Sign Regulations in Homestead Borough, Pennsylvania
Homestead Borough, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 38 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign (Business Establishment), Permanent Window Graphic, Freestanding Sign (Business Establishment). 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 Homestead Borough, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Homestead Borough
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate or Identification Sign | — | 1.5 sq ft | — |
| Off-Premises Directional Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — |
| On-Premises Directional Sign (Lots < 1 acre) | — | 4 sq ft per sign | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
38
- Wall Sign (Business Establishment)
- Permanent Window Graphic
- Freestanding Sign (Business Establishment)
- Awning or Canopy Sign (Business Establishment)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Homestead Borough
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Homestead 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 Homestead 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 Homestead Borough, regulated sign types include Wall Sign (Business Establishment), Permanent Window Graphic, Freestanding Sign (Business Establishment), Awning or Canopy Sign (Business Establishment), 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 Homestead 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 Homestead Borough are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Homestead Borough has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Homestead Borough, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Homestead Borough, Pennsylvania regulates 38 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Business Establishment)s in the C-3 District zoning district are capped at 12 ft tall and 20 sq ft, with a 10 ft from ROW and side lot line; 50 ft from another sign ≥12 sq ft setback (Sec. § 27-909.1A(4), 27-909.2A-B, 27-909.2C). Most commercial signs in Homestead Borough require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Homestead Borough, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Homestead Borough (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 11 | — | 40 sq ft | — |
| Residential District (R-1, R-2, R-3) | 4 | — | 20 sq ft | — |
| C-1 District | 6 | 35 ft (freestanding) | 300 sq ft | — |
| C-2 District | 4 | 12 ft | 40 sq ft | — |
| C-3 District | 7 | 35 ft (freestanding) | 300 sq ft | — |
| WDD | 14 | 60 ft | 250 sq ft per side (user/tenant panel); 500 sq ft per side total, max 60 ft height | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Homestead Borough(sample of 3 of 6 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate or Identification Sign | — | 1.5 sq ft | — | — | — | Attached to a wall of the structure | — | Unlock | § 27-907.1A |
| On-Premises Directional Sign (Lots < 1 acre) | — | 4 sq ft per sign | — | — | 4 | Displayed on private property, on lots containing two or more residential buildings or any lot containing a nonresidential use | — | Unlock | § 27-907.1C(1)-(2) |
| On-Premises Directional Sign (Lots ≥ 1 acre) | — | 4 sq ft per sign | — | — | 6 for first acre; +2 per additional acre | Displayed on private property, on lots containing two or more residential buildings or any lot containing a nonresidential use | — | Unlock | § 27-907.1C(3) |
| Temporary Special Event Display | — | 40 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building | On face of public building, church, or building housing a nonprofit organization | — | Unlock | § 27-912.3 |
| Temporary Special Event Display (Retail Establishment) | — | 40 sq ft total per establishment | — | — | 2 at once | Attached to building or supporting structure of freestanding pole business identification sign | — | Unlock | § 27-912.4 |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign (Residential District) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On property being sold or leased | — | Unlock | § 27-912.5 |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign (Non-Residential District) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On property being sold or leased | — | Unlock | § 27-912.5 |
| Temporary Construction Sign | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On lot where work is performed | — | Unlock | § 27-912.6 |
C-3 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Business Establishment) | — | 40 sq ft | — | — | 1 per establishment | Flush-mounted on wall | — | Unlock | § 27-909.1A(1), 27-909.1A(5) |
| Awning or Canopy Sign (Business Establishment) | — | — | — | — | 1 per establishment | On awning or canopy | — | Unlock | § 27-909.1A(2), 27-909.1A(5) |
| Permanent Window Graphic | — | 10% of total window area | — | — | — | On window of business establishment | — | Unlock | § 27-909.1A(3), 27-909.1A(5) |
| Freestanding Sign (Business Establishment) | 12 ft | 20 sq ft | — | 10 ft from ROW and side lot line; 50 ft from another sign ≥12 sq ft | 1 per qualifying establishment | Must meet minimum setbacks; only permitted for single business with 25+ ft structure setback and 100+ ft frontage | — | Unlock | § 27-909.1A(4), 27-909.2A-B, 27-909.2C |
| Identification Sign (Planned Commercial Development - Freestanding) | — | 100 sq ft | — | — | 1 per development | Freestanding, for planned commercial development | — | Unlock | § 27-909.1B(1)-(3) |
| Wall, Awning or Window Sign (for Each Business Within Planned Commercial Development) | — | — | — | — | 1 per business within development | On wall, awning, or window of business | — | Unlock | § 27-909.1B(2)-(3) |
| Billboard | 35 ft (freestanding) | 300 sq ft | — | 100 ft from street ROW; 500 ft from others | 1 per lot | C-1 and C-3 Districts only | — | Unlock | § 27-911.1, 27-911.2 |
WDD
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Sign (Residential Community) | 10 ft | 50 sq ft per side | — | 10 ft from public ROW | 1 per intersection | At each approved intersection, not closer than 10 ft to any public right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 27-910.2A(1) |
