Sign Regulations in Elizabethtown, Kentucky
Elizabethtown, Kentucky has specific sign regulations covering 19 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Construction Sign, Incidental Sign, Tract Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: November 20, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Elizabethtown, Kentucky
Sample Sign Requirements in Elizabethtown
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Sign | 8 ft. | 64 sq. ft. | 10 ft. off paved surface |
| Incidental Sign | — | 10 sq. ft. | — |
| Tract Sign | 12 ft. | 72 sq. ft. | 10 ft. off paved surface |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
19
- Construction Sign
- Incidental Sign
- Tract Sign
- Message Board
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Elizabethtown
Other Cities in Kentucky
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Elizabethtown 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 Elizabethtown, 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 Elizabethtown, regulated sign types include Construction Sign, Incidental Sign, Tract Sign, Message Board, 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 Elizabethtown 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 Elizabethtown are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Elizabethtown has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Elizabethtown, Kentucky Sign Rules at a Glance
Elizabethtown, Kentucky regulates 19 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Construction Signs in the Commercial Zones (C-3, C-4) zoning district are capped at 8 ft. tall and 64 sq. ft., with a 10 ft. off paved surface setback (Sec. § 154.217 Table 1, § 154.210(C)). Most commercial signs in Elizabethtown require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Elizabethtown, Kentucky
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Elizabethtown (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 8 | 25 ft. | 100 sq. ft. | — |
| Residential Zones | 8 | 20 ft. | 72 sq. ft. | — |
| Commercial Zones (C-3, C-4) | 13 | 45 ft. | 300 sq. ft. excluding structural supports; may be placed back to back or in a V type construction | — |
| Industrial Zones (I-1, I-2) | 11 | 45 ft. | 300 sq. ft. excluding structural supports; may be placed back to back or in a V type construction | — |
| Specialized Use Zones | 11 | 20 ft. | 72 sq. ft. | — |
| Interstate Highway Service Business Overzone (IHSB) | 8 | 125 ft. | 225 sq. ft. for signs between 45 ft. and 74 ft. in height; 325 sq. ft. for signs between 75 ft. and 99 ft. in height; 400 sq. ft. for signs between 100 ft. and 125 ft. in height | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Elizabethtown(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
Commercial Zones (C-3, C-4)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Sign | 8 ft. | 64 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft. off paved surface | 1 per street | Monument or Pole | — | Unlock | § 154.217 Table 1, § 154.210(C) |
| Tract Sign | 12 ft. | 72 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft. off paved surface | 1 per street frontage | Monument or Pole | — | Unlock | § 154.217 Table 1, § 154.210(K) |
| Real Estate Sign | 6 ft. | 32 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Monument, Pole or Wall | — | Unlock | § 154.217 Table 1, § 154.210(G) |
| Directional Sign - Commercial | 3 ft. | 6 sq. ft. | — | — | 2 per entrance | Monument or Pole; may not project into right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 154.217 Table 1 |
| Booth Sign (Flea Market and Farmers Market) - Wall Mount | 3 ft. | 15 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 | Wall mount directly adjacent to booth space | — | Unlock | § 154.217 Table 1, § 154.208(O) |
| Sidewalk Food Vendors Sign | 5 ft. | 15 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 | Pole or Cart; must be located directly adjacent to vending cart | — | Unlock | § 154.217 Table 1 |
| Off-Premises Sign | 45 ft. | 300 sq. ft. excluding structural supports; may be placed back to back or in a V type construction | — | 20 ft. off street right of way | — | Monument or Pole; 20 ft. off street right of way; in C-3, C-4 | — | Unlock | § 154.217 Table 2, § 154.212, § 154.213 |
| Message Board | — | Not to exceed 50% of total allowed sign face when pole or monument, maximum of 75 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft. off paved surface for Monument and Pole | 1 per type (Wall, Monument, Pole) | Wall, Monument or Pole; for Monument and Pole: 10 ft. off paved surface | — | Unlock | § 154.217 Table 1 |
Industrial Zones (I-1, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Sign | 8 ft. | 64 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft. off paved surface | 1 per street | Monument or Pole | — | Unlock | § 154.217 Table 1, § 154.210(C) |
| Tract Sign | 12 ft. | 72 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft. off paved surface | 1 per street frontage | Monument or Pole | — | Unlock | § 154.217 Table 1, § 154.210(K) |
| Real Estate Sign | 6 ft. | 32 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Monument, Pole or Wall | — | Unlock | § 154.217 Table 1, § 154.210(G) |
| Directional Sign - Industrial | 10 ft. | 50 sq. ft. | — | — | 2 per entrance | Monument or Pole | — | Unlock | § 154.217 Table 1 |
| Industrial Park Identification Sign | 25 ft. | 150 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft. off paved surface | 1 per entrance to industrial area | Monument or Pole; 10 ft. off paved surface | — | Unlock | § 154.217 Table 1 |
