Sign Regulations in Exeter Township, Pennsylvania
Exeter Township, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 7 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign (Building Sign), Freestanding Sign, Off-Premises Freestanding 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 Exeter Township, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Exeter Township
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 10 feet (as measured from the edge of the cartway nearest the sign to the highest part of the sign) | — | — |
| Wall Sign (Building Sign) | No portion of a sign attached to a building shall extend more than 5 feet vertically above the height of the building | — | — |
| Off-Premises Freestanding Sign | 30 feet (as for freestanding signs; general rule) | Maximum 300 square feet per face | Min 300 ft from any other off-premises sign, 600 ft from any V-type/back-to-back, min 150 ft from residential district/property, min 500 ft from street intersections. |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
7
- Wall Sign (Building Sign)
- Freestanding Sign
- Off-Premises Freestanding Sign
- Off-Premises Electronic Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Exeter Township
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
In Exeter Township, wall signs can be up to No portion of a sign attached to a building shall extend more than 5 feet vertically above the height of the building and monument signs are limited to 10 feet (as measured from the edge of the cartway nearest the sign to the highest part of the sign). 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 Exeter 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 Exeter Township, regulated sign types include Wall Sign (Building Sign), Freestanding Sign, Off-Premises Freestanding Sign, Off-Premises Electronic 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 Exeter 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 Exeter Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Exeter Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Exeter Township, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Exeter Township, Pennsylvania regulates 7 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Off-Premises Freestanding Signs in the HC Highway Commercial, SCC Shopping Center Commercial, LI Light Industrial, GI General Industrial zoning district are capped at 30 feet (as for freestanding signs; general rule) tall and Maximum 300 square feet per face, with a Min 300 ft from any other off-premises sign, 600 ft from any V-type/back-to-back, min 150 ft from residential district/property, min 500 ft from street intersections. setback (Sec. §390-69D, §390-69F). Most commercial signs in Exeter Township require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Exeter Township, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Exeter Township (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RC, AP, R, SR0, SR1, SR2, SR3, UR | 2 | 10 feet (as measured from the edge of the cartway nearest the sign to the highest part of the sign) | — | — |
| HC Highway Commercial, SCC Shopping Center Commercial, LI Light Industrial, GI General Industrial | 4 | 30 feet (as measured from the edge of the cartway nearest the sign to the highest part of the sign) | Maximum 300 square feet per face | — |
| NC Neighborhood Commercial | 2 | No portion of a sign attached to a building shall extend more than 5 feet vertically above the height of the building | — | — |
| Restricted Office Commercial District | 1 | No portion of a sign attached to a building shall extend more than 5 feet vertically above the height of the building | — | — |
| Residential zoning district | 2 | 10 feet (as measured from the edge of the cartway nearest the sign to the highest part of the sign) | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 2 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Exeter Township(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
RC, AP, R, SR0, SR1, SR2, SR3, UR
| 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 | 10 feet (as measured from the edge of the cartway nearest the sign to the highest part of the sign) | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §390-69B(11), (1)-(10), (14)-(28) |
| Wall Sign (Building Sign) | No portion of a sign attached to a building shall extend more than 5 feet vertically above the height of the building | — | — | — | — | Attached to building (or projecting as described) | — | Unlock | §390-69B(12)-(13), (1)-(10), (14)-(28) |
HC Highway Commercial, SCC Shopping Center Commercial, LI Light Industrial, GI General Industrial
| 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 | 30 feet (as measured from the edge of the cartway nearest the sign to the highest part of the sign) | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §390-69B(11), §390-69D |
| Off-Premises Freestanding Sign | 30 feet (as for freestanding signs; general rule) | Maximum 300 square feet per face | — | Min 300 ft from any other off-premises sign, 600 ft from any V-type/back-to-back, min 150 ft from residential district/property, min 500 ft from street intersections. | One per street, highway or driveway frontage, V-type/back-to-back configuration permitted | HC, SCC, LI, GI Zones (not permitted along Business Route 422, specified segment); must be at least 150 ft from any residential zoning district boundary and property with a dwelling unit | — | Unlock | §390-69D, §390-69F |
| Off-Premises Electronic Sign | 30 feet | Maximum 300 square feet per face (per off-premises sign rules) | — | Min 300 ft from residential district/property, 500 ft from intersections, at least 150 ft from residential zone (see above); see Off-Premises Freestanding requirements. | See Off-Premises Freestanding Sign rules (one per frontage, V-type/back-to-back configuration permitted) | HC, SCC, LI, GI only; not on Business Rt 422 segment; not in Neighborhood Commercial or Restricted Office Commercial | — | Unlock | §390-69E, §390-69D, §390-69F |
| Wall Sign (Building Sign) | No portion of a sign attached to a building shall extend more than 5 feet vertically above the height of the building | — | — | — | — | Attached to building (or projecting as described) | — | Unlock | §390-69B(12)-(13), (1)-(10), (14)-(28) |
NC Neighborhood Commercial
| 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 (Building Sign) | No portion of a sign attached to a building shall extend more than 5 feet vertically above the height of the building | — | — | — | — | Attached to building (or projecting as described) | — | Unlock | §390-69B(12)-(13), (1)-(10), (14)-(28) |
| Electronic Sign (On-Premises) | — | — | — | — | — | On-premises only | — | Unlock | §390-69E(1),(9) |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Exeter 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 Exeter Township — start freeProhibited Signs in Exeter Township
- Signs shall not contain moving parts nor use flashing or intermittent illumination, except for traffic control signs, school warning signs, time and/or temperature signs, and certain electronic signs.
