Sign Regulations in Hanover, Pennsylvania
Hanover, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 21 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Awning / Canopy / Marquee Sign, Projecting 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 30, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Hanover, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Hanover
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Signs - Aggregate Sign Area Limit (per business or activity) | — | Per formula: 2 sq ft per linear foot of frontage, capped at 200 sq ft per street frontage. | — |
| All Signs - Projection/Clearance and Right-of-Way Limits | — | — | Must remain at least 2 feet inside curb or pavement edge when projecting; 8-foot minimum clearance if projecting more than 2 feet. |
| Wall Sign | — | Limited by aggregate formula; no separate per-sign area stated for wall signs. | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for HanoverFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
21
- Wall Sign
- Awning / Canopy / Marquee Sign
- Projecting Sign
- Identification 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 Hanover
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Hanover 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 Hanover, 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 Hanover, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Awning / Canopy / Marquee Sign, Projecting Sign, Identification 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 Hanover 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 Hanover are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Hanover has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Hanover, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Hanover, Pennsylvania regulates 21 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Awning / Canopy / Marquee Signs in the Mixed-Use District (MU) zoning district are capped at Limited by aggregate formula., with a Minimum 8 ft vertical clearance; ≥2 ft from curb/pavement edge. setback (Sec. § 140-702(C); § 140-502(A)-(F); § 140-704(C)-(D), (G), (M).). Most commercial signs in Hanover require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Hanover, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Hanover (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | — | Per formula: 2 sq ft per linear foot of frontage, capped at 200 sq ft per street frontage. | — |
| Lower Density Residential District (R-1); Medium Density Residential District (R-3); Higher Density Residential District (R-5) | 8 | — | Up to 8 sq ft. | — |
| Mixed-Use District (MU) | 9 | — | Up to 32 sq ft total sign area; when used as part of outdoor display for ground-floor retail/consumer services, each face must not exceed 6 sq ft. | — |
| Downtown District (D); Corridor Business District (CB); Planned Development District (PD) | 12 | — | Up to 80 sq ft. | — |
| Manufacturing District (M); Heavy Industrial District (HI) | 13 | — | Up to 300 sq ft. | — |
| Industrial District (I) | 1 | Up to 22 ft measured from the ground to the top of the sign; if the sign site is not at the grade of the arterial street it faces, the sign may not exceed 40 ft above the curb of that street. | Up to 200 sq ft total surface area (if two-sided, the combined area of both sides together may not exceed 200 sq ft). | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Hanover(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
Mixed-Use District (MU)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Sign | — | Limited by aggregate formula; no separate per-sign cap stated for MU in the provided table. | — | — | — | On-premises. | — | Unlock | § 140-703 (Business Sign – MU, D, CB, PD – listed); § 140-704(M), (G). |
| Wall Sign | — | Limited by aggregate formula. | — | — | — | Affixed to exterior wall, parallel to wall plane. | — | Unlock | § 140-702(P); § 140-704(M), (G). |
| Ground (Freestanding) Sign | — | Limited by aggregate formula (no separate numeric limit provided for MU). | — | — | — | Freestanding on the ground (monument, pole, or ground-mounted). | — | Unlock | § 140-703 (Ground Sign – MU/D/CB/PD/M/HI – listed); § 140-704(M), (G). |
