Sign Regulations in Dickson City, Pennsylvania
Dickson City, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 33 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Directional Sign (Off-site), Outdoor Advertising Sign (Billboard), Projecting Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: December 18, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Dickson City, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Dickson City
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate Sign (Dwelling) | — | 2 square feet | — |
| Nameplate Sign (Building) | — | 6 square feet | — |
| Sale or Rental Sign | — | 6 square feet | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
33
- Directional Sign (Off-site)
- Outdoor Advertising Sign (Billboard)
- Projecting Sign
- Detached 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 Dickson City
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Dickson City 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 Dickson City, 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 Dickson City, regulated sign types include Directional Sign (Off-site), Outdoor Advertising Sign (Billboard), Projecting Sign, Detached 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 Dickson City 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 Dickson City are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Dickson City has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Dickson City, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Dickson City (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Districts (ROS, R-1, R-2) | 11 | 20 feet or one story (lower) | 20 square feet | — |
| Commercial Districts (C-1, C-2, CMU, C-3, C-3A, C-4) | 15 | 36 inches above ground | 672 square feet (individual); 4 times frontage | — |
| Manufacturing Districts (M-1) | 11 | 36 inches above ground | 672 square feet (individual); 4 times frontage | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 11 | 30 feet above ground | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Dickson City(sample of 3 of 4 zones)
Residential Districts (ROS, R-1, R-2)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate Sign (Dwelling) | — | 2 square feet | — | — | 1 per dwelling unit (2 on corner lots) | On dwelling unit, facing street(s) | — | Unlock | 5.981 a.1 |
| Nameplate Sign (Building) | — | 6 square feet | — | — | 1 (2 on corner lots) | On building, facing street(s) | — | Unlock | 5.981 a.2 |
| Sale or Rental Sign | — | 6 square feet | — | — | 2 (additional 2 per extra frontage) | On premises being sold or rented | — | Unlock | 5.981 b |
| Institutional Sign | — | 20 square feet | — | — | 1 (2 on multiple frontages) | On property of school, college, church, hospital, etc., facing street(s) | — | Unlock | 5.981 c |
| Parking Sign (Entrance/Exit) | — | 2 square feet | — | — | 1 per entrance/exit per direction | At entrances/exits to parking areas | — | Unlock | 5.981 d |
| Parking Sign (Conditions) | — | 9 square feet | — | — | 1 (2 on corner lots) | In parking area, facing street(s) | — | Unlock | 5.981 d |
| Development Sign | — | 20 square feet | — | — | 2 (additional 2 per extra frontage) | On premises being developed | — | Unlock | 5.981 e |
| Directional Sign (Off-site) | — | 6 square feet | 4 feet in length | — | 1 per 500 feet of street frontage | Off premises, indicating direction to development | — | Unlock | 5.981 f |
Commercial Districts (C-1, C-2, CMU, C-3, C-3A, C-4)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detached Sign | — | 100 square feet | — | Equal to height, minimum 20 feet | Not specified | Free-standing; only in C districts other than C-1 and CMU | — | Unlock | 5.982 a, c |
| Attached Sign | — | — | — | — | Not specified | Securely attached to buildings in all districts | — | Unlock | 5.982 b, 5.985 b, c |
| Flashing Sign | — | — | — | >=250 ft from res/school/intersection | Not specified | Attached to building or free-standing (not in C-1/CMU) | — | Unlock | 5.982 f |
| Window Sign | — | 1/3 of window gross surface area | — | — | Not specified | In windows of business properties | — | Unlock | 5.982 g |
| Outdoor Advertising Sign (Billboard) | — | 672 square feet (individual); 4 times frontage | — | Height or 25 feet min; 1000 ft spacing | Not specified | C-3 only (not on Commerce Blvd or Viewmont Dr) | — | Unlock | 5.983 (C-3) |
| Directional Sign (Off-site) | 36 inches above ground | — | — | 10 feet min | Max 2 off-site per premises | On major/secondary streets; >=10 ft setback or on line if needed | — | Unlock | 5.984 |
| Detached Sign (Freestanding) | 30 feet max above ground | 100 square feet | — | Equal to height, min 20 feet | Not specified | Free-standing; permitted only in C districts other than C-1 and CMU | — | Unlock | 5.982 a, c, 5.985 d |
