Sign Regulations in Lebanon, Indiana
Lebanon, Indiana has specific sign regulations covering 39 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Window Sign, Ground/Monument Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 20, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Lebanon, Indiana
Sample Sign Requirements in Lebanon
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wayfinding Sign | — | — | Not less than 15 ft from adjoining property line. |
| Directional Sign | 3 ft | 4 sq ft per sign | Not less than 15 ft from adjoining property line. |
| Construction Sign (Temporary) | — | 32 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for LebanonFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
39
- Wall Sign
- Window Sign
- Ground/Monument Sign
- Post Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Other Cities in Indiana
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Lebanon 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 Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Window Sign, Ground/Monument Sign, Post 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 Lebanon 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 Lebanon are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Lebanon has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Lebanon, Indiana Sign Rules at a Glance
Lebanon, Indiana regulates 39 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Directional Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 3 ft tall and 4 sq ft per sign, with a Not less than 15 ft from adjoining property line. setback (Sec. §7.7(D)(2)). Most commercial signs in Lebanon require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Lebanon, Indiana
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Lebanon (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 20 | 30 ft (pole) | 32 sq ft | — |
| Single-Family Residential District (SF, SF1, SF2, SF3), Transitional Residential District (TR), Multifamily Residential District (MF), Manufactured Home District (MH) | 3 | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Central Business District (CB) | 8 | To roofline or max 18 ft (whichever is lower) | 100 sq ft (primary), 50 sq ft (secondary entrance) | — |
| Neighborhood Business District (NB), Commercial Overlay District (CO-OL) | 6 | 5 ft | 100 sq ft | — |
| Planned Business Center District (PBC), Planned Business Office District (PBO), Industrial District (ID), Industrial District (IN), Planned Business Industrial District (PBI) | 10 | 60 ft | 300 sq ft (primary), 50 sq ft (secondary) | — |
| Downtown Overlay District (DT-OL) | 4 | 5 ft | 100 sq ft | — |
| Thoroughfare Overlay District | 1 | — | 12 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Lebanon(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 | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wayfinding Sign | — | — | — | Not less than 15 ft from adjoining property line. | — | As needed; may encroach into setback but not closer than 15 ft to adjoining property. | — | Unlock | §7.7(D)(1) |
| Directional Sign | 3 ft | 4 sq ft per sign | — | Not less than 15 ft from adjoining property line. | One per entrance or exit | Entrances/exits to parking/loading areas on private property, not closer than 15 ft to an adjoining property. | — | Unlock | §7.7(D)(2) |
| Construction Sign (Temporary) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | Two per lot (one per street frontage) | Not in right-of-way, on lot under construction, demolition or remodeling | — | Unlock | §7.7(E)(1) |
| Real Estate Sign (Commercial/Multifamily outside Downtown) | 6 ft | 15 sq ft | — | — | One per lot frontage | On premises advertised | — | Unlock | §7.7(E)(2)(a) |
| Real Estate Sign (Downtown Overlay District) | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | One per lot frontage | On premises advertised | — | Unlock | §7.7(E)(2)(a) |
| Real Estate Sign (Individual Home) | 4.5 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | One per lot frontage | On premises advertised | — | Unlock | §7.7(E)(2)(b) |
| Subdivision Advertising Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | One per entrance with >200 ft frontage | At entrance to subdivision | — | Unlock | §7.7(E)(2)(c) |
| Banner (Temporary Advertising/Special Event) | — | 24 sq ft | — | — | One per business per year | Affixed at four corners to building (excluding roof) where associated use is located; not in right-of-way | — | Unlock | §7.7(E)(3)(a) |
Central Business District (CB)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | 100 sq ft (primary), 50 sq ft (secondary entrance) | — | — | One per tenant per frontage | On wall, primary or secondary frontage. | — | Unlock | §7.7(H)(3)(d)(1), Table 7.6 |
