Sign Regulations in Rising Sun, Indiana
Rising Sun, Indiana has specific sign regulations covering 37 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Residence Sign, Institutional Sign / Bulletin Board Sign, Directional or Informational 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 Rising Sun, Indiana
Sample Sign Requirements in Rising Sun
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residence Sign | 1 foot (12 inches) | 6" x 12" (0.5 sq.ft.) | 10 feet from right-of-way |
| Institutional Sign / Bulletin Board Sign | 5 feet | 25 sq.ft. per side; 50 sq.ft. total | 10 feet from right-of-way |
| Directional or Informational Sign | 4 feet | 4 sq.ft. per side; 8 sq.ft. overall | 10 feet from right-of-way |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Rising SunFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
37
- Residence Sign
- Institutional Sign / Bulletin Board Sign
- Directional or Informational Sign
- Sale of Personal Property Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
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 Rising Sun 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 Rising Sun, 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 Rising Sun, regulated sign types include Residence Sign, Institutional Sign / Bulletin Board Sign, Directional or Informational Sign, Sale of Personal Property 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 Rising Sun 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 Rising Sun are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Rising Sun has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Rising Sun, Indiana Sign Rules at a Glance
Rising Sun, Indiana regulates 37 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Residence Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 1 foot (12 inches) tall, 6" x 12" (0.5 sq.ft.), and 12 inches wide, with a 10 feet from right-of-way setback (Sec. §152.02(I)(1)(a); Exhibit B). Most commercial signs in Rising Sun require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Rising Sun, Indiana
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Rising Sun (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 10 | 10 feet (non-residential); 4 feet (residential) | 60 sq.ft. per face; max 2 faces (non-residential); 6 sq.ft. per face in residential districts | — |
| Residential District (R-1, R-2, R-1C, MSB-1) | 2 | 10 feet | 32 sq.ft. per side | — |
| Retail/Office/Planned Industrial District (B-1, B-2, MSB-1, I-1) | 10 | 15 feet | 100 sq.ft. (main); 75 sq.ft. (corner lot) | — |
| Shopping Center and Other Developments (B-1, B-2, MSD-1) | 4 | 30 feet | 60 sq.ft. per side, 120 sq.ft. total | — |
| Service Stations (B-1, B-2) | 4 | 30 feet | 70 sq.ft. | — |
| City Center Development Overlay (CCDO) District | 7 | May not extend higher than: 25 feet above grade, the bottom of the sills of the first level of windows above first story, or the lowest point of the roof (whichever is lowest) | 30 sq.ft. | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Rising Sun(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
General Regulations For All Zones
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residence Sign | 1 foot (12 inches) | 6" x 12" (0.5 sq.ft.) | 12 inches | 10 feet from right-of-way | 1 | Residence structure; at least 10 feet from right-of-way | — | Unlock | §152.02(I)(1)(a); Exhibit B |
| Institutional Sign / Bulletin Board Sign | 5 feet | 25 sq.ft. per side; 50 sq.ft. total | — | 10 feet from right-of-way | 2 | On property of public, institutional, religious or charitable organization; at least 10 feet from right-of-way | — | Unlock | §152.02(D)(12), (I)(1)(b); Exhibit B |
| Directional or Informational Sign | 4 feet | 4 sq.ft. per side; 8 sq.ft. overall | — | 10 feet from right-of-way | n/a | Parking lots or on-premises, at least 10 feet behind right-of-way | — | Unlock | §152.02(I)(1)(c), (P)(1); Exhibit B |
| Real Estate Sign - Temporary (All Zones) | 4 feet | 12 sq.ft. per side (except residential districts, then 6 sq.ft. per side) | — | 15 feet from street right-of-way | 1 | On property for sale, lease, or rent | — | Unlock | §152.02(I)(4), (R)(1)(a); Exhibit B |
| Real Estate Directional Sign | 4 feet | 1.5 sq.ft. per side; max 2 sides | — | No more than 10 feet from right-of-way | Up to 4 per subject property | Not more than 1 mile from property at intersection; not more than 10 feet from right-of-way; owner permission required | — | Unlock | §152.02(I)(5) |
| Construction Sign - Temporary | 10 feet (non-residential); 4 feet (residential) | 60 sq.ft. per face; max 2 faces (non-residential); 6 sq.ft. per face in residential districts | — | 10 feet from right-of-way/adjoining property lines | 1 | Only on the subject property; minimum 10 feet from right-of-way | — | Unlock | §152.02(R)(2)(a) |
