# Sign Regulations in Franklin, Indiana

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Franklin, Indiana (IN)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/indiana/franklin
- **Data last verified:** 2026-04-27
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/in/franklin/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_TIT17ZO_CH17.36SIST)

## At a glance

Franklin, Indiana regulates 48 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (MXD, MXN)s in the Mixed-Use Zoning Districts (MXD, MXN, MXC, MXR) zoning district are capped at 10 ft tall and 40 sq ft, with a Min 10 ft from public right-of-way setback (Sec. 17.36.030 Part 2 B). Most commercial signs in Franklin require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (7 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 9 | 10 ft | 6 sq ft in single-family residential districts; 32 sq ft in all other districts | — |
| Agricultural Zoning District (A) | 5 | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Single-Family Residential Zoning Districts (RR, RSN, RS-1, RS-2, RS-3, RTN, RT-1, RT-2, RT-3) | 5 | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Multifamily Residential Zoning Districts (RM, RMH) | 5 | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Mixed-Use Zoning Districts (MXD, MXN, MXC, MXR) | 21 | 25 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| Institutional Zoning District (IN) | 4 | 10 ft | 100 sq ft | — |
| Industrial Zoning Districts (IBD, IL, IG) | 18 | 25 ft | 200 sq ft | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 7 zones)

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Integral Identification Features | — | — | — | — | — | Integral part of building structure | — | 17.36.010 B.1 |
| Public Signs | — | — | — | — | — | As required for public duty | — | 17.36.010 B.2 |
| Utility Marker Signs | — | — | — | — | — | To mark cables and lines | — | 17.36.010 B.3 |
| Emergency Signs | — | — | — | — | — | As needed for emergencies | — | 17.36.010 B.4 |
| Pennants | — | — | — | — | — | Not in right-of-way | — | 17.36.010 B.5 |
| Construction Signs | — | 6 sq ft in single-family residential districts; 32 sq ft in all other districts | — | — | 2 per property | On construction sites, not in right-of-way | — | 17.36.010 B.7 |
| Directional Signs | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — | Minimum 2 ft from public rights-of-way | — | On-premise for vehicles | — | 17.36.010 B.8 |
| Inflatable Objects | 10 ft | — | — | — | 1 per property or business use | Not in public right-of-way | — | 17.36.010 B.9 |

### Mixed-Use Zoning Districts (MXD, MXN, MXC, MXR)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Banner (Temporary) | — | 32 sq ft | — | Min 5 ft from right-of-way for freestanding | 1 per business use | Freestanding min 5 ft from right-of-way or wall/yard mounted | — | 17.36.030 Part 1 A.1 / B.1 |
| A-Frame Sign (Temporary) (MXD) | — | 8 sq ft | 2 ft | — | 1 per business use | Within 10 ft of main entrance | — | 17.36.030 Part 1 B.2 |
| Freestanding Sign (MXD, MXN) | 10 ft | 40 sq ft | — | Min 10 ft from public right-of-way | 1 per parcel | Not attached to building | — | 17.36.030 Part 2 B |
| Freestanding Sign (MXC) | 25 ft | 80 sq ft | — | Min 10 ft from public right-of-way | 1 per parcel | Not attached to building | — | 17.36.030 Part 2 B |
| Freestanding Sign (MXR) | 25 ft | 100 sq ft | — | Min 10 ft from public right-of-way | 1 per parcel | Not attached to building | — | 17.36.030 Part 2 B |
| Multi-Tenant Joint Sign (MXD) | 10 ft | 20 sq ft per tenant | — | Min 10 ft from public right-of-way | 1 per structure/center | Freestanding for joint use of tenants including outlots | — | 17.36.030 Part 2 J |
| Multi-Tenant Joint Sign (MXN) | 10 ft | 30 sq ft per tenant | — | Min 10 ft from public right-of-way | 1 per structure/center | Freestanding for joint use of tenants including outlots | — | 17.36.030 Part 2 J |
| Multi-Tenant Joint Sign (MXC, MXR) | 25 ft | 50 sq ft per tenant | — | Min 10 ft from public right-of-way | 1 per structure/center | Freestanding for joint use of tenants including outlots | — | 17.36.030 Part 2 J |

