Sign Regulations in Caln Township, Pennsylvania
Caln Township, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 32 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Projecting Sign, Property Control or Restriction Sign, Freestanding or Ground 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 28, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Caln Township, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Caln Township
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Sign Height | Wall sign may extend above roofline no more than 20% of sign height at point of attachment | — | — |
| Projecting Sign | Max 20 feet, min 8 feet from ground | 20 sq ft per side (single side area); double-faced allowed | — |
| Double-Faced Sign | — | Total area by one side if parallel & matching; both sides if not parallel or >16 inch apart | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Caln TownshipFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
32
- Projecting Sign
- Property Control or Restriction Sign
- Freestanding or Ground Sign
- General Sign Permit
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
10
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Caln Township
Municipal Code3 permit application links available
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Caln 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 Caln 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 Caln Township, regulated sign types include Projecting Sign, Property Control or Restriction Sign, Freestanding or Ground Sign, General Sign Permit, 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 Caln 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 Caln Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Caln Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Caln Township, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Caln Township, Pennsylvania regulates 32 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Freestanding or Ground Sign (Residential Development, 20 or more units)s in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, Residentially Zoned District zoning district are capped at 10 ft for sign; supporting wall/fence: 8 ft tall and 32 sq ft (Sec. § 155-148D). Most commercial signs in Caln Township require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Caln Township, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Caln Township (10 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 16 | Wall sign may extend above roofline no more than 20% of sign height at point of attachment | 32 sq ft | — |
| R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, Residentially Zoned District | 5 | 10 ft for sign; supporting wall/fence: 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| C-2, I-1 | 1 | 20 ft to bottom edge; 40 ft to top edge | 250 sq ft | — |
| Office Park, Business Park, Medical Research Park, Industrial Park | 3 | 20 ft | 100 sq ft | — |
| Mini Mall | 2 | 20 ft | 60 sq ft (all uses) | — |
| Shopping Center, Shopping Mall | 3 | 20 ft | 100 sq ft | — |
| Nonresidential District, Nonresidential Zoning District | 5 | 20 ft | 100 sq ft (main face) / 50 sq ft (others) | — |
| Municipal, Governmental, Recreational or Institutional Use | 1 | — | 60 sq ft | — |
| Agricultural Use | 1 | — | 30 sq ft | — |
| Route 30 Overlay District | 1 | — | 10% of building face area per face | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Caln Township(sample of 3 of 10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Sign Location | — | — | — | — | — | No sign may be attached to utility poles or trees within street right-of-way. No freestanding sign within 5 feet of R/W or 20 feet of property line unless specified otherwise. No location that obstructs visibility or traffic. | — | Unlock | § 155-146C |
| General Sign Height | Wall sign may extend above roofline no more than 20% of sign height at point of attachment | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 155-146E |
| Freestanding Sign (location/clearance) | — | — | — | — | — | At least 7 feet clear space between sign and ground if within 20 feet of R/W. | — | Unlock | § 155-146F |
| Projecting Sign | Max 20 feet, min 8 feet from ground | 20 sq ft per side (single side area); double-faced allowed | — | — | — | Must be building-mounted, perpendicular to wall | — | Unlock | § 155-146G |
| Real Estate Sign (Residential) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 2 per property, 200 ft apart | At least 5 feet from street R/W and all other property lines | — | Unlock | § 155-146K(1), § 155-151A(4) |
| Real Estate Sign (Nonresidential) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | — | At least 5 feet from street R/W, 20 feet from all other property lines | — | Unlock | § 155-146K(2) |
| Directional Sign (General) | — | Per chart | — | — | — | Must be approved; outside R/W: min 2 ft from R/W, 10 ft from other property line. | — | Unlock | § 155-146L |
| Political Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | Not in R/W, only on property with owner's permission | — | Unlock | § 155-146M |
R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, Residentially Zoned 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate or Street Address Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | — | At least 2 feet from R/W and 5 feet from other property lines | — | Unlock | § 155-148A |
| Property Control or Restriction Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 155-148B |
| Home Occupation Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per dwelling/use | Fixed flat on main wall or in front yard (not within 2 feet of R/W or 5 feet of other property lines) | — | Unlock | § 155-148C |
| Freestanding or Ground Sign (Residential Development, 20 or more units) | 10 ft for sign; supporting wall/fence: 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 2 per entrance | At least 5 ft from R/W and 20 ft from other property lines; not in clear sight triangle; location as approved by Zoning Officer | — | Unlock | § 155-148D |
| Directional Sign (interior residential development) | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street | 1 per street (interior only) | — | Unlock | § 155-148E |
Nonresidential District, Nonresidential Zoning 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 or Parallel Sign | — | 100 sq ft (main face) / 50 sq ft (others) | — | — | 6 per use | On building wall | — | Unlock | § 155-149A |
| Freestanding or Ground Sign (Nonresidential) | Max 18 ft/8 ft for ground sign | Per matrix chart and sections above; most single-tenant nonresidential = 100 sq ft | — | — | 1 per use | — | — | Unlock | § 155-149A, § 155-149B(4) |
| Projecting Sign | 20 ft | 20 sq ft | — | — | 1 per use | Mounted to building at right angles, min 8 ft above ground | — | Unlock | § 155-149A, § 155-146G |
| Directional Sign | — | Per chart (commonly 4 per acre, size/height per § 155-147) | — | — | 4 per acre | — | — | Unlock | § 155-149A |
| Accessory Sign (Nonresidential) | — | — | — | — | 2 per use | — | — | Unlock | § 155-149A |
PermitPal covers all 10 zoning districts in Caln 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 10 zones for Caln Township — start freeProhibited Signs in Caln Township
- No sign shall be posted, stapled or otherwise permanently attached to public utility poles or trees within a street right-of-way.
