# Sign Regulations in Danville, Pennsylvania

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Danville, Pennsylvania (PA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/pennsylvania/danville
- **Data last verified:** 2025-12-31
- **Source:** [ecode360 municipal code](https://ecode360.com/13562107)

## At a glance

Danville, Pennsylvania regulates 43 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Directional Signs in the C-2 Central Business District zoning district are capped at ≤ 9 ft above grade tall, Single face ≤ 3 sq ft; double-faced ≤ 6 sq ft, and Longest dimension ≤ 1.5 × shortest wide (Sec. § 260-39.E(6); § 260-39.F (Directional: P in C-2)). Most commercial signs in Danville require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (10 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| R-1A One-Family Residential District, R-1B One-Family Residential District | 6 | Post-mounted sign height ≤ 9 ft above grade | Permanent window signs: ≤ 30% of total glass area of each display window. | — |
| R-2A Two-Family Residential District, R-2B Two-Family Residential District | 6 | Post-mounted ≤ 9 ft | Permanent window signs: ≤ 30% of each display window glass area. | — |
| R-3 Multifamily Residential District | 4 | Top ≤ 9 ft above grade | Permanent window signs: ≤ 30% of each display window glass area. | — |
| C-1 Neighborhood Commercial District | 11 | ≤ 42 inches high (perpendicular to sidewalk) | Permanent window signs: ≤ 30% of each display window glass area. | — |
| C-2 Central Business District | 13 | ≤ 42 inches | Permanent window signs: ≤ 30% of each display window glass area. | — |
| C-2A General Commercial District | 3 | — | Permanent window signs: ≤ 30% of each display window glass area. | — |
| C-3 Highway Commercial District | 13 | ≤ 42 inches | Permanent window signs: ≤ 30% of each display window glass area. | — |
| M-1 Manufacturing District | 7 | ≤ 9 ft | Permanent window signs: ≤ 30% of each display window glass area. | — |
| P-1 Public District | 7 | ≤ 42 inches | Permanent window signs: ≤ 30% of each display window glass area. | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 22 | Post-mounted address sign ≤ 5 ft above grade | ≤ 75 sq ft | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 10 zones)

### C-2 Central Business District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Awning Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On awning. | — | § 260-39.E(2); § 260-39.F (Awning: P in C-2) |
| Directional Sign | ≤ 9 ft above grade | Single face ≤ 3 sq ft; double-faced ≤ 6 sq ft | Longest dimension ≤ 1.5 × shortest | — | 1 along roadway for directional purposes | Freestanding along roadways. | — | § 260-39.E(6); § 260-39.F (Directional: P in C-2) |
| Illuminated Sign - Internally Illuminated (Wall/Window, 24-inch height limit) | Top-to-bottom height of internally illuminated wall/window signs ≤ 24 inches | — | — | — | — | Wall/window signs. | — | § 260-39.E(9)(a)-(e); § 260-39.F (Internally illuminated: P in C-2) |
| Projecting Sign | Largest vertical dimension ≤ 3 ft | Each face of two-sided sign ≤ 9 sq ft; three-dimensional object/symbol sign area ≤ 9 sq ft | Horizontal projection ≤ 42 inches from building face; largest dimension ≤ 1.5 × shortest | — | 1 per premises; corner/multiple public ways: 1 per public way | Attached to building; projecting perpendicular or diagonal to corner. | — | § 260-39.E(16); § 260-39.F (Projecting: P in C-2) |
| Freestanding Sign (C-2 standards) | Top ≤ 9 ft above grade | Each face ≤ 9 sq ft | — | — | No specific limit; subject to § 260-39.D(2). | On-premises; not in public right-of-way. | — | § 260-39.E(8); § 260-39.F (Freestanding: P* in C-2) |
| Portable Sidewalk Sign | ≤ 42 inches | — | ≤ 24 inches | Allowed in public right-of-way subject to E(14). | 1 per storefront | Sidewalk within public right-of-way. | — | § 260-39.E(14); § 260-39.F (Portable sidewalk: P in C-2) |
| Window Sign | — | Permanent window signs: ≤ 30% of each display window glass area. | — | — | — | Display windows. | — | § 260-39.E(22); § 260-39.E(9); § 260-39.F (Window: P in C-2) |
| Temporary Sign | — | Temporary window signs ≤ 20% of each display window area. | — | — | — | On-premises. | — | § 260-39.E(20); § 260-39.F (Temporary: P in C-2) |

