# Sign Regulations in Rushville, Indiana

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Rushville, Indiana, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Rushville, Indiana (IN)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/indiana/rushville
- **Data last verified:** 2025-11-22
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://www.cityofrushville.in.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Sign-Ordinance-1.30.19-1.pdf)

## At a glance

Rushville, Indiana regulates 24 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Sandwich Board Sign (Temporary)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at ≤4 ft tall, ≤8 sq ft, and ≤2 ft wide, with a Within 10 ft of primary entrance setback (Sec. Article X – Section G.2.f–i.). Most commercial signs in Rushville require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (8 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| R-3 | 1 | 6 ft | 36 sq ft per sign | — |
| R-4 | 5 | Bottom of awning ≥8.5 ft above finished grade | 100 sq ft (Maximum Wall Sign Size, Step 3) | — |
| CBD | 10 | Bottom of awning ≥8.5 ft above finished grade | 200 sq ft (Maximum Wall Sign Size, Step 3) | — |
| C-1 | 10 | Bottom of awning ≥8.5 ft above finished grade | 200 sq ft | — |
| C-2 | 9 | Bottom of awning ≥8.5 ft above finished grade | 200 sq ft | — |
| M-1 | 9 | Bottom of awning ≥8.5 ft above finished grade | 200 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 14 | Up to 8 ft; shall not exceed height of tallest building in development | Up to 200 sq ft | — |

_1 additional zoning district is covered in PermitPal (free account)._

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 8 zones)

### CBD

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | 200 sq ft (Maximum Wall Sign Size, Step 3) | — | — | — | On facade of primary structure facing a public or private street (Section F.5). | — | Article X – Step 2 (Wall Sign: P in CBD); Step 1 (2 sq ft/lf); Step 3 (Max Wall Sign Size 200 sq ft; +25% for multi-tenant joint signs); Section F.5. |
| Awning Sign | Bottom of awning ≥8.5 ft above finished grade | — | — | — | — | Mounted on facade of principal structure. | — | Article X – Step 2 (Awning Sign: P in CBD); Section F.4. |
| Projecting Sign (One per business) | — | 24 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business | — | — | Article X – Step 2 (Projecting Sign: P in CBD, one per business); Step 3 (Max 24 sq ft). |
| Window Sign | — | Coverage up to 25% of window area (Step 3) | — | — | — | Within window area. | — | Article X – Step 2 (Window Sign: P in CBD); Step 3 (Max Window Coverage 25%); Section H.10 (exempt window signs). |
| Ground/Monument Sign | 6 ft | 36 sq ft per sign | — | 10 ft from public right-of-way | 1 per lot | Ground mounted, monument-type. | — | Article X – Second table (Ground/Monument: P); Step 3 (Max Ground/Monument Height 6 ft; +25% for multi-tenant joint signs); Section F.7; Section F.6. |
| Free-standing/Pylon Sign (Special Exception) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | — | On site of the use identified (Section F.1 and Section 9.a.iii for EMB context). | — | Article X – Step 2 (Free-standing/Pylon: S in CBD); Step 3 (Max Free-standing/Pylon Sign Area 32 sq ft); Section F.1.b. |
| Electronic Message Board | — | — | — | ≥100 ft from residential districts; ≥125 ft from signalized intersections | — | On site of the use identified/advertised; not within 125 ft of a signalized intersection (Section 9.a.iii, 9.a.ii). | — | Article X – Second table (Electronic Message Board: P in CBD); Section 9.a–9.g. |
| Wall Sign (Upper-floor Uses) | — | 50 sq ft (upper-floor total) | — | — | — | Between eaves/cornice/roof element and top of windows on uppermost floor (Section D.2). | — | Article X – Section D.1–D.2; Step 3 (Maximum Multiple-floor Sign Area 50 sq ft for CBD). |