| Identification Sign (Multifamily Dwelling/Clubhouse/Rec Facility) | — | 8 sq ft per side | — | 10 ft from property line | 1 per qualifying structure/facility | At each multifamily dwelling (with >5 units), clubhouse/leasing office, or rec facility; not closer than 10 ft from any property line | — | Unlock | § 27-910.2A(2) |
| Directional Sign (Residential Communities) | — | 2 sq ft per sign | — | — | 2 per intersection | No more than 2 per intersection | — | Unlock | § 27-910.2A(4) |
| Real Estate Sign (Residential Community) | 10 ft | 10 sq ft per side | — | 5 ft from property line or ROW | 1 per intersection | At approved intersection, may be in required front yard | — | Unlock | § 27-910.2A(5) |
| Pylon Sign (Commercial/Industrial, Parcel ≥3 Acres, User/Tenant Panel) | 60 ft | 250 sq ft per side (user/tenant panel); 500 sq ft per side total, max 60 ft height | — | 30 ft from intersection and ROW | 1 per intersection; max 4 in WDD (Homestead) | Setback ≥30 ft from intersection and ROW | — | Unlock | §27-910.3A(2), 27-910.3C, 27-910.4A |
| Monument Sign (Commercial/Industrial, Parcel <3 Acres) | 10 ft | 50 sq ft per side (up to 2 sides) | — | 10 ft from intersection and ROW | — | Any yard area, set back ≥10 ft from intersection and ROW | — | Unlock | § 27-910.3A(3), 27-910.3D, 27-910.4B, 27-910.4E |
| Menu Board (Fast Food Drive-Through) | — | 20 sq ft | — | — | In addition to other permitted signage | Not within required front yard setback | — | Unlock | § 27-910.3A(4) |
| Marquee Sign | 1 ft depth | 5 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 per use | — | — | Unlock | § 27-910.3B(6) |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Homestead 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 Homestead Borough — start freeProhibited Signs in Homestead Borough
- Any sign erected, altered, painted, relocated, remodeled, enlarged or maintained must comply with the provisions of the sign ordinance and other Borough ordinances.
- All signs, whether permanent or temporary, must have zoning and occupancy certificates except as otherwise exempted.
- No sign shall be attached to a utility pole or tree, whether on private or public property, unless specifically authorized by the chapter.
- No sign shall be erected at a street or driveway intersection in violation of clear sight distance requirements.
- No sign shall be erected in or projecting over any public right-of-way unless specifically authorized.
- Flashing or animated signs are prohibited, except authorized time/temperature signs.
- String pennants, flags or banners are prohibited, except as temporary signs when authorized.
- Bare bulb or light strings or search lights are prohibited.
- Sandwich board signs are prohibited, other than as temporary signs.
- Portable or wheeled signs are prohibited.
- Signs which might be confused with legitimate traffic-control devices or use admonitions such as 'stop,' 'go,' 'slow,' or 'danger' are prohibited.
- Signs attached to autos, trucks, vans, trailers or similar vehicles are prohibited, other than as temporary signs.
- Signs painted on walls, chimneys or roofs of a building or on fences or walls are prohibited.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- Illuminated signs must not interfere with, distract, or blind operators of motor vehicles, or create glare on adjacent properties.
- Nonconforming signs that are damaged or destroyed to an extent of 50% or more of their replacement value shall not be reconstructed except in conformity with the ordinance.
- Nonconforming signs ordered to be repaired equal to or more than 50% of replacement value must be brought into conformance.
- A nonconforming sign shall not be enlarged or altered except to make safety improvements or changes that make it conforming or more conforming.
- Termination by abandonment: Any nonconforming sign not used for 90 days is deemed abandoned and may not be reestablished (exceptions for government action, strikes etc. may apply).
- No temporary sign shall be illuminated.
Exempt Signs in Homestead Borough
- Address numerals.
- Traffic, directional, legal notices or similar instructional or regulatory signs erected by a unit or agency of government.
- Flags or similar emblems of a governmental, educational, religious, or philanthropic organization, displayed on private property, provided the flagpole or structure does not exceed applicable height limits.
- Window displays, provided they do not exceed 10% of the gross surface area of all windows in an establishment.
- Memorial or historical plaques.
- Holiday decorations for recognized federal or state holidays, provided they do not interfere with traffic safety or become a public safety hazard.
- Traffic signs for all public and private streets, including but not limited to street names, stop signs and yield signs (within the WDD).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Homestead Borough
- All signs, whether permanent or temporary, shall require zoning and occupancy certificates, issued in accordance with the provisions of the chapter, unless exempt under Section 27-902.
- Permits are required for temporary special event displays and for all other signs authorized by specific sections (27-907 through 27-911), but not for other temporary signs authorized by Section 27-901.
- Any permit issued for the erection, alteration, replacement or relocation of any sign shall expire automatically within six months if work is not initiated and diligently pursued.
- All applications for the erection of a billboard must be accompanied by evidence of property ownership or a lease or other permission from the landowner.
- Structural design computations for billboard supports must be certified by a registered engineer and submitted with the permit application to the Borough.
- Exceptions to many standards may be granted subject to approval (e.g., for large buildings, in certain districts, or when special circumstances exist, subject to Borough Council or Borough approval).
- No explicit general requirement for a master sign plan or sign plan for all zones is present, but for ‘planned commercial developments’ and certain exceptions, approval from Borough Council or the municipality is required.
Source: ecode360 municipal code