# Sign Regulations in Shelbyville, Indiana

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Shelbyville, Indiana (IN)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/indiana/shelbyville
- **Data last verified:** 2025-04-20

## At a glance

Shelbyville, Indiana regulates 26 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Detached Sign (Home Occupation, Residence Not Visible)s in the Single-family Residential District (R-1), Agriculture (AG), Agriculture/Rural Residential (AIR) zoning district are capped at 4 ft tall and 4 sq ft, with a 10 ft from existing/proposed ROW and property lines setback (Sec. § 98.06(A)(1)(e)). Most commercial signs in Shelbyville require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (10 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | — | — | — |
| Single-family Residential District (R-1), Agriculture (AG), Agriculture/Rural Residential (AIR) | 8 | 6 ft | 125 sq ft | — |
| Two-Family Residence District (R-2), Multiple-Family Residence District (RM) | 5 | 6 ft | 90 sq ft | — |
| Highway Business District (BH), Neighborhood Business District (BN), Professional Business District (BP), General Business (BG) | 7 | 10 ft | 125 sq ft | — |
| Central Business District (BC) | 4 | — | 125 sq ft | — |
| Light Industry District (IL), General Industry District (IG) | 2 | — | 200 sq ft | — |
| Planned Unit Development | 1 | — | — | — |
| Downtown Zone | 1 | 8 ft | 32 sq ft per side | — |
| Interstate Corridor | 2 | 100 ft | 500 sq ft per face | — |
| Residential Districts | 1 | 8 ft | 32 sq ft per side | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 10 zones)

### Single-family Residential District (R-1), Agriculture (AG), Agriculture/Rural Residential (AIR)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Home Occupation) | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Mounted directly on the residence | — | § 98.06(A)(1) |
| Detached Sign (Home Occupation, Residence Not Visible) | 4 ft | 4 sq ft | — | 10 ft from existing/proposed ROW and property lines | 1 | Front of property, substituting for residence wall sign | — | § 98.06(A)(1)(e) |
| Detached Sign (Agricultural Product Sign) | 4 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 10 ft from existing/proposed ROW and property lines | 1 | On the premises | — | § 98.06(A)(2) |
| Monument Sign (Subdivision/Development) | 6 ft | 90 sq ft per sign | — | 10 ft from existing/proposed ROW and property lines | 2 | At subdivision entrances | — | § 98.06(A)(3) |
| Monument Sign (Churches and Institutional Uses) | 6 ft | 125 sq ft | — | 10 ft from existing/proposed ROW and property lines | 1 | On premises | — | § 98.06(A)(4)(a) |
| Wall Sign (Churches and Institutional Uses) | — | — | — | — | 1 | Mounted on building | — | § 98.06(A)(4)(b) |
| Wall Sign (Special Exception Use) | Not to exceed height of wall | — | — | — | 1 per facade | Mounted on building | — | § 98.06(A)(5)(b) |
| Monument Sign (Special Exception Use) | 4 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 10 ft from existing/proposed ROW and property lines | 1 | On site | — | § 98.06(A)(5)(c) |

### Two-Family Residence District (R-2), Multiple-Family Residence District (RM)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Monument Sign (Ground/Development) | 6 ft | 90 sq ft | — | 10 ft from existing/proposed ROW and property lines | 1 | On premise | — | § 98.06(B)(1) |
| Wall Sign (Churches and Institutional Uses) | — | — | — | — | 1 | Mounted on building | — | § 98.06(B)(2), referencing § 98.06(A)(4)(b) |
| Wall Sign (Special Exception Use) | Not to exceed height of wall | — | — | — | 1 per facade | Mounted on building | — | § 98.06(B)(2), referencing § 98.06(A)(5)(b) |
| Monument Sign (Special Exception Use) | 4 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 10 ft from existing/proposed ROW and property lines | 1 | On site | — | § 98.06(B)(2), referencing § 98.06(A)(5)(c) |
| Wall Sign (Multi-Family Building Identification) | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building | Per building | — | § 98.06(B)(3) |

### Highway Business District (BH), Neighborhood Business District (BN), Professional Business District (BP), General Business (BG)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Single Tenant Building) | — | 125 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On building facade | — | § 98.06(C)(1) |
| Accessory Wall Signs (Single Tenant Building) | — | 75 sq ft (each), 275 sq ft total | — | — | 2 | On building facade | — | § 98.06(C)(2) |
| Wall Sign (Multi-Tenant Building) | — | 125 sq ft | — | — | 1 per tenant per street frontage; 1 per tenant on eligible rear | Tenant's portion of building facade | — | § 98.06(C)(3) |
| Awning Sign | — | 125 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Ground floor facade; if projecting over public walk max 6 ft projection | — | § 98.06(C)(4) |
| Projecting Sign | — | 20 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Ground floor facade; projects up to 6 ft over public walk; 8 ft minimum clearance | — | § 98.06(C)(5) |
| Monument Sign (Single Tenant Building) | 8 ft | 64 sq ft | — | 10 ft from ROW/property line | 1 | Front yard; at least 10 ft setback | — | § 98.06(C)(6) |
| Monument Sign (Shopping Center/Office Park Identification) | 10 ft | 125 sq ft | — | 10 ft from ROW/property line | 1 per street frontage | Frontage | — | § 98.06(C)(7) |

