Sign Regulations in Kokomo, Indiana
Kokomo, Indiana has specific sign regulations covering 67 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Total Sign Area (Single-Tenant) - Base, Wall Sign (Single-Tenant) - Base, Ground Sign (Single-Tenant) - Base. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: October 1, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Kokomo, Indiana
Sample Sign Requirements in Kokomo
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Primary Structure) | — | 10 sq ft | — |
| Ground Sign (Public Space/Place Entrance) | 5 ft | 40 sq ft (per sign face total area) | — |
| Wall Sign (Per Dwelling Unit) | — | 3 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for KokomoFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
67
- Total Sign Area (Single-Tenant) - Base
- Wall Sign (Single-Tenant) - Base
- Ground Sign (Single-Tenant) - Base
- Awning Sign (Single-Tenant)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
9
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Kokomo
Other Cities in Indiana
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Kokomo 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 Kokomo, 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 Kokomo, regulated sign types include Total Sign Area (Single-Tenant) - Base, Wall Sign (Single-Tenant) - Base, Ground Sign (Single-Tenant) - Base, Awning Sign (Single-Tenant), 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 Kokomo 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 Kokomo are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Kokomo has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Kokomo, Indiana Sign Rules at a Glance
Kokomo, Indiana regulates 67 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Ground Sign (Single-Tenant) - Bases in the NC, OC, DC zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and 50 sq ft per side, with a At least 10 ft from property line. setback (Sec. 6.40 SI-07(A)(d), (F)). Most commercial signs in Kokomo require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Kokomo, Indiana
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Kokomo (9 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AG, PR | 2 | 5 ft | 40 sq ft (per sign face total area) | — |
| AR | 6 | 5 ft | 40 sq ft (sign area) | — |
| R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 | 4 | 5 ft | 40 sq ft (sign area) | — |
| M1, M2, M3, MP | 4 | 5 ft | 40 sq ft | — |
| NC, OC, DC | 36 | 15 ft | 320 sq ft | — |
| IS | 15 | 15 ft | 150 sq ft max | — |
| C1, C2 | 22 | 20 ft (overall); min 10 ft clear zone under sign | 400 sq ft | — |
| LI, MI, HI | 20 | 20 ft (overall); min 10 ft clear zone under sign | 350 sq ft max (per tenant) | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 17 | Not higher than 60 ft above grade or higher than the cornice of a building ≥3 stories | 200 sq ft (combined for two signs at ingress) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Kokomo(sample of 3 of 9 zones)
NC, OC, DC
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign (Single-Tenant) - Base | 6 ft | 50 sq ft per side | — | At least 10 ft from property line. | — | On the lot for which it relates | — | Unlock | 6.40 SI-07(A)(d), (F) |
| Ground Sign (Single-Tenant) - High Speed Roadway (>43 mph) | 6 ft | 150 sq ft per side | — | At least 10 ft from property line. | — | Along public roadway >43 mph | — | Unlock | 6.40 SI-07(G)(b) |
| Projecting Sign (Single-Tenant) | Bottom ≥10 ft above grade; overall height subject to 60 ft cap or building cornice (see additional requirements) | 20 sq ft per face | — | ≥5 ft from curb; ≥10 ft clearance above sidewalk. | — | Attached to building façade | — | Unlock | 6.40 SI-07(A)(g); 6.34 SI-01(J)(g)(1)-(2) |
| Projecting Sign (Per Tenant) | Bottom ≥10 ft above grade | 20 sq ft per face | — | ≥5 ft from curb; ≥10 ft clearance. | — | Tenant façade | — | Unlock | 6.40 SI-07(B)(a)6; 6.34 SI-01(J)(g) |
| Gateway Sign (Primary, Multi-Tenant Structure) - Base | 15 ft | 150 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 primary gateway sign | Primary entrance to multi-tenant structure(s) | — | Unlock | 6.40 SI-07(B)(b)1,3 |
| Gateway Sign (Primary, Multi-Tenant Structure) - High Speed | 15 ft | 250 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 primary gateway sign | Along public roadway >43 mph | — | Unlock | 6.40 SI-07(G)(c) |
| Gateway Sign (Secondary Entrance, Multi-Tenant Structure) - Base | 15 ft | 50 sq ft per side | — | — | Single secondary gateway sign per secondary entrance | Secondary entrance off a different street than primary | — | Unlock | 6.40 SI-07(B)(b)1,4 |