### C-3 Highway Commercial District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Awning Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On awning. | — | § 260-39.E(2); § 260-39.F (Awning: P in C-3) |
| Directional Sign | ≤ 9 ft | Single face ≤ 3 sq ft; double-faced ≤ 6 sq ft | Longest dimension ≤ 1.5 × shortest | — | 1 along roadways | Freestanding along roadways. | — | § 260-39.E(6); § 260-39.F (Directional: P in C-3) |
| Freestanding Sign (C-3 standards) | Top ≤ 18 ft above grade | Each face ≤ 24 sq ft (two faces maximum) | — | — | 1 per lot (corner lots: 1 toward each ROW); lots ≥300 ft frontage: total 2 signs, ≥150 ft apart | On-premises; not in public right-of-way. | — | § 260-39.E(7)(a)-(f); § 260-39.F (Freestanding: P in C-3) |
| Illuminated Sign - Externally Illuminated | — | — | — | — | — | Wall/window or exterior signs. | — | § 260-39.E(9)(a), (d)-(e); § 260-39.F (Externally illuminated: P in C-3) |
| Illuminated Sign - Internally Illuminated (Wall/Window) | — | — | — | — | — | Wall/window signs. | — | § 260-39.E(9)(a)-(e); § 260-39.F (Internally illuminated: P in C-3) |
| Portable Sidewalk Sign | ≤ 42 inches | — | ≤ 24 inches | Allowed in public right-of-way subject to E(14). | 1 per storefront | Sidewalk within public right-of-way. | — | § 260-39.E(14); § 260-39.F (Portable sidewalk: P in C-3) |
| Window Sign | — | Permanent window signs: ≤ 30% of each display window glass area. | — | — | — | Display windows. | — | § 260-39.E(22); § 260-39.E(9); § 260-39.F (Window: P in C-3) |
| Temporary Sign | — | Temporary window signs ≤ 20% of each display window area. | — | — | — | On-premises. | — | § 260-39.E(20); § 260-39.F (Temporary: P in C-3) |

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Address Sign | Post-mounted address sign ≤ 5 ft above grade | ≤ 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per premises | Attached to building or on a post. | — | § 260-39.E(1); § 260-39.B(9) |
| Banners, Pennants and Flags (Decorative) | — | ≤ 24 sq ft | — | — | — | On-premises. | — | § 260-39.B(1) |
| Banner Sign (Over Public Right-of-Way) | — | — | — | Over public right-of-way with approvals. | — | May overhang public right-of-way. | — | § 260-39.E(3)(a)-(c) |
| Construction Project Sign | — | Design standard: ≤ 12 sq ft; also stated as ≤ 16 sq ft in residential districts and ≤ 24 sq ft in commercial/industrial districts | — | — | Only 1 per construction site | On the building or site during period of construction. | — | § 260-39.B(2); § 260-39.E(5)(a)-(d) |
| Display Signs (Interior Window) | — | ≤ 10 sq ft per display | — | — | — | Interior window. | — | § 260-39.B(4) |
| Identification Signs for Places of Worship | — | ≤ 24 sq ft | — | — | — | On premises of place of worship. | — | § 260-39.B(6) |
| Real Estate Management Signs | — | ≤ 24 square inches | — | — | 1 per building entrance | On-premises; one per building entrance. | — | § 260-39.B(14) |
| Real Estate Signs | — | Residential districts: ≤ 5 sq ft; Commercial/manufacturing districts: ≤ 24 sq ft (design standards) and ≤ 25 sq ft (permit-exempt listing) | — | — | 1 per 150 ft frontage | On-premises. | — | § 260-39.B(15); § 260-39.E(18)(a)-(d) |

