Sign Regulations in Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Carlisle, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 51 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Signs Permitted in All Districts (cross-reference), Temporary Banner (commercial establishment), Flag with Commercial Advertising (Accessory). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: January 21, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Carlisle
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exempt Signs (not regulated as signs) | — | < 1 sq ft (memorial plaques/historical tablets); < 1 sq ft (nameplate signs) | — |
| Parking and Traffic Control Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — |
| Special Information Sign (attached to building/equipment) | — | Not counted toward permitted sign area (excluded from calculating permitted areas) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for CarlisleFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
51
- Signs Permitted in All Districts (cross-reference)
- Temporary Banner (commercial establishment)
- Flag with Commercial Advertising (Accessory)
- Portable Freestanding Sign (Sidewalk/A-frame type)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Carlisle
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Carlisle 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 Carlisle, 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 Carlisle, regulated sign types include Signs Permitted in All Districts (cross-reference), Temporary Banner (commercial establishment), Flag with Commercial Advertising (Accessory), Portable Freestanding Sign (Sidewalk/A-frame type), 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 Carlisle 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 Carlisle are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Carlisle has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Carlisle, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Carlisle, Pennsylvania regulates 51 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Subdivision Entrance Identification Sign (Subdivision > 10 lots)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at Freestanding max height by district (see § 255-231) tall and 50 sq ft (freestanding), with a may be within required yard but not within required buffer yard or required evergreen screening setback (Sec. § 255-223F; § 255-225A-B; § 255-231A). Most commercial signs in Carlisle require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Carlisle (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 16 | Freestanding max height by district (see § 255-231) | 50 sq ft (freestanding) | — |
| Low Density Residential District (R-1); Medium Density Residential District (R-2); High Density Residential District (R-3); Town Center Residential District (R-4); Traditional Residential District (R-5); Office Residential District (OR); Institutional District (INS); Open Space District (OS) | 15 | Freestanding max height 8 ft (if freestanding); wall max height equals principal building height | 250 sq ft | — |
| Central Business District (C-1) | 8 | Freestanding max height 18 ft (commercial districts) if freestanding | 32 sq ft per side per street frontage (cap for commercial districts) | — |
| Shopping Center/Mixed Use District (C-2); General Commercial District (C-3); Neighborhood Commercial District (C-4); Entranceway Business (C-5) | 11 | 18 ft (freestanding in commercial districts) | 150 sq ft per face | — |
| General Industrial District (I-1); Light Industrial District (I-2); Urban Mixed Use District (UM); Industrial-Commercial District (I-C) | 5 | 35 ft | 312.5 sq ft per face (sign size/area); max 2 sides/faces; absolute maximum 625 sq ft total | — |
| Historic Preservation District (HP) (overlay district) | 3 | Clearance >= 8 ft from grade to lowest portion | 15 sq ft (max 3 ft x 5 ft) (where otherwise permitted in commercial districts) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Carlisle(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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exempt Signs (not regulated as signs) | — | < 1 sq ft (memorial plaques/historical tablets); < 1 sq ft (nameplate signs) | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 255-217B(1)-(7) |
| Parking and Traffic Control Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 255-223A; § 255-225A(2) |
| Special Information Sign (attached to building/equipment) | — | Not counted toward permitted sign area (excluded from calculating permitted areas) | — | — | — | Only where attached to the building or equipment | — | Unlock | § 255-223C; § 255-225A(2) |
| Garage Sale Sign (auction/yard/garage sale sign) | — | 4 sq ft each | — | — | Up to 2 per event | — | — | Unlock | § 255-223D; § 255-225A(2) |
| Political Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | — | Private property; Borough polling place property only on election day timing stated | — | Unlock | § 255-223E; § 255-225A(2) |
| Subdivision Entrance Identification Sign (Subdivision > 10 lots) | Freestanding max height by district (see § 255-231) | 50 sq ft (freestanding) | — | General: may be within required yard but not within required buffer yard or required evergreen screening | 1 per entrance | At each entrance to a subdivision consisting of more than 10 lots | — | Unlock | § 255-223F; § 255-225A-B; § 255-231A |
| Temporary Real Estate Lender Sign | — | 6 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 per property (for all lenders) | On the premises securing the loan(s) | — | Unlock | § 255-223H; § 255-225A(2) |
| General Location Rule | — | — | — | Prohibited in required buffer yard or required evergreen screening | — | May be located within a required yard; may NOT be located within a required buffer yard or required evergreen screening | — | Unlock | § 255-232 |
