Sign Regulations in Harrington, Delaware
Harrington, Delaware has specific sign regulations covering 18 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Electronic Message Center (EMC), Freestanding Sign, Freestanding Sign (Subdivision or Apartment/Duplex/Townhouse Complex). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 21, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Harrington, Delaware
Sample Sign Requirements in Harrington
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (Subdivision or Apartment/Duplex/Townhouse Complex) | — | 64 sq ft | — |
| Directional/Incidental/Accessory Sign (Freestanding) | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — |
| Freestanding Sign (Nonresidential Use) | — | 48 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
18
- Electronic Message Center (EMC)
- Freestanding Sign
- Freestanding Sign (Subdivision or Apartment/Duplex/Townhouse Complex)
- Directional/Incidental/Accessory Sign (Freestanding)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Harrington
Other Cities in Delaware
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Harrington vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in Harrington, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Harrington, regulated sign types include Electronic Message Center (EMC), Freestanding Sign, Freestanding Sign (Subdivision or Apartment/Duplex/Townhouse Complex), Directional/Incidental/Accessory Sign (Freestanding), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Harrington vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Harrington are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Harrington has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Harrington, Delaware Sign Rules at a Glance
Harrington, Delaware regulates 18 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Temporary Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 20 ft (for inflatable signs) tall and 100 sq ft (aggregate), with a 25 ft for inflatable signs setback (Sec. § 440-182I). Most commercial signs in Harrington require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Harrington, Delaware
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Harrington (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family Residential (R-1), Duplex Residential (R-2), Townhouse Residential (R-3), Multifamily Residential (R-4) | 4 | 4 ft | 64 sq ft | — |
| Neighborhood Commercial (C-1), Central Commercial (C-2) | 3 | 12 ft | 75 sq ft (aggregate) | — |
| Service Commercial (C-3), Manufacturing (M), Industrial Park Manufacturing (IMP) | 4 | 35 ft | 153 sq ft (aggregate) | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 10 | 48 inches (4 ft) | 100 sq ft (aggregate) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Harrington(sample of 3 of 4 zones)
Single-Family Residential (R-1), Duplex Residential (R-2), Townhouse Residential (R-3), Multifamily Residential (R-4)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (Subdivision or Apartment/Duplex/Townhouse Complex) | — | 64 sq ft | — | — | One per each qualifying frontage/entrance/exit | One per separate street and/or separate building frontage and/or for each means of entrance/exit to the subdivision, apartment, duplex, or townhouse complex. | — | Unlock | § 440-179B |
| Directional/Incidental/Accessory Sign (Freestanding) | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | Within the subdivision, duplex, or townhouse complex development. | — | Unlock | § 440-179C |
| Freestanding Sign (Nonresidential Use) | — | 48 sq ft | — | — | One per each qualifying frontage/entrance/exit | One per separate street and/or separate building frontage, and for each means of entrance/exit to the permitted use. | — | Unlock | § 440-179D |
| Electronic Message Center (EMC) | — | — | — | — | — | Permitted by conditional use on properties with permitted nonresidential uses only | — | Unlock | § 440-179E; § 440-183C |
Service Commercial (C-3), Manufacturing (M), Industrial Park Manufacturing (IMP)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggregate Signage/All Signs Per Establishment (Non-multitenant) | — | 153 sq ft (aggregate) | — | — | See sign_size_restrictions | Per establishment | — | Unlock | § 440-181A |
| Aggregate Signage/All Signs Per Establishment (Multitenant/Professional Building) | — | 100 sq ft (aggregate, not more than two per establishment) | — | — | Max two per establishment, plus one multipanel sign per entrance | Per establishment | — | Unlock | § 440-181B |
| Freestanding Sign | 35 ft | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 440-181C |
| Electronic Message Center (EMC) | — | Included in overall sign area calculations | — | — | — | May be part or all of freestanding/building sign | — | Unlock | § 440-183A, § 440-183B(2), § 440-183C(4) |
General Regulations For All Zones
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Directional Sign (Freestanding) | 48 inches (4 ft) | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 440-182H(2)-(3) |
| Directional Sign (Fascia) | — | 16 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 440-182H(2)-(3) |
| A-Frame/Sandwich Board Sign | 4 ft | 4 sq ft | — | — | One per business | Outside street/roadway, may be used in C-1 or C-2 zones | — | Unlock | § 440-182C(3), § 440-189A(10) |
| Temporary Sign | 20 ft (for inflatable signs) | 100 sq ft (aggregate) | — | 25 ft for inflatable signs | No more than two | On the premises of an establishment conducting a special event | — | Unlock | § 440-182I |
| Sale/Lease/Rent Sign (Residential) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | One per 200 linear ft | Located behind property line | — | Unlock | § 440-189A(1) |
| Sale/Lease/Rent Sign (Nonresidential) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | One per 200 linear ft | Behind property line | — | Unlock | § 440-189A(1) |
| Name/Occupant/Hours/Policy/Security Notice | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 440-189A(2) |
| Contractor/Architect/Engineer/Developer Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — | 50 ft from other signs except where not possible | Max two per property | On premises where construction/repair/renovation in progress | — | Unlock | § 440-189A(3) |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Harrington — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 4 zones for Harrington — start freeProhibited Signs in Harrington
- Signs which prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window, or fire escape, or that prevent free access from one part of a roof to any other part. No sign other than a safety sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
- Any sign which may be confused with, or obstruct the view of, any authorized traffic sign or signal, obstruct the sight-distance triangle at any road intersection, or extend into the public right-of-way.
