Sign Regulations in Bensalem Township, Pennsylvania
Bensalem Township, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 33 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Limited Duration Sign - Large, Limited Duration Sign - Small, Temporary Sign - Large. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: September 10, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Bensalem Township, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Bensalem Township
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Directional Sign | — | 8 sq ft | — |
| Barber Pole | 36 inches | — | — |
| Professional Accessory/Nameplate Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Bensalem TownshipFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
33
- Limited Duration Sign - Large
- Limited Duration Sign - Small
- Temporary Sign - Large
- Temporary Sign - Small
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Bensalem Township
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Bensalem 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 Bensalem 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 Bensalem Township, regulated sign types include Limited Duration Sign - Large, Limited Duration Sign - Small, Temporary Sign - Large, Temporary Sign - Small, 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 Bensalem 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 Bensalem Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Bensalem Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Bensalem Township, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Bensalem Township, Pennsylvania regulates 33 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the Commercial zoning district (H-C1, IN, G-C, BP, PCD, PCD-UD, PGD, CSD, REC) zoning district are capped at 20 ft tall and See formula; minimum 40 sq ft, max generally 150 sq ft (variance required above 150 sq ft), with a 25 ft from all property edges; 25 ft from any building setback (Sec. Sec. 232-714(b)(2)d.1, 232-715(d)). Most commercial signs in Bensalem Township require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Bensalem Township, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Bensalem Township (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 15 | 36 inches | 8 sq ft | — |
| Residential zoning district (R-A, R-A-1, R-A-2, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-3A, R-AA, R-11, R-22, R-33, RD, A-D, R-66, MXD, SCH, CSO, CCRC, NRP, MHP) | 7 | 8 ft | Combined total (Wall + Freestanding): 50 sq ft | — |
| Commercial zoning district (H-C1, IN, G-C, BP, PCD, PCD-UD, PGD, CSD, REC) | 10 | 20 ft | Max 50 sq ft per sign; total for all signs not exceeding 10% of façade area | — |
| CSD—Convention stadium district | 1 | — | Per sign type size (not specified, subject to underlying sign size regulations) | — |
| Industrial zoning district (LI, GI) | 12 | 20 ft | 150 sq ft | — |
| Bensalem 2018 Regulating Code overlay district | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Bensalem Township(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
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 | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | — | All zones; at intersections or as needed for site control | — | Unlock | Sec. 232-713(b)(4), Sec. 232-714(c)(4) |
| Barber Pole | 36 inches | — | — | — | — | On the property with a barbershop | — | Unlock | Sec. 232-713(b)(6) |
| Professional Accessory/Nameplate Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | One per primary permitted use | On building/window/wall as accessory/nameplate | — | Unlock | Sec. 232-713(b)(8) |
| Home Security Sign | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | — | On property with security system | — | Unlock | Sec. 232-713(b)(9) |
| Public Service/Information Sign (Amenities) | — | 3 sq ft | — | — | — | At location of public amenities | — | Unlock | Sec. 232-713(b)(10) |
| Menu/Business Hours Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | — | Building façade/window/podium as described | — | Unlock | Sec. 232-713(b)(11) |
| Personal Expression Sign | 4 ft (if freestanding) | 4 sq ft | — | — | — | On premises (freestanding, wall, or window) | — | Unlock | Sec. 232-713(b)(12) |
| No Parking Sign (Residential) | — | 1.5 sq ft | — | — | One per property | On property as needed | — | Unlock | Sec. 232-713(b)(14) |
Commercial zoning district (H-C1, IN, G-C, BP, PCD, PCD-UD, PGD, CSD, REC)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limited Duration Sign - Large | 8 ft | 16 sq ft | — | — | 1 or 2 depending on property size | On property | — | Unlock | Sec. 232-714(b)(1)a,d,e,f |
| Limited Duration Sign - Small | 6 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 or 2 depending on property size | On property | — | Unlock | Sec. 232-714(b)(1)b,d,e,f |
| Temporary Sign - Large | Ground sign: 8 ft; Banner: 24 ft | Banner: 32 sq ft; Other: 16 sq ft | — | — | 1 or 2 depending on property size | On property | — | Unlock | Sec. 232-714(b)(1)g, 232-714(b)(4) |
