Sign Regulations in Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania
Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 19 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Exempt Signs, Temporary Signs, Window Signs. 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 Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Bethlehem Township
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Nonresidential Use) | — | 32 sq ft | — |
| Freestanding Sign (Nonresidential Use) | 8 ft | 15 sq ft | No sign except official, nameplate, public service, and directional signs within 5 ft of or projecting over street ROW; no sign within accessory side/rear setback unless abutting commercial/industrial lot. |
| Sign advertising major residential development | 8 ft | 25 sq ft | Outside of future right-of-way lines; satisfy sight distance requirements § 275-171C |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
19
- Exempt Signs
- Temporary Signs
- Window Signs
- Signs on Mobile Stands
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Bethlehem Township
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
In Bethlehem Township, monument signs are limited to 8 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 Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem Township, regulated sign types include Exempt Signs, Temporary Signs, Window Signs, Signs on Mobile Stands, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Bethlehem Township, monument signs typically require a No sign except official, nameplate, public service, and directional signs within 5 ft of or projecting over street ROW; no sign within accessory side/rear setback unless abutting commercial/industrial lot. 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 Bethlehem Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Bethlehem Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
Ready to Research Bethlehem Township Sign Permits?
Stop spending hours searching through municipal codes. Get instant access to Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania sign regulations with PermitPal's AI-powered platform.
No credit card required · Get results in seconds
Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania regulates 19 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Nonresidential Use)s in the AG, RR, CR, IN, LDR, MDR, MHDR, Residential Districts (AG, RR, CR, LDR, MDR, MHDR, IN) zoning district are capped at 8 ft tall and 15 sq ft, with a No sign except official, nameplate, public service, and directional signs within 5 ft of or projecting over street ROW; no sign within accessory side/rear setback unless abutting commercial/industrial lot. setback (Sec. § 275-162B(2), § 275-161A). Most commercial signs in Bethlehem Township require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Bethlehem Township (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AG, RR, CR, IN, LDR, MDR, MHDR, Residential Districts (AG, RR, CR, LDR, MDR, MHDR, IN) | 6 | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| GC, PC, Commercial Districts (GC, PC) | 9 | 18 ft (GC, PC) | see temporary sign table § 275-156A | — |
| NC | 5 | 10 ft | see temporary sign table § 275-156A | — |
| LI, LI(P), GI, OB, Industrial/Business Districts (LI, LI(P), GI, OB) | 7 | 10 ft | see temporary sign table § 275-156A | — |
| LI | 1 | 80 ft from natural ground | 300 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Bethlehem Township(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
AG, RR, CR, IN, LDR, MDR, MHDR, Residential Districts (AG, RR, CR, LDR, MDR, MHDR, IN)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Nonresidential Use) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Front wall of the structure only | — | Unlock | § 275-162B(1) |
| Freestanding Sign (Nonresidential Use) | 8 ft | 15 sq ft | — | No sign except official, nameplate, public service, and directional signs within 5 ft of or projecting over street ROW; no sign within accessory side/rear setback unless abutting commercial/industrial lot. | 1 per street frontage | — | — | Unlock | § 275-162B(2), § 275-161A |
| Sign advertising major residential development | 8 ft | 25 sq ft | — | Outside of future right-of-way lines; satisfy sight distance requirements § 275-171C | Up to 3 | At up to three of the major entrances to the development from exterior streets; not within any right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 275-159B, H |
| Exempt Signs | — | Varies by type (e.g., nameplate/ID 2 sq ft, directional 4 sq ft, public service 2 sq ft, home occupation 2 sq ft) | — | — | see § 275-157 | — | — | Unlock | § 275-157, § 275-162A(1) |
| Temporary Signs | — | 4 sq ft (most in residential, see table in § 275-156A) | — | — | see § 275-156A | — | — | Unlock | § 275-156, § 275-162A(2) |
| Home Occupation Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 | — | — | Unlock | § 275-157J, § 275-162D |
GC, PC, Commercial Districts (GC, PC)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (One Principal Use, Per Wall) | — | 60 sq ft | — | — | 1 per wall | Limited to wall of principal use | — | Unlock | § 275-163A(3)(a) |
| Wall Sign (Multiple Principal Uses, Per Establishment) | — | — | — | — | 2 per establishment | Each building face | — | Unlock | § 275-163A(4)(a) |
| Wall Sign (Large Commercial Building Bonus) | — | 80 sq ft each, total per face 15% of bldg face | — | — | — | Commercial buildings >75,000 sq ft | — | Unlock | § 275-163A(4)(e) |
| Freestanding Sign (One Principal Use) | 18 ft (GC, PC) | 32 sq ft | — | See location requirements § 275-153 | 1 (or 2 if >300 ft road frontage) | Per street frontage | — | Unlock | § 275-163A(3)(b), § 275-161A |
| Freestanding Sign (Multiple Principal Uses) | 18 ft (GC, PC) | 50 sq ft (or 80 sq ft for two signs if >300 ft frontage or >10 establishments) | — | — | 1 (or 2 if >300 ft or >10 establishments) | Per street frontage | — | Unlock | § 275-163A(4)(b), § 275-161A |
| Signs on Mobile Stands | — | 40 sq ft | — | — | 1 per use or lot | Not within road right-of-way; not creating hazard | — | Unlock | § 275-163C |
| Exempt Signs | — | Varies by type (see residential districts) | — | — | see § 275-157 | — | — | Unlock | § 275-157, § 275-163A(1) |
| Temporary Signs | — | see temporary sign table § 275-156A | — | — | see § 275-156A | — | — | Unlock | § 275-163A(2) |
LI, LI(P), GI, OB, Industrial/Business Districts (LI, LI(P), GI, OB)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | 200 sq ft | — | — | 2 per establishment | — | — | Unlock | § 275-164D |
| Freestanding Sign | 10 ft | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | — | — | Unlock | § 275-164E, § 275-161A |
| Sign Identifying Major Development | 8 ft | 25 sq ft | — | Not within right-of-way; must satisfy sight distance requirements | up to 3 | At major entrances | — | Unlock | § 275-159B, H |
| Directional Business Sign (for projects 100+ acres, within development) | — | 150 sq ft | — | — | 1 per intersection | At intersections within commercial/industrial/office development | — | Unlock | § 275-159I |
| Exempt Signs | — | Varies by type (see residential districts) | — | — | see § 275-157 | — | — | Unlock | § 275-157, § 275-164A |
| Temporary Signs | — | see temporary sign table § 275-156A | — | — | see § 275-156A | — | — | Unlock | § 275-164B |
| Signs on Mobile Stands | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 275-164F |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem Township — start freeProhibited Signs in Bethlehem Township
- No person shall place or erect any sign on any Township property except as specifically allowed (see § 190-2).
