Sign Regulations in Mount Vernon, Indiana
Mount Vernon, Indiana has specific sign regulations covering 22 sign types across 13 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Bulletin Sign, Identification Sign, Construction 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 Mount Vernon, Indiana
Sample Sign Requirements in Mount Vernon
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulletin Sign | 15 ft. | 12 sq. ft. per face | 1 ft. from property line |
| Identification Sign | 12 ft. | 48 sq. ft. per face | 1 ft. from property line |
| Real Estate Sign (RS/R-1 and RT/R-2) | 6 ft. | 4 sq. ft. per face | 1 ft. from property line |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
22
- Bulletin Sign
- Identification Sign
- Construction Sign
- Flat Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
13
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 Mount Vernon 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 Mount Vernon, 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 Mount Vernon, regulated sign types include Bulletin Sign, Identification Sign, Construction Sign, Flat 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 Mount Vernon 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 Mount Vernon are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Mount Vernon has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Mount Vernon, Indiana Sign Rules at a Glance
Mount Vernon, Indiana regulates 22 sign types across 13 zoning districts. Bulletin Signs in the RS, RT, RM, R-1, R-2, R-3 zoning district are capped at 15 ft. tall and 12 sq. ft. per face, with a 1 ft. from property line setback (Sec. Appendix C: Zoning Sign Standards, Table A). Most commercial signs in Mount Vernon require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Mount Vernon, Indiana
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Mount Vernon (13 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS, RT, RM, R-1, R-2, R-3 | 5 | 15 ft. | 48 sq. ft. per face | — |
| RMH | 4 | 15 ft. | 48 sq. ft. per face | — |
| PUD | 4 | 15 ft. | 48 sq. ft. per face | — |
| O, R-O | 4 | 15 ft. | 48 sq. ft. per face | — |
| B-1 | 4 | 25 ft. | 200 sq. ft. | — |
| CS, B-1A | 4 | 30 ft. | 300 sq. ft. | — |
| CG, B-2 | 4 | 35 ft. | 500 sq. ft. | — |
| CBD | 4 | 35 ft. | 500 sq. ft. | — |
| CH, B-3, M-1, M-2 | 4 | 50 ft. | 700 sq. ft. | — |
| Agriculture | 1 | — | 2 sq. ft. | — |
| Residential | 1 | — | 2 sq. ft. | — |
| Office | 1 | — | 2 sq. ft. | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 5 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Mount Vernon(sample of 3 of 13 zones)
RS, RT, RM, R-1, R-2, R-3
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulletin Sign | 15 ft. | 12 sq. ft. per face | — | 1 ft. from property line | 1 per street frontage | On premises; 1 ft. setback from property line | — | Unlock | Appendix C: Zoning Sign Standards, Table A |
| Identification Sign | 12 ft. | 48 sq. ft. per face | — | 1 ft. from property line | 1 per street frontage | On premises; 1 ft. setback from property line | — | Unlock | Appendix C: Zoning Sign Standards, Table A, note (a) |
| Real Estate Sign (RS/R-1 and RT/R-2) | 6 ft. | 4 sq. ft. per face | — | 1 ft. from property line | 1 per street frontage | On premises; 1 ft. setback from property line | — | Unlock | Appendix C: Zoning Sign Standards, Table A |
| Real Estate Sign (RM/R-3) | 15 ft. | 8 sq. ft. per face | — | 1 ft. from property line | 1 per street frontage | On premises; 1 ft. setback from property line | — | Unlock | Appendix C: Zoning Sign Standards, Table A |
| Construction Sign | 15 ft. | 40 sq. ft. per face | — | 1 ft. from property line | 1 per street frontage | On premises; 1 ft. setback from property line | — | Unlock | Appendix C: Zoning Sign Standards, Table A |
RMH
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulletin Sign | 15 ft. | 12 sq. ft. per face | — | 1 ft. from property line | 1 at entry | On premises; 1 ft. setback from property line | — | Unlock | Appendix C: Zoning Sign Standards, Table A |
| Identification Sign | 12 ft. | 48 sq. ft. per face | — | 1 ft. from property line | 1 at entry | On premises; 1 ft. setback from property line | — | Unlock | Appendix C: Zoning Sign Standards, Table A, note (a) |
| Real Estate Sign | 6 ft. | 12 sq. ft. per face | — | 1 ft. from property line | 1 at entry | On premises; 1 ft. setback from property line | — | Unlock | Appendix C: Zoning Sign Standards, Table A |
| Construction Sign | 15 ft. | 40 sq. ft. per face | — | 1 ft. from property line | 1 at entry | On premises; 1 ft. setback from property line | — | Unlock | Appendix C: Zoning Sign Standards, Table A |
PUD
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulletin Sign | 15 ft. | 12 sq. ft. per face | — | 1 ft. from property line | 1 per street frontage | On premises; 1 ft. setback from property line | — | Unlock | Appendix C: Zoning Sign Standards, Table A |
| Identification Sign | 12 ft. | 48 sq. ft. per face | — | 1 ft. from property line | 1 per street frontage | On premises; 1 ft. setback from property line | — | Unlock | Appendix C: Zoning Sign Standards, Table A, note (a) |
| Real Estate Sign | 15 ft. | 8 sq. ft. per face | — | 1 ft. from property line | 1 per street frontage | On premises; 1 ft. setback from property line | — | Unlock | Appendix C: Zoning Sign Standards, Table A |
| Construction Sign | 15 ft. | 40 sq. ft. per face | — | 1 ft. from property line | 1 per street frontage | On premises; 1 ft. setback from property line | — | Unlock | Appendix C: Zoning Sign Standards, Table A |
PermitPal covers all 13 zoning districts in Mount Vernon — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 13 zones for Mount Vernon — start freeProhibited Signs in Mount Vernon
- No person shall place any sign along or on any street or alley or designate any place thereon with the intent to regulate or prevent the parking of vehicles on any street or alley.
