Sign Regulations in Adams Township, Pennsylvania
Adams Township, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 22 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Temporary Sign (in Public Interest), Sign in Municipal/State Road Right-of-way, Noncommercial Sign (Public Service/Safety). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 28, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Adams Township, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Adams Township
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sign in Municipal/State Road Right-of-way | 3 ft including support | 4 sq ft per sign face | 5 ft from road/edge of pavement; 25 ft from intersection |
| Wall Sign | — | 12 sq ft | — |
| Ground Sign | 5 ft (general), 15 ft (residential development entry) | — | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
22
- Temporary Sign (in Public Interest)
- Sign in Municipal/State Road Right-of-way
- Noncommercial Sign (Public Service/Safety)
- Property Identification Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
3
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Adams Township
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Adams Township 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 Adams Township, 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 Adams Township, regulated sign types include Temporary Sign (in Public Interest), Sign in Municipal/State Road Right-of-way, Noncommercial Sign (Public Service/Safety), Property Identification Sign, 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 Adams Township 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 Adams Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Adams Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Adams Township, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Adams Township, Pennsylvania regulates 22 sign types across 3 zoning districts. On-premises Ground Signs in the C Commercial District, B Business District, I Industrial Districts, Overlay Zoning Districts zoning district are capped at 10 ft (overall including base) tall, 60 sq ft per sign face, and 15 ft (sign face); overall length with base 20 ft wide, with a 10 ft from property line/ROW setback (Sec. § 192-63E(3)(b)[1]-[8]). Most commercial signs in Adams Township require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Adams Township, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Adams Township (3 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 2 | 3 ft including support | 4 sq ft per sign face | — |
| Residential Districts, Rural Conservation District | 12 | 6 ft (for construction sign) | 32 sq ft (for construction sign) | — |
| C Commercial District, B Business District, I Industrial Districts, Overlay Zoning Districts | 8 | 10 ft (overall including base) | 60 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Adams Township
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign (in Public Interest) | — | — | — | — | — | Allowed in accordance with the requirements for a period not to exceed 60 days. | — | Unlock | § 192-63B(6), (8) |
| Sign in Municipal/State Road Right-of-way | 3 ft including support | 4 sq ft per sign face | — | 5 ft from road/edge of pavement; 25 ft from intersection | — | In municipal/state road right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 192-63F(1)-(2) |
Residential Districts, Rural Conservation District
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noncommercial Sign (Public Service/Safety) | — | — | — | — | — | Any | — | Unlock | § 192-63C(1)(a) |
| Property Identification Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On property | — | Unlock | § 192-63C(1)(b) |
| For Sale or Rent Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On property | — | Unlock | § 192-63C(1)(d) |
| Public/Semipublic Institution Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On property of institution | — | Unlock | § 192-63C(1)(e) |
| Roadside Stand Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Property with stand | — | Unlock | § 192-63C(1)(f) |
| Wall Sign | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot/principal structure | Affixed to principal structure, substantially parallel | — | Unlock | § 192-63C(3)(a)[1]-[4] |
| Ground Sign | 5 ft (general), 15 ft (residential development entry) | — | — | — | — | On-premises; entry sign must be in an easement | — | Unlock | § 192-63C(3)(b)[1]-[3] |
| Temporary Sign (including Temp Construction Sign) | 6 ft (for construction sign) | 32 sq ft (for construction sign) | — | — | — | On-premises | — | Unlock | § 192-63C(3)(c) |
C Commercial District, B Business District, I Industrial Districts, Overlay Zoning Districts
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-premises Wall Sign | 5 ft (vertical dimension) | 60 sq ft | — | — | See overall max (E(4)) | Affixed to the wall of principal structure, substantially parallel | — | Unlock | § 192-63E(3)(a)[1]-[5], (4)(c) |
| On-premises Ground Sign | 10 ft (overall including base) | 60 sq ft per sign face | 15 ft (sign face); overall length with base 20 ft | 10 ft from property line/ROW | See overall max (E(4)) | On-premises, ground mounted, must use brick, stone, or stucco for base; property address must be at top (not counted in area) | — | Unlock | § 192-63E(3)(b)[1]-[8] |
| On-premises Canopy Sign | — | 60 sq ft | — | — | See overall max (E(4)) | Canopy, only one side | — | Unlock | § 192-63E(3)(c)[1]-[3] |
| On-premises Illuminated Sign | 10 ft (overall including base) | 12 sq ft (illuminated sign area), total 24-32 sq ft | — | 10 ft from property line/ROW | See overall max (E(4)) | On-premises, ground or wall mounted | — | Unlock | § 192-63E(3)(d)[1]-[11] |
| On-premises Temporary Construction Sign | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | — | On-premises | — | Unlock | § 192-63E(3)(e) |
| On-premises Window/Door Canopy Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Canopy/awning | — | Unlock | § 192-63E(3)(f) |
| On-premises Window Sign | — | 33% of total window area | — | — | — | Affixed to inside of window | — | Unlock | § 192-63E(3)(g) |
| Off-premises Freestanding Sign | 8 ft (can be up to 15 ft by Zoning Hearing Board) | 32 sq ft per face (max 2 faces) | 8 ft | 10 ft (general); 50 ft from Mars-Evans City or Mars-Valencia Rd rights-of-way | See overall max. If off-premises sign present, lot may have no other principal/accessory use | Off-premises; base per Figures—stone/metal truss; must be principal use on lot | — | Unlock | § 192-63E(3)(h)[1]-[7]; (4)(b) |
Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Adams Township are available with a free PermitPal account.
