Sign Regulations in Erie, Pennsylvania
Erie, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 13 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Portable Sign, Routine Non-Advertising Sign, Identification Sign. Height restrictions apply. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 21, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Erie, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Erie
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Sign | — | — | Any sign <10 ft from right-of-way requires 7 ft clearance or height ≤36 inches. Signs at corners in the clear sight triangle: max 36 inches or 7 ft height. |
| Routine Non-Advertising Sign | — | 4 square feet | — |
| Temporary Sign (in conjunction with event) | — | 24 square feet | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
13
- Portable Sign
- Routine Non-Advertising Sign
- Identification Sign
- General Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
9
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Erie
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Erie 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 Erie, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Erie, regulated sign types include Portable Sign, Routine Non-Advertising Sign, Identification Sign, General 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 Erie 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 Erie are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Erie has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Erie, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Erie, Pennsylvania regulates 13 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Name and Address Signs in the R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-3, W-R zoning district are capped at 6 feet (if mounted on ornamental pole in front yard) tall and 4 square feet (Sec. §303.6).
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Erie, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Erie (9 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | — | 24 square feet | — |
| R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-3, W-R | 3 | 6 feet (if mounted on ornamental pole in front yard) | 24 square feet | — |
| RLB, C-4 | 1 | — | 24 square feet per 75 feet of frontage | — |
| C-1, C-2, C-3, M-1, M-2 | 4 | 6 feet | 672 square feet (plus up to 10% extension/embellishments) | — |
| W-C, W-M | 2 | — | 10% of the surface area of the wall on or in front of which the sign is mounted | — |
| Waterfront Districts | 1 | — | — | — |
| Commercial Districts | 1 | 6 feet | 32 square feet | — |
| Manufacturing Districts | 1 | 6 feet | 32 square feet | — |
| Residential Districts | 1 | — | 4 square feet | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Erie(sample of 3 of 9 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Sign | — | — | — | Any sign <10 ft from right-of-way requires 7 ft clearance or height ≤36 inches. Signs at corners in the clear sight triangle: max 36 inches or 7 ft height. | — | No sign may state or imply a use prohibited by ordinance. No sign may simulate official, directional, or warning signs of governments, railroads, or public utilities. Signs for uses or products no longer available shall be removed or changed within six months. | — | Unlock | §303, especially 303.1-303.5, 303.14, 303.17 |
| Routine Non-Advertising Sign | — | 4 square feet | — | — | — | Within property lines | — | Unlock | §303.5 |
| Temporary Sign (in conjunction with event) | — | 24 square feet | — | — | — | Exterior of structure | — | Unlock | §303.15 |
R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-3, W-R
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name and Address Sign | 6 feet (if mounted on ornamental pole in front yard) | 4 square feet | — | — | — | Attached to building or mounted on ornamental pole in front yard | — | Unlock | §303.6 |
| Identification Sign (Public/Semipublic Use) | — | 24 square feet | — | — | — | In connection with any church, school, college, hospital, institution, park, playground, or other similar public/semi-public use. | — | Unlock | §303.7 |
| Temporary Sign (Property Sale) | — | 6 square feet (individual sale), 32 square feet (residential development/developer/contractor/realtor while under construction or for sale) | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §303.16 |
C-1, C-2, C-3, M-1, M-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification Sign (≤50 ft from R or W-R district) | — | 10% of wall area | — | — | — | Within 50 feet of any R or W-R district | — | Unlock | §303.10 |
| Identification Sign (>50 ft from R or W-R district) | — | 2 × lineal feet of lot frontage | — | — | — | More than 50 feet from any R or W-R district | — | Unlock | §303.10 |
| Outdoor Advertising Sign | — | 672 square feet (plus up to 10% extension/embellishments) | — | Bayfront Parkway and Eastside Connector: 600 ft from centerline for signs in C-2, M-1, M-2, C-3. Seaway Trail: No outdoor advertising within 660 ft of right-of-way or visible for purpose of being read unless for sale/lease/activity on property or official sign. | — | Mounted at least 10 ft above ground, unless flush to building wall. Permitted only in C-2, C-3, M-1, M-2 districts. | — | Unlock | §303.18 |
| Portable Sign | 6 feet | 32 square feet | — | — | — | Anywhere on nonresidential property, except public right-of-way, clear sight triangle, or required parking spaces | — | Unlock | §303.17 |
PermitPal covers all 9 zoning districts in Erie — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 9 zones for Erie — start freeProhibited Signs in Erie
- It is unlawful to post a political campaign sign on or over any public property in the City.
- It is unlawful to post a political campaign sign more than 90 days prior to an election and to fail to remove a sign within 30 days after the election.
- No person shall paste, tack or affix any advertisement or sign on any pole in the City which is used or intended to be used for carrying or supporting wires.
- No person shall paste or otherwise affix any advertisement or sign on any ornamental or other lighting poles owned by the City.
- No person in a park shall paste, glue, tack or otherwise post any sign, placard, advertisement or inscription whatever except as authorized by the Director of Parks and Public Places.
- No sign shall state or imply that a property may be used for a purpose prohibited by this Ordinance.
- Signs are prohibited which simulate official, directional or warning signs erected or maintained by government or other public agencies.
- Signs advertising a use no longer in existence or a product no longer available shall be removed or changed to advertise the new use within six months after cessation.
- All signs shall be located in such a manner that pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic views will not be obstructed.
- No flashing, moving or on-and-off style or rotating beacon style lights will be permitted.
- Message center signs and digital displays cannot contain a message which flashes, pulsates, moves, or scrolls.
- No outdoor advertising and portable signs shall be permitted in any waterfront district.
Exempt Signs in Erie
- Routine non-advertising signs situated within property lines not exceeding four square feet in area, such as 'No Trespassing' or 'Private Drive', and entrance/exit directional signs are allowed and are exempt from permit requirements.
- Council may, by resolution, authorize the placing of temporary signs of an approved type in connection with any civic or community project on ornamental or other lighting poles owned by the City.
- Council may give permission by resolution to place direction and information signs of a design and type it approves for bus line companies on City poles.
Source: ecode360 municipal code