## Prohibited signs in Shelbyville

- No sign shall encroach into a public right-of-way, except that a projecting sign attached to a building facade may project a maximum of six feet away from the building facade and the lowest part of the sign is at least eight feet above the sidewalk surface.
- No sign or advertising structure shall be erected at the intersection of any street in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision, interfere with, obstruct the view, or be confused with any traffic sign, signal or device.
- No sign shall be erected which makes use of the words 'Stop,' 'Look,' 'Danger,' or any other word, phrase, symbol, or character in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.
- Permanent signs that advertise continuous sales, special prices, etc. shall not be allowed.
- No sign shall be allowed which advertises activities that are illegal under federal, state, city or county laws.
- Artificial illumination of signs must not create negative impacts on surrounding rights-of-way and properties.
- External light sources must be shielded and directed so as not to illuminate objects other than the sign.
- The light from an illuminated sign must not create a negative impact on adjoining properties in direct line of sight.
- Signs shall not have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights, or devices with changing light intensity, brightness or color.
- Colored lights cannot be used in a manner that could be confused with traffic control devices.
- Reflective type bulbs and incandescent lamps over 15 watts cannot be used exposed on sign exteriors facing rights-of-way or adjacent properties.
- No sign may be placed directly under or within ten feet of any power line unless approved by the affected utility.
- Signs and supporting hardware must be structurally safe, clean, free of defects and properly functioning at all times.
- Repairs to signs must be equal to or better than original materials and design.
- No sign shall be permitted which may obstruct visibility for public safety in any direction at all intersections.
- No signs shall be painted upon retaining walls, rocks, natural features or vegetation.
- No off-site directional signs to private events or establishments.
- No signs advertising off-site goods, products, services, or facilities, or directing persons to different locations (off-premise signs require a variance; exception for billboards).
- Signs not permanently attached to the ground, building, or structures are prohibited, except for temporary signs.
- Pole signs are not allowed in any district (except for legally placed billboards).
- Signs are generally prohibited in the public right-of-way or easements.
- Attention attracting devices, and flashing, rotating, or blinking signs are not permitted.
- Banners and temporary signs are not permitted as primary signs.
- No sign shall be mounted on the roof of any structure; mansard or similar styles reviewed individually.
- No wall sign shall exceed the height of the wall or facade on which mounted.
- No sign may block or be placed in front of any door, window, fire escape, or opening required for ventilation.
- All signs, including temporary signs, are not allowed on public utility poles, fence posts, fences, light poles, trees or any other public owned structures, such as street or stop signs.
- Signs which advertise an activity, business, project, or service no longer conducted on the premises are prohibited as abandoned signs (must be removed within 180 days).
- Motor vehicles, trailers, and similar vehicles whose sole purpose is advertising are not permitted.
- If any code provision conflicts with another city sign code, the more restrictive shall govern.
- No sign or other advertising device shall use flashing, animation, or video effects except as allowed as a frame effect for electronic message centers per code.
- Any sign that advertises activities illegal under law is prohibited.
- No sign shall be placed between the property line and the curb line on any public street unless permitted by the Board of Public Works and Safety.

## Signs exempt from permit in Shelbyville

- A permit will not be required for the following signs, but owners are responsible for erection, maintenance, and appearance: real estate signs (with size/location/time limits), developing subdivision directional signs (following rules with Planning Commission staff), political signs (with size/placement restrictions), alterations to existing signs such as change of copy, face, color, or support structure where dimensions remain the same and to conforming or legal non-conforming signs only, historic place signs (up to 2 sq ft, mounted on building facade), window signs (covering no more than 20% of window area, certain materials), under canopy signs (up to 6 sq ft, ground floor, minimum clearance), street and address numbers, menu type signs, subdivision development amenity signs (up to 6 sq ft, within development), temporary residential garage sale signs (one per premises, up to 6 sq ft, up to 3 days, not on public property), directional signs in certain zones and subject to review/setbacks, parking signs (up to 6 sq ft, at each access), off-site directional signs for publicly owned facilities.
- Signs required by law to be a specific size, composition, or location may be permitted by the Zoning Administrator.
- Identification signs for employee entrance etc. in industrial zones may be exempt from overall sign allowance.
- Changeable copy by non-electronic means (reader/message board) may be used on any permitted sign.
- On-premise yard card signs for special events (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.) are exempt from the permit process.
- Legally established signs that become a nonconformity due to government right-of-way acquisition may be relocated, not prohibited.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Every applicant for a sign permit must provide a sketch of the proposed sign indicating copy, design, dimensions, and placement. Site plan may be required for certain sign types.
- A completed sign permit application must be submitted to the Office of the Plan Commission.
- The Zoning Administrator has authority to permit, prohibit, or send sign permit requests before the Board of Zoning Appeals.
- Variance requests regarding size, location, or placement of any sign in any district require a Board of Zoning Appeals process with a public hearing.
- Shopping centers or office parks designed as one entity must provide a master sign plan of the overall area for review during final plat approval. If such a sign is used, individual monument signs for tenants are prohibited.
- Permanent signs, temporary signs, and off-premise signs require a sign permit (with some exceptions as listed).
- Before erecting an off-premise (billboard) sign, a sign permit, location improvement permit, and a building permit must be obtained.
- New commercial subdivisions are required to provide a master sign plan for review during final plat approval.
- Tall signs in the interstate corridor are only allowed by special exceptions through the Board of Zoning Appeals.
- Signs for special exception uses in residential districts must be reviewed by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
- Any size and height change to a directional sign needs a variance.
- Applications for temporary signs requiring a permit (portable, banner, yard card—except noncommercial special events) must be submitted to the Planning (Plan Commission) Department.
- Signs requesting placement within 10 feet of right-of-way or within right-of-way require permission from the Board of Works.
- The Board of Zoning Appeals can determine and set limitations on signs if they grant a conditional use or use variance application.

## 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 10 zoning districts in Shelbyville — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Shelbyville+IN&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-shelbyville

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