Sign Regulations in Chestnuthill Township, Pennsylvania
Chestnuthill Township, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 28 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Shingle Sign, Wall Sign, 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 Chestnuthill Township, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Chestnuthill Township
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | — | Not allowed to project into right-of-way without encroachment permit. |
| Ground Sign | See use-specific standards; e.g. Residential entrance signs 8 ft; Residential address 5 ft. | — | No closer than 10 ft to edge of right-of-way and 10 ft to side/rear property line unless otherwise specified. |
| Freestanding Sign | — | — | No closer than 10 ft to edge of right-of-way and 10 ft to side/rear property line. |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Chestnuthill TownshipFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
28
- Shingle Sign
- Wall Sign
- Ground Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Chestnuthill Township
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Chestnuthill 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 Chestnuthill 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 Chestnuthill Township, regulated sign types include Shingle Sign, Wall Sign, Ground Sign, Freestanding Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Chestnuthill Township, monument signs typically require a No closer than 10 ft to edge of right-of-way and 10 ft to side/rear property line. 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 Chestnuthill Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Chestnuthill Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Chestnuthill Township, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Chestnuthill Township, Pennsylvania regulates 28 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Ground Sign (Residential Name and Address)s in the Residential districts zoning district are capped at 5 ft tall and 4 sq ft, with a 1/2 minimum district setback; min 15 ft from vehicular access. setback (Sec. §119-61A). Most commercial signs in Chestnuthill Township require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Chestnuthill Township, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Chestnuthill Township (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | See use-specific standards; e.g. Residential entrance signs 8 ft; Residential address 5 ft. | Not more than 20% of total front window area per business premises. | — |
| Residential districts | 5 | 15 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Nonresidential districts | 3 | 15 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| VC Village Commercial/Residential District (VC), GC General Commercial District (GC), LIC Light Industrial/Commercial District (LIC), GI General Industrial District (GI), BP Business Park Overlay District (BP), I Institutional District (I) | 14 | 25 ft (≤60 sq ft); 18 ft (>60 sq ft) | 300 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Chestnuthill Township(sample of 3 of 4 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | Not allowed to project into right-of-way without encroachment permit. | — | On building wall, attached parallel within 6 inches; not above roof except as described. | — | Unlock | §119-59A(17); §119-59E; §119-58 |
| Ground Sign | See use-specific standards; e.g. Residential entrance signs 8 ft; Residential address 5 ft. | — | — | No closer than 10 ft to edge of right-of-way and 10 ft to side/rear property line unless otherwise specified. | — | On ground, not in right-of-way. | — | Unlock | §119-59C(8), §119-59E, §119-59I |
| Freestanding Sign | — | — | — | No closer than 10 ft to edge of right-of-way and 10 ft to side/rear property line. | — | Not in the public right-of-way. | — | Unlock | §119-59C(8), §119-59E, §119-59I |
| Awning Sign | To rooftop or parapet wall height. | — | — | No extension into required side or rear setback. | 1 per site. | Affixed to awning/canopy only, not beyond edges; not into side/rear setbacks; may extend into right-of-way but not beyond 1 ft back from curbline. Max projection: 6 ft from building. | — | Unlock | §119-59G |
| Window Sign | — | Not more than 20% of total front window area per business premises. | — | — | — | Interior side of window, visible from exterior. | — | Unlock | §119-59H |
| Shingle Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per establishment entrance | Located at business entrance, centered under building overhang, not beyond overhang. 10 ft separation from other shingle signs. | — | Unlock | §119-63G |
| Projecting Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Attached to building wall. | — | Unlock | §119-59A(8) |
Residential 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign (Residential Name and Address) | 5 ft | 4 sq ft | — | 1/2 minimum district setback; min 15 ft from vehicular access. | 1 per building, additional for more streets | 1/2 minimum setback for district and not within 15 ft of vehicular access. | — | Unlock | §119-61A |
| Wall Sign (Residential Name and Address) | 15 ft | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building, additional for more streets | As approved by Zoning Officer. | — | Unlock | §119-61A |