| Projecting Sign | — | 16 sq ft per face | — | — | One per frontage | Attached to face of structure; permitted for each qualifying street frontage. | — | Unlock | §7.7(H)(2)(h), (H)(3)(d)(3), Table 7.6 |
| Awning Sign | — | 50 sq ft | — | — | — | Flat to/painted on opaque vinyl/canvas awning. | — | Unlock | §7.7(H)(2)(g), (H)(3)(d)(5), Table 7.6 |
| Sandwich Board / A-Frame Sign | 3.5 ft | 6 sq ft | 2 ft | — | One per building (multi-tenant share) | On sidewalk within 10 ft of main entrance; must maintain 42 in sidewalk clearance. | — | Unlock | §7.7(H)(3)(d)(4) |
| Post Sign | — | 20 sq ft per face | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §7.7(H)(3)(d)(2), Table 7.6 |
| Window Sign | — | 20% of any window | — | — | — | On window | — | Unlock | §7.7(H)(3)(d)(3), Table 7.6 |
| Marquee/Canopy Sign | To roofline or max 18 ft (whichever is lower) | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §7.7(H)(2)(f), (H)(3)(d)(7) |
| Ground/Monument Sign | 5 ft | 20 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Table 7.6 |
Planned Business Center District (PBC), Planned Business Office District (PBO), Industrial District (ID), Industrial District (IN), Planned Business Industrial District (PBI)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | 300 sq ft (primary), 50 sq ft (secondary) | — | — | One per tenant per frontage | — | — | Unlock | Table 7.6, §7.7(H)(2)(e) |
| Ground/Monument Sign | 8 ft (individual), 12 ft (multi-tenant) | 32 sq ft (individual), 48 sq ft (multi-tenant) | — | 5 ft from right-of-way | One per street frontage; possibly two for frontage >300 ft | Min 5 ft from right-of-way, no ground sign <100 ft apart | — | Unlock | §7.7(H)(2)(a), Table 7.6 |
| Pole Sign (Freestanding) | 60 ft | 200 sq ft per side | — | — | — | Within 1,000 ft of interstate interchange | — | Unlock | §7.7(H)(2)(b), Table 7.6 |
| Projecting or Suspended Sign | — | 16 sq ft per face, 4 sq ft (suspended) | — | — | One per business use | Suspended: must maintain 9 ft pedestrian clearance if over sidewalk/path | — | Unlock | §7.7(H)(2)(h)(j), Table 7.6 |
| Multi-Tenant Ground Sign | 12 ft | 48 sq ft (+50% over 32 sq ft, if 3+ tenants) | — | — | One per center | — | — | Unlock | §7.7(H)(2)(a)(2), Table 7.6 |
| Window Sign | — | 20% ground floor/25% upper floor | — | — | — | On windows | — | Unlock | Table 7.6 |
| Off-Premise Sign (Billboard) | 40 ft | 300 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §7.7(H)(2)(d), Table 7.6 |
| Post Sign | 6 ft | 20 sq ft per face | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Table 7.6, §7.7(H)(2)(n) |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Lebanon — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 7 zones for Lebanon — start freeProhibited Signs in Lebanon
- Any sign which is not included under the types of signs permitted in this ordinance or which does not conform to the provisions of this ordinance.
- Any portable or movable sign or any sign which was designed to be portable or movable, including any sign with attached or attachable wheels.
- Any sign or sign structure affixed to a roof top or known as a roof top sign, which superstructure extends above the highest point of the roof.
- Inflatable signs or inflatable characters.
- Beacons.
- Banners that are not allowed under subsection (E) above of this ordinance.
- Animated signs that utilize any motion picture, laser or visual projection of images or copy in conjunction with any business or advertisement.
- A sign may not have exposed neon tube, bare bulb or flashing illumination.
- Signs that emit audible sound, odor or visible matter.
- Signs that imitate emergency vehicles, including signs that may be construed as a light of an emergency or road equipment vehicle.
- Signs that obstruct any door, fire escape, stairway or any opening intended to provide entrance or exit for any structure.
- Signs placed on vehicles or trailers parked on public or private property primarily for the purpose of displaying the sign, except for those used in lawfully making deliveries, random sales or service, or vehicles customarily used for transporting persons or property and parked at a driver’s residence during non-business hours or for incidental purposes.
- Posters, placards and other similar signs attached to light poles, gas station canopy supports, gas station pumps, trees and elsewhere outdoors that are not included as permitted temporary or permanent signs.
- No rotating beam, beacon rotating inanimate objects including automotive vehicles (whether operative or inoperative) or flashing illumination resembling any emergency lights shall be used in connection with any sign display.