| Temporary Subdivision Sign | 10 feet | 32 sq.ft. per side; max 2 sides | — | 10 feet from right-of-way/adjoining property lines | Max 2 per development | Property for sale or being developed; 10 feet from right-of-way or property line | — | Unlock | §152.02(R)(2)(b) |
| Temporary Sign for Non-profit Activities/Events | 5 feet | 12 sq.ft. per face; max 2 faces | — | 10 feet from right-of-way/adjoining property lines | 1 per road frontage | Minimum 10 feet from right-of-way/adjoining property line | — | Unlock | §152.02(R)(2)(c) |
Retail/Office/Planned Industrial District (B-1, B-2, MSB-1, I-1)
| 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 (Single Occupancy) | No lower than 7.5 feet; no higher than 15 feet above the abutting surface | 100 sq.ft. (main); 75 sq.ft. (corner lot) | — | — | 1 per surface facing street | Mounted on wall of building; 1 wall sign per street-facing wall | — | Unlock | §152.02(K)(1)(a); Exhibit B |
| Projecting Sign (Single Occupancy) | At least 7'6" above public sidewalk; 15 feet above any drive | 3 sq.ft. per side, 6 sq.ft. overall | Can project up to 4 feet perpendicular from building wall | — | 1 | Attached to building, projecting at angle up to 90 degrees | — | Unlock | §152.02(K)(1)(b); Exhibit B |
| Free-standing Sign (Single Occupancy) | 5 feet | 30 sq.ft. per side, 60 sq.ft. total | — | 10 feet from street right-of-way | 1 | At least 10 ft from street right-of-way line | — | Unlock | §152.02(K)(1)(c); Exhibit B |
| Pole Sign (Single Occupancy, Option in lieu of Free-standing) | 15 feet | 20 sq.ft. per side, 40 sq.ft. total | — | 10 feet from right-of-way | 1 | At least 10 ft from right-of-way | — | Unlock | §152.02(K)(1)(d); Exhibit B |
| Free-standing Identification Sign (Multiple Occupancy) | 5 feet | 30 sq.ft. per side, 60 sq.ft. total | — | 10 feet from right-of-way | 1 per parcel/project | At least 10 ft from street right-of-way; 1 per parcel/project | — | Unlock | §152.02(K)(2)(a) |
| Projecting Sign (First Floor Tenant, Multiple Occupancy) | At least 7'6" above sidewalk, 15 feet above drive | 3 sq.ft. per side, 6 sq.ft. overall | Up to 4 feet projecting | — | 1 per eligible first floor tenant | First floor tenant, with own entrance | — | Unlock | §152.02(K)(2)(b) |
| Plaque (Upper Level Tenants/No Exterior Wall) | 5 ft. from grade (centerline); width not to exceed width of attachment surface | 3 sq.ft. | — | — | 1 per upper level tenant (grouped as described) | Adjacent to building entrance | — | Unlock | §152.02(K)(2)(c)-(d) |
| Pole Sign (Multiple Occupancy, Option in lieu of Free-standing) | 15 feet | 20 sq.ft. per side, 40 sq.ft. total | — | 10 feet from right-of-way | 1 | At least 10 ft from right-of-way | — | Unlock | §152.02(K)(2)(e); Exhibit B |
City Center Development Overlay (CCDO) District
| 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 | May not extend higher than: 25 feet above grade, the bottom of the sills of the first level of windows above first story, or the lowest point of the roof (whichever is lowest) | 30 sq.ft. | — | — | 1 per building face | On building wall; not roofs, chimneys, smokestacks, stair towers, or penthouses | — | Unlock | §152.02(Q)(2)(a)-(j) |
| Projecting Sign | At least 7 feet above ground, 7'6" above sidewalk, 15 feet above drive; top cannot extend above: 25 feet above grade, bottom of sills of first windows above first story, or lowest point of roof | 3 sq.ft. per side, 6 sq.ft. overall | Project no more than 4 feet from building at 90 deg | — | 1 per entrance door | Projecting from building at entrance; not attached to roofs, chimneys, etc. | — | Unlock | §152.02(Q)(2)(b),(4)-(5) |
| Free-standing Sign (Outside Main Street) | 4 feet from ground | 20 sq.ft. per side, 40 sq.ft. total | — | 10 feet from street right-of-way | n/a | Outside Main Street only, at least 10 feet from street right-of-way | — | Unlock | §152.02(Q)(2)(c) |
| Awning Sign | — | — | — | — | n/a | Face or underside of one projecting structure | — | Unlock | §152.02(Q)(2)(d) |
| Window Sign (Permanent) | — | Not more than 30% of window area | — | — | n/a | Inside of window glass | — | Unlock | §152.02(Q)(2)(e) |
| Temporary Window Sign | — | Not more than 30% of window area | — | — | n/a | Inside of window glass | — | Unlock | §152.02(Q)(2)(f) |
| Plaque/Identification Sign for Upper Story Occupants | Height optional; width not to exceed width of surface of attachment; 5 ft above average grade (horizontal center) | 3 sq.ft. | — | — | 1 per occupant with access | Adjacent to building entrance | — | Unlock | §152.02(Q)(2)(i) |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Rising Sun — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 6 zones for Rising Sun — start freeProhibited Signs in Rising Sun
- No person shall place, maintain, or display any unauthorized sign, signal, marking, or device which purports to be or resembles an official traffic-control device or signal, or which attempts to direct movement of traffic, or which hides from view or interferes with traffic or effectiveness of any traffic control device.
