Sign Regulations in New Albany, Indiana

New Albany, Indiana has specific sign regulations covering 52 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Integral Sign, Original Art Display, Freestanding or Ground-Mounted Sign (Combined Lots). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.

Data last verified: October 31, 2025

Sign Regulation Overview for New Albany, Indiana

Sample Sign Requirements in New Albany

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaSetback
Flag (All Districts; see Residential limits)Residential flagpoles: meet minimum yard setbacks for a principal building.
Temporary Sign (Construction Activity)8 ftUp to 32 sq. ft. per sign faceShall not be located within any right-of-way; shall not be placed on utility poles, street lights, or public property (see 6.20(E)(4)(b)-(c)).
Temporary Sign (Any time - Yard Sign)2 sq. ft.Not within any right-of-way; not on utility poles, street lights, or public property (6.20(E)(4)(b)-(c)).

* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.

PermitPal Coverage for New AlbanyFull Coverage

Sign Types Covered

52

  • Integral Sign
  • Original Art Display
  • Freestanding or Ground-Mounted Sign (Combined Lots)
  • Marquee/Projecting Sign (Under Marquee)
  • +2 more types

Zoning Districts

9

Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations

Data Includes

  • Permit requirements
  • Height restrictions
  • Illumination rules

Official Resources for New Albany

City WebsiteMunicipal Code1 permit application link available

Frequently Asked Questions

Sign height limits in New Albany 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 New Albany, 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 New Albany, regulated sign types include Integral Sign, Original Art Display, Freestanding or Ground-Mounted Sign (Combined Lots), Marquee/Projecting Sign (Under Marquee), 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 New Albany 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 New Albany are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. New Albany has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.

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New Albany, Indiana Sign Rules at a Glance

New Albany, Indiana regulates 52 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the Mixed Use Corridor Commercial (MC); Mixed Use (MU) zoning district are capped at 28 ft tall and 35 sq. ft., with a Not in required side or rear yard; may project to ROW with required clearance; comply with MUTCD. setback (Sec. 6.20(I)(1)(a); 6.20(I)(4)(b)-(c), (e); 6.20(I)(5)(b); 6.20(I)(6)(a)). Most commercial signs in New Albany require a permit.

Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for New Albany, Indiana

Sign Rules by Zoning District in New Albany (9 zones)

Zoning DistrictSign Types RegulatedMax HeightMax AreaPermit Required
General Regulations For All Zones158 ftUp to 72 sq. ft. per façade
Low Density Residential; Mixed Density Residential; Traditional Residential7Flagpole: 25 ftTotal of 48 sq. ft. for all entrance signs
Mixed Use Corridor Commercial (MC); Mixed Use (MU)928 ft400 sq. ft. per sign
Downtown (D)928 ft400 sq. ft. per sign
Highway Oriented Commercial (HC)1828 ft400 sq. ft. per sign
Industrial4400 sq. ft. per sign
Institutional5Construction activity sign: 8 ft maxUp to 72 sq. ft. per façade
Open Space4Construction sign: 8 ftUp to 72 sq. ft. per façade
Cemetery4Construction sign: 8 ftUp to 72 sq. ft. per façade

Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in New Albany(sample of 3 of 9 zones)

General Regulations For All Zones

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Flag (All Districts; see Residential limits)Residential flagpoles: meet minimum yard setbacks for a principal building.Residential: 2 flags and 1 flagpole per premisesFlagpoles must comply with applicable setback standards when specified (see Residential).Unlock6.20(D)(4); 6.20(F)
Temporary Sign (Construction Activity)8 ftUp to 32 sq. ft. per sign faceShall not be located within any right-of-way; shall not be placed on utility poles, street lights, or public property (see 6.20(E)(4)(b)-(c)).On the site where construction activities are occurring.Unlock6.20(D)(5)
Temporary Sign (Any time - Yard Sign)2 sq. ft.Not within any right-of-way; not on utility poles, street lights, or public property (6.20(E)(4)(b)-(c)).Counts toward temporary sign limits in 6.20(E)(3)-(4)On the property by the property owner.Unlock6.20(E)(1)(a)
Temporary Sign (Any time - Window Sign)8.5 in x 11 in (approx. 0.65 sq. ft.)OneIn one window on the property.Unlock6.20(E)(1)(b)
Temporary Sign (Real Estate - Property For Sale)Not within right-of-way; not on utility poles/public property (6.20(E)(4)(b)-(c)).One per property offered for saleOn the property, with owner consent.Unlock6.20(E)(1)(c)
Temporary Sign (Open to Public Days)Not within right-of-way; not on utility poles/public property (6.20(E)(4)(b)-(c)).One during open daysOn the property.Unlock6.20(E)(2)
Temporary Sign (General Standards - apply to all temporary signs)Total temporary sign area per property: 16 sq. ft.Not within right-of-way; not on utility poles/public property (6.20(E)(4)(b)-(c)).2 per 0.25 acre plus 1 window sign (6.20(E)(3)); smaller lots: 2 plus 1 window sign per principal buildingNot within any right-of-way; not on utility poles, street lights, or public property.Unlock6.20(E)(3)-(4)
Original Art DisplayUp to 64 sq. ft. per lot or parcelLimit implied by max area per lotOn a wall on the lot or parcel (not a dwelling).Unlock6.20(K)(3)

