# Sign Regulations in Greensburg, Indiana

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Greensburg, Indiana (IN)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/indiana/greensburg
- **Data last verified:** 2025-12-01
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/v1/clients/greensburgin/Greensburg_UDO_FINAL_05_14_24_8a3a2607-91ac-4089-8436-c0230e1b7519.pdf#page=64)

## At a glance

Greensburg, Indiana regulates 29 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Permanent Monument Signs in the Conservation District (C-1), Institutional District (IN-1) zoning district are capped at 8 ft tall and 48 sq ft message area per side, with a Not within vision clearance triangle; minimum 10 ft from back of any street curb or edge of pavement within a public ROW; entire sign structure must be at least 2 ft from any public ROW. setback (Sec. Sec. 3.I.17.b.i–iii; Table 3.12, Permanent Signs in the Conservation (C-1) and Institutional (IN-1) District – Monument Signs; additional text following table (Quantity/Placement/Additional Standards).). Most commercial signs in Greensburg 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 | 11 | Principal Arterial: 30 ft; Major Collector: 20 ft; Minor Arterial: 15 ft; Local Street: 6 ft (height measured from ground to bottom of sign face) | Up to 32 sq ft per sign during the election period | — |
| One-Family Residential District (R-1), One-Family or Two-Family Residential District (R-2), Low-Density Multi-Family Residential District (R-3), Medium-Density Multi-Family Residential District (R-4) | 4 | 5 ft overall height | 32 sq ft per sign face | — |
| Conservation District (C-1), Institutional District (IN-1) | 7 | 8 ft | Total message area of all sign facings per lot not to exceed 125 sq ft | — |
| Central Business District (B-1) | 5 | — | 50 sq ft | — |
| Neighborhood Business District (B-N), General Business District (B-2), Heavy Commercial District (B-3), Light Industrial District (I-1), Heavy Industrial District (I-2) | 11 | 15 ft | 50 sq ft | — |
| Historic Zoning District | 1 | — | — | — |

## 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 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| All Sign Types - General Permit Requirement | — | — | — | — | — | All zoning districts | — | Sec. 3.I.2, Permit Required. |
| All Sign Types - Inspection | — | — | — | — | — | All zoning districts | — | Sec. 3.I.3, Inspection. |
| All Sign Types - Removal of Non-compliant Signs | — | — | — | — | — | All zoning districts | — | Sec. 3.I.4.a–b. |
| All Sign Types - Maintenance | — | — | — | — | — | All zoning districts | — | Sec. 3.I.5. |
| All Sign Types - Abandoned Signs | — | — | — | — | — | All zoning districts | — | Sec. 3.I.6, Abandoned Signs. |
| Temporary Electronic Variable Message Signs (EVMS) - All Zones | — | — | — | — | — | All zoning districts, subject to additional distance limits from residential districts | — | Sec. 3.I.7.a–i. |
| Election Period Temporary Signs (All Types) | — | Up to 32 sq ft per sign during the election period | — | Signs shall not be placed within right-of-way. | No limit stated during election period, provided each sign does not exceed 32 sq ft. | Private property only; signs not allowed in public right-of-way | — | Sec. 3.I.10, Exceptions During Election Timeframe. |
| Sign Structure Height Limits by Street Type | Principal Arterial: 30 ft; Major Collector: 20 ft; Minor Arterial: 15 ft; Local Street: 6 ft (height measured from ground to bottom of sign face) | — | — | — | — | All zoning districts; applied based on abutting street functional classification | — | Sec. 3.I.13.a–c. |