### C-1

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | 200 sq ft | — | — | — | On facade facing public/private street. | — | Article X – Step 2 (Wall Sign: P C-1); Step 1; Step 3 (+25% multi-tenant); Section F.5. |
| Awning Sign | Bottom of awning ≥8.5 ft above finished grade | — | — | — | — | Mounted on facade of principal structure. | — | Article X – Step 2 (Awning Sign: P C-1); Section F.4. |
| Projecting Sign (One per business) | — | 24 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business | — | — | Article X – Step 2 (Projecting Sign: P C-1); Step 3 (Max 24 sq ft). |
| Window Sign | — | Coverage up to 25% of window area (Step 3) | — | — | — | Within window area. | — | Article X – Step 2 (Window Sign: P C-1); Step 3 (Max Window Coverage 25%); Section H.10. |
| Ground/Monument Sign | 8 ft | 36 sq ft per sign | — | 10 ft from public right-of-way | 1 per lot | Ground mounted, monument-type. | — | Article X – Second table (Ground/Monument: P); Step 3 (Max Ground/Monument Height 8 ft; +25% multi-tenant); Section F.7; Section F.6. |
| Free-standing/Pylon Sign (Special Exception) | — | 50 sq ft | — | — | — | On site of the use identified/advertised. | — | Article X – Step 2 (Free-standing/Pylon: S C-1); Step 3 (Max Free-standing/Pylon Sign Area 50 sq ft); Section F.1.b. |
| Electronic Message Board | — | — | — | ≥100 ft from residential districts; ≥125 ft from signalized intersections | — | On site of the use; not within 125 ft of a signalized intersection. | — | Article X – Second table (EMB: P C-1); Section 9.a–g. |
| Wall Sign (Upper-floor Uses) | — | 50 sq ft (upper-floor total) | — | — | — | Between eaves/cornice/roof element and top of windows on uppermost floor. | — | Article X – Section D.1–D.2; Step 3 (Multiple-floor Sign Area 50 sq ft for C-1). |

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Unified Development Sign (Freestanding) | Up to 8 ft; shall not exceed height of tallest building in development | Up to 200 sq ft | — | — | — | For unified developments under common ownership/management with shared parking; replaces individual freestanding signs. | — | Article X – Section F.1.a–d. |
| Subdivision Entry Sign | 6 ft | 32 sq ft per sign | — | ≥2 ft from right-of-way (except medians); not in required visible sight distance areas | 1 double-sided or 2 single-sided per entrance | At entrance(s) to subdivision, apartment complex, or residential development; may be in median of boulevard if not within required sight distance areas. | — | Article X – Section F.2.a–v. |
| Model Home/Temporary Sales Facility Signs | — | Sales facility total ≤32 sq ft; each individual model home sign ≤4 sq ft | — | Model home sign: ≥10 ft from ROW and property lines | 1 per model home; sales facility limited by total area | On lot of sales facility or individual model home. | — | Article X – Section F.11.a–c. |
| Construction Signs | — | Residential districts: ≤6 sq ft per sign; non-residential districts: ≤32 sq ft per sign | — | — | ≤2 per property | On construction site; outside right-of-way. | — | Article X – Section F.14.a–d. |
| Temporary Signs | ≤4 ft | ≤12 sq ft | — | ≥10 ft from ROW and property lines | — | — | — | Article X – Section G.1–2.a–e. |
| Sandwich Board Sign (Temporary) | ≤4 ft | ≤8 sq ft | ≤2 ft | Within 10 ft of primary entrance | 1 per business | Within 10 ft of the primary entrance of the business using the sign. | — | Article X – Section G.2.f–i. |
| Directional Signs (On-premise, Exempt) | ≤4 ft | ≤8 sq ft | — | ≥2 ft from ROW | — | On-premise; ≥2 ft from public right-of-way. | — | Article X – Section H.9. |
| Political/Opinion Signs (Exempt conditions) | Opinion signs: <3 ft | Residential: ≤6 sq ft per sign; Non-residential: ≤32 sq ft per sign; Opinion signs: <9 sq ft | — | ≥5 ft from property line (opinion signs); not in ROW (political signs). | Opinion: ≤2 per residential unit; Political: up to number of offices/issues on ballot | Placed ≥5 ft from property line; not in public right-of-way. | — | Article X – Section H.11–12. |