| Outdoor Advertising Sign (Billboard) - C-3 Only | — | 672 sq ft individual; 4x frontage total | — | Height or 25 ft min | Spacing 1000 ft | C-3 (not Commerce Blvd/Viewmont Dr) | — | Unlock | 5.983 a-g |
Manufacturing Districts (M-1)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detached Sign | — | 150 square feet | — | Equal to height, minimum 20 feet | Not specified | Free-standing permitted | — | Unlock | 5.982 a, c |
| Attached Sign | — | — | — | — | Not specified | Securely attached to buildings | — | Unlock | 5.982 b, 5.985 b, c |
| Flashing Sign | — | — | — | >=250 ft from res/school/intersection | Not specified | Attached or free-standing | — | Unlock | 5.982 f |
| Window Sign | — | 1/3 of window gross surface area | — | — | Not specified | In windows of business properties | — | Unlock | 5.982 g |
| Outdoor Advertising Sign (Billboard) | — | 672 square feet (individual); 4 times frontage | — | Height or 25 feet min; 1000 ft spacing | Not specified | M-1 (not on Commerce Blvd or Viewmont Dr) | — | Unlock | 5.983, g |
| Directional Sign (Off-site) | 36 inches above ground | — | — | 10 feet min | Max 2 off-site per premises | On major/secondary streets; >=10 ft setback or on line if needed | — | Unlock | 5.984 |
| Detached Sign (Freestanding) | 30 feet max above ground | 150 square feet | — | Equal to height, min 20 feet | Not specified | Free-standing permitted | — | Unlock | 5.982 a, c, 5.985 d |
| Outdoor Advertising Sign (Billboard) | — | 672 sq ft individual; 4x frontage total | — | Height or 25 ft; 1000 ft spacing | Not specified | M-1 (not Commerce Blvd/Viewmont Dr) | — | Unlock | 5.983 a-h |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Dickson City — 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 Dickson City — start freeProhibited Signs in Dickson City
- Signs may only be erected, reconstructed, and maintained in compliance with the ordinance provisions and the Building Code of the Borough of Dickson City.
- All permitted signs, other than temporary signs, shall be of rigid construction and shall not include banners and other signs made of soft fabrics.
- Signs shall be constructed of durable materials and maintained in good condition; dilapidated signs are not allowed.
- No sign except a free-standing sign shall be higher than the building on which it is located, nor shall any sign be located upon the roof of any building (except a business sign affixed to a parapet).
- No free-standing sign shall extend more than thirty (30) feet above the mean ground level where it is located.
- Wall signs shall not extend more than 15 inches out from the wall surface.
- Projecting signs shall not project from any building more than three (3) feet in the direction of a public street or public walkway area, nor extend over a public street or walkway area; a clear space of not less than ten (10) feet shall be provided below all parts of projecting signs.
- Portable signs, including temporary signs, are prohibited in public rights-of-way.
- No banners containing commercial advertising messages shall be permitted over any public sidewalk or right-of-way areas.
- Hand-carried signs shall be prohibited in Residential zones or in the CMU zone.
Exempt Signs in Dickson City
- Temporary political signs are exempt from permit requirements.
- Signs provided for in Subsection 5.981 (certain non-illuminated, non-advertising signs in Residential Districts, such as nameplates, identification signs, sale/rental signs, institutional signs, parking area signs, development signs, directional signs, artisans' signs, private driveway signs) are exempt from permit requirements.
- Other accessory residential signs are exempt from permit requirements.
- For as-is replacement of damaged signs, no permit is required.
- Signs in the interest of public information and convenience may be issued a temporary permit by the Zoning Officer without standard permit fees.
- No fee shall be charged for the erection of a sign necessary to the public welfare.
- Signs affixed to benches or shelters placed by the Borough in public rights-of-way or other public property are not subject to the portable signs provisions.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Dickson City
- Flashing signs are permitted only as Special Exceptions in C or M Districts, requiring application to the Zoning Hearing Board.
- Outdoor advertising (billboards) are permitted only as Special Exceptions in C-3 and M-1 zones, requiring application to the Zoning Hearing Board.
- Directional signs are permitted only as Special Exceptions in C and M zones (and in all zones for residential developments), requiring application to the Zoning Hearing Board with referral to the Borough Planning Commission for review and recommendation.
- Temporary uses, including certain temporary signs, may require Special Exceptions approved by the Borough Council.
Source: other municipal code