Sign Regulations in Altoona, Pennsylvania
Altoona, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 16 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Building Marker, Flag, Freestanding (Business). Height restrictions apply. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 20, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Altoona, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Altoona
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding (Residential) | 7 ft | 10 sq ft (R-S, R-SH), 20 sq ft (R-L, R-MH), 20 sq ft (R-MU) | 2 ft |
| Freestanding (Temporary) | 7 ft | 10 sq ft (R-S, R-SH), 20 sq ft (R-L, R-MH, R-MU) | 2 ft |
| Building Marker | — | 4 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
16
- Building Marker
- Flag
- Freestanding (Business)
- Freestanding (Temporary)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Altoona
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
In Altoona, monument signs are limited to 7 ft. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Altoona, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Altoona, regulated sign types include Building Marker, Flag, Freestanding (Business), Freestanding (Temporary), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Altoona, monument signs typically require a 2 ft setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Altoona are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Altoona has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Altoona, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Altoona, Pennsylvania regulates 16 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Freestanding (Residential)s in the R-S, R-SH, R-L, R-MH, R-MU zoning district are capped at 7 ft tall and 10 sq ft (R-S, R-SH), 20 sq ft (R-L, R-MH), 20 sq ft (R-MU), with a 2 ft setback (Sec. §800-60, Table A; §800-62, Table C; §800-63, Table E).
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Altoona, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Altoona (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-S, R-SH, R-L, R-MH, R-MU | 6 | 7 ft | 60 sq ft | — |
| R-U | 7 | 7 ft | 60 sq ft | — |
| M-RC | 7 | 15 ft | 60 sq ft | — |
| C-NB, C-HB, C-CB | 8 | 35 ft (C-HB), 15 ft (C-NB, C-CB) | 200 sq ft | — |
| I-L, I-G | 7 | 35 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | — | 60 sq ft in residential zones; not specified elsewhere. | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Altoona(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
R-S, R-SH, R-L, R-MH, R-MU
| 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 (Residential) | 7 ft | 10 sq ft (R-S, R-SH), 20 sq ft (R-L, R-MH), 20 sq ft (R-MU) | — | 2 ft | 1 per 10 linear feet of street frontage | On the same lot as the use. | — | Unlock | §800-60, Table A; §800-62, Table C; §800-63, Table E |
| Freestanding (Temporary) | 7 ft | 10 sq ft (R-S, R-SH), 20 sq ft (R-L, R-MH, R-MU) | — | 2 ft | 1 per 10 linear feet of street frontage | On the same lot as the use. | — | Unlock | §800-60, Table A; §800-62, Table C; §800-63, Table E |
| Building Marker | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building | Affixed to building. | — | Unlock | §800-60, Table A; §800-62, Table D |
| Building Identification Sign | — | — | — | — | 1 per building | Affixed to building. | — | Unlock | §800-60, Table A; §800-62, Table D |
| Building (Temporary) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | Affixed to building. | — | Unlock | §800-60, Table A; §800-62, Table C |
| Flag | — | 60 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §800-60, Table A; §800-62, Table D |
R-U
| 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 (Business) | 7 ft | 20 sq ft | — | 2 ft | 1 per 10 linear feet of street frontage | — | — | Unlock | §800-60, Table A; §800-62, Table C; §800-63, Table E |
| Freestanding (Residential) | 7 ft | 20 sq ft | — | 2 ft | 1 per 10 linear feet of street frontage | — | — | Unlock | §800-60, Table A; §800-62, Table C; §800-63, Table E |
| Freestanding (Temporary) | 7 ft | 20 sq ft | — | 2 ft | 1 per 10 linear feet of street frontage | — | — | Unlock | §800-60, Table A; §800-62, Table C; §800-63, Table E |
| Building Marker | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building | Affixed to building. | — | Unlock | §800-60, Table A; §800-62, Table D |
| Building Identification Sign | — | — | — | — | 1 per building | Affixed to building. | — | Unlock | §800-60, Table A; §800-62, Table D |
| Building (Temporary) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | Affixed to building. | — | Unlock | §800-60, Table A; §800-62, Table C |
| Flag | — | 60 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §800-60, Table A; §800-62, Table D |
C-NB, C-HB, C-CB
| 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 (Off-premises Advertising) | 35 ft (C-HB), 15 ft (C-NB, C-CB) | 200 sq ft | — | 3 ft | As per frontage: 1 per 15 ft (C-NB, C-CB), 1 per 20 ft (C-HB) | — | — | Unlock | §800-60, Table A; §800-62, Table C/D; §800-62B/C |