| Off-Premises Sign | 45 ft. | 300 sq. ft. excluding structural supports; may be placed back to back or in a V type construction | — | 20 ft. off street right of way | — | Monument or Pole; 20 ft. off street right of way; in I-1, I-2 | — | Unlock | § 154.217 Table 2, § 154.212, § 154.213 |
| Message Board | — | Not to exceed 50% of total allowed sign face when pole or monument, maximum of 75 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft. off paved surface for Monument and Pole | 1 per type (Wall, Monument, Pole) | Wall, Monument or Pole; for Monument and Pole: 10 ft. off paved surface | — | Unlock | § 154.217 Table 1 |
| Projecting Sign | 20 ft. | 15% of wall face | — | — | 1 per wall | Wall; cannot project into right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 154.217 Table 1 |
Specialized Use 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Sign | 8 ft. | 64 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft. off paved surface | 1 per street | Monument or Pole | — | Unlock | § 154.217 Table 1, § 154.210(C) |
| Incidental Sign | — | 10 sq. ft. | — | — | N/A | Wall, Monument or Pole | — | Unlock | § 154.217 Table 1, § 154.210(E) |
| Tract Sign | 12 ft. | 72 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft. off paved surface | 1 per street frontage | Monument or Pole | — | Unlock | § 154.217 Table 1, § 154.210(K) |
| Real Estate Sign | 6 ft. | 32 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Monument, Pole or Wall | — | Unlock | § 154.217 Table 1, § 154.210(G) |
| Booth Sign (Flea Market and Farmers Market) - Wall Mount | 3 ft. | 15 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 | Wall mount directly adjacent to booth space | — | Unlock | § 154.217 Table 1, § 154.208(O) |
| Sidewalk Food Vendors Sign | 5 ft. | 15 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 | Pole or Cart; must be located directly adjacent to vending cart | — | Unlock | § 154.217 Table 1 |
| Message Board | — | Not to exceed 50% of total allowed sign face when pole or monument, maximum of 75 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft. off paved surface for Monument and Pole | 1 per type (Wall, Monument, Pole) | Wall, Monument or Pole; for Monument and Pole: 10 ft. off paved surface | — | Unlock | § 154.217 Table 1 |
| Projecting Sign | 20 ft. | 15% of wall face | — | — | 1 per wall | Wall; cannot project into right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 154.217 Table 1 |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Elizabethtown — 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 Elizabethtown — start freeProhibited Signs in Elizabethtown
- Abandoned signs
- Any sign which emits any noise, odor or visible matter for the purpose of attracting attention to the sign
- Flashing or blinking signs, except for permitted informational signs
- Mobile or portable signs
- Off-site real estate signs
- Rotating or moving signs
- Signs attached or placed on a tent structure, where the placement of such signs adversely affects the fire resistance rating of the structure
- Streamers, pennants, balloons, inflatables and similar signs or devices
- Tag signs
- Temporary signs
- Vehicle signs, when attached to a vehicle not normally driven daily
- No light, sign or other advertising device shall be designed or erected in such a manner or location as to imitate or resemble any official traffic sign, signal or device, or use words, phrases, symbols or characters implying the existence of danger, the need to stop or maneuver the vehicle or create an unsafe distraction for the vehicle operator
- No sign shall be placed or located in or extend over a street, right-of-way, roadway, sidewalk, public or private access easement, or alley except as provided herein
- No sign shall be attached to or painted on the surface of any tree, utility pole, streetlight standard or dilapidated structure
- No sign shall be allowed to be illuminated except as expressly provided herein. Signs which are otherwise allowed to be illuminated are not allowed if it is determined that the lighting causes glare or otherwise interferes with the vision of persons operating motor vehicles on any public way or interferes with any adjacent property
- No sign may be located or constructed so as to obstruct sight lines for persons using streets, alleys, pedestrian rights-of-way and driveways
Exempt Signs in Elizabethtown
- Changing copy of off-premises signs, attraction board, marquee or electronic message display system
- Church directional signs
- Community identification signs and community beautification project signs
- Construction signs
- Government signs, including, but not limited to, traffic signs and traffic control signs
- Historic markers
- Incidental signs
- Nameplates
- Non-commercial signs
- On-site real estate signs, including auction signs
- Public utility warning signs for the safety and welfare of the public, including, but not limited to, signs identifying high voltage, public telephone or underground cable
- Signs not visible from the public right-of-way provided however that if the sign becomes visible from the right-of-way at any time, it shall meet all the applicable requirements of this chapter
- Special events signs associated with community festivals or events of a cultural, civic or educational nature
- Tract signs
- Booth (flea market and farmers market) signs
Source: amlegal municipal code