Sign Regulations in Glenolden Borough, Pennsylvania
Glenolden Borough, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 27 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include For Sale or Rental Sign (R-1, R-2), For Development Sign (R-1, R-2), Direction/Location Sign (R-1, R-2). 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 Glenolden Borough, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Glenolden Borough
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| For Sale or Rental Sign (R-1, R-2) | — | 6 square feet | — |
| For Development Sign (R-1, R-2) | — | 20 square feet | — |
| Direction/Location Sign (R-1, R-2) | — | 6 square feet | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
27
- For Sale or Rental Sign (R-1, R-2)
- For Development Sign (R-1, R-2)
- Direction/Location Sign (R-1, R-2)
- Sold/Rented Sign (R-1, R-2)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Glenolden Borough
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Glenolden Borough 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 Glenolden 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 Glenolden Borough, regulated sign types include For Sale or Rental Sign (R-1, R-2), For Development Sign (R-1, R-2), Direction/Location Sign (R-1, R-2), Sold/Rented Sign (R-1, R-2), 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 Glenolden Borough 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 Glenolden Borough are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Glenolden Borough has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Glenolden Borough, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Glenolden Borough, Pennsylvania regulates 27 sign types across 6 zoning districts. General Sign Construction & Placements in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 10 feet above ground (for most signs on single standard or on exterior, not rooftop) tall, 50 square feet (on building/single standard), and 8 feet extension from building or standard wide, with a Not closer than 8 feet inside street line (for exempt signs), not within 32 feet of certain street centerlines, not within 10 feet of ground (for most on-building/single standard signs) setback (Sec. §§ 138-11, 138-12, 138-14, 138-15, 138-16, 162-48.1(D)). Most commercial signs in Glenolden Borough require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Glenolden Borough, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Glenolden Borough (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3) | 9 | — | 20 square feet | — |
| Business District (B-1) | 2 | — | 50 square feet | — |
| Shopping Center District (B-2) | 3 | — | 50 square feet | — |
| Industrial District (I-1) | 2 | — | 50 square feet | — |
| Limited Office - Laboratory District | 2 | — | 50 square feet | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 9 | 25 feet (top of sign) | 100 square feet (4 ft x 25 ft) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Glenolden Borough(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For Sale or Rental Sign (R-1, R-2) | — | 6 square feet | — | — | 1 per property, or 1 per frontage if on multiple streets | On premises advertised; one per property unless property fronts more than one street, then one per frontage | — | Unlock | § 162-43(A) |
| For Development Sign (R-1, R-2) | — | 20 square feet | — | — | 1 per property, or 1 per frontage if on multiple streets | On premises being developed; one per property unless property fronts more than one street, then one per frontage | — | Unlock | § 162-43(B) |
| Direction/Location Sign (R-1, R-2) | — | 6 square feet | 4 feet | — | 1 per 500 ft street frontage | Not on premises for sale; one per 500 ft street frontage | — | Unlock | § 162-43(C) |
| Sold/Rented Sign (R-1, R-2) | — | 6 square feet (same as for sale) | — | — | 1 per property, or 1 per frontage if on multiple streets | On premises; subject to same conditions as For Sale Sign | — | Unlock | § 162-43(D) |
| Institution Sign (School, Church, Hospital, etc.) (R-1, R-2) | — | 20 square feet | — | — | 1 per property, or 1 per frontage if on multiple streets | On property, one per property unless property fronts more than one street, then one per frontage | — | Unlock | § 162-43(F) |
| Owner/Occupant Sign (R-1, R-2) | — | 1 square foot | — | — | 1 | On property | — | Unlock | § 162-43(G) |
| Name of Apartment/Townhouse Complex Sign (R-3) | — | 20 square feet | — | — | One at each entrance | One at each entrance from public street or road | — | Unlock | § 162-44(A), (B) |
| Development/Construction Sign (R-3) | — | 20 square feet | — | — | 1 per property, or 1 per frontage if on multiple streets | On property, one per property unless property fronts more than one street, then one per frontage | — | Unlock | § 162-44(C) |
Shopping Center District (B-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shopping Center Sign (B-2) | — | 50 square feet | — | — | 1 per street frontage (1 for corner property) | One per street frontage except for corner property, then only one sign | — | Unlock | § 162-46(A) |
| Business Sign (B-2) | — | 25 square feet | — | — | 1 per business | Attached to building involved | — | Unlock | § 162-46(B) |
| Development/Construction Sign (B-2) | — | 50 square feet | — | — | 1 per property, or 1 per frontage if on multiple streets | On property; one per property or per frontage if on more than one street | — | Unlock | § 162-46(C) |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bench Advertising Sign | — | — | — | — | No more than 2 bench signs per location | At established public transportation stop locations; no more than 25 feet from the stop | — | Unlock | Chapter 138 Article II (§§138-22 to 138-32) |
| Banner | 4 feet | 100 square feet (4 ft x 25 ft) | 25 feet | — | — | Temporary sign at any one establishment | — | Unlock | Article III (§ 138-34 to 138-35) |
