Sign Regulations in Terre Haute, Indiana

Terre Haute, Indiana has specific sign regulations covering 43 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include All Sign Types - General Location / Projection, Electrical / Illuminated Signs - General, Temporary Signs - Real Estate. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.

Data last verified: April 27, 2026

Sign Regulation Overview for Terre Haute, Indiana

Sample Sign Requirements in Terre Haute

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaSetback
All Sign Types - General Location / ProjectionNo part of a sign or sign structure shall extend past the property line; base must be 3' within property line, and projection past that point is prohibited up to 12' above gradeBase of sign at least 3' inside property line; no projection into public right-of-way (except Downtown District)
Temporary Signs - Real Estate6 sq ft display surface for residential/non‑commercial lots; 6 sq ft per sign (max 2) for large lots over 5 acres with over 400' frontage; 32 sq ft display surface for commercial lots
Temporary Window SignsMay not cover more than 75% of transparent portion of the window or glass door (individually or collectively)

* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.

PermitPal Coverage for Terre HauteFull Coverage

Sign Types Covered

43

  • All Sign Types - General Location / Projection
  • Electrical / Illuminated Signs - General
  • Temporary Signs - Real Estate
  • Temporary Signs - Construction Site Identification
  • +2 more types

Zoning Districts

4

Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations

Data Includes

  • Permit requirements
  • Height restrictions
  • Illumination rules

Official Resources for Terre Haute

City WebsiteMunicipal Code1 permit application link available

Frequently Asked Questions

Sign height limits in Terre Haute 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 Terre Haute, 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 Terre Haute, regulated sign types include All Sign Types - General Location / Projection, Electrical / Illuminated Signs - General, Temporary Signs - Real Estate, Temporary Signs - Construction Site Identification, 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 Terre Haute 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 Terre Haute are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Terre Haute has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.

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Terre Haute, Indiana Sign Rules at a Glance

Terre Haute, Indiana regulates 43 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Tall Freestanding Sign (On‑Premise, Oriented to Interstate)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 50' height from grade level maximum (must exceed 40' to be a Tall Sign) tall and 240 sq ft surface area maximum, with a Must comply with general setback rules (3' inside property line; no projection into public property except Downtown) and any additional district setbacks setback (Sec. Sec. 10-141 g.(5)(A)-(D)). Most commercial signs in Terre Haute require a permit.

Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Terre Haute, Indiana

Sign Rules by Zoning District in Terre Haute (4 zones)

Zoning DistrictSign Types RegulatedMax HeightMax AreaPermit Required
General Regulations For All Zones1850' height from grade level maximum (must exceed 40' to be a Tall Sign)672 sq ft maximum sign face; up to an additional 15% of total square footage allowed for temporary extensions
Residential District (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-T); Residential Districts; Residential Office District; Special Districts810' maximum height from grade level32 sq ft maximum surface area
Commercial District (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5, C-6); Industrial (Manufacturing) District (M-1, M-2, M-P); Commercial and Industrial Districts; Open Spaces District (O-1, O-2)550' maximum; must exceed 40' to be classified as tall672 sq ft maximum sign face plus up to 15% for temporary extensions
Downtown Business District; Downtown District (C-8)12Freestanding: 35' max; wall-mounted: may not extend more than 4' above lowest point of roof; marquee signs: max 7' sign height on vertical face; minimum clearance rules applyPer sign: not to exceed 200 sq ft; per establishment frontage: 1.5 sq ft/linear ft (first 100')

Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Terre Haute(sample of 3 of 4 zones)

