Sign Regulations in Canton Borough, Pennsylvania
Canton Borough, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 27 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Temporary Sign - Proposed Development (Residential or Office), Monument Sign, Directional 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 Canton Borough, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Canton Borough
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Directional Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — |
| Incidental Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — |
| Identification Sign | 5 ft | 2 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
27
- Temporary Sign - Proposed Development (Residential or Office)
- Monument Sign
- Directional Sign
- Incidental Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Canton Borough
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Canton Borough 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 Canton Borough, 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 Canton Borough, regulated sign types include Temporary Sign - Proposed Development (Residential or Office), Monument Sign, Directional Sign, Incidental Sign, 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 Canton Borough 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 Canton Borough are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Canton Borough has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Canton Borough, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Canton Borough, Pennsylvania regulates 27 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Electronic Message Signs in the Commercial (C1), Central Business (CB) zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and 12 sq ft per side, with a District Setback setback (Sec. §27-813, Table; §27-811). Most commercial signs in Canton Borough require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Canton Borough, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Canton Borough (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 9 | 10 ft (freestanding); Height of wall to which attached (wall sign) | Up to 32 sq ft | — |
| Commercial (C1), Central Business (CB), Open Space (OS), Industrial (I) | 3 | 20 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Commercial (C1), Central Business (CB) | 8 | 20 ft | 32 sq ft per side | — |
| Commercial (C1) | 4 | 25 ft | 250 sq ft per side | — |
| Central Business (CB) | 1 | 20 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Low Density Residential (R1), Medium Density Residential (R2), Mobile Home Park (MHP) | 3 | 10 ft (freestanding); Height of wall to which attached (wall sign) | 32 sq ft per side | — |
| Residential Zoning District | 1 | 10 ft (freestanding); Height of wall to which sign is attached | Up to 32 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Canton Borough(sample of 3 of 7 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 | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | Not restricted | On-Premises | — | Unlock | §27-813, Table (Directional); §27-805.11 (Security and Warning), §27-805.10 (Private Drive) |
| Incidental Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | Not restricted | On-Premises | — | Unlock | §27-813, Table (Incidental Sign); §27-805.11 |
| Identification Sign | 5 ft | 2 sq ft | — | — | One per property | On-Premises | — | Unlock | §27-813, Table (Identification); §27-805.7 |
| Temporary Sign - Contractors, Architects, Mechanics, Landscapers, Artisans | 5 ft (freestanding) | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per firm | On-Premises | — | Unlock | §27-814, Table |
| Temporary Sign - Real Estate Sale, Sold, Rent | 5 ft (freestanding); Height of wall to which attached (wall sign) | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage, max 2 | On lot/unit for sale or rent | — | Unlock | §27-814, Table |
| Temporary Sign - Proposed Development (Residential or Office) | 10 ft (freestanding); Height of wall to which attached (wall sign) | Up to 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage, max 2 | On property | — | Unlock | §27-814, Table |
| Temporary Sign - Special Event (Businesses) | 10 ft (freestanding); Height of wall to which attached (wall sign) | 32 sq ft if freestanding; 48 sq ft if attached to wall | — | — | One per business per event | On-Premises | — | Unlock | §27-814, Table |
| Temporary Sign - Garage/Yard Sale | 5 ft (freestanding); Height of wall to which attached (wall sign) | 4 sq ft | — | — | 2 | On property conducting sale | — | Unlock | §27-814, Table |
Commercial (C1), Central Business (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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic Message Sign | 6 ft | 12 sq ft per side | — | District Setback | One per property | On-Premises | — | Unlock | §27-813, Table; §27-811 |
| Menu Board | 5 ft | 2 sq ft per side | — | — | One per property | Ground level entrance | — | Unlock | §27-813, Table |
| Monument Sign | 4 ft | 32 sq ft per side | — | District Setback | One per property | On-premises | — | Unlock | §27-813, Table (Monument) |
| Projecting Sign | 8 ft | 32 sq ft per side | — | — | One per property | Extending from building wall | — | Unlock | §27-813, Table (Projecting Sign) |
| Sandwich Board Sign | 5 ft | 10 sq ft per side | — | Within 6 ft of building exterior | One per property | In area of storefront, within 6 ft of building exterior | — | Unlock | §27-813, Table (Sandwich Board) |
| Time & Temperature Sign | — | 12 sq ft | — | District Setback | One per property | On-Premises | — | Unlock | §27-813, Table (Time & Temperature) |
| Wall Sign | 20 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | One per property | Parallel to building face, not extending more than 12 inches | — | Unlock | §27-813, Table (Wall Sign); §27-804.2 |
| Window Sign | — | 25% of gross glass area on any one side of building | — | — | Not restricted | Affixed to internal side of window | — | Unlock | §27-813, Table (Window Sign) |
Commercial (C1)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard | 25 ft | 250 sq ft per side | — | District setback | One per 1,500 feet | Off-Premises | — | Unlock | §27-813, Table; §27-809 (Billboard) |
| Digital Billboard | 25 ft | 250 sq ft per side | — | District setback, minimum 5 ft from right-of-way | One per 1,500 feet | Off-Premises | — | Unlock | §27-813, Table; §27-810 |
| Pylon Sign | 12 ft | 32 sq ft per side | — | District setback | One per property | On-Premises | — | Unlock | §27-813, Table (Pylon Sign) |
| Roof Sign | Not exceed top of ridge | 20 sq ft | — | — | One per building | Between building eave and top of ridge | — | Unlock | §27-813, Table (Roof Sign) |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Canton Borough. Run a code check for your exact address to get the zone that applies to your property and its full sign requirements — illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
Run a code check for your exact address — freeProhibited Signs in Canton Borough
- No sign shall be maintained in such a state of disrepair as to have the appearance of complete neglect, to be rotting, falling down, illegible, or have loose parts separated from original fastenings.