- Signs with intermittent lights resembling or seeming to resemble the flashing lights customarily associated with danger or such as are customarily used by police, fire, ambulance vehicles, fire police, or for navigation purposes. Also, any sign that provides a background of colored lights blending with traffic signal lights or which compete for attention with, or may be mistaken for, traffic signals; or as determined by the City Manager to constitute a traffic hazard by reason of size, location, content, color, or type of illumination.
- Signs which emit smoke, gaseous matter, visible vapors, particles, sound, or odor. Open flames used to attract public attention to a place of business or to an advertising sign are not permitted.
- Mechanically moving signs (including environmentally activated signs or displays with actual mechanical motion powered by natural, manual, mechanical, electrical, or other means, including but not limited to pennant strings, streamers, spinners, propellers, and search lights), except as otherwise provided.
- Animated signs.
- Signs that are flashing, rotating, or contain fluttering material or give the appearance of movement, or are illuminated by flashing or intermittent lights, or lights of changing degrees or intensity, or signs containing strobe lights.
- Off-premises signs of any type (including billboards, temporary signs, directional signs for developments, etc.), except for freestanding signs shared with an immediately adjacent property.
- Vehicle and utility trailer signs: A motor vehicle or utility trailer may not park on City streets or in a place visible from a public roadway as a sign or as the base for a sign where the primary purpose is general advertising or advertising for hire.
- Roof signs, except where the building's mountable wall area would permit less than half of the maximum permitted wall signage and then only under specified conditions.
- Signs painted on or attached to trees, fences, natural features, or telephone or utility poles.
- People wearing sandwich boards or holding other types of signs, except for community events or by nonprofit organizations for fund-raising purposes as approved by the City Manager.
- Temporary signs made of cardboard, paper, canvas, or similar impermanent material, except as permissible in Section 440-182I.
- Inflatable signs, balloons, streamers, flags, etc., except as provided in this section or on a temporary basis as approved by the City Manager for grand opening events and community festivals.
- Portable signs designed to be transported, except those specifically permitted.
- Window signs covering more than 50% of a window or door, or mounted above the first floor.
- Illuminated window signs in or adjacent to residential properties or zones.
- No mirror device shall be used as part of a sign.
- Torn, faded, or soiled signs.
- Abandoned sign structures.
Exempt Signs in Harrington
- Signs inside a building.
- Signs carved into a building or raised in integral relief on a building, provided the letters or signs are a physical part of the building facade and construction.
- Signs required by federal, state, or municipal law.
- Up to two signs indicating address, number, and/or name of occupants of the premises, not exceeding two square feet per side and excluding commercial advertising or other identification.
- Decals and/or logos affixed to windows or door glass panels, such as those indicating membership in a business group or credit cards accepted.
- Handicapped parking space signs (not exceeding two square feet in area reserving parking for handicapped individuals).
- On-premises private drive signs (limited to one per driveway entrance, not exceeding two square feet in area).
- Signs erected by government agencies or utilities, including traffic, utility, safety, railroad crossing, and identification signs for public facilities.
- On-premises security and warning signs (such as 'no trespassing', 'no hunting', 'no soliciting'), not exceeding one sign two square feet in area in residential areas and one sign five square feet in commercial/manufacturing zones; with exceptions for posting conventional 'no trespassing' signs per state law.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Harrington
- No sign, advertising display, structure, poster, or device shall be erected, moved, enlarged, replaced, refaced, or reconstructed except by permit from the City Manager and in accordance with this chapter.
- All signs, sign structures, sign foundations and anchorages to a building must be individually designed in accordance with Chapter 102, Building Standards, and the provisions of this article.
- When Chapter 102, Building Standards, calls for sealed sign design construction plans to be submitted as a part of any sign permit application, this requirement is not compulsory as it relates to on-premises signs regulated under this chapter if the application contains sufficient information to satisfy the Building Code Official.
- Permits for temporary signs are required and shall be accompanied by a fee as provided for in Chapter 180, Fees, Municipal.
Source: ecode360 municipal code