General Regulations For All Zones

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
All Sign Types - General Location / ProjectionNo part of a sign or sign structure shall extend past the property line; base must be 3' within property line, and projection past that point is prohibited up to 12' above gradeBase of sign at least 3' inside property line; no projection into public right-of-way (except Downtown District)Base of all signs located a minimum of 3' within the property line of the private property; no part of a sign or structure may extend onto public property or other private property in any district except C-8 (Downtown District) or as otherwise providedUnlockSec. 10-141 c.(1)-(7)
Temporary Signs - Real Estate6 sq ft display surface for residential/non‑commercial lots; 6 sq ft per sign (max 2) for large lots over 5 acres with over 400' frontage; 32 sq ft display surface for commercial lots1 per lot; 2 allowed on lots over 5 acres with frontage >400'On the real estate (lot/building) that is for sale, rent, or leaseUnlockSec. 10-141 e.(1)
Directory Sign - Residential Dwelling Unit4 sq ft surface area1 directory sign per dwelling unitFor each dwelling unit (residentially used lot)UnlockSec. 10-141 f.(1)
Incidental Sign - Multiple-Family Dwellings32 sq ft display area1 per multiple-family dwelling developmentOn the premises of multiple‑family dwellingsUnlockSec. 10-141 f.(2)
Incidental Signs - Home Occupation Directory2 sq ft surface area per sign1 per lot; 2 for corner/multi-frontage lotsOn residentially zoned lot with a home occupation; for corner lots, signs may face each street frontageUnlockSec. 10-141 f.(3)
Incidental Signs - Parking Area Identification16 sq ft surface area per signMust be set back a minimum of 3' from any lot line unless attached flat to a building wall1 per parking area street frontageAt the parking area, per street frontageUnlockSec. 10-141 f.(4)(B)
On-Premise Freestanding Sign (General, non‑tall)Up to 40' high (taller signs are treated as Tall Signs with additional limitations)Must be within property lines and meet general 3' setback from property line for base and foundation distance rules1 per development; 2 for qualifying corner lotsOn the same lot as the use or activity being advertised; within legal property lines for that lot and must observe height regulations for that lotUnlockSec. 10-141 g.(1)-(4)
Tall Freestanding Sign (On‑Premise, Oriented to Interstate)50' height from grade level maximum (must exceed 40' to be a Tall Sign)240 sq ft surface area maximumMust comply with general setback rules (3' inside property line; no projection into public property except Downtown) and any additional district setbacks1 tall sign per qualifying useOn premises of use that specifically serves traveling public (camping, lodging, eating, vehicular service stations); must be oriented towards interstate highwaysUnlockSec. 10-141 g.(5)(A)-(D)

Residential District (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-T); Residential Districts; Residential Office District; Special Districts

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Directory / Incidental Sign (Residential & Special District Lots, including Residential Office District)2 sq ft maximum for signs permissible under d.(1) and f.(3); Residential Office District may differ but specific size is not given here1 per lot; 2 for lots abutting 2 public streetsPer lot in Residential and Special Districts; if lot abuts 2 public streets, one sign per street frontageUnlockSec. 10-141 j.(4), j.(6), f.(3)
Freestanding Sign - Residential & Special Districts10' maximum height from grade levelMust meet all setback and sight prism requirements of ordinance (at least base 3' inside property line; see general rules)Limited by one directory/incidental sign per lot rule, unless multiple street frontages as aboveOn lots within Residential and Special Districts; must meet setback and sight prism requirementsUnlockSec. 10-141 j.(7); j.(8)(A)-(D)
Wall Sign - Residential & Special DistrictsMust not be constructed so that it rises above the rooflineCounted within directory/incidental allocation per lotAttached to building walls on lots in Residential or Special DistrictsUnlockSec. 10-141 b.(19); j.(3); j.(6); j.(8)(E)
Portable Sign - Residential & Special DistrictsPortable signs are not allowed anywhere within Residential or Special DistrictsUnlockSec. 10-141 b.(13); j.(2)
Off-Premise Advertising Sign - Residential & Special DistrictsProhibited within any Residential or Special DistrictUnlockSec. 10-141 h.(1); j.(1)
Home Occupation Sign (Residential & Special Districts; includes Residential Office District as applicable)2 sq ft maximum per sign1 per lot; 2 on corner or multi‑frontage lotsOn residentially zoned lots with home occupationsUnlockSec. 10-141 f.(3); j.(4); j.(6)
Church Bulletin Boards / Identification / Directional Signs in Residential & Special Districts16 sq ft maximum area per sign1 per abutting streetOn lots used for churches; per abutting streetUnlockSec. 10-141 d.(6); j.(8)(E)
Subdivision / Mobile Home Park Entrance Sign - Residential Districts32 sq ft maximum surface area1 per main entranceAt main entrance to recorded, platted residential subdivision or permanent mobile home park (R‑1, R‑2, R‑3, R‑T context)UnlockSec. 10-141 f.(5); j.(8)(E)

Downtown Business District; Downtown District (C-8)

