# Sign Regulations in Decatur, Indiana

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Decatur, Indiana, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Decatur, Indiana (IN)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/indiana/decatur
- **Data last verified:** 2025-04-19

## At a glance

Decatur, Indiana regulates 26 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Portable Sign (A-frame/Sidewalk Board)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 4 feet tall, 4 feet tall x 3 feet wide, and 3 feet wide, with a Not less than 10 feet from adjoining lots; 5 ft sidewalk clearance if on public sidewalk. setback (Sec. § 150.331 (N)(3)). Most commercial signs in Decatur require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (6 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 6 | 4 feet | 4 feet tall x 3 feet wide | — |
| Residential District (R-1, R-2, R-H, R-S) | 8 | 7 feet | 32 sq ft per face | — |
| Business District, Commercial District | 6 | 30 feet | 300 sq ft | — |
| Industrial District, I-1, I-2 | 5 | 30 feet | 300 sq ft | — |
| C-3, I-1, I-2 | 1 | 30 feet | 300 sq ft per face | — |
| Main Street Area | 7 | 25 feet | 100 sq ft | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (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 | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (General) | — | — | — | — | — | Must be parallel to wall and below roof line; not allowed on roof or to project above roof line. | — | § 150.331 (C), (I) |
| Freestanding Sign (General) | — | — | — | Not over lot lines except as provided | — | Must not be placed in public right-of-way or easement; must meet sight triangle requirements. | — | § 150.331 (I), (E) |
| Portable Sign (A-frame/Sidewalk Board) | 4 feet | 4 feet tall x 3 feet wide | 3 feet | Not less than 10 feet from adjoining lots; 5 ft sidewalk clearance if on public sidewalk. | 1 per parcel, up to 2 if corner lot | On-premises, not less than 10 feet from adjoining lots; if located on public sidewalk, minimum of 5 feet clearance for passage and within 12 feet of primary entrance. | — | § 150.331 (N)(3) |
| Banner (Temporary) | 4 feet | 4 feet tall x 3 feet wide | 3 feet | — | — | As temporary wall sign | — | § 150.331 (N)(4) |
| Pole Banner/Feather Sign (Temporary) | — | — | — | Must comply with setbacks for permanent signage | Max. 1 per 25 ft frontage, up to 5 | — | — | § 150.331 (N)(5) |
| Electronic Message Center | District height limit | — | — | — | 1 per lot/parcel | — | — | § 150.331 (M) |

### Residential District (R-1, R-2, R-H, R-S)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Identification Sign (Residential Entry/Subdivision/Multifamily/Nonresidential Use) | 7 feet | 32 sq ft per face | — | Min. 5 feet from front lot line | 1 per frontage; more for multiple entrances | Each perimeter street frontage | — | § 150.331 (J)(2)(a) |
| Identification Sign (Church/Public/Semi-public Building or Park) | 7 feet | 32 sq ft per face | — | Not less than 5 feet from front lot line | 1 per street frontage | Not less than 5 feet from front lot line | — | § 150.331 (J)(2)(b) |
| Construction Sign (Temporary) | 7 feet | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per perimeter street frontage | Each perimeter street frontage during construction | — | § 150.331 (J)(2)(c) |
| Directional Sign (Residential) | 3 feet above adjacent driveway elevation at right-of-way | 6 sq ft per face | — | — | Maximum two per entry/exit | At entry/exit points | — | § 150.331 (J)(2)(d), (J)(4)(c) |
| Memorial or Tablet Sign (Residential) | 7 feet | 6 sq ft per face | — | — | 1 per face unless installed by government | — | — | § 150.331 (J)(2)(e), (J)(3)(e) |
| Property Real Estate Sign | 3 feet | 6 sq ft per face | — | — | 1 per lot frontage | One per lot frontage | — | § 150.331 (J)(2)(f), (C)(1)(g), (J)(3)(f) |
| Informational Sign (Residential) | 4 feet | 2 sq ft per side | — | — | — | — | — | § 150.331 (J)(2)(g) |
| Home Occupation Sign (R-1, R-2, R-H, R-S) | — | 3 sq ft (18 in x 24 in) | 18 in x 24 in | Not less than 5 feet from front lot line | 1 per dwelling | Wall-mounted, adjacent to main entrance | — | § 150.331 (J)(2)(h), (J)(1)(a), (C)(1)(i) |

### Business District, Commercial District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Pole Sign | 30 feet | 300 sq ft | — | Leading edge 5 ft from front lot line, 10 ft from side lot line | 1 per lot | Leading edge not less than 5 feet from front lot line, bottom edge minimum 10 feet above ground | — | § 150.331 (K)(1)(a), (K)(2)(c), (K)(1)(g) |
| Ground-Mounted Sign | 7 feet | 300 sq ft | — | 5 ft front lot line, 10 ft side lot line | 1 per lot | Leading edge not less than 5 ft from front lot line, no closer than 10 ft to side lot line | — | § 150.331 (K)(1)(b), (K)(2)(d) |
| Pole Sign (Additional for Shopping Center Over 200 ft Frontage) | 30 feet | 300 sq ft | — | — | Second pole sign if frontage > 200ft and 100 ft apart | — | — | § 150.331 (K)(1)(i), (K)(1)(j) |
| Attached Sign (Wall Sign) | — | 100 sq ft | — | — | Each side of building | Face mounted; must not project above roof/parapet; 10 ft above ground or pavement; max projection 12 in, recessed if pitched roof | — | § 150.331 (K)(1)(c), (K)(2)(e) |
| Window/Door Sign | — | Up to 50% of total window/door area | — | — | — | Attached inside or outside window/glass door | — | § 150.331 (K)(1)(d), (K)(2)(f) |
| Under Canopy Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business | Attached to building/canopy with minimum 8 ft head clearance | — | § 150.331 (K)(1)(e), (K)(2)(g) |

