Sign Regulations in Morristown, Indiana
Morristown, Indiana has specific sign regulations covering 19 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Ground Sign, Wall Sign (Multiple-business Option 1: 2-3 businesses), Wall Sign (Multiple-business Option 2: >3 businesses). 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 Morristown, Indiana
Sample Sign Requirements in Morristown
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign | — | — | Usually at least 10 feet from street right-of-way unless otherwise specified. |
| Nameplate | — | 2 sq ft | — |
| Church or Public Building Bulletin Board/Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
19
- Ground Sign
- Wall Sign (Multiple-business Option 1: 2-3 businesses)
- Wall Sign (Multiple-business Option 2: >3 businesses)
- Abandoned Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
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 Morristown 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 Morristown, 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 Morristown, regulated sign types include Ground Sign, Wall Sign (Multiple-business Option 1: 2-3 businesses), Wall Sign (Multiple-business Option 2: >3 businesses), Abandoned 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 Morristown 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 Morristown are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Morristown has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
Ready to Research Morristown Sign Permits?
Stop spending hours searching through municipal codes. Get instant access to Morristown, Indiana sign regulations with PermitPal's AI-powered platform.
No credit card required · Get results in seconds
Morristown, Indiana Sign Rules at a Glance
Morristown, Indiana regulates 19 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Subdivision/Multi-family Project Identity Sign (Permanent)s in the Residential (A, A-1, A-2, B, C, SR, Single Family, Multiple Family, Cluster Housing, Condominiums, High-Rise Apartments) zoning district are capped at 4 ft for ground sign; 20 ft for pole sign (no part less than 9 ft above grade) tall and 32 sq ft; can increase 1 sq ft per 1 ft setback over 10 ft, max 100 sq ft, with a 10 ft min; can increase size with additional setback. setback (Sec. § 110.51(B)(5), (D), (C)(5)). Most commercial signs in Morristown require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Morristown, Indiana
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Morristown (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | — | — | — |
| Residential (A, A-1, A-2, B, C, SR, Single Family, Multiple Family, Cluster Housing, Condominiums, High-Rise Apartments) | 6 | 4 ft for ground sign; 20 ft for pole sign (no part less than 9 ft above grade) | 32 sq ft | — |
| Commercial Districts (CBD, GB, LB) | 4 | 4 ft | 100 sq ft | — |
| Commercial and Industrial Districts (Industrial Business, OI, EI, RB) | 9 | 35 ft (pole sign only); 4 ft (top of any ground sign) | 400 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Morristown(sample of 3 of 4 zones)
Residential (A, A-1, A-2, B, C, SR, Single Family, Multiple Family, Cluster Housing, Condominiums, High-Rise Apartments)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per dwelling unit | On dwelling | — | Unlock | § 110.51(B)(1), (C)(1) |
| Home Occupation Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On property | — | Unlock | § 110.51(B)(2), (C)(2) |
| Church or Public Building Bulletin Board/Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | — | On property | — | Unlock | § 110.51(B)(3), (C)(3) |
| Subdivision/Multi-family Project Identity Sign (Permanent) | 4 ft for ground sign; 20 ft for pole sign (no part less than 9 ft above grade) | 32 sq ft; can increase 1 sq ft per 1 ft setback over 10 ft, max 100 sq ft | — | 10 ft min; can increase size with additional setback. | 1 (additional for multiple entries with permission) | Minimum 10 ft from street right-of-way; not on easements. | — | Unlock | § 110.51(B)(5), (D), (C)(5) |
| Funeral Home/Mortuary Nameplate | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 110.51(C)(4) |
| Ground Sign (Residential) | 4 ft for ground sign; 20 ft for pole sign | 32 sq ft, up to 100 sq ft if more than 10 ft from ROW | — | Min 10 ft from ROW | — | Min 10 ft from ROW, not on easements | — | Unlock | § 110.51(D)(1), (3), (4), (6), (7) |
Commercial Districts (CBD, GB, LB)
| 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 | 4 ft | 32 sq ft | — | Min 10 ft from ROW | 1 per business parcel | Placed min 10 ft from street right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 110.52(B)(1) |
| Wall Sign (Single-business) | — | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building | On building, location per § 110.53(D) | — | Unlock | § 110.52(B)(2) |
| Wall Sign (Multiple-business Option 1: 2-3 businesses) | — | 87.5 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On building façade | — | Unlock | § 110.52(B)(2) |
| Wall Sign (Multiple-business Option 2: >3 businesses) | — | 100 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On building façade | — | Unlock | § 110.52(B)(2) |
Commercial and Industrial Districts (Industrial Business, OI, EI, RB)
| 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 (Freestanding Building Option) | 35 ft (pole sign only); 4 ft (top of any ground sign) | 100 sq ft (see multi-faced sign definition for exceptions) | — | Min 10 ft from ROW, min 15 ft from side property line or 35% of frontage. | 1 per business | See § 110.53(D); Min 10 ft from ROW; 15 ft from side property line or 35% of frontage. | — | Unlock | § 110.53(B)(1)(a), (D) |
| Wall Sign (Freestanding buildings) | — | 200 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business; 2 permitted on corner lot | Flush mounted; not projecting above roof line | — | Unlock | § 110.53(B)(1)(b), (C), (D)(2) |
| Wall Sign (Multiple-business Option 1: 2-3 businesses) | — | 350 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Flush mounted; not projecting above roof line | — | Unlock | § 110.53(B)(1)(b), (C) |
| Wall Sign (Multiple-business Option 2: >3 businesses) | — | 400 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Flush mounted; not projecting above roof line | — | Unlock | § 110.53(B)(1)(b), (C) |
| Pole Sign (Strip Shopping Center or Industrial Zone) | 35 ft (if not otherwise limited) | 200 sq ft per sign | — | — | 1; more allowed by special approval | — | — | Unlock | § 110.53(B)(2)(a) |
| Wall Sign (Strip Shopping Center or Industrial Zone) | — | 200 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business | Flush mounted; not above roof line | — | Unlock | § 110.53(B)(2)(b) |
| Pole Sign (Enclosed Mall Shopping Center) | 35 ft | 300 sq ft per sign; 400 sq ft max with multi-business increase | — | — | 1 per abutting street; more allowed by special approval | — | — | Unlock | § 110.53(B)(3)(a) |
| Off-premises Directional Sign (for Commercial/Industrial Parks) | — | 100 sq ft | — | Max 10 ft from ROW | — | Min 500 ft from any residential zoning district and from any other off-premises sign; max 10 ft from ROW; 9 ft min height above grade | — | Unlock | § 110.53(B)(4) |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Morristown — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 4 zones for Morristown — start freeProhibited Signs in Morristown
- It is unlawful to erect, construct, enlarge, move, or convert any sign without first obtaining a sign permit unless otherwise provided.