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
General Signs - Downtown (All types subject to Downtown rules)Freestanding: 35' max; wall-mounted: may not extend more than 4' above lowest point of roof; marquee signs: max 7' sign height on vertical face; minimum clearance rules applyPer sign: not to exceed 200 sq ft; per establishment frontage: 1.5 sq ft/linear ft (first 100')No sign shall project beyond property lines; however, wall and freestanding signs may project up to 1' into public right‑of‑way where explicitly allowed; minimum vertical clearances apply (10' above walkway; 15' above driveway/alley).On properties in the Downtown Business District (C‑8); signs may be wall‑mounted, freestanding, or marquee‑mounted; limited projection into public right-of-way allowedUnlockSec. 10-141 m.(1); m.(3); m.(4); m.(5)(A),(F)
Wall-Mounted Sign - Downtown (Building Wall-Mounted)Must not extend more than 4' above the lowest point of the roofWithin general Downtown formula: 1.5 sq ft per linear foot (first 100'), max 200 sq ft per signMay not project more than 1' into public right‑of‑way; may not project beyond property lines otherwiseNo explicit numeric limit; controlled by area formula per tenantAnywhere on building wall surface in Downtown District; may project up to 1' into public right-of-wayUnlockSec. 10-141 m.(5)(A),(B)
Freestanding Sign - Downtown35' maximum heightWithin general Downtown area limits (1.5 sq ft/linear foot, max 200 sq ft per sign)May not project more than 1' into public right‑of‑way; must maintain minimum ground clearances (10' over walkways, 15' over driveways/alleys) if overhanging1 freestanding sign per establishment frontagePer establishment frontage in Downtown District; may project up to 1' into public right‑of‑wayUnlockSec. 10-141 m.(5)(A),(C),(E)
Marquee Sign - DowntownSign on vertical face of marquee may not exceed 7' in height; must not extend above upper edge or below lower edge of marqueeCounts against tenant’s total allowed sign area (1.5 sq ft per linear foot, 200 sq ft max per sign)Subject to 10' clearance above walkway; 15' clearance above driveway or alleyOn vertical face of marquee attached to building in Downtown DistrictUnlockSec. 10-141 m.(5)(A),(D),(E)
Directional / Location Small Signs - Downtown (Permit Exempt)2 sq ft maximum area per signFor property street address numbers, public telephones, restrooms, parking areas, freight entrances, underground public utilities, and similar directional/location usesUnlockSec. 10-141 m.(2)(B)2
Ownership Identification Sign - Downtown (Permit Exempt)2 sq ft maximum area1 per propertyOn property in Downtown for owner or occupantUnlockSec. 10-141 m.(2)(B)3
Temporary Political Campaign Signs - Downtown32 sq ft maximum area per property1 per propertyOn properties within Downtown DistrictUnlockSec. 10-141 m.(2)(C)2
Temporary Civic/Philanthropic/Educational/Religious Campaign Signs - Downtown32 sq ft maximum area per signOn properties within Downtown DistrictUnlockSec. 10-141 m.(2)(C)3

PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Terre Haute — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.

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Prohibited Signs in Terre Haute

