Sign Regulations in Ephrata Township, Pennsylvania
Ephrata Township, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 20 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Real Estate Sign (Sale or Rental of Premises), Wall Sign (Attached to Building), Projecting Sign (Attached to Building). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: November 10, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Ephrata Township, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Ephrata Township
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Development Directional Sign | — | 20 sq ft per side | — |
| Construction Trades Sign (Mechanics/Artisans During Work) | — | 40 sq ft per side | — |
| Public Institution Sign (Recreation Areas, Schools, Colleges, Churches, or Similar Public Institutions) | — | 20 sq ft per side | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Ephrata TownshipFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
20
- Real Estate Sign (Sale or Rental of Premises)
- Wall Sign (Attached to Building)
- Projecting Sign (Attached to Building)
- Governmental Sign (Identification/Informational/Directional)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Ephrata Township
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Ephrata 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 Ephrata 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 Ephrata Township, regulated sign types include Real Estate Sign (Sale or Rental of Premises), Wall Sign (Attached to Building), Projecting Sign (Attached to Building), Governmental Sign (Identification/Informational/Directional), 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 Ephrata 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 Ephrata Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Ephrata Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Ephrata Township, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Ephrata Township, Pennsylvania regulates 20 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Business/Industrial)s in the Commercial District (C), Industrial District (I) zoning district are capped at 20 ft tall and 80 sq ft per side (Sec. Section 507.A.10.a, b, e; Section 507.B.6; Section 507.D.1-3; Section 507.B.4(a)-(b)). Most commercial signs in Ephrata Township require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Ephrata Township, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Ephrata Township (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 13 | — | 40 sq ft per side | — |
| Residential District (RLD, RMD, RHD) | 2 | — | 10 sq ft per side | — |
| Commercial District (C), Industrial District (I) | 4 | 20 ft | 80 sq ft per side | — |
| Mixed Use District (C-2) | 5 | Up to 80 ft (with Zoning Hearing Board approval) | Up to 80 sq ft per side | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Ephrata Township(sample of 3 of 4 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Development Directional Sign | — | 20 sq ft per side | — | — | Max 2 per each 500 feet of street frontage | Indicating location and direction of premises available for or in the process of development; inscribed with name of owner, developer, builder, or agent. | — | Unlock | Section 507.A.3.a-b; Section 507.D.1-3; Section 507.B.4(a)-(b) |
| Construction Trades Sign (Mechanics/Artisans During Work) | — | 40 sq ft per side | — | — | Max 1 per street frontage | Only on the premises where such work is being performed. | — | Unlock | Section 507.A.4.a-d; Section 507.B.4(a)-(b) |
| Public Institution Sign (Recreation Areas, Schools, Colleges, Churches, or Similar Public Institutions) | — | 20 sq ft per side | — | — | Max 1 per street frontage | On premises of public institution use. | — | Unlock | Section 507.A.5.a-b; Section 507.D.1-3; Section 507.B.4(a)-(b) |
| Regulatory/No Trespassing/Private Road/Control Use Sign | — | 6 sq ft per side | — | — | — | On premises to prohibit or control trespassing, indicate private nature of a road/driveway/premises, or otherwise control property use. | — | Unlock | Section 507.A.6; Section 507.D.1-3; Section 507.B.4(a)-(b) |
| Organization or Farm/Estate Name Sign | — | 25 sq ft per side | — | — | Max 1 per street frontage | Must be located on the same lot as the organization, home for the aged, nursing home, farm or estate. | — | Unlock | Section 507.A.7.a-c; Section 507.D.1-3; Section 507.B.4(a)-(b) |
| Farm Products Sales Sign | — | 20 sq ft per side | — | — | Max 2 total | On premises where farm products are sold. | — | Unlock | Section 507.A.8.a-c; Section 507.B.4(a)-(b) |
| Right-of-Way Special Event Sign (Charitable/Public Service Groups) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | — | Public right-of-way; announcing special events of charitable or public service groups. | — | Unlock | Section 507.B.3.b(2) |
| Wall/Projecting Sign Attached to Building (Other than Commercial, Industrial or Mixed Use Districts) | — | Max 10% of wall area or 20 sq ft, whichever is less | — | — | — | Attached to a building wall in districts other than Commercial, Industrial, or Mixed Use. | — | Unlock | Section 507.A.10.d, e; Section 507.D.1-3; Section 507.B.4(a)-(b) |
Commercial District (C), Industrial District (I)
| 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 (Sale or Rental of Premises) | — | 20 sq ft per side | — | — | — | Must be erected on the premises to which they relate. | — | Unlock | Section 507.A.2.a-c; Section 507.B.4(a)-(b) |
| Freestanding Sign (Business/Industrial) | 20 ft | 80 sq ft per side | — | — | Max 1 per street frontage | On premises; freestanding. | — | Unlock | Section 507.A.10.a, b, e; Section 507.B.6; Section 507.D.1-3; Section 507.B.4(a)-(b) |
| Wall Sign (Attached to Building) | — | Max 15% of the wall area on which the sign is placed | — | — | — | Attached to building wall. | — | Unlock | Section 507.A.10.c, e; Section 507.D.1-3; Section 507.B.4(a)-(b) |
| Projecting Sign (Attached to Building) | — | Max 15% of the wall area on which the sign is placed | — | — | — | Attached to building (projecting). | — | Unlock | Section 507.A.10.c, e; Section 507.D.1-3; Section 507.B.4(a)-(b) |
Mixed Use District (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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Sign (Sale or Rental of Premises) | — | 10 sq ft per side | — | — | — | Must be erected on the premises to which they relate. | — | Unlock | Section 507.A.2.a-c; Section 507.B.4(a)-(b) |
| Freestanding Sign (Business - C-2) | 20 ft (standard); see Height Exception zone for potential increase) | Up to 80 sq ft per side | — | — | Max 1 per street frontage | On premises; freestanding. | — | Unlock | Section 507.A.10.a (Mixed Use formula); Section 507.A.10.b, e; Section 507.B.6; Section 507.D.1-3; Section 507.B.4(a)-(b) |
| Wall Sign (Attached to Building) | — | Max 15% of the wall area on which the sign is placed | — | — | — | Attached to building wall. | — | Unlock | Section 507.A.10.c, e; Section 507.D.1-3; Section 507.B.4(a)-(b) |
| Projecting Sign (Attached to Building) | — | Max 15% of the wall area on which the sign is placed | — | — | — | Attached to building (projecting). | — | Unlock | Section 507.A.10.c, e; Section 507.D.1-3; Section 507.B.4(a)-(b) |
| Freestanding Sign (Height Exception - Zoning Hearing Board Approval) | Up to 80 ft (with Zoning Hearing Board approval) | — | — | Setback from all street rights-of-way and property lines must be equal to or greater than the height of the sign. | — | On premises in the C-2 District where increased visibility is warranted or surrounding physical characteristics restrict visibility. | — | Unlock | Section 507.B.6(a)-(b) |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Ephrata 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 4 zones for Ephrata Township — start freeProhibited Signs in Ephrata Township
- No signs are allowed in the public right-of-way except as specifically allowed (government/public utility/bus stop, certain temporary charitable event signs with approval, and emergency signs).