| Ground Sign (Residential Development Entrance) | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — | Not over lot line; not within 15 ft of point of vehicular access. | Max 2 per entrance | In setback; not over lot line or within 15 ft of vehicular access from public road. | — | Unlock | §119-61B |
| Freestanding Sign (Nonresidential Use) | 8 ft | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | On lot of use. | — | Unlock | §119-62A,B |
| Wall Sign (Nonresidential Use) | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 per principal building | On principal building. | — | Unlock | §119-62A,B |
VC Village Commercial/Residential District (VC), GC General Commercial District (GC), LIC Light Industrial/Commercial District (LIC), GI General Industrial District (GI), BP Business Park Overlay District (BP), I Institutional District (I)
| 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) | 18 ft (GC/LIC/GI/BP/I); 15 ft (VC); min 8.5 ft above grade | 50 sq ft per side (max) | — | See §119-59C(8) for general setbacks. | 1 per lot; additional on corner/large lots | On lot of use; only 1 per lot except corner lots (then one per arterial/higher street). | — | Unlock | §119-63A(3)(a) |
| Freestanding Sign (Shopping Center/Multi-occupant Main ID) | 18 ft (GC); 15 ft (VC); min 8.5 ft for freestanding | 100 sq ft (freestanding); 150 sq ft (monument); 125 sq ft (wall facing street) | — | — | 1 per street frontage | One per street frontage | — | Unlock | §119-63B(2) |
| Wall Sign (Shopping Center/Multi-occupant Tenant/Occupant) | Not above parapet line of wall | 9 sq ft per principal occupant | — | — | 1 per occupant; more if on more than one street | On outermost wall of principal building | — | Unlock | §119-63B(3) |
| Wayfinding Sign (Interior to Development) | 8 ft | 20 sq ft (whole sign); 2 sq ft per tenant. | — | — | Unlimited within interior subject to need | At interior intersections within development. | — | Unlock | §119-63B(4) |
| Business Subdivision Road Entrance Sign | 5 ft | 32 sq ft | — | Not over lot line, not within 15 ft of vehicular access. | 2 per vehicular access | In setback; not over lot line or within 15 ft of vehicular access. | — | Unlock | §119-63C |
| Business Directional Sign | 10 ft | 4 sq ft per face | — | — | 2 per business/parcel | As approved (often off-site by permission). | — | Unlock | §119-63H |
| Electronic Message Sign | 18 ft | 80% of allowable sign size | — | As for principal signs; electronic billboards at least 100 ft from ROW. | 1 per parcel or center | Permitted only in GC and LIC districts. | — | Unlock | §119-65 |
| Off-Premises Advertising Sign/Billboard (LIC only) | 25 ft (≤60 sq ft); 18 ft (>60 sq ft) | 300 sq ft | — | As above; electronic billboards 100 ft from ROW, 2,000 ft from next electronic billboard. | 1 per lot | Setback 25 ft from all lot lines/ROW; not within 200 ft of residential use/district. | — | Unlock | §119-64; §119-65J (for electronic billboards) |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Chestnuthill 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 4 zones for Chestnuthill Township — start freeProhibited Signs in Chestnuthill Township
- All signs not expressly permitted or exempted under this article from regulation are prohibited.
- A-frame or sandwich-board and sidewalk or curb signs are prohibited.
- Strings of lights not permanently mounted to a rigid background, except those exempt under holiday decoration exemptions, balloons, and other inflatable figures, except as a temporary sign, are prohibited.
- Balloons of greater than 25 cubic feet tethered to the ground or a structure for periods of over a day for advertising purposes are prohibited.
- Pennants and streamers, not including permitted banners and flags, are prohibited.
- Signs which flash, revolve, rotate, swing, undulate, or move by any means, or otherwise attract attention through movement or flashing of parts, including automatic, electronically controlled copy changes (except as permitted for electronic message signs), are prohibited.
- Signs which use a mirror or similar device to attract attention by reflecting images or reflecting light are prohibited.
- Portable and wheeled signs, except for a charitable event, are prohibited.
- Signs attached or affixed to a building projecting more than 15 inches beyond the wall surface are prohibited.
- Signs placed on or affixed to vehicles, trailers and/or containers parked on public right-of-way, public property or private property, so as to be visible from a public right-of-way, where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business, organization or activity, are prohibited.
- Signs attached or affixed to utility poles or trees or other vegetation, except for no-trespassing signs, are prohibited.
- Signs that imitate, interfere with, obstruct the view of, or can be confused with any authorized traffic control sign, signal, or device are prohibited.
- Signs that emit any sound, odor or visible matter such as smoke are prohibited.
- Signs containing information that states a lot may be used for a purpose not permitted under this article are prohibited.
- Signs or displays visible from a lot line that include words or images which are obscene or pornographic are prohibited.
- Portable signs, except for a temporary charitable event, are prohibited.
- Snipe signs are prohibited.
- Overhead electrical wiring for signs is prohibited; all electric signs must be listed by a recognized testing laboratory.
- No sign may be erected or maintained in the public right-of-way unless an encroachment permit has first been obtained.