### Conservation District (C-1), Institutional District (IN-1)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Permanent Awning Signs | — | 25 sq ft per sign face | — | — | One sign per each window and each door. | On the primary structure on lots in C-1 and IN-1 | — | Sec. 3.I.17; Table 3.12, Permanent Signs in the Conservation (C-1) and Institutional (IN-1) District – Permanent Awning Signs. |
| Permanent Monument Signs | 8 ft | 48 sq ft message area per side | — | Not within vision clearance triangle; minimum 10 ft from back of any street curb or edge of pavement within a public ROW; entire sign structure must be at least 2 ft from any public ROW. | One (1) sign per each vehicular entrance on each street with access. Overall lot also limited by general freestanding sign cap in Sec. 3.I.17.b.ii (max 2 ground signs per lot, monument and/or pole combined). | At vehicular entrances on lots in C-1 and IN-1 | — | Sec. 3.I.17.b.i–iii; Table 3.12, Permanent Signs in the Conservation (C-1) and Institutional (IN-1) District – Monument Signs; additional text following table (Quantity/Placement/Additional Standards). |
| Permanent Pole Signs | 5 ft | 16 sq ft per side | — | Not within vision clearance triangle; minimum 10 ft from back of any street curb or edge of pavement within public ROW; entire sign structure must be at least 2 ft from any public ROW. | One (1) sign per lot; also subject to overall cap of two (2) ground signs per lot per Sec. 3.I.17.b.ii. | On lots in C-1 and IN-1 | — | Table 3.12, Permanent Signs in the Conservation (C-1) and Institutional (IN-1) District – Permanent Pole Signs (size, quantity, placement, additional standards). |
| Permanent Projecting Signs | — | 12 sq ft per side | — | — | One (1) per awning or other overhanging attachment. | On the primary structure in C-1 and IN-1 | — | Table 3.12, Permanent Signs in the Conservation (C-1) and Institutional (IN-1) District – Permanent Projecting Signs. |
| Permanent Wall Signs | — | 50 sq ft | — | — | One (1) per building. | On the primary structure in C-1 and IN-1 | — | Table 3.12, Permanent Signs in the Conservation (C-1) and Institutional (IN-1) District – Permanent Wall Signs. |
| Permanent Window Signs | — | Non-illuminated: may cover up to 25% of each window area without counting toward total sign area; illuminated: counted toward total sign area (no specific sq ft cap in this table, but subject to cumulative area limit of Sec. 3.I.17.b.i). | — | — | Not numerically capped; non-illuminated limited by 25% of each window and by window frame/area. | On permanent structure/windows in C-1 and IN-1 | — | Table 3.12, Permanent Signs in the Conservation (C-1) and Institutional (IN-1) District – Permanent Window Signs. |
| All Permanent Signs - C-1 and IN-1 Cumulative and Freestanding Limits | — | Total message area of all sign facings per lot not to exceed 125 sq ft | — | — | Maximum two ground signs per lot (combined monument and pole). | Lots in Conservation (C-1) and Institutional (IN-1) districts | — | Sec. 3.I.17.a–b.i–iii. |

### Neighborhood Business District (B-N), General Business District (B-2), Heavy Commercial District (B-3), Light Industrial District (I-1), Heavy Industrial District (I-2)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Permanent Awning Signs | — | 50 sq ft | — | — | One sign per each window and each door. | On the primary structure in B-N, B-2, B-3, I-1, I-2 | — | Sec. 3.I.19.a–b; Table 3.14, Permanent Signs in the Business and Industrial Districts – Permanent Awning Signs. |
| Permanent Monument Signs | 10 ft | 48 sq ft message area per side | — | Not within vision clearance triangle; minimum 10 ft from back of any street curb or edge of pavement within a public ROW; entire sign structure must be at least 2 ft from any public ROW. | One (1) monument sign per lot, subject to overall ground sign cap (see additional standards for the district). | On lots in B-N, B-2, B-3, I-1, I-2 | — | Table 3.14, Permanent Signs in the Business and Industrial Districts – Permanent Monument Signs. |
| Permanent Pole Signs | 5 ft | 16 sq ft per side | — | Not within vision clearance triangle; minimum 10 ft from back of any street curb or edge of pavement within a public ROW; entire sign structure must be at least 2 ft from any public ROW. | One (1) pole sign per lot, subject to overall ground sign cap (see district additional standards). | On lots in B-N, B-2, B-3, I-1, I-2 | — | Table 3.14, Permanent Signs in the Business and Industrial Districts – Permanent Pole Signs. |
| Permanent Projecting Signs | — | 12 sq ft per side | — | — | One (1) per awning or other attached overhang. | On the primary structure in B-N, B-2, B-3, I-1, I-2 | — | Table 3.14, Permanent Signs in the Business and Industrial Districts – Permanent Projecting Signs. |
| Permanent Suspended Signs | 4 ft sign height | 4 sq ft per side | — | Minimum 10 ft from back of any street curb or edge of pavement within a public ROW; entire sign structure must be at least 2 ft from any public ROW. | One (1) sign per lot. | On lots in B-N, B-2, B-3, I-1, I-2 | — | Table 3.14, Permanent Signs in the Business and Industrial Districts – Permanent Suspended Signs. |
| Temporary Attention-seeking Signs (Non-residential) | 15 ft | 32 sq ft per sign face; 15 ft overall height | — | Must not be in vision clearance triangle; must be at least 10 ft from back of curb or edge of pavement within public ROW; entire sign structure must be at least 2 ft from any public ROW. | Two (2) per street frontage. | On lots in non-residential districts C-1, B-N, B-1, B-2, B-3, IN-1, I-1, I-2 (but user-specified zone list focuses on B-N, B-2, B-3, I-1, I-2; C-1 and IN-1 also included here by ordinance) | — | Sec. 3.I.15; Table 3.10, Temporary Signs in Non-residential Districts – Temporary Attention-seeking Signs (size, quantity, duration) and general notes. |
| Temporary Ground Signs (Non-residential) | — | 32 sq ft per sign face | — | At least 10 ft from back of curb or edge of pavement within public ROW; entire sign structure must be at least 2 ft from any public ROW; must not be in vision clearance triangle. | Two (2) per street frontage. | On lots in non-residential districts C-1, B-N, B-1, B-2, B-3, IN-1, I-1, I-2 | — | Sec. 3.I.15; Table 3.10, Temporary Signs in Non-residential Districts – Temporary Ground Signs and shared “Additional Standards”. |
| Temporary Portable Signs (Non-residential) | 6 ft | 32 sq ft per sign face; 6 ft overall height | — | Must not be located within vision clearance triangle; must be minimum 10 ft from back of any street curb or edge of pavement within public ROW; entire sign structure must be at least 2 ft from any public ROW. | One (1) per street frontage; multi-tenant sites as determined by Administrator. | On lots in non-residential districts C-1, B-N, B-1, B-2, B-3, IN-1, I-1, I-2 | — | Table 3.10, Temporary Signs in Non-residential Districts – Temporary Portable Signs. |

