/Two-Family Residential Lots | — | Total ≤16 sq ft at any time | — | ≥5 ft from property line | Unlimited, subject to area cap | Street yard on single-/two-family lots | — | Unlock | Sec. 200-3.B.1 and 200-3.A.7(d) |
| Temporary Yard Sign - Other Lots (Frontage 100–300 ft) | ≤8 ft | 18 sq ft per 100 ft of frontage | — | — | Any number, subject to area/height limits | Street yard on lots other than single-/two-family | — | Unlock | Sec. 200-3.B.2(a) and (c) |
| Temporary Yard Sign - Other Lots (Frontage >300 ft) | ≤8 ft | 36 sq ft per 100 ft of frontage | — | — | Any number, subject to area/height limits | Street yard on lots other than single-/two-family | — | Unlock | Sec. 200-3.B.2(b) and (c) |
| Sandwich Board Sign | ≤3 ft | ≤6 sq ft per sign face | — | ≥10 ft from intersections/crosswalks; ≤1 ft from building line | ≤1 per tenant space; ≤1 per 60 ft of sidewalk length | May be located in right-of-way in SCMU where pedestrian walkway ≥6 ft; otherwise on private property near storefront | — | Unlock | Sec. 200-3.E(1)-(7) |
| Temporary Banner - Multi-Unit Residential | Mounted ≥8 ft and ≤25 ft above average grade below banner | ≤36 sq ft per banner | — | — | 1 per 400 ft of building along street frontage | Mounted to building face; may not cover windows or openings | — | Unlock | Sec. 200-3.F(1)-(2) |
General Business (B-2), Adult Business (AB), Eastern Boulevard Corridor Zone (EBCZ)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awning Sign | ≥8 ft clearance; max letter/logo height 2 ft; must not project above second story floor/window sill or roof line | ≤100 sq ft; ≤30% of awning area | — | Projection ≤6 ft; ≥2 ft from back of curb; encroachment permit required if beyond property line | 1 per tenant per street frontage; 1 per tenant per side/rear facade on parking parcel | All facades | — | Unlock | Table 200-5-1; Table 200-5-2; Sec. 200-9 |
| Window Sign | No maximum | Up to 30% of continuous windows; ≤50% of any one panel; ≤10% of total window area on any facade | — | — | Ground story: unlimited within area limits; Upper story: 1 per tenant/floor | Ground or upper story windows | — | Unlock | Table 200-5-1; Sec. 200-11; Table 200-11-1 |
| Projecting Sign | Max sign length 12 ft; ≥8 ft clearance | ≤20 sq ft per face | — | Projection ≤3 ft; ≥3 ft from back of curb; must not extend above eave/parapet | 1 per building per street frontage; 1 per building per parking parcel frontage; +1 per tenant (≤4 sq ft) | All facades | — | Unlock | Table 200-5-1; Table 200-5-2; Sec. 200-7 |
| Projecting Marquee Sign | ≥8 ft clearance | ≤40 sq ft per face (2–3 faces or 1 curved face); max 60 sq ft per sign | — | ≥1 ft from back of curb | ≤1 per parcel | Front and corner side facades only | — | Unlock | Table 200-5-1; Sec. 200-8 |
| Monument Sign | ≤5 ft 6 in | ≤60 sq ft per face | — | 10 ft from driveways and side property line; 3 ft from other property lines | ≤1 per street frontage | Front or Side Yards | — | Unlock | Table 200-5-1; Sec. 200-12 |
| Ped-Scale Pole-Mounted Sign | ≤8 ft (single-pole); ≤5 ft (double-pole); poles ≤3 inches diameter | ≤8 sq ft per face | — | ≥2 ft from front/corner property lines; cannot overhang property lines | ≤1 per parcel | Front or Corner Yards with average depth ≥10 ft | — | Unlock | Table 200-5-1; Sec. 200-13 |
| Multi-Tenant Monument | ≤14 ft overall; with waiver, ≤20 ft allowed on street frontages >65-ft ROW width | ≤150 sq ft per face | — | ≥5 ft from front/corner property lines; cannot overhang property lines | ≤1 per street frontage ≥300 ft | Front or Corner Yards with average depth ≥15 ft | — | Unlock | Table 200-5-1; Sec. 200-14.B–D |
| Pole Sign | ≤25 ft overall height; ≥6 ft clearance from bottom of sign to ground (up to 30 ft with sign waiver) | ≤80 sq ft per face (up to 100 sq ft per face with sign waiver) | — | ≥2 ft from front and corner property lines; cannot overhang property lines | ≤1 per parcel | Front or Corner Yards with average depth ≥15 ft | — | Unlock | Table 200-5-1; Sec. 200-15.B; 200-15.a–b |
Planned Unit Development (PUD)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awning Sign | ≥8 ft clearance; max letter/logo height 2 ft; must not project above second story floor/window sill or roof line | ≤100 sq ft; ≤30% of awning area | — | — | Per Master Signage Plan and sign-type standards | All facades (subject to Master Signage Plan) | — | Unlock | Sec. 200-9; Sec. 200-5.A(3); Sec. 200-5.A(4) |
| Window Sign | No maximum | Up to 30% of continuous windows; ≤50% of any one panel; ≤10% of total window area on any facade | — | — | Ground: unlimited within area limits; Upper: 1 per tenant/floor | Ground or upper story windows | — | Unlock | Sec. 200-11; Sec. 200-5.A(3) |
