Sign Regulations in McCordsville, Indiana
McCordsville, Indiana has specific sign regulations covering 23 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Ground Sign, Awning 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 McCordsville, Indiana
Sample Sign Requirements in McCordsville
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign - Subdivision Entry | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | Min 2 ft from any planned right-of-way; not within required sight visibility standard. |
| Minor Wall Sign (Exempt) | — | 1 sq ft | — |
| Supplementary Wall Sign (Exempt) | 12 ft above grade | 3 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for McCordsvilleFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
23
- Wall Sign
- Ground Sign
- Awning Sign
- Projecting Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
9
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 McCordsville 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 McCordsville, 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 McCordsville, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Ground Sign, Awning Sign, Projecting 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 McCordsville 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 McCordsville are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. McCordsville has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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McCordsville, Indiana Sign Rules at a Glance
McCordsville, Indiana regulates 23 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Ground Signs in the Office Commercial District (CO) zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and 36 sq ft, with a Minimum 10 ft from right-of-way setback (Sec. § 154.148(A)(2); Appendix E). Most commercial signs in McCordsville require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for McCordsville, Indiana
Sign Rules by Zoning District in McCordsville (9 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential District (R1, R2, RE, R4, R5), Old Town District (OT) | 6 | 12 ft above grade | 32 sq ft | — |
| Multi-Family Residential District (MF1, MF2) | 3 | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Neighborhood Commercial District (CN) | 7 | 10 ft (5-20 acres); 16 ft (20+ acres) | 100 sq ft | — |
| Office Commercial District (CO) | 9 | 10 ft / 16 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| Regional Commercial District (CR) | 10 | 10 ft / 16 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| Industrial District (I1, I2) | 10 | 10 ft / 16 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| Public/Semi-Public District (P) | 5 | 6 ft | 50% of permitted sign area | — |
| Town Center District (TC) | 8 | 10 ft / 16 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in McCordsville(sample of 3 of 9 zones)
Office Commercial District (CO)
| 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 | — | 200 sq ft | — | — | 1 per frontage | Façade of structure facing public street | — | Unlock | § 154.148(A)(3); Appendix E |
| Ground Sign | 6 ft | 36 sq ft | — | Minimum 10 ft from right-of-way | 1 per frontage, max 2 per lot | Max 1 per roadway frontage | — | Unlock | § 154.148(A)(2); Appendix E |
| Awning Sign | — | Counts toward wall sign area | — | — | Counts towards wall sign total | On awnings on façade | — | Unlock | § 154.148(A)(4) |
| Projecting Sign | — | 24 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business/building | Projecting from building | — | Unlock | § 154.148(A)(5) |
| Window Sign | — | 10% of window area, letters max 3 in | — | — | — | On window | — | Unlock | § 154.142(F); Appendix E |
| Unified Center Sign | 10 ft / 16 ft | 100 sq ft (5-20 acres); 150 sq ft (20+ acres) | — | — | 1 per center | Ground-mounted, monument style | — | Unlock | § 154.148(A)(1); Appendix E |
| Changeable Copy Sign | — | 50% of aggregate sign area | — | — | — | Component of permitted sign | — | Unlock | § 154.148(A)(6); Appendix E |
| Fuel Station LED Price Sign | — | 2 sq ft per side, per dispenser | — | — | Max 2 sq ft per side per dispenser | On fuel dispenser | — | Unlock | § 154.148(A)(8); Appendix E |
Regional Commercial District (CR)
| 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 | — | 200 sq ft | — | — | 1 per frontage | Façade of structure facing public street | — | Unlock | § 154.148(A)(3); Appendix E |
| Ground Sign | 6 ft | 36 sq ft | — | Min 10 ft from right-of-way | 1 per frontage, max 2 per lot | Max 1 per public roadway frontage; min 10 ft from ROW | — | Unlock | § 154.148(A)(2); Appendix E |
| Awning Sign | — | Counts toward wall sign area | — | — | Counts towards wall sign total | On awnings on façade | — | Unlock | § 154.148(A)(4) |
| Projecting Sign | — | 24 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business/building | On building, projecting outward | — | Unlock | § 154.148(A)(5) |
| Window Sign | — | 10% of window area, letters max 3 in | — | — | — | On window | — | Unlock | § 154.142(F); Appendix E |
| Unified Center Sign | 10 ft / 16 ft | 100 sq ft (5-20 acres); 150 sq ft (20+ acres) | — | — | 1 per center | Ground-mounted monument sign | — | Unlock | § 154.148(A)(1); Appendix E |
| Changeable Copy Sign | — | 50% of aggregate permitted sign area | — | — | — | Component of sign | — | Unlock | § 154.148(A)(6); Appendix E |
| Fuel Station LED Price Sign | — | 2 sq ft per side, per dispenser | — | — | Max 2 sq ft per side per dispenser | On dispenser | — | Unlock | § 154.148(A)(8); Appendix E |
Industrial District (I1, I2)
| 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 | — | 200 sq ft | — | — | 1 per frontage | Façade of structure facing public street | — | Unlock | § 154.148(A)(3); Appendix E |
| Ground Sign | 6 ft | 36 sq ft | — | Min 10 ft from right-of-way | 1 per frontage, max 2 per lot | Max 1 per public roadway frontage | — | Unlock | § 154.148(A)(2); Appendix E |
| Awning Sign | — | Counts toward wall sign total | — | — | Counts towards wall sign total | On awnings on façade | — | Unlock | § 154.148(A)(4) |
| Projecting Sign | — | 24 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business/building | On building | — | Unlock | § 154.148(A)(5) |
| Window Sign | — | 10% of window area, max 3 in letters | — | — | — | On window | — | Unlock | § 154.142(F); Appendix E |
| Unified Center Sign | 10 ft / 16 ft | 100 sq ft (5-20 ac); 150 sq ft (20+ ac) | — | — | 1 per center | Ground-mounted, monument style sign | — | Unlock | § 154.148(A)(1); Appendix E |
| Changeable Copy Sign | — | 50% of aggregate sign area | — | — | — | Component of allowable sign | — | Unlock | § 154.148(A)(6); Appendix E |
| Fuel Station LED Price Sign | — | 2 sq ft per side per dispenser | — | — | Max 2 sq ft per side per dispenser | On fuel dispenser | — | Unlock | § 154.148(A)(8); Appendix E |
PermitPal covers all 9 zoning districts in McCordsville — 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 McCordsville — start freeProhibited Signs in McCordsville
- Individual pole signs or individual free-standing signs are prohibited.