- No sign except official signs, nameplate signs, public service signs and directional signs shall be erected within five feet of or project over any existing and/or future street right-of-way.
- No sign shall be so located or arranged that it interferes with sight distance requirements.
- No signs except permitted off-premises, official, political or public service signs shall be erected on a property to which it does not relate.
- No sign shall be located within a required side or rear setback for an accessory structure, except along lot lines that abut a commercially or industrially used or zoned lot (other than a street right-of-way).
- No sign shall be posted on any property or sign pole or public utility pole, unless permission has been received by the owner, except for certain temporary exempt signs.
- No sign shall be erected within public rights-of-way unless officially authorized.
- Banners, flags, spinners, pennants or any moving object used for a commercial advertising purpose are prohibited, except as specifically exempted.
- Flashing, electronically changing message, blinking, twinkling, animated or moving signs of any type are prohibited, except those portions which indicate only time and temperature changes, with exceptions for digital/electronic signs where permitted.
- Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors or particles, sound or odor are prohibited.
- Signs which contain information stating or implying that property may be used for any unpermitted use are prohibited.
- Signs that imitate or resemble any official traffic sign, signal or device or likely to confuse or distract drivers are prohibited.
- Outlining rooflines, doors, windows or wall edges by illuminated neon light tubing for advertising is prohibited.
- Signs using reflective materials to give the appearance of flashing, blinking, twinkling or electronically changing messages are prohibited, except as otherwise permitted.
- Signs or displays with words or images that are obscene, pornographic, or highly offensive to public decency are prohibited.
- Balloons tethered to the ground or structure greater than five cubic feet for advertising are prohibited, except as special sale signs.
- Any sign on a mobile stand, other than as provided by specific regulation, is prohibited.
- Floodlights and lasers are permitted only as special sale signs.
- Signs in any district must be constructed of durable materials and be kept in good condition and repair; dilapidated signs may be removed by the Township at the owner's expense.
- Signs advertising a use or product no longer available must be removed or changed within 90 days.
Exempt Signs in Bethlehem Township
- Official signs are not regulated in any form by the sign ordinance.
- Nameplate signs: not to exceed two square feet; maximum of one per lot.
- Identification signs: not to exceed two square feet; maximum of one per lot.
- Directional signs: not to exceed four square feet.
- Memorial or historic markers approved by Board of Commissioners, Planning Commission, or a state or federal agency.
- Public service signs: not to exceed two square feet; maximum of two per lot.
- Temporary signs as defined in § 275-156, provided they meet timing and size requirements and none may be illuminated.
- Trespassing signs, private road/driveway/premises signs, signs prohibiting or controlling hunting/fishing: not to exceed two square feet and not closer than 25 feet to each other per lot.
- Signs physically carried by a person.
- Home occupation signs: not to exceed two square feet and one per lot or use; illumination limited to residential-type lighting.
- Signs not visible from a public street or exterior property line.
- Officially required signs: those with only government-required information.
- Very small signs: less than one square foot in area, unreadable from public street or property line.
- Window signs not of a permanent nature, provided other requirements are met.
- Decorations for recognized holidays, provided posted not more than 20 (or 60 for Christmas) days prior, and removed within 10 days after event.
- Flags of any nation or government and up to two additional cloth flags per lot up to 10 square feet each.
- Signs within right-of-way of a public street when officially authorized.
- On Township property: official signs, physically carried signs (free speech), polling place election signs (with timing limits), and signs permitted by Parks and Recreation under Chapter 170.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Bethlehem Township
- A permit under this article shall be required for all signs allowed in any zoning district except for exempt signs listed in § 275-157.
- A sign permit is required for signs on mobile stands (§ 275-163C).
- Any signs to be associated with a proposed conditional use or special exception use are reviewed/approved at the time of review of the use (i.e., a sign plan is reviewed as part of conditional/special exception applications; see § 275-165).
- Signs for major developments (see § 275-159) reference the need for approved subdivision/land development plans for certain types of development signs.
- A variance or special exception may be required from the Zoning Hearing Board for peculiar circumstances or signs not otherwise permitted (see § 275-166F regarding off-premises signs by special exception).
Source: ecode360 municipal code