# Sign Regulations in Coolbaugh Township, Pennsylvania

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Coolbaugh Township, Pennsylvania, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Coolbaugh Township, Pennsylvania (PA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/pennsylvania/coolbaugh-township
- **Data last verified:** 2025-04-28
- **Source:** [ecode360 municipal code](https://ecode360.com/27660299#27660299)

## At a glance

Coolbaugh Township, Pennsylvania regulates 27 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Building Name and Address Sign - Walls in the R-1, R-2, R-3 zoning district are capped at 15 ft above adjoining grade tall and 16 sq ft per exposed face, with a Not closer than 1/2 minimum setback for district, not within 15 ft of vehicular access to public roadway setback (Sec. §400-113A). Most commercial signs in Coolbaugh Township require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (5 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| R-1, R-2, R-3 | 3 | 15 ft above adjoining grade | 32 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 10 | 30 in | 32 sq ft per face | — |
| C-1, C-2, C-3, I, I-A | 14 | Not above wall or 40 ft, whichever is less | 500 sq ft | — |

_2 additional zoning districts are covered in PermitPal (free account)._

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 5 zones)

### R-1, R-2, R-3

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Building Name and Address Sign - Wall | 15 ft above adjoining grade | 16 sq ft per exposed face | — | Not closer than 1/2 minimum setback for district, not within 15 ft of vehicular access to public roadway | One per building; additional per frontage on each abutting street | On wall of building; not closer than 1/2 the minimum setback for the district or within 15 ft of vehicular access to public roadway | — | §400-113A |
| Building Name and Address Sign - Ground | 5 ft | 16 sq ft per exposed face | — | Not closer than 1/2 minimum setback for district, not within 15 ft of vehicular access to public roadway | One per building; additional per frontage on each abutting street | On ground; not closer than 1/2 the minimum setback for the district or within 15 ft of vehicular access to public roadway | — | §400-113A |
| Residential Development Road Entrance Sign | 7 ft | 32 sq ft | — | May be in any required setback, not over lot line or within 15 ft of vehicular access | Two per vehicular access to development | At road entrance to development; can be located in any required setback, not over lot line or within 15 ft of vehicular access from public roadway | — | §400-113B |

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Temporary Business Sign | 15 ft | 16 sq ft | — | May be in any required setback, not over lot line or within 15 ft of vehicular access | Varies by permit events | Only upon premises of activity; may be in setback but not over lot line or within 15 ft of vehicular access | — | §400-112B |
| Temporary Development Sign | 15 ft | 16 sq ft | — | May be in any required setback, not over lot line or within 15 ft of vehicular access | One per project/development; additional if abutting multiple streets | Only on premises where development is occurring/about to occur; may be in setback but not within 15 ft of vehicular access | — | §400-112C |
| Temporary Political Sign | 8 ft | 16 sq ft per face | — | At least 5 ft from road shoulder/curb in ROW; must not violate clear sight requirements | — | Private property outside right of way; or at least 5 ft from public road shoulder/curb if in public right-of-way | — | §400-112E |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign (R-1, R-2, R-3) | 15 ft | 16 sq ft per face | — | May be in any required setback, not over lot line or within 15 ft of vehicular access | One per 1000 ft of lot frontage per road | On premises for sale/lease/rent; may be in any required setback but not within 15 ft of vehicular access | — | §400-112F |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign (All other districts) | 15 ft | 32 sq ft per face | — | May be in any required setback, not over lot line or within 15 ft of vehicular access | One per 1000 ft of lot frontage per road | On premises for sale/lease/rent; may be in any required setback but not within 15 ft of vehicular access | — | §400-112F |
| Temporary Contractor or Subcontractor Sign | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — | May be in any required setback, not over lot line or within 15 ft of vehicular access | One per contractor/subcontractor active on premises | On premises of construction; may be in any required setback but not within 15 ft of vehicular access | — | §400-112G |
| Temporary Yard/Garage Sale or Auction Sign | 30 in | 4 sq ft | — | Not in right of way or on poles/structures | Up to 10 per sale location | Not in ROW, not on utility or Township-owned structure, must be self-supported and not a hazard | — | §400-112H |
| Exempt Signs | — | Varies by sign type (see description) | — | Varies by sign type | Varies by sign type | — | — | §400-111B |