| Projecting Sign | Max sign length 12 ft; ≥8 ft clearance | ≤20 sq ft per face | — | Projection ≤3 ft; ≥3 ft from back of curb; must not extend above eave/parapet | Per Master Signage Plan and sign-type standards | All facades (subject to MSP) | — | Unlock | Sec. 200-7; Sec. 200-5.A(3); Sec. 200-18.C |
| Projecting Marquee Sign | ≥8 ft clearance | ≤40 sq ft per face (2–3 faces or 1 curved face); max 60 sq ft per sign | — | ≥1 ft from back of curb | ≤1 per parcel unless otherwise approved in MSP | Front and corner side facades only | — | Unlock | Sec. 200-8; Sec. 200-5.A(3); Sec. 200-18.C |
| Monument Sign | ≤5 ft 6 in | ≤60 sq ft per face | — | 10 ft from driveways and side property line; 3 ft from other property lines | Per MSP and sign-type standards | Front or Side Yards | — | Unlock | Sec. 200-12; Sec. 200-5.A(3); Sec. 200-18.C |
| Ped-Scale Pole-Mounted Sign | ≤8 ft (single-pole); ≤5 ft (double-pole); poles ≤3 inches diameter | ≤8 sq ft per face | — | ≥2 ft from front/corner property lines; cannot overhang property lines | Per MSP and sign-type standards | Front or Corner Yards with average depth ≥10 ft | — | Unlock | Sec. 200-13; Sec. 200-5.A(3); Sec. 200-18.C |
| Multi-Tenant Monument | ≤14 ft; with waiver, ≤20 ft allowed on street frontages >65-ft ROW width | ≤150 sq ft per face | — | ≥5 ft from front/corner property lines | ≤1 per street frontage ≥300 ft unless MSP specifies otherwise | Front or Corner Yards with average depth ≥15 ft | — | Unlock | Sec. 200-14; Sec. 200-5.A(3); Sec. 200-18.C |
| Pole Sign | ≤25 ft (up to 30 ft with waiver); ≥6 ft clearance | ≤80 sq ft per face (up to 100 sq ft per face with waiver) | — | ≥2 ft from front/corner property lines; cannot overhang property lines | ≤1 per parcel unless MSP allows otherwise | Front or Corner Yards with average depth ≥15 ft (if allowed by MSP and PUD approvals) | — | Unlock | Sec. 200-15; Sec. 200-5.A(3); Sec. 200-18.C |
PermitPal covers all 11 zoning districts in Clarksville — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 11 zones for Clarksville — start freeProhibited Signs in Clarksville
- No sign may be placed in the public right-of-way or on public property unless specifically allowed by this chapter and, where projecting beyond the property line, only with an encroachment permit from the Town's Public Works Department.
- Signs must be located on the parcel where the activity is taking place; off-premises/off-site advertising is prohibited unless expressly allowed in this division and approved as part of a sign permit.
- No sign may be installed without the property owner’s express written consent.
- No sign may be attached to or painted upon utility appurtenances (standpipes, gutters, drains, light standards, traffic control devices, or other utility structures).
- No sign may be attached to or painted upon streetscape or landscape furnishings (benches, seats, seatwalls, landscape retaining walls, trash receptacles, or other site/street furnishings; dumpsters and recycling bins excepted).
- No sign may be attached to or painted upon any tree, rock, or other natural feature.
- Signs may not block or impede required ingress/egress from any door, window, roof, or exitway required by building or fire code.
- Signs must not obstruct sight lines used by pedestrians and motorists or interfere with visibility at intersections and driveway entrances.
- No sign may obstruct, interfere with, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device.
- Illumination must be steady and stationary and directed solely at or internal to the sign; only individual letters and logos may be internally illuminated unless a sign type expressly allows otherwise.
- Externally lit signs must have shielded light sources not visible from any public street or private residence; lighting must prevent glare and upward spill; ground fixtures must be screened and low in height.
- Illumination at any parcel line adjacent to a residential district may not exceed 0.1 foot-candles; except for electronic displays, overall lighting intensity may not exceed 150 foot-lamberts.
- Electrical components must conform to Town electrical code; no exposed wiring, internal components, or bulbs exceeding 15 watts visible to the public.
- Signs and structures must be kept in good repair and safe condition; allowing deterioration that renders the message illegible or leaving missing, torn, or defective parts, or allowing debris to accumulate at the sign area, is prohibited.
- Abandoned signs (as defined) must be removed within 90 days of notice; maintaining abandoned signs or failing to replace vacant panels within 90 days of a business ceasing operation is prohibited.
- Animated, wind, or moving signs (e.g., fluttering, rotating, oscillating) not erected by traffic officials are prohibited; exceptions: flags per 200-2, time/temperature displays, and permitted electronic displays.