  • No outdoor display of goods, wares, merchandise, signs, vehicles, or objects of any kind or nature is permitted within the right-of-way of any street except the American flag and temporary signs, banners, and objects customarily associated with special and recognized holidays and occasions (Sec. 10-140(a)).
  • No outdoor display of goods, wares, merchandise, vehicles, or objects of any kind or nature is permitted without consent of a three-fourths (3/4) majority of the Board of Zoning Appeals, except for specified categories such as automobiles, certain vehicles, plants, boats, and airplanes (Sec. 10-140(b)).
  • No sign shall be erected, re-erected, altered, or maintained except as provided by the sign code and after a permit for the same has been issued by the building inspector, unless exempted (Sec. 10-141(c)(1)).
  • The base of all signs or sign structures must be located a minimum of three feet within the property line of the private property on which such sign is located, and no part of a sign or sign structure may extend past the property line onto any public property or other private property in any district except the C-8 Downtown District or as otherwise provided (Sec. 10-141(c)(3)).
  • No sign, permanent or temporary, may be erected so that it substantially interferes with the view necessary for motorists to proceed safely through intersections or enter onto or exit from public streets (Sec. 10-141(c)(4)).
  • No sign or sign structure may be erected at any location where it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device (Sec. 10-141(c)(5)).
  • No rotating beam, beacon, or flashing illumination may be used in connection with any sign display, subject to specific exceptions for time/date/weather indications elsewhere in the ordinance (Sec. 10-141(c)(5)).
  • A sign or sign structure must be no closer to an adjacent building or any property line than the depth of that sign’s foundation (Sec. 10-141(c)(6)).
  • No person may post, paste, tack, or in any way attach or affix any handbill, card, bill, notice, announcement, or other advertisement to any tree, telegraph, telephone, electric light, power pole, or other pole, except for legal notices posted under court order or pursuant to law (Sec. 10-141(c)(7)).
  • No person, for the purpose of increasing or enhancing the visibility of any sign, may damage, trim, destroy, or remove any trees, shrubs, or other vegetation within the right-of-way of any public street or road without express written authorization from the government with jurisdiction, on property not under their ownership or control without the property owner’s express authorization, or in any area where such trees or shrubs are required to remain under a permit issued under this ordinance (Sec. 10-141(c)(8)).
  • No electrical sign may be erected or maintained which does not comply with the Building Code for the City of Terre Haute, Indiana (Sec. 10-141(c)(9)(A)).
  • No electrical equipment or apparatus that causes interference with radio or television reception may be used in the operation of illuminated signs (Sec. 10-141(c)(9)(B)).
  • No person may erect within the corporate boundaries of the City any yard sign advertising a candidate(s) for political election or public office; political window cards and any political advertising inside of a building are permitted (Sec. 10-141(c)(10)).
  • No sign within one hundred feet of any residential zone may be illuminated between 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m. unless the impact of such lighting beyond the lot boundaries is entirely inconsequential (Sec. 10-141(i)(2)).
  • Lighting directed toward a sign must be shielded so that it illuminates only the face of the sign and does not shine directly into the public right-of-way or a residential premise (Sec. 10-141(i)(3)).
  • Except where specifically allowed, internally illuminated signs are not permissible in any Residentially Zoned or Special District, and where permitted may not be illuminated during hours when the advertised business or enterprise is not open or in operation, subject to stated exceptions (Sec. 10-141(i)(4)).
  • Illuminated tubing or strings of lights that outline property lines, sales areas, roof lines, doors, windows, or similar areas are prohibited, except as allowed for temporary holiday signs (Sec. 10-141(i)(4)(C), (E)).
  • No sign may contain or be illuminated by flashing or intermittent light or lights of changing degrees of intensity, except for signs indicating time, date, or weather conditions, and except for temporary holiday signs under the specified exception (Sec. 10-141(i)(4)(D), (E)).
  • An off-premise sign is not permitted in any Residential or Special District unless otherwise provided in the code (Sec. 10-141(h)(1), reiterated in j(1)).
  • Portable signs are prohibited in all Residential and Special Districts (Sec. 10-141(j)(2)).
  • No sign may be constructed so that it rises above the roof line in any Residential or Special District (Sec. 10-141(j)(3)).
  • No advertising sign may be located within one hundred feet of any residentially zoned lot in Commercial and Industrial Districts (Sec. 10-141(k)(1)).
  • All signs and sign structures must be kept in repair and in proper state of preservation; signs that are no longer functional or are abandoned must be removed within thirty days (Sec. 10-141(l)(1)-(2)).
  • Any legally established non-conforming sign that is damaged exceeding two-thirds of its value shall not be rebuilt (although maintenance, repainting, or posting is allowed) (Sec. 10-141(l)(3)).
  • In Downtown (C-8), no sign may project beyond property lines (Sec. 10-141(m)(3)(C)).
  • In Downtown (C-8), any sign or illumination that causes direct glare upon an unrelated building and any sign displaying flashing or intermittent lights or changing colors is prohibited, except limited time/temperature/barometric signs approved by the Building Inspector (Sec. 10-141(m)(3)(D)).
  • In Downtown (C-8), no signs may be attached to trees, and no sign may be attached to a utility pole except official governmental notices or warning signs (Sec. 10-141(m)(3)(E)).
  • In Downtown (C-8), portable signs are prohibited, including display of such on a vehicle, except ordinary vehicle advertising not otherwise prohibited by law (Sec. 10-141(m)(3)(F)).
  • In Downtown (C-8), outdoor advertising signs that advertise products or businesses not connected with the site on which they are located are prohibited (off-site advertising) (Sec. 10-141(m)(3)(G)).

