Sign Regulations in Emsworth Borough, Pennsylvania
Emsworth Borough, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 25 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Building Marker Sign, Identification Sign, Flag. 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 Emsworth Borough, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Emsworth Borough
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (Residential) | 5 ft. | 2 sq. ft. | 2 ft. from lot lines; not closer than 10 ft to an intersection. |
| Building Marker Sign | — | 4 sq. ft. | — |
| Flag | 40 ft. (flagpole) | 60 sq. ft. | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
25
- Building Marker Sign
- Identification Sign
- Flag
- Freestanding Sign (Other)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Emsworth Borough
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
In Emsworth Borough, monument signs are limited to 5 ft.. 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 Emsworth Borough, 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 Emsworth Borough, regulated sign types include Building Marker Sign, Identification Sign, Flag, Freestanding Sign (Other), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Emsworth Borough, monument signs typically require a 2 ft. from lot lines; not closer than 10 ft to an intersection. setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Emsworth Borough are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Emsworth Borough has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Emsworth Borough, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Emsworth Borough, Pennsylvania regulates 25 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Residential)s in the R-3 zoning district are capped at 5 ft. tall and 2 sq. ft., with a 3 ft. from lot lines; not closer than 10 ft to an intersection. setback (Sec. §245-55, Table A, C, D, E). Most commercial signs in Emsworth Borough require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Emsworth Borough, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Emsworth Borough (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-1, R-2 | 5 | 40 ft. (flagpole) | 60 sq. ft. | — |
| R-3 | 7 | 40 ft. (flagpole) | 60 sq. ft. | — |
| C-1, C-2 | 17 | 40 ft. (flagpole) | 60 sq. ft. | — |
| LI | 15 | 40 ft. (flagpole) | 100 sq. ft. | — |
| O/C | 6 | 40 ft. (flagpole) | 60 sq. ft. | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 6 | — | 2 sq. ft. | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Emsworth Borough(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
R-3
| 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 (Residential) | 5 ft. | 2 sq. ft. | — | 3 ft. from lot lines; not closer than 10 ft to an intersection. | 1 per 15 ft. of street frontage | On private property, minimum 3 ft. setback from lot lines, not closer than 10 ft. to intersections. | — | Unlock | §245-55, Table A, C, D, E |
| Freestanding Sign (Other) | 10 ft. | 40 sq. ft. | — | 3 ft. from lot lines; not closer than 10 ft to an intersection. | 1 per 15 ft. of street frontage | On private property, minimum 3 ft. setback from lot lines, not closer than 10 ft. to intersections. | — | Unlock | §245-55, Table A, C, D, E |
| Building Marker Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | — |
| Identification Sign | — | — | — | — | 1 per building | On building | — | Unlock | §245-55, Table A, D, E |
| Incidental Building Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On building | — | Unlock | §245-55, Table A, notes |
| Residential Building Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On building | — | Unlock | §245-55, Table A, notes |
| Flag | 40 ft. (flagpole) | 60 sq. ft. | — | — | — | On private property | — | Unlock | §245-55, Table A, D, notes |
C-1, C-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (Residential) | 5 ft. | 2 sq. ft. | — | 3 ft. from lot lines; not closer than 10 ft to intersection. | See above | On private property, minimum 3 ft. setback from lot lines, not closer than 10 ft to intersections. | — | Unlock | §245-55, Table A, C, D, E |
| Freestanding Sign (Other) | C-1: 12 ft.; C-2: 20 ft. | C-1: 16 sq. ft.; C-2: 40 sq. ft. | — | 3 ft. from lot lines; not closer than 10 ft to intersection. | See above | On private property, minimum 3 ft. setback from lot lines for both C-1 and C-2, not closer than 10 ft to intersection. | — | Unlock | §245-55, Table A, C, D, E |
| Banner (Building Sign) | — | 24 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per building | On building | — | Unlock | §245-55, Table A, D |
| Building Marker Sign | — | 4 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per building | On building | — | Unlock | §245-55, Table A, D, notes |
| Canopy Sign | — | 25% of canopy's vertical surface | — | — | 1 per building | On canopy of building | — | Unlock | §245-55, Table A, D |
