Sign Regulations in Douglass Township, Pennsylvania
Douglass Township, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 23 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Projecting Sign, Canopy/Awning 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 Douglass Township, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Douglass Township
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | No portion less than 8 ft above finished grade unless sign projects less than 3 inches; cannot extend more than 12 inches from building wall | — | — |
| Projecting Sign | Lowest edge at least 8 ft above finished grade | — | — |
| Canopy/Awning Sign | Lowest edge at least 8 ft above finished grade | — | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
23
- Wall Sign
- Projecting Sign
- Canopy/Awning Sign
- Freestanding Sign (Nonresidential use)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Douglass Township
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
In Douglass Township, wall signs can be up to No portion less than 8 ft above finished grade unless sign projects less than 3 inches; cannot extend more than 12 inches from building wall. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Douglass 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 Douglass Township, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Projecting Sign, Canopy/Awning Sign, Freestanding Sign (Nonresidential use), 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 Douglass Township 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 Douglass Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Douglass Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Douglass Township, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Douglass Township, Pennsylvania regulates 23 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Off-Premises Sign (Billboard)s in the General Commercial District (GC), Office and Light Industrial District (M-1), Manufacturing Industrial District (M-2), Mixed Use District (MU) zoning district are capped at 30 ft (lowest edge min 7 ft) tall and Varies by speed: <35mph: 60 sq ft; 36-45mph: 100 sq ft; 46-55mph: 150 sq ft; 56-65mph: 200 sq ft; Limited Access: 300 sq ft, with a As listed in additional requirements setback (Sec. § 265-255). Most commercial signs in Douglass Township require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Douglass Township, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Douglass Township (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | No portion less than 8 ft above finished grade unless sign projects less than 3 inches; cannot extend more than 12 inches from building wall | — | — |
| R-1 Agriculture-Residential District (R-1) | 7 | 20 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| R-1A Residential District (R-1A), R-2 Residential District (R-2), R-3 Residential District (R-3), R-4 Residential District (R-4) | 5 | 8 ft | 24 sq ft | — |
| Institutional District (IN) | 3 | 10 ft | 24 sq ft (<2 acres); 40 sq ft (>2 acres) | — |
| Limited Commercial District (LC), Convenience Commercial District (CC), Village Commercial District (VCC) | 5 | 10 ft | 50 sq ft per sign face | — |
| General Commercial District (GC), Office and Light Industrial District (M-1), Manufacturing Industrial District (M-2), Mixed Use District (MU) | 6 | 30 ft (lowest edge min 7 ft) | 100 sq ft per sign face | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Douglass Township(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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | No portion less than 8 ft above finished grade unless sign projects less than 3 inches; cannot extend more than 12 inches from building wall | — | — | — | — | Exterior wall, parallel to wall surface | — | Unlock | § 265-254A, § 265-253, § 265-266 |
| Projecting Sign | Lowest edge at least 8 ft above finished grade | — | — | — | — | Projects up to 4 ft from face of building; no closer than 5 ft to curb/shoulder | — | Unlock | § 265-254C |
| Canopy/Awning Sign | Lowest edge at least 8 ft above finished grade | — | No awning/canopy sign shall be wider than wall/tenant space it identifies | — | — | Must be centered above windows/doors | — | Unlock | § 265-254D |
| Freestanding (Pole) Sign | Pole sign: Lowest edge >8 ft if within 15 ft of curbline | — | — | 5 ft from right-of-way | — | Minimum 5 ft setback from right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 265-254F |
| Freestanding (Ground/Monument) Sign | — | — | — | 5 ft from right-of-way | — | — | — | Unlock | § 265-254F |
| Manual Changeable Copy Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 265-254G |
| General Sign Illumination | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 265-253F |
R-1 Agriculture-Residential District (R-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (Park/OS Entrance) | 10 ft | 24 sq ft per sign face | — | — | 1 per street access | At each street access to a park or open space facility | — | Unlock | § 265-260D(1) |
| Freestanding Sign (Park Interior Identification) | 8 ft | 10 sq ft | — | — | No limit | On interior of park/open space for area/facility identification | — | Unlock | § 265-260D(2) |
| Wall/Fence Sign (Stadium Interior) | — | 24 sq ft | — | — | No limit | On interior wall/fence of open stadium | — | Unlock | § 265-260D(3)(a) |
| Freestanding Scoreboard | 20 ft | 200 sq ft | — | — | 1 per playing field | One per playing field | — | Unlock | § 265-260D(3)(b) |
| Freestanding Sign (Nonresidential use) | 6 ft | 24 sq ft per sign face | — | — | 1 per street frontage, up to 2 per lot | — | — | Unlock | § 265-260E |
| Wall/Projecting Sign (Nonresidential use) | Eaveline or bottom of second story window sill, whichever is lower | 24 sq ft per sign face | — | — | 1 per tenant per building frontage, up to 2 per tenant | — | — | Unlock | § 265-260F |
| Window Sign (Nonresidential use) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 265-260G |
General Commercial District (GC), Office and Light Industrial District (M-1), Manufacturing Industrial District (M-2), Mixed Use District (MU)
| 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 | Eaveline or bottom of 2nd story window sill, whichever is lower | 100 sq ft per sign face | — | — | No maximum | Façade facing a public street/parking lot | — | Unlock | § 265-264F,G |
| Projecting Sign | Eaveline or bottom of 2nd story window sill, whichever is lower | 20 sq ft per sign face | — | — | See additional requirements | — | — | Unlock | § 265-264H |
| Window Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 265-264I |
| Canopy/Awning Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 265-264J |
| Freestanding Sign | 20 ft | 50 sq ft plus 10 sq ft per tenant up to 100 sq ft; Gas stations: additional 50 sq ft per frontage; drive-thru: one extra up to 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage, up to 2 per lot (plus drive-thru/gas provisions) | — | — | Unlock | § 265-264K |
| Off-Premises Sign (Billboard) | 30 ft (lowest edge min 7 ft) | Varies by speed: <35mph: 60 sq ft; 36-45mph: 100 sq ft; 46-55mph: 150 sq ft; 56-65mph: 200 sq ft; Limited Access: 300 sq ft | — | As listed in additional requirements | Max one per 500 ft street frontage | M-1, M-2 only; not on buildings | — | Unlock | § 265-255 |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Douglass 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 6 zones for Douglass Township — start freeProhibited Signs in Douglass Township
- Abandoned signs.