| Projecting Sign | — | — | — | At least 2 ft inside curb/pavement; 8 ft minimum clearance if projecting >2 ft. | — | Attached to and projecting from a building facade. | — | Unlock | § 140-702(J); § 140-704(C)-(E), (I). |
| Awning / Canopy / Marquee Sign | — | Limited by aggregate formula. | — | Minimum 8 ft vertical clearance; ≥2 ft from curb/pavement edge. | — | On an awning/canopy/marquee attached to the building. | — | Unlock | § 140-702(C); § 140-502(A)-(F); § 140-704(C)-(D), (G), (M). |
| Identification Sign | — | Up to 6 sq ft. | — | — | 1 per business/activity. | Attached to the building or structure housing the identified activity. | — | Unlock | § 140-703 (Identification Sign – MU – 6 sq ft; Section 105.14 reference); § 140-704(N). |
| Directional Sign (On-premises) | — | Up to 8 sq ft. | — | — | — | On-premises to guide traffic circulation. | — | Unlock | § 140-703 (Directional Sign – R-1/R-3/R-5/MU – 8 sq ft). |
| Sandwich Board Sign | — | Up to 32 sq ft total sign area; when used as part of outdoor display for ground-floor retail/consumer services, each face must not exceed 6 sq ft. | — | — | Typically one sandwich board sign per business in conjunction with outdoor display (§ 140-508(A)). | Within street-facing front or side yard areas of the business premises; not in the public right-of-way unless otherwise permitted. | — | Unlock | § 140-703 (Sandwich Board Signs – MU/D/CB/PD/M/HI – 32 sq ft); § 140-508(A), (C). |
Downtown District (D); Corridor Business District (CB); Planned Development District (PD)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Sign | — | Limited by aggregate formula; no separate per-sign cap stated in the table for these districts. | — | — | — | On-premises. | — | Unlock | § 140-703 (Business Sign – MU, D, CB, PD – listed); § 140-704(M), (G). |
| Wall Sign | — | Limited by aggregate formula. | — | — | — | Affixed to exterior wall. | — | Unlock | § 140-702(P); § 140-704(M), (G). |
| Ground (Freestanding) Sign | — | Limited by aggregate formula. | — | — | — | Freestanding (monument/pole/ground-mounted). | — | Unlock | § 140-703 (Ground Sign – MU/D/CB/PD/M/HI – listed); § 140-704(M), (G). |
| Projecting Sign | — | — | — | At least 2 ft inside curb/pavement; 8 ft minimum clearance if projecting >2 ft. | — | Attached to and projects from a building facade. | — | Unlock | § 140-702(J); § 140-704(C)-(E), (I). |
| Awning / Canopy / Marquee Sign | — | Limited by aggregate formula. | — | Minimum 8 ft vertical clearance; ≥2 ft from curb/pavement edge. | — | On awning/canopy/marquee attached to building. | — | Unlock | § 140-702(C); § 140-502(A)-(F); § 140-704(C)-(D), (G), (M). |
| Identification Sign | — | Up to 20 sq ft. | — | — | 1 per business/activity. | Attached to building/structure housing identified activity. | — | Unlock | § 140-703 (Identification Sign – D/CB/PD/M – 20 sq ft; Section 105.14 reference); § 140-704(N). |
| Directional Sign (On-premises) | — | Up to 30 sq ft. | — | — | — | On-premises for wayfinding. | — | Unlock | § 140-703 (Directional Sign – D, CB, PD – 30 sq ft; Section 104.2 reference). |
| Sandwich Board Sign | — | Up to 32 sq ft total sign area; when used as part of outdoor display for ground-floor retail/consumer services, each face must not exceed 6 sq ft. | — | — | Typically one per business with outdoor display (§ 140-508(A)). | Within street-facing front or side yard areas of the business premises; not in the right-of-way unless otherwise permitted. | — | Unlock | § 140-703 (Sandwich Board Signs – MU/D/CB/PD/M/HI – 32 sq ft); § 140-508(A), (C). |
Manufacturing District (M); Heavy Industrial District (HI)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Sign | — | Up to 200 sq ft per sign (also subject to the overall aggregate cap of 2 sq ft per linear foot of frontage, not to exceed 200 sq ft per frontage). | — | — | — | On-premises. | — | Unlock | § 140-703 (Business Sign – M/HI – 200 sq ft); § 140-704(M), (G). |
| Wall Sign | — | Limited by aggregate formula; see Business Sign limits above. | — | — | — | Affixed to exterior wall. | — | Unlock | § 140-702(P); § 140-704(M), (G). |
| Ground (Freestanding) Sign | — | Limited by aggregate formula unless a smaller site-specific cap is imposed. | — | — | — | Freestanding (monument/pole/ground-mounted). | — | Unlock | § 140-703 (Ground Sign – MU/D/CB/PD/M/HI – listed); § 140-704(M), (G). |