| Gateway Sign (Secondary Entrance, Multi-Tenant Structure) - High Speed | 15 ft | 100 sq ft per side | — | — | Single secondary gateway sign per secondary entrance | Along public roadway >43 mph | — | Unlock | 6.40 SI-07(G)(d) |
C1, C2
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign (Single-Tenant) - Base | 8 ft | 100 sq ft per side | — | At least 10 ft from property line. | — | On the lot for which it relates | — | Unlock | 6.41 SI-08(A)(d), (E), (H) |
| Ground Sign (Single-Tenant) - High Speed Roadway (>43 mph) | 8 ft | 200 sq ft per side | — | At least 10 ft from property line. | — | Along public roadway >43 mph | — | Unlock | 6.41 SI-08(J)(a)2; (E) |
| Projecting Sign (Single-Tenant) | Bottom ≥8 ft above sidewalk | 20 sq ft per face | — | ≥5 ft from curb; ≥8 ft clearance. | — | Attached to building façade | — | Unlock | 6.41 SI-08(A)(h) |
| Gateway Sign (Primary, Multi-Tenant Structure) - Base | 20 ft | 200 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 primary gateway sign | Primary entrance to multi-tenant structure(s) | — | Unlock | 6.41 SI-08(B)(b)1,3,5 |
| Gateway Sign (Primary, Multi-Tenant Structure) - High Speed | 20 ft | 300 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 primary gateway sign | Along public roadway >43 mph | — | Unlock | 6.41 SI-08(J)(a)3 |
| Gateway Sign (Secondary Entrance, Multi-Tenant Structure) - Base | 15 ft | 50 sq ft per side | — | — | Single secondary gateway sign per secondary entrance | Secondary entrance off a different street than primary | — | Unlock | 6.41 SI-08(B)(b)1,4,6 |
| Gateway Sign (Secondary Entrance, Multi-Tenant Structure) - High Speed | 15 ft | 100 sq ft per side | — | — | Single secondary gateway sign per secondary entrance | Along public roadway >43 mph | — | Unlock | 6.41 SI-08(J)(a)4 |
| Directional Sign (On-site, Permanent) | 5 ft | 4 sq ft (each) | — | — | Max 2 per curb cut | On-site at driveways/curb cuts; not in right-of-way | — | Unlock | 6.41 SI-08(C); 6.34 SI-01(I)(e) |
LI, MI, HI
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign (Single-Tenant) - Base | 8 ft | 100 sq ft per side | — | At least 10 ft from property line. | — | On the lot for which it relates | — | Unlock | 6.42 SI-09(A) (4th bullet); 6.42(E), (H) |
| Ground Sign (Single-Tenant) - High Speed Roadway (>43 mph) | 8 ft | 200 sq ft per side | — | At least 10 ft from property line. | — | Along public roadway >43 mph | — | Unlock | 6.42 SI-09(J)(a)2; 6.42(E), (H) |
| Projecting Sign (Single-Tenant) | Bottom ≥8 ft above sidewalk | 20 sq ft per face | — | ≥5 ft from curb; ≥8 ft clearance. | — | Attached to building façade | — | Unlock | 6.42 SI-09(A) (8th bullet) |
| Gateway Sign (Primary, Multi-Tenant Structure) - Base | 20 ft | 200 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 primary gateway sign | Primary entrance to multi-tenant structure(s) | — | Unlock | 6.42 SI-09(b)3,5 |
| Gateway Sign (Primary, Multi-Tenant Structure) - High Speed | 20 ft | 300 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 primary gateway sign | Along public roadway >43 mph | — | Unlock | 6.42 SI-09(J)(a)3 |
| Gateway Sign (Secondary Entrance, Multi-Tenant Structure) - Base | 15 ft | 50 sq ft per side | — | — | Single secondary gateway sign per secondary entrance | Secondary entrance off a different street than primary | — | Unlock | 6.42 SI-09(b)4,6 |
| Gateway Sign (Secondary Entrance, Multi-Tenant Structure) - High Speed | 15 ft | 100 sq ft per side | — | — | Single secondary gateway sign per secondary entrance | Along public roadway >43 mph | — | Unlock | 6.42 SI-09(J)(a)4 |
| Directional Sign (On-site, Permanent) | 5 ft | 4 sq ft (each) | — | — | Max 2 per curb cut | On-site at driveways/curb cuts; not in right-of-way | — | Unlock | 6.42 SI-09(C); 6.34 SI-01(I)(e) |
PermitPal covers all 9 zoning districts in Kokomo — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 9 zones for Kokomo — start freeProhibited Signs in Kokomo
- Signs that utilize any motion picture, laser, or visual projection of images or copy
- Signs that emit audible sound, odor, or visible matter
- Signs that purport to be, imitate, or resemble an official traffic sign or signal
- Signs bearing the words 'stop', 'slow', 'caution', 'danger', 'warning', or similar words
- Lights that resemble an emergency or road equipment vehicle
- Signs located in a public right-of-way
- Signs that hide or partially hide any traffic or roadway sign, signal, or device
- Signs within the vision clearance triangle
- Signs that extend above the roof line or parapet of a building
- Signs mounted on the roof of a structure
- Signs with blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights
- Signs with changing light intensity, brightness, or color, or that give such illusion
- Signs that obstruct any door, fire escape, stairway, or opening intended to provide entrance or exit