- No sign shall make use of the words “Stop,” “Slow,” “Caution,” “Warning,” “Look,” “Danger” or any other word, phrase, symbol or character in a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.
- No amplification of radio music or other audio-advertising shall be permitted on the premises.
- Corrugated cardboard yard cards of any size, on the property of any use other than residential.
- No sign or sign structure shall be placed on private or public property without the written consent of the owner or agent thereof, except for exempt signs.
- No sign or sign structure, other than official highway signs, shall be placed upon, over or in any street or highway right-of-way or any sidewalk, except where specifically allowed within this section.
- No sign or sign structure shall be erected at any location where it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.
- No sign or sign structure shall be located in a manner as to materially impede the view of any street or highway intersection or the intersection of a street or highway with a railroad grade crossing.
Exempt Signs in Lebanon
- Signs not exceeding one square foot in area and bearing only property numbers, address numbers, names of occupants of premises or other identification of premises not denoting commercial activity.
- Legal notices, identification, informational, warning, trespassing or directional signs erected or required by governmental units.
- Memorial plaques, historical markers, integral decorative or architectural features of buildings, except trademarks, moving parts or moving lights.
- Sponsorship signs, such as those located inside little league ball diamonds and at other athletic and community facilities, provided the signs are, in the opinion of the Administrator, oriented to those visiting and using the facility.
- Window signs that do not exceed 20% of the window area.
- Residential temporary signs, or yard cards, that do not exceed 12 square feet in area and are erected for less than three days.
- Sports spirit pennants that are less than two and one-half square feet mounted on the facade of a dwelling indicating support of a middle, high school or college student participating in organized school activities.
- Flags, including flags of the United States, the state, the city and any other flag adopted or sanctioned by an elected legislative body of competent jurisdiction, provided that the flag shall not exceed 24 square feet in area and shall not be flown from a pole the top of which is more than 30 feet in height.
- Political signs that do not exceed the maximum allowed sign area for any sign in the zoning district(s) in which the political sign is located, subject to rules prohibiting placement in public right-of-way or places where views of traffic signs/signals/intersections are impeded, and not without owner consent.
- Ordinary maintenance and repair to existing signs, provided that the work does not affect the structure to a degree greater than 50% of the current replacement cost, exclusive of the structural support of the sign.
- Change of copy on signs listing current or future programs and events taking place on the premises.
- Seasonal decorations and displays, provided they conform to the provisions of § 7.7.
- Real estate signs, provided they conform to the provisions of § 7.7.
- Street signs erected by a subdivider or by the municipality for the purpose of street identification.
- Public information signs installed by the city or other governmental agency.
- Rotation, repainting and posting of copy.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Lebanon
- An application for a sign permit must include a site plan and specific details including existing and anticipated signs, the proposed sign location in relation to the property, sign dimensions, wall surface dimensions (if applicable), mounting details, materials/colors, type of illumination, and maintenance/removal agreement.
- A sign permit is required for the erection, construction, enlargement, movement or conversion of all permanent and temporary signs, banners, exterior graphic displays and sign structures, except where noted in exemptions.
- A temporary sign permit is required for banners and for pennants/balloons for retail special events.
- Certain types of signs (such as projecting or suspended signs) may require proof of insurance and attachment details prepared by a licensed engineer.
- All signs, unless specifically exempt, require a permit per Table 7.6.
- Incidental signs (like wayfinding and directional signs) require a sign permit.
- Major changes to legal nonconforming signs, such as changing the size, height, adding lights, altering light intensity and/or relocation, will require compliance with all ordinance provisions, potentially including a new sign permit application.
- Painted signs as part of an artistic concept require Plan Commission review and approval.
- Off-site directional signs for a business may be permitted by the Plan Commission subject to documentation of need.
- Window signs over 20% of window area require a permit and are included in aggregate sign area calculations.
- If required by the Administrator, additional information or details may be requested as part of the application process.
- For awning, suspended, and projecting signs in the CB District, a permit, proof of insurance, and engineering attachment details are required.
- Where specifically noted, certain sign types (e.g., pole signs, off-premise signs, electronic message boards) may require a conditional use permit or Plan Commission approval.
- Sandwich/A-frame signs in the CB District placed on public sidewalk must be approved by the Board of Public Works and Safety.