Sign Regulations in Harrison Township, Pennsylvania
Harrison Township, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 16 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Billboard, Electronic Changeable-Copy Sign (Billboard), Electronic Changeable-Copy Sign (Other: monument, wall, pedestal, ground). 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 Harrison Township, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Harrison Township
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard | 40 ft (including structure) | 15 ft high x 20 ft length | Front yard: 50 ft; Side yard: 50 ft; Rear yard: 50 ft |
| Electronic Changeable-Copy Sign (Billboard) | 40 ft (billboard structure) | 15 ft high x 20 ft length (applies to billboard as structure) | Billboard setbacks apply; plus 20 ft from any residential zone |
| Electronic Changeable-Copy Sign (Other: monument, wall, pedestal, ground) | Varies by sign type, but not exceeding general sign regulations (e.g. ground sign: 6 ft) | 36 sq ft | At least 20 ft from property zoned residential; general ground sign setbacks apply |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
16
- Billboard
- Electronic Changeable-Copy Sign (Billboard)
- Electronic Changeable-Copy Sign (Other: monument, wall, pedestal, ground)
- Electronic Changeable-Copy Sign (Monument, Wall, Pedestal, Ground)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Harrison Township
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
In Harrison Township, wall signs can be up to Varies by sign type, but not exceeding general sign regulations (e.g. ground sign: 6 ft) and monument signs are limited to Varies by sign type, but not exceeding general sign regulations (e.g. ground sign: 6 ft). 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 Harrison 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 Harrison Township, regulated sign types include Billboard, Electronic Changeable-Copy Sign (Billboard), Electronic Changeable-Copy Sign (Other: monument, wall, pedestal, ground), Electronic Changeable-Copy Sign (Monument, Wall, Pedestal, Ground), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Harrison Township, monument signs typically require a At least 20 ft from property zoned residential; general ground sign setbacks apply setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Harrison Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Harrison Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
Ready to Research Harrison Township Sign Permits?
Stop spending hours searching through municipal codes. Get instant access to Harrison Township, Pennsylvania sign regulations with PermitPal's AI-powered platform.
No credit card required · Get results in seconds
Harrison Township, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Harrison Township, Pennsylvania regulates 16 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Billboards in the M-1 District zoning district are capped at 40 ft (including structure) tall, 15 ft high x 20 ft length, and 20 ft wide, with a 50 ft setback (Sec. § 304.9 [Ord. 1950, 9/22/2011]). Most commercial signs in Harrison Township require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Harrison Township, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Harrison Township (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M-1 District | 3 | 40 ft (including structure) | 36 sq ft | — |
| B-1 District, V District, M-2 District | 1 | Varies by sign type (e.g. ground sign: 6 ft, general maximum 14 ft unless attached to a taller building) | 36 sq ft | — |
| S-1 District, C-1 District, Residential District | 1 | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 11 | 30 ft | 120 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Harrison Township(sample of 3 of 4 zones)
M-1 District
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard | 40 ft (including structure) | 15 ft high x 20 ft length | 20 ft | Front yard: 50 ft; Side yard: 50 ft; Rear yard: 50 ft | Up to 2 sign faces per structure | Not within 500 ft of a residentially zoned area; not within 1000 ft of another billboard | — | Unlock | § 304.9 [Ord. 1950, 9/22/2011] |
| Electronic Changeable-Copy Sign (Billboard) | 40 ft (billboard structure) | 15 ft high x 20 ft length (applies to billboard as structure) | 20 ft | Billboard setbacks apply; plus 20 ft from any residential zone | 1 per lot or 2 per tenant if multiple tenants | Same as billboard location | — | Unlock | § 304.10.A, § 304.9 |
| Electronic Changeable-Copy Sign (Other: monument, wall, pedestal, ground) | Varies by sign type, but not exceeding general sign regulations (e.g. ground sign: 6 ft) | 36 sq ft | — | At least 20 ft from property zoned residential; general ground sign setbacks apply | 1 per lot or 2 per tenant where multiple tenants occupy lot | On premises of the lot in M-1 district | — | Unlock | § 304.10.A |
B-1 District, V District, M-2 District
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic Changeable-Copy Sign (Monument, Wall, Pedestal, Ground) | Varies by sign type (e.g. ground sign: 6 ft, general maximum 14 ft unless attached to a taller building) | 36 sq ft | — | At least 20 ft from residential property; general ground/building sign setbacks apply | 1 per lot or 2 per tenant | On premises of lot in B-1, V, or M-2 District | — | Unlock | § 304.10.A |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Identification/Name Sign | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | — | On premises | — | Unlock | § 304.1 |
| Political Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On property, may be in public right-of-way portion, if motorist/pedestrian visibility is not impaired | — | Unlock | § 304.3 |
| Bulletin Board Sign | — | 24 sq ft | — | — | — | In connection with church, school, religious or educational structure | — | Unlock | § 304.4 |
| Business Sign (Wall Sign) | — | No more than 5 sq ft per linear foot of principal building width | — | — | — | Attached to building, within property line | — | Unlock | § 304.6A, B |
| Business Sign (Pedestal) | 30 ft | 120 sq ft | — | No part of such sign is closer than 5 ft to any property line | — | On premises, at least 5 ft from any property line | — | Unlock | § 304.6C |
| Ground Sign | 6 ft | 36 sq ft | — | — | — | On property advertising on-site goods/services only; none over/within sidewalk/right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 304.8A-G |
| Directional Sign | — | — | — | At least 3 ft from property lines | As determined necessary by Zoning Officer | As necessary for traffic, not to exceed what Zoning Officer determines | — | Unlock | § 304.11 |
| Banner or Pennant (Temporary Event) | — | 36 sq ft | — | — | 1 per event | Secured to building, not waving or fluttering, nonilluminated | — | Unlock | § 304.12 |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Harrison 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 Harrison Township — start freeProhibited Signs in Harrison Township
- No sign, billboard, or exterior graphic display shall be permitted in any district except as provided in this ordinance.
