Sign Regulations in Richmond, Indiana
Richmond, Indiana has specific sign regulations covering 33 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Special Temporary Sign, Wall Sign (Single-Tenant Building), Wall Sign (Multiple-Tenant Building). 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 Richmond, Indiana
Sample Sign Requirements in Richmond
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Single-Tenant Building) | — | 85 sq. ft. (front), 25 sq. ft. (side/rear) | — |
| Wall Sign (Multiple-Tenant Building) | — | 60 sq. ft. (front), 25 sq. ft. (side/rear per tenant) | — |
| Ground Sign (Single-Tenant Building) | 6 ft. | 40 sq. ft. | 5 ft. from right-of-way/curb, 10 ft. from property lines |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for RichmondFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
33
- Special Temporary Sign
- Wall Sign (Single-Tenant Building)
- Wall Sign (Multiple-Tenant Building)
- Ground Sign (Single-Tenant Building)
- +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 Richmond 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 Richmond, 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 Richmond, regulated sign types include Special Temporary Sign, Wall Sign (Single-Tenant Building), Wall Sign (Multiple-Tenant Building), Ground Sign (Single-Tenant Building), 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 Richmond 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 Richmond are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Richmond has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Richmond, Indiana Sign Rules at a Glance
Richmond, Indiana regulates 33 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Ground Sign (Single-Tenant Building)s in the Parks District (PR), Neighborhood Commercial District (NC), Limited Commercial District (LC), Central Business District (CB) zoning district are capped at 6 ft. tall and 40 sq. ft., with a 5 ft. from right-of-way/curb, 10 ft. from property lines setback (Sec. § 165.350(B)(2)). Most commercial signs in Richmond require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Richmond, Indiana
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Richmond (9 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | — | — | — |
| Parks District (PR), Neighborhood Commercial District (NC), Limited Commercial District (LC), Central Business District (CB) | 14 | 36 in. | 85 sq. ft. (front), 25 sq. ft. (side/rear) | — |
| Agricultural District (AG) | 4 | 15 ft. | 36 sq. ft. per side | — |
| Residential District (R1, R2, R3, UR) | 1 | 5 ft. | 10 sq. ft. per side | — |
| Multiple-Family Residential and Manufactured Home Park District (M1, M2, MP) | 6 | 15 ft. | 100 sq. ft. (main), 60 sq. ft. (additional) | — |
| Intense Agriculture District (IA), University District (UV), Institutional District (IS) | 13 | 36 in. | 65 sq. ft. | — |
| General Commercial District (GC), Outdoor Commercial District (OC), Industrial Commercial District (IC) | 14 | 36 in. | 200 sq. ft. (front), 70 sq. ft. (other) | — |
| Highway Commercial District (HC) | 13 | 36 in. | Up to 225 sq. ft. | — |
| Employment Park District (EP), Light Industrial District (I1, I2), Heavy Industrial District (HI) | 9 | 36 in. | 400 sq. ft. | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Richmond(sample of 3 of 9 zones)
Parks District (PR), Neighborhood Commercial District (NC), Limited Commercial District (LC), Central Business District (CB)
| 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 (Single-Tenant Building) | 6 ft. | 40 sq. ft. | — | 5 ft. from right-of-way/curb, 10 ft. from property lines | 1 | Min 5 ft from right-of-way, pavement, or curb. Setback 10 ft from all property lines. | — | Unlock | § 165.350(B)(2) |
| Ground Sign (Multiple-Tenant Building) | 6 ft. | 40 sq. ft. | — | 5 ft. from right-of-way/curb, 10 ft. from property lines | 1 | Min 5 ft from right-of-way, pavement, or curb. Setback 10 ft from all property lines. | — | Unlock | § 165.350(B)(2) |
| Projecting Sign (Single-Tenant Building) | 14 ft. max (8 ft. min) | 20 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 (2 for corner) | Within 10 ft of the primary entrance; at least 2 ft from curb or driving surface. | — | Unlock | § 165.350(B)(3) |
| Projecting Sign (Multiple-Tenant Building) | 14 ft. max (8 ft. min) | 14 sq. ft. per tenant | — | — | 1 per tenant space | Within 10 ft of the primary entrance; at least 2 ft from curb or driving surface. | — | Unlock | § 165.350(B)(3) |
| Display Board Sign (Single-Tenant Building) | 7 ft. | 40 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 | Attached to building or designated window | — | Unlock | § 165.350(B)(5) |