- Flashing signs or flashing/moving lights on signs and reflective pennants are prohibited; search lights are allowed only if permitted by the planning director.
- Signs may not imitate or resemble traffic control devices or use words such as Stop, Danger, Warning, Caution, or Go Slow (unless part of a business name) or use colored lamps in a manner that misleads or confuses traffic.
- Vehicles or trailers used as signs are prohibited when parked and prominently visible from public streets unless the vehicle’s primary purpose is not sign display, it is operable, currently registered and licensed, and is actively used or available for use in the daily function of the business.
- Portable or wheeled signs (permanently mounted on wheels) are prohibited.
- Inflatable or balloon signs (temporary or permanent) are prohibited except as allowed for special temporary signs in 200-3.C.
- Off-site advertising (marketing activities/businesses not located on the site) is prohibited.
- Signs that emit or utilize sound detectable from the public right-of-way are prohibited.
- Rope lighting or similar linear lighting outlining signs, merchandise, windows, buildings or building elements and intended to be visible from outside is prohibited.
- Feather flags are prohibited except as allowed for special temporary signs in 200-3.C.
- Any sign not addressed in this division is prohibited unless reviewed and approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals through the appeal or development standard variance process.
- Electronic displays are restricted to numeric characters (e.g., time/temperature/prices) only; full-motion video or frame-sequenced graphics that create the illusion of motion are prohibited.
- Electronic displays must maintain a minimum dwell time of 60 seconds per message; transitions must occur in one second or less without animation/special effects.
- Electronic display brightness may not exceed 5,000 nits in daylight and 500 nits from dusk to dawn and must include a photocell for automatic dimming.
- Electronic displays are prohibited within 100 feet of any R or SCMU district unless not visible from those areas.
Exempt Signs in Clarksville
- Exempt signs are permitted in all districts; they do not require a sign permit unless this section specifically requires one, and they are not counted toward parcel maximum signage unless stated.
- Incidental entrance signs: on single- and two-family residential lots, one incidental sign up to 1 sq ft per street-facing entrance; on all other lots, up to two incidental signs totaling 3 sq ft per street-facing entrance.
- One general incidental building sign up to 3 sq ft per principal building is permitted.
- Unlimited incidental signs 1 sq ft or less are permitted on rear and interior side facades if not visible from adjacent yards or any public street, space, or way.
- Official signs, public notices, or warning signs erected by or required by law or government are exempt.
- Signs located completely within an enclosed building and not readable from 10 feet or more outside the building are exempt.
- Banners and flags mounted on light poles in the public right-of-way are permitted for noncommercial civic events with Town approval.
- Driveway and parking signs on non single-/two-family lots are exempt subject to limits: maximum of 2 driveway signs per frontage (max 3 ft high), 1 parking lot sign per frontage (max 3 ft high), 1 parking space sign per space (max 6 ft high); each face max 2 sq ft; minimum 2 ft setback and no overhang of property lines.
- Drive-through signs are allowed on sites with an allowed drive-through use (sign permit required) subject to location, number, size, residential separation, and visibility standards.
- Activities not considered a substantial alteration and not requiring a permit: changing facial panels or letters on an existing sign or outdoor advertising sign; changing painted/printed window signs or changeable letter panels designed for replaceable copy; painting, repainting, cleaning, normal maintenance or repair that does not include structural changes.
- Temporary signs are permitted in all districts and generally do not require a sign permit unless specified in 200-3 (e.g., special temporary signs and sandwich boards require permits); temporary signs are not counted toward parcel maximum signage unless specified.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Clarksville
- A Master Signage Plan is required for Planned Unit Developments (PUDs).
- An Optional Master Signage Plan may be submitted for any development requiring a development plan that proposes more than the permitted number of signs; the Plan Commission may approve an increase in total sign area and number of signs up to 10% above the allowance in Table 200-5-2.
- A Master Signage Plan must include site and facade layouts, existing/proposed sign locations, dimensions, areas, materials, lighting, shielding, color renderings, ownership signatures, and any engineering certifications as required; once approved, all signs on the parcel must conform to it.
- If a new or amended Master Signage Plan is filed for a property with existing signs, it must include a schedule to bring all signs into conformance within one year, and existing sign areas count toward computations.
- Multiple abutting lots under the same ownership may be treated as a single parcel for signage if filed as a connected development via subdivision plat, master plan approval, approved development plan, or master sign plan.
- Sign waivers (administrative deviations) from defined standards may be requested; waiver requests must be submitted with the sign permit and are decided by the planning director based on intent and context compatibility.
- Signs not addressed in Division 200 are not permitted unless reviewed and approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals through the appeal or development standard variance process (Article 5).
- A sign permit is required for construction, erection, installation, reconstruction, relocation, enlargement, illumination, or substantial alteration of signs unless expressly exempted (200-18.A); special temporary signs, sandwich boards, and drive-through signs specifically require sign permits.
- An encroachment permit from the Town's Public Works Department is required for any sign type that projects beyond the property line into the public right-of-way.
- Outdoor advertising signs (billboards) require, in addition to a sign permit, both a building permit and a special use permit, with licensed engineer certification.
Source: other municipal code