- Signs placed on vehicles parked primarily for the purpose of displaying the sign (except vehicles used for deliveries, random sales/service, customary transport vehicles, or vehicles parked at a driver's residence during non-business hours or for incidental purposes)
- Any sign that is not expressly permitted in the Zoning Ordinance
- Signs with obscene, indecent, or immoral content that offend public morals or decency
- Advertising benches
- Temporary or moveable signs that have been altered or fixed to the ground to create a permanent sign
- Permanent signs with changeable copy encompassing more than 50% of the total sign area
- Off-premise signs
Exempt Signs in Kokomo
- Flags of any country, state, unit of local government, institution of higher learning, or similar institutional flags
- Names of buildings, date of erection, monumental citations, commemorative tablets and similar when carved into stone/concrete or on a commemorative plaque of permanent material integral to the structure (no commercial messages or logos)
- Noncommercial public-interest signs erected by a City officer (e.g., safety, no trespassing, traffic signs, memorial plaques, historical interest signs, and signs directing people to public and quasi-public facilities)
- Utility signs used to mark cables, pipes, and lines for public or private utilities (except if determined to be a hazard by the Planning Director)
- Freedom of speech signs (e.g., political or issue signs) permitted; maximum size 18 sq ft in agricultural or residential districts or 32 sq ft in commercial or industrial districts; no changeable copy
- Residential identification sign: one per dwelling; may be affixed to a mailbox, fence, or structure; house numbers up to 3 sq ft allowed
- Exterior building directories on multiple tenancy structures up to 6 sq ft
- Directional or warning signs erected by a governing body or public utility (traffic-control/safety signs, handicapped parking, railroad signs, entrance/exit, municipal facility signs, public directional signs, memorial plaques); if illuminated, light should not be directed toward streets or adjoining residential property; must not interfere with visibility
- On-premise directional signs up to 4 sq ft; not in public right-of-way; maximum height 5 ft
- On-premise warning signs (e.g., no hunting/fishing/dumping/trespassing, dangerous animals, no swimming), attached to a fence or structure; maximum 4 sq ft
- Public service signs established by a public service agency or permitted by legislative body, franchise, or special permit of the City Plan Commission
- Real estate signs: up to two per property being sold/leased/developed; not illuminated; not in right-of-way; maximum 18 sq ft in residential districts or 32 sq ft in commercial/industrial; remove within 30 days after completion of sale/lease/development
- Seasonal displays and decorations for events such as religious or civic holidays (provided they do not advertise a product or service)
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Kokomo
- A sign permit from the Planning Director is required to erect, construct, enlarge, move, or convert any sign unless otherwise provided
- Improvement Location Permit (ILP) is required for signs listed in Section J (e.g., wall, gateway, ground, identification, institutional, portable, projecting, pole signs) and for any alteration or re-facing of an existing sign except minor repairs
- Certain signs are allowable in all zoning districts without an ILP (e.g., residential identification, building directories, governmental/utility directional/warning, on-premise directional/warning, public service signs, real estate signs, seasonal displays); note: home occupation signs require an ILP per Section 6.22 HO-02; on-premise construction signs require an ILP prior to placement
- Permanent signs must be located on the lot to which they relate unless approved as a special exception
- Off-premises signs are generally prohibited; if sought, a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals is required and may be evaluated using the guidelines provided (e.g., size, spacing, setbacks, height, clearance, embellishments)
- Projecting signs may encroach on the street right-of-way only with approval by the Kokomo Board of Public Works and Safety
- Public service signs may be authorized by legislative body, franchise, or special permit of the City Plan Commission
- Home occupation signs are permitted only under Home Occupation Standards (Section 6.22) and require an ILP
- On-premise construction signs (max 32 sq ft; one per entrance) require an ILP prior to placement and must be removed within 30 days after completion or occupancy
Source: other municipal code