| Projecting Sign | — | — | — | At least 2 ft inside curb/pavement; 8 ft minimum clearance if projecting >2 ft. | — | Attached to and projects from a building facade. | — | Unlock | § 140-702(J); § 140-704(C)-(E), (I). |
| Awning / Canopy / Marquee Sign | — | Limited by aggregate formula; for M/HI business signs also see 200 sq ft per sign cap under Business Sign entry. | — | Minimum 8 ft vertical clearance; ≥2 ft from curb/pavement edge. | — | On awning/canopy/marquee attached to building. | — | Unlock | § 140-702(C); § 140-502(A)-(F); § 140-704(C)-(D), (G), (M). |
| Identification Sign | — | Up to 300 sq ft. | — | — | 1 per business/activity. | Attached to the building or structure housing the identified activity. | — | Unlock | § 140-703 (Identification Sign – M/HI – 300 sq ft; Section 105.14 reference); § 140-704(N). |
| Directional Sign (On-premises) | — | Up to 50 sq ft. | — | — | — | On-premises for wayfinding. | — | Unlock | § 140-703 (Directional Sign – M/HI – 50 sq ft). |
| Animated Sign (Non-residential) | — | Up to 300 sq ft. | — | — | — | On-premises within M or HI districts. | — | Unlock | § 140-703 (Animated Sign – M/HI – 300 sq ft); § 140-507(D). |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Hanover — 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 Hanover — start freeProhibited Signs in Hanover
- It is unlawful to erect, place, alter, locate, relocate, or maintain any sign without complying with this ordinance’s procedures and requirements (§140-700).
- No sign may be erected that, due to position, shape, or color, interferes with, obstructs the view of, or could be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device (§140-704.A).
- No sign may be painted directly on any surface that is not itself the sign structure, except as specifically exempted for identification on doors/windows/trim (§140-704.B).
- No part of any sign may project beyond a point two feet inside the curb line or edge of street pavement (§140-704.C).
- No part of any sign may project over a pedestrian walkway more than four feet; any sign projecting more than two feet must maintain at least eight feet of clear height beneath all projecting parts (§140-704.D).
- No signs may be attached to or placed on any public utility pole or tree located within any public right-of-way (§140-704.F).
- Sign illumination must be indirect, shielded, or otherwise arranged to prevent glare (§140-704.G).
- Signs must not block free ingress to or egress from any window, door, or fire escape (§140-704.I).
- Indecent or obscene sign matter is prohibited (§140-704.J).
- A nonconforming sign damaged to 50% or more of its replacement value may not be rebuilt (§140-704.L).
- All temporary signs are limited to a maximum duration of 45 days unless otherwise provided by the ordinance (§140-704.P).
Exempt Signs in Hanover
- Flags or emblems of any nation, organization of nations, state, political subdivision, or any fraternal, religious, or civic organization are not considered signs (§140-202, Sign definition).
- Works of art that do not identify a product or business are not considered signs (§140-202, Sign definition).
- Scoreboards located on athletic fields are not considered signs (§140-202, Sign definition).
- Religious symbols are not considered signs (§140-202, Sign definition).
- Exception to the prohibition on painting signs directly on surfaces: identification signs or lettering placed directly on a door, store window, door/window frame, or building trim that identify the occupant or activity are allowed (§140-704.B).
Sign Permit Fees & Timelines in Hanover
| Item | Details | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Sign Permits (included in Building Permits) | Tiered fee — full schedule with a free account | cite: 7 |
| Permit Issuance | A decision either approving or disapproving an application for a Zoning Permit shall be rendered within 90 days after the application is filed. (starts when Application for a Zoning Permit is filed) | § 140-902 |
| See all Hanover sign permit fees & timelines — start free | ||
Source: other municipal code