- No sign shall be placed or illuminated so as to cause danger to pedestrians or vehicular traffic.
- No sign allowed within a clear sight triangle at intersections, except traffic control or school warning signs.
- No sign, other than permitted traffic or school warning signs, shall be erected within or over street rights-of-way.
- No sign shall create noxious glare, direct beams of light toward adjacent properties or roads, or have unshielded light sources.
- No sign shall block ingress or egress from any window, door, or fire escape.
- No sign may emit smoke, vapors, particulates, sound, or odor.
- No portion of a sign shall project over a lot line.
- The area around signs must be kept clean, sanitary, and free from accumulated debris.
- Signs must be constructed of durable material and kept in good repair; dilapidated or hazardous signs must be removed at owner/lessee's expense.
- No building sign may project more than 12 inches from the building facade, or more than four feet perpendicularly (with exceptions) per specified criteria.
- No vulgar, indecent, or obscene signs may be displayed.
- No signs may be permanently attached to public utility poles or trees within street rights-of-way.
- Provisions apply to silos, smokestacks, water towers, and similar structures used as signs.
- Signs on mobile stands, vehicular signs, or signs affixed to moveable structures are prohibited.
- Signs using words or symbols such as 'stop', 'look', 'danger', 'yield', etc., in a manner to mislead or confuse traffic are prohibited (except traffic control signs).
- Portable signs are prohibited.
- Vehicular signs are prohibited.
- Temporary signs not recognized by the ordinance are prohibited.
- Signs are prohibited on public property or public rights-of-way unless erected by a governmental body or otherwise permitted by the Code Enforcement Officer, and must bear no commercial advertising.
- Search lights, pennants, spinners, banners, and streamers are prohibited except where noted.
- Electronic signs are only permitted as specified in the ordinance.
- All signs must comply with the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance and Tree Ordinance.
- Appropriate agency approvals are required before sign erection.
- Nonconforming signs, once removed, must be replaced only with conforming signs.
- Nonconforming signs destroyed to 50% or more value must be removed and replaced with conforming signs.
- Nonconforming signs may not be made more nonconforming through repairs or maintenance.
- Nonconforming signs may not be relocated, expanded, or modified to further violate regulations.
- Nonconforming signs inoperative for one year or more shall not be reactivated.
Exempt Signs in Exeter Township
- Traffic control signs, school warning signs, time and/or temperature signs, and certain electronic signs as specified may contain moving parts or special illumination.
- Traffic control signs, school warning signs, and similar signs may be permitted within clear sight triangles and in street rights-of-way.
- Signs erected by a governmental body or as permitted by the Code Enforcement Officer (and bearing no commercial advertising) may be placed on public property or public rights-of-way.
- Electronic signs permitted under specific subsections may be exempt from some general prohibitions.
- Temporary signs recognized by the chapter may be permitted.
- Search lights, pennants, spinners, banners, and streamers may be permitted as otherwise stated in the chapter.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Exeter Township
- A sign permit applicant must obtain all necessary outside agency approvals prior to erection of a sign, including, but not limited to, approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, as may be required.
- Sign permits shall be required in accordance with § 390-69 of this chapter.
- Special exception approval (variance meeting) is required for off-premises freestanding signs or off-premises electronic signs greater than 32 square feet and up to 300 square feet, pursuant to § 390-69F.
Source: ecode360 municipal code