Bucks County · Pennsylvania
Bucks County, PA — Municipal Sign Ordinance Survey
All 54 municipalities (31 townships, 23 boroughs): official website, where the code of ordinances is published, and every provision regulating signs — election signs, temporary signs for events and sales, general signage, permits and penalties — each with its exact citation, verbatim text, and a plain-English summary.
No municipality matches that search.
The legal backdrop. Pennsylvania municipalities regulate signs under the Municipalities Planning Code and their police powers, but since Reed v. Town of Gilbert (opens in a new tab), 576 U.S. 155 (2015), a sign rule that treats one category of speech (e.g. “political signs”) differently from comparable signs — in size, number, duration or permits — is a presumptively unconstitutional content-based restriction. Most ordinances below were written before Reed; a rule can be printed in the code and still be unenforceable. Separately, no sign of any kind may go in a PennDOT state-highway right-of-way (36 P.S. § 670-425; 23 CFR § 1.23), and electioneering is barred within 10 feet of a polling-place entrance (25 P.S. § 3060).
In short: a sign rule can be printed in the code and still be unenforceable. A municipality may even face a first amendment based lawsuit if they choose to enforce their local code and few will likely risk it.
Verification. Every quoted provision was re-fetched from its primary source and machine-checked as a substring of that page. 488 quotes verified word-for-word against the live code page, 37 against the ordinance PDF's own text layer, 5 verified in wording but with re-flowed list numbering, and 2 could not be confirmed and are labelled as such. Nothing here is paraphrased inside a quotation block.
Where each municipality's code lives
| Code host | Municipalities |
|---|---|
| eCode360 | Bristol Borough, Bristol Township, Chalfont Borough, Doylestown Borough, Doylestown Township, Dublin Borough, East Rockhill Township, Falls Township, Hilltown Township, Langhorne Borough, Lower Makefield Township, Lower Southampton Township, Middletown Township, Morrisville Borough, New Britain Borough, New Britain Township, New Hope Borough, Newtown Borough, Newtown Township, Nockamixon Township, Northampton Township, Penndel Borough, Perkasie Borough, Plumstead Township, Quakertown Borough, Richland Township, Richlandtown Borough, Sellersville Borough, Silverdale Borough, Solebury Township, Tinicum Township, Tullytown Borough, Upper Makefield Township, Upper Southampton Township, Warminster Township, Warrington Township, Warwick Township, West Rockhill Township, Wrightstown Township, Yardley Borough |
| PDF on municipal site | Bridgeton Township, Buckingham Township, Durham Township, Haycock Township, Hulmeville Borough, Ivyland Borough, Langhorne Manor Borough, Milford Township, Riegelsville Borough, Trumbauersville Borough |
| American Legal | Bedminster Township, Springfield Township, Telford Borough |
| Municode | Bensalem Township |
At a glance: election / political signs
| Municipality | Citation | What it says about election signs |
|---|---|---|
| Bedminster Township | Zoning Ordinance § 802(5) | Political, civic, social and fundraising signs are treated as one category of temporary sign in residential/agricultural districts. Max 16 sq ft per side. A permit plus cash deposit is required, and all such signs must be removed within 20 days after the event. |
| Bensalem Township | § 232-713(b)(12) (and definition at § 232-720(36)) | Bensalem has no separate 'political sign' section; the content-based category is 'personal expression sign' (defined at § 232-720(36) as an on-premises sign expressing an opinion, interest, position or other noncommercial message). No permit is needed; max 4 sq ft and 4 ft high, no illumination. |
| Bristol Borough | § 27-602.1C(4)(a)–(c) | Political signs may go up no earlier than 45 days before the election and must come down within 7 days after it. Max 32 sq ft per side, no illumination, no permit required (temporary signs are exempt under § 27-601.3.B). |
| Bridgeton Township | Zoning Ordinance Art. VII, § 703 (Miscellaneous Signs Not Requiring Permits — Political Sign row); Zoning Ordinance Art. VII, § 703 (Political Sign row, timing/number column) | Political signs are defined as signs relating to a scheduled election or upcoming vote. A zoning permit is required for political signs, except for a sign a resident posts on his or her own property. Political signs may be posted no earlier than 60 days before the election/vote/referendum and must be removed within 7 days after it. Posters must keep a written list of sign locations, and need the landowner's consent on private |
| Bristol Township | — | No election-specific rule in the code. Residential-lot temporary signs (the category that covers political/event signs): max 6 sq ft, freestanding or window only, non-illuminated, max 4 per year and 2 at a time, removed after 30 days. |
| Buckingham Township | Zoning Ordinance Section 3203.E | Political signs in residential/agricultural/village districts: max 16 sq ft per side, may be posted up to 90 days before removal or replacement, and explicitly no permit fee or security deposit may be required. |
| Warrington Township | — | No election-specific rule in the code. In residential districts a temporary sign may be displayed no more than 20 days, or five days after the advertised event ends, whichever is less; an event sign may run only once per 12 months. Max two temporary signs per calendar year, six square feet each. |
| Dublin Borough | § 19-103 (definition of "Political Sign"); § 19-107.5A, § 19-107.5B and § 19-107.5C; § 19-107.5D; § 19-107.5E | Dublin defines "political sign" as any sign identifying an individual, slate or party running for federal, state, county or local office, and any sign supporting, opposing or commenting on a ballot referendum. Political signs may be put up only by the owner/lessee or the candidate, party or authorized agent with the owner's express permission (A); each sign is capped at 12 square feet (B); and signs may not be displayed earlie |
| Yardley Borough | § 27-1213.1A(1) | Campaign signs are limited to four square feet and may not be erected or displayed earlier than 70 days before the election. Section 27-1213.1C confirms they need no sign permit. |
| Wrightstown Township | § 1104C.1.c(1); § 1104C.1.c(3); § 1104C.1.c(4) | Campaign signs must be removed within three days after the primary or general election; failure to remove is a zoning violation subject to the ordinance's penalties. This is the shortest removal window of the six municipalities. Political signs are requested to be no larger than four square feet, with a hard ceiling of 16 square feet per sign and 80 square feet total per tax map parcel. No political signs on municipal property |
| Chalfont Borough | § 440-117B(4)(b)[13] and [13][a] | Political signs need no permit, but the property owner is responsible for erecting and removing them: they must come down within five days after the election or the owner faces enforcement. Size cap (subsection [13][b]): 5 sq ft residential, 25 sq ft commercial/industrial. |
| Doylestown Township | — | No election-specific rule in the code. Doylestown Township allows temporary signs to be displayed up to 30 days, no more than four times per calendar year. Residential temporary signs are capped at 4 sq ft / 6 ft high and nonresidential temporary signs at 12 sq ft. |
| West Rockhill Township | § 450-2006K | Political signs are permit-exempt: max 12 sq ft, may go up no more than 30 days before the election, must come down within 72 hours after, need the property owner's OK, and are barred from trees, utility poles, government property and street rights-of-way. |
| Warwick Township | — | No election-specific rule in the code. Temporary signs generally require a Township permit (fees set by resolution) and must satisfy the Zoning Officer that Article XXII is met before the permit issues. |
| Durham Township | § 903.L; § 903.L (continued sentence after the page break) | Political/issue signs are permit-exempt but may go up only 30 days before election day and must be removed within 14 days after; they need the landowner's permission and are banned from trees, utility poles and Township property — except at a polling place on Election Day. Political signs are capped at 12 sq ft per candidate or issue and may not be illuminated. |
| East Rockhill Township | § 19-101; § 19-102; § 19-103; § 27-2006f(7)(e); § 27-2007 (residential and C-E districts temporary signs) | East Rockhill has a stand-alone political-sign ordinance, Chapter 19 Part 1 (Ord. 58, 8/14/1978), aimed at preventing defacement of property and ensuring timely removal. Political candidate signs REQUIRE a permit from the Township Secretary plus a $200 escrow deposit per 100 signs (or fraction), refundable once the Township confirms the Part was complied with or violations were corrected. Political candidate signs may go up no |
| Falls Township | — | No election-specific rule in the code. Temporary signs on private property need no sign permit and don't count against a property's permanent sign allowance, provided they meet the temporary-sign rules. |
| Haycock Township | § 601.KK | Haycock's only express reference to political signs is in the § 601 definition of 'Temporary sign,' which expressly includes real estate, for sale, garage sale and political signs — so political signs are governed by the general temporary-sign rules in § 604.C. |
| Warminster Township | — | No election-specific rule in the code. One sign of each permitted type per premises (one per street frontage on corner lots). Temporary signs don't count against that cap, but still need a permit unless exempt. |
| Hilltown Township | § 160-78D; § 160-78D(1) | Political, campaign and civic/event temporary signs are expressly allowed in Hilltown, subject to the limits in § 160-78D(1)–(3): removal within 10 days after the election, no illumination, and max 16 sq ft per sign face. Political/campaign signs must come down within 10 days after the election (or after the event the sign refers to). |
| Hulmeville Borough | § 27-802.2.N(1)–(2); § 27-802.2.N(3); § 27-802.2.N(4); § 27-802.2.N(5) | Political signs must be on private property with the owner's permission (posted by the owner, lessee, candidate or party agent) and may not exceed 6 square feet each. Political signs may not be posted earlier than 60 days before the election. Political signs are banned from street rights-of-way, alleys, sidewalks, parking lots and other public places. Political signs need no permit, but must be removed within 3 days after the |
| Trumbauersville Borough | — | No election-specific rule in the code. Residential temporary signs are capped at 6 square feet each and must be unlit. |
| Ivyland Borough | § 27-807B(1)(d); § 27-807B(1)(a)–(c) | Off-premises event signs may go up 3 weeks ahead, but political signs may be posted no earlier than 1 month (about 30 days) before an election. Political/election signs must come down within one week after the election and may not stay up more than 30 days total; they must be under 25 sq ft and require a deposit with the Zoning Officer. |
| Upper Southampton Township | — | No election-specific rule in the code. Temporary signs of any kind are allowed in residential districts with no application or fee, up to 12 sq ft and unlit, but must stay out of rights-of-way and off utility/traffic poles, and be removed within 30 days. |
| Upper Makefield Township | JMZO Article XI, § 1104C.1.c (Political Sign) - subsection (1); JMZO Article XI, § 1104C.1.c(2); JMZO Article XI, § 1104C.1.c(3); JMZO Article XI, § 1104C.1.c(4) | Political signs must come down within 3 days after the primary or general election for which they were posted. Failure to remove is a zoning violation subject to zoning penalties (the candidate and the person who erected the sign are both exposed). No permit, filing fee or registration is required to put up political signs in Upper Makefield (JMZO). The subsection is short and is quoted in full. Political sign limits: 4 sq ft |
| Tullytown Borough | — | No election-specific rule in the code. Temporary signs placed on public property are forfeited and may be immediately confiscated and thrown away - the provision most often used against campaign and event signs in Borough parks and lots. |
| Langhorne Borough | — | No election-specific rule in the code. Two signs per road frontage by right, and temporary signs (artisans, real estate) get one extra sign per frontage on top of that. |
| Tinicum Township | § 395-164J (Signs for which a permit is not required - exempt signs) | Political and similar campaign/event signs are permit-exempt but capped at 8 sq ft, 30 days at a time, and no more than 120 days per calendar year. |
| Langhorne Manor Borough | Ch. 128 (Signs), Art. I Political Signs, § 128-1 (Restrictions on use) - opening paragraph; Ch. 128, § 128-1A; Ch. 128, § 128-1B; Ch. 128, § 128-1C; Ch. 128, § 128-1D; Ch. 128, § 128-1E; Ch. 128, § 128-2 (Applicability of Zoning Ordinance) | Political signs are expressly permitted in unlimited numbers in Langhorne Manor, but only subject to the size, timing, permit and security-deposit rules in § 128-1A through E. Political signs are capped at 4 sq ft of total area on one face. Political signs may only be posted during the 30 days immediately before a primary or general election. Political signs must be removed within 5 days after the primary or general election d |
| Lower Makefield Township | Ch. 200 (Zoning), Art. XIX Signs, § 200-83E(10) (Election political signs - definition); § 200-84B(2) (Off-premises signs in residential districts - political signs); § 200-84B(2)(a); § 200-84B(2)(b); § 200-84B(2)(c); § 200-83C(6) (Location of signs - Township property / polling places); § 200-83G(11), § 200-85B(5) and § 200-85E(11) (permit exemptions and district rules for political signs) | Defines election/political signs as temporary, non-illuminated signs for or against a candidate or ballot issue; they are then regulated by § 200-84B(2). Political signs are allowed as temporary non-illuminated off-premises signs in residential districts, subject to the size and timing rules in § 200-84B(2)(a) through (c). Political signs may not exceed 16 sq ft. Political signs may not be posted earlier than 30 days before th |
| Lower Southampton Township | — | No election-specific rule in the code. Event/promotional signs require a Zoning Officer permit plus a cash deposit as a guarantee of removal within 48 hours after the event; if not removed the Township removes them and keeps the whole deposit (§ 27-2007.9.C). Under § 27-2007.9.A they may not be posted earlier than one week before the event. |
| Middletown Township | Chapter 500 (Zoning), Article XXVIII (Sign Regulations), § 500-2809C(1)(a); § 500-2809C(1)(b); § 500-2809C(1)(e); § 500-2809C(1)(c); § 500-2804A; § 500-2803A (definition: 'Political sign'); § 500-2809C(1)(d) | Political signs on a single lot are capped at 12 sq ft each with a 24 sq ft aggregate limit per lot. Political signs in a road right-of-way may be up to 32 sq ft, must not create a hazard or obstruct sight lines, and (since 1/1/2000) may not use wire supports in the right-of-way or on government property. The candidate or an authorized agent of the political party must obtain a Zoning Officer permit and post a deposit guarante |
| Milford Township | — | No election-specific rule in the code. In residential districts temporary signs are capped at 6 sq ft, must be non-illuminated, are limited to four per calendar year and two per lot at a time, and must be removed after 30 days (real-estate signs may stay until there is an agreement of sale, lease or rental). |
| Telford Borough | § 27-604 (definitions: 'Nonresidential business sign' and 'Political sign'); § 27-607.J; § 27-606.I | 'Political sign' is defined as a temporary sign used in connection with a local, county, State or national election or referendum - so political signs are temporary signs under Part 6 and subject to the temporary-sign treatment (and barred on Borough property). No sign permit is needed for 'personal expression signs' (the category covering political/campaign yard signs on private property): they must be non-illuminated, may be |
| Springfield Township | § 905.J.10 | Springfield has no separate political-sign section; political/campaign signs on private property fall under no-permit 'personal expression signs': any type including flags, max 8 sq ft per side, non-commercial and non-illuminated. |
| Morrisville Borough | § 465-48B(1)(c); § 465-48B(1)(d) | No permit issues for event/political signs until a deposit is made with the Zoning Officer under a Borough Council fee schedule guaranteeing removal within the prescribed time; failure to remove forfeits the deposit. Event/exhibit signs may not be posted earlier than two weeks before the event, but political signs are posted no earlier than one month before an election. All such signs are capped at 8 sq ft and must be removed |
| New Britain Borough | § 450-44H(2) (as cited on the Borough's published notice); Borough notice (Zoning Ordinance summary, no section cited) | Political campaign signs are allowed and are exempt from zoning permits. Max 4 sq ft. Must be posted by the property owner/lessee or with their permission. Note: this text is NOT present in the current codified Article VII on eCode360 (a borough-wide search of the code for "political" returns no sign provision); the borough's live code has been restructured (Article VII amended 11-13-2024 by Ord. 431), so this § 450-44H(2) num |
| New Britain Township | § 27-2606e(2); § 27-2606e(2) (duration/frequency provision) | Political campaign signs are regulated as a defined subcategory of 'noncommercial temporary signs' (the only place the Township code names political campaigns). They are content-neutral non-commercial temporary signs, permitted on or off premises. Temporary/political signs may go up no more than 30 days before the event (e.g., Election Day) and must come down within 5 days after it ends, with an absolute 45-consecutive-day cap |
| New Hope Borough | — | No election-specific rule in the code. The operative rule for political-style yard signs in New Hope: no permit needed, max 6 sq ft and 4 ft tall, no more than 2 at once per property, up to 90 days on display then a 60-day cooldown, never in the right-of-way, and only with the owner's permission. |
| Solebury Township | § 27-2407.1G | Only election-specific provision in the Township code: signs on Township-owned property are banned, except temporary signs at Township-owned polling places while the polls are open, and only if they comply with state and county election rules. NOTE: Solebury has no 'political signs' or 'campaign signs' section anywhere in its code (a code-wide search for 'political' returns only tax, peddling and historic-district hits); polit |
| Newtown Borough | § 550-41B(14); § 550-41B(14)(b); § 550-41B(14)(c) | Political signs (candidate/party and issue signs) are allowed and expressly exempt from any permit or other approval. They may be placed by the owner/lessee, or by the candidate/party/agent with the owner's express permission, or in a public forum. No permit, no application and no fee for political signs. The only limits are that they must not block vehicular sight triangles or interfere with vehicular/pedestrian traffic; sign |
| Silverdale Borough | § 340-69D; § 340-69D(1); § 340-69D(2) | Political/candidate/ballot-issue signs are permitted in the R-1 and HD Districts with the property owner's permission, subject to the size and timing limits in the following subsections. Political signs may be up to 12 sq ft per side and may only be put on property with the owner's permission. Political signs may go up 45 days before the election and must be removed within 10 days after it. (No permit is required — § 340-76A(2 |
| Newtown Township | Newtown Area Joint Municipal Zoning Ordinance, Article XI (Signs), § 1104.C.1.c(1); JMZO Article XI (Signs), § 1104.C.1.c(2); JMZO Article XI (Signs), § 1104.C.1.c(3); JMZO Article XI (Signs), § 1104.C.1.c(4) | Political signs must come down within 3 days after the applicable primary or general election. Failure to remove is a zoning violation subject to the ordinance's penalties. (JMZO applies to Newtown Township, Upper Makefield Township and Wrightstown Township.) No fee and no registration is required to put up political signs — this is the only fee-free exception in the temporary-sign permit scheme. 4 sq ft per sign is only a req |
| Nockamixon Township | Nockamixon Township Code, Ch. 234 (Zoning), Art. IX (Signs), § 234-68L(1)–(3); Nockamixon Township Code, Ch. 234 (Zoning), Art. IX (Signs), § 234-68L(4)–(5) | Political signs are exempt from the permit requirement. Max 12 sq ft per sign, need the property owner's permission, and may go up no earlier than 60 days before the election (typo 'earlier that 60 days' is in the code). No permit or approval is needed for political signs, but they are banned from street rights-of-way and public places, and must be removed within 10 days after the election or the offender is subject to code pe |
| Sellersville Borough | — | No election-specific rule in the code. Temporary window signs, including community special-event signs, are permit-exempt as long as they cover no more than 50% of the window. |
| Northampton Township | Northampton Township Code, Ch. 27 (Zoning), Part 16 (Signs), § 27-1602, definition of 'SIGN' | Political signs are expressly excluded from the definition of 'sign,' so they are not regulated as signs in Northampton Township (no size, timing or permit rules for political/campaign signs; there is no separate political-sign section in Part 16). |
| Penndel Borough | Penndel Borough Code, Ch. 405 (Zoning), Art. VIII (Sign Regulations), § 405-41B(2); Penndel Borough Code, Ch. 405, Art. VIII, § 405-41B(5) | Political/election signs: max 4 sq ft each, may go up no earlier than 30 days before the election, and must be removed within 7 days after election day. Political and event-sign erectors must get a Zoning Officer permit and post a $25-per-100-signs removal deposit, and must list the streets where signs go; if not removed within 7 days after the election/event the deposit is forfeited and failure is a zoning violation under § 4 |
| Riegelsville Borough | Riegelsville Borough Zoning Ordinance #222, Article XIII (Signs), Section 1306.e(1)–(2); Riegelsville Borough Zoning Ordinance #222, Article XIII, Section 1306.e(3); Riegelsville Borough Zoning Ordinance #222, Article XIII, Section 1306.e(3) (continued); Riegelsville Borough Zoning Ordinance #222, Article XIII, Section 1306.e(4)(a)–(b) | Political signs in residential districts are capped at 4 sq ft per side and must be non-illuminated. Political signs require a Borough Zoning Officer permit and a council-set cash deposit guaranteeing removal within 20 days after the election; if not removed, the borough removes them and keeps the deposit. A separate permit is required for each primary and general election, primary signs may not remain until the general electi |
| Perkasie Borough | § 186-78A(12); § 186-78A(13)(a)-(c) | Temporary on-premises political-election and civic-drive signs are permit-exempt if no larger than 20 sq ft and removed immediately after the campaign, drive or event. Temporary OFF-premises political signs may not exceed 20 sq ft, must come down within one week after the election, and may not go up earlier than one month before an election (three weeks for non-political events); written property-owner permission is required — |
| Plumstead Township | § 27-2605B(7) | Political signs are expressly permit-exempt and may not be placed in a public right-of-way, a clear sight triangle, or on Township-owned property (except a Township property used as a polling place), and may not obstruct motorists or pedestrians. |
| Quakertown Borough | § 27-502.1C(4) | Political signs are banned from all public property (rights-of-way, utility poles, parkland); on private property with the owner's permission they may go up 70 days before an election, must come down within 7 days after, may not exceed 9 sq ft, and need no permit. |
| Richlandtown Borough | — | No election-specific rule in the code. Temporary contractor/developer/architect/builder signs are allowed with a maximum area of 24 sq ft per side, must stay on the premises to which they relate, and must be removed when the work is complete (permit-exempt under § 27-703). |
| Richland Township | § 27-902 (definition 'POLITICAL SIGNS') | Defines political signs as signs identifying candidates or slates for federal, state, county, municipal or school-board office and signs supporting/opposing ballot referenda; the code sets no separate size or removal deadline for them beyond the general temporary-sign rules. |
| Doylestown Borough | § 27-709.2; § 27-715.5 | Political signs may be on- or off-premises if put up by the owner/lessee or the candidate/party with the owner's permission, must not exceed 12 sq ft, and are prohibited within street lines or on any public alley, sidewalk, park, parking lot or other public place. Temporary political signs need no permit or other approval, but they may not remain up more than 10 days after the election they relate to; failure to remove is a vi |
Full detail, municipality by municipality
Bedminster Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | Zoning Ordinance § 802(5) source verbatim (PDF) | “(5) All signs of a temporary nature, such as those advertising civil, social or political gatherings, and fundraising activities-may be erected and maintained, provided that: a. The size of any such sign is not in excess of sixteen (16) square feet per side. b. The erector of such signs or those responsible for or benefiting by the erection shall first apply for and obtain a permit from the Township Zoning Officer, and make a deposit with the Township at the time of application of a sum to be set at a certain amount from time to time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors to insure that all such signs shall be removed promptly within twenty (20) days after the event to which signs relate” | Political, civic, social and fundraising signs are treated as one category of temporary sign in residential/agricultural districts. Max 16 sq ft per side. A permit plus cash deposit is required, and all such signs must be removed within 20 days after the event. |
| temporary/event/sale | Zoning Ordinance § 802(5)(b) and § 809(1)(b) source verbatim (PDF) | “Signs described in Sections 802 (1), (2), (4), (5), (6), (8), and (11) of this Ordinance shall be exempt from the permit requirements of this Subsection. Exemptions from the necessity of securing a permit, however, shall not be construed to relieve the owner of the sign involved from responsibility for its erection in a safe manner and in a manner in accordance with all other provisions of this Ordinance.” | Temporary signs under § 802(5) (political/civic/social/fundraising) are expressly exempt from the zoning-permit requirement of § 809, but the § 802(5) size limit, deposit and 20-day removal rule still apply, and the erector remains responsible for safe erection. |
| general signage | Zoning Ordinance § 804(1)(b) source verbatim (PDF) | “b. Location. All parts of any sign, except for official traffic and street signs, shall observe the placement requirements established herein. (i) In no case shall any sign be erected or maintained within fifteen (15) feet of the edge of the cartway or curb or be located within, or project over, the legal right-of-way of any existing or proposed street or road, whichever is greater. Home occupation, or name signs, as described in Section 802(7), shall be exempt from this provision. (ii) No sign shall be erected or maintained within a distance of twenty (20) feet from the side line of a lot.” | General placement rule applying to all signs including temporary/political ones: at least 15 feet back from the cartway or curb (or outside the right-of-way, whichever is greater) and at least 20 feet from any side lot line. |
| prohibition/penalty | Zoning Ordinance § 804(1)(d)(vii)–(viii) source verbatim (PDF) | “(vii) Signs tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued, or otherwise attached to trees, poles, stakes, fences, public benches, streetlights, or other objects, or placed on any public property. (viii) Signs affixed to any vehicle in such a manner that the carrying of such sign or signs is no longer incidental to the vehicle's primary purpose, but becomes a primary purpose in itself.” | Prohibited in all districts: signs attached to trees, poles, fences, streetlights or other objects, or placed on public property, and vehicles used primarily as stationary signs. Enforced under § 807 (Unsafe and Unlawful Signs). |
Bensalem Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | § 232-713(b)(12) (and definition at § 232-720(36)) source verbatim | “(11) Menus and signs indicating business hours, provided signs shall not exceed two square feet in area and that signs shall be located in a permanently mounted display box on the façade of the building adjacent to the entrance, displayed within a window adjacent to the entrance, or at a podium that will be placed inside the restaurant upon closing. (12) Personal expression signs, provided that they are not illuminated and are either freestanding, wall or window signs. Such signs may not exceed four square feet in area and, in the case of freestanding signs, four feet in height.” | Bensalem has no separate 'political sign' section; the content-based category is 'personal expression sign' (defined at § 232-720(36) as an on-premises sign expressing an opinion, interest, position or other noncommercial message). No permit is needed; max 4 sq ft and 4 ft high, no illumination. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 232-714(a)(2) source verbatim | “Any temporary sign, as defined in this chapter and subject to the following regulations: a. One large temporary sign (maximum area: 32 square feet in area for banner, 16 square feet in area for all other signs) per property if the property is five or more acres with 400 or more feet of street frontage, or has more than 10,000 square feet of floor area, with a maximum height of eight feet in area for a ground sign and 24 feet in area for a banner. b. One small temporary sign (maximum area six square feet in area) per property, with a maximum height of six feet.” | Residential-district temporary signs: one large (32 sq ft banner / 16 sq ft other, 8 ft high; 24 ft for banners) plus one small (6 sq ft, 6 ft high). § 232-720(46) defines a 'temporary sign' as displayable no more than 30 consecutive days. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 232-714(a)(1) and § 232-720(25) source verbatim | “Limited duration sign. A non-permanent sign that is displayed on private property for more than 30 days, but is not intended to be displayed for an indefinite period, subject to the permitting requirements set forth in this chapter. (26) Marquee sign. Any sign attached to a marquee for the purposes of identifying a theater or movie house.” | Signs intended to stay up longer than 30 days are 'limited duration signs' requiring an annually renewable permit (one year max; up to two permits per property; illumination prohibited). |
| permit procedure | § 232-713(a) source verbatim | “A permit shall be obtained from the Township before erecting, placing, rebuilding, significantly altering, reconstructing or moving any sign, unless otherwise specifically noted in this chapter. Every application for a sign permit shall be accompanied by a plan prepared to scale and including: (1) The dimensions of the sign and, where applicable, the dimensions of the wall surface of the building to which it is to be attached.” | General sign-permit requirement covering erection, alteration and relocation of signs, with a scaled plan showing dimensions, support structure, height, location and maintenance. Exemptions are listed in § 232-713(b), including personal expression signs and temporary signs. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 232-716 source verbatim | “It shall be unlawful, upon or after the effective date of this chapter or any amendment thereto, for any person, firm or other entity to erect any of the following signs within the Township: (1) Abandoned signs and awnings, which shall be removed within 60 days from the effective date hereof. In the event that any such abandoned sign or awning is not removed within 60 days after the effective date hereof, such sign or awning may be removed by or at the direction of the Code Enforcement Officer, and the expense of such removal shall be reimbursed to the Township by the property owner, failing which the Township may collect the cost of said removal by suit or may file a municipal lien against the property in the amount of such costs, or both.” | Prohibited-sign section; removal costs can be charged to the owner and collected by suit or municipal lien. § 232-713(c)–(d) adds 30-day post-erection inspections and removal of business signs within 15 days of the business closing. |
Bristol Borough
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | § 27-602.1C(4)(a)–(c) source verbatim | “Political. Temporary signs advertising political parties or candidates for election may be erected and maintained, provided that the following regulations are met: (a) The erector of such signs, or those responsible for or benefitting from the display of the signs, shall place such signs no sooner than 45 days and remove such signs within seven days after the date of the election to which the signs relate. (b) Such signs shall not be illuminated. (c) Maximum size 32 square feet per side.” | Political signs may go up no earlier than 45 days before the election and must come down within 7 days after it. Max 32 sq ft per side, no illumination, no permit required (temporary signs are exempt under § 27-601.3.B). |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-602.1C (introductory paragraph) source verbatim | “Real Estate, Construction, Special Event, Political and Garage Sale Temporary Signs. A temporary, on-premises sign may generally be erected on a lot without a permit for a period not exceeding 30 days, provided that such signs are not attached to trees, fences, utility poles, or the like, and that such signs are not placed in such a position as to obstruct or impair vision or traffic or in any manner which creates a nuisance, hazard or disturbance to the health and welfare of the general public. Temporary signs must be removed within seven days after they are no longer needed.” | Catch-all temporary-sign rule: no permit needed, 30-day maximum display, no attachment to trees/fences/utility poles, no sight or traffic obstruction, removal within 7 days after the sign is no longer needed. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-602.1C(5) source verbatim | “Garage Sale Signs. No signs advertising the garage sale are to be posted on any place other than the premises of the applicant. The sign is not to exceed two feet by two feet in size, cannot be placed on the premises earlier than one week prior to the sale and must be removed within 24 hours after the sale has terminated.” | Garage sale signs must stay on the applicant's own property, max 2 ft x 2 ft, may be posted starting one week before the sale and must be removed within 24 hours after it ends. |
| permit procedure | § 27-601.3A–C source verbatim | “A sign permit is required for any permanent sign exceeding two square feet in area not exempted by Subsection 3B; and certain temporary signs provided in Subsection 3C. B. A sign permit is not required for: (1) Temporary signs. (2) Any sign which requires a mere change of copy on a sign (the customary use of which involves frequent and periodic changes of copy). (3) Exempt signs. C. Each sign shall comply with the standards of this chapter, whether or not a sign permit is required.” | Sign permits are required only for permanent signs over 2 sq ft; temporary signs (which include political signs) need no permit but must still meet the chapter's size/time standards. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 27-609.1A and § 27-608.3 source verbatim | “The owner of any property or premises upon which any sign is erected shall be responsible for its complete removal at such time as the circumstances which caused its erection have ceased to exist as required in Subsections 1 and 2 above, or at such other time that the sign must be removed under any other provision of this chapter. If the owner of any property upon which a sign has been erected shall fail or neglect to remove it as herein above required, the Zoning Officer shall give notice by certified mail to the owner.” | Enforcement: the property owner must remove signs once the reason for them ends; the Zoning Officer sends certified-mail notice, and after 30 days the Borough removes the sign, billing cost plus 10% administrative charge. § 27-609.1(A) additionally prohibits banners, flags and pennants except for one 10-day special occasion per year in TC/NC/GC/HC districts. |
Bridgeton Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | Zoning Ordinance Art. VII, § 703 (Miscellaneous Signs Not Requiring Permits — Political Sign row) source verbatim | “advertises a person or party seeking political office or a political cause or opinion on a referendum or matter of political concern and which relates to a scheduled election or matter of upcoming vote by a governmental body. Political signs shall require zoning permits, except for a sign posted by a resident on his/her own property.” | Political signs are defined as signs relating to a scheduled election or upcoming vote. A zoning permit is required for political signs, except for a sign a resident posts on his or her own property. |
| political/election | Zoning Ordinance Art. VII, § 703 (Political Sign row, timing/number column) source verbatim | “Shall be placed a max. of 60 days prior to election, vote or referendum and removed a max. of 7 days after such election, vote or referendum. Persons posting political signs shall maintain a written list of locations of such signs. Political signs shall not be placed on private property without the prior consent of the owner.” | Political signs may be posted no earlier than 60 days before the election/vote/referendum and must be removed within 7 days after it. Posters must keep a written list of sign locations, and need the landowner's consent on private property. |
| temporary/event/sale | Zoning Ordinance Art. VII, § 703 (Charitable Event Sign row) source verbatim (PDF) | “Advertises a special event held a maximum of 9 days in any calendar year that primarily is held to benefit a U. S. Internal Revenue Service certified tax-exempt nonprofit organization. 15 for each of 2, or 32 if only a single sign is used Shall be placed a max. of 30 days prior to event and removed a max. of 7 days after event.” | Charitable-event signs (up to 15 sq ft each for two signs, or 32 sq ft for one) may go up 30 days before a 9-day-max charity event and must come off within 7 days after it. |
| temporary/event/sale | Zoning Ordinance Art. VII, § 703 (Garage Sale Sign row) source verbatim (PDF) | “garage sale/porch sale or auction. 2 pef event 2 per sign 2 per sign Shall be placed a max. of 48 hrs. before permitted garage sale or auction begins, and be removed max. of 24 hrs. after event ends.” | Garage-sale/porch-sale/auction signs (2 per event, 2 sq ft per sign) may be posted no more than 48 hours before the sale begins and must be removed within 24 hours after it ends. NOTE: this snippet is shorter than 40 words because the source PDF's optical text layer for this table row is fragmented — the wording is reproduced exactly as it appears in the PDF text. |
| general signage | Zoning Ordinance Art. VII, § 702.A–B source verbatim (PDF) | “Signs legally existing at the time of enactment of this Ordinance and which do not conform to the requirements of the Ordinance shall be considered nonconforming signs. Any nonconforming sign which is removed, destroyed or damaged to an extent of 25% or more shall be replaced only with a conforming sign, except as below.” | Signs that predate the ordinance and do not comply are nonconforming; once removed, destroyed or damaged by 25% or more they must be replaced with a conforming sign (a nonconforming use may be re-signed if no more nonconforming). |
Bristol Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| temporary/event/sale | § 205-163.A(2) source check source | “Each lot shall be permitted temporary signs in accordance with the following requirements: (a) The maximum area of any such sign shall be six square feet. (b) Freestanding signs or window signs shall be permitted. (c) Such signs shall be nonilluminated. (d) No more than four temporary signs shall be permitted in any one calendar year, and no more than two temporary signs shall be permitted on a lot at any one time. (e) Such signs shall be removed after 30 days.” | Residential-lot temporary signs (the category that covers political/event signs): max 6 sq ft, freestanding or window only, non-illuminated, max 4 per year and 2 at a time, removed after 30 days. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 205-165.B source check source | “Temporary signs shall be permitted in accordance with the following requirements: (1) The maximum area of any such sign shall be 20 square feet. (2) Freestanding signs, banners and window signs shall be permitted, provided that no more than one temporary, freestanding sign shall be permitted on a lot at any one time. (3) The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be 10 feet. (4) Such signs shall be nonilluminated.” | In the C and CS (commercial) districts temporary signs may be up to 20 sq ft, 10 ft high when freestanding, non-illuminated, one freestanding sign per lot at a time; § 205-165.B(5)–(6) caps them at 4 per year/2 at a time and requires removal after 15 days. |
| general signage | § 205-162 source verbatim | “The following signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts and do not require a permit, provided the applicable requirements have been met. In addition, such signs shall not be counted when calculating the maximum total area of all signs on a lot. (A) Incidental signs, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed two square feet. (B) Flags representing governmental, educational or religious organizations, provided that the total area of all such flags shall not exceed 60 square feet in area.” | Permit-free, area-exempt signs in every district: small incidental signs (≤2 sq ft) and government/educational/religious flags up to 60 sq ft total. No political-sign subsection exists in this article. |
| permit procedure | § 205-169.A(4) source verbatim | “Temporary signs. Temporary signs shall be allowed only upon the issuance of a temporary sign permit, which shall be subject to the following requirements: (a) A temporary sign permit shall allow the use of a temporary sign for a specified time period, as authorized by this chapter. (b) The applicant for a temporary sign permit shall provide the Zoning Officer with sufficient information to demonstrate compliance with the sign regulations of this chapter.” | Temporary signs require a temporary sign permit issued for a specified period; the applicant must show the Zoning Officer how the sign complies. § 205-169.A(4)(c) also requires a refundable escrow deposit as a guarantee of timely removal. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 205-159.A and § 205-161.C source check source | “In no case shall any sign be erected so that it: (1) Interferes with traffic through glare or through confusion with a traffic control device (by reason of color, location, shape, wording or other characteristic) or through any other means. (2) Lies within the clear sight triangle as specified in § 205-128. (3) Lies within a parking space or parking aisle. (4) Obstructs the sight distance of any vehicle leaving a driveway.” | Absolute siting prohibitions applying to every sign, including temporary/political ones: no traffic interference, no clear-sight-triangle placement, no parking spaces/aisles, no blocking driveway sight distance. § 205-161(C) separately prohibits portable signs for permanent use. |