Start freeProhibited Signs in Adams Township
- All signs must be constructed of durable, non-flammable materials and maintained in good repair, free of rust, rolling, illegibility, or deterioration. Broken or missing parts must be promptly replaced.
- Freestanding signs may only occur in yards abutting a street, must be set back at least 10 feet from side property lines, and no part may extend into the street right-of-way or block driver sight distances.
- No signs may be placed upon the roof or project above the cornice line of a flat-roofed building or above the gutter line of a sloped-roofed building.
- Animated signs are not permitted in any zoning district.
- Signs illuminated by a flashing, pulsating, or intermittent source, except official traffic signs, are not permitted in any zoning district.
- Signs lighted so as to create glare on adjacent properties or roadways are not permitted.
- Signs affixed to trees, utility poles, or equipment are not permitted.
- Banners, pennants, and similar attention-getting devices are not permitted for a period exceeding 30 days.
- Separate permits are required for all signs including new construction, maintenance, or replacement.
- No freestanding sign shall have more than two sides.
- Signs must be removed within 60 days after the reasons for their placement are no longer present (e.g., event completed, business closed).
- Temporary signs in the public interest require approval and are limited to a maximum of 60 days.
- No sign shall be lighted that faces or partially faces residentially zoned or used property or property across a street unless completely screened from the dwelling.
- No sign shall be illuminated between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. except during business hours.
- Persons desiring to erect a sign must obtain a permit and adhere to placement, dimension, and construction requirements specified.
Exempt Signs in Adams Township
- Holiday signs or decorations displayed for recognized holidays or other community events.
- Memorial plaques, historic markers, or other similar signs.
- Official government signs owned and maintained by a governmental entity, including traffic signs, public notices, government flags, and other hazard warnings.
- Street number signs indicating the address of a building or establishment.
- Vehicle signs attached to operative vehicles related to the function of the vehicle (e.g., taxi signs, delivery vehicles) provided the vehicle is registered, insured, and operational.
- Noncommercial signs, including but not limited to public service or safety signs installed by a public agency in residential districts, are unrestricted and do not require a permit.
- The sign restrictions of this section do not apply to municipal authorities, municipal corporations, or federal, state, or local government entities upon approval by the Board of Supervisors and Code Enforcement Officer.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Adams Township
- Persons desiring to erect a sign must apply to the Code Enforcement Officer and submit a plan indicating location, dimensions to property lines, sign dimensions (including height above ground), and construction/attachment details. Approval is required before issuance of a permit.
- Where an establishment is part of a larger retail, commercial, or industrial development, shopping center, or similar multi-tenant use, only one freestanding on-premises sign is allowed per lot for the development, provided that a uniform sign plan and permit has been submitted and approved for the entire development.
- No individual freestanding on-premises signs are permitted for establishments within a larger shopping center, commercial, or industrial development with multiple occupants unless an alternative master sign plan is recommended by the Planning Commission and approved by the Board of Supervisors.
- Permits are required for all signs including new construction, maintenance, or replacement.
Source: ecode360 municipal code