- No sign shall be located, placed or arranged in any manner that interferes with vehicular traffic, including the obstruction of sight distance.
- No ground or freestanding sign shall be located within the clear sight triangle of a street intersection.
- The use of red, green or amber lights on any sign within 200 feet of a street intersection is prohibited.
- The use of intermittent, flashing or animated lighting within 50 feet of a street right-of-way line and 200 feet from specific residential zoning districts is prohibited.
- The use of illuminated signs in residential zoning districts is prohibited unless specifically related to certain institutional or emergency management uses.
- Spinning, animated, twirling or any other moving objects used for commercial advertising purposes, with movement in intervals of less than 30 seconds or one complete rotation within a thirty-second interval, are prohibited.
- Flashing, blinking, twinkling, animated or other message-changing devices used for commercial advertising purposes, with changes in intervals of less than 30 seconds, are prohibited.
- Signs placed, inscribed or supported upon the highest roofline or upon any structure which extends above the highest roofline of any building are prohibited.
- Wall signs that partially extend above the roofline by more than 20% of the sign height are prohibited.
- Roof signs erected on top of a principal or accessory building are prohibited.
- Balloons, streamers, banner and promotion signs exceeding the provisions of the Code (§ 155-151) are prohibited.
- Portable signs are prohibited.
- Signs located on parked vehicles within 50 feet of the street right-of-way are prohibited.
- Signs containing vulgar messages or depicting any lewd, pornographic, lascivious or other offensive acts are prohibited.
- Any sign exceeding the provisions for location, placement, type, area, height, clearance, visibility, sight distance, projection, quantity and illumination, as specified within the Code, is prohibited.
- Caution tape or crime scene tape that is not utilized for emergency management purposes is prohibited.
- No off-premises advertising sign or billboard shall be located in any manner that disrupts or distracts the operator of a motor vehicle.
- No off-premises advertising sign or billboard shall be constructed and erected which resembles any official marker, logo and/or insignia of any governmental entity or other organization without written consent.
- Off-premises advertising signs or billboards containing intermittent flashing, color changes made by electrical energy, animated or motion, scintillating, reflective or moving lighting features or scrolling information are prohibited.
- Off-premises advertising signs or billboards must not contain vulgar or offensive messages.
Exempt Signs in Caln Township
- Traffic control signs, directional signs, traffic signals or other similar signs located within a street right-of-way are permitted if approved by Caln Township and/or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
- Artistic murals depicting scenic, historical, cultural, educational or other similar visual scenes may be painted on the side of a building if approved by the Caln Township Board of Commissioners and are aesthetic and socially acceptable.
- Real estate signs for the selling, renting or leasing of residential and nonresidential properties are permitted if they meet size, spacing, location and timing requirements.
- Property control or restriction signs not exceeding two square feet and not containing irrelevant personal messages are permitted.
- Temporary signs may be permitted, provided they are not considered permanent and comply with the Code.
- Special event or promotional signs may be permitted, provided they are not considered permanent and comply with the Code.
- Special use signs may be permitted, provided they are not considered permanent and comply with the Code.
- Political signs are permitted, subject to size, placement, and timing restrictions.
- Business and advertising signs within a sports facility or venue promoting youth sports are permitted with restrictions.
- Directional signs within residential developments are permitted under certain conditions.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Caln Township
- Permits are required for all signs unless otherwise specified in the Code (§ 155-146A).
- Two complete permit applications must be submitted for all signs (§ 155-146A(1)).
- Sign permit applications must include plans and diagrams drawn to scale showing dimensions, locations, type, construction, materials, and installation method (§ 155-146A(2)).
- No sign permit shall be issued except in conformity with the regulations unless a variance is granted by the Zoning Hearing Board (§ 155-146A(4)).
- If a dispute regarding interpretation arises, an appeal may be filed with the Zoning Hearing Board (§ 155-145B, § 155-147C).
- A sign plan (including plot plan for special event signs) is required as part of certain permit applications (§ 155-146A(2); § 155-151B(5)).
- Permit applications for off-premises advertising signs or billboards must include signed and sealed plans from a licensed engineer (§ 155-150D(1),(4)), and three sets of plans and diagrams (§ 155-150F(2)-(3)).
- A special event sign permit is required for each sign used to advertise any special event, requiring property owner/lessee application and establishment of dates, times and duration (§ 155-151B(11)).
- Banner permit applications for banners across public streets must be submitted at least 45 days in advance and approved by the Board of Commissioners (§ 155-151D(1)).
Source: ecode360 municipal code