| Freestanding (Business) | 15 ft (C-NB, C-CB), 35 ft (C-HB) | 100 sq ft (C-NB, C-CB), 200 sq ft (C-HB) | — | 3 ft | As per frontage: 1 per 15 ft (C-NB, C-CB), 1 per 20 ft (C-HB) | — | — | Unlock | §800-60, Table A; §800-62, Table C; §800-63, Table E |
| Building Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Affixed to wall. | — | Unlock | §800-60, Table A; §800-62, Table C; §800-63, Table E |
| Building Window Sign | — | 25% of window area | — | — | — | Affixed to window. | — | Unlock | §800-60, Table A; §800-62, Table D; §800-63, Table E |
| Freestanding (Plaza) | 15 ft (C-NB, C-CB), 35 ft (C-HB) | 100 sq ft (C-NB), 200 sq ft (C-HB), 100 sq ft (C-CB) | — | 3 ft | — | Plaza or similar development | — | Unlock | §800-60, Table A; §800-62, Table C/D |
| Freestanding (Incidental) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §800-60, Table A; §800-63, Table E |
| Building Marker | — | 4 sq ft per building | — | — | 1 per building | Affixed to building | — | Unlock | §800-60, Table A; §800-62, Table D |
| Flag | — | No max listed (noted for residential zones) | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §800-60, Table A; §800-62, Table D |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Altoona — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 6 zones for Altoona — start freeProhibited Signs in Altoona
- It is unlawful to post, tack, paste or hang any political signs and/or posters or any other form of advertising on City-owned property and/or rights-of-way in the City of Altoona.
- All signs that are not expressly permitted under this chapter or exempted from its regulations by § 800-66 are prohibited.
- Prohibited signs include, but are not limited to, beacons, pennants, strings of lights that are not permanently mounted to a rigid background, inflatable signs, tethered balloons, and sexually suggestive signs.
- No off-premises advertising sign or structure shall be erected within 300 feet of any church or school.
- No off-premises advertising sign shall be erected within 1,000 feet of any other off-premises advertising sign on the same side of the street.
- No off-premises advertising sign shall be located within 300 feet of another off-premises advertising sign.
- No off-premises advertising shall be permitted on the roof of any structure.
- No additional off-premises advertising signs shall be permitted within the City limits unless another off-premises advertising sign is removed within the City limits.
- No sign shall exceed any applicable maximum numbers or dimensions shown on Sign Table D or encroach on any applicable minimum clearances.
- No sign shall be located closer than 10 feet to an intersection between public and/or private roads and/or driveways unless that sign allows a clear view between the intersecting roads and/or driveways at all heights between three and 10 feet.
- A nonconforming sign shall not be enlarged or relocated within the City.
- A nonconforming sign shall not be altered except to make safety improvements, maintain as required, or to bring into conformance.
- If a conforming or nonconforming use has been discontinued for a total of 12 months, all related signs and supporting structures shall be considered 'abandoned signs' and must be removed at the owner's expense.
- No person shall possess, destroy, remove, deface, obliterate or cover up any lamp, sign or barricade erected as a warning of danger by City authorities or persons with City permission on City infrastructure or public ground.
Exempt Signs in Altoona
- Any temporary public notice or warning required by a valid and applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance.
- Any sign inside a building that is not attached to a window or door and not legible from a distance of more than three feet beyond the lot line.
- Works of art.
- Signs on the scoreboard or outfield fence of an athletic field.
- Holiday lights and decorations.
- Traffic control signs on private property that meet Pennsylvania Department of Transportation standards.
- Project identification signs for the duration of permitted work if they do not exceed four feet by eight feet, are secured so as not to be a hazard, and are limited to one per project.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Altoona
- Signs are allowed with or without zoning permits as specified in Sign Table A; a permit may be required for some sign types and zones.
- Voluntary replacement of a sign is treated as erecting a new sign, thus subject to the same permitting requirements.
- Some sign characteristics (e.g., electronic screen signs) are only allowed as a special exception in certain zones, subject to Zoning Hearing Board review.
- Certificate of nonconformity may be obtained for nonconforming signs.
- Permitting requirements for zoning permits for signs are in addition to all other applicable permits and requirements.
- No explicit mention of a 'master sign plan' or required variance meeting appears in the provided ordinance text.
Source: ecode360 municipal code