## Prohibited signs in Danville

- Signs that flash, rotate, or move and are visible from a public street are prohibited
- Signs that create a traffic hazard due to size, location, content, coloring, or manner of illumination, or that detract from the visibility of traffic signs or control devices, are prohibited
- Signs that obstruct ingress or egress from a public right-of-way or from required doors, windows, fire escapes, or other exits, or that block openings needed for light or air or interfere with proper building function, are prohibited
- Signs or sign structures that are structurally unsafe, inadequately maintained, dilapidated, abandoned, not kept in good repair, or capable of causing electrical shocks are prohibited
- Signs that use words like STOP, LOOK, DANGER, or other phrases, symbols, or characters that interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic are prohibited
- Flashing, blinking, or pulsating string lights used with commercial premises for commercial purposes are prohibited, except temporary holiday decorations
- Searchlights, advertising pennants, spinners, and streamers are prohibited except for temporary use
- Signs affixed to a roof, highway right-of-way fence, utility poles or utility structures, or to trees, shrubs, rocks, or other natural objects are prohibited
- Off-premises advertising signs are prohibited except for community directory signs and off-premises advertising signs permitted in the C-3 district
- No signs may be located in or upon a public right-of-way, except portable sidewalk signs
- Signs or any part of a sign (including braces, supports, or lights) exceeding 20 feet in height are prohibited
- Trademarks may not occupy more than 10% of the maximum sign area for a building unless the trademarked commodity is the principal product sold or manufactured on the premises (off-premises signs are regulated separately)

## Signs exempt from permit in Danville

- The following sign types are permitted in all districts without a permit (and are not counted toward the number of signs on a premises unless otherwise stated), but must comply with general regulations and design standards
- Banners, pennants, and flags bearing the insignia of a government, religious, charitable, or fraternal organization; maximum 24 square feet; must be maintained in serviceable condition
- Construction project signs: max 16 square feet in residential districts and 24 square feet in commercial/industrial districts; only during construction; remove within 15 days after completion
- Decal signs on windows or door glass indicating membership in a business group or credit cards accepted
- Interior display signs attached or related to displays that inform, entertain, promote, endorse, or sponsor; maximum 10 square feet per display
- Historical markers (plaques or signs documenting historical events or significance of persons/buildings)
- Identification signs for places of worship on the premises; maximum 24 square feet
- Memorial signs or tablets honoring persons or events
- Municipal signs erected by or under direction of Borough Council bearing no commercial advertising (e.g., traffic, railroad crossing, safety, public school/playground signs)
- Name and address signs for a resident, business, or building; no commercial advertising; maximum 2 square feet
- No trespassing or similar property-regulating signs; maximum 2 square feet in residential districts and 5 square feet in commercial/manufacturing districts
- On-premises signs for professional and home occupations (as defined); may include names and credentials; maximum 2 square feet; no commercial advertising
- On-premises information signs regulating on-premises traffic, parking, or other functional information (e.g., lubrication, sales department); less than 4 square feet; no commercial advertising; no internal illumination
- Political signs intended to influence the vote; must be stationary and temporary; unlighted unless otherwise permitted
- Real estate management signs with only the name, address, and telephone number of a management company; no emblem, logo, or commercial advertising; maximum 24 square inches; one per building entrance
- Real estate signs advertising sale, rental, or lease of the premises; maximum 5 square feet in residential districts and 25 square feet in commercial/manufacturing districts; maintain in serviceable condition; remove within 10 days after transaction
- Temporary signs and banners advertising community activities or special events of charitable or public service groups; maximum 75 square feet; not earlier than 15 days prior to the event; remove within 48 hours after the event

## Sign plan & submission notes

- All signs except those listed as permitted in all districts (Subsection B) require a sign permit
- A sign permit application must include a plan drawn to scale showing the sign location relative to property lines, nearby buildings, and streets/highways; a description of dimensions, shape, color, materials, supports, anchoring, height, and illumination intensity; a scaled sketch of the graphics; the contractor; and owner consent if applicable
- A permit will only be issued when the Zoning Officer determines that the submitted sign plans comply with all applicable provisions
- One application form may be used to permit multiple sign installations on the same property, provided complete information is supplied for each sign
- Sign approval permits remain valid until the sign is replaced, remodeled, or structurally altered; a new permit is required for such changes
- The Zoning Officer processes complete sign permit applications within 30 days and inspects installations for compliance before validating the permit
- Approval to erect, alter, or move a sign may include specific conditions required by the Zoning Hearing Board
- Filing fees are required for sign permits and for variance requests to the Zoning Hearing Board; no permit or variance will be granted without payment
- Banner signs over a public right-of-way require written approval from affected property owners and the Borough Police Department and a signed hold harmless agreement prior to installation
- Portable sidewalk signs within the public right-of-way require a certificate of liability insurance (minimum $500,000) and a signed hold harmless agreement prior to issuance of a sign permit
- No master or comprehensive sign plan requirement is specified in this ordinance

## 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 10 zoning districts in Danville — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Danville+PA&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-danville

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