- No flashing, blinking, strobe, twinkling, animated, streaming, or moving signs of any type are permitted. A sign may only change message once every minute. Flashing lights visible from a street shall not be used to attract attention to a business. This includes window signs but excludes seasonal holiday lighting or displays.
- No sign or sign structure shall constitute a hazard to public safety or health, including failure to shield its light source and thus causing unacceptable glare to neighbors or public street.
- No sign shall by size, location, content, coloring, or manner of illumination obstruct the vision of drivers or detract from the visibility/effectiveness of traffic signs/devices.
- No sign shall imitate or resemble any official traffic sign, signal or device, or have characteristics likely to confuse or distract drivers.
- No commercial ad or sign (unless approved by State DOT) shall use words such as 'stop', 'look', 'one-way', 'danger', 'yield' or similar likely to mislead/confuse traffic.
- No sign within 300 feet of a traffic light shall be illuminated with red, green, or yellow lights.
- No visible sign (internal or external) may display words or images that are obscene or pornographic, or display vulgar, indecent, or obscene advertising matter.
- No sign shall be erected/located so as to prevent free ingress or egress from any window, door or fire escape.
- No sign shall be permanently attached to public utility poles or trees within the right-of-way of any street.
- No sign shall be painted on, attached to or supported by a tree, stone, cliff, or other natural object (except decorative signage designating the property owner).
- No freestanding sign shall be permitted within a designated floodway.
- Only signs referring directly to services, materials or products made, sold, or displayed on the premises shall be permitted, except as otherwise provided.
- Except for flat wall signs, no point of any sign, including trim, border and supports, shall be within 10 feet of any property line or street right-of-way.
- No sign shall emit smoke, visible vapors or particles, sound or odors.
- No sign shall contain information that states or implies that a lot may be used for any unauthorized purpose.
- No sign attached to a building shall be placed on the roof, be higher than the wall to which it is attached, or located on a parapet wall.
- No point of a wall projecting sign shall be less than 8.5 feet above the grade below.
- No sign shall be affixed to any motor vehicle or semi-trailer so that carrying such sign is not incidental to the vehicle's primary purpose.
- No sign located on public, State, County or Borough property or a public right-of-way shall bear any commercial advertising or announcement.
- No inflatable signs shall be permitted except for special events as determined by the Zoning Officer.
Exempt Signs in Canton Borough
- Bulletin boards (≤32 sq ft) for public, charitable, or religious institutions on their premises.
- Decals on windows or door glass panels indicating memberships or accepted credit cards.
- Handicap parking space signs not exceeding two square feet.
- Historic signs memorializing significant places/events/persons, authorized by the Borough, County, State, or Federal Government.
- Holiday decorations commemorating a holiday recognized by the Borough, County, State, or Federal Government and not including advertising.
- Home occupation signs (with requirements) in residential zones, not illuminated and not freestanding.
- Up to two signs indicating address, number and/or name of occupants with no commercial advertising.
- Official signs erected by government or authorized by Borough for public purposes (e.g., transit stops).
- Open house signs (temporary) for sale/rent of a house, with specified time restrictions.
- Private drive signs with specific content and limit of one per driveway entrance.
- Security and warning signs regulating use of premises, such as 'No Trespassing', 'No Hunting', 'No Soliciting', and home security system signs.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Canton Borough
- Per §27-803, all permanent signs require an official Borough Sign Permit, except those identified as exempt under §§27-805 (Exemptions) and 27-813 (Permitted Signs Table).
- Per §27-812, a permit application must be submitted and approved by the Zoning Officer before erection of most signs; specific submission requirements and review process apply.
- A variance hearing before the Zoning Hearing Board is required for sign permits not in conformance with ordinance regulations.
- The sign permit process requires a scaled site plan/drawing and construction details as part of the application.
- Temporary signs generally do not require a sign permit unless specifically indicated in the use table (see §27-814).
- Permits are not required for the general exemptions listed in §27-805.
Source: ecode360 municipal code