Sign Regulations in Madison, Indiana
Madison, Indiana has specific sign regulations covering 9 sign types across 1 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign - Flat, Wall Sign - Dimensional Surface, Projecting Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: November 22, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Madison, Indiana
Sample Sign Requirements in Madison
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign - Dimensional Surface | — | — | Bottom edge must be at least 9 feet above sidewalk. |
| Projecting Sign | — | 16 sq ft (surface area per sign) | Horizontal projection may not exceed 1/2 of sidewalk width from property line to curb. |
| Window Sign | Letter height: up to 8 inches (pedestrian/second level); up to 9 inches (third level and higher) | 20% of window area (door sign: up to 50% of glass area) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
9
- Wall Sign - Flat
- Wall Sign - Dimensional Surface
- Projecting Sign
- Window Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
1
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Madison
Other Cities in Indiana
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Madison 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 Madison, 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 Madison, regulated sign types include Wall Sign - Flat, Wall Sign - Dimensional Surface, Projecting Sign, Window 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 Madison 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 Madison are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Madison has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Madison, Indiana Sign Rules at a Glance
Madison, Indiana regulates 9 sign types across 1 zoning district. Freestanding Signs in the Historic District zoning district are capped at 25 ft tall and 16 sq ft per face, with a Not allowed on sidewalks. setback (Sec. § 151.36(C)(2)(e)1–6; § 151.36(5)(a)). Most commercial signs in Madison require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Madison, Indiana
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Madison (1 zone)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Historic District | 9 | 25 ft | 20% of window area (door sign: up to 50% of glass area) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Madison
Historic District
| 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 - Flat | — | — | Length ≤ two-thirds of narrowest building face width | — | Limit one sign per establishment per street frontage. | Affixed to an exterior wall with the face parallel to the building. | — | Unlock | § 151.36(C)(2)(a)1–5; § 151.36(4)(b); § 151.36(5)(a) |
| Wall Sign - Dimensional Surface | — | — | Length ≤ two-thirds of narrowest building face width | Bottom edge must be at least 9 feet above sidewalk. | Limit one sign per establishment per street frontage. | Affixed to an exterior wall with the face parallel to the building; may consist of three-dimensional letterforms, relief/depressed messages, or traditional 3D symbols (e.g., barber pole, clock, pawnshop symbol) if appropriate. | — | Unlock | § 151.36(C)(2)(b)1–6; § 151.36(5)(a) |
| Projecting Sign | — | 16 sq ft (surface area per sign) | — | Horizontal projection may not exceed 1/2 of sidewalk width from property line to curb. | Limit one sign per pedestrian-level tenant per street frontage and one sign for each upper-floor tenant. | Projecting from building face >12 inches; mounted with inside edge 6–12 inches from wall. | — | Unlock | § 151.36(C)(2)(c)1–6; § 151.36(5)(a)1–6 |
| Window Sign | Letter height: up to 8 inches (pedestrian/second level); up to 9 inches (third level and higher) | 20% of window area (door sign: up to 50% of glass area) | — | — | Limit one sign per window. | Painted/gold-leafed or attached onto glass area, or installed behind a window or in a showcase for viewing from outside. | — | Unlock | § 151.36(C)(2)(d)1–5; § 151.36(5)(a) |
| Freestanding Sign | 25 ft | 16 sq ft per face | — | Not allowed on sidewalks. | Limit one sign per pedestrian-level street frontage establishment. | Anywhere within the front yard or side yard of the establishment; not permitted on a sidewalk. | — | Unlock | § 151.36(C)(2)(e)1–6; § 151.36(5)(a) |
| Sandwich Board Sign (A-shaped) | 4 ft | 10 sq ft per face | — | Sidewalk placement allowed only if unobstructed sidewalk width ≥ 8 ft. | Counts toward limit of one freestanding sign per pedestrian-level street frontage establishment. | May be located anywhere on the sidewalk directly in front of the establishment provided the unobstructed sidewalk width is at least 8 feet; may also be in the front yard. | — | Unlock | § 151.36(C)(2)(e)2–3; § 151.36(5)(a) |
| Awning Sign | Lettering height up to 24 inches | ≤ 1/3 of awning area (letters + symbols) | — | Bottom edge ≥ 7 ft above sidewalk. | Limit one sign per awning. | On awnings at pedestrian level only. | — | Unlock | § 151.36(C)(2)(f)1–4 |
| Temporary Sign - Mobile | 8 ft | — | — | — | Limit one mobile sign per pedestrian-level tenant or one sign for each upper-floor tenant. | Anywhere within the front yard of the establishment. | — | Unlock | § 151.36(C)(2)(h)1–6; § 151.36(5)(a) |
Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Madison are available with a free PermitPal account.