Mixed Use Corridor Commercial (MC); Mixed Use (MU)

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Wall SignShall not extend above top of parapet wall or roofline at the wall35 sq. ft.On any wall of the building.Unlock6.20(I)(1)(a); 6.20(I)(4)(a), (e); 6.20(I)(6); 6.20(L)
Freestanding Sign28 ft35 sq. ft.Not in required side or rear yard; may project to ROW with required clearance; comply with MUTCD.1 per lot or parcel (except as provided in 6.20(I)(2))Not in required side or rear yard; may project up to street right-of-way if 8'6" ground clearance and location complies with the MUTCD.Unlock6.20(I)(1)(a); 6.20(I)(4)(b)-(c), (e); 6.20(I)(5)(b); 6.20(I)(6)(a)
Ground-Mounted Sign4 ft35 sq. ft.At least 5 ft from street ROW; not in required side or rear yard.1 per lot or parcel (except as provided in 6.20(I)(2))Not in required side or rear yard; at least 5 ft from street right-of-way.Unlock6.20(I)(1)(a); 6.20(I)(4)(c)(i); 6.20(I)(5)(a); 6.20(I)(6)(a)
Freestanding or Ground-Mounted Sign (Combined Lots)Freestanding: up to 28 ft; Ground-mounted: up to 4 ft35 sq. ft.Per freestanding/ground-mounted standards.1 combined sign serving multiple lotsAs allowed for freestanding or ground-mounted signs.Unlock6.20(I)(1)(d); 6.20(I)(4); 6.20(I)(5); 6.20(I)(6)
Marquee/Projecting Sign (Under Marquee)Vertical dimension limits by mounting heightUnder marquee or similar; must maintain required clearance.Unlock6.20(I)(4)(d)
Commercial Center Identification Sign (1–<5 acres)150 sq. ft.Per 6.20(I)(4) as applicable.1At the commercial center.Unlock6.20(I)(2)(a), (d)
Commercial Center Identification Sign (5–50 acres)400 sq. ft. per signPer 6.20(I)(4) as applicable.Up to 2At the commercial center.Unlock6.20(I)(2)(b), (d)
Commercial Center Identification Sign (>50 acres)400 sq. ft. per signPer 6.20(I)(4) as applicable.Up to 3At the commercial center.Unlock6.20(I)(2)(c), (d)

Highway Oriented Commercial (HC)

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Freestanding Sign (30 mph or less) (3 or fewer lanes)28 ft32 sq. ft.Per 6.20(I)(4).1 per lot or parcel (except as provided in 6.20(I)(2))Not in required side or rear yard; may project to ROW with required clearance; comply with MUTCD.Unlock6.20(I)(1)(c) table; 6.20(I)(4)(b)-(c), (e); 6.20(I)(5)(b); 6.20(I)(6)(a)
Freestanding Sign (35 mph or more) (3 or fewer lanes)28 ft50 sq. ft.Per 6.20(I)(4).1 per lot or parcel (except as provided in 6.20(I)(2))Not in required side or rear yard; may project to ROW with required clearance; comply with MUTCD.Unlock6.20(I)(1)(c) table; 6.20(I)(4)(b)-(c), (e); 6.20(I)(5)(b); 6.20(I)(6)(a)
Freestanding Sign (30 mph or less) (4 or more lanes)28 ft40 sq. ft.Per 6.20(I)(4).1 per lot or parcel (except as provided in 6.20(I)(2))Not in required side or rear yard; may project to ROW with required clearance; comply with MUTCD.Unlock6.20(I)(1)(c) table; 6.20(I)(4)(b)-(c), (e); 6.20(I)(5)(b); 6.20(I)(6)(a)
Freestanding Sign (35 mph or more) (4 or more lanes)28 ft72 sq. ft.Per 6.20(I)(4).1 per lot or parcel (except as provided in 6.20(I)(2))Not in required side or rear yard; may project to ROW with required clearance; comply with MUTCD.Unlock6.20(I)(1)(c) table; 6.20(I)(4)(b)-(c), (e); 6.20(I)(5)(b); 6.20(I)(6)(a)
Ground-Mounted Sign (30 mph or less) (3 or fewer lanes)4 ft32 sq. ft.≥5 ft from street ROW; not in required side/rear yard.1 per lot or parcel (except as provided in 6.20(I)(2))At least 5 ft from street right-of-way; not in required side or rear yard.Unlock6.20(I)(1)(c) table; 6.20(I)(4)(c)(i); 6.20(I)(5)(a); 6.20(I)(6)(a)
Ground-Mounted Sign (35 mph or more) (3 or fewer lanes)4 ft50 sq. ft.≥5 ft from street ROW; not in required side/rear yard.1 per lot or parcel (except as provided in 6.20(I)(2))At least 5 ft from street right-of-way; not in required side or rear yard.Unlock6.20(I)(1)(c) table; 6.20(I)(4)(c)(i); 6.20(I)(5)(a); 6.20(I)(6)(a)
Ground-Mounted Sign (30 mph or less) (4 or more lanes)4 ft40 sq. ft.≥5 ft from street ROW; not in required side/rear yard.1 per lot or parcel (except as provided in 6.20(I)(2))At least 5 ft from street right-of-way; not in required side or rear yard.Unlock6.20(I)(1)(c) table; 6.20(I)(4)(c)(i); 6.20(I)(5)(a); 6.20(I)(6)(a)
Ground-Mounted Sign (35 mph or more) (4 or more lanes)4 ft72 sq. ft.≥5 ft from street ROW; not in required side/rear yard.1 per lot or parcel (except as provided in 6.20(I)(2))At least 5 ft from street right-of-way; not in required side or rear yard.Unlock6.20(I)(1)(c) table; 6.20(I)(4)(c)(i); 6.20(I)(5)(a); 6.20(I)(6)(a)