Buckingham Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | Zoning Ordinance Section 3203.E source verbatim (PDF) | “E. Temporary signs advertising political parties or candidates for election may be erected and maintained, provided the following regulations are met: 1. Maximum size sixteen (16) square feet per side; 2. All such signs may be posted for a maximum of ninety (90) days before they are removed or replaced. No permit fee or security deposit shall be required or permitted.” | Political signs in residential/agricultural/village districts: max 16 sq ft per side, may be posted up to 90 days before removal or replacement, and explicitly no permit fee or security deposit may be required. |
| temporary/event/sale | Zoning Ordinance Section 3203.F source verbatim (PDF) | “F. Signs of a temporary nature, not otherwise described herein, such as those advertising civic, social or political gatherings or causes and fundraising activities may be erected and maintained, provided that: 1. Maximum sign size: sixteen (16) square feet per side; 2. No more than seven such signs shall be permitted within the Township for any single civic, social or political gatherings or causes and fundraising activity; 3. The erector of such signs or those responsible for or benefiting by the erection shall first apply for and obtain a permit from the Township Zoning Officer,” | Civic/social/political gathering and fundraising signs: max 16 sq ft per side, a township-wide cap of 7 signs per event/cause, and a permit plus deposit are required; signs must be removed within 5 days after the event. NOTE: the cited URL for this entry is a typo guard — verify against the code_home PDF; the text appears on p.212 of https://www.buckinghampa.org/media/2736/zon-ord-final-as-amended-to-092221.pdf |
| temporary/event/sale | Zoning Ordinance Section 3202.L source verbatim (PDF) | “L. Temporary Off Premises Advertising Signs may, with the prior permission of the property owner, be placed along Arterial and Major Collector Roads provided that: 1. Maximum size six (6) square feet per side; 2. No Temporary Off Premises Advertising Sign may be placed within a Residential Zoning District (R-1 through R-9). 3. No more than ten (10) such signs shall be permitted within the Township for any single event, new product, new business, sale or other temporary promotion, activity or entertainment;” | Off-premises temporary advertising signs (event/sale promotions) are capped at 6 sq ft per side, barred from residential districts, limited to 10 township-wide per event, and must be removed within 14 days; a permit and deposit are required. |
| general signage | Township Temporary Sign Ordinance (administrative handout, updated 1/2025) source verbatim | “Signs must be placed at least 15 feet back from the road or curb. 2. Maximum sign size sixteen (16) square feet per side. 3. No more than seven (7) such signs shall be permitted within the township for any single civic, social, or political gathering or causes and fundraising activities. 4. The erector of such signs or those responsible for or benefiting by the erection shall first apply for and obtain a permit from the Township Zoning Officer and make a deposit with the Township at the time of application” | Township handout restating the temporary sign rules: 15 ft setback from road/curb, 16 sq ft per side, 7 signs township-wide per event, permit plus refundable deposit, removal within 5 days after the event, and a 90-day-per-year display cap. No sign may be placed in a traffic island. |
| permit procedure | Zoning Ordinance Section 3213.A and Section 3213.A.2.g source verbatim (PDF) | “The following sign types do not require a permit. The regulations regarding size and placement of these signs are found in Sections 3202 and 3203 of this Ordinance and apply to all these signs: a. Official highway, traffic control, and street signs b. Temporary signs advertising the sale or rental of a property c. Trespassing signs d. Temporary signs of mechanics and contractors e. Directional and public service information signs f. Signs placed inside a building more than 12 inches from a window or door g. Temporary signs advertising political parties or candidates for election.” | Political signs, real-estate signs, contractor signs and similar temporary signs are exempt from the zoning-permit requirement, but must still comply with the Section 3202 and 3203 size and placement rules. A zoning permit is otherwise required for any sign erection, alteration or relocation. |
Warrington Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| temporary/event/sale | § 370-710B(1)(a) source verbatim | “No temporary sign shall be displayed for a period exceeding 20 days or more than five days after the cessation of the event or occurrence being advertised, whichever is less. A temporary sign for an event or occurrence may only be displayed once in a twelve-month period.” | In residential districts a temporary sign may be displayed no more than 20 days, or five days after the advertised event ends, whichever is less; an event sign may run only once per 12 months. Max two temporary signs per calendar year, six square feet each. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 370-710B(2)(e) source verbatim | “Signs may not be displayed earlier than 30 days before the function for which they are erected. The signs must be removed within five days after the function for which they were displayed, but in no case later than 30 days from the day they were displayed.” | For nonresidential uses, temporary signs may go up no earlier than 30 days before the function and must come down within five days after it — and in no case stay up longer than 30 days. Limit: 12 sq ft, two per year. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 370-710C(2) source verbatim | “Portable signs. Sandwich board signs that comply with the requirements in this subsection shall not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of signs allowed on the property.” | Compliant sandwich-board signs are excluded from the type, number and area limits otherwise applied to a property. Related rules: one portable sign per establishment, six square feet per face, 3.5 feet high, taken in at closing; vehicle-mounted signs barred. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 370-710D(4) source verbatim | “No permit shall be issued for the erection of such signs until a deposit in an amount to be set by resolution of the Board of Supervisors shall be made with the Township. If such signs are not removed at the end of the ten-day permit period, the Township may have them removed and keep the full sum deposited to reimburse the expense incurred by it and for general purposes.” | Community special event signs (max 16 sq ft per side, up to 10 per event, posted no earlier than four weeks before and removed within five days after) require a cash deposit set by resolution; unremoved signs forfeit the deposit. |
| general signage | § 370-702A source verbatim | “The purpose of this article is to preserve the right of free speech and expression, provide an easy and pleasant communication between people and their environment, regulate all signs within the municipality to ensure that they are appropriate for their respective use, and protective of the public health, safety and general welfare and avoid the visual clutter that is potentially harmful to traffic and pedestrian safety, property values, business opportunities, and community appearance. With these purposes in mind, it is the intent of this chapter to authorize the use of signs which meet the following objectives:” | Warrington's sign article is content-neutral: the stated purpose is to preserve free speech and expression and to impose only reasonable time, place and manner regulations on signs, while protecting traffic safety and community appearance. |
| general signage | § 370-702B source verbatim | “This article contains regulations governing the size, type, number, placement, height, and width of signs and signs permitted by zoning district in this chapter. These sign regulations pertain to graphics in residential zoning districts and graphics in nonresidential zoning districts that are visible from a street line providing access to the public. In the event of any conflict between the tables and text, the text shall govern.” | The article governs the size, type, number, placement, height and width of signs and signs permitted by zoning district; where the tables and text conflict, the text controls. |
| permit procedure | § 370-707A source verbatim | “Permit required. It shall be unlawful to erect, construct, or alter any sign not included as an exempt sign under this chapter without first filing with the Zoning Officer an application in writing and obtaining a formal permit. Normal sign maintenance, which only includes cleaning and repairs, shall not require a permit.” | A formal sign permit from the Zoning Officer is required before erecting, constructing or altering any non-exempt sign. Routine cleaning and repairs need no permit. |
| permit procedure | § 370-707A(2) source verbatim | “Fees. All applicants for permits for the erection, construction, or alteration of signs shall, at the time of making such application, pay a fee to the Township in accordance with the effective fee schedule adopted by annual resolution of the Board of Supervisors. The current fee schedule is on file in the office of the Township Manager.” | Sign permit applicants must pay a fee set by the Township's annually adopted fee schedule, kept on file with the Township Manager. No dollar amounts appear in the code. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 370-703B(7) source verbatim | “Any banner sign or any other type is prohibited across a public street, except for such signs which are approved by the Board of Supervisors to be of general benefit to the Township or for public convenience, necessity, or welfare.” | Banners stretched across a public street are prohibited unless the Board of Supervisors approves them as a general public benefit. Bunting and pennants are exempt only to announce a new business and must be removed within seven days. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 370-704G(2) source verbatim | “When any sign becomes insecure, is in danger of falling, or is otherwise deemed unsafe by the Township or if any sign shall be unlawfully erected in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, the owner thereof or the person or firm maintaining same shall, upon written notice by the Township, forthwith in the case of immediate danger and in any case within not more than 30 days, make such sign conform to the provisions of this chapter or shall remove it. If within 30 days the order is not complied with, the Township may remove or cause to be removed such sign at the expense of the owner or lessee.” | Unsafe or unlawfully erected signs must be fixed or removed on written notice — immediately if dangerous, otherwise within 30 days. If the owner does not comply, the Township may remove the sign at the owner's expense. |
Dublin Borough
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | § 19-103 (definition of "Political Sign") source verbatim | “A sign which displays or identifies an individual, individuals, slate of candidates, or political party standing or running for election in a primary or general election event for a federal, state, county, or local municipal office, and/or a sign supporting, opposing, or commenting upon a referendum issue placed upon the ballot for consideration by the general voting public in either a primary or general election.” | Dublin defines "political sign" as any sign identifying an individual, slate or party running for federal, state, county or local office, and any sign supporting, opposing or commenting on a ballot referendum. |
| political/election | § 19-107.5A, § 19-107.5B and § 19-107.5C source verbatim | “The signs are erected or displayed by the owner or lessee of the parcel of real property on said parcel or by the candidate, political party or other authorized agent of either of them, with the express permission of the owner or lessee of the parcel of real property.” | Political signs may be put up only by the owner/lessee or the candidate, party or authorized agent with the owner's express permission (A); each sign is capped at 12 square feet (B); and signs may not be displayed earlier than 60 days before the election (C). |
| political/election | § 19-107.5D source verbatim | “Nothing contained herein shall be construed to permit the placing or erecting of any such signs within a street right-of-way or within or on any public alley, sidewalk, parking lot or other public place, which said placement is hereby prohibited.” | No political signs in a street right-of-way, public alley, sidewalk, parking lot or other public place. Section 19-104.4A separately requires all signs to be at least five feet from any existing or future right-of-way. |
| political/election | § 19-107.5E source verbatim | “The erection of temporary political signs permitted by this section by the owner or lessee of the parcel of real property or candidate, political property or other authorized agent shall not require a permit or other approval; provided, however, that is shall be unlawful for any such owner or lessee of the lot or candidate, political party or other authorized agent to permit such signs to remain erected more than 10 days after the date of the election to which they relate, and failure to remove such signs as required hereby shall subject such offenders to the penalties prescribed in this Part.” | Temporary political signs need no permit or other approval, but it is unlawful to leave them up more than 10 days after the election; failure to remove them carries the Part's penalties. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 19-105.1L source verbatim | “Yard Sale Sign. An on-site sign advertising a yard sale may be erected and maintained during the sale and one week prior to the sale, provided such sign shall be removed upon completion of the sale. Sign shall not exceed three square feet and shall not be illuminated.” | Yard sale signs are permit-exempt, may be displayed only during the sale and the week before, must come down when the sale ends, and may not exceed three square feet or be illuminated. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 19-105.1K source verbatim | “Temporary Window Sign. A non-illuminated sign or signs displayed on the inside surface of a window for the purpose of advertising a sale, grand opening, new product or services. Temporary window signs may have a total combined sign area of no more than four square feet per road frontage, or shall be less than 40% of the total area of the window or glassed area, whichever is the more restrictive. Multiple occupancy buildings may have a total sign area of four square feet for each commercial or office suite, per road frontage. A "grand opening" sign shall be in place no longer than 15 days. Such signs may be erected only on a lot in commercial or office use.” | Temporary window signs (sales, grand openings, new products) are permit-exempt but capped at four square feet per road frontage or 40% of the glass, whichever is more restrictive; grand-opening signs may stay only 15 days. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 19-107.4 source verbatim | “Moveable Sidewalk Sign. Self-supporting, double faced, A-frame sign, also known as a sandwich board, or similar type sign, capable of displaying daily specials. The interior angle of such A-frame signs shall not exceed 45°. Such signs shall only be permitted in accordance with the requirements herein, and are subject to removal each evening.” | A-frame/sandwich-board sidewalk signs require an annual license (with fee), may be displayed only 7:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m., must be taken in each evening, and must carry $250,000 liability insurance naming the Borough. |
| permit procedure | § 19-111.1 source verbatim | “Zoning Permits. A zoning permit shall be secured prior to the erection, structural repair, alteration and relocation of any sign within the Borough. The changing of moveable parts of an approved sign that is designed for such changes, or the repainting or reposting of display matter shall not be deemed an alteration, provided the conditions of the original approval are not violated.” | A zoning permit is required before erecting, structurally altering or relocating any sign. Applications need a scaled plot plan, building elevation, design sketch and construction/engineering data; permits lapse if work does not start within one year. Permit fees and escrow are set by resolution. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 19-106.8B source verbatim | “Banner signs are prohibited on lots of any classification, except lots classified as commercial when erected as a temporary promotion or special event sign, subject to the issuance of a temporary sign permit or as permitted with Borough Council approval in Subsection [4](https://ecode360.com/32262524#32262524) above.” | Banners are banned except on commercially classified lots as temporary promotion or special-event signs, which require a temporary sign permit or Borough Council approval. |
Yardley Borough
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | § 27-1213.1A(1) source verbatim | “Temporary signs advertising political parties or candidates for election may be erected or displayed as provided by the laws of Pennsylvania and the United States, provided that the size of any such sign shall not exceed four square feet and shall not be erected or displayed earlier than 70 days prior to the election to which they pertain.” | Campaign signs are limited to four square feet and may not be erected or displayed earlier than 70 days before the election. Section 27-1213.1C confirms they need no sign permit. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-1213.1A(6) source verbatim | “Temporary nonilluminated signs for yard sales, may be erected and maintained during the period of and one week prior to yard sales, provided that such sign shall be removed upon completion of the sale and the total area of such sign shall not exceed three square feet.” | Yard sale signs may be displayed during the sale and the week before, must be removed when the sale ends, and are capped at three square feet (nonilluminated). |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-1214.1D(1) source verbatim | “Positioning for Free, Open Passage of Pedestrians and Emergency Personnel. The sign shall not be placed in the center of the sidewalk or in any other place where it may obstruct movement (including pedestrians with strollers) and access to any parking space, streets, buildings and handicapped ramps or facilities. There shall be a minimum of a five-foot wide continuous path for pedestrian traffic. Signs may be placed in the grassy area between the sidewalk and curb, and shall be placed on the ground or grade. In order to provide adequate pedestrian or emergency movement or access, some properties may not be approved for an A-frame sign.” | A-frame signs may not block sidewalks, parking spaces, building access or handicapped ramps; a five-foot-wide continuous pedestrian path must remain. Signs must sit on grade, and some properties may not be approved at all. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-1214.1G source verbatim | “For shopping centers and multi-tenanted buildings, only one temporary A-frame sign shall be permitted per tenant. The Zoning Officer shall have the discretion to limit the number of temporary A-frame signs that can be displayed at any given time consistent with the public health, safety and welfare. The Zoning Officer shall likewise have the discretion to allow two or more businesses to be identified on one sign.” | One A-frame sign per tenant in shopping centers/multi-tenant buildings, with Zoning Officer discretion to limit numbers. A-frames need a sign permit plus a yearly license, max 8 sq ft per face and 4 feet high, and must be taken inside at closing. |
| permit procedure | § 27-1213.1C source verbatim | “The erector of temporary signs permitted under this Section or sponsor of an exhibit, show, event or proposed development shall apply for and obtain a permit from the Borough Zoning Officer and deposit with the Borough, at the time of his/her application, a sum in an amount as established from time to time by resolution of Borough Council as a guaranty that all such signs will be removed promptly within 20 days after the date of the election, exhibit, show or event to which such signs relate.” | Event and development sign erectors must obtain a Zoning Officer permit and post a cash deposit guaranteeing removal within 20 days, forfeited if the signs are not taken down. The same section expressly exempts temporary political signs under Paragraph A(1) from any permit requirement. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 27-1204.1C source verbatim | “Banner Sign. Any banner sign or sign of any other type prohibited across a public street except for such signs which are approved by the Borough Council to be of general benefit to the Borough or for public convenience, necessity or welfare. Banner signs are prohibited on lots of any classification except lots classified as commercial, when erected as a temporary promotion or special event sign.” | Banners across a public street are prohibited unless Borough Council approves them; elsewhere banners are allowed only on commercially classified lots as temporary promotion or special-event signs. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 27-1204.1G source verbatim | “Posted Signs. Any sign generally of a temporary nature, tacked, nailed, strapped, posted, pasted, hung, glued or otherwise attached to a tree, pole, stake, fire hydrant, light stand, parking meter, fence or other object, is prohibited.” | Generally temporary signs tacked, nailed, strapped, pasted, hung or glued to a tree, pole, stake, hydrant, light stand, parking meter or fence are prohibited — the provision most often used against campaign signs on utility poles. |
Wrightstown Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | § 1104C.1.c(1) source verbatim | “The person or persons who erect political signs shall remove the signs within three days after a primary election if the signs were erected for a primary election, and within three days after a general election if the signs were erected for a general election. Any person who erects a political sign or any candidate advertised on a political sign that does not remove the sign within three days of either a primary or general election, whichever is applicable, shall have violated the terms of this Ordinance and shall, upon conviction, be subject to the penalties prescribed for violation of the Zoning Ordinance.” | Campaign signs must be removed within three days after the primary or general election; failure to remove is a zoning violation subject to the ordinance's penalties. This is the shortest removal window of the six municipalities. |
| political/election | § 1104C.1.c(3) source verbatim | “In keeping with the aesthetics of the Participating municipalities, it is requested that political signs erected pursuant to this Section be no greater than four square feet in area, but in no event shall any political sign be greater than 16 square feet in area, nor shall the cumulative square footage of political signs on any one tax map parcel be greater than 80 square feet.” | Political signs are requested to be no larger than four square feet, with a hard ceiling of 16 square feet per sign and 80 square feet total per tax map parcel. |
| political/election | § 1104C.1.c(4) source verbatim | “No political signs shall be erected on property owned by, or right-of-way controlled by, any of the participating Municipalities without the written consent of the governing body of the applicable municipality. This restriction shall include all street signs, traffic light standards, stop signs and other roadway signs. Political signs which are not removable, such as, but not limited to permanent bumper stickers, may not be erected or posted on public property.” | No political signs on municipal property or rights-of-way — including street signs, traffic light standards and stop signs — without written consent of the governing body; non-removable political signs such as bumper stickers are banned on public property. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 1104A.12 source verbatim | “Yard Sale Sign. An on-site sign advertising a yard sale provided the sign does not exceed four square feet in area, remains up only during the sale but in no case longer than nine days and does not appear more than once every six months on the same premises. Not more than one such sign shall be placed on any given property on which the yard sale shall occur unless such property fronts on more than one street, in which case, one such sign shall be permitted along each street.” | Yard sale signs are permit-exempt, capped at four square feet, may stay up only during the sale and never longer than nine days, and may not appear more than once every six months on the same property. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 1104A.10 source verbatim | “Temporary Sign Advertising Mechanics, Artisans, Contractors and/or Architects. A temporary sign erected and maintained during the period any of the above are performing work on the premises. No one sign shall exceed four square feet. Only one sign may be erected for each business or contractor. There shall be no more than four such signs displayed on the property at any one time.” | Contractor/artisan temporary signs are permit-exempt, may not exceed four square feet each, one per contractor, and no more than four such signs may be on a property at once. |
| general signage | § 1103E(3) source verbatim | “A sign using electricity shall be installed in conformance with the latest National Electric Code (NEC). Every sign permitted in this Part must be constructed with durable materials and must be kept in good condition and repair, or must be removed.” | Electrical signs must comply with the National Electric Code, and every permitted sign must be built of durable materials and kept in good repair or be removed. |
| general signage | § 1100 source verbatim | “Sign regulations are further justified by the primary purpose of a sign: to draw attention to its content. However, since signs can distract drivers or obstruct views, the very nature of a sign can be a potential hazard to the safety of the motoring public. Therefore, it is the intent of this Ordinance to regulate the location of signs in such a way that they can fulfill their purpose without causing unsafe conditions for motorists.” | The JMZO sign article aims to let signs serve their purpose without creating traffic hazards and to protect community visual character and property values by preventing visual clutter. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 1108 source verbatim | “A temporary sign including, but not limited to, such signs as agency signs, agency "open house" signs and special event signs which are erected without a permit, or any non-permitted signs which are "temporary" in nature shall be removed by the zoning officer. All such signs will be retained for a period of 30 days after notification of the offending party after which time the sign be disposed in an appropriate manner.” | Unpermitted temporary signs — including agency, "open house" and special-event signs — are removed by the zoning officer and held 30 days after notice before disposal. Signs not attached to the ground must come down within 14 days of notice or be brought into conformity. |
Chalfont Borough
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | § 440-117B(4)(b)[13] and [13][a] source verbatim | “Such signs erected on private property shall be the responsibility of the property owner as to erection and removal. Signs must be removed within five days after the election, or the property owner shall be subject to applicable enforcement action.” | Political signs need no permit, but the property owner is responsible for erecting and removing them: they must come down within five days after the election or the owner faces enforcement. Size cap (subsection [13][b]): 5 sq ft residential, 25 sq ft commercial/industrial. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 440-117B(4)(b)[9] source verbatim | “Signs denoting auctions, garage or yard sales or special events of charitable or public service groups. Such signs shall be limited to a maximum size of five square feet in area in Residential Zoning Districts R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 and 25 square feet in Commercial Zoning Districts BC, CC and VOC and shall be removed as soon as the event or activity advertised thereon has taken place.” | Auction, garage/yard sale and charitable or public-service special event signs need no permit, but are capped at five square feet in residential districts and 25 square feet in commercial districts, and must come down as soon as the event ends. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 440-117B(4)(b)[12] source verbatim | “Signs which are temporary in nature and which relate to specific community activities such as "Welcome 4H" or "Congratulations Seniors." A sign for each activity shall be permitted for each public entrance to the premises. Such signs shall be removed as soon as the event or activity thereon has taken place.” | Temporary community-activity signs such as "Welcome 4H" or "Congratulations Seniors" are permitted at each public entrance and must be removed once the activity ends. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 440-118E(2) source verbatim | “Temporary signs shall be limited to nonprojecting wall signs, ground signs without permanent posts, or portable and wheeled signs. Any portable sign (i.e., roll-out signs, A-frame signs, portable readerboard signs with or without wheels, etc.) shall be classified as a temporary sign.” | Temporary signs are limited to nonprojecting wall signs, ground signs without permanent posts, or portable and wheeled signs. All A-frame, roll-out and portable readerboard signs count as temporary signs. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 440-118E(3)(a) source verbatim | “Number. There shall not be more than four sign permits for temporary business signs issued for the same premises within one calendar year. Each temporary business sign permitted may be erected and maintained for a period not to exceed 30 days and shall be removed within three days after termination of the activity, service, project, or sale.” | No more than four temporary business sign permits may be issued for the same premises in a calendar year. Each sign may be up at most 30 days and must be removed within three days after the activity ends. |
| general signage | § 440-117B(4)(a) source verbatim | “Signs listed in this subsection are permitted in all zoning districts and shall not require a sign permit, and they shall not be counted when calculating the number of signs on a premises. However, such signs shall conform to the general regulations for signs enumerated in the remainder of this section.” | The signs listed in § 440-117B(4) require no sign permit and are not counted toward a premises' sign total, but must still satisfy the article's general regulations. |
| permit procedure | § 440-122A(1) source verbatim | “No sign shall hereafter be erected, structurally altered or moved until a permit has been obtained therefor from the Zoning Officer. Such permit shall be issued only when the Zoning Officer is satisfied that such sign will comply with all of the applicable provisions of this article.” | No sign may be erected, structurally altered or moved without a permit from the Zoning Officer, issued only if the sign complies with Article XV. Fees follow the Borough fee schedule; violations carry the chapter's penalties. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 440-117B(5)(i) source verbatim | “Searchlights, pennants, spinners, banners and streamers, except for occasions such as grand openings and then only with the permission of the Zoning Officer. Use shall be limited to a twenty-day period.” | Banners, pennants, spinners, streamers and searchlights are prohibited except on occasions such as grand openings, and then only with Zoning Officer permission for a maximum of 20 days. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 440-117B(5)(a) source verbatim | “Signs which incorporate in any manner any flashing or moving illumination or with illumination which varies in intensity or which varies in color, and signs which have any visible moving parts, visible revolving parts or visible mechanical movement of any description or other apparent visible movement achieved by electrical pulsations or by actions of normal wind currents, except when not visible from motor vehicles traveling on public roadways. Hanging signs which simply swing in the wind, clocks, time-and-temperature signs and barber poles are permitted if they comply with all provisions of this article.” | Signs with flashing or moving illumination or moving parts are banned, with narrow exceptions (swinging signs, clocks, time-and-temperature signs, barber poles) when not visible from public roads. |
Doylestown Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| temporary/event/sale | § 175-111 source verbatim | “Such sign shall be permitted to be displayed up to 30 days, not more than four times per calendar year.” | Doylestown Township allows temporary signs to be displayed up to 30 days, no more than four times per calendar year. Residential temporary signs are capped at 4 sq ft / 6 ft high and nonresidential temporary signs at 12 sq ft. |
| general signage | § 175-105A source verbatim | “In all zoning districts within the jurisdiction of this chapter, signs may be used, erected, maintained, altered, relocated, removed or demolished only in compliance with the provisions of this article and any and all ordinances and regulations of the Township relating to the use, erection, maintenance, alteration, moving or removal of signs or similar devices.” | Signs may be used, erected, maintained, altered, relocated, removed or demolished in the Township only in compliance with Article XX and other Township sign rules. |
| general signage | § 175-111.4 source verbatim | “Any sign existing at the time of passage of this chapter that does not conform in use, location, height or size with the regulations contained herein shall be considered nonconforming and may continue in such use, in its present location, until the sign is considered abandoned or replacement or rebuilding of the sign becomes necessary, at which time a zoning permit will be required and the sign brought into conformity with this chapter.” | Pre-existing nonconforming signs may remain until abandoned or until replacement/rebuilding is necessary, at which point a zoning permit is required and the sign must be brought into conformity. |
| general signage | § 175-108B source verbatim | “Trespassing signs; signs indicating the private nature of a road, driveway or premises; and signs prohibiting or otherwise controlling fishing or hunting upon a particular premises, provided that the area of one side of any such sign shall not exceed two square feet and shall be spaced at intervals of not less than 100 feet of street or property line frontage.” | Trespassing and private-property/no-hunting signs of two square feet or less are permit-exempt but must be spaced at least 100 feet apart along the street or property line frontage. |
| general signage | § 175-110C(1) source verbatim | “Electronic message center signs are permitted in the form of freestanding and wall signs or incorporated as a portion of a freestanding or wall sign. If used as a wall sign they shall be included in the total permitted sign area. Electronic message centers are permitted instead of and shall not be permitted in addition to a freestanding or wall sign on a property.” | Electronic message center signs are allowed only as, or as part of, a freestanding or wall sign, and are permitted instead of — not in addition to — another freestanding/wall sign. One EMC per property. |
| permit procedure | § 175-109H source verbatim | “Unless otherwise specifically permitted by this article, only one sign per permitted type shall be placed on any one premises, unless such premises fronts on more than one street, in which case one of each permitted sign type may be placed on each street frontage. Temporary signs do not count toward the number of signs allowed on a property, provided they meet the requirements of this article. Further, each sign will require a permit except where specifically exempted by this article.” | Only one sign per permitted type is allowed per premises (one per street frontage on corner lots), temporary signs do not count toward that total if they meet the article, and every sign requires a permit unless expressly exempted. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 175-107A source verbatim | “Any sign containing information which states or implies that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of this chapter in the zoning district on which the property to which the sign relates is located. This provision does not apply to off-premise, outdoor advertising signs.” | Signs may not state or imply a property may be used for a purpose not permitted in its district. Section 175-107 also bans flashing/rotating signs, smoke/sound/odor signs, roof signs, mobile billboards and signs imitating traffic signals. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 175-111.5A(2) source verbatim | “Doylestown Township may remove or cause to be removed, the sign, at the expense of the owner and/or lessee in the event the owner or the person or firm maintaining the sign has not complied with the terms of the notice. Permanent signs shall be removed or remedied within 30 days of the date of the notice. Temporary signs shall be removed within five business days of the date of the notice. In the event of immediate danger, the Township may remove the sign immediately upon issuance of notice.” | If the owner does not comply with a written notice, the Township may remove an unsafe or unlawful sign at the owner's expense. Permanent signs get 30 days; temporary signs must be removed within five business days. |
West Rockhill Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | § 450-2006K source verbatim | “Political signs advertising the candidacy of a person for elected office are permitted, provided that such signs shall be removed within 72 hours after the election and provided that the property owner on which the sign is placed has given his approval. No sign shall be erected more than 30 days prior to an election. No political signs shall be placed on trees or utility poles, Township property, state property, county property, or within the legal right-of-way of any street. Such signs shall not exceed 12 square feet.” | Political signs are permit-exempt: max 12 sq ft, may go up no more than 30 days before the election, must come down within 72 hours after, need the property owner's OK, and are barred from trees, utility poles, government property and street rights-of-way. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 450-2006J source verbatim | “Temporary signs not exceeding four square feet advertising a garage or yard sale conducted in accordance with this chapter, provided that signs may be posted only on the property where such sale is taking place and only for the duration of the sale itself.” | Garage/yard sale signs up to 4 sq ft are permit-exempt but may only go on the sale property and only while the sale runs. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 450-2006M source verbatim | “Temporary signs announcing a nonpolitical campaign, drive or event of a civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organization. Such signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in area and shall be removed immediately upon completion of the campaign, drive or event.” | Nonpolitical civic/philanthropic/educational/religious event signs are permit-exempt, capped at 12 sq ft, and must be removed immediately when the event ends. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 450-2006H source verbatim | “Bunting. Temporary bunting, pennants, and similar materials announcing the opening of a new business or industry, and must be removed after 14 days of the opening day or the first day of business.” | Grand-opening bunting/pennants are exempt but must come down 14 days after opening day. |
| general signage | § 450-2003B source verbatim | “No sign shall be placed in such a position that it will cause danger to traffic on a street or entering a street by obscuring the view, or which hides from view or interferes with the effectiveness of an official traffic control device. No sign shall be placed in a clear sight triangle.” | General sight-distance rule for all districts: signs may not obscure traffic views or interfere with official traffic control devices, and none may sit in a clear sight triangle. |
| general signage | § 450-2003C(2) source verbatim | “In no case shall any sign be erected or maintained within 15 feet of the edge of the cartway or curb or be located within, or project over, the legal right-of-way of any existing or proposed street or road, whichever is greater. Professional, home occupation, or name signs, as described in § 450-2007G, shall be exempt from this provision.” | Hard setback: no sign within 15 feet of the cartway/curb and never within or over the legal right-of-way; professional, home-occupation and name signs are exempt. |
| general signage | § 450-2005C source verbatim | “The internal source of directly illuminated signs shall be a white or clear light only. No internally illuminated sign, including, but not limited to electronic signs, shall exceed 5,000 nits in the daytime or 250 nits in the nighttime hours.” | Internally lit signs must use white/clear light only and are capped at 5,000 nits daytime and 250 nits at night, with annual manufacturer recertification for electronic signs. |
| permit procedure | § 450-2012 source verbatim | “Permit required. It shall be unlawful to erect, construct, or alter any sign not included as an "exempt" sign under § 450-2006 without first filing with the Zoning Officer an application in writing and obtaining a formal permit. Normal sign maintenance shall not require a permit.” | Any non-exempt sign needs a written Zoning Officer permit before erection/construction/alteration; routine maintenance needs no permit. Fees are set by the annual Township fee schedule. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 450-2004J source verbatim | “Any banner sign or sign of any other type across a public street or on any private property, except for such signs which are approved by the Township to be of general benefit to the municipality or for public convenience, necessity, or welfare.” | Banners strung across a public street or on private property are unlawful unless the Township approves them as a general public benefit or public convenience/necessity/welfare. |
Warwick Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| temporary/event/sale | § 195-97A source verbatim | “All temporary signs, except those described in §§ 195-97.1B and § 195-97A(2)(i), may be erected only after receipt of a permit from the Township. Permit fees are established by the Township Board of Supervisors. The permit will be issued only after the regulations outlined in Article XXII are met to the satisfaction of the Zoning Officer.” | Temporary signs generally require a Township permit (fees set by resolution) and must satisfy the Zoning Officer that Article XXII is met before the permit issues. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 195-97A(1)(a) source verbatim | “No temporary sign shall be displayed for a period exceeding 30 days or more than five days after the cessation of the event or occurrence being advertised, whichever is less.” | On residential properties a temporary sign may stand no more than 30 days and must come down within five days of the event's end, whichever comes first. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 195-97A(1)(c) source verbatim | “Except as otherwise provided in this § 195-97A(1), temporary signs in residential districts shall not exceed six square feet in size.” | Temporary signs in residential districts are capped at 6 sq ft, subject to the stated exceptions. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 195-97A(2)(d) source verbatim | “Signs may not be displayed earlier than 30 days before the function for which they are erected. The signs must be removed within five days after the function for which they were displayed, but in no case later than 30 days from the day they were displayed.” | Nonresidential temporary/event signs may go up no sooner than 30 days before the function and must be removed within 5 days after it, and never later than 30 days from installation. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 195-97A(2)(g) source verbatim | “Bunting and banner signs are permitted to announce the opening of a new business or industry provided that such signs do not extend into, or over, a public right-of-way. All such signs must be removed after seven days of the opening day of the first day of business.” | Grand-opening bunting/banners cannot extend into or over a public right-of-way and must be removed 7 days after opening day. |