| Overhead Banner | — | As specified on permit | — | Minimum vertical clearance 17 ft 6 in above roadway. | — | Over right-of-way or roadway; vertical clearance minimum 17 ft 6 in | — | Unlock | Chapter A168 |
| Temporary Signs (Warning, Sale/Rental, Mechanic, etc. under § 138-10) | — | Varies: 2 to 25 square feet | — | Minimum 8 feet inside street line | — | Setback minimum 8 feet inside street line | — | Unlock | § 138-10 |
| Freestanding Signs - General | 25 feet (top of sign) | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 162-48.1(C) |
| Flashing/Animated/Rotating/Portable Signs | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 162-48.1(B), (F) |
| Billboards | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 162-48.1(E) |
| General Sign Construction & Placement | 10 feet above ground (for most signs on single standard or on exterior, not rooftop) | 50 square feet (on building/single standard) | 8 feet extension from building or standard | Not closer than 8 feet inside street line (for exempt signs), not within 32 feet of certain street centerlines, not within 10 feet of ground (for most on-building/single standard signs) | — | Not within 32 feet of center line of Chester Pike/MacDade Blvd; not beyond street line; not between curb and sidewalk | — | Unlock | §§ 138-11, 138-12, 138-14, 138-15, 138-16, 162-48.1(D) |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Glenolden 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 Glenolden Borough — start freeProhibited Signs in Glenolden Borough
- No sign, billboard, signboard or other advertising device shall be erected or maintained which contains any immoral or indecent wording.
- No sign, billboard, signboard or other advertising device shall be erected, altered, enlarged, or maintained except in conformity with the ordinance provisions.
- It shall be unlawful to proceed with erection, alteration, enlargement or maintenance of any sign without first obtaining a permit or license, unless exempted.
- No sign, billboard, signboard or other advertising device shall be erected or maintained so as to obstruct or interfere with a doorway or other means of ingress and egress.
- No sign, billboard, signboard or other advertising device shall be erected or maintained in such a way that any part thereof will be free to move, sway or swing.
- Flashing, animated, rotating signs, automatic color changing or similar devices are prohibited.
- The construction or erection of any signs within the lines of any street is prohibited.
- It is unlawful to erect or maintain billboards within the limits of the Borough of Glenolden.
- Portable signs, whether freestanding or temporarily attached to a building or other support, are prohibited.
- No signs, billboards, signboards or other advertising device shall be erected or maintained between the curb and sidewalk nor to interfere with public travel.
- No sign may be erected or maintained that does not meet structural safety requirements or becomes dangerous to public safety.
- No electric sign, billboard, or advertising device shall be flashing.
- No sign may be installed or erected at a street intersection to obstruct vision or interfere with/obstruct/imitate authorized traffic signs, signals, or devices.
- No sign attached to a building or single standard may extend within 32 feet of the center line of Chester Pike or MacDade Boulevard, nor beyond the street line of any other street, nor within 10 feet of the ground surface.
- Overhead signs and banners require a minimum vertical clearance above the roadway of 17 feet six inches.
- Overhead signs and banners must be for a qualifying activity (government, nonprofit) and may not have more than 20% of the message relating to naming or advertising a commercial product, enterprise, business, or company.
Exempt Signs in Glenolden Borough
- The ordinance does not apply to signs erected and maintained by the United States Government, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, or any political subdivision thereof.
- Signs erected and maintained by schools, colleges, churches, hospitals and similar organizations (not exceeding 25 square feet and minimum eight feet from street line, in certain districts) do not require a permit.
- Signs on a residence advertising the business or profession of the occupants (not exceeding two square feet and minimum eight feet from street line, in certain districts) do not require a permit.
- Signs designating 'no trespassing', 'private road', 'no admittance' and similar warnings (not exceeding two square feet and minimum eight feet from street line, in certain districts) do not require a permit.
- Signs advertising the sale or rental of the premises (not exceeding six square feet and minimum eight feet from street line, in certain districts) do not require a permit.
- Temporary signs of mechanics and artisans during the period such persons are performing work on the premises (not exceeding six square feet and minimum eight feet from street line, in certain districts) do not require a permit.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Glenolden Borough
- Application for a sign permit must be accompanied by plans and specifications setting forth the dimensions, material, details of construction, location on the premises, distance from street line, and height above ground or roof.
- Plans submitted and approved by Borough Council are required for signs advertising shopping centers, industrial uses, or limited office-laboratory uses in relevant districts.
- No explicit mention of a master sign plan or variance meeting is present, but plans and specifications must generally be submitted and approved for sign permits, and certain signs require approval by Borough Council.
Source: ecode360 municipal code