## Prohibited signs in Greensburg

- It is unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, move, or convert any sign, or change the permanent copy on an on-premise permanent existing sign structure, or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining an Improvement Location Permit (ILP), except where otherwise expressly exempted in the ordinance.
- Any permanent or temporary sign erected or maintained in violation of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) is subject to removal by the Administrator.
- All signs and components must be kept in good repair and in safe, neat, clean, and attractive condition; failure to maintain a sign triggers enforcement under Chapter 9 of the UDO.
- All signs, their mountings, and related components for a business must be removed within one (1) year after a business is no longer conducted on the premises.
- All temporary Electronic Variable Message Signs (EVMS) must: (a) not have moving, flashing, or scrolling messages; (b) keep each message static for at least eight (8) seconds; (c) have an automatic dimmer/photocell sensor that is always activated and keeps luminance within the specified nit limits; (d) not create a traffic hazard; and (e) be directed away from surrounding properties so that light is not objectionable or a nuisance.
- No EVMS may be located within one hundred fifty (150) feet of a residential zoning district (R-1, R-2, R-3, or R-4).
- All electrical wiring for permanent EVMS must be in conduit; sign electrical service must include a readily accessible disconnecting switch so the Administrator can shut off the sign if it presents an immediate threat to public safety or violates other local ordinances.
- All sign illumination must comply with the State Electrical Code as adopted and amended by the State of Indiana.
- No illuminated sign may use blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights, or any device with changing light intensity, brightness, or color, or that gives such an illusion.
- Illuminating elements for signs must be kept in satisfactory working condition, and damaged or burned-out elements must be repaired within seven (7) days after the issue is brought to the owner’s attention.
- All electrical wiring for permanent signs must be in conduit, with no exposed wires to exterior elements, and must have a readily accessible disconnecting switch that the Administrator can require to be used if the sign presents an immediate threat to public safety.
- Sign lighting (direct or reflected) must not create a traffic hazard to operators of motor vehicles on public or private roadways.
- Light from any illuminated sign must be shaded, shielded, or directed so it is not objectionable to surrounding properties and does not shine directly onto adjacent property.
- Internally illuminated signs should be composed of individual letters or shapes, or light lettering/symbols on an opaque background.
- All electronic signs within one hundred fifty (150) feet and visible from a residential property must remain static between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. daily.
- Signs may not be located within the vision clearance triangle (clear-vision area) as defined in the Greensburg Design Standards Manual.
- Signs may not be located within the public right-of-way unless in a specifically allowed sign easement or explicitly approved (e.g., by Board of Works where stated) and must in all cases be at least two (2) feet from any public right-of-way.
- Signs must be set back a minimum of ten (10) feet from the back of any street curb or any edge of street pavement within a public right-of-way wherever that general setback standard is stated (applies repeatedly across sign types).
- Under no circumstances may any sign structure support a sign higher than: 30 feet on a Principal Arterial Street, 20 feet on a Major Collector Street, 15 feet on a Minor Arterial Street, or 6 feet on a Local Street (measured from ground to the bottom of the sign face).
- Signs placed on inoperable vehicles or vehicles without current license plates parked on public or private property primarily for the purpose of displaying the sign are prohibited; this does not include signs on operable, licensed vehicles used for deliveries, sales, service, or normal transportation and parked at a residence during non-business hours or for incidental purposes.
- Permanent inflatable, animated, or moving signs are prohibited.
- Billboard signs are prohibited; erection of new billboards is not allowed within the City. (Existing billboards are treated as conforming structures as long as they are not structurally deficient.)
- Signs in the public right-of-way are prohibited unless they are for traffic direction or safety and are placed by a governmental entity.
- Signs utilizing any motion picture, laser, or visual projection are prohibited.
- Signs that emit audible sound, odor, or visible matter are prohibited.
- Signs that purport to be, imitate, or resemble an official traffic sign or signal, or that bear the words “Stop”, “Slow”, “Caution”, “Danger”, “Warning”, or similar words, are prohibited.
- Signs that may be construed as a light of an emergency or road equipment vehicle are prohibited.
- Signs that hide from view any traffic or roadway sign, signal, or device are prohibited.
- Signs that interfere with the sight visibility requirements in the Greensburg Design Standards Manual are prohibited.
- Signs that extend above the roof line or parapet of a building or are mounted on or are part of the roof are prohibited.
- Signs that obstruct any door, fire escape, stairway, or any opening intended to provide entrance or exit for any building or structure are prohibited.
- Temporary and portable signs may be removed by the Administrator without prior notice if in violation, and any sign (of any type) that presents an immediate threat to public safety may be removed immediately and without notice, with removal costs borne by the sign owner.