Exempt Signs in Terre Haute

  • Signs not exceeding two square feet in area that are customarily associated with residential use and that are not of a commercial nature, including: signs on mailboxes or newspaper tubes; property identification, name, or address signs; and private property parking, no-trespassing, animal-warning, or on-site traffic direction signs, are exempt from the sign building permit requirement (Sec. 10-141(d)(1)).
  • Signs erected on behalf of or pursuant to authorization of a governmental body, including legal notices, identification and information signs, and traffic, directional, or regulatory signs, are exempt from the sign building permit requirement (Sec. 10-141(d)(2)).
  • Official signs of non-commercial nature erected by utilities are exempt from the sign building permit requirement (Sec. 10-141(d)(3)).
  • Flags, pennants, or insignia of governmental or nonprofit organizations, when not displayed in connection with commercial promotion or as advertising, are exempt from the sign building permit requirement (Sec. 10-141(d)(4)).
  • Integral, decorative, or architectural features of buildings, or works of art that do not contain letters or trademarks, are exempt from the sign building permit requirement (Sec. 10-141(d)(5)).
  • Church bulletin boards, church identification signs, and directional signs that do not exceed one per abutting street, are not internally illuminated, do not exceed sixteen square feet, and refer only to the church or its services on that lot are exempt from the sign building permit requirement (Sec. 10-141(d)(6)).
  • Signs painted on or permanently attached to currently licensed motor vehicles not primarily used as signs are exempt from the sign building permit requirement (Sec. 10-141(d)(7)).
  • Changing copy on an approved sign or marquee specifically designed for replaceable copy, or other normal maintenance or repair of a conforming sign that does not involve structural change, is exempt from the sign building permit requirement (Sec. 10-141(d)(8), reiterated in m(2)(A) for Downtown).
  • The following temporary signs are allowed without zoning, special use, conditional use, or building permit, subject to listed size, duration, and other requirements: real estate for-sale/rent/lease signs; construction site identification signs; temporary interior window signs covering no more than 75% of glass; holiday displays; and special-event signs for events on the same lot (Sec. 10-141(e)(1)-(5)).
  • In Downtown (C-8), changing of copy on an approved replaceable-copy sign or marquee, and painting/repainting/cleaning and normal maintenance or repair of a conforming sign without structural change, do not require a sign permit (Sec. 10-141(m)(2)(A)).
  • In Downtown (C-8), the following permanent signs are exempt from the sign permit requirement: official governmental signs (traffic, historical markers, informational, official notices, governmental flags/emblems, property identification, recreational activity signs); small directional or location signs up to two square feet (address numbers, public telephones, restrooms, parking, freight entrances, underground utilities, similar); one ownership identification sign up to two square feet per property; and seasonal decorations not advertising a product, service, or entertainment (Sec. 10-141(m)(2)(B)(1)-(4)).
  • In Downtown (C-8), the following temporary signs are exempt from the sign permit requirement (but must be removed when directed): official government notices (to be removed within ten days of the notice action date); political campaign signs limited to one per property, 32 square feet, and three months duration; and civic, philanthropic, educational, or religious campaign signs limited to 32 square feet and three months duration (Sec. 10-141(m)(2)(C)(1)-(3)).

Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Terre Haute

  • A sign permit from the Building Inspector is generally required before any sign is erected, re-erected, altered, or maintained, except where the ordinance explicitly exempts certain signs from the permit requirement (Sec. 10-141(c)(1), m(1)-(2)).
  • Application for a sign permit must be made in writing on forms furnished by the Building Inspector and must include the sign’s street location and number, and the names and addresses of the owner and sign contractor or erector; the Building Inspector may require plans or other information to ensure compliance (Sec. 10-141(c)(1) Application for Permit).
  • For Downtown (C-8), no sign (other than those listed as permit exceptions) may be painted, constructed, erected, remodeled, relocated, or expanded until a sign permit application is filed and approved by the Building Inspector (Sec. 10-141(m)(1)-(2)).
  • Permits for signs become null and void if the sign is not completed within six months of permit issuance; the Building Inspector may require permit identification information to be displayed on the sign (Sec. 10-141(n)(1)).
  • The Building Inspector may require removal of signs that present an immediate threat to public safety, are not kept in good repair and attractive condition, are insecure or unsafe, have been unlawfully installed or maintained, or have for at least two years advertised an activity no longer conducted on the premises; if removal is not completed within specified time after notice, the inspector may remove the sign at the owner’s expense (Sec. 10-141(n)(2)).
  • Outdoor display of goods, wares, merchandise, vehicles, or objects (including signs) outside the right-of-way requires consent of a three-fourths majority of the Board of Zoning Appeals unless falling within specified exempt categories, effectively creating a review/approval step similar to a special-use or variance process for such displays (Sec. 10-140(b)).
  • The ordinance does not reference or require a master sign plan or unified sign plan; sign control is administered through individual sign permits and enforcement by the Building Inspector and, in certain cases, the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Source: other municipal code