- Signs shall not be erected or illuminated in a manner which causes undue distraction, confusion, or hazard to vehicular traffic.
- No sign shall project over or on a public sidewalk or right-of-way.
- No sign shall bear an advertisement other than the name of the persons, firm or corporation operating the place of business and/or a description of the general character of the business conducted on the premises.
- Illuminated signs shall be nonflashing and nonglaring, and shall be illuminated in a manner to prevent glare and reflection to a public street or adjacent properties.
- All existing signs must comply with the ordinance requirements within 180 days after effective date of these provisions.
- Banners and pennants are prohibited, except as temporary events or displays authorized by the Zoning Officer.
- Pylon signs are not permitted in any zoning district or in connection with any use unless approved by the Board of Commissioners, except for certain expressway-oriented signs.
- The maximum height for a sign of any kind is 14 feet, except as otherwise provided for specific sign types or locations.
- No sign permit shall be issued or maintained without full compliance with the requirements set forth in the ordinance.
- No person shall destroy, remove, deface, obliterate or cover up any lamp, sign or barricade erected as a warning of danger by township authorities or their permittees.
- Any sign that displays electronic changeable copy or digital, electronic or internally illuminated text or images in violation of Ordinance criteria is prohibited.
Exempt Signs in Harrison Township
- A sign not exceeding one square foot in surface size is permitted in any district for announcing the name, address, or professional activity or the occupancy of the premises.
- Political signs may be placed in the public right-of-way portion of property by landowners, provided they do not interfere with motorist or pedestrian visibility or safety.
- A bulletin board not exceeding 24 square feet is permitted in connection with any church, school, or similar religious or educational structure.
- Real estate, construction, or political signs are permitted on the property being sold, leased or developed, subject to removal timelines after sale, lease, or election.
- Scoreboards for school athletic fields are exempted from electronic copy changeable sign restrictions.
- Electronic changeable-copy signs displaying only motor fuel or fuel blend prices are exempted from certain restrictions.
- One electronic changeable-copy sign is permitted on lots with active church, fire hall, emergency services station, public building, or school in S-1, C-1, or Residential Districts, subject to size, height, setback, and hours of operation limitations.
- This § 304, Subsection 12 (banners and pennants) shall not apply to banners owned by and referencing or promoting the Township of Harrison or Township programs approved by the Board of Commissioners; such banners may be erected by the Township without need for a sign permit.
- Nonconforming signs may be repaired or reconstructed if damaged less than 50% of replacement cost, provided no increase in gross surface area.
- Banners and wall signs may exceed 14 feet in height provided they do not exceed the height of the building to which attached.
- § 304, Subsection 14 (maximum sign height) does not apply to signs within a planned shopping center.
- The pylon sign prohibition does not apply to a pylon sign visible from and oriented toward Route 28 expressway if needed to inform travelers.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Harrison Township
- A sign permit is required prior to the erection or structural alteration of any sign, either permanent or temporary, except for real estate signs, residential identification signs, contractor signs, window signs, public signs, or notification signs.
- All applications for a sign permit must include drawings and details on the sign's size, height, location, setbacks, message, construction, illumination, and compliance.
- In the case of new construction of a multitenant development site, the developer is responsible for submitting an application for a sign package (including any monument, pole, ground, or on-premises directional signs). Individual businesses must apply for wall signs and, for outparcels, any freestanding signs.
- Pylon signs are generally prohibited unless the Board of Commissioners finds necessary criteria are met and specifically approves the sign.
- Variances, special approvals, or sign plan reviews may be required for exceptions such as for pylon signs, banners owned by the Township, and signs in planned shopping centers.
Source: ecode360 municipal code