### C-1, C-2, C-3, I, I-A

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Business Identification Sign (Individual Business) | 25 ft | 80 sq ft for primary sign; 40 sq ft for each additional | — | Maintain side and rear setbacks; not within 15 ft of vehicular access | 1 per street frontage with vehicular access | Per street frontage with vehicular access | — | §400-114A(2) |
| Freestanding Business Identification Sign (Shopping Center/Multiple Occupant) | 25 ft | 1 sq ft per 1.5 ft of frontage, max 200 sq ft | — | Maintain side/rear setbacks; not within 15 ft of vehicular access | One per development | One per development | — | §400-114B(3) |
| Business Subdivision Road Entrance Sign | 5 ft | 24 sq ft | — | May be in setbacks but not within 15 ft of vehicular access or over lot line | Up to 2 per point of access | At entrances; may be in setbacks but not over lot line or within 15 ft of vehicular access | — | §400-114C |
| Changeable Panel Sign | 10 ft if separate from ground sign | 10 sq ft | — | Maintain side/rear setback; not within 15 ft of vehicular access | One per business parcel | Ground sign or attached to business identification ground sign; separated by 12in if on separate structure | — | §400-114G |
| Electronic Message Sign - Option 1 (Changeable panel, freestanding, fuel, shopping center/multitenant) | Same as maximum for sign type (e.g. 25 ft for freestanding) | 80% of the permitted maximum per sign type (e.g. 64 sq ft for 80 sq ft max sign) | — | As per underlying sign type | One per lot (two faces allowed) | Permitted for changeable-panel, individual freestanding, shopping center/multi-occupant freestanding, retail fuel sales price sign types | — | §400-116A(1), §400-116B |
| Off-premises Advertising Sign/Billboard (Interstate 380) | 30 ft above ground or adjacent roadway, whichever is higher; min 4 ft clearance below sign | 500 sq ft | — | Zone district principal structure setbacks at side/rear; 15 ft front setback | 1 per structure; min 500 ft from other billboards | Only adjacent to Interstate 380 and only in C-1, C-2, C-3, I, I-A | — | §400-115A-G |
| Off-premises Advertising Sign/Billboard (SR 611 or SR 940) | 20 ft above ground or adjacent roadway, whichever is higher; min 4 ft clearance below sign | 300 sq ft | — | Zone district principal structure setbacks at side/rear; 15 ft front setback | 1 per structure; min 500 ft from other billboards | Only adjacent to SR 940/SR 611 and only in C-1, C-2, C-3, I, I-A | — | §400-115A-G |
| Electronic Off-premises Advertising Sign/Billboard (Interstate 380 Only) | Same as billboard (30 ft above ground or adjacent roadway, min 4 ft clearance) | 80% of permitted size of billboard (on I-380, max 400 sq ft) | — | As required for billboards | 1 per structure, min 300 ft from other electronic signs | Only adjacent to Interstate 380 | — | §400-116A(2), §400-116B |

## Prohibited signs in Coolbaugh Township

- All signs not expressly permitted or exempted under this chapter from regulation are prohibited.
- "A" frame or sandwich-board and sidewalk or curb signs are prohibited except as temporary signs.
- Strings of lights not permanently mounted to a rigid background, banners, pennants, streamers, balloons, and other inflatable figures are prohibited except as temporary signs.
- Signs which are animated, flash, blink, revolve, rotate, swing, undulate, or move by any means are prohibited, except as specifically permitted (e.g. time and temperature indicators).
- Signs using mirrors or similar devices to attract attention by reflecting images or light are prohibited.
- Portable and wheeled signs are prohibited except as temporary signs.
- Projecting signs (attached and project more than 15 inches beyond wall surface) are prohibited.
- Signs placed on or affixed to vehicles, trailers, or containers parked to advertise or direct people, where the primary purpose is advertising, are prohibited.
- Signs attached to utility poles, trees, or other vegetation are prohibited.
- Signs imitating, interfering with, or obstructing authorized traffic control devices are prohibited.
- No sign emitting sound, odor, or visible matter like smoke is permitted.
- Obscene or pornographic signs or those advertising such information or material are prohibited.
- Snipe signs are prohibited.
- No sign shall be erected, constructed, or maintained so as to obstruct any fire escape, exit, window, door opening, or wall opening intended for ingress or egress.
- No sign shall be erected, constructed, or maintained so as to interfere with any opening required for ventilation.
- All signs must maintain minimum clearances from electrical power lines and communication lines; in no instance shall a sign be within eight feet of these lines.
- All signs and supporting structures must maintain clearance from and not interfere with surface or underground facilities and utilities; placement shall not interfere with natural or artificial drainage or surface/underground water.
- No sign may obstruct any existing warning or instructional sign.
- No sign may be erected in such a way as to interfere with or confuse traffic, present any hazard, or obstruct vision of motorists; all must comply with clear sight triangle requirements.
- No sign may be erected or maintained in the public right-of-way without an encroachment permit, and must be set back a distance equal to the sign's height from curb/shoulder unless attached flatly to a building.
- Clearance beneath overhead signs must be at least nine feet.
- No sign portion may be higher than the primary structure on the property.
- Flashing signs are prohibited.
- Floodlighting must not expose the light source when viewed from the lot or illuminate beyond the sign.
- Signs on a roof cannot extend above the highest part of the roof; on flat roofs, may not extend more than six feet above the roof.
- Wall signs must be attached parallel to and in the same plane as the wall, must not extend more than 15 inches, or above/beyond wall top/ends.
- Electronic message signs cannot display motion except for the transition between messages. Animation, streaming video, flashing, scrolling, fading, or other illusions of motion are prohibited. Transitions cannot fade, scroll, blink, or have other such effects, and content can only change every 15 seconds.
- Electronic message signs must not display messages that are dangerous distractions to drivers.
- No electronic message sign is allowed within 500 feet of any lot containing a residential use or district.
- No two electronic message signs may be less than 300 feet apart.
- Projection of images/messages onto buildings or other objects is prohibited.
- No red, green, or yellow lights may be used in a manner that simulates or could be confused with a traffic signal.