| Plaza Sign | — | C-1: 32 sq. ft. (16 sq. ft. for plaza name, 16 sq. ft. for establishments); C-2: 32 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per development | On site | — | Unlock | §245-55, Table A, C, D and notes |
| Projecting Sign | — | 40 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per building | On building, may project over right-of-way where permitted. | — | Unlock | §245-55, Table A, D |
| Flag | 40 ft. (flagpole) | 60 sq. ft. | — | — | — | On private property | — | Unlock | §245-55, Table A, D, notes |
LI
| 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 (Other) | 20 ft. | 100 sq. ft. | — | 5 ft. from lot lines; not closer than 10 ft to intersection. | 1 per 20 ft. of street frontage | On private property, min. 5 ft setback from lot lines, not closer than 10 ft to intersections. | — | Unlock | §245-55, Table A, C, D, E |
| Freestanding Sign (Incidental) | — | — | — | 5 ft. | — | On private property, min. 5 ft. setback. | — | Unlock | §245-55, Table A, notes |
| Banner (Building Sign) | — | 24 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per building | On building | — | Unlock | §245-55, Table A, D |
| Building Marker Sign | — | 4 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per building | On building | — | Unlock | §245-55, Table A, D, notes |
| Canopy Sign | — | 25% of canopy's vertical surface | — | — | 1 per building | On canopy | — | Unlock | §245-55, Table A, D |
| Plaza Sign | — | 32 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per development | On site | — | Unlock | §245-55, Table A, C, D |
| Projecting Sign | — | 40 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per building | On building, may project over right-of-way where permitted. | — | Unlock | §245-55, Table A, D |
| Flag | 40 ft. (flagpole) | 60 sq. ft. | — | — | — | On private property | — | Unlock | §245-55, Table A, D, notes |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Emsworth Borough — 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 Emsworth Borough — start freeProhibited Signs in Emsworth Borough
- All signs that are not expressly permitted under this chapter or exempted from its regulations by § 245-58 are prohibited from the Borough of Emsworth.
- Sign types such as beacons, pennants, strings of lights that are not permanently mounted to a rigid background (except those exempted), inflatable signs, and tethered balloons are prohibited.
- No sign shall be located closer than 10 feet to an intersection between public and/or private roads and/or driveways unless that sign allows a clear view between the intersecting roads and/or driveways at all heights between three and 10 feet.
- No sign shall exceed any applicable maximum numbers or dimensions shown in the ordinance tables, and no sign shall encroach on applicable minimum clearances.
- Any sign that was illegally erected or painted under a previous zoning ordinance or land use regulation remains illegal under this chapter, even if it conforms to this chapter's regulations.
- Nonconforming signs shall not be enlarged or relocated within the Borough.
- Nonconforming signs shall not be altered except to make safety improvements, keep the sign maintained, or bring the sign into conformance.
- Signs that do not conform to the area, height, setback, maximum percentage, or number requirements based on their zoning district are prohibited.
Exempt Signs in Emsworth Borough
- Any public notice or warning required by a valid and applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance.
- Any sign that is inside a building, not attached to a window or door, or not legible from a distance of more than three feet beyond the lot line of the involved lot or parcel.
- Works of art that do not include a commercial message.
- Signs on the scoreboard or outfield fence of an athletic field.
- Holiday lights and decorations with no commercial message.
- Traffic control signs on private property, such as 'STOP,' 'YIELD,' and similar signs, the face of which meet the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation standards and which contain no commercial message of any sort.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Emsworth Borough
- There is no explicit mention of a 'sign plan,' 'master sign plan,' or required variance meeting for signage in the provided ordinance text.
- Permits (zoning and/or occupancy) are required for certain signs as specified by district and sign type, particularly for temporary, building, and other regulated signs, as indicated in Tables A and related sections.
- Replacement of a nonidentical sign is considered the same as erecting a new sign and may or may not require a zoning and/or occupancy permit, depending on type and location.
- For temporary signs, both in private and public rights-of-way, occupancy permits with time limits and quantity restrictions are required.
Source: ecode360 municipal code