| Temporary Sign - Small | 6 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 or 2 depending on property size | On property | — | Unlock | Sec. 232-714(b)(1)g, 232-714(b)(4) |
| Freestanding Sign | 20 ft | See formula; minimum 40 sq ft, max generally 150 sq ft (variance required above 150 sq ft) | — | 25 ft from all property edges; 25 ft from any building | One per street frontage; two for frontage 500+ ft | On-premises, at least 25 ft from property edge & 25 ft from any building | — | Unlock | Sec. 232-714(b)(2)d.1, 232-715(d) |
| Wall/Awning/Façade Sign | — | Max 50 sq ft per sign; total for all signs not exceeding 10% of façade area | — | — | Multiple per façade, but total not exceeding 10% of façade | On building wall, awning, or façade; can be painted inside/outside windows, or individual letters affixed to building | — | Unlock | Sec. 232-714(b)(2)d.2, 232-715(d) |
| Projecting Sign | — | Min 24 sq ft, max 50 sq ft | — | Min 8 ft above public walkway | One projecting sign per street frontage | On premises, projecting from building | — | Unlock | Sec. 232-714(b)(2)d.3, 232-715(d) |
| Electronic Graphic Display / Changeable Copy Sign | — | Per permitted sign type size (counts toward overall sign calculation) | — | 100 ft from abutting residential districts; 35 ft from another electronic/video sign | One per property | Premises of business | — | Unlock | Sec. 232-714(b)(3), § 232-717 |
Industrial zoning district (LI, GI)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limited Duration Sign - Large | 8 ft | 16 sq ft | — | — | Max two per property | On property | — | Unlock | Sec. 232-714(a)(1), (c) |
| Limited Duration Sign - Small | 6 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | Max two per property | On property | — | Unlock | Sec. 232-714(a)(1), (c) |
| Temporary Sign - Large | Ground sign: 8 ft; Banner: 24 ft | Banner: 32 sq ft; Other: 16 sq ft | — | — | One per property, two if 5+ acres+ or >10,000 sq ft | On property | — | Unlock | Sec. 232-714(c)(9) |
| Temporary Sign - Small | 6 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | One per property, two if 5+ acres+ or >10,000 sq ft | On property | — | Unlock | Sec. 232-714(c)(9) |
| Freestanding Sign | 20 ft | Min 40 sq ft, max 150 sq ft | — | 25 ft from all property edges; 25 ft from building | One per street frontage | On-premises, at least 25 ft from all property edges & any building | — | Unlock | Sec. 232-714(c)(2)d.1, 232-715(d) |
| Wall/Façade Sign | — | 10% of façade | — | — | Multiple per façade, total not exceeding 10% of façade | On building façade/wall, including painted, affixed inside/outside windows, or individual letters | — | Unlock | Sec. 232-714(c)(2)d.2 |
| Projecting Sign | — | Min 24 sq ft | — | Min 8 ft above level of public walkway | One per street frontage | From building | — | Unlock | Sec. 232-714(c)(2)d.3 |
| Electronic Graphic Display / Changeable Copy Sign | — | Per permitted sign type size (counts toward overall sign calculation) | — | 100 ft from abutting residential districts; 35 ft from another electronic/video sign | One per property | On property | — | Unlock | Sec. 232-714(c)(11), § 232-717 |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Bensalem Township — 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 Bensalem Township — start freeProhibited Signs in Bensalem Township
- Abandoned signs and awnings are prohibited and must be removed within 60 days of the effective date.
- Searchlights in connection with operation of business are prohibited.
- Any sign which by color, shape or location conflicts with or resembles a traffic signal device or government sign is prohibited.
- Signs erected without the permission of the property owner or authorized agent are prohibited.
- Signs that create a hazard by obstructing the clear view of vehicles and pedestrian traffic are prohibited.
- Any sign which flashes, moves or emits smoke, steam, or other visible particulates or odor is prohibited.
- Spinners, pennants, streamers, flags, and balloons, and any moving object used for commercial advertising purposes are prohibited, except as permitted elsewhere in the chapter.
- Flashing, electronically changing messages, intermittent movement, blinking, twinkling, animated, revolving, rotating, or moving signs of any type are prohibited, except specified exceptions for time and temperature changes, electronic graphic displays, or monument displays (per Code references).
- Neon lighting is not permitted in residential districts.
- Any sign that obstructs free ingress or egress from a door, window, fire escape, or other exit-way is prohibited.
- Any sign painted onto the actual masonry of a building or structure is prohibited, except for an approved mural.
- Vehicular signs in residential areas are prohibited.
- Signs that exhibit obscene or pornographic subject matter are prohibited as determined by the Township.
- Revolving signs are prohibited except for barbershop poles.
- Signs containing beacon lights are prohibited.
- No sign shall be placed on the roof or above the highest point of the roof of a building.