| general signage | § 195-93A(1) source verbatim | “The area of a sign shall include all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs and symbols together with the background, whether open or enclosed, on which they are displayed, but not including any supporting framework and bracing which are incidental to the display itself. Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to or painted on a building, wall or window, the area shall be considered to be that of the smallest rectangle which encompasses all of the letters, logos, and symbols. The computation of area of the sign shall include decorative trim in addition to the portion devoted to the message and lettering.” | How sign area is measured Township-wide: background plus letters/designs, excluding only incidental framework; individual mounted letters are measured by the smallest enclosing rectangle, and decorative trim counts. |
| permit procedure | § 195-97.1A source verbatim | “Permit required. It shall be unlawful to erect, construct, or alter any sign not included as an "exempt" sign under in this chapter without first filing with the Zoning Officer an application in writing and obtaining a formal permit. Normal sign maintenance, which only includes cleaning and repairs, shall not require a permit.” | Sign permits are mandatory for any non-exempt sign, with applications, plot plans and fee per the annual fee schedule; only cleaning and repairs escape the permit. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 195-94E(6)-(7) source verbatim | “In no case, except for official traffic and highway signs shall any sign be erected so that it:” | Umbrella placement rule: no sign (other than official traffic/highway signs) may be within 10 feet of a street right-of-way/shoulder/curb, in a clear sight triangle, within 10 feet of any property line, in a parking space or fire lane, over a sidewalk/driveway/pedestrian path, or copying traffic-control wording or colors. |
Durham Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | § 903.L source verbatim | “Political signs advertising the candidacy of a person for elected office or an opinion on a political issue are permitted thirty (30) days prior to any election day provided that such signs shall be removed within 14 days after the election if they pertain to an election, and provided that the property owner on which the sign is place has given his approval. No political signs shall be placed on trees, utility poles or Township property, except on Election Day at a polling place.” | Political/issue signs are permit-exempt but may go up only 30 days before election day and must be removed within 14 days after; they need the landowner's permission and are banned from trees, utility poles and Township property — except at a polling place on Election Day. |
| political/election | § 903.L (continued sentence after the page break) source verbatim | “Such signs shall not exceed 12 square feet per candidate or issue and shall not be illuminated.” | Political signs are capped at 12 sq ft per candidate or issue and may not be illuminated. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 903.K source verbatim | “Temporary signs advertising a garage or yard sale conducted in accordance with this ordinance, provided that signs may be posted only on the property where such sale is taking place and only 48 hours prior to the sale and for the duration of the sale itself, this includes non-profit organization temporary event signs.” | Garage/yard sale signs (and non-profit temporary event signs) need no permit but may be posted only on the sale property, no earlier than 48 hours before the sale, and only while it runs. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 904.G source verbatim | “Temporary signs announcing a campaign, drive or event of a civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organization. Such signs shall not exceed eight square feet in area and shall be removed immediately upon completion of the campaign, drive or event.” | Civic/philanthropic/educational/religious campaign or event signs are limited to 8 sq ft and must be removed immediately when the event concludes. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 908.N source verbatim | “No portable signs shall be permitted, unless a permit has been obtained from the zoning officer and such sign is removed within 14 days from the day the permit was issued. No such sign shall be illuminated. A portable sign permit shall be issued no more than twice during a twelve-month period to any one applicant.” | Portable (e.g. A-frame) signs are banned unless permitted; the permit runs only 14 days from issuance, no illumination allowed, and any one applicant can get at most two portable-sign permits per 12 months. |
| general signage | § 908.G source verbatim | “Except in the case where a local right-of-way abuts a structure, no sign other than those of governmental authority shall erected or maintained nearer to a street line or lot line than a distance equaling the height of the top of the sign.” | Township-wide setback rule: a sign must sit at least its own height back from the street line or lot line (government signs excepted); § 908.C separately bars signs within 20 feet of a side property line and § 908.D bars signs inside the street right-of-way. |
| general signage | § 908.A source verbatim | “No sign or other advertising device with visible moving or movable parts or with flashing, animated, or intermittent illumination shall be erected or maintained. Electronic Message Centers (EMCs) shall be prohibited in all zoning districts within the township.” | Moving/flashing/intermittently lit signs are banned Township-wide, and electronic message centers are prohibited in every district. |
| permit procedure | § 900.1 source verbatim | “Permit Required: Except for exempt signs under Section 903 hereof, a zoning permit must be obtained prior to the installation, moving, enlarging, changing or extension of any sign regulated hereunder. The procedures contained in Sections 1201, 1202 and 1203 shall be followed.” | Zoning permit required for installing, moving, enlarging or changing any non-exempt sign, following the § 1201–1203 zoning-permit procedures; § 903 exempt signs (including political and garage-sale signs) need no permit. |
East Rockhill Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | § 19-101 source verbatim | “This Part pertains specifically to the display of political candidate signs throughout the Township of East Rockhill. Its purpose is to control the placing of such signs so that property is not defaced and to insure their removal after a reasonable period. The word "sign," in addition to its inherent meaning, includes, as it pertains to this Part, placard, poster, label or sticker.” | East Rockhill has a stand-alone political-sign ordinance, Chapter 19 Part 1 (Ord. 58, 8/14/1978), aimed at preventing defacement of property and ensuring timely removal. |
| political/election | § 19-102 source verbatim | “No political candidate sign shall be posted in the Township without a permit for such posting being obtained from the Township Secretary. Application shall be on a form provided by the Township and shall be accompanied by an escrow deposit of $200 for every 100 signs or fraction thereof. Deposit will be returned to applicant after it has been determined by the Township Secretary, or other appropriate Township authority, that the provisions of this Part have been met or that corrective action has been taken with regard to violations.” | Political candidate signs REQUIRE a permit from the Township Secretary plus a $200 escrow deposit per 100 signs (or fraction), refundable once the Township confirms the Part was complied with or violations were corrected. |
| political/election | § 19-103 source verbatim | “No political candidate sign shall be affixed to any public property including, but not confined to, speed signs, street signs, stop signs or directional signs. No political candidate sign shall be posted more than 30 days prior to an election. All signs so posted shall be removed not more than 30 days following an election.” | Political candidate signs may go up no more than 30 days before an election, must be removed within 30 days after, and may never be affixed to public property such as street, stop or directional signs. |
| political/election | § 27-2006f(7)(e) source verbatim | “Political signs may be erected no sooner than 30 days preceding an election and shall be removed within 20 days following the election.” | The zoning-code temporary sign rules repeat the election window: political signs no earlier than 30 days before the election, removed within 20 days after. |
| political/election | § 27-2007 (residential and C-E districts temporary signs) source verbatim | “The erector of such signs or an authorized agent of the political party or candidate shall apply for and obtain a permit from the Township Zoning Officer and make a deposit with the Township at the time of application, to insure that all such signs shall be removed promptly within 20 days after the date of the election to which such signs relate. If such signs are not removed at the end of the twenty-day period, the Township will then have them removed and retain the sum necessary to reimburse the expense incurred in removal.” | In AP, RP, RR, S, R-1, VR and C-E districts, political signs up to 16 sq ft per side need a Zoning Officer permit and a removal deposit; the Township removes leftovers after 20 days and keeps enough of the deposit to cover removal. |
| political/election | § 27-2007 (residential and C-E districts temporary signs) source verbatim | “The deposit shall be returned upon the satisfactory removal of such signs within 20 days after the election. A separate permit must be obtained for each election, i.e., primary and general and no sign erected for the primary election shall be permitted to remain until after the general election. No sign shall be erected more than 30 days prior to an election. The deposit amounts required to be paid herein are in addition to the permit fee. Signs for the individual candidates, different signs for an individual candidate and signs for a political party must obtain separate permits.” | Separate permits (with deposits on top of the permit fee) are required per election and per candidate/party, deposits are refunded on timely removal, primary signs must come down before the general, and the 30-days-before limit applies. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-2006f(7)(d) source verbatim | “Special event signs may be erected no sooner than 30 days preceding a special event and shall be removed within 20 days following the event. No such temporary sign shall be displayed for a period or periods exceeding a total of 45 days in any one calendar year, unless otherwise authorized by the Board of Supervisors.” | Special event signs may go up 30 days before the event, must come down within 20 days after, and can't be displayed more than 45 total days in a calendar year absent Board authorization. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-2006f(5), (6), (9) source verbatim | “Size. The area of temporary signs shall not exceed 16 square feet per sign side unless otherwise specifically permitted in this chapter.” | Temporary signs are capped at 16 sq ft per side and 6 feet in height, limited to one per property (one per street frontage on corner lots), must be non-illuminated, may not sit on utility poles or within 10 feet of the cartway/property line, and require a permit unless exempt. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 19-203.1 source verbatim | “Overhead signs and banners shall conform to the following, and permits for such signs shall include the information necessary to document compliance with the same:” | Overhead banners over public roadways are permitted only by Zoning Officer permit, capped at 80 sq ft, minimum 17 ft 6 in vertical clearance, max 21 days display, removed within 5 days after the event, installed on Township cables with PennDOT traffic control and permit copy forwarded to PennDOT. |
| permit procedure | § 27-2011 source verbatim | “A permit must be obtained from the Township before the erection of any sign erected in the Township, unless specifically exempted herein.” | General rule: a Township permit is required before erecting any sign unless the code specifically exempts it; applications must include dimensions, height, location, materials and owner consent, with fees per the Township sign fee schedule. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 19-104 source verbatim | “Any person, firm or corporation who shall violate any provision of this Part, upon conviction thereof in an action brought before a district justice in the manner provided for the enforcement of summary offenses under the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $1,000 plus costs and, in default of payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 90 days. Each day that a violation of this Part continues or each Section of this Part which shall be found to have been violated shall constitute a separate offense.” | Violating the political-sign Part is a summary offense carrying up to a $1,000 fine plus costs (and up to 90 days in default), with each continuing day and each violated section counted as a separate offense. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 27-2003a(14) source verbatim | “Any sign tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued, or otherwise attached to trees, poles, stakes, fences, public benches, traffic post, traffic signals, traffic mast arms, or other objects, or placed on any public property or in the public right-of-way or on any private property without the permission of the property owner is prohibited.” | Signs fastened to trees, poles, fences, benches or traffic appurtenances — or placed on public property, in a right-of-way, or on private property without the owner's consent — are prohibited. |
Falls Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| temporary/event/sale | § 209-45J (Regulations by sign type: temporary signs) source verbatim | “Temporary signs, as defined in this chapter, located on private property, are exempt from standard permit requirements. Temporary signs that comply with the requirements in this subsection shall not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of signs allowed on the property.” | Temporary signs on private property need no sign permit and don't count against a property's permanent sign allowance, provided they meet the temporary-sign rules. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 209-45J (Duration and removal) source verbatim | “Temporary signs may be displayed up to a maximum of 30 consecutive days, two times per year.” | Temporary signs may stand a maximum of 30 consecutive days, no more than twice per year; erectors are responsible for landowner permission, the erection date must be written on the sign, and the Township or landowner may confiscate illegal signs. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 209-45I (Regulations by sign type: limited duration signs) source verbatim | “Large limited duration signs: One large limited duration sign is permitted per property in all nonresidential districts. If a property is greater than five acres in size and has at least 400 feet of street frontage or has more than 10,000 square feet of floor area, one additional large limited duration sign may be permitted so long as there is a minimum spacing of 200 feet between the two large limited duration signs.” | Limited duration signs (a separate long-term category) run 16 sq ft/8 ft high for large and 6 sq ft/6 ft high for small, one each per property plus a bonus on large properties, and need a permit issued annually. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 209-45I (Permit requirements — limited duration signs) source verbatim | “A permit for a limited duration sign is issued for one year and may be renewed annually. One sign is allowed per permit. An applicant may request up to two permits per address, but is subject to the size and number requirements set forth in this chapter.” | Limited duration sign permits last one year and are renewable; one sign per permit, up to two permits per address, subject to the chapter's size and number caps. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 209-45 (Regulations by sign type: portable signs) source verbatim | “Portable signs shall not be displayed on any premises before 6:00 a.m. and shall be removed each day at or before 10:00 p.m. However, all portable signs must be taken in during hours of nonoperation of the business being advertised.” | Portable signs may be out only 6:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m., must be brought in when the business is closed and in bad weather, and sandwich boards are limited to one per establishment at 7 sq ft per face and 3.5 ft high within 12 feet of the main entrance. |
| general signage | § 209-45B source verbatim | “Signs perform an important function in identifying and promoting properties, businesses, services, residences, events, and other matters of interest to the public. The intent of this section is to regulate all signs within the Township to ensure that they are appropriate for their respective uses, in keeping with the appearance of the affected property and surrounding environment, and protective of the public health, safety, and general welfare by:” | Stated purpose of Falls' sign rules: regulate all signs for appropriate use, visual compatibility and public health/safety, while permitting reasonable use of signs. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 209-45 (Prohibited signs) source verbatim | “Snipe signs. Signs shall only be attached to utility poles in conformance with state and utility regulations and the requirements of this chapter.” | Snipe signs (including the pole-mounted signs often used for political messaging) are prohibited; signs may be attached to utility poles only in conformance with state and utility regulations and this chapter. Other prohibited items include abandoned signs, vehicular signs, mechanical/revolving and interactive signs, beacon or festoon lighting, and roof signs. |
| illumination | § 209-45 (Sign illumination) source verbatim | “Flags shall have a maximum height of 30 feet.” | Flagpoles are capped at 30 feet; the sign-illumination subsection also governs light levels and prohibits causing glare or light trespass consistent with § 209-40. |
Haycock Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | § 601.KK source verbatim (PDF) | “bearing a message which is displayed before, during and after an event, to which the sign relates, and which is to take place at a time and place to be determined or specified on the sign. This includes real estate, for sale, garage sale, political signs, and similar signs.” | Haycock's only express reference to political signs is in the § 601 definition of 'Temporary sign,' which expressly includes real estate, for sale, garage sale and political signs — so political signs are governed by the general temporary-sign rules in § 604.C. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 604.C(2) source unverified | “No temporary sign shall be displayed for a period exceeding 90 days. Temporary signs shall not exceed 12 square feet. Temporary signs shall not be illuminated.” | For nonresidential uses temporary signs are capped at 90 days display, 12 sq ft, no illumination; for residential uses the cap is 6 sq ft and 90 days, also non-illuminated (§ 604.E(2)). |
| temporary/event/sale | § 604.C(1)(e) source verbatim (PDF) | “No banner sign shall be displayed more than 30 days prior to the event or occurrence for which they are erected. The banner must be removed within five days after the event or occurrence being advertised, but in no case later than 30 days from the day the sign was erected.” | Banners may go up no more than 30 days before the event, must be removed within 5 days after it, and in no case may remain longer than 30 days from installation; pole banners max 12.5 sq ft/3 ft wide, other banners 24 sq ft. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 604.C(3) source verbatim (PDF) | “Signs shall only be displayed on any premises during normal business hours. All portable signs must be taken indoors during hours of nonoperation of the business being advertised.” | Portable signs: no illumination, displayed only during business hours and taken inside when closed, max 4 ft high and 6 sq ft per face, one per establishment, may advertise only on-premises goods/services, and if on a sidewalk must leave 3 ft clear. |
| general signage | § 604.B(1)(j)(i) source verbatim (PDF) | “Wall signs shall not exceed 40 percent of the total wall area of all sides of the building combined, including the second floor of the building or higher. If a building contains multiple tenants, each tenant's sign shall not exceed 6 square feet of wall area and the total area of all wall signs shall not exceed 40 percent.” | Wall signage is capped at 40% of the combined wall area of all building sides; in multi-tenant buildings each tenant is limited to 6 sq ft of wall signage within that 40% cap. |
| general signage | § 603.D(2) source verbatim (PDF) | “Signs shall not be located within or project out over the right-of-way line of any street or be within 10 feet of the shoulder or curb, whichever is greater.” | No sign may sit inside or project over a street right-of-way line or come within 10 feet of the shoulder/curb, whichever is greater; § 603.D(3) separately bars signs within 15 feet of a side or rear lot line and § 603.C(2) sets minimum 8 ft clearance. |
| permit procedure | § 606.A(1) source verbatim (PDF) | “A zoning permit must be obtained from the Township before the erection of any sign greater than 2 square feet in area, unless specifically exempted by the requirements of this Ordinance. Exemptions from the necessity of securing a zoning permit, however, shall not be construed to relieve the owner of the sign involved from responsibility for its erection in a safe manner and in a manner in accord with all the other provisions of this Ordinance.” | Any sign over 2 sq ft needs a zoning permit before erection, with plans/specifications and owner consent filed; permits don't excuse compliance with all other sign standards. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 602.B source verbatim (PDF) | “The following signs are prohibited and unlawful and shall not be erect in any zoning district:” | Prohibited in every district: abandoned signs, animated signs, beacons, flashing signs, inflatable signs, mobile billboards, pennants and snipe signs. Exempt (permit-free) are address, dispenser, government/regulatory, human billboard, incidental (≤2 sq ft), landmark, legal notice, memorial and temporary window signs. |
Warminster Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-2304.1H source verbatim | “Unless otherwise specifically permitted by this chapter, only one sign per permitted type shall be placed on any one premises, unless such premises fronts on more than one street, in which case one of each permitted sign type may be placed on each street frontage. Temporary signs do not count toward the number of signs allowed on a property, provided they meet the requirements of this Part. Further, each sign will require a permit except where specifically exempted by this Part.” | One sign of each permitted type per premises (one per street frontage on corner lots). Temporary signs don't count against that cap, but still need a permit unless exempt. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-2306 source verbatim | “Number: one sign per street frontage for single-family detached dwellings and one sign per dwelling unit for all other residential uses. Area: maximum area of four square feet. Height: maximum height of six feet. Sign shall be nonilluminated. Such sign shall be permitted to be displayed up to 30 days, not more than three times per calendar year.” | Residential temporary signs: max 4 sq ft, max 6 ft tall, unlit, one per frontage (or per unit), displayable up to 30 days and no more than 3 times a year. |
| general signage | § 27-2304.1A source verbatim | “Signs which advertise, promote or draw attention to any product, article of business, service or activity sold, occurring or located at or in the place or premises where such sign is located shall be allowed by permit in the Township, except where specifically exempt from such requirements.” | On-premises signs are allowed only by permit, except for the exempt-sign categories listed in § 27-2303.1. |
| general signage | § 27-2304.1C(3) source verbatim | “No sign shall be erected or maintained nearer to a street line or lot line than a distance equaling the height of the top of the sign, or 10 feet, whichever is greater, except in the case where the sign is temporary, a local right-of-way abuts a structure, the sign is a street pole banner, or the sign is that of a governmental authority.” | Signs must be set back from street and lot lines by the greater of the sign's height or 10 feet; temporary signs are exempt from that setback. |
| general signage | § 27-2304.1D source verbatim | “Sign height. Sign height for all freestanding signs shall be measured as the distance from the highest portion of the sign to the mean finished grade of the street closest to the sign. In the case where a sign is located greater than 100 feet from a public street, height shall be measured to the mean grade at the base of the sign.” | Height of freestanding signs is measured from the nearest street's mean finished grade (or from the base if the sign is over 100 feet from a street). |
| general signage | § 27-2310 source verbatim | “Any sign existing at the time of passage of this chapter that does not conform in use, location, height or size with the regulations contained herein shall be considered nonconforming and may continue in such use, in its present location, until the sign is considered abandoned or replacement or rebuilding of the sign becomes necessary, at which time a zoning permit will be required and the sign brought into conformity with this chapter.” | Existing non-conforming signs may stay until abandoned or replaced/rebuilt, at which point they must be brought into compliance under a zoning permit. |
| permit procedure | § 27-2304.1 source verbatim | “A sign permit shall be secured from the Zoning Officer prior to the use, erection, structural repair, alteration, relocation, removal or demolition of any sign” | A sign permit from the Zoning Officer is required before installing, altering, moving or removing any sign, except signs exempt under § 27-2303.1. |
| permit procedure | § 27-2303.1B source verbatim | “Trespassing signs; signs indicating the private nature of a road, driveway or premises; and signs prohibiting or otherwise controlling fishing or hunting upon a particular premises, provided that the area of one side of any such sign shall not exceed two square feet and shall be spaced at intervals of not less than 100 feet of street or property line frontage.” | Trespassing/private-property signs are exempt from permits if each sign is 2 sq ft or less and spaced at least 100 feet apart along the frontage. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 27-2302.1K source verbatim | “Signs or any guide, stay or attachment thereto erected, placed, painted, or maintained by any person, with the exception of Warminster Township, on rock, or trees or electric light, power, telephone or telegraph, or other pole on any street in the Township, nor affixed to or on any trail in the Township.” | Signs may not be attached to trees, rocks, utility poles or other street poles — only the Township may do so. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 27-2311 source verbatim | “Warminster Township may remove or cause to be removed, the sign, at the expense of the owner and/or lessee in the event the owner or the person or firm maintaining the sign has not complied with the terms of the notice. Permanent signs shall be removed or remedied within 30 days of the date of the notice. Temporary signs shall be removed within five business five days of the date of the notice.” | Unsafe/unlawful signs: permanent signs must be fixed within 30 days of notice, temporary signs within five business days, or the Township removes them and bills the owner. |
Hilltown Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | § 160-78D source verbatim | “Temporary signs announcing a campaign, drive, or event of a civic, philanthropic, political, educational, or religious organization, as well as signs advertising political parties or candidates for elections, may be erected provided that:” | Political, campaign and civic/event temporary signs are expressly allowed in Hilltown, subject to the limits in § 160-78D(1)–(3): removal within 10 days after the election, no illumination, and max 16 sq ft per sign face. |
| political/election | § 160-78D(1) source verbatim | “The erector of such signs, or those responsible for or benefiting from display of the signs, shall remove such signs within 10 days after the event referred to on the sign or the date of the election to which the signs relate;” | Political/campaign signs must come down within 10 days after the election (or after the event the sign refers to). |
| temporary/event/sale | § 160-78E(4) source verbatim | “The erector of such signs, or those responsible for or benefiting from display of the signs, shall first apply for and obtain a permit from the Township Zoning Officer and deposit at the time of their application a sum as set from time to time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors as a guarantee that said signs shall be removed promptly within seven days of the expiration of the temporary permit.” | Signs for temporary exhibits/shows/events/sales require a Zoning Officer permit plus a cash deposit; signs must be removed within 7 days of permit expiration or the deposit is forfeited. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 160-78F(1) source verbatim | “Such promotional devices are not erected or posted more than 10 days before the event or activity promoted and removed within three days following the event or activity promoted;” | In nonresidential districts, promotional banners/flags/pennants may go up no more than 10 days before an event and must be removed within 3 days after it, under a temporary permit. |
| general signage | § 160-77A source verbatim | “No sign shall be erected at a distance from a side property line less than the sign’s total height from the finished grade and there shall be a minimum distance of 20 feet between any side property line and any sign erected under the provisions of the Ordinance.” | Signs must be at least 20 feet from any side property line (and never closer than the sign's own height). |
| general signage | § 160-77B source verbatim | “No sign shall be placed in a position which will cause danger to traffic on a street by obscuring the view. No sign other than one identifying a profession, home occupation, or name of resident or occupant shall be located within 15 feet of the edge of an improved cartway.” | Signs cannot obstruct traffic views; only professional/home-occupation/name signs may sit within 15 feet of an improved cartway, and no sign but official traffic signs may be in a street right-of-way. |
| permit procedure | Political/Temporary Sign Permit Application (referencing § 160-78D/§ 160-78E) source verbatim | “Received One Hundred and 00/00 Dollars ($100.00) in payment for 100 Political/Temporary signs to be erected in Hilltown Township. Deposit to be returned when signs are taken down – within ten (10) days after the election. Failure to remove all signs within the specified time will result in charges deducted from the deposit amount (Township’s compensation for labor involved to remove signs).” | Hilltown charges $100 per 100 political/temporary signs as a refundable deposit; the deposit is returned if signs come down within 10 days after the election, otherwise removal costs are deducted. |
| permit procedure | § 160-82C source verbatim | “For the purposes of obtaining a sign permit, the applicant shall make application to the Zoning Officer and shall present a plot plan, sketch of design and lettering, and construction plans indicating on said plot plan all existing structures, including signs, and setting forth in the application all necessary facts with respect to existing signs in order to ascertain whether the proposed erection or alteration of the proposed sign complies with the provisions of this chapter.” | Sign permits are obtained from the Zoning Officer with a plot plan, design/lettering sketch and construction plans showing all existing signs. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 160-73B source verbatim | “Permanent banners, spinners, flags, pennants, or any moving objects for commercial advertising purposes, whether containing a message or not, are prohibited.” | Permanent promotional banners, spinners, flags and pennants are banned in all districts (temporary versions are allowed only under § 160-78F in nonresidential districts). |
Hulmeville Borough
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | § 27-802.2.N(1)–(2) source verbatim | “The signs are erected or displayed by the owner or lessee of the parcel of real property on said parcel or by the candidate, political party or other authorized agent of either of them, with the express permission of the owner or lessee of the parcel of real property; and (2) The size of any such sign is not in excess of six (6) square feet;” | Political signs must be on private property with the owner's permission (posted by the owner, lessee, candidate or party agent) and may not exceed 6 square feet each. |
| political/election | § 27-802.2.N(3) source verbatim | “The signs shall not be erected or displayed earlier than sixty (60) days prior to the election to which they pertain;” | Political signs may not be posted earlier than 60 days before the election. |
| political/election | § 27-802.2.N(4) source verbatim | “Nothing contained herein shall be construed to permit the placing or erecting of any such signs within a street right-of-way or within or on any public alley, sidewalk, parking lot or other public place, which said placement is hereby prohibited;” | Political signs are banned from street rights-of-way, alleys, sidewalks, parking lots and other public places. |
| political/election | § 27-802.2.N(5) source verbatim | “The erection of temporary political signs permitted by this section by the owner or lessee of the parcel of real property, candidate, political party or other authorized agent shall not require a permit or other approval; provided, however, that it shall be unlawful for any such owner or lessee of the lot, candidate, political party or other authorized agent to permit such signs to remain erected more than three (3) days after the date of the election to which they relate and failure to remove such signs as required hereby shall subject such offenders to the penalties prescribed in this Chapter;” | Political signs need no permit, but must be removed within 3 days after the election; violators face the Chapter's penalties. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-802.2.K source verbatim | “An on-site sign advertising a yard, garage, or moving sale. Sign shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area and remain up only during the sale but in no case longer than seven (7) days. No more than two yard sale signs shall be permitted per year per property. One sign only shall be permitted per property. No illumination is permitted.” | Yard/garage sale signs: max 4 sq ft, one per property, up during the sale only and never more than 7 days, max 2 sales per year, no illumination, no permit. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-802.2.O(1) source verbatim | “A sign may be erected no earlier than thirty (30) days prior to the activity to which the sign relates.” | Community/civic/fund-raising event signs may go up no more than 30 days before the event, max 24 sq ft (8 sq ft in the historic district), and must come down within 48 hours after it. |
| general signage | § 27-800.1 source verbatim | “Sign—Any billboard, signboard, nameplate, identification, poster, public display, object or illustration, structure or device used for visual communication which is affixed, painted, projected, or placed upon a building, post, sidewalk, or other surface, whether inside or outside, for the purpose of bringing any subject to the attention of the public, or which advertises or identifies a business, commodity, service, product, or structure.” | Very broad definition of "sign" covering almost any visual communication device, indoors or outdoors. |
| general signage | § 27-804.1.A source verbatim | “The area of a sign shall include all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background, whether open or enclosed, on which it is displayed but not to include any supporting framework, bracing, or decorative trim which is incidental to the copy content of the display itself.” | Sign area counts the message plus its background; incidental frames/bracing don't count (and may add no more than 10% to the total). |
| general signage | § 27-804.3.A source verbatim | “No sign shall be placed in such a position as to endanger traffic on a street by obscuring view or by interfering with official street signs or signals by virtue of position, color, or reflective surface. No free-standing sign except official traffic signs, shall be placed closer than 25 feet to any intersection.” | Signs cannot obstruct traffic views or mimic street signs; freestanding signs must stay 25 feet back from intersections. |
| general signage | § 27-804.3.E source verbatim | “Signs shall be placed no less than 4 feet from the front lot line and no less than 20 feet from a side lot line, except in the Commercial District where signs may be placed closer to front and side lot lines.” | Standard setbacks: 4 feet from the front lot line, 20 feet from side lot lines (relaxed in the Commercial District). |
| permit procedure | § 27-801.2 source verbatim | “A zoning permit shall be secured prior to the erection, structural repair, alteration and relocation of any sign within the Borough. The changing of movable parts of an approved sign that is designed for such changes, or the repainting or reposting of display matter shall not be deemed an alteration, provided the conditions of the original approval are not violated.” | All signs need a zoning permit before erection/alteration, except the exempt signs in § 27-802.2 (which include political signs). |
| prohibition/penalty | § 27-803.11 source verbatim | “Any portable sign of any kind is prohibited, including any signs on wheels.” | Portable/A-frame and wheeled signs are banned outright (the definition of portable sign includes A-frame and sandwich-board types). |
| prohibition/penalty | § 27-803.9 source verbatim | “Any banner sign (cloth or plastic or other flexible material sign which is suspended on a building, window, or other supports) except for a temporary sign approved by the Borough Council to identify a borough community or public service event.” | Banners are prohibited unless Borough Council approves a temporary banner for a borough community or public service event. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 27-807.1 source verbatim | “The owner of any property or premises upon which any sign is erected shall be responsible for its complete removal at such time as the circumstances which caused its erection have ceased to exist, or at such other time that the sign must be removed under any other provision of this Chapter.” | Property owners must remove signs once the reason for them ends; failure after 30 days' notice lets the Borough remove them and bill cost plus 10%. |
Trumbauersville Borough
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| temporary/event/sale | Section 909.a(2)(a) source verbatim | “The maximum area of any such sign shall be six (6) square feet.” | Residential temporary signs are capped at 6 square feet each and must be unlit. |
| temporary/event/sale | Section 909.a(2)(d) source verbatim | “No more than four (4) temporary signs shall be permitted in any one calendar year and no more than two (2) temporary signs shall be permitted on a lot at any one time.” | No more than four temporary signs per calendar year and two on a lot at once. |
| temporary/event/sale | Section 909.a(2)(e) source verbatim | “Such signs shall be removed after thirty (30) days. However, signs advertising the sale or rental of the premises upon which said sign has been erected shall be permitted until there is an agreement of sale, lease or rental for the property.” | Temporary residential signs come down after 30 days; real estate sale/rental signs may remain until an agreement of sale or lease exists. |
| temporary/event/sale | Section 911.b source verbatim | “Temporary signs shall be permitted in accordance with the following requirements: (1) The maximum area of any such sign shall be twelve (12) square feet.” | In the commercial (CC/SC) districts temporary signs may be up to 12 sq ft, unlit, one freestanding temp sign at a time, max 2 at once and 4 per year, removed after 15 days. |
| general signage | Section 900 source verbatim | “Any sign hereafter erected and maintained shall conform with the provisions of this Article and any other municipal ordinances and regulations.” | All signs in the Borough must comply with Article IX (Signs) of the Zoning Ordinance and other Borough ordinances. |
| general signage | Section 901.n source verbatim | “Portable Sign: Any sign which is self supporting without being firmly embedded in the ground, or is fixed on a movable stand or mounted on wheels or movable vehicles or made easily movable in some other manner, including, but not limited to, signs converted to A- or T-frames; balloons used as signs; umbrellas used for advertising; and signs attached to or painted on vehicles parked and visible from the public right-of-way.” | Portable signs — including A-frame/T-frame signs, sign balloons and advertising umbrellas — are defined; only permanent use of them is prohibited (§ 907.c). |
| general signage | Section 902.a source verbatim | “The area of a sign shall be construed to include all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background, whether open or enclosed, on which they are displayed but not including any supporting framework and bracing incidental to the display itself.” | Sign area is measured over the copy plus its background, excluding incidental frames and bracing. |
| general signage | Section 905.b source verbatim | “Signs of two (2) square feet or less shall be set back at least two (2) feet from a sidewalk or the cartway of a street.” | Setbacks scale with size: 2 ft for signs up to 2 sq ft, 5 ft for up to 6 sq ft, and 10 ft for anything larger; signs may not sit in or project over the right-of-way and must be 15 ft from side/rear lot lines. |