| Display Board Sign (Multiple-Tenant Building) | 7 ft. | 20 sq. ft. per tenant | — | — | 1 per tenant | Attached to building or designated window | — | Unlock | § 165.350(B)(5) |
| Tenant Listing Sign (Multiple-Tenant Building) | 7 ft. | 6 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per lobby/stairway | Within 10 ft of entrance to common lobby/stairway | — | Unlock | § 165.350(B)(6) |
| Directional Device Sign | 36 in. | 3 sq. ft. per side per entrance | — | — | 2 per lot | Indicating vehicular entry/exit, not in right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 165.350(B)(7) |
General Commercial District (GC), Outdoor Commercial District (OC), Industrial Commercial District (IC)
| 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 (Single-Tenant Building) | 8 ft. | 120 sq. ft. | — | 5 ft. from right-of-way/edge, 10 ft. from property lines | 1 | Min 5 ft from right-of-way/pavement, 10 ft from property lines | — | Unlock | § 165.351(B)(2) |
| Gateway Sign (Multiple-Tenant Building) | 15 ft. | 160 sq. ft. overall, 50 sq. ft./tenant | — | 5 ft. from right-of-way/edge, 10 ft. from property lines | 1 | Min 5 ft from right-of-way/edge, 10 ft from property lines | — | Unlock | § 165.351(B)(3) |
| Pole Sign (Single-Tenant Building) | 20 ft. | 100 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft. from right-of-way/curb, 20 ft. from property lines | 1 | Min 10 ft from right-of-way/curb/edge, 20 ft from property lines | — | Unlock | § 165.351(B)(4) |
| Pole Sign (Multiple-Tenant Building) | 20 ft. | 100 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft. from right-of-way/curb, 20 ft. from property lines | 1 | Min 10 ft from right-of-way/curb/edge, 20 ft from property lines | — | Unlock | § 165.351(B)(4) |
| Display Board Sign (Single-Tenant Building) | 6 ft. | 50 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 | Attached to or designated window | — | Unlock | § 165.351(B)(6) |
| Display Board Sign (Multiple-Tenant Building) | 6 ft. | 20 sq. ft. per tenant | — | — | 1 per tenant | Attached or window | — | Unlock | § 165.351(B)(6) |
| Directional Device Sign | 36 in. | 3 sq. ft. per side per entrance | — | — | 2 per frontage, 4 per lot | Vehicular entry/exit only, not in right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 165.351(B)(7) |
| Standard Temporary Sign | 5 ft. | 30 sq. ft. per side | — | 5 ft. from right-of-way/edge/curb | As above | Min 5 ft. from right-of-way/edge/curb, unless in first floor window | — | Unlock | § 165.351(C)(4) |
Highway Commercial District (HC)
| 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 (Single-Tenant Building) | 8 ft. | 120 sq. ft. | — | 5 ft. from right-of-way/edge/curb, 10 ft. from property lines | 1 | Min 5 ft from right-of-way/edge/curb, 10 ft from property lines | — | Unlock | § 165.352(B)(2) |
| Gateway Sign (Multiple-Tenant Building) | 8 ft. | 160 sq. ft. overall, 50 sq. ft. per tenant | — | 5 ft. from right-of-way/edge/curb, 10 ft. from property lines | 1 | Min 5 ft from right-of-way/edge/curb, 10 ft from property lines | — | Unlock | § 165.352(B)(3) |
| Pole Sign (Single-Tenant Building) | 35-75 ft. (depends on sign area) | Up to 225 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft. from right-of-way/edge, 20 ft. from property lines | 1 | Min 10 ft from right-of-way/edge, 20 ft from property lines | — | Unlock | § 165.352(B)(4) |
| Pole Sign (Multiple-Tenant Building) | 35-75 ft. (depends on sign area) | Up to 225 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft. from right-of-way/edge, 20 ft. from property lines | 1 | Min 10 ft from right-of-way/edge, 20 ft from property lines | — | Unlock | § 165.352(B)(4) |
| Display Board Sign (Single-Tenant Building) | 6 ft. | 50 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 | Attached or window | — | Unlock | § 165.352(B)(6) |
| Display Board Sign (Multiple-Tenant Building) | 6 ft. | 20 sq. ft. per tenant | — | — | 1 per tenant | Attached or window | — | Unlock | § 165.352(B)(6) |
| Directional Device Sign | 36 in. | 3 sq. ft. per side per entrance | — | — | 2 per frontage, 4 per lot | Vehicular entry/exit only, not in right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 165.352(B)(7) |
| Standard Temporary Sign | 5 ft. | 30 sq. ft. per side | — | 5 ft. from right-of-way/edge/curb | As above | Min 5 ft. from right-of-way/edge/curb unless in first floor window | — | Unlock | § 165.352(C)(4) |
PermitPal covers all 9 zoning districts in Richmond — 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 Richmond — start freeProhibited Signs in Richmond
- Signs that gain attention through flashing (i.e., flashing signs) are prohibited.