Low Density Residential District (R-1); Medium Density Residential District (R-2); High Density Residential District (R-3); Town Center Residential District (R-4); Traditional Residential District (R-5); Office Residential District (OR); Institutional District (INS); Open Space District (OS)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional / Accessory Use / Home Occupation / Name Sign | Freestanding max height 8 ft (if freestanding); wall max height equals principal building height | 2 sq ft per side | — | General: may be within required yard but not within required buffer yard/required evergreen screening | 1 per permitted use or dwelling | On same lot | — | Unlock | § 255-219A; § 255-224A; § 255-231A; § 255-225A-B |
| Institutional Sign (primary/secondary school; place of worship; hospital; college/university; nursing home) | Freestanding max height 8 ft (if freestanding); wall max height equals principal building height | 25 sq ft per side | — | General: may be within required yard but not within required buffer yard/required evergreen screening | 1 per 100 linear ft of street frontage | On same lot | — | Unlock | § 255-219B(1); § 255-224A; § 255-231A; § 255-225A-B |
| Institutional Direction/Facility Sign (interior to campus) | Freestanding max height 8 ft (if freestanding) | 6 sq ft per side | — | General: may be within required yard but not within required buffer yard/required evergreen screening | As required | Interior to campus (primary/secondary schools; colleges/universities) | — | Unlock | § 255-219B(2); § 255-224A; § 255-231A; § 255-225A-B |
| No-Trespassing Sign | — | 1 sq ft per side | — | — | As needed, but spacing >= 50 ft along street frontage | On same premises; indicating private ownership of streets/other property | — | Unlock | § 255-219B(4); § 255-225A(4); § 255-224A |
| Directional Sign (places of worship) | Freestanding max height 8 ft (if freestanding) | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | Directional signs for places of worship | — | Unlock | § 255-219C; § 255-225A(5); § 255-224A; § 255-231A |
| Subdivision Development Sign (subdivision plan < 10 lots) | Freestanding max height 8 ft (if freestanding) | 35 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 per abutting street | On premises advertising sale/development of homes within a subdivision | — | Unlock | § 255-219D(2),(4); § 255-225A(1); § 255-224A; § 255-231A |
| Subdivision Development Sign (subdivision plan >= 10 lots) | Freestanding max height 8 ft (if freestanding) | 35 sq ft per side | — | — | Up to 2 per abutting street | On premises advertising sale/development of homes within a subdivision | — | Unlock | § 255-219D(3),(4); § 255-225A(1); § 255-224A; § 255-231A |
| Rental Development Sign (garden apartment/rental developments) | Freestanding max height 8 ft (if freestanding) | 16 sq ft per face; 32 sq ft total area | — | — | Max 1 per street serving development | Facing on each street serving the development | — | Unlock | § 255-219H; § 255-224A; § 255-225A-B; § 255-231A |
Shopping Center/Mixed Use District (C-2); General Commercial District (C-3); Neighborhood Commercial District (C-4); Entranceway Business (C-5)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (individual business; not C-1) | 18 ft (freestanding in commercial districts) | 36 sq ft per face; if more than one face, combined total area of all faces <= 72 sq ft | — | General location rule plus any district/yard requirements; may not be within required buffer yard/evergreen screening | 1 per business (single/separate ownership) | On lot; within building setback area; not connected with building | — | Unlock | § 255-220B(1); § 255-224B-C; § 255-225A-B; § 255-231A; § 255-220C |
| Wall Sign | Equal to height of principal building; may not project above roofline | See formula | — | — | One or more, subject to area limits | Attached/mounted on building front, side, or rear; within 12 inches of wall; not extending beyond any edge of wall (wall sign definition) | — | Unlock | § 255-220B(2); § 255-216Q; § 255-218C; § 255-224B-C; § 255-225A-B |
| Projecting Sign | Clearance >= 8 ft from grade to bottom of sign/structure; may not extend vertically above highest point of building facade; may not project above roofline | 9 sq ft per sign; if 2 faces, combined area <= 18 sq ft | — | — | Up to 3 per building front/side/rear (per business) | Building front, side or rear; may project over public walkways if clearance met | — | Unlock | § 255-220B(3); § 255-218C; § 255-224B-C; § 255-225A-B |
| Temporary Banner (commercial establishment) | Clearance >= 8 ft from grade to lowest portion | 15 sq ft (max 3 ft x 5 ft) | — | — | Each commercial establishment may mount banner subject to limits | Mounted to building front, side, or rear | — | Unlock | § 255-220B(5)(a)-(e); § 255-224B-C; § 255-225B |
| Flag with Commercial Advertising (Accessory) | Bottom >= 7 ft above public sidewalk/public street | Max 3 ft x 5 ft | — | — | 1 per business establishment | Wall mount affixed to building | — | Unlock | § 255-220B(6)(a)-(f); § 255-225A(3); § 255-224B-C |
| Portable Freestanding Sign (Sidewalk/A-frame type) | — | 2 ft x 3 ft per sign face | 2 ft (per face width) | — | 1 per business establishment | Private property or public sidewalk meeting conditions (notwithstanding § 255-218A) | — | Unlock | § 255-220B(7)(a)-(e); § 255-218A; § 255-225A(8); § 255-224B-C |
| Shopping Center Freestanding Sign (center identification) | 18 ft (freestanding in commercial districts) | 150 sq ft per face | — | — | 1 per frontage street | On each frontage street of shopping center | — | Unlock | § 255-220C; § 255-220B(1); § 255-231A; § 255-224B-C; § 255-225A-B |
| Auto Service Station Portable Sign (additional) | — | 8 sq ft per face | — | — | 2 portable signs | On premises | — | Unlock | § 255-220D; § 255-225A-B |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Carlisle — 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 Carlisle — start freeProhibited Signs in Carlisle
- Any sign placed on or over a public sidewalk, except as noted hereafter.
