Sign Regulations in Salem, Indiana
Salem, Indiana has specific sign regulations covering 10 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include On-Premise Sign, Freestanding Identification On-Premise Sign, Outdoor Advertising Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: December 2, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Salem, Indiana
Sample Sign Requirements in Salem
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name and Identification Sign | — | 2 square feet or less | — |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign | — | 6 square feet | — |
| Institutional Sign | — | 20 square feet | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
10
- On-Premise Sign
- Freestanding Identification On-Premise Sign
- Outdoor Advertising Sign
- Name and Identification Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Salem
Other Cities in Indiana
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Salem 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 Salem, 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 Salem, regulated sign types include On-Premise Sign, Freestanding Identification On-Premise Sign, Outdoor Advertising Sign, Name and Identification 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 Salem 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 Salem are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Salem has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Salem, Indiana Sign Rules at a Glance
Salem, Indiana regulates 10 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Outdoor Advertising Signs in the Highway Business District (B-2) zoning district are capped at 25 feet tall and 600 square feet, with a 30 feet from right-of-way (measured to nearest point of sign structure to edge of right-of-way). If no right-of-way, Front 30 feet, Rear 30 feet, Side 15 feet. Not within 500-foot radius of another outdoor advertising structure (measured to leading edge). Not closer than 150-foot radius from any residential structure in a residential zone (measured to leading edge). Not closer than 500 feet to a park, school, or other publicly owned building (measured to leading edge). setback (Sec. § 156.074(H)). Most commercial signs in Salem require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Salem, Indiana
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Salem (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 5 | — | 6 square feet | — |
| Residential Districts (RR, R-1, R-2, R-3) | 3 | — | 20 square feet | — |
| General Business District (B-1) | 2 | 35 feet | The sum of the area of all on-premise signs does not exceed 200 square feet | — |
| Central Business District (CB) | 2 | Roofline | The sum of the area of all on-premise signs does not exceed 200 square feet | — |
| Highway Business District (B-2) | 3 | 50 feet | 600 square feet | — |
| Light Industrial District (I-1) | 3 | 35 feet | 600 square feet | — |
| Heavy Industrial District (I-2) | 3 | 35 feet | 600 square feet | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Salem(sample of 3 of 7 zones)
Highway Business District (B-2)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-Premise Sign | — | The sum of the area of all on-premise signs does not exceed 200 square feet | — | — | — | On-premise | — | Unlock | § 156.074(G)(2) |
| Freestanding Identification On-Premise Sign | 50 feet | 100 square feet | — | — | 1 per separate commercial lot | On each separate commercial lot | — | Unlock | § 156.074(G)(3) |
| Outdoor Advertising Sign | 25 feet | 600 square feet | — | 30 feet from right-of-way (measured to nearest point of sign structure to edge of right-of-way). If no right-of-way, Front 30 feet, Rear 30 feet, Side 15 feet. Not within 500-foot radius of another outdoor advertising structure (measured to leading edge). Not closer than 150-foot radius from any residential structure in a residential zone (measured to leading edge). Not closer than 500 feet to a park, school, or other publicly owned building (measured to leading edge). | — | Off-premise | — | Unlock | § 156.074(H) |
Light Industrial District (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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-Premise Sign | — | The sum of the area of all on-premise signs does not exceed 200 square feet | — | — | — | On-premise | — | Unlock | § 156.074(G)(2) |
| Freestanding Identification On-Premise Sign | 35 feet | 100 square feet | — | — | 1 per separate commercial lot | On each separate commercial lot | — | Unlock | § 156.074(G)(3) |
| Outdoor Advertising Sign | 25 feet | 600 square feet | — | 30 feet from right-of-way (measured to nearest point of sign structure to edge of right-of-way). If no right-of-way, Front 30 feet, Rear 30 feet, Side 15 feet. Not within 500-foot radius of another outdoor advertising structure (measured to leading edge). Not closer than 150-foot radius from any residential structure in a residential zone (measured to leading edge). Not closer than 500 feet to a park, school, or other publicly owned building (measured to leading edge). | — | Off-premise | — | Unlock | § 156.074(H) |
Heavy Industrial District (I-2)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-Premise Sign | — | The sum of the area of all on-premise signs does not exceed 200 square feet | — | — | — | On-premise | — | Unlock | § 156.074(G)(2) |
| Freestanding Identification On-Premise Sign | 35 feet | 100 square feet | — | — | 1 per separate commercial lot | On each separate commercial lot | — | Unlock | § 156.074(G)(3) |
| Outdoor Advertising Sign | 25 feet | 600 square feet | — | 30 feet from right-of-way (measured to nearest point of sign structure to edge of right-of-way). If no right-of-way, Front 30 feet, Rear 30 feet, Side 15 feet. Not within 500-foot radius of another outdoor advertising structure (measured to leading edge). Not closer than 150-foot radius from any residential structure in a residential zone (measured to leading edge). Not closer than 500 feet to a park, school, or other publicly owned building (measured to leading edge). | — | Off-premise | — | Unlock | § 156.074(H) |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Salem — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 7 zones for Salem — start freeProhibited Signs in Salem
- No sign shall be erected, hung, placed or painted in any district, except as provided in this section.
- No sign shall be erected or displayed until the sign has been approved by the City Building Inspector and a permit issued (except for specified exemptions).
- If a sign is allowed to become in a state of disrepair, the City Building Inspector shall issue a notice of violation, requiring correction within ten days or issuance of an order to comply.
- No sign erected before March 3, 1969 shall be altered or moved except in accordance with this chapter.
Exempt Signs in Salem
- Name and identification signs of two square feet or less (no permit required).
- Temporary business signs not maintained for a period in excess of ten days (no permit required).
- A temporary real estate sign advertising the sale or rental of the property on which it is located not to exceed six square feet in area (no permit required).
- Signs directing and guiding traffic and parking on private property, but bearing no advertising matter (no permit required).
- Directional or information signs of a public or quasi-public nature, erected and maintained by an official or civic body (no permit required).
- Any outdoor advertising sign erected and in existence on the effective date of this section which does not meet the requirements shall be considered a nonconforming structure and may be continued in use so long as it remains in a proper state of repair or is not structurally altered.
Source: other municipal code