Start freeProhibited Signs in Madison
- Roof signs are prohibited (signs placed on, over, or above the roof or parapet of a building).
- Billboards and other off-premises advertising signs are prohibited.
- Off-premises signs are prohibited (signs advertising goods, services, facilities, events, or activities not related to the premises or directing persons to different premises).
- Flashing, blinking, revolving, moving, or variable-intensity signs are generally prohibited; exceptions only if the Board of Review deems them appropriate (e.g., traditional rotating barber pole).
- No sign or related apparatus may be kept or maintained by supports of permanent posts or poles in the area between the property line and the curb.
- No sign may conceal architectural details of a building.
- No sign may be erected or maintained that is unsafe, insecure, a fire or wind hazard, a barrier to needed light or air, or a menace to public safety or welfare.
- A maximum of four signs per building is permitted; corner buildings may have a maximum of three signs on each street-facing side (total of six).
- Changes to the message or design of a sign are not considered ordinary maintenance; any rewording, redesigning, or alteration must bring the sign into conformity with the chapter and obtain a certificate of appropriateness.
- Nonconforming signs may not be reworded, redesigned, or altered unless brought into conformity with this chapter.
- Sign messages are limited to on-premises content related to the business, profession, commodity, or service offered on the premises (off-premises advertising is prohibited).
Exempt Signs in Madison
- Certificate of appropriateness not required for signs of duly constituted governmental bodies, including traffic or similar regulatory devices, and legal notices.
- Certificate of appropriateness not required for flags or emblems identifying political, civic, philanthropic, educational, or religious organizations located on the premises.
- Certificate of appropriateness not required for memorial plaques, cornerstones, historical tablets, markers, and similar items, provided one face does not exceed 6 square feet.
- Certificate of appropriateness not required for signs not visible off the lot.
- Certificate of appropriateness not required for signs posted in conjunction with doorbells or mailboxes.
- Certificate of appropriateness not required for signs required to be posted or maintained by law or government order, rule, or regulation (unless specifically prohibited, limited, or restricted).
- Certificate of appropriateness not required for signs displayed strictly for the direction, safety, or convenience of the public (e.g., restrooms, parking entrances/exits).
- Certificate of appropriateness not required for address signs showing only numerical address, street names, no trespass, and other warning signs, provided one face does not exceed 96 square inches.
- Certificate of appropriateness not required for temporary real estate signs not exceeding 10 square feet per face and not illuminated.
- Certificate of appropriateness not required for temporary construction site signs erected on the site during construction to announce the owner/developer/contractor/architect/engineer; such signs shall not be illuminated.
- Certificate of appropriateness not required for temporary signs or displays located on the inside of store windows relating to the business conducted within.
- Certificate of appropriateness not required for banners or flags of not-for-profit organizations of the community promoting a specific activity if temporary in nature and removed within three months.
- Certificate of appropriateness/permit not required for political signs for candidates placed in front yards within the historic district for a two-month period or as otherwise regulated by city ordinance.
- Certificate of appropriateness not required for change of copy on a sign whose customary use involves frequent and periodic changes of copy, provided the Board indicated at initial approval that the sign is of such type.
- Certificate of appropriateness not required for ordinary maintenance or repair of any sign (excluding any rewording, redesign, or alteration beyond ordinary maintenance).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Madison
- A certificate of appropriateness is required before any sign is constructed, erected, or altered unless the sign is specifically exempted.
- Each sign application must include a plan showing: exact location and height; area and size; exact message; color, materials, character, and method of illumination; method of fastening or supporting; and for projecting or freestanding signs, the vertical distance to finished grade and the horizontal distance to the curb.
- The Building Inspector may request additional information; if insufficient information is provided, the Board may deem the application incomplete and defer consideration until complete.
- For certificate of appropriateness applications generally, a front elevation drawing including proposed signage is required (side elevations where there are no adjoining buildings), along with a site plan and photographs.
- The Historic District Board of Review may adopt district-wide signage guidelines (e.g., shapes, colors, sizes, lettering, messages); if a proposed sign meets these criteria, the Building Inspector may issue a certificate of appropriateness administratively without a Board hearing.
- Variances must conform to the procedures of the Madison Zoning Ordinance §§ 11.31 through 11.39.
- Nonconforming signs may continue under applicable zoning provisions, but any rewording, redesign, or alteration requires bringing the sign into conformity with this chapter.
Source: amlegal municipal code