Sign Regulations in Dover Township, Pennsylvania
Dover Township, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 22 sign types across 1 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include All Signs, Real Estate Sign (Residential Property), Real Estate Sign (Nonresidential Property). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 19, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Dover Township, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Dover Township
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Signs | — | — | Must comply with setbacks in § 27-801. |
| Real Estate Sign (Residential Property) | 6 ft | 6 sq ft | Minimum setback per permanent sign requirements on same property |
| Real Estate Sign (Nonresidential Property) | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | Minimum setback per permanent sign requirements on same property |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
22
- All Signs
- Real Estate Sign (Residential Property)
- Real Estate Sign (Nonresidential Property)
- Temporary Contractor/Construction Sign (Residential)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
1
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Dover 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 Dover 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 Dover Township, regulated sign types include All Signs, Real Estate Sign (Residential Property), Real Estate Sign (Nonresidential Property), Temporary Contractor/Construction Sign (Residential), 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 Dover 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 Dover Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Dover Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Dover Township, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Dover Township, Pennsylvania regulates 22 sign types across 1 zoning district. Real Estate Sign (Residential Property)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and 6 sq ft, with a Minimum setback per permanent sign requirements on same property setback (Sec. § 27-802.1). Most commercial signs in Dover Township require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Dover Township, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Dover Township (1 zone)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 22 | 35 ft (from natural grade to highest point) | 700 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Dover Township
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Sign (Residential Property) | 6 ft | 6 sq ft | — | Minimum setback per permanent sign requirements on same property | 1 per frontage | On property for sale or rent | — | Unlock | § 27-802.1 |
| Real Estate Sign (Nonresidential Property) | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — | Minimum setback per permanent sign requirements on same property | 1 per frontage | On property for sale or rent | — | Unlock | § 27-802.1 |
| Temporary Contractor/Construction Sign (Residential) | 6 ft | 6 sq ft | — | Same as permanent sign on same property | — | On premises where work is being performed | — | Unlock | § 27-802.2 |
| Temporary Contractor/Construction Sign (Nonresidential) | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — | Same as permanent sign on same property | — | On premises where work is being performed | — | Unlock | § 27-802.2 |
| Permanent Freestanding Sign | 15 ft (standard); 18 ft (abutting arterial road) | 50 sq ft (standard); 80 sq ft (abutting arterial road) | — | Per § 27-801 (sight distance, residential proximity, not in right-of-way) | 1 per lot plus conditions | On same lot as business; corner lots: one per street frontage; extra for excess frontage (100 feet over min requirements/district); but no single business > 1 freestanding sign on one lot/contiguous lots | — | Unlock | § 27-804.1 |
| Roof Sign | Not above roof line or eave | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | On roof, not above roof line or eave | — | Unlock | § 27-804.4 |
| Residential Development Identification Sign | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — | Per § 27-801 | 1 per entrance or street frontage | At entrance or on property | — | Unlock | § 27-804.6 |
| Billboard Sign (Principal Arterial Roads) | 35 ft (from natural grade to highest point) | 700 sq ft | — | Minimum 50 ft from right-of-way | — | Principal Arterial Roads (per Master Plan) | — | Unlock | § 27-805 |
Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Dover Township are available with a free PermitPal account.
Start freeProhibited Signs in Dover Township
- Signs shall not be erected within or extend into the public right-of-way, including sidewalks on both sides of every street.
- The base of a freestanding sign shall not be used for any portion of the message, whether verbal or pictorial, nor for the placement of any future signs, whether permanent or temporary.
- Signs must be located so that they do not interfere with proper sight distances.
- No sign exceeding 32 square feet in area may be located within 75 feet of a residential use.
- No sign may project over a public sidewalk area or over a public highway or street unless specifically authorized by other Township or State regulations.
- Projecting signs shall be no less than eight feet high at the lower edge of the sign.
- Flashing, rotating, and intermittent lights are not permitted.
- Illumination must be so screened that it is not directed or reflected toward any residence within 100 feet or so it does not obstruct the vision of motorists.
- Illuminated signs in the colors red, green, or amber, or those highly reflective, may not be located within a radius of 200 feet of a highway traffic light, similar safety device, or street intersection.
- Freestanding internally illuminated signs shall be dimmable at night so as not to cause an objectionable glare to adjacent residential uses or motorists.
- Signs must be constructed of durable materials, maintained in good condition, and not allowed to become dilapidated.
- Upon termination or abandonment of a commercial or industrial use, all signs pertaining to the enterprise must be removed.
Exempt Signs in Dover Township
- Signs offering the sale or rental of the premises upon which the sign is erected, within specified size and quantity limitations, and constructed of a painted or printed solid surface material (not changeable copy or banner signs).
- Temporary signs of contractors, developers, architects, engineers, builders and artisans on the premises where work is being performed, within size and quantity limitations, and constructed of a painted or printed solid surface material (not changeable copy or banner signs), provided removed upon completion of the work.
- No trespassing, private road, driveway, premises, or hunting/fishing control signs, not exceeding four square feet.
- Plaques not exceeding four square feet which identify a site or structure as registered as a Federal or State historic place.
- Traffic and/or pedestrian safety control signs (e.g., Entrance, Exit, No Parking), containing only traffic control information, not exceeding 6 square feet in area and 5 feet in height, that do not block visibility or create a safety hazard; interior property directional signs up to 12 square feet in area and 6 feet in height; menu-board type signs permitted with a maximum area of 50 square feet and maximum height of 6 feet; such signs not to be constructed of painted, printed, or solid surface material, and not changeable copy or banner signs; illuminated menu-boards must be screened from adjacent residential uses.
- Political signs on private property with property owner's permission, provided they do not create a traffic hazard and are removed within 15 days after the relevant election.
- Banners or signs for Township events or promotions or similar community events that are not placed more than 14 days prior to an event and are removed within 7 days after the event.
- Sponsorship signs at athletic fields and similar settings benefiting a nonprofit organization, and located to be viewed primarily by spectators at events, not from roadways or off the property.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Dover Township
- Permit approval for off-premises advertising sign/billboard sign is contingent upon submission of a certified lease agreement and submission of a sketch plan that includes the sign lease area and lease area topographical boundaries.