- Signs are prohibited in, on, or over the right-of-way of any street, alley, boulevard, grassy area between curb and public sidewalk, or on any public sidewalk.
- No person shall damage the pavement, curb, or sidewalk in the installation of any sign or place any writing or markings on any pavement, sidewalk, curb or city-installed sign.
- No sign shall be placed or attached to a street light pole, utility pole, or tree within the right-of-way, except a city-installed sign, or other authorized apparatus.
- No sign advertising any business or sale of a product or service by a business is allowed in the right-of-way.
- No sign shall obstruct or tend to obstruct the view of drivers or pedestrians.
- Signs not permitted within street right-of-way or future streets except authorized traffic signals, signs or devices.
- Signs not permitted within 25 feet from intersection of right-of-way lines of two streets or from intersection of street pavement and railroad track.
- Signs prohibited if obstructing or obscuring any traffic signal light or public warning sign.
- Signs prohibited if preventing motorists from gaining clear view of approaching vehicles for 500 feet along an expressway or public right-of-way.
- On-premises and off-premises signs not permitted within 50-foot radius of an R district property line if visible from such property.
- Flashing signs not permitted within 200 feet of an abutting R district property line if visible from such district.
- Flashing signs not permitted within 50 feet of the edge of pavement of a signaled intersection or intersection with railroad track.
- Flashing or animated portion of any sign not permitted within one foot of right-of-way or ten feet from edge of pavement, whichever is less.
- Flashing signs may not use incandescent bulbs over 25 watts, any color other than white, nor strobe lights.
- No sign may use rotating or revolving beams of light.
- No sign may be animated (moving images), including electronic message boards, in Agriculture, Residential, Office, and B-1/CN districts (unless special exception granted).
- Any roof, projection, ground, outdoor advertising or portable sign must be separated by at least 30 feet from another sign of these types.
- Roof signs are prohibited from and after the ordinance's effective date.
- Signs without a sign permit may not be located in any district (save for specified exceptions).
- Signs may not be located on sidewalks.
- Portable signs cannot flash on or off, be animated, or be placed in the right-of-way for more than 24 hours.
- Signs or posters affixed to telephone and utility poles, trees, street signs, or other structures in the public right-of-way are prohibited.
- Signs interfering with or confusing traffic or railroad signals or creating a traffic hazard are prohibited.
- No sign may display lights resembling danger or traffic signal lights, or use words like 'stop', 'danger', 'look' or others that would confuse traffic.
- Signs that move, rotate, or have moving parts are prohibited.
- Animated or electronic message boards are prohibited unless approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
- Strobe lights are prohibited.
- Projection of a sign within one foot of a street right-of-way line or assumed right-of-way is prohibited.
Exempt Signs in Mount Vernon
- Nameplates attached to the wall, not exceeding two square feet.
- Temporary real estate and construction signs within size and frontage limits.
- Signs not visible from a public street.
- Tablets built into a building wall used for inscriptions, memorial tablets, historic markers, or similar purposes.
- Signs of warning, directive, informational, or instructional nature erected by a public utility, transportation company, or governmental agency, or endorsed by a legislative body.
- Legal notices and street numbers.
- Election campaign signs.
- Signs located within a building.
- Signs not exceeding three square feet for warning, directive, or instructional purposes, including entrance, exit and restroom signs.
- Labels attached to a commodity offered for sale.
- Flags and insignia of a governmental unit, church, or organization.
- Exempt signs may be illuminated but not flashing or animated.
- Signs on vehicles or signs carried by individuals in the right-of-way.
- Warning or informational signage or markings placed by utilities or other authorized owners in the right-of-way.
- Signage by city employees or agents, utilities, or authorized contractors in the right-of-way for construction or traffic hazard warnings.
- A property owner in compliance with zoning code may place a temporary sign (~6 sq ft) for garage/yard sale in their yard or grassy area (with some restrictions).
- Temporary 'For Sale', 'For Rent', or 'For Lease' signs (~6 sq ft) may be placed in the grassy area between the curb and sidewalk or in the yard (in certain cases) if not obstructing sight distance.
- First Amendment signs (political/cause) may be placed in the right-of-way if not in restricted areas, do not present a sight distance problem, and with property owner consent.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Mount Vernon
- A sign (on-premises or off-premises) may not be erected or placed in any district until an improvement location permit has been issued by the Area Plan Commission and written consent of the property owner or lessee is obtained. Required application includes a site (plot) plan and elevation.
- Signs that have not been issued a sign permit shall not be located in any district, except for exempt signs as listed in specified ordinance sections.
- Animated (moving images) or electronic message board (changing images) signs are only permitted via a special exception permit approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
- In the B-1A/CS, B-2/CG, B-3/CH, CBD, M-1, and M-2 Districts, animated or electronic message board signs may only be allowed via a Board of Zoning Appeals special exception permit.
- In the CBD district, all signs are allowed only by special exception.