- No person shall place or maintain any sign bearing commercial advertising upon any street or street device.
- It is unlawful for any person not authorized by the Mayor and City Council to post any signs, place any barricades, or paint curbs to create the impression that parking is limited or prohibited.
- It shall be unlawful to deface, injure, move, or interfere with any traffic sign or signal, including street name signs and house numbers.
- Sale signs are prohibited on city property, including but not limited to parks, playgrounds, utility poles, guard rails, public buildings, and/or public right-of-ways.
- All signs must conform to the Indiana Basic Building Code and National Electric Code.
- No sign shall be illuminated by or contain flashing, intermittent, rotating, or moving light (all illumination must be constant and shielded to prevent glare or reflection on public thoroughfares).
- Animated, beacon, and roof signs are not permitted.
- No projecting signs may extend more than two feet from the front or face of a building.
- No sign shall be placed on a roof except integral roof signs with concealed structures.
- No portable or temporary sign shall be placed on a building or premises except as provided.
- Window signs visible from public or private street or highway shall not occupy more than 50% of the window surface.
- No sign shall be attached to a fire escape or any door or window giving access to a fire escape or fire exit.
- All signs must bear a permit number and date installed (applies to permanent and temporary signs).
- Abandoned, unsafe, or dangerous signs must be repaired or removed within five days of notice.
- No business shall use, place, or erect temporary or non-permanent signs except as specifically allowed.
- Signs shall not obstruct traffic sight lines or safety signs.
- No sign may be located so as to impede a Clearview Zone at intersections.
- Prohibited: mobile signs on wheels/casters/runners or temporary/non-permanent signs except as permitted.
- Prohibited: signs painted on or attached to trees, telephone poles, public benches, or streetlights.
- Prohibited: roof signs.
- Prohibited: abandoned signs or any sign advertising a business or product no longer sold or existing.
- Prohibited: any sign by reason of size, location, content, coloring, or illumination that constitutes a traffic hazard or obstructs drivers’ vision or traffic devices.
- Prohibited: any sign or structure deemed structurally unsafe or hazardous by Building Inspector.
- Prohibited: any sign using words or symbols such as “Stop,” “Look,” “Danger” that could mislead or confuse traffic.
- Prohibited: any signs imitating or resembling official traffic or government signs or signals.
- Prohibited: real estate signs displayed at locations other than on the premises offered for sale or rent.
- No sign (other than exempted signs) may be located in a right-of-way or applied to trees, utility poles, street sign structures, bus shelters, benches, trash receptacles, or temporary supporting devices.
- Any sign or device located within a public right-of-way is deemed a public nuisance, subject to removal after notice.
- Any permanent or temporary sign in violation of ordinance is deemed a public nuisance, subject to removal after notice.
Exempt Signs in Rising Sun
- Governmental signs for identification and other regulatory purposes, direction and control of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, street signs, warning signs, railroad crossing signs, and signs of public utility for identification and public safety.
- Political signs.
- Flags, emblems, insignia, and signs of any governmental agency or political subdivision.
- Signs within a stadium, theatre, building, arena, or other structure, provided such signs can be viewed only by persons within such structure.
- Permanent residential signs (name/address only, size limitations) do not require a zoning certificate.
- Bulletin boards and signs for church, school, community, or public/semi-public institutional buildings within allowed size and location limits do not require a zoning certificate.
- Directional and informational signs (as specified) do not require a zoning certificate.
- Temporary signs for sale of personal property (garage/yard/porch/moving sales) within limits do not require a zoning certificate.
- Unlighted real estate signs pertaining only to the sale, lease, or rent of the premises, within size/location limits, do not require a zoning certificate.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Rising Sun
- In the City Center Development Overlay (CCDO) District, all applications for a sign permit must be accompanied by drawings showing the design, size, colors, illumination method, location, and construction details of the proposed sign.
- The Building Inspector reviews and may seek expert review of sign plans in the CCDO District for compliance with ordinance and district design guidelines.
- If the Building Inspector does not approve a proposed sign in the CCDO District, the applicant may appeal to the City's Zoning Board of Appeals.
- Bulletin boards and signs for institutional uses require 'provision...for the (perpetual) maintenance of the sign and surrounding land area shall be made to the City's satisfaction,' implying a maintenance/management plan may be required.
- For temporary subdivision signs, an application to the Building Inspector is required for a permit as a special exception.
- Signs for special events or development may specifically require a permit or approval process as outlined in relevant sections.
- All signage within shopping centers or developments must be of the same type of construction and materials, indicating a coordinated design plan may be needed.