| general signage | Section 905.a source verbatim | “In no case shall any sign be erected so that it: (1) Interferes with traffic through glare or through confusion with a traffic control device (by reason of color, location, shape, wording or other characteristic) or through any other means.” | No sign may interfere with traffic, sit in the clear sight triangle, block parking, pedestrians, entrances/exits or fire lanes. |
| general signage | Section 906 source verbatim | “Official signs which are authorized or erected by a duly constituted governing body including, but not limited to, signs necessary for the direction, regulation and control of traffic; street name signs; legal notices; and warnings at railroad crossings, shall be exempt from regulation under this Article.” | Government/traffic/legal-notice signs are exempt from Article IX entirely. |
| general signage | Section 908 source verbatim | “The following signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts and do not require a permit, provided the applicable requirements have been met. In addition, such signs shall not be counted when calculating the maximum total area of all signs on a lot.” | Incidental signs, organizational flags, occupant identification signs and building/historical markers are allowed everywhere with no permit and don't count toward lot sign area. |
| general signage | Section 914.b source verbatim | “Nonconforming signs may be repainted or repaired (including lighting) provided such repainted or repaired sign does not exceed the dimensions of the existing sign. Wording may also be changed. However, nonconforming signs shall either be eliminated or made to conform with the requirements of this Article when any proposed change, repair or maintenance would constitute an expense of more than fifty (50) percent of the original value or replacement value of the sign, whichever is less.” | Nonconforming signs can be repaired or re-worded, but must be brought into compliance (or removed) once work would cost more than 50% of the sign's value. |
| permit procedure | Section 915.a(1) source verbatim | “A zoning permit must be obtained from the municipality before the erection of any sign greater than two (2) square feet in area, unless specifically exempted herein.” | Zoning permits are required for any sign larger than 2 sq ft, except the Article's exemptions. |
| permit procedure | Section 915.a(3) source verbatim | “Temporary Signs--Temporary signs shall be allowed only upon the issuance of a temporary sign permit, which shall be subject to the following requirements: (a) A temporary sign permit shall allow the use of a temporary sign for a specified time period, as authorized by this Ordinance.” | Temporary signs require a temporary sign permit and are permitted only for the specified period; an escrow deposit guarantees prompt removal. |
| prohibition/penalty | Section 907 source verbatim | “The following signs are unlawful and prohibited: a. Animated signs b. Beacons c. Portable signs for permanent use d. Pennants e. Signs containing information that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted in the zoning district in which the property to which the sign relates is located.” | Prohibited: animated signs, beacons, portables used permanently, pennants, and signs implying a non-permitted use — among others (also string-bulb outlines and signs on trees/poles). |
| prohibition/penalty | Section 915.d source verbatim | “Unsafe and Unlawful Signs--If the Zoning Officer finds that any sign regulated herein is unsafe or insecure or is a menace to the public or has been constructed, erected, or maintained in violation of the provisions of this Ordinance, he shall give notice to remove or alter the sign to comply with this Ordinance, in the same manner as in Section 915.e below.” | Unsafe or non-compliant signs must be fixed or removed on notice; immediate hazards can be removed summarily without notice. |
Ivyland Borough
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | § 27-807B(1)(d) source verbatim (PDF) | “No such sign shall be posted earlier than 3 weeks before the occurrence of the event to which it relates with the exception of political signs which shall be posted not earlier than 1 month prior to an election.” | Off-premises event signs may go up 3 weeks ahead, but political signs may be posted no earlier than 1 month (about 30 days) before an election. |
| political/election | § 27-807B(1)(a)–(c) source verbatim (PDF) | “Signs shall be removed within one week after the date of the exhibit, show, event, or election and shall not be erected for longer than 30 days in total.” | Political/election signs must come down within one week after the election and may not stay up more than 30 days total; they must be under 25 sq ft and require a deposit with the Zoning Officer. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-807A(9) source verbatim (PDF) | “Temporary signs announcing a campaign, drive, or event of a civic, philanthropic, educational, or religious organization. Such signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in area and shall be removed immediately upon completion of the campaign, drive, or event.” | On-premises temporary civic/event signs (up to 12 sq ft) must be removed immediately when the campaign, drive or event ends. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-807A(5) source verbatim (PDF) | “Signs advertising the sale, lease or rental of property; provided, that the area of any such sign shall not exceed 6 square feet and not more than one such sign shall be placed on property held in single and separate ownership unless such property fronts on more than one street. Such signs shall be removed within 30 days after an agreement of sale or rental has been entered into.” | For-sale/rent signs: max 6 sq ft, one per property (one per frontage on corner lots), removed within 30 days after an agreement of sale or rental. |
| general signage | § 27-810A source verbatim (PDF) | “Signs may be illuminated by indirect lighting but shall have such lighting shielded so no direct light will shine on abutting properties or in the normal line of vision of the public using the streets or sidewalks.” | Only indirect, shielded illumination is allowed; light may not spill onto neighbors or into the street/sidewalk sightline. |
| general signage | § 27-805.2A source verbatim (PDF) | “A sign designed to give forth artificial light directly (or through transparent or translucent material) from a source of light within such sign including, but not limited to, neon and exposed lamp signs.” | Internally illuminated/directly lit signs (neon, exposed lamps), festoon lighting and flashing signs are not permitted in Ivyland. |
| general signage | § 27-810G source verbatim (PDF) | “No signs except those of a duly constituted governmental body, including traffic signs and similar regulatory notices, shall be allowed within the street rightof-way unless specifically authorized by other ordinances and regulations of the Borough of Ivyland.” | No signs may be placed in a street right-of-way except government/traffic signs. (Source PDF text prints this as "rightof-way".) Political signs therefore must be on private property. |
| general signage | § 27-810B source verbatim (PDF) | “No sign shall be so located or arranged that it interferes with traffic through glare, through blocking of reasonable sight lines for streets, sidewalks or driveways, through confusion with a traffic control device (by reason of color, location, shape or other characteristic), or through any other means.” | Signs may not create glare, block sight lines or be confusable with traffic control devices. |
| general signage | § 27-810H source verbatim | “No portion of any freestanding sign shall be located closer to any lot line than one-half the required yard for the district in which it is located.” | Freestanding signs must be set back at least half the district's required yard from any lot line, and are barred where that can't be met. |
| permit procedure | § 27-806 source verbatim (PDF) | “All on-premises signs over 2 square feet in area and all off-premises signs except governmental signs regardless of size shall require the issuance of a zoning permit before erection or replacement. All signs must comply with all of the regulations contained herein, irrespective of whether a permit is required.” | A zoning permit is required for on-premises signs over 2 sq ft and for all off-premises signs (including political signs, which also require a deposit under § 27-807B(1)(c)). |
Upper Southampton Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| temporary/event/sale | § 185-63B(2)(b) source verbatim | “No signs shall be permitted within a street line or right-of-way, nor shall any sign be affixed to any telephone or electric pole or affixed to any traffic signal pole in the Township.” | Temporary signs of any kind are allowed in residential districts with no application or fee, up to 12 sq ft and unlit, but must stay out of rights-of-way and off utility/traffic poles, and be removed within 30 days. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 185-63B(2)(b) source verbatim | “Temporary signs of any nature may be erected or displayed and maintained without an application or fee, provided that: The size of any such sign is not in excess of 12 square feet and are nonilluminated. No signs shall be permitted within a street line or right-of-way, nor shall any sign be affixed to any telephone or electric pole or affixed to any traffic signal pole in the Township. Such sign shall be removed within 30 days after the original placement.” | Residential temporary signs (including political signs, which the code does not separately regulate) need no permit or fee, are limited to 12 sq ft, unlit, out of rights-of-way, and must come down 30 days after placement. |
| general signage | § 185-63A(2)(b) source verbatim | “No sign shall be so located or arranged that it interferes with traffic through glare, through blocking of reasonable sight lines for streets, sidewalks or driveways, through confusion with a traffic control device (by reason of color, location, shape or other characteristics), or through any other means.” | Signs may not interfere with traffic through glare, blocked sight lines or confusion with traffic controls, and must respect corner-visibility rules. |
| general signage | § 185-63A(2)(h) source verbatim | “No portion of a freestanding sign shall be located closer to any lot line than 1/2 the required yard for the district in which it is located. If this requirement cannot be met, on properties in use on the effective date of this chapter, no portion of a freestanding sign shall be located closer to any lot line than 1/2 the existing front yard.” | Freestanding signs must be set back half the required yard from any lot line (half the existing front yard for already-developed lots). |
| general signage | § 185-63A(2)(j) source verbatim | “Any vehicle to which a sign is affixed in such a manner that carrying such sign or signs no longer is incidental to the vehicle's primary purpose but becomes a primary purpose in itself shall be considered a freestanding sign and as such be subject to the provisions regarding freestanding signs in the district in which such vehicle is located.” | Cars or trailers parked mainly to display a sign are treated as freestanding signs and must meet the district's freestanding-sign rules. |
| general signage | § 185-63A(2)(c) source verbatim | “All signs permitted in this article must be constructed of durable materials and must be kept in good condition and repair. Any sign which is allowed to become dilapidated shall be removed by the Township at the expense of the owner of the property on which it is located.” | Signs must be built of durable materials and kept in good repair; dilapidated signs can be removed by the Township at the owner's expense. |
| permit procedure | § 185-63C(4) source verbatim | “It shall be unlawful to erect, construct, or alter any sign in Upper Southampton Township without first filing with the Department of Licenses and Inspections an application in writing and obtaining a formal permit.” | A written application and formal permit from the Department of Licenses and Inspections is required before erecting, constructing or altering a sign (on-premises signs over 2 sq ft and all off-premises signs). |
| prohibition/penalty | § 185-63A(2)(k) source verbatim | “Portable sign. No portable sign shall be permitted in any district.” | Portable signs — defined as signs on wheels or other movable structures not attached to the ground — are banned in every district. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 185-63A(2)(a) source verbatim | “Flashing signs and festoon signs shall not be permitted in any zoning district.” | Flashing signs, festoon signs and (per § 185-63A(2)(j)) vehicles used mainly as signs are prohibited Township-wide. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 185-63A(2)(g) source verbatim | “Prohibition of signs in street lines. No signs except traffic signs and similar regulatory notice shall be allowed within street lines.” | Only traffic signs and similar regulatory notices may be placed within street lines (rights-of-way). |
Upper Makefield Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | JMZO Article XI, § 1104C.1.c (Political Sign) - subsection (1) source verbatim | “The person or persons who erect political signs shall remove the signs within three days after a primary election if the signs were erected for a primary election, and within three days after a general election if the signs were erected for a general election. Any person who erects a political sign or any candidate advertised on a political sign that does not remove the sign within three days of either a primary or general election, whichever is applicable, shall have violated the terms of this Ordinance and shall, upon conviction, be subject to the penalties prescribed for violation of the Zoning Ordinance.” | Political signs must come down within 3 days after the primary or general election for which they were posted. Failure to remove is a zoning violation subject to zoning penalties (the candidate and the person who erected the sign are both exposed). |
| political/election | JMZO Article XI, § 1104C.1.c(2) source verbatim | “There shall be no filing fee nor registration requirement to erect political signs.” | No permit, filing fee or registration is required to put up political signs in Upper Makefield (JMZO). The subsection is short and is quoted in full. |
| political/election | JMZO Article XI, § 1104C.1.c(3) source verbatim | “In keeping with the aesthetics of the Participating municipalities, it is requested that political signs erected pursuant to this Section be no greater than four square feet in area, but in no event shall any political sign be greater than 16 square feet in area, nor shall the cumulative square footage of political signs on any one tax map parcel be greater than 80 square feet.” | Political sign limits: 4 sq ft is requested, 16 sq ft is the hard cap per sign, and total political signage on any one tax parcel cannot exceed 80 sq ft. |
| political/election | JMZO Article XI, § 1104C.1.c(4) source verbatim | “No political signs shall be erected on property owned by, or right-of-way controlled by, any of the participating Municipalities without the written consent of the governing body of the applicable municipality. This restriction shall include all street signs, traffic light standards, stop signs and other roadway signs. Political signs which are not removable, such as, but not limited to permanent bumper stickers, may not be erected or posted on public property.” | Political signs are banned on municipally owned property and municipal rights-of-way (including street signs, traffic-light standards and stop signs) unless the governing body gives written consent; non-removable political stickers on public property are prohibited. |
| temporary/event/sale | JMZO Article XI, § 1104C.1.d (Activity Sign) - subsection (6) source verbatim | “The applicant shall deposit with the municipality, at the time of the application, a sum in an amount to be set by resolution of the elected officials of the municipality as a guarantee that all such signs shall be removed promptly within five days after the event referred to on the sign and to which the sign relates. The deposit shall be returned upon the satisfactory removal of such signs within the five-day period. If all such signs are not removed at the end of the five-day period, the municipality will then have them removed and keep the full sum deposited to reimburse the expenses incurred by the municipality.” | Activity signs (civil, social or political gatherings, fund-raisers) need a permit and a cash deposit; signs must come down within 5 days after the event or the municipality removes them and keeps the deposit. |
| temporary/event/sale | JMZO Article XI, § 1104C.1.d(1) source verbatim | “A sign may be erected no earlier than 14 days prior to the activity to which the sign relates, except that in historic districts a sign may be erected no earlier than nine days prior.” | Activity/event signs cannot be posted earlier than 14 days before the event (9 days in a historic district). |
| temporary/event/sale | JMZO Article XI, § 1104C.1.d(4) source verbatim | “The size of any such sign is not in excess of 24 square feet. In historic districts the size shall not exceed eight square feet.” | Activity/event signs max 24 sq ft, or 8 sq ft in a historic district; only one such sign per lot. |
| temporary/event/sale | JMZO Article XI, § 1104A.10 source verbatim | “A temporary sign erected and maintained during the period any of the above are performing work on the premises. No one sign shall exceed four square feet. Only one sign may be erected for each business or contractor. There shall be no more than four such signs displayed on the property at any one time.” | Contractor/artisan temporary signs are permit-exempt, max 4 sq ft each, one per contractor and no more than four on a property at once. |
| temporary/event/sale | JMZO Article XI, § 1104A.12 source verbatim | “An on-site sign advertising a yard sale provided the sign does not exceed four square feet in area, remains up only during the sale but in no case longer than nine days and does not appear more than once every six months on the same premises. Not more than one such sign shall be placed on any given property on which the yard sale shall occur unless such property fronts on more than one street, in which case, one such sign shall be permitted along each street.” | Yard sale signs need no permit: max 4 sq ft, up only during the sale and never more than 9 days, no more than once every six months per property, one sign per frontage. |
| temporary/event/sale | JMZO Article XI, § 1104A.11 source verbatim | “A sign displayed only for a period not to exceed 14 days. The total window area covered by all temporary window signs shall not exceed 10%.” | Temporary window signs (no permit) may stay up no more than 14 days and may cover no more than 10% of total window area. |
| general signage | JMZO Article XI, § 1100 (Purpose) source verbatim | “The objectives of this Article are to establish requirements for placing, installing and maintaining signs, in order to preserve and protect the health, safety, welfare and general well-being of the community's citizens. Just as regulations for the placement, construction and maintenance of buildings and structures through zoning is a valid use of the law so are regulations for the placement, installation and maintenance of signs a valid use of the law, because signs, in the literal sense, must be considered structures, and, in a practical sense, are capable of producing many of the same nuisances as buildings produce.” | Purpose clause for the JMZO sign article: signs are treated as structures and regulated for health, safety, traffic and visual character. |
| permit procedure | JMZO Article XI, § 1102C (Request for a Permit) source verbatim | “Request for a Permit. If the requirements and regulations in the preceding steps have been satisfied, then contact your local zoning officer for:” | Sign permits come from the local zoning officer, who provides the sign permit application, fee information, inspection requirements and the drawings needed for a complete application. Political signs are expressly exempt from this permit/fee requirement. |
| prohibition/penalty | JMZO Article XI, § 1104B.13 (Prohibited Signs) source verbatim | “Any vehicle or trailer which is parked on a public right-of-way or on public or private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way, which has attached thereto or located thereon any sign or advertising device for the basic purpose of providing advertisement of products or directing people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property or any other premises.” | Parking a vehicle or trailer in a right-of-way or on property primarily to display an advertising/political message is itself a prohibited sign. |
| prohibition/penalty | JMZO Article XI, § 1108 (Nonconforming Signs - removal of non-permitted temporary signs) source verbatim | “A temporary sign including, but not limited to, such signs as agency signs, agency "open house" signs and special event signs which are erected without a permit, or any non-permitted signs which are "temporary" in nature shall be removed by the zoning officer. All such signs will be retained for a period of 30 days after notification of the offending party after which time the sign be disposed in an appropriate manner.” | Unpermitted temporary signs (agency, open house, special event) are removed by the zoning officer; removed signs are held 30 days after notice, then disposed of. |
Tullytown Borough
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| temporary/event/sale | § 185-57H (Temporary signs located on public property or public rights-of-way) source verbatim | “Any temporary sign installed or placed on public property shall be forfeited to the Borough and subject to immediate confiscation and disposal.” | Temporary signs placed on public property are forfeited and may be immediately confiscated and thrown away - the provision most often used against campaign and event signs in Borough parks and lots. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 185-57H(2) source verbatim | “Temporary signs in the right-of-way may not be placed or affixed to lampposts, utility poles, or guy wires.” | Temporary signs may not be attached to lampposts, utility poles or guy wires in the right-of-way. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 185-58C (Signs in Residential Districts - Temporary signs) source verbatim | “Temporary signs shall not exceed 16 square feet in area.” | Temporary signs in residential districts are capped at 16 sq ft (the same cap appears in § 185-58A(7) and § 185-58B(2)). No separate political-sign rule exists. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 185-58A(7) (On-premises signs in residential districts) source verbatim | “Temporary nonilluminated signs with a maximum of 16 square feet.” | Residential districts allow one temporary nonilluminated sign up to 16 sq ft - the provision that would cover a campaign or event sign on private property. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 185-58B(2) (Off-premises signs in residential districts) source verbatim | “Temporary signs shall not exceed 16 square feet in area.” | Off-premises temporary signs (the category campaign signs on someone else's lawn usually fall into) are capped at 16 sq ft in residential districts. |
| temporary/event/sale | Chapter 41: Advertising Matter, § 41-1 source verbatim | “No person, partnership, firm or corporation shall distribute any handbill or other advertising matter whatever in the Borough of Tullytown by casting, scattering, placing, posting or affixing the same upon any of the streets, sidewalks, alleys, public places or upon any motor vehicle stopped or parked in the said Borough” | Posting or affixing advertising matter (including political handbills) on streets, sidewalks, alleys, public places or parked vehicles is prohibited by this 1956 ordinance; noncommercial literature may still be handed to willing recipients. |
| general signage | Code of the Borough of Tullytown, § 185-56 (Purpose, scope and applicability) source verbatim | “Within all zoning districts of Tullytown Borough, signs may be erected, altered, maintained, used, removed, or moved only when in compliance with the provisions of this article and any and all other ordinances and regulations of Tullytown Borough relating to the erection, alteration, maintenance, use, removal, or moving of the signs or similar devices.” | All signs in every Tullytown zoning district must comply with Article VII of Chapter 185 plus any other Borough ordinance on signs. |
| general signage | § 185-57I (General sign regulations - Yard requirements) source verbatim | “No portion of any freestanding sign shall be located closer to any lot line than 1/2 the required yard for the district in which it is located. If this requirement cannot be met, the freestanding signs shall be prohibited on such properties.” | Freestanding signs must sit at least half the district's required yard depth from any lot line; if that is impossible, freestanding signs are banned on that property. |
| general signage | § 185-57L (General sign regulations - Special sign setback) source verbatim | “Special sign setback. All signs along US Route 13 and along the Levittown Parkway shall be located no closer than 35 feet to the edge of the pavement.” | Signs on US Route 13 and the Levittown Parkway must be set back at least 35 feet from the pavement edge. |
| general signage | § 185-57J (General sign regulations - Vehicular signs) source verbatim | “Any vehicle to which a sign is affixed in such a manner that carrying of such sign or signs no longer is incidental to the vehicle's primary purpose, but becomes a primary purpose in itself, shall be considered a freestanding sign and as such be subject to the provisions regarding freestanding signs in the district in which such vehicle is located.” | A vehicle used mainly to carry a sign counts as a freestanding sign and must meet the freestanding-sign rules for its district. |
| general signage | § 185-58A(6) (On-premises signs in residential districts) source verbatim | “One nonilluminated sign advertising the sale or rental of the premises upon which such said sign has been erected or one sign indicating that said premises have been sold or rented, provided that the area of any such signs shall not exceed 16 square feet and such signs shall be removed within 20 days after an agreement of sale or rental has been entered into.” | Real estate signs: one per premises, max 16 sq ft, nonilluminated, removed within 20 days after an agreement of sale or rental. |
| general signage | § 185-58D (Signs in Residential Districts - Height restrictions) source verbatim | “Freestanding ground signs may not exceed 14 feet in height.” | Freestanding ground signs in residential districts are limited to 14 feet in height; parallel/projecting signs cannot rise above the ground-floor ceiling or 12 feet above the nearest curb. |
| general signage | § 185-59B(2)(a) (Signs in Highway Commercial District - Off-premises signs / billboards) source verbatim | “No billboards/outdoor advertising sign or any part thereof shall be erected and maintained within 500 feet of any other advertising sign measured on the same side of the road. And, no such sign shall be permitted within 100 feet of any residential use, no matter in what district the use is located.” | Billboards in the HC District are a conditional use: 500 ft minimum spacing, 100 ft from any residential use, 300 sq ft max face area (600 sq ft for two-sided) and 25 ft max height. |
| general signage | Chapter 42: Advertising, Outdoor (Delaware & Lehigh Drive Scenic Byway), § 42-4 source verbatim | “No outdoor advertising device, as defined, may be erected by any owner, person responsible or other person:” | Tullytown's scenic-byway ordinance bans outdoor advertising devices (defined to include any outdoor sign, display, message, plaque, poster or billboard designed to advertise or inform) within 660 feet of the Delaware & Lehigh Drive right-of-way, and beyond 660 feet if the message is meant to be read from that road; only official/legal signs and a short list of exceptions qualify. |
| permit procedure | § 185-57F (General sign regulations - Permit required) source verbatim | “Permit required. All signs shall require the issuance of a sign permit before erection or replacement.” | A sign permit is required before erecting or replacing ANY sign in Tullytown - there is no exemption list for temporary or political signs (except as carved out in the individual district rules). |
| prohibition/penalty | § 185-57B (General sign regulations - Obstruction) source verbatim | “Obstruction. No sign shall be erected or maintained within a distance of 25 feet from the intersection of any rights-of-way or the intersection of a right-of-way and the edge of a private accessway.” | No sign may be placed within 25 feet of a street intersection or of the point where a right-of-way meets a private accessway. (The companion rule in § 185-57A bans flashing signs, festoon lighting, non-exempt advertising signs and nonstationary signs in every district.) |
| prohibition/penalty | § 185-57E (General sign regulations - Nonconforming signs) source verbatim | “Signs existing at the time of passage of this chapter which do not conform to the requirements of this chapter shall be considered nonconforming signs and may continue in nonconformity until removed for repair, replacement or any other reason. A nonconforming sign shall not be replaced unless with a conforming sign; however, nonconforming signs may be repainted or repaired in place provided such repainted or repaired sign does not exceed the dimensions of the existing sign. All nonconforming signs which are rebuilt or replaced shall conform with the provisions of this chapter.” | Lawfully existing nonconforming signs may stay but cannot be replaced or rebuilt except as conforming signs; repainting/repair in place is allowed if size is unchanged. |
Langhorne Borough
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| temporary/event/sale | § 450-700F (Number of signs per road frontage) source verbatim | “Landowners shall be permitted two signs per road frontage. Exempted from this requirement are personal property signs. In the case of temporary signs such as artisans signs and real estate signs, one sign per road frontage shall be permitted in addition to the two signs permitted by right.” | Two signs per road frontage by right, and temporary signs (artisans, real estate) get one extra sign per frontage on top of that. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 450-702A(1)(d) (Residential districts R-1 and R-2 - Artisans, mobile and portable signs) source verbatim | “Artisans, mobile, and portable signs providing the surface area of one face of the sign shall not exceed 10 square feet and the sign shall be in place only during the period when the work is performed.” | Artisan/mobile/portable signs in R-1 and R-2 are limited to 10 sq ft per face and may be displayed only while the work is being performed. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 450-702A(1)(e) (Residential districts - Real estate signs) source verbatim | “Real estate signs providing the surface area of one face of the sign shall not exceed 288 square inches and the sign is removed promptly upon sale of the property.” | Real estate signs in R-1/R-2 max 288 sq in per face (2 sq ft) and must be removed promptly on sale; no freestanding sign may exceed 8 ft in height. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 450-702C(3) (Commercial District - Window signs) source verbatim | “The surface area of all window signs shall not exceed 33% of the area of all windows in the wall and doors on the side of the building upon which the sign will be installed. Temporary signs for nonprofit or community events are not restricted.” | Commercial window signage is capped at 33% of window/door area, but temporary signs for nonprofit or community events are exempt from that cap. |
| temporary/event/sale | Langhorne Borough Permits & Applications page - 'Sign Permit' source verbatim | “Permanent sign permit applications are reviewed and approved by the zoning officer and have an application fee, which can be found in the Langhorne Borough fee schedule and the application itself.” | Borough practice: permanent sign permits are reviewed and approved by the zoning officer and carry a fee, while temporary signs and Mayors' Playground signs and banners typically have no permit fee and are approved by Borough Council. |
| temporary/event/sale | TEMPORARY SIGN PERMIT APPLICATION - SIGN POLICY FOR MAYOR'S PLAYGROUND FENCE source verbatim | “All signs are allowed to be hung on the iron fence for up to three weeks prior to the event.” | Temporary event signs approved for the Mayors' Playground wrought-iron fence may go up as early as three weeks before the event; the same posted policy requires removal the day after the event and caps signs at 8 feet in length. |
| general signage | Ch. 450 (Zoning), Art. VII Signs, § 450-700C (Location of a sign) source verbatim | “No sign is permitted within street legal rights-of-way. No sign shall be maintained or erected within four feet or a street right-of-way or lot line. No sign extending more than three feet above the road level shall be permitted within a clear sight triangle (15 feet distance along the nearest edge of the access way and the street right-of-way.) The lowest edge of a projecting sign shall more than 7.5 feet above the sidewalk or ground level elevation.” | Flat ban on signs inside street legal rights-of-way; 4-ft setback from right-of-way and lot lines, clear-sight-triangle limits, and 7.5 ft clearance under projecting signs. |
| general signage | § 450-702A(1)(b) (Residential districts R-1 and R-2 - permitted signs) source verbatim | “Residential name, personal property, window, professional, private directional, and home occupation signs, providing the surface area of one face of the sign does not exceed 288 square inches.” | In R-1 and R-2 the permitted signs (residential name, personal property, window, professional, private directional, home occupation) are capped at 288 sq in per face. Section 450-700A separately bars signs advertising a use not permitted in the district. |
| general signage | Ch. 450 (Zoning), Art. II (Definitions) - 'temporary sign' source verbatim | “A sign which is intended to be maintained in-place for a period less than six months, or in the case of artisans signs and real estate signs, the period of time required to complete the defined activity.” | Defines 'temporary sign' as anything intended to be up under six months (or the length of the artisan/real-estate activity). The article also defines portable sign, off-premises sign, banner sign and roof sign. |
| general signage | Ch. 450 (Zoning), Art. II (Definitions) - 'portable sign' source verbatim | “A sign not permanently affixed to the ground, building, structure or vehicle, which may be moved from place to place.” | Defines a portable sign as any sign not permanently affixed and movable from place to place; § 450-702A(1)(d) caps portable signs at 10 sq ft in residential districts. |
| permit procedure | § 450-704A (Permit requirements for signs) source verbatim | “All permanent signs over two square feet in total overall area shall require the issuance of a zoning permit before erection or replacement.” | Permanent signs larger than 2 sq ft need a zoning permit before erection or replacement; smaller permanent signs and temporary signs generally do not. |
| permit procedure | § 450-704B (Permit requirements for signs - Historic District) source verbatim | “All signs, banners, billboards, portable signs and other advertising devices in the Historic District shall require a certificate of appropriateness from the Historic Architectural Review Board.” | Inside Langhorne's Historic District, every sign, banner, billboard and portable sign needs a certificate of appropriateness from the Historic Architectural Review Board. |
| permit procedure | Ch. 230 (Historical Districts, Landmarks and Buildings), § 230-6D source verbatim | “No permit for the erection, reconstruction, alteration, restoration, demolition, or razing of any building, structure, sign, landmark, in whole or in part, in the Historical District or registered historic shall be issued until Borough Council has reviewed the recommendations of the Board and until a certificate of appropriateness has been issued.” | Reinforces the HARB/Council certificate-of-appropriateness gate for any sign permit in the Historical District. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 450-700G (Off-premises signs) source verbatim | “Off-premises signs shall be permitted only when granted as a special exception by the Zoning Hearing Board.” | Off-premises signs (the category most yard campaign signs fall under) are prohibited unless the Zoning Hearing Board grants a special exception. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 450-700H (Moving, flashing and festoon lighted signs) source verbatim | “Moving, flashing and festoon lighted signs shall not be permitted in any district.” | Moving, flashing and festoon-lit signs are banned in every district; § 450-700K additionally requires NEC-compliant electrical installation. |
Tinicum Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | § 395-164J (Signs for which a permit is not required - exempt signs) source verbatim | “Signs announcing a political, educational, charitable, civic, religious, athletic, or similar campaign or event, provided that such signs are erected for a period not to exceed 30 days or more than four times in any calendar year for a maximum annual total of 120 days. Such signs shall not exceed eight square feet.” | Political and similar campaign/event signs are permit-exempt but capped at 8 sq ft, 30 days at a time, and no more than 120 days per calendar year. |
| temporary/event/sale | Ch. 395 (Zoning), Art. XXIII Signs, § 395-163F (Temporary signs) - subsection (1) source verbatim | “The use of any temporary sign or banner shall require a permit which shall be effective for not more than 30 days, and not more than three permits shall be authorized in any one calendar year. Temporary signs for institutional or nonprofit organizations are exempt from this regulation and shall be subject to approval by the Board of Commissioners.” | Temporary signs and banners need a permit valid up to 30 days, max three permits per calendar year; institutional/nonprofit temporary signs skip the permit but need Board of Commissioners approval. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 395-164I (Signs for which a permit is not required - exempt signs) source verbatim | “Yard sale or garage sale signs, provided that they do not exceed two square feet and shall be removed within 24 hours after such sales.” | Yard/garage sale signs need no permit, max 2 sq ft, and must be removed within 24 hours after the sale. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 395-164K (Signs for which a permit is not required - exempt signs) source verbatim | “Temporary banners denoting special events.” | Temporary banners denoting special events are permit-exempt (the short subsection is quoted in full); light-pole banners are separately regulated by § 395-163G. |
| general signage | § 395-162D (Area and height of signs - height computation) source verbatim | “The height of a sign shall be computed as the distance from the base of the sign at normal grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign.” | Sets how sign height is measured (base at normal grade to the highest attached component); area measurement rules in § 395-162A through C govern lettered boards and multi-face signs. |
| general signage | § 395-163G(9) (Light-pole-mounted banners) source verbatim | “Banners shall not be placed on any public utility pole, support wire, tree, or other structure without the prior approval of the Tinicum Township Board of Commissioners.” | Banners may only go on approved light-pole frames; putting banners on utility poles, support wires, trees or other structures requires prior Board of Commissioners approval. |
| general signage | § 395-164C (Exempt signs - flags) source verbatim | “Flags of the United States, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, foreign nations having diplomatic relations with the United States or any other flag adopted or sanctioned by an elected legislative body of competent jurisdiction, provided that such flag does not exceed 60 square feet in area and shall be flown from a pole not more than 40 feet in height.” | US, PA, foreign-nation and other officially sanctioned flags are permit-exempt up to 60 sq ft on poles no taller than 40 feet. |
| general signage | § 395-163D (Ground signs) source verbatim | “The top edge of a ground sign shall be a maximum of five feet above ground level.” | Ground signs are limited to 5 ft tall, must be permanently anchored, and may only be illuminated by indirect concealed light. |
| permit procedure | § 395-167A(3) (Permit procedure) source verbatim | “Such application shall be accompanied by a fee as the Township Commissioners may establish from time to time by resolution, which shall be for the use of the Township and which is hereby imposed in order to cover or partially cover the costs of investigation, inspection, and other costs associated with the review and construction of such sign.” | Sign permit applications require a fee set by resolution of the Township Commissioners; written consent of the property owner is required if the applicant is not the owner. |
| permit procedure | § 395-167C (Unsafe/violating signs; enforcement) source verbatim | “If the CEO shall find that any sign or other advertising structure is unsafe or insecure or is a menace to the public or has been constructed or erected or is being maintained in violation of the provisions of this article, he shall give written notice thereof to the permittee. If the permittee fails to remove or alter the structure so as to comply with the standards herein within 10 days after such notice, such sign or other advertising structure may be removed or altered to comply by the CEO at the expense of the permittee or owner of the property upon which it is located.” | The Code Enforcement Officer gives written notice of unsafe or non-compliant signs; failure to fix within 10 days lets the Township remove the sign at the owner's expense, and immediate-peril signs may be removed summarily without notice. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 395-163A(4) (Prohibited signs) source verbatim | “Signs, letters, posters, and advertisements that are tacked, pasted, tied, or otherwise affixed to poles, posts, buildings, fences, or other structures located on public property or within public rights-of-way.” | Attaching any sign, poster or advertisement to poles, posts, buildings, fences or other structures on public property or in rights-of-way is unlawful. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 395-163B(2) (General restrictions and standards) source verbatim | “Except for traffic signs, no sign shall be erected within the right-of-way lines of any public street, nor shall any such sign be closer than 10 feet to the right-of-way line of a public street, unless specifically authorized by other ordinances and regulations of the Township or other governmental bodies or agencies having jurisdiction or regulatory authority in the matter.” | No sign may be erected inside a public street right-of-way, and signs must sit at least 10 feet back from the right-of-way line (traffic signs excepted). |
Langhorne Manor Borough
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | Ch. 128 (Signs), Art. I Political Signs, § 128-1 (Restrictions on use) - opening paragraph source verbatim | “Signs, without limitation as to number, of political parties, political groups or candidates for public office shall be permitted within the Borough of Langhorne Manor subject to the following rules and regulations:” | Political signs are expressly permitted in unlimited numbers in Langhorne Manor, but only subject to the size, timing, permit and security-deposit rules in § 128-1A through E. |