- Vehicles with a sign area greater than 50 square feet parked for the primary purpose of displaying the sign are prohibited.
- Strobe lights, search lights, beacons, or any light that rapidly flashes, projects light skyward or horizontally in a circle are prohibited except as approved for special events on a temporary basis.
- Signs or devices with visibly moving parts are prohibited.
- Animated signs that gain attention through animation are prohibited.
- Signs that convey obscene, indecent, or profane content not allowable on broadcast television or radio during daytime hours per FCC rules are prohibited.
- Signs that emulate emergency service vehicles or common traffic signs or signals, or use words and formats that may cause driver confusion or unsafe conditions are prohibited.
- Signs are prohibited in the right-of-way unless authorized by the Board of Public Works and Safety, except as specified elsewhere.
- Signs are prohibited on any traffic-control device, street sign, construction sign or utility pole.
- Permanent signs are prohibited on any fence.
- Signs may not be attached to any tree, shrub or other natural object.
- Signs may not be attached to or integrated into any bench or outdoor seating.
- Signs may not be attached to or integrated into telecommunication antennas, towers, television antennas, or similar towers.
- Signs may not be attached to or perceived to be attached to the roof of a structure, including as part of roofing material.
- Signs are prohibited on a fire escape or if they block the view from the right-of-way to a fire door.
- Signs that obstruct or interfere with internal or external safe movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic are prohibited.
- Artificially altering the elevation of the ground, increasing wall or parapet wall height to improve visibility of a sign is prohibited.
- Signs are prohibited in areas where vision clearance is required by the Vision Clearance Triangle Standards.
- Signs must comply with all applicable lighting standards regarding glare, light trespass, and separation from residential dwellings.
- All signs and sign components must be kept in good repair and safe, clean, and working condition with any required landscaping maintained.
Exempt Signs in Richmond
- The flag of any nation, state, city or other political unit is exempt from sign regulation.
- Outdoor scoreboards used in conjunction with legally-established sport fields are exempt, unless visible from a public street and containing a commercial message.
- Posting of street addresses for property identification is exempt.
- Public safety or private property messages (e.g., 'Beware of Dog', 'No Trespassing', 'Video Surveillance') are exempt.
- Posting of operational limitations or information (e.g., hours of operation, admittance requirements, parking instructions) is exempt.
- Messages required by state agency, state law, federal agency, or federal law are exempt.
- Religious symbols incorporated into the architecture of places of worship or religious organizations are exempt.
- Holiday decorations conveying no commercial message are exempt.
- Artistic expression on building walls not conveying commercial messages is exempt; art with a commercial message is regulated as a wall sign.
- Political campaign signs are considered freedom of speech and are not regulated as signs.
- Signs permitted by the controlling agency of a right-of-way are exempt.
- Entryway features regulated by and approved as a subdivision design feature are exempt.
- Changing the face of a conforming or legal non-conforming permanent sign (face-out, face-in change) is exempt from permit and standards provided size, height, mass, lighting intensity, location, face method, and structure type are unchanged.
- Changeable content on a permitted changeable copy sign is exempt from sign regulations as long as content does not extend outside the permitted sign area.
- Postings on permitted permanent display board signs are exempt.
- Commercial messages displayed inside a building and not legible from outside by pedestrians or drivers are exempt.
- Minuscule commercial messages at entrances (up to 30 square inches each, 240 square inches total per entrance) such as credit card logos are exempt.
- Menu boards for drive-through or walk-up window service are exempt.
- Signs displayed on the inside of windows are exempt.
- Signs for home businesses are exempt from this section but are covered by home business standards.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Richmond
- An improvement location permit is required for all signs that are located, erected, constructed, reconstructed, moved or structurally altered unless otherwise specified as exempt.
- A state sign permit or written authorization is required from the State Department of Transportation for signs along state-owned interstates or highways prior to obtaining a local improvement location permit.
- Signs proposed within an easement require written approval from the easement holder before applying for an improvement location permit.
- For non-exempt standard temporary signs, an improvement location permit is generally not required provided applicable standards are met.
- Special temporary signs generally require obtaining an improvement location permit.
- Multiple-tenant building signs: The sign envelope (area, location, character) permitted for tenants and consistent sign appearance standards are identified during the permitting process and should not exceed 150% of allowable wall sign area per tenant.
- Wayfinding system sign proposals must be reviewed and approved by the Zoning Administrator, who will consider need, size, location, number, and appearance of signs.
- Any proposal for wayfinding systems, as well as for Master Sign Plans where required by zoning overlay or special district, must be reviewed/approved by the appropriate authority (e.g., Zoning Administrator).