## Prohibited signs in Decatur

- It is unlawful for anyone, other than the owner or one designated by the owner, to remove, deface or tamper with a sign posting notice pursuant to this chapter.
- Any sign erected in a location prohibited by this section is unlawful.
- Any sign erected in a public easement or right-of-way is unlawful.
- Any sign erected so as to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door or window, or any other exit way required by building or fire codes is unlawful.
- Any sign attached to any public utility pole, tree, fire hydrant, curb, sidewalk, or other surface located on public property is unlawful.
- Signs, mounted letters, painted letters, or other types of signs are prohibited from placement on a roof or roof deck.
- Any sign erected where it will obstruct the view of any authorized traffic sign, signal, or other traffic-control device, or by reason of shape, position, or color interfere with or be confused with traffic signals, or obstruct vision of the public right-of-way to vehicle operators is unlawful.
- Any on-premises sign advertising an article or product not manufactured, assembled, processed, repaired, or sold, or a service not rendered upon the premises, is unlawful unless it qualifies as a standard outdoor advertising structure or billboard.
- Any sign or advertising device such as banners and pennants affixed on poles, wires, ropes, or streamers, wind-operated devices, fluttering signs, pinwheels, streamers, banners, street banners, and A-frames or other portable signs are prohibited except as allowed through the provisions of special displays and other temporary signs.
- Off-site or off-premises signs are prohibited except as provided in this section.
- Signs that display flashing, intermittent, or animated lighting or illumination, or any illumination which simulates or displays motion, except permitted electronic message centers, are prohibited.
- Signs which contain characters, cartoons, statements, words, or pictures of any obscene, indecent, prurient, or immoral character are prohibited.
- No sign shall be permitted which is placed on any post, pole, hydrant, bridge, tree, or other surface located on public property except as otherwise expressly authorized.
- No sign shall project over any city or state public right-of-way.
- Signs shall not project over lot lines except as provided within this section.
- Signs must not create a traffic hazard to operators of motor vehicles on public thoroughfares due to direct or reflected light.
- It is unlawful to commence or proceed with erecting, constructing, reconstructing, converting, altering, enlarging, extending, or moving any sign or sign structure or any portion thereof without first obtaining a sign permit.
- Any existing sign which is or becomes an immediate danger or hazard to persons or property because of being in an unsafe condition, or which obstructs any fire escape, window, or door, is subject to immediate removal.
- Signs must not be placed in such a position as to endanger pedestrians, bicyclists, or traffic by obscuring the view or by interfering with official street signs or signals by virtue of position or color.
- Signs and supporting structures must maintain clearance and noninterference with all surface and underground utilities; no sign shall be placed on utility or drainage easements.
- No sign shall display or appear to move toward or away from the viewer, bounce, rotate, spin, twist, or otherwise portray movement or animation as it comes onto, is displayed on, or leaves an electronic message center.
- No temporary sign shall be placed within the city right-of-way, except as specifically stated.
- Murals with moving parts or affixed, applied, or mounted from above, upon, or suspended from any part of the roof or structure are prohibited.
- Murals containing characters, cartoons, statements, words, or pictures of any obscene, indecent, prurient, or immoral character, or containing gang affiliation symbols are prohibited.

## Signs exempt from permit in Decatur

- Flags of any nation, state, county, city, or other governmental unit and any not-for-profit organization are exempt.
- Temporary decorations or displays celebrating the occasion of traditionally patriotic, religious, or local holidays or events are exempt.
- The action, construction, and maintenance of official traffic, fire, and police signs, signals, and devices and markings of the state, county, or city are exempt.
- Non-illuminated directional or informational signs of a public nature are exempt.
- Political signs or signs announcing political candidates or issues are exempt, provided that such signs are removed within six days after the election.
- Residential garage, patio, or yard sale signs not to exceed six square feet and located upon the premises where the sale is taking place are exempt.
- Property real estate signs not exceeding six square feet in area on each street frontage of a lot, which advertise the sale, rental, or lease of the premises upon which said signs are located only. Real estate signs shall not exceed three feet in height, and shall not be illuminated in any way—such signs are exempt.
- Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible materials are exempt.
- Professional name plates, or occupational signs, and home occupation signs not exceeding two square feet in area, wall-mounted and unlit, adjacent to the main entrance of the building are exempt.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- It shall be unlawful to erect, construct, reconstruct, convert, alter, enlarge, extend, or move any sign or sign structure or any portion thereof without first applying in writing to the Department for a sign permit, and a sign permit being granted.
- The Building Department shall have the power to grant sign permits and inspect buildings or premises for enforcement of this section.
- The Department must inspect in detail and find plans to be in conformance before approving plans or issuing permits—no variation from the section allowed.
- Any variance (such as special exception for temporary sign extension or hardship due to sign regulation) requires approval of the Board of Zoning Appeals.
- In cases of doubt about a nonconforming sign, it shall be determined on appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
- Murals require approval by the Building/Zoning Department and Board of Public Works and Safety prior to installation, enlargement, or alteration; however, sign permits for murals are not required.

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 6 zoning districts in Decatur — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Decatur+IN&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-decatur

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