- A-frame, sandwich board, sidewalk, or curb signs are prohibited.
- Abandoned signs (advertising a business no longer operating) are prohibited.
- Animated signs or signs with flashing, scintillating, blinking, or traveling lights, or any sign not providing constant illumination, are prohibited.
- Moving signs, or signs that move or give the illusion of movement, are prohibited.
- Off-premise signs are prohibited except where expressly permitted.
- No sign may project over or into the street right-of-way.
- No sign may be placed on public property or over/across any street or roadway except as expressly authorized.
- Overhead swinging signs are prohibited.
- No sign shall be placed on any tower or tank without Town Plan Commission approval.
- Signs bearing obscene, pornographic, immoral, untruthful, or offensive material are prohibited.
- Signs that imitate or resemble an official traffic sign, signal, or device, or use words such as stop, caution, danger, etc., are prohibited except as specifically permitted.
- Signs that obstruct doors, fire escapes, stairways, or any opening intended for air, egress, or ingress are prohibited.
- Signs erected before the code's effective date without a proper permit are prohibited.
- Signs not listed as permitted within the code are prohibited.
- Signs that emit audible sound, odor, or visible matter are prohibited.
- Signs that present a traffic hazard or are improperly mounted or erected are prohibited.
- Signs on fences or walls not structurally part of a building (with certain exceptions for residence identification) are prohibited.
- Signs operated or employing motion picture projection or moving parts, except as permitted by the code, are prohibited.
- The tacking, pasting, or affixing of miscellaneous signs on buildings, trees, fences, etc., is prohibited unless otherwise permitted.
- Search lights, twirling signs, balloons, or gas-filled figures are prohibited except for limited duration in specific circumstances.
- No sign may be less than seven feet above a sidewalk if overhanging.
- No sign may be maintained on a building such that any part is less than seven feet above the sidewalk.
- Signs not meeting minimum construction and safety requirements are prohibited.
Exempt Signs in Morristown
- Changing the copy or message on an approved changeable copy sign, such as a theater marquee or electronic message center, does not require a new sign permit.
- Painting, repainting, cleaning, or other normal maintenance and repair of a sign or sign structure does not require a permit unless structural change or change in copy is involved.
- Political campaign signs on private property (and not within street right-of-way), erected no more than 60 days before and removed within 14 days after election, do not require a permit.
- Business identification signs mounted flush against the wall, stating only the street address and name, not exceeding four square feet, are exempt (with certain restrictions).
- Signs erected under a legal permit, if damaged by wind, weather, or accident, may be replaced or restored to original size, shape, and location without an additional permit.
- Integral signs (e.g., building name, date, commemorative tablets) that are carved or made part of the structure are exempt from permit requirements.
- Parking signs for public/private parking (with conditions on size/setback/use) do not require a permit.
- Private traffic direction signs (subject to location/illumination/size limits) are exempt.
- Public signs of a noncommercial nature, erected by public officers in discharge of public duty (e.g., safety, traffic, historical markers) are exempt.
- Small nameplate signs for single-family dwellings (not exceeding two square feet), and house numbering plates, are exempt.
- Signs on premises announcing rooms, apartments, or houses for rent (not exceeding four square feet, and 10 feet from the right-of-way) are exempt.
- Signs indicating names and locations of churches, charities, community groups (up to four square feet, off-premise allowed with spacing) are exempt.
- Signs on vehicles permanently painted or attached to the vehicle body, not projecting beyond the body, are exempt (with limitations on parking location and hazard creation).
- Trucks and trailers used as signs for special events or sales (up to 30 days if loaded with sale items) are exempt.
- Window signs, provided they conform to construction, illumination, and safety regulations, are exempt.
- Garage sale signs (maximum four square feet, limited duration) do not require a permit.
- Real estate signs (one per premises, limited size and setback, limited duration) do not require a permit.
- Street banners advertising a public event (limited duration, in approved locations) do not require a permit.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Morristown
- Site development plans for pole signs at strip shopping centers and in industrial zones must be approved by the Town Planning Commission.
- Pole signs for enclosed mall shopping centers must be made part of the site development plan and approved by the Town Plan Commission.
- Additional pole (freestanding) signs for shopping centers or industrial zones require Town Plan Commission approval if more than one sign is proposed.
- No sign shall be permitted in a new or omitted zone until the Outdoor Advertising Sign Code is amended to include that zone.
- Engineering data certified by a licensed engineer may be required for plans submitted with the permit application, as determined by the Town Building Commissioner.
- Where a subdivision or multi-family project has entries from more than one street, additional identity signs may be permitted by the Town Building Commissioner.
- Off-premises directional signs for commercial or industrial parks require a permit and must meet specific criteria.