- No freestanding sign (except official traffic signs) may be erected or maintained less than 10 feet from the edge of any public road right-of-way and not less than 10 feet from side and rear property lines.
- No sign shall be erected, constructed, or maintained so as to obstruct any fire escape, required exit, window, door opening, or wall opening intended as a means of ingress or egress.
- No sign shall interfere with any opening required for ventilation.
- No sign shall be erected, constructed, or maintained within eight feet of any electrical power line, conductor, or service drop, or any communication line, conductor, or service drop.
- No sign shall interfere with all surface and underground facilities and conduits for water, sewage, gas, electricity, or communications.
- No sign shall interfere with natural or artificial drainage or surface or underground water.
- No sign shall interfere with any existing warning or instructional sign.
- No sign shall create a traffic or pedestrian hazard, interfere with or confuse traffic or pedestrians, obstruct the vision of motorists or pedestrians, and must comply with clear sight triangle requirements.
- Clearance beneath overhead signs must be at least nine feet from the ground or pavement to the bottom-most part.
- No sign attached to a building shall be placed on nor shall extend above any part of the building roof.
Exempt Signs in Chestnuthill Township
- Civic and religious organization signs indicating only the organization insignia, name, meeting place, and time, under two square feet.
- On-site directional or instructional signs not exceeding four square feet in aggregate gross surface area, with no advertising.
- Flags, emblems, and insignia of political, professional, religious, educational, or fraternal organizations, displayed for noncommercial purposes.
- Governmental signs for control of traffic, emergency response, other public/regulatory purposes, street signs, warning signs, railroad crossing signs, and public service company signs for danger or safety, erected by/at the order of a public officer or employee.
- Holiday decorations temporarily displayed on civic, patriotic, or religious holidays.
- Interior signs not affixed to a window and visible from outside, fully located within a building/stadium or within an enclosed lobby or court, and theater lobby signs not visible from outside.
- Noncommercial memorial plagues or tablets, grave markers, statuary, or other remembrances of persons/events.
- Name and address plates (one per street frontage, not exceeding 1.5 square feet) indicating occupant, address, and identification of legal business or operation.
- "No trespassing," "no hunting," "no fishing," "no dumping," "no parking," "no towing," and similar signs (not exceeding two square feet) as set forth by law.
- Parking lot directional and instructional signs meeting specified size/height limitations.
- Signs for sponsoring/contributing to organized youth athletic sports on the perimeter of organization-sponsored youth athletic fields (one-sided, maximum 32 sq.ft. aggregate surface; sponsor ads on scoreboards not exceeding 25% of the surface area).
- Plaques, nameplates, or memorial signs attached to the exterior wall, not exceeding four sq.ft. aggregate surface.
- Official public notices posted by public officers or employees in performance of their duties.
- Signs on vehicles and/or trailers where the sign is incidental to the primary use of the vehicle or trailer (not for those placed/fixed for the apparent purpose of advertising visible from public ways).
- Religious symbols, commemorative plaques of recognized historical agencies, identification emblems of religious orders or historical agencies, not exceeding two square feet or four square feet aggregate.
- Permanent, nonflashing signs on vending machines, gasoline pumps, ice or milk containers indicating contents/pricing/directional use, not exceeding four sq.ft. (eight sq.ft. aggregate per machine).
- Warning signs warning the public of danger, containing no advertising, to be removed within three days upon subsidence of danger.
- Tourist-orientation directional signs erected with a PennDOT permit.
- Historic signs memorializing important place, event or person and authorized by the Township or government agency.
- Routine maintenance or changing parts/copy of a sign (not altering area/height/making it nonconforming) is exempt from permit requirements.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Chestnuthill Township
- A sign permit is required before the erection, reerection, construction, alteration, placement or installation of all regulated signs, except for those specifically exempted.
- Exempt signs include those specified in the exemption list; no permit is required for such signs.
- Routine maintenance/changing of sign parts or copy (not altering area, height or conformance) does not require a permit.
- An application for a master sign program is required for shopping centers, malls and multiple-occupant business identification signs where more than a total of two regulated signs will be erected on the development. Applications for approval of a master sign program must be submitted with the application for land development.
- Each individual sign under an approved master sign program must be applied for and permitted separately; approval of the program does not grant permission for any particular sign.
- Applications for a master sign program must include: types of signs proposed, scaled location drawings, scaled sign drawings, elevations with details/materials/illumination, and written specifications for color, size, style, location, and features.
- Permit applications must include: applicant and installer info; site location; owner/lessee consent; scale and elevation drawings; area/height/calculation; required other permits; and any additional info required by the Zoning Officer.
Source: ecode360 municipal code