| political/election | Ch. 128, § 128-1A source verbatim | “The size of such signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet in total area on one (1) face.” | Political signs are capped at 4 sq ft of total area on one face. |
| political/election | Ch. 128, § 128-1B source verbatim | “Such signs shall not be erected, installed or displayed other than during the thirty (30) days immediately preceding the dates of the primary and general elections.” | Political signs may only be posted during the 30 days immediately before a primary or general election. |
| political/election | Ch. 128, § 128-1C source verbatim | “Such signs shall be removed by the political party, political group or candidate erecting, installing or displaying the same within five (5) days after a primary or general election day.” | Political signs must be removed within 5 days after the primary or general election day. |
| political/election | Ch. 128, § 128-1D source verbatim | “The political party, political group or candidate erecting, installing or displaying such signs shall secure a sign permit in accordance with Section 704 of the Zoning Ordinance of 1975.” | A sign permit is required for political signs, obtained under Section 704 of the Borough Zoning Ordinance (the same permit section used for other signs). |
| political/election | Ch. 128, § 128-1E source verbatim | “The political party, political group or candidate erecting, installing or displaying such signs shall post twenty-five dollars ($25.) with the Secretary of the borough as security for removal of such signs within five (5) days after the primary or general election day. In the event that all signs of the respective political parties, political groups or candidates are not removed as provided for in Subsection C hereof, the security posted shall be forfeited and the borough will thereupon have the right, without further notice, to remove such signs and discard the same.” | A $25 cash security must be posted with the Borough Secretary; if signs are not removed within 5 days after the election the deposit is forfeited and the Borough may remove and discard the signs without further notice. |
| political/election | Ch. 128, § 128-2 (Applicability of Zoning Ordinance) source verbatim | “The provisions of Article 7 of Langhorne Manor Borough Zoning Ordinance of 1975, which are not inconsistent herewith, shall apply to signs erected, installed or displayed in accordance with this Article.” | The general zoning sign rules (Article VII of the Zoning Ordinance / Chapter 170) also apply to political signs wherever they do not conflict with Chapter 128. |
| temporary/event/sale | Zoning Ordinance, Article VII, Section 701(e) source verbatim | “Temporary signs of builders, contractors, painters, and other artisans, provided that:” | Temporary builder/contractor/painter/artisan signs are permitted, but only on the property where the work is being done, no larger than 4 sq ft, and removed promptly on completion of the work. |
| temporary/event/sale | Zoning Ordinance, Article VII, Section 701(f)(1) source verbatim | “Signs advertising the sale or rental of property, provided that the size of any such sign shall not exceed four (4) square feet; and not more than one such sign shall be erected on any property held in single and separate ownership, unless such property fronts on more than one street, in which event not more than one sign may be erected on each street frontage.” | Real estate for-sale/rental signs max 4 sq ft, one per property (one per frontage on through-lots). |
| temporary/event/sale | Ch. 84 (Garage Sales), § 84-6 (Signs) source verbatim | “No more than two (2) signs advertising such sale, each of which shall be no larger than twelve by twelve (12 x 12) inches in size, shall be permitted. All such signs shall be posted on the premises where such sale is conducted and must contain the name and address of the person conducting the sale and the date on which the permit was issued for such sale. Signs must be removed within twenty-four (24) hours after completion of the sale and shall not be posted more than forty-eight (48) hours prior to the hour on which the sale is to commence.” | Garage sale signs: max two signs, 12x12 inches each, only on the sale premises, must show the seller's name/address and permit date, posted no earlier than 48 hours before the sale and removed within 24 hours after it ends. |
| general signage | Zoning Ordinance, Article VII Signs, Section 700 (Definition) source verbatim | “Any sign hereafter erected or maintained shall conform with the provisions of this Article and any other ordinances or regulations of Langhorne Manor Borough. A sign is hereby defined as any signboard or other advertising device with the purpose in mind of drawing attention to the product, service, or premises described thereon.” | Definition and general rule: every sign must comply with Article VII and all other Borough ordinances. |
| general signage | Zoning Ordinance, Article VII, Section 701 (Sign Regulations) source verbatim | “The following types of signs and no other shall be permitted:” | Closed-list rule: only official traffic signs, professional/home-occupation/name signs (max 200 sq in), institutional identification signs (max 15 sq ft), trespassing signs (max 2 sq ft), temporary artisan signs (max 4 sq ft) and real estate signs (4 / 15 sq ft) are allowed. |
| general signage | Zoning Ordinance, Article VII, Section 702(e) source verbatim | “No sign shall project over a public sidewalk or roadway; and no part of any sign shall be closer than fifteen (15) feet to the edge of the right-of-way of any street, road, or way.” | Signs may not project over sidewalks or roadways and must be at least 15 feet from any street right-of-way edge; signs also may not be within 25 feet of an intersection. |
| permit procedure | Zoning Ordinance, Article VII, Section 704 (Permit Requirements for Signs) source verbatim | “All signs as defined in Section 700, over two (2) square feet in total area, except temporary signs not exceeding four (4) square feet shall require the issuance of a sign permit by the Building Inspector of the Borough prior to erection or replacement.” | Signs over 2 sq ft need a permit from the Building Inspector, except temporary signs not exceeding 4 sq ft (which is how many temporary signs escape the permit fee - political signs still need one under § 128-1D). |
| permit procedure | Ch. 84 (Garage Sales), § 84-2 (Permit required: fee) source verbatim | “It shall be unlawful for any person to conduct a garage sale in the Borough of Langhorne Manor without first filing with the Zoning Officer of the borough the information hereinafter specified and obtaining from such Zoning Officer a permit so to do” | A garage-sale permit must be obtained from the Zoning Officer before holding a garage sale; no fee is charged, and permits are limited to once per person and once per premises per 12 months (charitable/religious/civic organizations up to three). |
| prohibition/penalty | Ch. 128, § 128-3 (Violations and penalties) source verbatim | “Any person who shall violate any provision of this Article shall, upon conviction thereof, be liable to a fine of not more than three hundred dollars ($300.) or to imprisonment in the county jail for a term of not more than thirty (30) days, or both. Continuation of violation for each successive day shall constitute a separate offense, and the person or persons allowing or permitting the continuation of the violation may be punished as provided above for each separate offense.” | Violations of the political-sign article carry up to a $300 fine or 30 days in jail, and each day of continuing violation is a separate offense. |
| prohibition/penalty | Zoning Ordinance, Article VII, Section 703 (Non-conforming Signs) source verbatim | “Any sign existing and lawful at the time of the passage of this Ordinance which does not conform in use, location, height or size with the regulations of the District in which such sign is located, shall be considered a non-conforming use and may continue in such use in its present location until replacement or rebuilding becomes necessary, at which time a Zoning Permit will be required and the sign brought into conformity with this Ordinance.” | Existing nonconforming signs may remain until they must be replaced or rebuilt, at which point a zoning permit and full conformity are required. |
Lower Makefield Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | Ch. 200 (Zoning), Art. XIX Signs, § 200-83E(10) (Election political signs - definition) source verbatim | “Election political signs. An election/political sign is a temporary nonilluminated sign announcing, supporting or opposing a candidate or issue in connection with any national, state or local election.” | Defines election/political signs as temporary, non-illuminated signs for or against a candidate or ballot issue; they are then regulated by § 200-84B(2). |
| political/election | § 200-84B(2) (Off-premises signs in residential districts - political signs) source verbatim | “Temporary nonilluminated signs advertising political parties or candidates for election may be erected or displayed and maintained, provided that:” | Political signs are allowed as temporary non-illuminated off-premises signs in residential districts, subject to the size and timing rules in § 200-84B(2)(a) through (c). |
| political/election | § 200-84B(2)(a) source verbatim | “The size of any such sign is not in excess of 16 square feet.” | Political signs may not exceed 16 sq ft. |
| political/election | § 200-84B(2)(b) source verbatim | “The signs shall not be erected or displayed earlier than 30 days prior to the election to which they pertain.” | Political signs may not be posted earlier than 30 days before the election - the posting-window limit. |
| political/election | § 200-84B(2)(c) source verbatim | “All signs shall be removed promptly within 10 days after the date of the election to which such signs relate. It shall be unlawful to fail to remove a election/political campaign sign within 10 days after the election for which the sign was posted.” | Political signs must be removed within 10 days after the election, and failing to do so is expressly unlawful. The Zoning Officer (or agents) may then use legal process under § 200-87 and the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code to have them removed from any property. |
| political/election | § 200-83C(6) (Location of signs - Township property / polling places) source verbatim | “Irrespective of content, no temporary or permanent sign shall be placed on property owned by Lower Makefield Township, except for official signs or election signs erected on Election Day within 50 feet of the Township property used as a polling place.” | No signs of any kind on Township-owned land, with a single carve-out: election signs on Election Day within 50 feet of a Township property used as a polling place. |
| political/election | § 200-83G(11), § 200-85B(5) and § 200-85E(11) (permit exemptions and district rules for political signs) source verbatim | “Election political signs. An election/political sign is a temporary nonilluminated sign announcing, supporting or opposing a candidate or issue in connection with any national, state or local election.” | Political signs appear on the permit-exemption list (§ 200-83G(11)) and are expressly permitted in the C-1/C-2/C-3 districts (§ 200-85B(5)) and in the Historic-Commercial district (§ 200-85E(11)), subject to the same § 200-84B(2) limits. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 200-84B(3) (Temporary signs directing to events located in the Township) source verbatim | “Temporary nonilluminated signs directing persons to temporary exhibits, shows or events located in the Township may be erected, subject to the following requirements:” | Off-premises temporary signs directing people to exhibits, shows or events in the Township are allowed subject to the size and timing rules in § 200-84B(3)(a) through (c). |
| temporary/event/sale | § 200-84B(3)(a) source verbatim | “Signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in area.” | Event-direction temporary signs are limited to 12 sq ft. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 200-84B(3)(b) source verbatim | “Signs shall not be posted earlier than two weeks before the occurrence of the event to which it relates and must be removed within one week after the date of the exhibit, show or event.” | Event signs may go up no earlier than 2 weeks before the event and must come down within 1 week after it. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 200-84B(3)(c) (Street banners) source verbatim | “Street banners are prohibited, except in the case of civic or charitable nonprofit organizations.” | Street banners are banned except for civic or charitable nonprofit organizations; permitted nonprofit banners are exempt from the 12 sq ft size limit but must still be posted no earlier than 2 weeks before and removed within 1 week after the event. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 200-84A(12) (Temporary signs of religious, civic or charitable nonprofit organizations) source verbatim | “The sign and/or signs shall not be posted earlier than three weeks prior to the occurrence of the event to which the sign and/or signs relate, and the sign and/or signs must be removed within one week after the exhibit, show or event.” | On-premises nonprofit event signs (max 12 sq ft per side, one per road frontage) may be posted 3 weeks before the event and must be removed within 1 week after. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 200-83G(8) (Temporary signs of mechanics, artisans, contractors or architects) source verbatim | “A temporary sign erected and maintained during the period any of the above are performing work on the property. No one sign shall exceed six square feet. Only one sign may be erected for each business or contractor. There shall be no more that four such signs displayed on the property at any one time. No illumination is permitted. Any sign in place for more than 60 days requires a permit from the Township.” | Contractor/artisan temporary signs: no permit, max 6 sq ft each, one per contractor and four per property, no illumination, and a Township permit if the sign stays up more than 60 days. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 200-83G(10)(a) (Temporary non-illuminated 'open house' signs) source verbatim | “Open house signs may be posted for a period no longer four hours and on the day the open house is taking place and shall be removed at the end of the day that the open house occurs.” | Open house signs: up no longer than four hours on the open-house day, one open house per week per property, 3 sq ft max, plus one off-premises sign at the nearest arterial/collector intersection allowed only on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays. |
| general signage | § 200-83A (Area of signs) source verbatim | “The area of a sign shall be construed to include all lettering, wording and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background, whether open or enclosed, on which they are displayed, but not including any supporting framework and bracing incidental to the display itself.” | How sign area is measured (lettering, wording, designs and background count; supporting framework does not) and how double-face signs are counted - relevant to the 16 sq ft political-sign cap. |
| general signage | § 200-83F (Prohibited signs and sign elements) source verbatim | “Any suspended or attached pennant or banner which blows in the wind or a spinner which spins in the wind is prohibited.” | Among the prohibited elements: roof signs, projecting signs outside the H-C district, flashing/festoon/novelty signs, and any suspended or attached pennant or banner that blows in the wind. |
| permit procedure | § 200-83G (Signs exempt from permit requirements) - introductory paragraph source verbatim | “The following signs do not need a sign permit, although all such signs must comply with all of the regulations contained herein. Any off-premises sign shall require the issuance of a permit before erection, rebuilding, or replacement.” | Exempt signs need no permit but must still follow every sign rule - and any off-premises sign (which includes most campaign signs) does require a permit before erection, rebuilding or replacement. |
| permit procedure | § 200-87A(1) and § 200-89A-B (Administration and Enforcement / permits) source verbatim | “Receive and examine all applications for zoning permits.” | Signs are enforced through the zoning permit process: the Zoning Officer receives and examines zoning permit applications and may issue permits only for compliant construction and uses; enforcement notices issue under § 200-87A(11). |
| prohibition/penalty | § 200-83C(4) (Posting of signs) and § 200-83C(5) (Signs in the right-of-way) source verbatim | “Posting of signs. No person shall paint, paste, brand, stamp or in any manner whatsoever place on or attach to any tree, telegraph, electric light or other pole on any street in the Township any written, printed, painted or other advertisement, bill, notice, sign, card or poster.” | Posting any sign, poster or notice on trees or utility poles on Township streets is prohibited; § 200-83C(5) also bans all permanent signs in street rights-of-way except governmental signs. |
Lower Southampton Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-2007.9.B source verbatim | “The erector of such sign or signs shall first apply for and obtain a permit from the Zoning Officer and shall deposit with the Township, at the time of this application, the sum in an amount as established from time to time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors as a guarantee that such signs will be removed promptly within 48 hours after the date of the event to which the signs or posters relate.” | Event/promotional signs require a Zoning Officer permit plus a cash deposit as a guarantee of removal within 48 hours after the event; if not removed the Township removes them and keeps the whole deposit (§ 27-2007.9.C). Under § 27-2007.9.A they may not be posted earlier than one week before the event. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-2007.5.B source verbatim | “Not more than one such sign for each mechanic, contractor or artisan working shall be erected on any premises unless such property fronts on more than one street, in which case not more than one such sign for each mechanic or artisan shall be erected on each frontage.” | Contractor/artisan signs are limited to 4 sq ft, one per worker (two on a corner lot), only on the work site, and must be removed when the work is done (§ 27-2007.5.A and C). |
| general signage | Chapter 27 (Zoning), Part 20 (Signs), § 27-2003.1 source verbatim | “New signs. No sign shall hereafter be erected, attached to, suspended from or supported on any building or structure or site in the Township of Lower Southampton except in accordance with this part or where a variance has been authorized by the proper authority as hereinafter set forth.” | No sign may be erected, attached, suspended from or supported on any building, structure or site in the Township except in conformity with Part 20 (Signs), unless a variance is granted. |
| general signage | § 27-2009 (preamble) source verbatim | “All signs maintained or hereafter erected in the Township of Lower Southampton shall comply with the standards set forth in this section. All signs now erected which do not comply with such standards are hereby declared to be nonconforming signs and public nuisances.” | All signs in the Township must meet the Part 20 standards; any existing sign that does not comply is declared a nonconforming sign and a public nuisance. |
| permit procedure | § 27-2004.1 source verbatim | “It shall be unlawful for any person, either directly, indirectly or by agent, to erect, alter or repair any sign or signs in the Township of Lower Southampton unless application for a permit shall have been made with the Zoning Officer and a permit shall have been issued therefor. An application for a permit shall be submitted to the Zoning Officer on the form supplied by it and shall be accompanied by the written consent of the owner desiring any sign to be erected, plans and specifications setting forth the character of the sign in all its structural parts, and an accurate sketch of the property designating the location of all existing and proposed signs.” | A sign permit from the Zoning Officer is required before erecting, altering or repairing any sign; the application must include owner consent, plans/specifications for all structural parts and a sketch showing existing and proposed signs. A separate annual inspection fee applies (§ 27-2004.2) and the Zoning Officer must act within 10 days (§ 27-2004.4). |
| permit procedure | § 27-2004.3 (chapeau) source verbatim | “Exemptions. No permit shall be required for the following types of signs, and they shall not be counted when calculating the number of signs on a premises, provided such signs conform with the general regulations for signs enumerated herein:” | Sets out the sign types that need no permit and are excluded from sign counts (resident name/address, no-trespassing, real estate, institutional bulletin boards, traffic, memorial, flags, temporary ≤5 sq ft event/auction signs, residential development and place-of-worship signs, nonresidential address signs) - all still must meet the general sign regulations. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 27-2009.C(7) source verbatim | “Signs on public grounds or public rights-of-way, unless erected by a governmental body, or unless required to be so located by ordinance of a governmental body, or unless approved as a conditional sign by the Board of Supervisors. No sign located on a public right-of-way shall bear any commercial advertising or announcement.” | Private signs on public grounds or public rights-of-way are prohibited unless government-erected or approved as a conditional sign by the Board of Supervisors; no right-of-way sign may carry commercial advertising. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 27-2009.C(10) source verbatim | “Searchlights, pennants, spinners, banners and streamers, except for occasions such as grand openings and then only with special permission of the Zoning Officer. Use shall be limited to a thirty-day period.” | Searchlights, pennants, spinners, banners and streamers are prohibited except for occasions such as grand openings and then only with special Zoning Officer permission, for at most 30 days. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 27-2007.12 source verbatim | “Trespassing signs. Trespassing signs or signs indicating private driveway or premises, providing that not more than one such sign shall be permitted on any property held in single and separate ownership for every 100 feet of street frontage.” | Trespassing / private-driveway signs are limited to one per 100 feet of street frontage on a property in single and separate ownership. |
Middletown Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | Chapter 500 (Zoning), Article XXVIII (Sign Regulations), § 500-2809C(1)(a) source verbatim | “The size of any such sign to be placed on a single lot shall not exceed 12 square feet with an aggregate area limitation per single lot of 24 square feet.” | Political signs on a single lot are capped at 12 sq ft each with a 24 sq ft aggregate limit per lot. |
| political/election | § 500-2809C(1)(b) source verbatim | “When placed in a road right-of-way, political signs shall not be located in such a way as to constitute a hazard to motorists or pedestrians and shall be set back an appropriate distance from the edge of pavement or curb so as not to obstruct the vision of motorists or pedestrians. The size of any such sign to be placed within the road right-of-way shall not exceed 32 square feet. In addition, effective January 1, 2000, the use of wire supports for political signs placed within the right-of-way or on government-owned property is prohibited.” | Political signs in a road right-of-way may be up to 32 sq ft, must not create a hazard or obstruct sight lines, and (since 1/1/2000) may not use wire supports in the right-of-way or on government property. |
| political/election | § 500-2809C(1)(e) source verbatim | “The erector of such signs or an authorized agent of the political party or candidate applies for and obtains a permit from the Township Zoning Officer and deposits with the Township at the time of his application the sums established by resolution of the Board of Supervisors as a guarantee that all such signs will be removed promptly within 10 days after the date of the election to which such signs relate. If such signs are not removed at the end of the ten-day period, the Township may have them removed and retain such sums from the deposit in an amount equal to the expense incurred by the Township for such removal.” | The candidate or an authorized agent of the political party must obtain a Zoning Officer permit and post a deposit guaranteeing removal within 10 days after the election; the Township may remove late signs and keep the removal cost from the deposit. |
| political/election | § 500-2809C(1)(c) source verbatim | “No such sign shall be erected on a utility pole, street identification sign, traffic control sign or device, streetlight pole, traffic signal pole, tree or other natural feature.” | Political signs may not be erected on utility poles, street identification signs, traffic control signs/devices, streetlight or traffic signal poles, trees or other natural features. |
| political/election | § 500-2804A source verbatim | “Lies within 10 feet of or projects over a point within 10 feet of the ultimate right-of-way of any street or is within 10 feet of the shoulder or curb, whichever is greater, with the specific exception that such placement of political signs shall be permitted if done in compliance with all other provisions regarding political signs.” | Signs generally may not sit within 10 feet of the ultimate right-of-way/shoulder/curb, but political signs are expressly excepted from that setback if they comply with all other political-sign rules. |
| political/election | § 500-2803A (definition: 'Political sign') source verbatim | “Any temporary sign pertaining to political views, an individual seeking election or appointment to a public office, or a forthcoming public election or referendum.” | Article XXVIII defines a political sign as any temporary sign pertaining to political views, an individual seeking election or appointment to public office, or a forthcoming public election or referendum - i.e., political signs are a subcategory of temporary signs. |
| political/election | § 500-2809C(1)(d) source verbatim | “Such signs shall not be posted earlier than 60 days prior to the election to which such signs relate.” | Political signs may not be posted earlier than 60 days before the election to which they relate. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 500-2805P source verbatim | “Signs advertising a yard sale are permitted, provided the signs do not exceed four square feet in area, remain up only during the sale, and do not appear more than once every six months on the same premises. Not more than one such sign shall be placed on any given property on which the yard sale shall occur unless such property fronts on more than one street; in which case, one such sign shall be permitted along each street. Not more than three such signs may be placed off-premises to provide direction to the yard sale.” | No-permit yard-sale signs are capped at 4 sq ft, may stay up only during the sale, may not appear more than once every six months on the same premises, one on-site per frontage plus up to three off-premises directional signs. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 500-2809C(2)(b) source verbatim | “Signs shall not be posted earlier than four weeks before the occurrence of the exhibit, show or event and shall be removed within five days after the termination of the exhibit, show or event.” | Community special event signs (max 25 sq ft, no more than four township-wide per event, with a deposit under § 500-2809C(2)(d)) may not be posted earlier than four weeks before the event and must be removed within five days after it ends. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 500-2805N source verbatim | “Bunting, pennants and similar materials are permitted to announce the opening of a new business or industry and must be removed seven days after the opening day or the first day of business. The owner/user of the business or industry shall inform the Township Zoning Officer in writing of the opening day or the first day of business. Such notice shall be submitted at least 14 days prior to the opening day or the first day of business.” | Bunting, pennants and similar materials are allowed only to announce a new business/industry opening, must be removed within seven days, and require written notice to the Zoning Officer at least 14 days in advance. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 500-2805K source verbatim | “Temporary window signs, including community special event signs, provided such signs take up no more than 50% of the window area.” | Temporary window signs, including community special event signs, need no permit but may cover no more than 50% of the window area. |
| general signage | § 500-2805 (chapeau) source verbatim | “The following signs are permitted in all districts and do not require a permit, provided the applicable conditions and uses have been met:” | Opens the no-permit list available in every district: official/traffic signs, occupant name and address (max 120 sq in), no-trespassing (max 216 sq in), real estate (6 sq ft residential / 12 sq ft other, removed within 10 days of settlement), public service and charitable signs (4 sq ft), bulletin boards (16 sq ft), window signs, mechanics' signs, yard-sale signs and opinion signs. |
| permit procedure | § 500-2808A(1) and (2) source verbatim | “Exemptions from the necessity of securing a permit, however, shall not be construed to relieve the owner of the sign involved from responsibility for its erection in a safe manner and in a manner in accord with all the other provisions of this chapter.” | A permit must be obtained before erecting any sign unless specifically exempted (§ 500-2805); an exemption from the permit does not relieve the owner of building the sign safely and complying with the rest of Chapter 500. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 500-2807B(1) source verbatim | “Any banner, pennant or novelty-type sign suspended between poles and lighted by a series of lights is prohibited.” | Prohibited signs include banners/pennants/novelty signs suspended between poles and lit by a series of lights; other banned items in § 500-2807B include festoon lights, snipe signs, signs painted directly on walls, portable signs not otherwise allowed, and signs on utility poles or trees (temporary community special event signs excepted). |
| prohibition/penalty | § 500-2807B(3) source verbatim | “No sign may use the words "Stop," "Look," "Danger" or any word or character which attempts or appears to attempt to direct the movement of traffic or which interferes with or resembles any official traffic sign, signal or device within 75 feet of a public right-of-way or within 200 feet of a traffic control device, whichever is greater.” | Signs may not use the words Stop, Look, Danger or any word or character that appears to direct traffic or that interferes with or resembles an official traffic sign, signal or device within 75 feet of a public right-of-way or 200 feet of a traffic control device, whichever is greater. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 500-2807C source verbatim | “shall be removed within 14 days of notice from the Township that such sign must be removed.” | A sign violating the zoning-information rule or the prohibited-signs list must be removed within 14 days of the Township's notice. |
Milford Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| temporary/event/sale | Article IX, Section 909(a)(2) source verbatim (PDF) | “The maximum area of any such sign shall be six (6) square feet. b) Freestanding signs or window signs shall be permitted. c) Such signs shall be non-illuminated. d) No more than four (4) temporary signs shall be permitted in any one calendar year and no more than two (2) temporary signs shall be permitted on a lot at any one time. e) Such signs shall be removed after thirty (30) days. However, signs advertising the sale or rental of the premises upon which said sign has been erected shall be permitted until there is an agreement of sale, lease or rental for the property.” | In residential districts temporary signs are capped at 6 sq ft, must be non-illuminated, are limited to four per calendar year and two per lot at a time, and must be removed after 30 days (real-estate signs may stay until there is an agreement of sale, lease or rental). |
| temporary/event/sale | Article IX, Section 911(b)(1) and (2) source verbatim (PDF) | “The maximum area of any such sign shall be twelve (12) square feet. 2) Freestanding signs, banners and window signs shall be permitted; provided that no more than one (1) temporary, freestanding sign shall be permitted on a lot at any one time.” | In the CC and SC commercial districts temporary signs may be up to 12 sq ft, freestanding/banner/window types (only one freestanding temporary sign per lot at a time), must be non-illuminated, capped at four per establishment per year and two per lot at once, and removed after 15 days. |
| temporary/event/sale | Article IX, Section 916(a)(3) source verbatim (PDF) | “Temporary Signs--Temporary signs shall be allowed only upon the issuance of a temporary sign permit, which shall be subject to the following requirements: a) A temporary sign permit shall allow the use of a temporary sign for a specified time period, as authorized by this Ordinance. b) The applicant for a temporary sign permit shall provide the zoning officer with sufficient information to demonstrate compliance with the sign regulations of this Ordinance. c) An escrow deposit shall be required as a guarantee that the temporary sign shall be promptly and completely removed at the end of the authorized period.” | Temporary signs require a temporary sign permit for a specified period plus a refundable escrow deposit guaranteeing prompt removal; if not removed in time the Township removes them and keeps enough of the deposit to cover the cost. |
| temporary/event/sale | Section 404 H2 (temporary uses - garage/yard sales) source verbatim (PDF) | “Such temporary uses shall be limited to occurrences of not more than three (3) days. Such occurrences shall be limited to not more than four (4) occurrences in a calendar year. There shall be at least a thirty (30) day period between such occurrences. 2) Signs advertising garage or yard sales shall meet the requirements of Article IX.” | Garage/yard sales are allowed up to four times a year, no more than three days each with 30 days between occurrences, and their signs must comply with the Article IX sign regulations. |
| general signage | Zoning Ordinance, Article IX (Signs), Section 900 source verbatim (PDF) | “Any sign hereafter erected and maintained shall conform with the provisions of this Article and any other municipal ordinances and regulations.” | Article IX binds every sign erected or maintained in the Township and sits on top of all other municipal ordinances and regulations. |
| general signage | Article IX, Section 908(a) and (c) source verbatim (PDF) | “The following signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts and do not require a permit, provided the applicable requirements have been met. In addition, such signs shall not be counted when calculating the maximum total area of all signs on a lot. a. Incidental signs, provided the area of any such sign shall not exceed two (2) square feet. b. Flags representing governmental, educational or religious organizations, provided that the total area of all such flags shall not exceed sixty (60) square feet. c. Identification signs displaying only the name and/or address of the occupant of a premises, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed two hundred (200) square inches, and provided that only one (1) such sign shall be permitted per premises.” | Permit-free, area-exempt signs allowed in every district: incidental signs (max 2 sq ft), occupant name/address signs (max 200 sq in, one per premises), flags of governmental/educational/religious organizations (60 sq ft total) and building markers/historical signs. |
| general signage | Article IX, Section 905(b)(1)-(3) and (c) source verbatim (PDF) | “Signs of two (2) square feet or less shall be set back at least two (2) feet from a sidewalk or the cartway of a street. 2) Signs of six (6) square feet or less shall be set back at least five (5) feet from a sidewalk or the cartway of a street. 3) Signs which are greater than six (6) square feet shall be set back at least ten (10) feet from a sidewalk or the cartway of a street. c. Signs shall be no closer than fifteen (15) feet to a side or rear lot line.” | No sign may sit in or project into the ultimate street right-of-way. Setbacks scale with size (2 ft for signs ≤2 sq ft, 5 ft for ≤6 sq ft, 10 ft for larger) and signs must be at least 15 ft from side or rear lot lines. |
| permit procedure | Article IX, Section 916(a)(1) source verbatim (PDF) | “A zoning permit must be obtained from the municipality before the erection of any sign greater than two (2) square feet in area, unless specifically exempted herein. Exemptions from the necessity of securing a zoning permit, however, shall not be construed to relieve the owner of the sign involved from responsibility for its erection in a safe manner and in a manner in accord with all the other provisions of this Ordinance.” | A zoning permit is required before erecting any sign larger than 2 sq ft unless specifically exempted; permit exemptions do not relieve the owner of safe erection and compliance with the rest of the ordinance. |
| prohibition/penalty | Article IX, Section 907 source verbatim (PDF) | “The following signs are unlawful and prohibited: a. Animated signs b. Beacons c. Portable signs for permanent use d. Pennants e. Signs containing information that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted in the zoning district in which the property to which the sign relates is located. f. Signs illuminated by a group of incandescent light bulbs hung or strung overhead or used to outline a sign or structure, with the exception of festive lighting. g. Any sign erected on a tree or utility pole, or painted or drawn on a rock or other natural feature.” | Unlawful signs include animated signs, beacons, portable signs used permanently, pennants, misleading zoning-information signs, signs with overhead/outlined incandescent lights, and signs erected on a tree or utility pole or painted on a rock or natural feature. |
| prohibition/penalty | Article IX, Section 915(b) source verbatim (PDF) | “Nonconforming signs may be repainted or repaired (including lighting) provided such repainted or repaired sign does not exceed the dimensions of the existing sign. Wording may also be changed.” | Legally existing nonconforming signs may be repainted or repaired (including lighting) and re-worded but may not be enlarged, and once removed may only be replaced with conforming signs. |
Telford Borough
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | § 27-604 (definitions: 'Nonresidential business sign' and 'Political sign') source verbatim | “Nonresidential business sign–an on-premises sign that advertises or otherwise directs attention to a business, commodity, service, industry or other activity which is sold, offered or conducted, other than incidentally, on the premises upon which the sign is located, or to which it is affixed. Political sign–a temporary sign used in connection with a local, county, State or national election or referendum.” | 'Political sign' is defined as a temporary sign used in connection with a local, county, State or national election or referendum - so political signs are temporary signs under Part 6 and subject to the temporary-sign treatment (and barred on Borough property). |
| political/election | § 27-607.J source verbatim | “Personal expression signs provided that they are not illuminated and are either freestanding, wall or window signs. Such signs may not exceed 4 square feet and, in the case of freestanding signs, 4 feet in height.” | No sign permit is needed for 'personal expression signs' (the category covering political/campaign yard signs on private property): they must be non-illuminated, may be freestanding, wall or window signs, max 4 sq ft, and 4 ft tall if freestanding. |
| political/election | § 27-606.I source verbatim | “Political signs on Borough property.” | Political signs are expressly prohibited on Borough-owned property. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-607.L(1) source verbatim | “Civic event signs and banners on public and private property, which shall be removed within 72 hours after the event and which shall not be erected more than 30 calendar days prior to the event.” | Civic event signs and banners on public or private property need no permit, may not go up more than 30 calendar days before the event, and must be removed within 72 hours after it. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-607.L(2) source verbatim | “Artisan signs, erected and maintained on the premises where the work is being performed during the period in which such work is being performed, provided that such signs shall not exceed 12 square feet, and provided that not more than one such sign shall be erected on any property in single and separate ownership. Signs shall be removed upon the completion of the work.” | Contractor/artisan temporary signs need no permit, are capped at 12 sq ft, one per property in single and separate ownership, and must be removed when the work is completed. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-607.L(3) source verbatim | “Signs advertising garage or yard sales, provided that no sign shall exceed 6 square feet in sign area. Signs shall be permitted only on the premises where the sale is to be conducted and limited to one per street frontage. Signs shall be removed at the close of the garage or yard sale.” | Garage/yard-sale signs need no permit, are limited to 6 sq ft, allowed only on the premises where the sale is held, one per street frontage, and must be removed at the close of the sale. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-607.L(5)(b) source verbatim | “Signs are permissible along the sidewalk, provided a minimum walking distance of 5 feet shall be maintained to allow for a pathway for pedestrians.” | Sandwich boards need no permit and are limited to 8 sq ft; they may sit on the sidewalk only if a 5-ft pedestrian path remains, one per business frontage, must be weighted (not chained to anything) and must be taken indoors at close of business (§ 27-607.L(5)(a),(c)-(e)). |
| general signage | § 27-605.4.E source verbatim | “Signs, not including historical markers and banners approved by the Borough, shall not be affixed to a street sign, Borough sign, government sign, park sign, utility pole or structure, lighting standard, parking meter, park bench, tree, shrub, rock or natural object except plaques of a maximum of 1 square foot.” | Signs may not be affixed to street signs, Borough/government/park signs, utility poles or structures, lighting standards, parking meters, benches, trees, shrubs, rocks or natural objects - only plaques up to 1 sq ft are excepted, along with historical markers and Borough-approved banners. |
| general signage | § 27-608.B(2)(a) source verbatim | “Each single use may have one on-site freestanding sign or monument sign with the following limits on area, height and illumination:” | Permitted commercial signs: one freestanding or monument sign per single use - 35 sq ft/6 ft high in C-1, 15 sq ft/6 ft in C-2 and LPO - plus one of a wall sign (10% of facade, 30 sq ft max), projecting wall (12 sq ft), awning or window sign. |