- Portable signs, including those involving any element of human movement, are prohibited unless expressly permitted.
- Animated signs that utilize flashing lights, motion picture, laser, or visual projection of images or copy in conjunction with any business or advertisement are prohibited.
- Signs that emit audible sound, odor, or visible matter are prohibited.
- Signs that purport to be, are an imitation of, or resemble an official traffic sign or signal or which 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 any traffic or roadway sign, signal, or device from view, or that interfere with the sight visibility standards as defined by this chapter, are prohibited.
- Signs that are located in any planned right-of-way, including those posted on utility poles or street signs, are prohibited unless otherwise expressly permitted. Only projecting signs specifically permitted and approved by the Town Council may encroach on public rights-of-way if otherwise lawful.
- Signs that obstruct any door, fire escape, stairway, or any opening intended for entrance or exit for any structure are prohibited.
- Signs placed on vehicles or trailers parked on public or private property primarily for the purpose of displaying the sign are prohibited (excluding vehicles for deliveries or sales/service calls, and vehicles customarily used for transport when parked at a residence during non-business hours).
- 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 are prohibited.
- Permanent roof-mounted signs or signs mounted to a wall and extending higher than the wall of the structure are prohibited.
- Inflatable signs are prohibited.
- People signs (signs held by people, not attached to a building or ground, within the right-of-way) are prohibited.
- Properties without a primary structure shall not be permitted a permanent sign.
- It is unlawful to erect, construct, enlarge, move or convert any sign without first obtaining a sign permit as required, except where exempted.
- All signs and their components must be kept in good repair and in a safe, neat, clean, attractive, and structurally sound condition.
- Any sign structure must be removed by the property owner if the property is unused for six months or longer; a sign face is considered abandoned if the use it relates to is not in operation for at least 30 days.
- No sign may have direct or reflected light that creates a traffic hazard or spills onto adjacent properties (with specific foot-candle limits at property lines).
- No sign may compete with or obstruct the visibility of the signage of an adjacent property that is in compliance with the chapter.
Exempt Signs in McCordsville
- Minor permanent wall signs made of stone, concrete, bronze, precious metals, brick, or similar material, integral to the structure, with size limits per zoning district and one per frontage per building.
- Minor ground signs, permanent in manner, in commercial, industrial, and Town Center zoning districts, subject to area, height, illumination, and setback limits, with a maximum of three per property.
- Public signs erected by or on the order of public officials in performance of public duty (e.g., safety, no trespassing, traffic signs; memorial plaques; historical interest; directional signs to public facilities), with Administrative Officer approval.
- Utility marker signs necessary to mark cables and lines for public and private utilities unless deemed hazardous.
- Emergency signs used/authorized by relevant departments or required by law at places of employment.
- Window signs not exceeding 10% of the window area and with individual letters no greater than three inches in size.
- Yard signs (lightweight, non-durable, short-term), subject to area, height, placement, frequency, and display time limits, not illuminated, and not placed within right-of-way or private street. Additional for-sale/lease sign allowed on certain residential properties.
- Supplementary wall signs in residential and Old Town districts, attached to the primary structure, size and display time limited, and not illuminated.
- Private directional traffic signs and pavement markings in compliance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
- Permanent pond safety signs for all newly constructed ponds with specific size, material, placement, and content requirements, installed/maintained by developer or association.
- A-frame signs (one per occupied tenant space in commercial, industrial, or Town Center zones, with size, height, display hours, and setback restrictions, not to be displayed with other temporary signage).
- Specific ground sign exemption as referenced in § 154.145(A)(3).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for McCordsville
- Anyone wishing to vary from the sign standards is required to obtain a development standards variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals.
- Subdivision entrance signs, landscaping, and decorative walls must be shown on development plans, site plans, and subdivision plats.
- Projecting signs encroaching on public rights-of-way must be specified as permitted and approved by the Town Council.
- A permit is required to erect, construct, enlarge, move, or convert any sign unless specifically exempted.
- Temporary signs (except certain exempt categories) require a permit for each use; extensions may require administrative or BZA approval.
- Any further extension of temporary sign permits, beyond administrative extension, requires approval of the Board of Zoning Appeals.
- A master sign plan is implicitly required for unified developments (e.g., unified development signs for sites 5 acres or larger), as all signage for the development must be as prescribed and as part of an overall approved plan.
- Subdivision entry signs and features must be included in submitted development/site/subdivision plans for approval.