- Any sign which flashes, moves, blinks or emits smoke, steam, or other visible particulates or odor (a sign is considered flashing/moving/blinking if the sign/content/display moves or changes more frequently than once every 30 seconds).
- Any sign that projects above the roofline of the building on which it is mounted.
- Spinners, pennants, streamers and any moving object used for commercial advertising purposes (whether or not they contain a message), except that banners and flags are permitted when authorized under other provisions of the article.
- Flashing, electronically changing messages; blinking, twinkling, animated or moving signs of any type, except portions indicating time and temperature changes (does not prohibit Christmas lighting or displays).
- Flashing, blinking, twinkling, animated or moving signs of any type, except changeable-message signs or scrolling signs in compliance with § 255-224.
- Signs that imitate or resemble any official traffic sign, signal or device, or otherwise are likely to confuse or distract the operator of a motor vehicle on a public street.
- Signs that use reflective materials to give the appearance of flashing, blinking, twinkling, or electronically changing messages.
- Balloons greater than five cubic feet that are tethered to the ground or a structure and are primarily intended for advertising purposes.
- Signs permanently affixed/placed/maintained/erected/constructed/displayed upon any public property, public street, public sidewalk, public right-of-way, tree, utility pole, stone, cliff, or other natural objects; except signs erected by a governmental body or placed by order of a governmental body.
- In any residential district, no signs may be illuminated, and no sign shall be a changeable-message sign or scrolling sign.
- In the Historic Preservation District, no sign shall be a changeable-message sign or scrolling sign.
- Any floodlighting of any sign in any district must be shielded so the light source is not directly visible from off-lot and only the sign is directly illuminated (unshielded/nonconforming floodlighting is prohibited).
- For changeable-message signs and scrolling signs: flashing or blinking is prohibited; animated signs are prohibited.
- Changeable-message signs: interval between on/off cycles shall not be less than 30 seconds.
- Scrolling signs: interval between changes of text shall not be less than 30 seconds.
- Signs may not be located within a required buffer yard or required evergreen screening.
Exempt Signs in Carlisle
- The following signs are exempt from the sign regulations (not considered subject to Article XXVI): official traffic signs; memorial plaques and historical tablets under 1 square foot; signs on mailboxes with printing not exceeding 3 inches in height; building cornerstones; nameplate signs under 1 square foot; signs placed in the interior of a building (whether or not visible from a public street); building markers cut into masonry or made of bronze/other permanent material indicating building name/date/incidental construction information.
- Signs not requiring a sign permit: real estate signs in compliance with § 255-219D; signs permitted in all districts in compliance with § 255-223; flags in compliance with § 255-220B(6); no-trespassing signs in compliance with § 255-219B; directional signs in compliance with § 255-219C; contractor's signs in compliance with § 255-219F; special events signs in compliance with § 255-219G; portable freestanding signs in compliance with § 255-220B(7).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Carlisle
- Sign permit generally required: except as provided, no sign shall be erected or maintained except pursuant to a permit (§ 255-225A).
- Sign permit required prior to erection or alteration of any sign, except as otherwise provided (§ 255-225B(1)).
- Permit applications must be in writing to the Zoning Officer and include information to determine conformity (§ 255-225B(2)); Borough acts within 15 days (§ 255-225B(3)).
- No sign permit may be issued except in conformity with the ordinance, unless after written order from the Zoning Hearing Board or the courts (§ 255-225B(4)).
- All sign permit applications must include plans/diagrams (duplicate, approximately to scale) showing: lot/building dimensions; exact sign size/dimensions/location; and any other lawful information required by the Zoning Officer (§ 255-225B(5)).
- Variance process is available for any provision of the sign article; variance requirements of Act 247 apply (§ 255-229).
- Zoning Hearing Board authorization is referenced for certain signs (e.g., directional signs for places of worship in residential/institutional districts) and for approvals affecting permits via written order (§ 255-225B(4)).
- Certain signs are allowed as conditional uses by Borough Council (e.g., off-premises organizational identification sign in nonresidential districts) subject to § 255-198 (§ 255-222).
Source: ecode360 municipal code