- No sign shall be placed so as to cause danger to traffic by obscuring the view.
- Prohibited across all districts: signs with flashing or moving illumination; illumination that varies in intensity or color; visible moving or revolving parts; visible mechanical movement; or apparent visible movement achieved by electrical pulsations or wind action (exceptions exist for clocks, hanging signs moving with air currents, time/temperature signs, and barber poles).
- Prohibited: light sources casting light on signs unless shielded by opaque material so bulbs are not visible from off the property.
- Prohibited: any sign or sign structure that constitutes a hazard to public safety or health.
- Prohibited: signs that distract or obstruct the vision of drivers or obstruct/detract from the visibility/effectiveness of any traffic sign or control device.
- Prohibited: any sign that obstructs free ingress to or egress from a fire escape, door, window or other required building exit.
- Prohibited: signs using words/phrases/symbols/lights such as 'Stop,' 'Look,' 'One-Way,' 'Danger,' 'Yield,' etc., in a manner that interferes with, misleads or confuses traffic.
- Prohibited: signs on public property or public rights-of-way unless erected by a governmental body or required by order of a governmental body.
- Prohibited: signs painted on, attached to, or supported by a street sign or street light standard, stone, cliff, or other natural object.
- Prohibited: searchlights, pennants, spinners, banners, streamers, inflatable balloons and similar devices, except for temporary occasions not to exceed 15 days with special prior permission of the Zoning Officer.
- No roof signs are permitted.
- Freestanding signs generally may not exceed 20 feet in height (measured from grade); exception procedures exist in the C-2 district via Zoning Hearing Board approval.
Exempt Signs in Ephrata Township
- Public/governmental signs in the right-of-way: public signs by or on behalf of a governmental body (legal notices, identify public property, convey public information, direct/regulate traffic); bus stop signs by a public transit company; informational signs of a public utility regarding its poles, lines, pipes or facilities.
- Temporary right-of-way signs announcing special events of charitable or public service groups are allowed with Zoning Officer approval, limited to 32 square feet, may not exist more than 30 days prior to the event, and must be removed as soon as the event has occurred.
- Emergency warning signs in the right-of-way erected by a governmental agency, a public utility company, or a contractor doing authorized work are allowed.
- Exceptions to the prohibition on moving/flashing signs: clocks, hanging signs that move with air currents, time and temperature signs, and barber poles (provided they comply with all other provisions).
- Temporary promotional devices (searchlights, pennants, spinners, banners, streamers, inflatable balloons) are permitted for temporary occasions not to exceed 15 days (e.g., grand openings) only with special prior permission of the Zoning Officer.
- Banners, flags, temporary signs, and window signs are exempt from the requirement that all signs be constructed of permanent materials and permanently attached (they must still conform to other requirements).
- In computing the area of a freestanding sign, any area devoted to the display of automobile fuel prices is excluded from the sign area calculation (limited to 36 square feet).
- For double-faced signs, only one face is counted toward sign area if both faces are identical and the interior angle between faces is 45 degrees or less.
- Nonconforming signs that lawfully existed at the effective date of the ordinance may be continued, provided they are constructed of durable material and maintained in good condition and repair.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Ephrata Township
- A sign permit is required before erecting, moving, or altering any permanent sign; applications must be made to the Zoning Officer.
- Permit applications must include a dimensional sketch or scale plan showing the shape, size, height, and location of all signs to be erected, altered, or moved, plus any other information the Zoning Officer requires.
- The Zoning Officer must grant or deny the permit within 15 days; if denied, written notice with the cause must be mailed to the applicant.
- Freestanding signs taller than 20 feet may be approved only in the C-2 district by the Zoning Hearing Board; conditions include setback from all street rights-of-way and property lines at least equal to the sign height and an absolute maximum height of 80 feet.
- Temporary promotional devices (searchlights, pennants, spinners, banners, streamers, inflatable balloons) require special prior permission from the Zoning Officer and are limited to 15 days.
- Temporary charitable or public service event signs in the public right-of-way require Zoning Officer approval, are limited to 32 square feet, may be posted no more than 30 days before the event, and must be removed immediately after.
- No master sign plan requirement is specified in the provided text.
Source: other municipal code