- Snipe signs. Signs shall only be attached to utility poles in conformance with state and utility regulations and the requirements of this article.
- Vehicular signs. This regulation does not include the use of business logos, identification or advertising on vehicles primarily and actively used for business purposes and/or personal transportation.
- Mechanical movement signs, including revolving signs.
- Pennant strings and streamers.
- Animated signs, flashing signs, or signs that scroll or flash text or graphics.
- Inflatable signs and devices or balloon signs, with the exception of balloons used in temporary, noncommercial situations.
- Any signs that imitate, resemble, interfere with, or obstruct official traffic lights, signs, or signals.
- Signs which prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window, fire escape, or that prevent free access from one part of a roof to any other part. No sign other than a safety sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
- Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors, particulate matter, sound, odor or contain open flames.
- Reflective signs or signs containing mirrors.
- Interactive signs.
- Signs incorporating beacon or festoon lighting.
- Any banner or sign of any type suspended across a public street, without the permission of the owner of the property and road. Any banner sign or sign of any type on retaining walls or fences.
- Roof signs.
- Sandwich board/A-frame signs.
- Signs erected without the permission of the property owner, with the exception of those authorized or required by local, state, or federal government.
- Any sign containing information which states or implies that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of this chapter.
- Signs that exhibit statements, words, or pictures of obscene or pornographic subjects as determined by Douglass Township.
- Any sign that promotes illegal activity.
- No sign shall be erected or maintained as to prevent free ingress and egress to or from any door, window, or fire escape.
- No sign shall be placed in such a position as to endanger pedestrians, bicyclists, or traffic on a street by obscuring the view or by interfering with official street signs or signals by virtue of position or color.
- No sign may occupy a sight triangle.
- Signs and their supporting structures shall maintain clearance and noninterference with all surface and underground utility and communications lines or equipment.
- The addition of any message center sign to a nonconforming sign is prohibited.
- The addition of any digital display to a nonconforming sign is prohibited.
- Any vehicle or trailer which is parked on a public right-of-way or on public or private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way, which has attached thereto or located thereon any sign or advertising device for the basic purpose of providing advertisement of products or directing people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property or any other premises is hereby deemed to be an advertising vehicle and shall be prohibited (excluding vehicles used primarily for other business purposes such as deliveries).
Exempt Signs in Douglass Township
- Official traffic signs.
- Government/regulatory signs.
- Signs inside a building, or other enclosed facility, which are not meant to be viewed from the outside, and are located greater than three feet from the window.
- Holiday and seasonal decorations.
- Personal expression signs of any sign type, including flags, provided that they do not exceed three square feet in area per side, are noncommercial in nature, and not illuminated.
- Address signs. Up to two signs stating address, number and/or name of occupants of the premises and do not include any commercial advertising or other identification (with size limits by residential/nonresidential districts).
- Public signs. Signs erected or required by government agencies or utilities, including traffic, utility, safety, railroad crossing, and identification or directional signs for public facilities.
- Signs or emblems of a religious, civil, philanthropic, historical or educational organization that do not exceed four square feet in area.
- Private drive signs. One sign per driveway entrance, not to exceed two square feet in area.
- Security and warning signs (conventional 'no trespassing' signs in accordance with state law), with size limits by zone.
- Flags, subject to certain location, height, number and size limits; flags containing commercial messages are regulated as permitted signs.
- Legal notices.
- Incidental window sign.
- Memorial signs, public monument or historical identification sign erected by Douglass Township, including plaque signs up to one square foot in area.
- Signs which are a permanent architectural feature of a building or structure, existing at the time of adoption of this chapter.
- Signs advertising the variety of crop growing in a field (must be removed after the growing season).
- Incidental signs, with size limits based on zoning district.
- Directional signs, may not exceed four square feet in area with a maximum height of eight feet.
- Art and murals, provided such signs do not contain a commercial message.
- Temporary signs in accordance with §265-257, Regulations for temporary signs.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Douglass Township
- A sign plan (site plan and elevation drawings) is required for a sign permit application (§265-266). Applicants must submit site plan depictions of proposed and existing signage, including design, dimensions, material, lighting, colors, and locations.
- For off-premises signs, plans must be certified by a licensed engineer and include: sign location with setbacks, location of existing trees, distances to various features (including right-of-way, property line, buildings, other signs, intersections), and a site plan containing all applicable requirements (§265-255M).
- Conversion of a non-message center sign to a message center sign, or of a non-digital sign to a digital sign, requires the issuance of a new sign permit (§265-253F(3)(f), §265-253F(4)(f)).
Source: ecode360 municipal code