| permit procedure | § 27-609 (Sign Permits) source verbatim | “Sign Permits. It shall be unlawful to erect, construct or significantly alter any sign which requires a sign permit without first filing with Telford Borough an application in writing, which application shall contain the information required by the Borough Zoning Officer.” | It is unlawful to erect, construct or significantly alter a sign requiring a sign permit without first filing a written application containing the Zoning Officer's required information (owner name/address/phone and signature, plus scaled plans of sign and building elevations). |
| prohibition/penalty | Chapter 27 (Zoning), Part 6 (Signs), § 27-606 (chapeau) source verbatim | “It shall be unlawful, upon or after the effective date of this Chapter or any amendment thereto, for any person, firm or corporation to erect any of the following signs within the Borough of Telford:” | Makes it unlawful to erect any of the following signs in Telford. The list (A-N) includes traffic-sign-lookalikes, signs without the property owner's permission, sight-obstructing signs, electronic message centers, electronic display screens, vehicular signs in residential areas, political signs on Borough property, roof signs and snipe signs. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 27-610.C source verbatim | “A nonconforming sign must be removed within 14 days after notification by the Zoning Officer or be made to conform to this Chapter in every respect whenever:” | A nonconforming sign that is not securely attached (easily moved) or that has deteriorated so it no longer serves a useful communication purpose and is a nuisance must be removed within 14 days of Zoning Officer notice or brought fully into compliance. |
Springfield Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | § 905.J.10 source verbatim | “Personal expression signs of any type, including flags, provided that they do not exceed eight (8) sq. ft. in area per side, are non-commercial in nature, and no illuminated.” | Springfield has no separate political-sign section; political/campaign signs on private property fall under no-permit 'personal expression signs': any type including flags, max 8 sq ft per side, non-commercial and non-illuminated. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 905.J.4 source verbatim | “Temporary signs, provided that the area on any one side of such sign shall not exceed 6 square feet and the height shall not exceed three and one-half (3.5) feet. Temporary signs shall be displayed for no more than 90 days in a 6-month period and shall be marked indelibly with the posting date. Temporary signs that relate to a specific event shall be removed by the installer or by the lot owner on which the sign is installed within 5 days after the event has occurred. Three temporary signs are permitted per lot, except that a lot fronting on more than one street may have three temporary signs on each street frontage.” | Temporary signs need no sign permit: max 6 sq ft per side and 3.5 ft tall, displayed no more than 90 days in any 6-month period, marked indelibly with the posting date, removed within 5 days after the event, three per lot (three per frontage on a corner lot). |
| temporary/event/sale | § 904.FF and § 904.CC and § 904.Z source verbatim | “Temporary Sign: A type of non-permanent, sign that is located on private property that can be displayed for no more than 90 days in a 6-month period.” | Defines a temporary sign as non-permanent, on private property, displayable no more than 90 days in a 6-month period; a sandwich board sign as a two-face hinged portable temporary sign targeted at pedestrians (also known as an A-frame sign); and a portable sign as any transportable sign not permanently attached, including sandwich board and vehicular signs. |
| general signage | Chapter 154 (Zoning Ordinance), Appendix A, Article 9 (Signs), § 901 source unverified | “This Article establishes regulations for all signs erected within Springfield Township to ensure that they are appropriate for their respective uses, are in keeping with the appearance of the affected property and surrounding environment, and are protective of the public health, safety, and general welfare. Specifically, the regulations shall:” | Article 9 sets uniform Township-wide sign standards plus district-specific ones, regulating location, size, appearance, construction, erection, alteration, use and maintenance, and protecting viewscapes and historic structures. |
| general signage | § 906.A source verbatim | “Off-lot advertising signs shall be permitted only on properties with frontage on an arterial roadway within the HC Highway Commercial and PI Planned Industrial Zoning Districts.” | Billboards/off-lot advertising signs are allowed only on arterial-fronting lots in the HC Highway Commercial and PI Planned Industrial districts; one per property, max 150 sq ft, max 25 ft tall, set back from the right-of-way by the sign height or 15 ft (whichever is greater), 25 ft from property lines, 50 ft from buildings and 500 ft from intersections. |
| general signage | § 907.C source verbatim | “A free-standing sign for a permitted non-residential building or use. The area of such a sign shall not exceed 12 sq. ft.” | In the WS, AD, RP, RR, VR and DD non-commercial districts a freestanding on-lot sign for a permitted non-residential use is capped at 12 sq ft and a wall or projecting sign at 10 sq ft, one of each per lot. |
| permit procedure | § 905.J (chapeau) source verbatim | “Exempt Signs. A sign permit shall not be required prior to the erection, structural repair, alteration, moving, removal, or demolition of any of the following signs in any zoning district in the municipality.” | A sign permit is not required to erect, structurally repair, alter, move, remove or demolish any of the 16 listed exempt categories, which must still meet the § 905 regulations and may not be illuminated (except official government and police station signs). |
| prohibition/penalty | § 905.I.4 source verbatim | “Electronic Message Centers (EMCs) shall be prohibited in all zoning districts within the Township.” | Electronic Message Centers are prohibited in every zoning district. The same subsection also bans signs emitting smoke/vapor/sound/odor, roof signs, signs attached to utility wires or their supports, abandoned signs, beacon lighting and signs suspended across a public street without permission. |
Morrisville Borough
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | § 465-48B(1)(c) source verbatim | “No permit shall be issued for the erection of such signs until a deposit shall be made with the Zoning Officer in accordance with a fee schedule adopted by Borough Council to guarantee removal within the time prescribed. Failure to remove such signs within the time prescribed shall result in forfeiture of the deposit.” | No permit issues for event/political signs until a deposit is made with the Zoning Officer under a Borough Council fee schedule guaranteeing removal within the prescribed time; failure to remove forfeits the deposit. |
| political/election | § 465-48B(1)(d) source verbatim | “No such sign shall be posted earlier than two weeks before the occurrence of the event to which it relates with the exception of political signs which shall be posted not earlier than one month prior to an election.” | Event/exhibit signs may not be posted earlier than two weeks before the event, but political signs are posted no earlier than one month before an election. All such signs are capped at 8 sq ft and must be removed within two weeks after the election/event (§ 465-48B(1)(a),(b)). |
| temporary/event/sale | § 465-48A(8) source verbatim | “Temporary signs announcing a campaign, drive, or event of a civic, philanthropic, educational, or religious organization. Such signs shall not exceed eight square feet in area and shall be removed immediately upon completion of the campaign, drive or event. No more than two such signs per street frontage shall be erected.” | Temporary signs announcing a civic, philanthropic, educational or religious campaign, drive or event are capped at 8 sq ft, limited to two per street frontage, and must be removed immediately when the campaign or event ends. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 465-48A(6) source verbatim | “Temporary contractors', developers', architects', or builders' signs provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed eight square feet. Such signs shall be removed immediately upon completion of the work or 18 months after erection of the signs, whichever shall occur first. No more than one such sign per street frontage shall be erected.” | Temporary contractors', developers', architects' and builders' signs are capped at 8 sq ft, one per street frontage, and must be removed on completion of the work or after 18 months, whichever comes first. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 465-51A(2)(c) source verbatim | “Temporary signs announcing a grand opening, change in management or sale provided the signs are removed within 30 days of the date of erection and this provision may not be exercised more than one time per year. The aggregate area of all such signs shall not exceed 40 square feet per store.” | In C-1, temporary signs for a grand opening, change in management or sale must be removed within 30 days of erection, may be used only once per year, and total no more than 40 sq ft per store. |
| general signage | § 465-44 (definition of 'Sign') source verbatim | “"Sign" shall mean any permanent or temporary structure or part thereof, or any device attached, painted, or represented directly or indirectly on a structure or other surface that shall display or include any letter, word, insignia, flag, or representation used as, or which is in the nature of, an advertisement, announcement, visual communication, or direction, or is designed to attract the eye or bring the subject to the attention of the public.” | 'Sign' is defined broadly to include any permanent or temporary structure, device, letter, word, insignia or flag used as (or in the nature of) an advertisement, announcement, visual communication or direction, or designed to attract the eye or bring a subject to public attention. |
| general signage | § 465-54C source verbatim | “No sign placed parallel to the face of a building shall project more than six inches above the roof or beyond the end of the wall to which it is attached.” | A sign placed parallel to a building face may not project more than six inches above the roof or beyond the end of the wall it is attached to; illuminated signs in R-1/R-2/R-2A/R-3/R-4/NPEH districts must not cast glare, and moving, flashing or animated signs are banned (§ 465-54A,B). |
| general signage | § 465-54H source verbatim | “All signs except temporary signs shall be constructed of durable material and kept in good condition and repair. Electrical signs shall be subject to Underwriters Laboratory, Incorporated, inspection and approval.” | All signs except temporary signs must be built of durable material and kept in good repair; electrical signs must pass Underwriters Laboratory inspection and approval. |
| general signage | § 465-55A source verbatim | “Signs in residential districts shall be set back no less than five feet from all property lines and right-of-way lines.” | Signs in residential districts must be set back at least five feet from all property lines and right-of-way lines; commercial-district signs must meet half the front-yard requirement and the full side/rear-yard setbacks (§ 465-55B). |
| permit procedure | Chapter 465 (Zoning), Article VII (Signs), § 465-47 source verbatim | “All on-premises signs over two square feet in area and all off-premises signs except governmental signs, regardless of size, shall require the issuance of a zoning permit before erection or replacement. All signs must comply with all of the regulations contained herein, irrespective of whether a permit is required.” | A zoning permit is required for all on-premises signs over 2 sq ft and for all off-premises signs of any size except government signs; every sign must comply with Article VII whether or not a permit is required. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 465-54I source verbatim | “Nonconforming signs once removed shall be replaced only with conforming signs; however, nonconforming signs may be repainted or repaired provided such repainted or repaired sign does not exceed the dimensions of the existing sign.” | Nonconforming signs that are removed may only be replaced with conforming signs, but they may be repainted or repaired as long as the dimensions stay the same. Freestanding signs are capped at 20 ft high and no sign may obstruct traffic sight lines (§ 465-54F,G). |
| prohibition/penalty | § 465-50A source verbatim | “Flashing signs that hang from awnings, movable signs, festoon lighting, roof signs and non-stationary signs shall not be permitted in any RN District” | In any RN (riverfront/neighborhood) district, flashing awning signs, movable signs, festoon lighting, roof signs and non-stationary signs are prohibited; all other signs follow the C-1 District standards. |
New Britain Borough
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | § 450-44H(2) (as cited on the Borough's published notice) source verbatim | “Political campaign sign. A sign advertising a political party or a candidate for election may be displayed, provided that the size of any such sign is not in excess of four-square feet and provided that they are displayed by the owner or lessee of the lot or by the candidate or political party or other authorized agent of them with the permission of the lot owner or lessee.” | Political campaign signs are allowed and are exempt from zoning permits. Max 4 sq ft. Must be posted by the property owner/lessee or with their permission. Note: this text is NOT present in the current codified Article VII on eCode360 (a borough-wide search of the code for "political" returns no sign provision); the borough's live code has been restructured (Article VII amended 11-13-2024 by Ord. 431), so this § 450-44H(2) numbering appears to predate that codification. |
| political/election | § 450-44H(2) (as cited on the Borough's published notice) source verbatim | “All such signs shall be erected or displayed no more than 30 days prior to an election and must be removed within 20 days after the date of the election to which such signs relate. If such signs are not removed at the end of 20 days following the election, the Borough shall have them removed and may recover the cost of removal from the individual who placed the signs.” | Posting window: no earlier than 30 days before the election; removal deadline 20 days after election day. Borough may remove late signs and bill the person who placed them. |
| political/election | Borough notice (Zoning Ordinance summary, no section cited) source verbatim | “Political campaign signs cannot be displayed more than 30 days prior to the election and 20 days following the election.” | Borough's own plain-language reminder confirming the 30-day-before / 20-day-after political sign window and that political campaign signs are an exception to the general zoning permit requirement. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 450-49H source verbatim | “Limited duration signs. Limited duration signs that comply with the requirements in this subsection shall not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of signs allowed on a property. Unless otherwise stated below, the requirements listed below shall apply to both commercial and non-commercial signs.” | The current code's catch-all for temporary signs: 'limited duration signs' (commercial and non-commercial) don't count against a property's overall sign allowance. One per property (two if it fronts two streets); 6 sq ft under 2 acres, 16 sq ft 2-5 acres, 24 sq ft over 5 acres; max 8 ft tall; no illumination; permit issued for one year, renewable annually. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 450-49.4B source verbatim | “Signs specific to residential uses shall be permitted subject to the following regulations. Permanent sign(s). Number: one sign per street frontage. Area: maximum area of three s.f. Height: maximum height of six feet above grade. Nonilluminated or illuminated indirectly. Temporary sign(s). Number: one sign per dwelling unit. Area: maximum area of four s.f. Height: maximum height of six feet above grade. Nonilluminated.” | District table limits: residential permanent signs max 3 sq ft / 6 ft tall; residential temporary signs max 4 sq ft / 6 ft tall, non-illuminated, displayable up to 30 days and not more than four times per calendar year. |
| general signage | § 450-47L source verbatim | “Personal expression signs of any sign type, including flags, provided that they do not exceed three sq. ft. in area per side, are non-commercial in nature, and not illuminated.” | Personal-expression (i.e. non-commercial/political-type) signs are permit-exempt in all districts, capped at 3 sq ft per side and must be non-illuminated. This is the current codified vehicle for political yard signs in New Britain Borough. |
| permit procedure | § 450-47 (opening paragraph) source verbatim | “A sign permit shall not be required prior to the erection, structural repair, alteration, moving, removal, or demolition of any exempt signs in any zoning district in the municipality. Exempt signs shall conform to the regulations of” | Exempt signs need no permit but must still meet the general sign rules. Off-premises signs and any sign for a nonresidential use or establishment require a permit regardless of size. Sign permits must be renewed annually, with an application fee set by Council resolution. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 450-48F(3) source verbatim | “Posting of signs. No person shall paint, paste, brand, stamp, staple or nail, or in any manner whatsoever place on or attach, to any tree, telegraph, electric light or other pole on any street in the Borough any written, printed, painted advertisement, bill, notice, sign, card, paper or poster.” | Flatly prohibits attaching any sign, poster, notice or advertisement to trees or utility/light poles on any Borough street — the usual target of campaign-sign enforcement. Violations are enforced under § 450-76. |
New Britain Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | § 27-2606e(2) source verbatim | “Noncommercial temporary signs are temporary signs that advertise a transitory noncommercial occasion, event, or activity occurring on or off the property where the sign is located, such as holidays, birthdays, fairs, festivals, political campaigns, etc.” | Political campaign signs are regulated as a defined subcategory of 'noncommercial temporary signs' (the only place the Township code names political campaigns). They are content-neutral non-commercial temporary signs, permitted on or off premises. |
| political/election | § 27-2606e(2) (duration/frequency provision) source verbatim | “A temporary sign shall be permitted to be displayed upon a property for up to 30 consecutive days before the occasion, event, or activity commences and up to five consecutive days after the occasion, event, or activity ends. In no case shall the temporary sign be displayed for more than 45 consecutive days.” | Temporary/political signs may go up no more than 30 days before the event (e.g., Election Day) and must come down within 5 days after it ends, with an absolute 45-consecutive-day cap. Max 4 erection periods per calendar year. Noncommercial temp signs: 1 per 10 ft of road frontage, max 6 sq ft, max 4 ft pole height (5 ft wall/window), no illumination. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-2603g source verbatim | “Temporary signs, so long as any such sign does not exceed six square feet in sign area.” | Temporary signs of 6 sq ft or less are permit-exempt in every zoning district (though they must still comply with the Part 26 regulations, including the 30-day/5-day timing and the four-times-per-year limit). |
| permit procedure | § 27-2605 (sign permit review/denial and appeal) source verbatim | “An application for a sign permit may be denied by the Township if the application fails to comply with the standards contained herein. The Township shall inform the applicant of the reasons for denying the sign permit application in writing. Upon denial of a sign permit application, the applicant has 30 days to revise and resubmit the application for review by the Township. In the alternative, the applicant may appeal the denial to the Zoning Hearing Board in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.” | Permits are issued by the Township (Zoning Officer); denial must be in writing, applicant has 30 days to resubmit or may appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board. Fees are set by the Township fee schedule; permits do not expire absent abandonment. |
| permit procedure | § 27-2606a (Sandwich-Board Signs) source verbatim | “Only one sandwich-board sign is permitted per establishment. The commercial messages on the sign must advertise only goods and services available on the premises from the establishment.” | A-frame/sandwich-board signs: one per establishment, max 7 sq ft per face and 3.5 ft tall, must be secured against wind, brought in during non-business hours (never out before 6 a.m. or after 10 p.m.), non-illuminated, and only for on-premises goods/services. Placement must keep 36 inches of clear sidewalk and be within 12 ft of the main entrance. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 27-2602o source verbatim | “Any sign tacked, nailed, glued, attached, erected, posted, placed, painted, maintained, or otherwise supported by or upon a rock, tree, telephone/power/light pole, road, trail, sidewalk, fence, wall, bench, or other object not originally installed, constructed, erected, or placed to support such sign.” | Prohibits posting signs on trees, utility/power/light poles, fences, sidewalks, roads and similar objects (the classic campaign-sign violation). Also § 27-2602m bans signs on property without the owner's permission, and § 27-2602n bans mobile signs parked for advertising. Temporary signs must be removed within 5 business days of a Township notice (§ 27-2608). |
New Hope Borough
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| temporary/event/sale | § 275-51G(4) source verbatim | “Temporary yard signs: The sign shall not be more than six square feet in area and not more than four feet in height. No more than two temporary signs may be displayed at one time. A temporary yard sign shall not be displayed for more than 90 days and may not be displayed again for 60 days; shall not be placed in a public right-of-way; and may only be placed on a property with the permission of the owner.” | The operative rule for political-style yard signs in New Hope: no permit needed, max 6 sq ft and 4 ft tall, no more than 2 at once per property, up to 90 days on display then a 60-day cooldown, never in the right-of-way, and only with the owner's permission. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 275-51G(2) source verbatim | “Temporary window sign: A sign for the purpose of advertising a sale, grand opening, new products or services. Temporary window signs may have a total combined sign area of no more than two square feet and the temporary window sign shall not result in more than 10% of the window area being covered. The sign may be in place no longer than 15 days and the same sign cannot be displayed again for 30 days.” | Store-window sale/grand-opening signs: exempt from permit, max 2 sq ft total and 10% of window area, up to 15 days on display with a 30-day repeat ban; the Zoning Officer must be told the dates. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 275-51G(5) source verbatim | “Activity signs for community groups and special events: a sign advertising a temporary civic, social, community or fund-raising gathering or activity, including, but not limited to, exhibits, shows, sales, or specials events, provided that all of the following conditions are met:” | Permit-exempt community/charity event signs, subject to the listed conditions: written permission from all affected property owners and the Zoning Officer, max 24 sq ft, one per property, and removal within 2 days after the event (same sign max 3 times/year). |
| general signage | § 275-51B(3) source verbatim | “Signs shall not be attached to any utility pole, or to any government installed sign, sign structure, or light pole, except if authorized in by the utility, government, or transportation agency.” | No attaching signs to utility poles, government signs or light poles absent authorization. Other general limits: no sign in the right-of-way (except projecting signs, banners, flags with 8 ft clearance), no sign in the clear sight triangle, and yard setbacks of 1/3 the HC setback and 1/2 the required setback in other districts. |
| permit procedure | § 275-51A(1) source verbatim | “The erection or placement of a sign is regulated and requires a zoning permit unless a sign is specifically exempt from the permitting requirements set forth in this article.” | General rule: a zoning permit is required to erect, hang, alter, repaint, remove or relocate any sign unless it is listed as an exempt sign in § 275-51G. Signs in the Historic District additionally need a certificate of appropriateness under Chapter 10 (HARB) / § 275-51F. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 275-52G source verbatim | “Any banner sign except for a temporary sign approved by the Zoning Officer to identify a special event. The banner shall not be in place for more than 30 days before the occurrence of the special event and must be removed within two days after the date of the event. The same banner may not be displayed more than three times per year.” | Banners are prohibited except an approved temporary special-event banner: no more than 30 days before the event, removal within 2 days after, and no more than 3 displays per year for the same banner. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 275-52I source verbatim | “Also, any portable sign on a vehicle or trailer which is parked on a public right-of-way or on public or private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way, which has attached thereto or located thereon any sign or advertising device for the basic purpose of providing advertisement of products or directing people to a business or activity located on the same or on another property.” | Portable signs (incl. A-frames) are prohibited on sidewalks and in the public right-of-way under Chapter 233 Streets and Sidewalks, and no parked vehicle or trailer may be used as a sign visible from a right-of-way. Signs nailed to trees/poles are separately banned by § 275-52J. |
Solebury Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | § 27-2407.1G source verbatim | “Any sign erected or maintained on Township-owned property, except for those signs installed by the Township, government signs, or signs required by the Township and temporary signs at polling stations owned by the Township so long as the temporary signs are only in place while the polling station is open and the placement and location of the temporary signs complies with all state and county rules and regulations.” | Only election-specific provision in the Township code: signs on Township-owned property are banned, except temporary signs at Township-owned polling places while the polls are open, and only if they comply with state and county election rules. NOTE: Solebury has no 'political signs' or 'campaign signs' section anywhere in its code (a code-wide search for 'political' returns only tax, peddling and historic-district hits); political signs are handled as generic temporary signs. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-2406.1D source verbatim | “Short-term temporary signs placed on private property by the owner or occupant of the property.” | Short-term temporary signs put up by the owner/occupant on their own private property need no permit — this is what permits residential political yard signs in Solebury. (Short-term temporary signs are defined as displayable for 45 days, per § 27-2404.9B, and are capped at 6 sq ft.) |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-2404.9 source verbatim | “Signs may be erected for a single purpose for no more than two forty-five-day periods per year.” | Short-term temporary signs (max 6 sq ft; signs must be 4 ft apart and 4 ft from cartway/riparian areas) may be up for two separate 45-day periods per year for the same purpose and must be removed immediately at the end of the period. Permits for them are filed with the Zoning Officer with a fee set by resolution. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-2406.1F source verbatim | “One temporary event sign not exceeding four square feet shall be permitted upon the property where the event is occurring, and three additional signs may be placed along the streets in the area for directional purposes. Such signs shall only be erected on the day of the event and must be removed 24 hours after the conclusion of the event.” | Permit-exempt event signage: one 4 sq ft sign on the event property plus up to 3 directional signs along area streets, allowed only on the day of the event and removed within 24 hours after it ends. |
| general signage | § 27-2406.1C source verbatim | “Not more than one such freestanding sign shall be placed upon any property unless such property has more than one entrance from a street, in which event, one such sign may be erected at each entrance. Such a freestanding sign cannot be in excess of six square feet in area.” | Owner-placed identifying signs are permit-exempt: one freestanding sign per entrance, max 6 sq ft; one wall sign by the main entrance, max 2 sq ft; lettering/numbers 8 inches or less. |
| permit procedure | § 27-2410 source verbatim | “no sign shall hereafter be constructed, erected, installed, altered, rebuilt, enlarged, extended, or relocated until a permit for the same has been obtained from the Zoning Officer, except those types of signs specifically listed herein as being exempt from this permitting process. Application for a sign permit shall be made in writing to the Township Zoning Officer in accordance with the following provisions:” | Permit required from the Zoning Officer for erecting/altering any sign except exempt signs; short-term temporary signs placed by the owner/occupant are exempt (see § 27-2406D), but all other short-term temporary signs need a permit and fee. The Zoning Officer may revoke any permit for noncompliance. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 27-2407.1E source verbatim | “Signs that are not securely embedded into the ground or attached to a building with a permanent foundation; signs affixed to a movable stand or mounted on wheels; including, but not limited to, signs converted to A or T frames; and umbrellas with logos, words or letters on them.” | A-frame/T-frame, movable-stand and wheeled signs are prohibited; signs must be permanently anchored. Banners, pennants and balloons are also banned (except banners allowed to be hung across/along streets elsewhere in Part 24), as are snipe/bandit signs and signs on permanently parked vehicles. |
Newtown Borough
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | § 550-41B(14) source verbatim | “Political signs. Signs advertising political parties or candidates for public office and signs advertising political opinions, interests, or positions may be erected or displayed and maintained, provided that:” | Political signs (candidate/party and issue signs) are allowed and expressly exempt from any permit or other approval. They may be placed by the owner/lessee, or by the candidate/party/agent with the owner's express permission, or in a public forum. |
| political/election | § 550-41B(14)(b) source verbatim | “The erection of political signs permitted by this section by the owner or lessee of the parcel of real property, candidate, political party or other authorized agent shall not require a permit or other approval.” | No permit, no application and no fee for political signs. The only limits are that they must not block vehicular sight triangles or interfere with vehicular/pedestrian traffic; signs doing so are removed by the Borough, which is not responsible for storing or returning them. The code sets no size, height or days-before/after-election limit for political signs. |
| political/election | § 550-41B(14)(c) source verbatim | “The erection of political signs shall not block vehicular sight triangles or interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic. Any signs that block vehicular sight triangles or interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic shall be removed by the Borough. The Borough shall not be responsible for the storage or return of any sign that is removed pursuant to this section.” | Enforcement hook: only sight-triangle/traffic obstruction triggers removal; the Borough discards or does not return any sign it takes down. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 550-41B(11) source verbatim | “Yard sale sign. An on-site sign advertising a yard sale. Sign shall not exceed four square feet in area and remain up only during the sale but in no case longer than seven days. No more than two yard sale signs shall be permitted per year per property. One sign only shall be permitted per property. No illumination is permitted.” | Permit-exempt yard/garage sale signs: on-site only, max 4 sq ft, up only during the sale (7-day maximum), one sign per property, no more than two yard-sale signs per property per year, non-illuminated. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 550-41B(15) source verbatim | “Activity signs for community groups. A sign advertising a civic, social, community or fund-raising gathering or activity, provided:” | Permit-exempt community/fundraiser event signs, with conditions: may not be erected earlier than 30 days before the activity; the application must specify locations; written permission from every affected property owner and from the Borough is required; max 24 sq ft (8 sq ft in the Historic District); one per property; must come down within 48 hours after the event ends. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 550-41B(10) source verbatim | “Temporary window sign. A sign or signs displayed on the inside surface of a window for the purpose of advertising a sale, grand opening, new products or services. Temporary window signs may have a total combined sign area of no more than four square feet. A "grand opening" sign may be in place no longer than 15 days.” | Permit-exempt temporary window signs advertising a sale/grand opening: max 4 sq ft combined; a grand-opening sign may stay up at most 15 days and the Zoning Officer must be told the dates. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 550-41B(9) source verbatim | “Temporary signs of mechanics, artisans, contractors, or architects. A temporary sign erected and maintained during the period any of the above is performing work on the property. No one sign shall exceed six square feet. Only one sign may be erected for each business or contractor. There shall be no more that four such signs displayed on the property at any one time. No illumination is permitted.” | Permit-exempt contractor/work signs while work is in progress: max 6 sq ft each, one per business or contractor, no more than four on a property at once, non-illuminated. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 550-43B(3)(b) source verbatim | “Height shall be a maximum of 36 inches and width shall be a maximum of 24 inches. Sign area per side shall not exceed six square feet, including legs or base components.” | Portable/A-frame signs (defined in § 550-38F) are permitted only for first-floor storefront businesses in the TC, V-1, V-2 and B-1 Districts, one per business, max 36 in tall by 24 in wide and 6 sq ft per side, out only during business hours, 48 in of clear sidewalk, on private property or in the right-of-way near the entrance, with a permit (annual renewal) and $1,000,000 liability insurance. |
| permit procedure | § 550-39A source verbatim | “The erection of a sign is regulated and requires a permit unless a sign is specifically exempt from regulation. The erection shall include any building, construction, attachment, hanging, suspension, alteration, repair, repainting, removal, relocation, and demolition of a sign of any type.” | All signs fall into exempt, prohibited, temporary permitted or permanent permitted categories (§ 550-39B); anything not exempt needs a permit from the Zoning Officer, and Historic District signs also need a certificate of appropriateness under Chapter 314 before a sign permit issues (§ 550-40G). |
| prohibition/penalty | § 550-42I source verbatim | “Any banner sign (cloth or plastic or other flexible material sign which is suspended on a building, window, or other supports), except for the annual display of a temporary activity sign approved by the Borough Council to identify a Borough community or public service event, or the recognition of a major award to a Borough business.” | Banners are prohibited except a Council-approved annual community/public-service event sign or business-award banner; business banners must be no longer than 8 ft by 4 ft (or the storefront width) and displayed no more than 30 days. Banners may be attached to a light pole in the Town Center District with Council approval (§ 550-42N). |
| prohibition/penalty | § 550-43B(3)(j) source verbatim | “Any person or business entity, including, but not limited to, a property owner, renter, user, and/or possessor, who shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter shall, upon summary conviction thereof, be punishable by a minimum fine of an amount equal to the sign permit application fee then in effect for the Borough of Newtown. Each violation of any of the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed to be a separate and distinct offense.” | Minimum fine equal to the current sign permit application fee, doubled for a second or later violation within 12 months; each violation and each day of continuing violation is a separate offense. |
Silverdale Borough
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | § 340-69D source verbatim | “Temporary signs advertising political parties or candidates or issues for an election may be erected and maintained, provided that:” | Political/candidate/ballot-issue signs are permitted in the R-1 and HD Districts with the property owner's permission, subject to the size and timing limits in the following subsections. |
| political/election | § 340-69D(1) source verbatim | “The size of any such sign is not in excess of 12 square feet per side on property with the permission of the property owner.” | Political signs may be up to 12 sq ft per side and may only be put on property with the owner's permission. |
| political/election | § 340-69D(2) source verbatim | “Signs can be erected 45 days prior to the event and must be removed 10 days after the event.” | Political signs may go up 45 days before the election and must be removed within 10 days after it. (No permit is required — § 340-76A(2) exempts § 340-69A through I from the permit requirement.) |
| temporary/event/sale | § 340-69E source verbatim | “Temporary signs advertising civil, social or political gatherings, fund-raising activities, may be erected and maintained, provided that:” | Meeting/fundraiser/social-gathering signs (including political gatherings) are permitted with the owner's permission, capped at 4 sq ft per side, up to 30 days before the event and removed within 10 days after it. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 340-70E source verbatim | “Exterior temporary signs, including all movable signs such as those advertising commercial sales, when located on the site where such use is conducted, may be permitted for a period not to exceed 30 days in any one calendar year for any one premises or commercial use.” | In commercial/industrial districts, exterior temporary signs (including movable sale signs) are allowed for a maximum of 30 days per calendar year per premises, max 20 sq ft each, by permit with a fee deposit that is forfeited if the Borough has to remove them. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 340-70E(2) source verbatim | “Application for a temporary sign permit shall be made to the Borough, accompanied by the required permit fee deposit. If such signs are not promptly removed at the end of the authorized period, the Borough will then have them removed and forfeit the sum deposited to reimburse the expense incurred in removal.” | Temporary sign permits require a fee deposit which the Borough keeps to cover removal costs if the sign is not taken down at the end of the authorized period. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 340-69B(5) source verbatim | “A maximum of three temporary off-site directional signs advertising an open house are permitted. The signs may be posted only on the date of the open house on a property with the permission of the property owner. The signs shall be removed within one hour of the close of the open house. The maximum size of the sign shall be four square feet.” | Up to three off-site open-house directional signs, max 4 sq ft, posted only on the day of the open house with each property owner's permission and removed within one hour of its close. Real estate sale/rental signs are capped at 6 sq ft, one per property, and must be removed within 45 days of an agreement or 20 days of occupancy. |
| general signage | § 340-71A(2) source verbatim | “In no case shall any sign be erected or maintained within 15 feet of the edge of the cartway or curb or be located within or project over the legal right-of-way of any existing or proposed street or road, whichever is greater.” | Placement limits for signs generally: at least 15 ft from the edge of the cartway or curb and not within or projecting over a street right-of-way (home-occupation and name signs are exempt); plus no sign within 20 ft of a side lot line, within 50 ft of a street-line intersection, or within a parking space or fire lane, and no sign over 10 ft in height. |
| permit procedure | § 340-76A source verbatim | “Zoning permits. A zoning permit shall be secured prior to the erection, structural repair, alteration or relocation of any sign within the Borough.” | A zoning permit (with plot plan, sketch of design and lettering, and construction plans) is required before erecting, structurally repairing, altering or relocating a sign; work must start within one year of issuance or the permit is void. Signs under § 340-69A through I — including political signs — are exempt from the permit requirement. Fees and escrow deposits are set by Council resolution (§ 340-76C). |
| prohibition/penalty | § 340-71A(4)(f) source verbatim | “Any banner sign or sign of any other type across a public street or on any private property is prohibited, except for such signs which are approved by the Borough Council and of general benefit to the municipality or for public convenience, necessity, or welfare.” | Banners and similar signs across streets or on private property are banned unless Borough Council approves them as beneficial to the municipality or for public convenience. The same section bans flashing/rotating/neon signs, novelty signs, pennants, balloons, roof signs, internally illuminated signs, and signs on trees or utility poles. |
Newtown Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | Newtown Area Joint Municipal Zoning Ordinance, Article XI (Signs), § 1104.C.1.c(1) source verbatim | “The person or persons who erect political signs shall remove the signs within three days after a primary election if the signs were erected for a primary election, and within three days after a general election if the signs were erected for a general election. Any person who erects a political sign or any candidate advertised on a political sign that does not remove the sign within three days of either a primary or general election, whichever is applicable, shall have violated the terms of this Ordinance and shall, upon conviction, be subject to the penalties prescribed for violation of the Zoning Ordinance.” | Political signs must come down within 3 days after the applicable primary or general election. Failure to remove is a zoning violation subject to the ordinance's penalties. (JMZO applies to Newtown Township, Upper Makefield Township and Wrightstown Township.) |
