Sign Regulations in Butler, Pennsylvania
Butler, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 23 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Projecting Sign, Freestanding Sign. 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 Butler, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Butler
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of Property Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — |
| For Sale or Rent Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — |
| Public or Semipublic Institution Sign | — | 30 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
23
- Wall Sign
- Projecting Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- Residential Signs (all types from residential districts)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Butler
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Butler 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 Butler, 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 Butler, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Projecting Sign, Freestanding Sign, Residential Signs (all types from residential districts), 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 Butler 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 Butler are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Butler has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Butler, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Butler, Pennsylvania regulates 23 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the C-1, M-1 and M-2 Districts zoning district are capped at 25 ft above average ground level tall and 300 sq ft, with a 300 ft from any residential use, 50 ft from lot lines abutting residential. setback (Sec. § 260-113B(3), § 260-113D). Most commercial signs in Butler require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Butler, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Butler (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | — | — | — |
| Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3) | 9 | — | 30 sq ft | — |
| C-2 Central Business District | 6 | 20 ft | 75 sq ft per face | — |
| C-1, M-1 and M-2 Districts | 6 | 25 ft above average ground level | 300 sq ft | — |
| R-O District | 2 | — | 30 sq ft | — |
| Rotary Arts and Cultural District | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Butler(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of Property Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | One per street frontage | In the area between front or side wall and adjacent street; may be freestanding or attached to building/fence/private lamppost. One per street frontage. | — | Unlock | § 260-111A(1), § 260-111B(1) |
| For Sale or Rent Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | One per street frontage | Same as other signs; see above. | — | Unlock | § 260-111A(2), § 260-111B(1) |
| Public or Semipublic Institution Sign | — | 30 sq ft | — | — | One per street frontage | Same as other signs; see above. | — | Unlock | § 260-111A(3), § 260-111B(1), § 260-111C |
| Seasonal Sale Temporary Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 2 per property | Same as other signs; see above. | — | Unlock | § 260-111A(4), § 260-111B(1) |
| Development Sign | — | 30 sq ft | — | — | Up to 4 per subdivision/development/tract | Same as other signs; see above. | — | Unlock | § 260-111A(5), § 260-111B(2) |
| Artisan Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | One per street frontage | Same as other signs; see above. | — | Unlock | § 260-111A(6), § 260-111B(1) |
| Apartment/Building Identification Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | One per street frontage | Same as other signs; see above. | — | Unlock | § 260-111A(7), § 260-111B(1) |
| Wall Sign (Commercial or Professional Business other than Home Occupation) | — | 10% of wall or 30 sq ft, whichever is greater | — | — | — | Over first floor windows and doors, but below sills of the second floor windows, roof eaves, or tops of parapet walls (whichever is lower) | — | Unlock | § 260-111D(2,3,4,5) |
C-2 Central Business 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On wall surface; shall not project above or beyond the wall edge. | — | Unlock | § 260-112B(1), § 260-112C(1-2), § 260-112D(1), § 260-112E |
| Window Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Applied to/painted on window surface. | — | Unlock | § 260-112B(1), § 260-112C(1) |
| Projecting Sign | — | 75 sq ft per face | — | — | — | Attached to and projecting from building wall. May extend up to 4 ft into public right-of-way if minimum clearance is met. | — | Unlock | § 260-112B(2), § 260-112C(3), § 260-112D(3,5), § 260-116 |
| Marquee Sign (Side/Front Edge) | — | — | — | — | One per business occupying the building (underside sign) | May not extend closer than 3 ft to the street curb. No sign allowed on top of a marquee. | — | Unlock | § 260-112B(3), § 260-112C(4), § 260-112D(3,5) |
| Freestanding Sign | 20 ft | 75 sq ft per face (up to 2 faces); total: 150 sq ft | — | Abutting residential: setback as for a structure. | — | Not attached to building or marquee. Lowest edge must be at least 10 ft above pavement. Support must be outside all public right-of-ways. | — | Unlock | § 260-112B(4), § 260-112C(5), § 260-112D(3-4,6), § 260-112E |
| Upper Floor/Basement Entrance Identification Sign | — | 4 sq ft per face | — | — | One per building | Flat or hung adjacent to entrance (max 18 inch projection from wall). | — | Unlock | § 260-112D(2) |
C-1, M-1 and M-2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Signs (all types from residential districts) | — | As per zoning for R-1, R-2, R-3 | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 260-113A(1) |
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | One per property (two if abutting two or more streets) | On building face abutting principal access street or between building and such street. Two of each kind allowed on corner/through lots. | — | Unlock | § 260-113B(2), § 260-113C(1) |
| Projecting Sign | — | 50 sq ft | — | — | One per property (two if abutting two or more streets) | Over area established for public pedestrian/vehicular use: min 10 ft over pedestrian way, 14 ft 6 in. over vehicular way. | — | Unlock | § 260-113B(1), § 260-113C(2), § 260-116 |
| Freestanding Sign | 25 ft above average ground level | 300 sq ft | — | 300 ft from any residential use, 50 ft from lot lines abutting residential. | One per property (two if abutting two or more streets) | Between building and street. Must not face/partially face a dwelling in residential zone district less than 300 ft away. | — | Unlock | § 260-113B(3), § 260-113D |
| Billboard (M-1 and M-2 only) | 25 ft above average ground level | 300 sq ft | — | 300 ft from any residential use, 50 ft from lot lines abutting residential. | — | As with freestanding sign | — | Unlock | § 260-113A(3), § 260-113B(3), § 260-113D |
| Portable Sign | — | 30 sq ft | — | — | One per property, only if no other sign present | — | — | Unlock | § 260-113B(4) |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Butler — 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 Butler — start freeProhibited Signs in Butler
- No person shall tack, paste or post any advertisements or other matter to or upon any telegraph, telephone, electric light, trolley or other poles or attach any advertisement, poster or other matter on any wire of any telegraph, telephone, electric light or street railway company.
- No person shall tack, paste or post advertisements, posters or other matter on any railing, tree or bridge on or within any of the streets, lanes, alleys or public grounds within the city.
- No sign shall be permitted to be placed upon the roof of any structure or to project above the cornice or eave line of any structure.
- No animated signs, signs illuminated by a flashing, pulsating or intermittent source, or signs lighted in such a manner to create glare on adjacent properties or any adjacent highway shall be permitted.
- All signs must be constructed of durable materials and maintained in good condition.
- Signs may be erected only in compliance with the regulations contained in this Article and the Butler Building Code.
- Building permits are required for all signs.
- The support of a freestanding or projecting sign must be entirely outside any public right-of-way.
- No sign shall be permitted that creates a traffic or pedestrian hazard or an obstruction to adjoining properties.
Exempt Signs in Butler
- Official traffic signs and other similar signs erected by the City of Butler or the Department of Transportation, as authorized by the City Council and the owners of utility poles.
- Temporary signs in the public interest may be approved by the Zoning and Code Management Officer for erection for up to 30 days, subject to other applicable requirements.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Butler
- Plans for all signs or artwork painted on a wall surface must be presented to the City Planning Commission and Council for approval if the area of the sign exceeds 12 square feet (C-2 Central Business District).
- Persons desiring to erect a sign or signs must apply to the Zoning and Code Management Officer and submit a plan indicating the location, size, message content, and construction details of the sign.
- The Zoning and Code Management Officer shall issue a building permit if all applicable parts of this chapter are adhered to.
- Building permits are required for all signs.
Source: ecode360 municipal code