- Projecting V-shaped signs are prohibited.
- Snipe signs are prohibited.
- Awnings that are backlit are prohibited.
- Posting any sign on or over property owned by the Township is prohibited.
- Posting on utility poles is prohibited. Commercial signs may not be posted on public utility poles or other public utility structures or affixed to trees, rocks, or other natural features.
- Festoon lighting is prohibited except during national and religious holidays or as otherwise permitted.
- Any sign inconsistent with this chapter is prohibited.
- Signs affixed to a utility pole or structure, lighting standard, parking meter, park bench, tree, shrub, rock, or natural object are prohibited except for plaques of a maximum of one square foot, historical markers, or banners approved by the Township.
- No signs shall be attached to trees or utility poles.
- Portable signs (fixed on movable stands, self-supporting but not firmly embedded, supported by other objects, mounted on wheels or vehicles, or easily movable) are prohibited in industrial districts.
- Roof signs are prohibited in industrial districts.
- Electronic graphic display, electronic changeable copy, or video display signs are prohibited on residential parcels.
Exempt Signs in Bensalem Township
- Street signs, official highway signs, street name, directional or other traffic signs in accordance with the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code are exempt from permitting.
- Government flags, insignia or decorative banners are exempt from permitting.
- Legal notices of a governmental agency are exempt from permitting.
- Directional signs are exempt from permitting provided they do not contain advertising (including logos), do not exceed eight square feet, and do not obstruct the sight triangles at internal intersections on the property.
- Public monument, plaque or historic identification marker erected by a government agency or its designee is exempt from permitting.
- Barber poles (revolving barbershop pole sign) not exceeding 36 inches in height and erected in conjunction with a barbershop on the property are exempt from permitting.
- Address signs are exempt from sign area calculation provided the sign does not contain advertising, trade names, or logos.
- Professional accessory use or nameplate signs are exempt from permitting provided signs are not illuminated, do not exceed two square feet, and only one sign per primary permitted use.
- Home security signs not exceeding one square foot in area are exempt from permitting.
- Public service and information signs advertising the availability of public rest rooms, telephones, or similar public conveniences not exceeding three square feet in area are exempt from permitting.
- Menus and signs indicating business hours not exceeding two square feet in area, located appropriately (mounted display box, window, or podium) are exempt from permitting.
- Personal expression signs not illuminated and either freestanding, wall, or window, not exceeding four square feet in area and, if freestanding, not exceeding four feet in height are exempt from permitting.
- "No trespassing" signs and signs indicating private ownership of roadways or properties, not exceeding one square foot and spaced at intervals not less than 100 feet of street frontage are exempt from permitting.
- "No parking" signs and signs indicating private parking areas in residential districts, not exceeding one and one-half square feet and limited to one sign per property are exempt from permitting.
- Traffic control signs of eight square feet in area or less are exempt from permitting; no advertising is permitted.
- Under-canopy signs of six square feet in area or less at each entrance to the identified facility, placed at least eight feet above walkways, are exempt from permitting.
- Temporary signs, subject to the regulations, are exempt from permitting unless otherwise noted.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Bensalem Township
- Every application for a sign permit shall be accompanied by a plan prepared to scale, including dimensions of the sign, support structure, maximum and minimum height, location in relation to lot lines and buildings, and maintenance provisions. (Sec. 232-713)
- Detailed plans showing supporting structural members and foundations must be submitted to the Township for approval before issuance of a permit. The Building Official may require additional construction documents by a Pennsylvania registered Design Professional. The seal of such professional shall be required on all such plans. (Sec. 232-715)
- For a limited duration sign, the application shall include, in addition to the general permit requirements, the expected length of time the sign will be displayed.
- Any addition of changeable copy to an existing sign structure which previously did not contain changeable copy requires a new sign permit.
- Permit applications for signs containing a digital electronic display must include the manufacturer's specification sheet and maximum nit (candelas per square meter) rating.
- All signs must comply with the provisions of this chapter and any other municipal ordinances and regulations.
- Any sign exceeding 150 square feet in area requires a variance or appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board (commercial districts).
- If street frontage exceeds 100 feet, an appeal may be made to the Zoning Hearing Board to increase sign size (commercial and industrial districts).
- Electronic graphic display and electronic changeable copy signs, and video display signs may require a special exception depending on the district (Sec. 232-714 and 232-717).
- All signs to be constructed higher than ten feet above grade or larger than 24 square feet require submission of a certificate of insurance for liability and property damage with the Township.
Source: municode municipal code