| political/election | JMZO Article XI (Signs), § 1104.C.1.c(2) source verbatim | “There shall be no filing fee nor registration requirement to erect political signs.” | No fee and no registration is required to put up political signs — this is the only fee-free exception in the temporary-sign permit scheme. |
| political/election | JMZO Article XI (Signs), § 1104.C.1.c(3) source verbatim | “In keeping with the aesthetics of the Participating municipalities, it is requested that political signs erected pursuant to this Section be no greater than four square feet in area, but in no event shall any political sign be greater than 16 square feet in area, nor shall the cumulative square footage of political signs on any one tax map parcel be greater than 80 square feet.” | 4 sq ft per sign is only a request; the hard caps are 16 sq ft per political sign and 80 sq ft cumulative per tax parcel. |
| political/election | JMZO Article XI (Signs), § 1104.C.1.c(4) source verbatim | “No political signs shall be erected on property owned by, or right-of-way controlled by, any of the participating Municipalities without the written consent of the governing body of the applicable municipality. This restriction shall include all street signs, traffic light standards, stop signs and other roadway signs. Political signs which are not removable, such as, but not limited to permanent bumper stickers, may not be erected or posted on public property.” | Political signs on municipal property or in municipal rights-of-way require written consent of the governing body; non-removable political signage on public property is banned. |
| temporary/event/sale | JMZO Article XI (Signs), § 1104.C.1.d (Activity Sign) source verbatim | “A sign advertising civil, social or political gatherings, or fund-raising activities, provided: (1) A sign may be erected no earlier than 14 days prior to the activity to which the sign relates, except that in historic districts a sign may be erected no earlier than nine days prior. (2) The application for the sign permit shall specify sign location(s). (3) The applicant shall obtain written permission to erect such signs from all property owners involved or from the governing body if such signs are to be placed in the public areas controlled by that governing body. (4) The size of any such sign is not in excess of 24 square feet. In historic districts the size shall not exceed eight square feet.” | Event/fundraiser signs need a permit, may go up only 14 days before the event (9 days in a historic district), max 24 sq ft (8 sq ft in historic districts), one per lot, and need written permission of the property owners involved. |
| temporary/event/sale | JMZO Article XI (Signs), § 1104.C.1.d(6) source verbatim | “The applicant shall deposit with the municipality, at the time of the application, a sum in an amount to be set by resolution of the elected officials of the municipality as a guarantee that all such signs shall be removed promptly within five days after the event referred to on the sign and to which the sign relates. The deposit shall be returned upon the satisfactory removal of such signs within the five-day period.” | Activity-sign applicants must post a cash deposit (amount set by resolution) guaranteeing removal within 5 days after the event; forfeited if the municipality has to remove them. |
| temporary/event/sale | JMZO Article XI (Signs), § 1104.A.12 source verbatim | “Yard Sale Sign. An on-site sign advertising a yard sale provided the sign does not exceed four square feet in area, remains up only during the sale but in no case longer than nine days and does not appear more than once every six months on the same premises. Not more than one such sign shall be placed on any given property on which the yard sale shall occur unless such property fronts on more than one street, in which case, one such sign shall be permitted along each street.” | Yard sale signs are exempt from the sign ordinance: max 4 sq ft, on-site only, up no longer than 9 days, no more than once every 6 months, one per property (one per street frontage on corners). |
| temporary/event/sale | JMZO Article XI (Signs), § 1104.A.11 source verbatim | “Temporary Window Sign. A sign displayed only for a period not to exceed 14 days. The total window area covered by all temporary window signs shall not exceed 10%.” | Temporary window signs need no permit but may be displayed only 14 days and may cover no more than 10% of window area. |
| temporary/event/sale | JMZO Article XI (Signs), § 1104.C.1.f (Commercial Sales) source verbatim | “The applicant shall deposit with the municipality, at the time of the application, a sum in an amount to be set by the resolution of the elected officials of the municipality as a guarantee that all such signs shall be removed promptly within 24 hours after the event referred to on the sign and to which the sign relates. The deposit shall be returned upon the satisfactory removal of such signs within the twenty-four-hour period.” | Special-sale signs require a permit plus a deposit guaranteeing removal within 24 hours of the sale; the sign may be up no more than 120 days per calendar year and 24 sq ft (8 sq ft in historic districts). |
| general signage | JMZO Article XI (Signs), § 1102 (procedure) source verbatim | “Under this Article, the erection of any sign is regulated unless a sign is specifically excluded from regulation. The erection shall include any building, construction, attachment, hanging, suspension, alteration, structural repair, removal, relocation, demolition, renewal or painting of a sign on any wall, roof, or any other background surface.” | All signs are regulated unless specifically exempted; even altering, repainting, relocating or removing a sign counts as regulated activity. |
| general signage | JMZO Article XI (Signs), § 1103.A (Area), § 1103.B (Height), § 1103.C.3 (Location), § 1103.D.3 source verbatim | “Except in the case where a local right-of-way abuts a structure, except within historic districts, and except for signs of governmental authority: a. No sign is permitted within an existing street legal right-of-way. b. No sign shall be erected or maintained nearer to an existing street right-of-way or lot line than four feet. c. No sign extending more than three feet above the road level shall be permitted within a sight triangle defined by 15 feet distances along the nearest edge of the accessway and the street right-of-way.” | Base location standards: no sign inside the street right-of-way, minimum 4-ft setback from right-of-way/lot lines, and height capped inside the 15-ft sight triangle. Electronic message centers are prohibited Jointure-wide (§ 1103.D.3). |
| permit procedure | JMZO Article XI (Signs), § 1103.E.3 and § 1102.C source verbatim | “A sign using electricity shall be installed in conformance with the latest National Electric Code (NEC). Every sign permitted in this Part must be constructed with durable materials and must be kept in good condition and repair, or must be removed.” | Permits are obtained from the local zoning officer at the township (permit application, fee information, inspection requirements); electrical signs must meet the NEC, and all signs must be durable and maintained or removed. |
| prohibition/penalty | JMZO Article XI (Signs), § 1104.B.11 source verbatim | “Any banner sign across a street or on any private property except for such temporary signs which are approved by the governing body to be of general benefit to the municipality or for public convenience, necessity or welfare and meeting the requirements of subsection C, Temporary Signs, below.” | Banners are prohibited outright unless the governing body approves them as being of general benefit or public convenience and they comply with the temporary-sign subsection. |
| prohibition/penalty | JMZO Article XI (Signs) — sign removal / enforcement paragraph source verbatim | “A temporary sign including, but not limited to, such signs as agency signs, agency "open house" signs and special event signs which are erected without a permit, or any non-permitted signs which are "temporary" in nature shall be removed by the zoning officer. All such signs will be retained for a period of 30 days after notification of the offending party after which time the sign be disposed in an appropriate manner.” | Unpermitted temporary signs (agency, open house, special event) are removed by the zoning officer; signs are held 30 days after notice and then disposed of. Violations of Article XI are enforced under Article XVII. |
Nockamixon Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | Nockamixon Township Code, Ch. 234 (Zoning), Art. IX (Signs), § 234-68L(1)–(3) source verbatim | “Temporary signs advertising political parties or candidates for public office may be erected or displayed and maintained, provided that: (1) The signs are erected or displayed by the owner or lessee of the parcel of real property on said parcel or by the candidate, political party or other authorized agent of either of them, with the express permission of the owner or lessee of the parcel of real property; (2) The size of any such sign is not in excess of 12 square feet; and (3) The signs shall not be erected or displayed earlier that 60 days prior to the election to which they pertain;” | Political signs are exempt from the permit requirement. Max 12 sq ft per sign, need the property owner's permission, and may go up no earlier than 60 days before the election (typo 'earlier that 60 days' is in the code). |
| political/election | Nockamixon Township Code, Ch. 234 (Zoning), Art. IX (Signs), § 234-68L(4)–(5) source verbatim | “(4) Nothing contained herein shall be construed to permit the placing or erecting of any such signs within a street right-of-way or within or on any public alley, sidewalk, parking lot or other public place, which said placement is hereby prohibited; and (5) The erection of temporary political signs permitted by this section by the owner or lessee of the parcel of real property, candidate, political party or other authorized agent shall not require a permit or other approval; provided, however, that it shall be unlawful for any such owner or lessee of the lot, candidate, political party or other authorized agent to permit such signs to remain erected more than 10 days after the date of the election to which they relate and failure to remove such signs as required hereby shall subject such offenders to the penalties prescribed in this chapter.” | No permit or approval is needed for political signs, but they are banned from street rights-of-way and public places, and must be removed within 10 days after the election or the offender is subject to code penalties. |
| temporary/event/sale | Nockamixon Township Code, Ch. 234 (Zoning), Art. IX (Signs), § 234-68K and § 234-68L (intro) source verbatim | “Temporary signs advertising a garage or yard sale conducted in accordance with this chapter, provided that signs may be posted only where such sale is taking place and only for the duration of the sale itself. Temporary signs advertising political parties or candidates for public office may be erected or displayed and maintained, provided that:” | Garage/yard sale signs are permit-exempt but may be posted only at the sale location and only while the sale runs (no off-site directional signs for sales). |
| temporary/event/sale | Nockamixon Township Code, Ch. 234 (Zoning), Art. IX (Signs), § 234-68M source verbatim | “Temporary farm stand signs: signs advertising the sale of seasonal produce may be erected during the local growing season only and for the purpose of advertising products of Nockamixon Township farms. Such signs shall not exceed 12 square feet and shall be removed when such produce is not being grown and sold locally.” | Seasonal farm-stand signs are permit-exempt, max 12 sq ft, only in the growing season and only for Nockamixon-grown produce; removed out of season. |
| temporary/event/sale | Nockamixon Township Code, Ch. 234 (Zoning), Art. IX (Signs), § 234-69G source verbatim | “Temporary signs announcing a campaign, drive or event of a civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organization. Such signs shall not exceed eight square feet in area and shall be removed immediately upon completion of the campaign, drive or event.” | Non-profit/civic campaign or event signs are limited to 8 sq ft and must be removed immediately when the campaign, drive or event ends. |
| temporary/event/sale | Nockamixon Township Code, Ch. 234 (Zoning), Art. IX (Signs), § 234-74N source verbatim | “No portable signs shall be permitted unless the Zoning Officer has been notified that such a sign will be used for a special sale or events and the dates of such events. Such signs may be used for periods not exceeding 14 days. The use of portable signs shall be limited to six times per calendar year for any one business establishment.” | Portable signs are allowed only after notifying the Zoning Officer of the sale/event and dates, for no more than 14 days at a time and 6 times per calendar year per business. |
| general signage | Nockamixon Township Code, Ch. 234 (Zoning), Art. IX (Signs), § 234-74C and § 234-74D source verbatim | “No sign or other advertising device shall be located within 20 feet of any side property line except for signs permitted in § 234-69A and F. No sign or other advertising device shall be located within any street right-of-way line except for official traffic signs and signals.” | General rule: 20-ft side-yard setback for signs (except name/number and trespass signs), and no signs at all inside a street right-of-way except official traffic signage. |
| general signage | Nockamixon Township Code, Ch. 234 (Zoning), Art. IX (Signs), § 234-65, § 234-66, § 234-67 source verbatim | “Includes any permanent or temporary structure or part thereof or any device attached, painted or represented directly or indirectly on a structure or other surface that shall display or include any letter, word, insignia, flag or representation used as or which is in the nature of an advertisement, announcement, visual communication, direction or is designed to attract the eye or bring the subject to the attention of the public.” | Definition of 'sign' covers permanent and temporary signs and announcements; purpose is uniform standards and rural architectural compatibility (§ 234-65), with area measured to include lettering, background and applied symbols (§ 234-67). |
| permit procedure | Nockamixon Township Code, Ch. 234 (Zoning), Art. IX (Signs), § 234-68 (intro) and § 234-68I source verbatim | “A sign permit shall not be required prior to the erection, structural repair, alteration, moving, removal or demolition of any of the following signs in any zoning district in the municipality. Exempt signs shall conform to the regulations of § 234-74. No exempt sign shall be illuminated, either from an interior light source or by an exterior source focused on the sign, except for official governmental building signs and police station signs.” | A list of permit-exempt signs (including political, garage sale, farm stand, flags/pennants for a new business opening, removed after 14 days) must still comply with § 234-74 and generally may not be illuminated. |
| prohibition/penalty | Nockamixon Township Code, Ch. 234 (Zoning), Art. IX (Signs), § 234-74O source verbatim | “Novelty signs, including but not limited to objects (such as tires, automobiles, food products, etc.), pennants, banners, flags, balloons and animated signs, shall be prohibited, except in conjunction with the opening of a new business, as permitted under § 234-681 as a temporary sign.” | Pennants, banners, flags, balloons, and novelty objects are prohibited except for a new-business opening (the cross-reference '§ 234-681' is a typo for § 234-68I). |
Sellersville Borough
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| temporary/event/sale | Sellersville Borough Code, Ch. 160, Art. VIII, § 160-90N and § 160-90O source verbatim | “Temporary window signs, including community special event signs, provided that such signs take up no more than 50% of the window area. Signs which are a permanent architectural feature of a building or structure, such as a cornerstone, or identifying letters carved into or embossed on a building, provided that the letters are not made of a reflective material nor contrast in color with the building.” | Temporary window signs, including community special-event signs, are permit-exempt as long as they cover no more than 50% of the window. |
| temporary/event/sale | Sellersville Borough Code, Ch. 160, Art. VIII, § 160-90O(b) source verbatim | “Bunting, pennants, and similar materials are permitted to announce the opening of a new business or industry and must be removed after seven days of the opening day or the first day of business. The owner/user of the business or industry shall inform the Borough Zoning Officer, in writing, of the opening day or the first day of business. Such notice shall be submitted at least 14 days prior to the opening day or the first day of business.” | Bunting/pennants for a grand opening are permit-exempt, must come down 7 days after opening, and the borough Zoning Officer must be notified in writing at least 14 days in advance. |
| temporary/event/sale | Sellersville Borough Code, Ch. 160, Art. VIII, § 160-100 (Regulations by sign type — Nonpermanent), subsection 'Temporary signs' — residential standards source verbatim | “Limited duration yard sign. Sign area shall not exceed sixteen 16 square feet. Limited duration yard signs shall not exceed a height of six feet, shall not be illuminated, and shall not be displayed for longer than 90 days. The length of time that a limited duration yard sign is displayed may be extended an additional 90 days by a permit issued by the zoning officer for up to a maximum of one year from the date of the original permit. Limited duration yard signs shall be set back a minimum of six feet from the property line or right-of-way. Not more than one limited duration signs are allowed per property. No permit required.” | Residential 'limited duration' yard signs: 16 sq ft, 6 ft tall, no illumination, 90 days max (extendable by permit up to 1 year), 6-ft setback, one per property, no permit required. |
| temporary/event/sale | Sellersville Borough Code, Ch. 160, Art. VIII, § 160-100 (Regulations by sign type — Nonpermanent), subsection 'Temporary signs' — residential standards source verbatim | “Temporary yard sign. The sign area shall not exceed four square feet, Sign height shall not exceed four feet, and the sign shall not be illuminated. Not more than one sign are allowed per property. Temporary yard signs shall have a minimum setback of two feet from the property line or right of way line. Permit is required.” | Residential temporary yard signs: 4 sq ft, 4 ft tall, no illumination, one per property, 2-ft setback — and unlike 'limited duration' signs, a permit IS required. |
| temporary/event/sale | Sellersville Borough Code, Ch. 160, Art. VIII, § 160-100 (Regulations by sign type — Nonpermanent), subsection 'Temporary signs' — nonresidential standards source verbatim | “Limited duration yard sign. The sign area shall not exceed 12 square feet. Sign height shall not exceed six feet. The sign shall not be illuminated or contain flashing or revolving lights. A limited duration yard sign may not be displayed earlier than 30 days before the function for which they are erected. The signs must be removed within five days after the function for which they were displayed, but in no case later than 30 days from the day they were displayed.” | Nonresidential limited-duration signs: 12 sq ft, 6 ft tall, no illumination; may go up 30 days before the function and must come down within 5 days after it (30 days absolute max). |
| temporary/event/sale | Sellersville Borough Code, Ch. 160, Art. VIII, § 160-100 (Regulations by sign type — Nonpermanent), subsection 'Temporary signs' — banner signs source verbatim | “Bunting and banner signs are permitted for 14 days provided that such signs do not extend into, or over, a right-of-way. All such signs must be removed after 14 days business after placement. Banners shall not exceed eight feet in length and three feet in width.” | Banners and bunting may be displayed 14 days, may not extend into or over a right-of-way, and are capped at 8 ft long by 3 ft wide. |
| temporary/event/sale | Sellersville Borough Code, Ch. 160, Art. VIII, § 160-100 (Regulations by sign type — Nonpermanent), subsections 'Portable signs' and 'Sandwich board, wind, or A-frame signs' source verbatim | “Sandwich board, wind, or A-frame signs. Sandwich board signs that comply with the requirements in this subsection shall not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of signs allowed on a property. Number: one sandwich board sign is permitted per establishment. For the purposes of this subsection, a parking lot shall be considered an establishment. Area: each sign shall have a maximum area of seven square feet per sign face. Height: signs shall have a maximum height of 3.5 feet.” | A-frame/sandwich board signs don't count against a property's sign allowance; one per establishment (a parking lot counts as an establishment), 7 sq ft per face, 3.5 ft tall. Portable signs may not be illuminated, may not be mounted on a vehicle/trailer, and must be brought in outside business hours and in bad weather. |
| general signage | Sellersville Borough Code, Ch. 160 (Zoning), Art. VIII (Sign Regulations), § 160-87D source verbatim | “Establish reasonable regulations regarding the allowed posting of signs. These regulations are intended to address the following general issues, without regard to actual content of messaging of the signs: The number and type of signs, including type of materials, size, lighting, and other general characteristics. Where signs of various types can be placed. When and for what length of time various signs can be displayed.” | The article is expressly content-neutral: it regulates number/type, placement and duration of signs, not message content. |
| general signage | Sellersville Borough Code, Ch. 160, Art. VIII, § 160-93B(1)–(6) source verbatim | “Lies within or projects out over the street line of any street or within 10 feet of the shoulder or curb, whichever is greater. Lies within the clear-sight triangle as set forth in this chapter and the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. Obscures a motorist's view of traffic signals, stop signs, or other warning devices as viewed from a distance of 500 feet along established thoroughfares. Obscures a motorist's view of roadway or intersections ahead as viewed from a distance of 500 feet along established thoroughfares. Limits a pedestrian's view of vehicular traffic to less than 500 feet while they stand inside the curb line at an intersection or other established crossing point. Lies within a distance of 15 feet from either side yard property line.” | No sign may project over a street line or sit within 10 ft of the curb/shoulder, inside the clear-sight triangle, blocking 500-ft sight lines, in a parking space/fire lane, or within 15 ft of a side property line. |
| permit procedure | Sellersville Borough Code, Ch. 160, Art. VIII, § 160-94 (Permits, construction/maintenance and violations) source verbatim | “A permit must be obtained from the borough before the erecting of all signs erected in the Borough, unless specifically exempted herein. Exemptions from the necessity of securing a permit, however, shall not be construed to relieve the owner of the sign involved from responsibility for its erection in a safe manner and in a manner in accord with all the other provisions of this chapter.” | All signs require a borough permit unless expressly exempted; exempt signs must still comply with all other sign standards. Permit fees follow the borough's adopted fee schedule and plans must show size, location, materials, engineering data (signs over 100 sq ft need a sealed structural-engineer plan). |
| prohibition/penalty | Sellersville Borough Code, Ch. 160, Art. VIII, § 160-98 (Prohibited signs) source verbatim | “Any banner, pennant or novelty sign or sign of any other type is prohibited across a public street or on any private property, except for such signs which are approved by the borough council, as a special exception, to be of general benefit to the borough or for public convenience, necessity, or welfare.” | Banners/pennants/novelty signs across a street or on private property are prohibited unless the borough council grants a special exception for a community benefit. |
| prohibition/penalty | Sellersville Borough Code, Ch. 160, Art. VIII, § 160-97 (Posting of signs) source verbatim | “No person shall paint, paste, brand, stamp, or in any manner whatsoever, place on or attach to any tree, rock, electric, light, utility, traffic signal structure, or other pole on any street in the borough any written, printed, painted or other advertisement, bill, notice, sign, card, or poster.” | It is unlawful to attach any sign, poster, notice or advertisement to trees, rocks, utility poles or traffic-signal structures on borough streets — a rule that commonly affects political and event signs. |
| prohibition/penalty | Sellersville Borough Code, Ch. 160, Art. VIII, § 160-94 (Permits, construction/maintenance and violations) and § 160-96 source verbatim | “The owner of any property or premises upon which any sign is erected shall be responsible for its complete removal at such time as the circumstances which cause its erection to have ceased to exist or at such other time that the sign must be removed under any other provisions of this chapter. If the owner of any property upon which a sign has been erected shall fail or neglect to remove it as hereinabove required, the Zoning Officer shall give notice to remove the sign, by certified mail, to the owner. If this letter is returned undelivered for any reason, they may post such notice upon the premises. If, upon the expiration of 30 days following notice, the owner fails to remove the sign, the Zoning Officer shall arrange for its removal on behalf of the Borough and shall bill the owner for the cost of such work, plus 10% for administrative cost.” | Signs whose reason for existing has ended must be removed; after certified-mail notice and 30 days, the borough removes the sign, bills the owner plus 10% administrative cost, and each day of noncompliance is a separate violation. Unsafe signs can be removed summarily. |
Northampton Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | Northampton Township Code, Ch. 27 (Zoning), Part 16 (Signs), § 27-1602, definition of 'SIGN' source verbatim | “Any structure, building, wall, or other outdoor surface, or any device or part thereof, which displays or includes any letter, word, model, banner, flag, pennant, insignia, device or other representations utilized for announcement, direction, identification or advertisement. The word "sign" includes the word "billboard," but does not include the flag, pennant or insignia of any nation, state, city or other political unit, nor public traffic, nor political signs or directional signs.” | Political signs are expressly excluded from the definition of 'sign,' so they are not regulated as signs in Northampton Township (no size, timing or permit rules for political/campaign signs; there is no separate political-sign section in Part 16). |
| temporary/event/sale | Northampton Township Code, Ch. 27, Part 16, § 27-1603.11C–D source verbatim | “Property control or restriction signs shall be permitted subject to the following conditions; the area of the sign shall not exceed two square feet; the spacing of such signs shall be at least 100 feet apart on the same lot or property; and the sign does not contain any personal message, which is considered irrelevant to controlling or restricting the use of a property or lot. Special event, seasonal or temporary signs may be permitted provided they are not considered permanent and they comply with the provisions established by Northampton Township.” | Special-event, seasonal and temporary signs are allowed only if non-permanent and in compliance with township requirements — the code sets no numeric size/duration limits and defers to the township/Board of Supervisors (promotional banners require Board of Supervisors approval). |
| temporary/event/sale | Northampton Township Code, Ch. 27, Part 16, § 27-1603.15E–G source verbatim | “Temporary signs for contractors, mechanics, painters, and artisans, subject to the limitations specified by Northampton Township. Yard sale signs, subject to the limitations specified under § 27-1607 of this chapter. Special signs required by Northampton Township for reasons of public safety and emergency service.” | Contractor/artisan temporary signs and yard sale signs are exempt from the sign permit, but yard sale signs must still respect the prohibited-sign rules in § 27-1607 (e.g., no tacking to poles or trees). |
| general signage | Northampton Township Code, Ch. 27, Part 16, § 27-1603.3A–B source verbatim | “No sign shall be tacked, stapled, nailed, posted, glued, hung or otherwise attached to a tree, utility pole, traffic control sign, light stand, fence or other such permanent object. Unless otherwise permitted by Northampton Township, no portion of any sign shall be located within the street right-of-way line or within 10 feet of a side or rear property line.” | Signs may not be attached to trees, utility poles, fences or traffic-signal structures, and no part of a sign may sit in the street right-of-way or within 10 ft of a side/rear property line. |
| general signage | Northampton Township Code, Ch. 27, Part 16, § 27-1603.5B–C source verbatim | “Unless otherwise specified or permitted, the maximum height of any sign in the AR, EP, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-5, CR, REC and I-P Zoning Districts shall be six feet. Unless otherwise specified or permitted, the maximum height of any sign in the C-2, C-3, I-1, P-O and VOD Zoning Districts shall be 16 feet.” | Baseline height caps: 6 ft in residential/rural/institutional districts, 16 ft in commercial, industrial, professional-office and Village Overlay districts. |
| general signage | Northampton Township Code, Ch. 27, Part 16, § 27-1603.6A–B source verbatim | “A freestanding sign shall be located at least five feet from the street right-of-way line and 20 feet from all other property lines. The height of the freestanding sign shall be no less than seven feet and no more than 16 feet, as measured from the average ground elevation.” | Freestanding signs: 5-ft setback from the right-of-way, 20 ft from other property lines, 7–16 ft in height; ground signs need a 5-ft setback from the ultimate right-of-way and may not block sight triangles. |
| permit procedure | Northampton Township Code, Ch. 27, Part 16, § 27-1603.1 and § 27-1603.1A–D source verbatim | “Permits. Unless otherwise specified by this chapter, a permit shall be required for all signs within Northampton Township in accordance with the following procedures: A. A permit shall be submitted to erect, install, replace, remove and alter signs, as required by the provisions of this chapter.” | A permit is required to erect, install, replace, remove or alter signs unless a specific exemption applies; applications go to the Zoning Officer with scaled plans and the resolution-set fee, and must conform to the chapter or a variance. |
| prohibition/penalty | Northampton Township Code, Ch. 27, Part 16, § 27-1607.1G–J source verbatim | “Banners, flags, balloons, streamers, spot lights, floodlights and other similar promotional features, which have not been authorized by Northampton Township. Portable signs. Signs located on parked vehicles. Signs containing vulgar messages or depicting any lewd, pornographic, lascivious or other offensive acts.” | Unauthorized banners, flags, balloons, streamers, spotlights and other promotional features are prohibited, as are portable signs and signs on parked vehicles. |
| prohibition/penalty | Northampton Township Code, Ch. 27, Part 16, § 27-1607.1M–N source verbatim | “Posted signs of a temporary nature which are tacked, stapled, nailed, posted, glued, hung or otherwise attached to a tree, utility pole, traffic control sign, light stand, fence or other such permanent object. Caution tape or crime scene tape that is not utilized for emergency management purposes.” | Temporary signs stapled, nailed, glued or hung on trees, utility poles, fences or traffic-signal structures are prohibited — a rule that typically governs where campaign and event signs may be placed. |
| prohibition/penalty | Northampton Township Code, Ch. 27, Part 16, § 27-1603.13–.14 source verbatim | “Removal of Signs. On-premises signs and off-premises signs that are no longer utilized for the original intent or use shall be removed from the site or changed to accommodate a new sign for the new use within 30 days of occupancy by the new use. All replacement signs shall conform with the provisions specified under this chapter. Upon the removal of any sign, whether temporary or permanent, such removal shall include all associated support including the posts, poles, brackets, arms, trailers and other support mechanisms.” | Signs no longer serving their use must be removed or changed within 30 days of new occupancy, including all supports; dilapidated signs must be repaired or removed at the owner's expense on the Zoning Officer's written notice. |
Penndel Borough
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | Penndel Borough Code, Ch. 405 (Zoning), Art. VIII (Sign Regulations), § 405-41B(2) source verbatim | “Temporary signs advertising political parties or candidates for election may be erected or displayed and maintained, provided that: (a) The size of any such sign is not in excess of four square feet. (b) The signs shall not be erected or displayed earlier than 30 days prior to the election to which they pertain and shall be removed within seven days after the election.” | Political/election signs: max 4 sq ft each, may go up no earlier than 30 days before the election, and must be removed within 7 days after election day. |
| political/election | Penndel Borough Code, Ch. 405, Art. VIII, § 405-41B(5) source verbatim | “The erector of temporary signs permitted under Subsections B(2) and (3) of this section or an authorized agent or sponsor of an exhibit, show, event or proposed development shall apply for and obtain a permit from the Borough Zoning Officer and deposit with the Borough, at the time of his application, the sum of $25 per each 100 of such signs, or fraction thereof, as a guaranty that all such signs will be removed promptly within seven days after the date of the election, exhibit, show, event or development to which such signs relate. At the time of deposit, the erector or authorized agent shall indicate upon which streets such signs are to be located. If such signs are not removed at the end of the seven-day period, the Borough shall cause them to be removed and the entire deposit guaranteeing removal shall be forfeited to the Borough.” | Political and event-sign erectors must get a Zoning Officer permit and post a $25-per-100-signs removal deposit, and must list the streets where signs go; if not removed within 7 days after the election/event the deposit is forfeited and failure is a zoning violation under § 405-74. |
| temporary/event/sale | Penndel Borough Code, Ch. 405, Art. VIII, § 405-41B(3) source verbatim | “Signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in area. Signs shall not be posted earlier than seven days before the occurrence of the event to which they relate and must be removed within eight days after the date of the exhibit, show, event or the sale or rental of the final unit in such development. Temporary signs for any one exhibit, show, event or use shall be limited to two events per year. Each event shall be no more than 15 days in duration.” | Event/exhibit directional signs: 12 sq ft max, posted no earlier than 7 days before the event, removed within 8 days after; limited to two events a year, each no longer than 15 days. |
| temporary/event/sale | Penndel Borough Code, Ch. 405, Art. VIII, § 405-44B source verbatim | “Temporary parallel advertising will be permitted on the backfield fences facing the backstop in baseball fields in open recreation districts. Such signs shall not extend above the fences to which they are attached and shall be erected no sooner than one week prior to the initial municipally sanctioned league baseball game of the season, and shall be removed no later than one week after the final such game of the season.” | Ballfield fence advertising in open recreation districts may go up one week before the first league game and must come down one week after the last game. |
| temporary/event/sale | Penndel Borough Code, Ch. 405, Art. VIII, § 405-41A(7)–(9) source verbatim | “One nonilluminated sign advertising the sale or rental of the premises upon which said sign has been erected or one sign indicating that said premises have been sold or rented, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed six square feet and such sign shall be removed within 20 days after an agreement of sale or rental has been entered into. One temporary nonilluminated sign erected in connection with the development or proposed development of the premises by a builder, contractor, developer or other persons interested in such sale or development, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed 24 square feet and that the sign shall be removed within 20 days after the last structure has been initially occupied or upon expiration of the building permit, whichever is sooner.” | Real estate signs: 6 sq ft, removed within 20 days of the agreement of sale. Builder/development signs: 24 sq ft, removed within 20 days after last occupancy or when the building permit expires; mechanic/artisan signs (24 sq ft) must come down when the work is finished. |
| general signage | Penndel Borough Code, Ch. 405, Art. VIII, § 405-40B(1)–(2) source verbatim | “Prohibitions. Flashing signs or lights and revolving signs, festoon lighting, neon signs, advertising signs, except as provided under § 405-41B, and nonstationary signs shall not be permitted in any district. Neon signs will not be permitted with the exception of one small "Open" and "Closed" sign, not to exceed four square feet in area. Freestanding roof signs shall be permitted in any business district, provided that they do not extend more than four feet above the roof of a one-story building and do not exceed 25 feet maximum height from the curbline.” | Flashing, revolving, festoon-lit, nonstationary and (with a small Open/Closed exception) neon signs are banned in every district; no sign may be within 10 ft of a street-line intersection or obstruct sight lines. |
| general signage | Penndel Borough Code, Ch. 405, Art. VIII, § 405-40B(10) and § 405-40B(14) source verbatim | “Yard requirements. No portion of any freestanding sign shall be located closer to any lot lines than 1/2 the required yard for the district in which it is located. If this requirement cannot be met, then freestanding signs shall be prohibited on such properties, except that, in the business district, the distance can be three feet. ... Temporary illuminated signs. Temporary illuminated signs shall not be permitted within 50 feet of any existing or future road right-of-way.” | Freestanding signs need a setback of half the district's required yard (3 ft in the business district); where that can't be met, freestanding signs are barred. Temporary illuminated signs are barred within 50 ft of a road right-of-way. |
| permit procedure | Penndel Borough Code, Ch. 405, Art. VIII, § 405-45A–D and § 405-40B(7) source verbatim | “Permit required. It shall be unlawful to erect, construct or alter any sign in the Borough of Penndel without first filing with the Zoning Officer of the Borough an application in writing and obtaining a formal permit.” | All signs require a written permit application to the Zoning Officer before erection or replacement (with scaled drawings, owner affidavits and a council-set fee); temporary political/event signs additionally require the deposit under § 405-41B(5). |
| prohibition/penalty | Penndel Borough Code, Ch. 405, Art. VIII, § 405-40B(5)–(6) and § 405-40B(11)–(12) source verbatim | “Maintenance. All signs permitted in this article must be constructed of durable materials and must be kept in good condition and repair. Any sign which is allowed to become dilapidated, after 30 days' notification to the owner, shall be removed by the Borough at the expense of the owner or lessee of the property on which it is located.” | Signs must be durable and maintained; after 30 days' notice a dilapidated sign is removed by the borough at the owner's expense. Nonconforming signs may continue up to five years, and a vehicle whose sign is its main purpose is treated as a freestanding sign. |
Riegelsville Borough
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | Riegelsville Borough Zoning Ordinance #222, Article XIII (Signs), Section 1306.e(1)–(2) source verbatim | “Temporary signs advertising political parties or candidates for election may be erected and maintained, provided that: (1) the size of any such sign is not in excess of four (4) square feet per side; (2) such signs shall be nonilluminated;” | Political signs in residential districts are capped at 4 sq ft per side and must be non-illuminated. |
| political/election | Riegelsville Borough Zoning Ordinance #222, Article XIII, Section 1306.e(3) source verbatim | “(3) the erector of such signs or an authorized agent of the political party or candidate applies for and obtains a permit from the Borough Zoning Officer and makes a deposit with the Borough at the time of application of a sum, to be set at a certain amount from time to time by resolution of the Borough Council, to ensure that all such signs shall be removed promptly within twenty (20) days after the date of the election to which such signs relate.” | Political signs require a Borough Zoning Officer permit and a council-set cash deposit guaranteeing removal within 20 days after the election; if not removed, the borough removes them and keeps the deposit. |
| political/election | Riegelsville Borough Zoning Ordinance #222, Article XIII, Section 1306.e(3) (continued) source verbatim | “A separate permit must be obtained for each election, i.e., primary and general, and no sign erected for the primary election shall be permitted to remain until after the general election. No sign shall be erected more than thirty (30) days prior to an election. The deposit amounts required to be paid herein are in addition to the permit fee.” | A separate permit is required for each primary and general election, primary signs may not remain until the general election, no sign may go up more than 30 days before an election, and the deposit is on top of the permit fee. |
| political/election | Riegelsville Borough Zoning Ordinance #222, Article XIII, Section 1306.e(4)(a)–(b) source verbatim | “(4) no permit is required when: (a.) such signs are erected on election day provided they are no further than one hundred (100) feet from a polling place. Such signs shall be removed within twenty four (24) hours after the time they are posted. (b.) a person erects such sign at their place of residence.” | No permit is needed for signs posted on election day within 100 ft of a polling place (removed within 24 hours) or for a sign at one's own residence. |
| temporary/event/sale | Riegelsville Borough Zoning Ordinance #222, Article XIII, Section 1306.f source verbatim | “Signs of a temporary nature, not otherwise described herein, such as those advertising civil, social or political gatherings, and nonprofit organizations may be erected and maintained, provided that: (1) the size of any such sign is not in excess of twelve (12) square feet per side; (2) such signs shall be nonilluminated; (3) not more than two (2) such signs shall be placed on any premises held in single and separate ownership;” | Event/gathering and nonprofit signs: max 12 sq ft per side, non-illuminated, two per property, on-premises only, with a Zoning Officer permit and removal deposit. |