## Signs exempt from permit in Coolbaugh Township

- Awning, canopy, and marquee signs not exceeding 4 square feet and only indicating the name and/or brief description of the activity; no advertising permitted.
- Civic and religious organization signs (insignia, name, meeting place, and time), maximum area two square feet.
- On-site directional or instructional signs not exceeding 8 square feet that guide persons to facilities intended to serve the public (restrooms, telephones, walkways, etc.), but not including parking area accessory signs.
- Flags, emblems, and insignia of political, professional, religious, educational, or fraternal organizations displayed for noncommercial purposes.
- Governmental signs for traffic, emergency response, public/regulatory purposes, street/warning/railroad crossing signs, and signs of public service companies denoting danger or safety, erected by or at the order of public officers in performance of their duties.
- Temporary holiday decorations displayed on civic, patriotic, or religious holidays and related to observance of those holidays.
- Interior signs not affixed to a window and fully located inside buildings and not visible from outside.
- Memorial plaques or tablets, grave markers, statuary, or other noncommercial remembrances of persons or events.
- Wall name and address plates (one per street frontage, not over 1.5 sq. ft.) for occupants, premises, and legal business identification.
- No trespassing, no hunting, no fishing, no dumping, no parking, towing, and other similar signs (per PA Codes), not exceeding two square feet.
- Parking lot directional (up to 4 sq. ft., one per entrance/exit, not exceeding 5 feet in height) and instructional signs (up to 8 sq. ft. per face, 16 sq. ft. aggregate, not projecting over 10 feet/7 feet for ground signs).
- Patron advertising signs on the perimeter of organizational-sponsored youth athletic fields, max 32 sq. ft.; scoreboard sponsor signage limited to 25% of scoreboard.
- Plaques, nameplates, or memorial signs directly attached or affixed to exterior walls, max 4 sq. ft. aggregate.
- Official public notices posted by officers/employees in performance of their duties.
- Signs on vehicles/trailers where signs are incidental to the primary use (note: not allowed for parked advertising).
- Religious symbols, commemorative plaques of historical agencies, identification emblems (max 2 sq. ft. each, 4 sq. ft. aggregate).
- Permanent nonflashing signs on vending machines, gasoline pumps, ice/milk containers showing only contents, pricing, or instructional info, not over 4 sq. ft. each sign, 8 sq. ft. per machine.
- Warning signs (no ads) warning the public of danger, to be removed within 3 days of danger subsiding, any size/number as needed.
- Tourist orientation directional signs erected with a PennDOT permit
- Noncommercial free speech signs (permit not required, subject to site/hazard/size/height restrictions).

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A permit is required before erection, re-erection, construction, alteration, placement, or installation of all signs regulated by this chapter, unless exempted (see exemptions above).
- Applications for sign permits require submission of two copies of plans/specifications, including details on size, attachment, location, materials, and designer identity; a sketch plan showing sign placement is required.
- Sign landscaping must be part of the required project landscaping plan (for freestanding business and residential ID signs), as referenced in §400-49C.
- Applications for off-premises advertising signs and billboards are considered conditional uses (a higher-level review process than ordinary permits).
- Permit applications for signs may require engineering certification and other information as deemed necessary by the Zoning Officer for compliance.
- Temporary signs generally require a permit unless specifically exempted.
- Permit and sign plans must be reviewed and approved by the Zoning Officer prior to sign installation.
- All signs must comply with these requirements in all zones unless specific exceptions for zoning districts are stated elsewhere.

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 5 zoning districts in Coolbaugh Township — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Coolbaugh+Township+PA&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-coolbaugh-township

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