## Signs exempt from permit in Greensburg

- Street address signs used to provide adequate property identification are exempt from all provisions of Section 3.I, Sign Standards.
- Flags with non-commercial messages, including flags of any country, state, unit of local government, institution of higher learning, or similar institutional flags, are exempt from all provisions of Section 3.I, Sign Standards.
- Historical building signs such as building names, date of erection, monumental citations, commemorative tablets, and similar features carved into stone, concrete, or similar material or made of bronze, aluminum, or other permanent construction are exempt from all provisions of Section 3.I, provided they contain no commercial messages or logos.
- Public and private directional and safety signs of a non-commercial nature and in the public interest, or erected by or on the order of public officers in the performance of public duty (e.g., safety signs, no-trespassing signs, traffic signs, memorial plaques, signs of historical interest, signs directing people to public and quasi-public facilities) are exempt from all provisions of Section 3.I.
- Utility signs used to mark cables and lines for public and private utilities are exempt from all provisions of Section 3.I, except that they may be removed or restricted if determined to be a hazard by the Administrator.
- During the defined election period (60 days before an election until the 6th day after), the standards for maximum size and maximum number of signs contained in the sign chapter do not apply to any sign that does not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet, provided the sign is not placed in the right-of-way and the private property owner grants permission for placement on private property.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Throughout the sign standards, an Improvement Location Permit (ILP) is required for most sign activities (erection, construction, enlargement, movement, conversion, or change of permanent copy on permanent on-premise signs) unless a specific provision states that no ILP is required (e.g., certain small permanent residential wall signs, non-illuminated window signs under stated percentage limits).
- Temporary Signs in Non-residential Districts (Table 3.10) require an ILP unless otherwise specified.
- Permanent Signs in Residential Districts (Table 3.11) require an ILP unless otherwise specified; within that table, permanent residential wall signs explicitly state that no ILP is required.
- Permanent Signs in the Conservation (C-1) and Institutional (IN-1) Districts (Table 3.12) require an ILP unless otherwise specified; illuminated window signs visible from the road require an ILP, while non-illuminated window signs within the stated percentage of window area do not.
- Permanent Signs in the Central Business District (B-1) (Table 3.13) require an ILP unless otherwise specified; illuminated window signs visible from the road require an ILP, while non-illuminated window signs within the stated percentage of window area do not.
- Permanent Signs in the Business and Industrial Districts (Table 3.14) require an ILP unless otherwise specified; illuminated window signs visible from the road require an ILP, while non-illuminated window signs within the stated percentage of window area do not.
- Directional signs for multi-tenant developments may be approved in size and placement by the Administrator in several districts (e.g., Institutional, Central Business District, Business and Industrial), and such directional structures are expressly not counted as signs for purposes of quantity or area limits and do not trigger sign-area calculations; these administrative approvals function as a limited sign-planning mechanism even though no formal master sign plan terminology is used.
- The ordinance excerpt provided does not mention a Master Sign Plan, comprehensive sign plan, or special sign variance procedure by name; any such requirements, if they exist, would be in sections not included in this text.

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

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