| temporary/event/sale | Riegelsville Borough Zoning Ordinance #222, Article XIII, Section 1306.f(5) source verbatim | “No such temporary sign may be displayed for a period or periods exceeding a total of forty-five (45) days in any one calendar year, unless authorized by the Borough Council for a longer period of time.” | Temporary event signs may be displayed a total of only 45 days per calendar year unless Borough Council authorizes longer, and a removal deposit guaranteeing removal 20 days after the event is required. |
| temporary/event/sale | Riegelsville Borough Zoning Ordinance #222, Article XIII, Section 1307.e source verbatim | “Temporary Signs. Exterior temporary signs, including all portable or vehicular signs such as those advertising commercial sale, when located on the site where such use is conducted, may be permitted for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days in any one calendar year for any one premises or commercial use.” | In commercial/industrial districts temporary, portable or vehicular signs for a sale may be up only 30 days per calendar year per premises, max 16 sq ft per side, by permit with an escrow deposit. |
| temporary/event/sale | Riegelsville Borough Zoning Ordinance #222, Article III (Use Regulations), Section 303.B11.b — Garage or Yard Sales source verbatim | “Signs advertising garage or yard sales shall be limited to eight (8) square feet in size. Such signs shall be posted no more than two (2) days prior to the first day of the sale and shall be removed on the final day of the sale. No more than three (3) off-premises signs shall be placed. The location of off-premises signs must be approved by the property owners of the properties upon which they are to be fixed.” | Garage/yard sale signs: max 8 sq ft, posted no earlier than 2 days before the sale and removed on the last day; up to three off-premises signs allowed if the affected property owners approve the locations (cross-referenced by Zoning § 1306.n). |
| general signage | Riegelsville Borough Zoning Ordinance #222, Article XIII, Section 1305 source verbatim | “In no case, except for official traffic and street signs, shall any sign be erected so that it: a. lies within five (5) feet of or projects over a point within five (5) feet of the ultimate right-of-way of any street; b. lies within the clear sight triangle required by section 1010 of this Ordinance;” | No sign (except official traffic/street signs) may sit within 5 ft of, or project over, the ultimate street right-of-way or fall inside the required clear sight triangle; further bans cover 10 ft from side lot lines, parking spaces/fire lanes, blocking pedestrians or building exits, and projecting signs lower than 7.5 ft. |
| general signage | Riegelsville Borough Zoning Ordinance #222, Article XIII, Section 1308 (Exempted Signs) and Section 1302–1304 source verbatim | “In addition to the signs that do not require a permit as previously noted, the following signs do not require a permit, provided the applicable requirements of this Ordinance have been met: a. Signs displaying the name and address of the occupant of the premises, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed one hundred and twenty (120) square inches and not more than one (1) such sign shall be erected for each occupant of a premises, unless such property fronts on more than one (1) street, in which case one (1) such sign may be erected on each street frontage.” | Permit-exempt signs include occupant name/address signs (120 sq in), governmental flags, legal notices, vending-machine signs, memorial/historical signs (4 sq ft), small window signs, temporary window signs up to 50% of window area, cornerstone-type signs, barber poles, and 7-day grand-opening bunting/pennants (with 14 days' written notice to the Zoning Officer). |
| permit procedure | Riegelsville Borough Zoning Ordinance #222, Article XIII, Section 1311.a(1)–(5) source verbatim | “(1) A permit must be obtained from the Borough before the erection of any signs erected in the Borough, unless specifically exempted herein. (2) Exemptions from the necessity of securing a permit, however, shall not be construed to relieve the owner of the sign involved from responsibility for its erection in a safe manner and in a manner in accord with all the other provisions of this Ordinance.” | A borough permit is required before erecting any sign unless expressly exempted, with scaled plans showing dimensions, height, location and engineering data; permit fees follow the borough sign fee schedule. |
| permit procedure | Riegelsville Borough Zoning Ordinance #222, Article XIII, Section 1311.f (Insurance) source verbatim | “It shall be unlawful for any individual, partnership, corporation, or other entity to erect, repair or maintain electrical signs, regardless of size or location, or nonelectrical signs which are higher than ten (10) feet above grade or larger than twenty-four (24) square feet without submitting a certificate of insurance to the Building Inspector's office in the amount of $100,000 and $300,000 personal injury liability and $25,000 property damage.” | Electrical signs of any size, and any non-electrical sign over 10 ft tall or 24 sq ft, require a certificate of insurance ($100,000/$300,000 personal injury, $25,000 property damage) filed with the Building Inspector. |
| prohibition/penalty | Riegelsville Borough Zoning Ordinance #222, Article XIII, Section 1309.d source verbatim | “Any banner sign or sign of any other type across a public street or on any private property is prohibited, except for such signs which are approved by the Borough Council, as a conditional use, to be of general benefit to the municipality or for public convenience, necessity, or welfare.” | Banners are prohibited across streets and on private property unless Borough Council approves them as a conditional use for public benefit/convenience. Signs on trees or utility poles are also prohibited (§ 1309.c). |
| prohibition/penalty | Riegelsville Borough Zoning Ordinance #222, Article XIII, Section 1311.d and 1311.e source verbatim | “If, upon the expiration of thirty (30) days following notice, the owner fails to remove the sign, the Zoning Officer shall arrange for its removal on behalf of the Borough and shall bill the owner for the cost of such work plus ten (10) percent for administrative cost. If such bill remains unpaid after the expiration of thirty (30) days, the Borough Solicitor shall take the necessary steps to collect the same. Failure of a property owner to remove such sign after the notice hereinabove provided shall constitute a violation of the terms of this Ordinance and each day's continuance of such failure shall constitute a separate violation.” | After certified-mail notice and 30 days, the borough removes offending signs and bills the owner cost + 10%; each day of continuing violation is a separate offense, and immediate-peril signs can be removed summarily without notice. |
Perkasie Borough
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | § 186-78A(12) source verbatim | “Temporary on-premises signs announcing a drive or event of a civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organization and temporary on-premises signs erected in conjunction with a political election. Such signs shall not exceed 20 square feet in area and shall be removed immediately upon completion of the campaign, drive or event.” | Temporary on-premises political-election and civic-drive signs are permit-exempt if no larger than 20 sq ft and removed immediately after the campaign, drive or event. |
| political/election | § 186-78A(13)(a)-(c) source verbatim | “(a) No such sign shall exceed 20 square feet. (b) Signs shall be removed within one week after the date of the exhibit, show, event or election. (c) No such sign shall be posted earlier than three weeks before the occurrence of the event to which it relates, with the exception of political signs, which shall be posted not earlier than one month prior to an election.” | Temporary OFF-premises political signs may not exceed 20 sq ft, must come down within one week after the election, and may not go up earlier than one month before an election (three weeks for non-political events); written property-owner permission is required — (a) 20 sq ft cap, (b) 1 week removal, (c) 1 month pre-election posting window. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 186-78A(16) source verbatim | “Temporary mechanic's or artisan's signs which have been set forth on the Borough building permit application may be erected during the period that such persons are performing work on the premises on which such signs are erected; provided, however, that such signs shall be removed immediately upon completion of work by the mechanic or artisan, and the total areas for all such signs shall not exceed 12 square feet. Not more than one such sign shall be placed on any given property on which such person is performing work unless such property fronts on more than one street.” | Temporary mechanic's/artisan's signs (listed on the building permit application) are permit-exempt, capped at 12 sq ft total, one per property unless it fronts multiple streets, and must be removed when the work is finished. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 186-78A(19) source verbatim | “A sign advertising a yard sale and/or garage sale is permitted, provided that the sign is on premises, does not exceed four square feet in area, remains up only during the sale and does not appear more than once every six months on the same premises.” | Yard/garage sale signs are allowed without a permit if on-premises, no more than 4 sq ft, displayed only during the sale, and no more than once every six months at the same premises. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 186-80F(1)-(4) source verbatim wording | “Sandwich board signs are permitted in commercial districts in accordance with the following: (1) Such sign shall be displayed outside only during business hours and taken inside after business hours. (2) Only one such sign shall be permitted per property frontage. (3) Such signs shall not obstruct pedestrian traffic nor interfere with the opening of vehicle doors or obstruct sight lines along streets, sidewalks, or driveways. (4) Such signs shall be a maximum of two feet by three feet per side, exclusive of the stand.” | Sandwich-board (A-frame) signs are allowed in commercial districts: one per property frontage, displayed only during business hours, must not obstruct pedestrians or sight lines, and max 2 ft by 3 ft per side excluding the stand. |
| general signage | § 186-75B(1) source verbatim | “(1) The area of a sign shall be construed to include all lettering, wording and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background, whether open or enclosed, on which they are displayed, but not including any supporting framework and bracing which are incidental to the display itself.” | Defines how sign area is measured (lettering, designs, symbols plus background, excluding supporting framework). Part of Article IX (Signs) in Chapter 186 (Zoning). |
| permit procedure | § 186-77C source verbatim | “Before any permit is granted for the erection of a sign or sign structure, plans and specifications may, at the discretion of the Borough of Perkasie, be filed with the Borough showing the dimensions, materials and details of construction, including loads, stresses, anchorage and any other pertinent engineering data.” | A permit is required for all signs unless exempted by § 186-78A; for signs over 100 sq ft plans must be sealed by a structural engineer, and written owner consent for inspection is required. Fees follow the Borough sign fee schedule. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 186-78B(4) source verbatim | “Any banner sign or sign of any other type is prohibited across a public street or on any private property, except for such signs which are approved by the Borough Council to be of general benefit to the Borough or for public convenience, necessity or welfare.” | Banner signs (and any other sign type) across a public street or on private property are prohibited unless Borough Council approves them as being of general public benefit. Violations are enforced under Chapter 1 (General Provisions, Violations and Penalties). |
Plumstead Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | § 27-2605B(7) source verbatim | “(7) Political signs shall not be placed within a public right of way, clear sight triangle, upon any Township-owned property (except for a Township-owned property serving as a polling location) or erected in a manner that may cause an obstruction for motorists or pedestrians but is otherwise exempt from the requirements of this section.” | Political signs are expressly permit-exempt and may not be placed in a public right-of-way, a clear sight triangle, or on Township-owned property (except a Township property used as a polling place), and may not obstruct motorists or pedestrians. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-2605B(2)-(4) source verbatim | “(2) Temporary signs in residential zoning districts shall not exceed six square feet in sign area or exceed four feet in height, unless otherwise stated in this chapter. (3) Temporary signs shall not be illuminated in any fashion. (4) Temporary signs associated with construction work occurring at any specific property shall be limited to six square feet in sign area and shall be removed upon completion of the project. Only one sign shall be permitted to be placed on the property where the construction work is occurring.” | Residential temporary signs: max 6 sq ft and 4 ft high, no illumination; real-estate signs max 6 sq ft (16 sq ft nonresidential) and removed within 30 days of sale/lease; construction signs max 6 sq ft, one per property, removed at project completion. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-2605B(6)(b) source verbatim | “(b) The erector of such signs or those responsible for or benefiting by the erection shall first apply for and obtain a permit from the Township Zoning Officer, and make a deposit with the Township at the time of application of a sum to be set at a certain amount from time to time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors, to ensure that all such signs shall be removed promptly within 20 days after the event to which such signs relate. If such signs are not removed at the end of the twenty-day period, the Township will then have them removed and forfeit the sum deposited to reimburse the expenses incurred in removal.” | Temporary signs over 6 sq ft need a Zoning Officer permit with a refundable escrow deposit guaranteeing removal within 20 days after the event; forfeited deposit reimburses Township removal costs. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-2606E source verbatim | “Sandwich board signs shall not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of signs permitted on a property. Sandwich board signs shall comply with the following: (a) Only one sandwich board sign is permitted per establishment. (b) Sandwich board signs shall not be illuminated. (c) Sandwich board signs shall not be placed in any location which obstructs any sidewalk, parking area, fire lane, and/or building entrance or exit. A minimum of 36 inches of unobstructed sidewalk must be maintained between the sign and any building, edge of sidewalk, curb, or other obstruction.” | Sandwich-board signs are excluded from a property's sign count/area; one per establishment, no illumination, and at least 36 inches of unobstructed sidewalk must remain between the sign and any building, curb or obstruction. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 19-101.3 source verbatim | “3. No temporary signs, banners or other advertising devices or signs of any type that are of a temporary basis shall be placed within any sight triangle at the intersection of public or private roads, within the sight triangle of any driveway and a public or private road, or in any other location where sight visibility or traffic safety would be adversely impacted, such as in a recurring manner where the same or similar sign is placed repetitively (within 20 yards of each other) on the same property or location, or on a property without the property owner's consent.” | Temporary signs/banners and other advertising devices (defined to include contractor, mechanic and artisan signs and signs on poles) may not be placed in sight triangles or anywhere that hurts sight visibility, nor repetitively within 20 yards of each other or without the property owner's consent. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 19-101.3 (definition of 'temporary signs, banners or other advertising devices') source verbatim | “For purposes of this Part, the phrase "temporary signs, banners or other advertising devices" shall mean signs, banners or other advertising devices placed for a specified period of time, not to be permanent, including but not limited to signs, banners or other advertising devices for contractors or mechanics or artisan signs, banners or other advertising devices, and signs posted on telephone, electric or streetlight poles or other advertising devices.” | Defines 'temporary signs, banners or other advertising devices' as items placed for a specified, non-permanent period, including contractor/mechanic/artisan signs and signs posted on telephone, electric or streetlight poles. |
| general signage | § 27-2603D(1)-(2) source verbatim | “(1) No sign shall be erected or maintained within 15 feet of the edge of the cartway or curb or be located within, or project over, the legal right-of-way of any existing or proposed street or road, whichever is greater. (2) No sign shall be erected or maintained within a distance of 10 feet from the side property boundary of a lot, except as may be specifically permitted by this part.” | All signs must stay 15 ft from the cartway/curb and out of the street right-of-way (whichever is greater), and 10 ft from side property lines; no signs in clear sight triangles. |
| permit procedure | § 27-2604A source verbatim | “A. Zoning Permits. A zoning permit shall be secured prior to the erection, structural repair, alteration or relocation of any sign, except the signs which are exempt from permits by this part, within the Township. The changing of movable parts of an approved sign that is designed for changes, or the replacing of sign facing material, or the repainting or reposting of display matter shall not be deemed an alteration, provided the conditions of the original approval are not violated. For purposes of obtaining a zoning permit, the applicant shall make application in writing and shall submit a plan, sketch of design and lettering, construction plans, including loads, stresses, anchorage, and any other pertinent engineering data to the Zoning Officer.” | A zoning permit is required before erecting, structurally repairing, altering or relocating any sign except the permit-exempt types; the application must include a plan, sketch, construction plans and loads/stresses/anchorage data. |
| permit procedure | § 27-2604C(5) source verbatim | “(5) Any temporary sign, so long as any such sign complies with the requirements of this chapter, placed on the property by the owner or tenant of the property or authorized to be placed on the property by the owner or person occupying the property where the sign is placed without receiving remuneration.” | Temporary signs placed by the property owner/tenant (or with permission, without compensation) need no permit as long as they comply with the chapter; the exempt list also includes political signs (C(13)). |
| prohibition/penalty | § 19-101.4 source verbatim | “4. Removal. Any signs, banners, or other advertising devices which are placed in violation of this section may be removed by the Township's Code Enforcement Officer, and the owner of the offending sign, banner or other device shall be notified of the requirements of this Part.” | Signs and banners placed in violation of the right-of-way section may be removed by the Code Enforcement Officer; the owner is notified and may retrieve the signs upon payment of a $100 fine. |
Quakertown Borough
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | § 27-502.1C(4) source verbatim | “(4) Political. No political sign may be erected on any public property including, but not limited to, any public right-of-way, utility pole or public parkland. Political signs may be erected on private property with the permission of the property owner starting 70 days before an election and must be removed within seven days after an election. No sign shall exceed nine square feet. No permit shall be required for political signs.” | Political signs are banned from all public property (rights-of-way, utility poles, parkland); on private property with the owner's permission they may go up 70 days before an election, must come down within 7 days after, may not exceed 9 sq ft, and need no permit. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-502.1C(1)-(2) source verbatim | “(1) Real Estate. A temporary sign may be permitted within the property lines, advertising the prospective or completed sale or rental of the premises upon which it is located; provided, that such sign shall be maintained and removed within seven days after consummation of the lease or sale transaction. Any such sign which is over six square feet in area shall require a sign permit.” | Temporary on-premises signs generally may stand up to 30 days without a permit if not attached to trees/fences/utility poles; real-estate signs must be removed within 7 days of sale/lease and construction signs within 7 days of completion, with permits required above 6 sq ft. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-502.1C(3) source verbatim | “(3) Public Events. A temporary sign may be permitted announcing a public, educational, charitable, civic, religious or similar event for a total period not to exceed 30 days in any calendar year; provided, it is removed within seven days after the conclusion of the event. A permit shall be required.” | Public-event temporary signs (educational, charitable, civic, religious or similar events) are limited to 30 days of display per calendar year, must be removed within 7 days after the event, and require a sign permit. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-502.1E source verbatim | “E. Temporary Signs, Mobile Stands. A temporary sign may be placed on premises or on a mobile stand which is capable of being moved from one location to another. This type of sign may be used for a maximum ten-day period, three times a year. Any sign placed on a mobile stand shall require a sign permit. There must be a minimum of 30 days between ten-day periods.” | Temporary signs on a mobile stand require a permit and may be used a maximum of 10 days at a time, three times a year, with at least 30 days between 10-day periods. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-504.4 source verbatim | “4. A-Frame Signs. All A-frame signs shall be located a minimum of seven feet from the curbline and shall be put in at night. Such signs shall be weighted at the base so that the sign cannot be moved by strong winds; however, no sign shall be chained, tied or otherwise affixed to any object, structure, or the ground.” | A-frame signs must sit at least 7 ft from the curbline, be taken in at night, be weighted at the base so wind cannot move them, and may not be chained, tied or affixed to any object, structure or the ground. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 309 (Chapter 13, Part 3 GARAGE SALES) source verbatim | “No signs advertising the garage sale are to be posted on any place other than the premises of the applicant. The sign is not to exceed two feet by two feet in size, cannot be placed on the premises earlier than one week prior to the sale and must be removed within 24 hours after the sale has terminated. Directional signs only may be placed on private property with the owner's permission.” | Garage-sale signage: signs may only be posted on the applicant's premises, max 2 ft by 2 ft, no earlier than one week before the sale and removed within 24 hours after it ends; directional signs only on private property with the owner's permission. |
| general signage | § 27-506 source verbatim | “1. Every sign shall be constructed of durable materials and shall be kept in good condition and repair. 2. Any sign which is allowed to become dilapidated may, after notification, be removed by the Borough at the expense of the owner or lessee of the property on which it is located.” | Every sign must be built of durable materials and kept in good repair; dilapidated signs may be removed by the Borough at the owner's expense after notification. (Sign area and height limits are set by Table 5.2 and Table 5.3, § 27-503 / § 27-505.) |
| permit procedure | § 27-501.2 source verbatim | “2. Permit Required. A. A sign permit is required for any permanent sign exceeding two square feet in area except for the signs indicated in § 501, Subsection 2B, and the following temporary signs indicated in § 502, Subsection 1C, D and E: real estate signs over six square feet, construction site signs over six square feet, all public events signs, all political signs, all garage sale signs, all special events signs and all mobile signs.” | A sign permit is required for permanent signs over 2 sq ft and for real-estate and construction signs over 6 sq ft and ALL political, public-event, garage-sale, special-event and mobile signs; no permit for signs ≤2 sq ft, small real-estate/construction signs, temporary window signs or copy changes. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 27-510A source verbatim | “A. Banners, flags, pennants or any moving object used for commercial advertising purposes (whether containing a message or not), except for use during not more than one special occasion in one calendar year by a use located in the TC, NC, HC, OB and LI Districts for a period of not more than a total of 10 days per calendar year.” | Banners, flags, pennants and moving objects used for commercial advertising are prohibited in all districts, except commercial uses in the TC, NC, HC, OB and LI districts may use them for one special occasion per calendar year for up to 10 total days. |
Richlandtown Borough
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-704.5 source verbatim | “5. Temporary contractors, developers, architects or builders signs, provided that the area on any one side of any such sign shall not exceed 24 square feet. Such signs shall be maintained on the premises to which they relate and shall be removed upon completion of the work.” | Temporary contractor/developer/architect/builder signs are allowed with a maximum area of 24 sq ft per side, must stay on the premises to which they relate, and must be removed when the work is complete (permit-exempt under § 27-703). |
| general signage | § 27-707.1 source verbatim | “1. The following requirements shall apply to all signs and other advertising devices: A. No sign or other advertising device with visible moving or moveable parts, or with flashing, animated or intermittent illumination, shall be erected or maintained. B. No sign or other advertising device attached to a building shall project more than six inches above the roof on parapet line nor more than 12 inches out from the wall to which it is attached. Signs not exceeding six square feet in area may be placed perpendicular to a building face if attached to and below a canopy projecting from said building.” | All signs: no moving parts or flashing/animated/intermittent illumination; building signs may not extend more than 6 inches above the roofline or 12 inches out from the wall (signs ≤6 sq ft may hang perpendicular below a canopy); 15-ft side-yard setback; nothing within street right-of-way; For Sale/For Rent signs only on the premises offered. |
| general signage | § 27-707.1C-D source verbatim | “C. No sign or other advertising device shall be located within 15 feet of any side property line, except signs permitted in § 27-704, Subsection 1, and § 27-704, Subsection 6. D. No sign or other advertising device shall be located within the lines of any street right-of-way. E. "For Sale" or "For Rent" signs are permitted only on the premises which is for sale or rent.” | Signs generally must stay 15 ft from side property lines (except address signs and no-trespass/similar signs under § 27-704.1 and .6) and no sign may be located within street right-of-way lines. |
| permit procedure | § 27-703 source verbatim | “Signs permitted in § 27-704(1), (4), (5) and (6) of this Part shall be exempt from the permit requirements of this chapter.” | Only the address/occupant signs, For Sale/For Rent signs, contractor-builder signs and no-trespass/private-road signs listed in § 27-704(1), (4), (5) and (6) are exempt from the chapter's sign permit requirement — the exemptions do not extend to other signs. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 27-708 source verbatim | “Every sign subject to the provisions of this chapter must be constructed of durable materials and shall be kept in good condition and repair. Any sign which is allowed to become dilapidated shall be removed by the Borough at the expense of the owner or lessee of the property on which it is located.” | Signs must be built of durable materials and kept in good repair; a dilapidated sign may be removed by the Borough and the cost charged to the property owner or lessee. |
Richland Township
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | § 27-902 (definition 'POLITICAL SIGNS') source verbatim | “POLITICAL SIGNS A sign which displays or identifies an individual, individuals, slate of candidates, or political party standing or running for election in a primary or general election event for a Federal, State, County, or local municipal/school board office, and/or a sign supporting, opposing, or commenting upon a referendum issue placed upon the ballot for consideration by the general voting public in either a primary or general election.” | Defines political signs as signs identifying candidates or slates for federal, state, county, municipal or school-board office and signs supporting/opposing ballot referenda; the code sets no separate size or removal deadline for them beyond the general temporary-sign rules. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-910.1B source check source | “B. Each lot shall be permitted temporary signs in accordance with the following requirements: (1) The maximum area of any such sign shall be six square feet. (2) Freestanding signs or window signs shall be permitted. (3) Such signs shall be non-illuminated. (4) No more than four temporary signs shall be permitted in any one calendar year and no more than two temporary signs shall be permitted on a lot at any one time. (5) Such signs shall be removed after 30 days.” | Residential lots: temporary signs max 6 sq ft, freestanding or window, non-illuminated, no more than four per calendar year and two up at once, removed after 30 days; freestanding signs max 6 ft high. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-912.2 source verbatim | “2. Each lot shall be permitted temporary signs in accordance with the following requirements: A. The maximum area of any such sign shall be 32 square feet. B. Freestanding signs, banners and window signs shall be permitted, provided that no more than one temporary, freestanding sign shall be permitted on a lot at any one time. C. The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be 10 feet. D. Such signs shall be non-illuminated, indirectly illuminated or directly illuminated.” | In PI/EXT districts temporary signs max 32 sq ft, freestanding/banner/window allowed with only one freestanding at a time, max 10 ft high, four per establishment per year (two at once), removed after 30 days. |
| general signage | § 27-909.1A-E source verbatim | “A. Incidental signs, provided the area of any such sign shall not exceed two square feet. B. Flags representing governmental, educational or religious organizations, provided that the total area of all such flags shall not exceed 60 square feet in area. C. Identification signs displaying only the name and/or address of the occupant of a premises, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed 200 square inches, and provided that only one such sign shall be permitted per premises. D. Building markers or historical signs or tablets provided that the total area of such signs shall not exceed four square feet per building. E. Political signs.” | Incidental signs (max 2 sq ft), governmental/educational/religious flags (max 60 sq ft total), occupant identification signs (max 200 sq in, one per premises), building markers/historical signs (max 4 sq ft per building) and political signs are permitted in all districts without a permit. |
| permit procedure | § 27-914.1A source verbatim | “A. A zoning permit must be obtained from the municipality before the erection of any sign greater than two square feet in area, unless specifically exempted herein. Exemptions from the necessity of securing a zoning permit, however, shall not be construed to relieve the owner of the sign involved from responsibility for its erection in a safe manner and in a manner in accord with all the other provisions of this Chapter.” | A zoning permit is required to erect any sign over 2 sq ft unless specifically exempted; exemptions do not excuse safe construction or compliance with the rest of the chapter. |
| permit procedure | § 27-914.1C source verbatim | “C. Temporary Signs. Temporary signs shall be allowed only upon the issuance of a temporary sign permit, which shall be subject to the following requirements: (1) A temporary sign permit shall allow the use of a temporary sign for a specified time period, as authorized by this Chapter. (2) The applicant for a temporary sign permit shall provide the Zoning Officer with sufficient information to demonstrate compliance with the sign regulations of this Chapter. (3) An escrow deposit shall be required as a guarantee that the temporary sign shall be promptly and completely removed at the end of the authorized period.” | Temporary signs are allowed only with a temporary sign permit; the applicant must document compliance and post a refundable escrow deposit guaranteeing timely removal, otherwise the Township removes the signs and keeps enough to cover the cost. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 27-908.1 source verbatim | “A. Animated signs. B. Beacons. C. Portable signs for permanent use. D. Pennants. E. Signs containing information that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted in the zoning district in which the property to which the sign relates is located. F. Signs illuminated by a group of incandescent light bulbs hung or strung overhead or used to outline a sign or structure, with the exception of festive lighting. G. Any sign erected on a tree or utility pole or painted or drawn on a rock or other natural feature. H. Flashing Signs. Any signs that include lights which flash, blink or turn on and off intermittently, but not including time and temperature signs.” | Prohibited: animated signs, beacons, portable signs for permanent use, pennants, signs advertising non-permitted uses, festoon-type lighting, signs on trees/utility poles, flashing signs, glaring signs and video billboards; off-premises signs are banned except governmental signs, billboards under § 27-911.4 and mobile billboards. |
Doylestown Borough
| Type | Citation | Verbatim text | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| political/election | § 27-709.2 source verbatim | “2. Temporary signs advertising political parties or candidates for election may be erected or displayed and maintained, provided that: A. They are erected or displayed by the owner or lessee of the lot or by the candidate, political party or other authorized agent of them or either of them with the permission of the owner or lessee of the lot. B. The size of any such sign is not in excess of 12 square feet. C. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to permit the placing of any such signs within any street line as defined in § 202 or within or on any public alley, sidewalk, park, parking lot or other public place, which is hereby prohibited.” | Political signs may be on- or off-premises if put up by the owner/lessee or the candidate/party with the owner's permission, must not exceed 12 sq ft, and are prohibited within street lines or on any public alley, sidewalk, park, parking lot or other public place. |
| political/election | § 27-715.5 source verbatim | “5. The erection of temporary political signs permitted under § 709(2) by any owner or lessee of the lot, candidate, political party or other authorized agent shall not require a permit or other approval, provided however, that it shall be unlawful for any such owner or lessee of the lot, candidate, political party or other authorized agent to permit such signs to remain erected more than 10 days after the date of the election to which they relate” | Temporary political signs need no permit or other approval, but they may not remain up more than 10 days after the election they relate to; failure to remove is a violation penalized under § 1305. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 27-709.3 source verbatim | “3. Temporary nonilluminated signs directing persons to temporary exhibits, shows, events or proposed developments may be erected subject to the following requirements: A. Signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in area. B. Signs shall not be posted earlier than two weeks before the occurrence of the event to which it relates and must be removed within 20 days after the date of the exhibit, show or event.” | Temporary nonilluminated signs directing people to exhibits, shows, events or proposed developments are capped at 12 sq ft, may not be posted more than two weeks before the event, and must be removed within 20 days after it (immediately upon sale/rental of a development's last unit); an escrow applies under § 715. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 13-806 source verbatim | “All signs licensed hereunder shall be moveable signs only, as defined in Chapter 27, Part 7, § 706, of the Code of Ordinances of the Borough of Doylestown, and shall be self-supporting and double-faced. The interior angle of such A-frame type signs shall not exceed 45°. Directly illuminated signs as defined in Chapter 27, Part 7, § 704, of the Code of Ordinances of the Borough of Doylestown shall not be permitted. Indirect illumination shall emanate only from the building and shall be designed and positioned in such manner that it does not interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic.” | Licensed sidewalk signs must be movable (A-frame style) and double-faced with an interior angle no greater than 45°; directly illuminated signs are not permitted and indirect lighting must come only from the building without obstructing pedestrians or traffic. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 13-807.1 source verbatim | “1. The maximum area of any sign licensed hereunder shall be six feet per face and the height shall not exceed five feet nor be less than three feet. The maximum width of any sign licensed hereunder shall be two feet. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, no sign shall be permitted which shall interfere with or otherwise impede the visibility of vehicular traffic upon any street or driveway.” | Moveable sidewalk signs: maximum 6 sq ft per face, 2 ft wide, between 3 and 5 ft high, and they may not impede visibility of traffic; applications must first be reviewed by the Historic and Architectural Board and Zoning Officer for a favorable recommendation. |
| temporary/event/sale | § 13-808 source verbatim | “Any sign licensed hereunder shall be located as close as practicable to the curb of the sidewalk. A minimum distance of four feet of unobstructed sidewalk must be maintained between the sign and the applicant's building at all times. The applicant, by accepting the license, agrees to indemnify and hold, the Borough of Doylestown, its agents, servants, workmen or employees harmless from any and all claims arising out of the location, placement or use of the sign” | Sidewalk signs must be placed as close as practicable to the curb, keep at least 4 ft of unobstructed sidewalk between sign and building, and licensees must indemnify the Borough (policy of at least $250,000 naming the Borough as insured). |
| general signage | § 27-707.2 source verbatim | “2. Obstruction. No sign shall be erected or maintained within a distance of 25 feet from the intersection of any street lines or the intersection of a street line and the edge of a private accessway, unless the location of the sign is situated at least eight feet above the level of the street center line. No sign shall be so located or arranged that it interferes with traffic through glare, through blocking or reasonable sight lines for streets, sidewalks or driveways, through confusion with a traffic control device (by reasons of color, location, shape or other characteristic) or through any other means.” | No sign within 25 ft of a street intersection (or street line/private accessway intersection) unless it is at least 8 ft above street centerline level, and no sign that interferes with traffic through glare, blocked sight lines or confusion with traffic controls. |
| general signage | § 27-707.1 source verbatim | “1. Prohibition. Flashing signs, signs which hang from awnings, movable signs, festoon lighting, roof signs and nonstationary signs shall not be permitted in any CR, O, R1, R2, R2-A, R3, CR-H, TND-1 or TND-2 District, or in the Historical District as defined in Chapter 4, Part 2, Sections 201 through 212 of the Code of Ordinances of the Borough of Doylestown. In all other districts, such signs may be permitted by the Zoning Hearing Board as a special exception in accordance with the following requirements:” | Flashing signs, awning-hung signs, movable signs, festoon lighting, roof signs and nonstationary signs are banned in CR, O, R1, R2, R2-A, R3, CR-H, TND-1, TND-2 and the Historical District; elsewhere they need a Zoning Hearing Board special exception with a public hearing and fee. |
| permit procedure | § 27-715.1-.2 source verbatim | “1. It shall be unlawful to erect, construct or otherwise alter any sign in Doylestown Borough without first filing with the Zoning Officer and obtaining a permit. Normal sign maintenance shall not require a permit. 2. Applications for permits for the erection, construction, or alteration of signs shall be accompanied by drawings of the proposed work showing the details of the sign and the structural requirements.” | It is unlawful to erect, construct or alter any sign without first filing with and obtaining a permit from the Zoning Officer; routine maintenance needs no permit, and applications must include drawings showing sign details and structural requirements. |
| permit procedure | § 27-715.4 source verbatim | “4. The erector of temporary signs permitted under § 709(3) or an authorized agent of a sponsor of an exhibit, show, event or proposed development shall apply for and obtain a permit from the Borough Zoning Officer and deposit with the Borough at the time of his application, such sum as may be established from time to time by resolution of Council, or fraction thereof, as a guarantee that all such signs will be removed promptly within 20 days after the date of the exhibit, show, event or development to which such signs relate. At the time of deposit, the erector or authorized agent shall indicate upon which streets such signs are to be located.” | Erectors of temporary event/exhibit/development signs must obtain a permit and post a removal-guarantee deposit; signs must be gone within 20 days after the event or the Borough removes them and keeps the deposit, with violation penalties under § 1305. |
| prohibition/penalty | § 13-811 source verbatim | “Any person, firm or corporation who shall violate any of the provisions of this Part shall be guilty of a summary offense and, upon conviction, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of $300 plus costs of prosecution and in addition, any License issued pursuant to the provisions of this Part and in effect at the time of such violation shall be subject to revocation by Borough Council.” | Violating the sidewalk-sign part is a summary offense carrying a $300 fine plus costs, and the license for the sign may be revoked by Borough Council. |