### Industrial Zoning Districts (IBD, IL, IG)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Banner (Temporary) | — | 32 sq ft | — | Min 5 ft from right-of-way for freestanding | 1 per business use | Freestanding min 5 ft from right-of-way or wall/yard mounted | — | 17.36.030 Part 1 A.1 |
| A-Frame Sign (Temporary) | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business use | Within 5 ft of main entrance | — | 17.36.030 Part 1 A.2 |
| Yard Sign (Temporary) | — | 6 sq ft | — | Min 5 ft from any property line | Up to 2 per business use at any time | — | — | 17.36.030 Part 1 A.3.a |
| Wall Sign (IBD) | — | 200 sq ft | — | — | Contributes to max total signs | On facade of primary structure | — | 17.36.030 Part 2 C |
| Freestanding Sign (IBD) | 25 ft | 80 sq ft | — | Min 10 ft from public right-of-way | 1 per parcel | Not attached to building | — | 17.36.030 Part 2 B |
| Freestanding Sign (IL, IG) | 25 ft | 100 sq ft | — | Min 10 ft from public right-of-way | 1 per parcel | Not attached to building | — | 17.36.030 Part 2 B |
| Multi-Tenant Joint Sign (IBD) | 25 ft | 50 sq ft per tenant | — | Min 10 ft from public right-of-way | 1 per structure/center | Freestanding for joint use of tenants including outlots | — | 17.36.030 Part 2 J |
| Multi-Tenant Joint Sign (IL, IG) | 25 ft | 50 sq ft per tenant | — | Min 10 ft from public right-of-way | 1 per structure/center | Freestanding for joint use of tenants including outlots | — | 17.36.030 Part 2 J |

## Prohibited signs in Franklin

- Animated Signs: Signs that blink, flash or utilize any motion picture, laser, or visual projection of images or copy in conjunction with any business or advertisement.
- Emissions: Signs that emit audible sound, odor or visible matter.
- Imitation of Official Signs: Signs that purport to be, are in imitation of, or resemble an official traffic sign or signal or which bear the words "Stop," "Slow," "Caution," "Danger," "Warning," or similar words.
- Imitation of Emergency Vehicles: Signs that may be construed as a light of an emergency or road equipment vehicle.
- Visual Impairment: Signs that hide any traffic or roadway sign, signal or device from view, or that interfere with the sight visibility area as defined in chapter 17.32 of this title.
- Encroachment: Signs that are located in any right-of-way including those posted on utility poles or street signs. Projecting signs specified as permitted in this chapter and approved by the Franklin board of public works and safety shall be permitted.
- Obstruction: Signs that obstruct any door, fire escape, stairway, or any opening intended to provide entrance or exit for any structure.
- Roof-Mounted Signs: Signs that are mounted to the roof of a structure or are mounted to the wall of a structure and extend higher than that wall.
- Vehicle Signs: Signs placed on vehicles parked on public or private property primarily for the purpose of displaying the sign. Prohibited signs do not include those displayed on vehicles parked for the purpose of lawfully making deliveries or random sales or service. Prohibited signs do not include vehicles which are customarily used for transporting persons or properties, and vehicles parked at a driver's place of residence during non-business hours or for incidental purposes.
- Poster Signs: Posters, placards and other similar signs attached to light poles, gas station canopy supports, trees, and elsewhere outdoors that are not included as permitted temporary or permanent signs as described by this chapter.
- Public Area Signs: No sign shall be placed in or on any right-of-way, curb, sidewalk, post, pole, hydrant, bridge, tree or other surface located in the public right-of-way, except as otherwise expressly authorized by this code.

## Signs exempt from permit in Franklin

- Integral Identification Features: Names of buildings, date of erection, monumental citations, commemorative tablets and the like when carved into stone, concrete or similar material or made of bronze, aluminum, or other permanent type construction and made an integral part of the structure.
- Public Signs: Public signs erected by or on the order of public officer(s) in the performance of public duty, such as signs to promote safety, no trespassing, or traffic signs; memorial plaques; signs of historical interest; and signs directing people to public and quasi-public facilities.
- Utility Marker Signs: Utility signs necessary to mark cables and lines for public and private utilities unless such signs are determined to be a hazard by the planning director.
- Emergency Signs: Emergency signs, such as those used by the fire or police department or those displaying employee information.
- Pennants: Pennants, streamers and any combination of such signs, provided that they are not located in a right-of-way and their use is temporary and does not exceed thirty (30) days in any three month period.
- Holiday Decorations: Holiday decorations, provided they are not located in a public right-of-way, are displayed no more than thirty (30) days before the holiday, and are removed within thirty (30) days of the holiday.
- Construction Signs: Signs posted on construction sites, provided that they are not located in the right-of-way, do not exceed more than 2 per property, do not exceed six square feet per sign in single-family residential zoning districts and thirty-two (32) square feet per sign in all other zoning districts, and are removed upon completion of construction activity. Signs shall include developer information for emergency purposes.
- Directional Signs: On-premise vehicle directional signs provided they are no more than four feet in height or six square feet in area. They shall be setback a minimum of two feet from all public rights-of-way.
- Inflatable Objects: Inflatable objects, provided that they are not located in a public right-of-way, do not exceed more than one per property or business use at any time, no single inflatable object exceeds ten (10) feet in height, and no property or business use makes use of any inflatable sign or signs more than seven consecutive days two times per calendar year.

## 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 7 zoning districts in Franklin — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Franklin+IN&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-franklin

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