PermitPal covers all 9 zoning districts in New Albany — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.

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Prohibited Signs in New Albany

  • Signs that may be confused with or hide traffic control devices, street signs, or signals
  • Signs with banners, posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, strings of light bulbs, spinners, or any similarly moving devices, or any sign that moves or swings because of wind pressure (unless specifically permitted by other legislation)
  • Signs with blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or other illuminating devices that exhibit movement (except Digital Billboards as permitted)
  • Roof signs
  • Billboards
  • Freeway-oriented signs except as allowed as Highway Signs
  • Original art displays without property owner permission or that are graffiti
  • Original art displays placed on a dwelling, that extend more than six inches from the wall plane, or exceed 64 square feet per lot/parcel
  • Portable signs that do not comply with the location, size, or use restrictions of this Code
  • Commercial signs in Residential Districts or on property used for residential uses
  • Sign lighting that creates a distracting or hazardous condition to motorists, pedestrians, or the general public
  • Exposed reflective bulbs, par spots, or incandescent lamps exceeding 25 watts visible from a public street or highway (exposure to direct view prohibited; may be used only for indirect illumination)
  • Neon tubing on or in a sign exceeding 300 mA (white) or 100 mA (colored)
  • Interior fluorescent sign illumination exceeding specified maximums (Residential: equivalent to 425 mA behind a Plexiglas face with 7-inch spacing; nonresidential: equivalent to 800 mA behind a Plexiglas face with 9-inch spacing)
  • Integral signs may not be internally illuminated

Exempt Signs in New Albany

  • Signs erected, maintained, posted, owned, or leased by the State of Indiana, the Federal Government, or the City are not subject to this Article
  • Sign permits are not required for signs described in Section 6.20(D) (Authorized Signs) and Section 6.20(E) (Temporary Signs)
  • Sign permits are not required for official notices or advertisements posted or displayed by or under the direction of any public or court officer in the performance of official duties (must be removed within 10 days after their purpose is accomplished)
  • Authorized signs in every district: regulatory, information, identification, or directional signs required by law or a government entity
  • Traffic control devices erected and maintained to comply with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
  • Address numerals identifying a property, visible from the street or placed on a mailbox or suitable device if the building is not visible
  • Horizontal directional signs flush with paved areas are exempt from these standards
  • Temporary signs up to 32 square feet per sign face and a maximum height of 8 feet erected during construction activities on the site (authorized in every district and permit-exempt per Section 6.20(G)(3))

Sign Plan & Submission Notes for New Albany

  • A sign permit is required before displaying or installing any sign, except those exempted in Section 6.20(G)(3)
  • Private signs located within the right-of-way require approval of the Board of Public Works
  • Applications for sign permits are processed per Article 7.11 (Sign Permits)
  • If the Zoning Administrator denies a permit, the applicant may appeal under Article 7.3 (Appeals of Administrative Decisions)
  • Any sign that is altered, relocated, or replaced must immediately comply with all provisions of this Code
  • No master sign plan or sign plan requirement is referenced in the provided text; only permitting procedures are specified

Source: other municipal code