## Prohibited signs in Rushville

- Erecting, constructing, enlarging, moving, or converting any sign without first obtaining a sign permit (unless exempt).
- Maintaining signs in disrepair or unsafe/unsightly condition; owners must repair within 10 days of notice and repair damaged areas within 30 days after sign removal.
- Maintaining abandoned sign structures; signs unused for six months are deemed abandoned and all structures/elements must be removed at the owner's expense.
- Illuminated signs may not create traffic hazards through direct or reflected light, must be shaded/shielded to prevent light spillage onto adjacent properties, and may not exceed 0.3 foot-candles at residential property lines or 0.5 foot-candles at non-residential property lines; illuminating elements must be kept in working condition and sign components must meet electrical code/UL requirements.
- Off-premise signs are prohibited.
- Individual pole signs are prohibited.
- Portable signs are prohibited.
- Animated signs utilizing flashing lights, motion picture, laser, or visual projection of images or copy are prohibited.
- Signs that emit audible sound, odor, or visible matter are prohibited.
- Signs that imitate or resemble official traffic signs/signals or bear words like “Stop,” “Slow,” “Caution,” “Danger,” “Warning,” or similar are prohibited.
- Signs that may be construed as lights of an emergency or road equipment vehicle are prohibited.
- Signs that hide traffic or roadway signs/signals/devices or interfere with sight visibility are prohibited.
- Signs located in any right-of-way, including those posted on utility poles or street signs, are prohibited.
- Signs that obstruct any door, fire escape, stairway, or any opening intended for entrance/exit of a structure are prohibited.
- Signs placed on vehicles or trailers parked on public or private property primarily to display the sign are prohibited (exceptions: vehicles parked for lawful deliveries/sales/service calls; vehicles customarily used for transporting persons/property; vehicles parked at a driver's residence during non-business hours).
- Posters, placards, and similar signs attached to light poles, gas station canopy supports, trees, and similar outdoor locations are prohibited.
- Signs mounted to the roof of a structure or mounted to a wall and extending above the wall are prohibited.
- Home occupation signs are prohibited.
- Inflatable signs are prohibited.

## Signs exempt from permit in Rushville

- Integral identification features (e.g., building names, dates, monumental citations, commemorative tablets) carved into permanent materials or made of durable metals and integral to the structure.
- Public signs erected by or on order of public officials in performance of public duty (e.g., safety, no trespassing, traffic signs), memorial plaques, signs of historical interest, and signs directing to public facilities.
- Utility marker signs necessary to mark cables and lines for public and private utilities.
- On-premises real estate signs outside of the right-of-way, limited to no more than two per property; maximum 6 sq ft per sign in residential districts and 32 sq ft per sign in all other districts. Subdivisions may have one temporary sign not exceeding 32 sq ft.
- Emergency signs used and authorized by the Board of Public Works.
- Sponsorship signs inside athletic fields and other athletic/community facilities, oriented to facility users, for no more than 90 days per calendar year.
- Pennants, streamers, and combinations thereof, not located in a right-of-way, used temporarily for no more than 30 days in any three-month period.
- One banner per business, not exceeding 24 sq ft, limited to 30 days of use in any four-month period.
- On-premises directional signs up to 4 ft in height or 8 sq ft in area, set back at least 2 ft from all public rights-of-way, and free of advertising.
- Window signs not exceeding 10% of the window area; individual letters no greater than 3 inches.
- Temporary non-commercial opinion signs: at least 5 ft from the property line and not in the public right-of-way; not illuminated; less than 9 sq ft and 3 ft in height; no more than two per residential unit per calendar year; displayed no more than six consecutive months per calendar year.
- Political signs permitted for 60 days for primary, general, or special elections; must be removed within 5 days after Election Day; maximum number equal to the number of offices/issues on the local ballot; size limited to 6 sq ft in residential districts and 32 sq ft in non-residential districts.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A sign permit is required before erecting, constructing, enlarging, moving, or converting any sign (unless the sign is exempt).
- Temporary signs require a permit for a specified length of time.
- Anyone wishing to vary from the stated sign standards must obtain a development standards variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals.
- Pylon signs may be allowed as a freestanding unified development sign only as a special exception.
- Where a monument-style unified development sign is not feasible (as determined by the Executive Director), a pylon sign may be used if approved as part of a site development plan.
- In the sign matrix, free-standing/pylon signs are identified as 'S' (Special Exception) in applicable districts, indicating Special Exception approval is required.
- Subdivision entrance signs, associated landscaping, and decorative walls must be shown on development plans, site plans, and subdivision plats.

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 8 zoning districts in Rushville — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Rushville+IN&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-rushville

---

PermitPal — AI sign code research. Full HTML page: https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/indiana/rushville