Sign Regulations in Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Johnstown, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 17 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Canopy and Awning Sign, Monument 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 19, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Johnstown
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name Identification Sign | — | 1.5 sq. ft. | — |
| Bulletin Board Sign | — | 30 sq. ft. | — |
| Real Estate Sign | — | 12 sq. ft. | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
17
- Wall Sign
- Canopy and Awning Sign
- Monument Sign
- Billboard (Off-Site Sign)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Johnstown 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 Johnstown, 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 Johnstown, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Canopy and Awning Sign, Monument Sign, Billboard (Off-Site 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 Johnstown 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 Johnstown are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Johnstown has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Johnstown, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Johnstown, Pennsylvania regulates 17 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Billboard (Off-Site Sign)s in the C2 Community Business District, C3 Central Business District zoning district are capped at 30 ft tall and 700 sq. ft., with a Min 300 ft radius from certain uses, 1,000 ft radius from other billboards, 400 ft from highway centerline if visible setback (Sec. §1260.106(b)). Most commercial signs in Johnstown require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Johnstown (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | — | — | — |
| S Conservancy District, R1 One-Family Residence District, R2 Two-Family Residence District | 3 | — | 30 sq. ft. | — |
| R3 Multiple-Family Residence District | 1 | — | 12 sq. ft. | — |
| Traditional Neighborhood District, Historic Overlay District | 5 | More than 10 ft, but not more than 20 ft | 864 sq. in. (3 ft x 2 ft) | — |
| H Health Service and Medical Center District, C1 Neighborhood Shopping District | 5 | 10 ft minimum/20 ft maximum above ground | 60 sq. ft. | — |
| C2 Community Business District, C3 Central Business District | 6 | 30 ft | 864 sq. in. (3 ft x 2 ft) | — |
| M1 Light Industrial District, M2 Industrial Service and Distribution District, M3 Heavy Industrial District | 6 | 30 ft | 864 sq. in. (3 ft x 2 ft) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Johnstown(sample of 3 of 7 zones)
Traditional Neighborhood District, Historic Overlay 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 | — | 16 sq. ft. | — | — | Total wall signs not to exceed 16 sq. ft. | Attached to main wall of main building, projecting max 18 inches, no part <10 ft above grade. If projecting ≤3 inches, height limit does not apply. | — | Unlock | §1260.103(b)(1), §1260.104(b)(1) |
| Canopy and Awning Sign | — | 16 sq. ft. | — | — | — | Projected from exterior wall of building | — | Unlock | §1260.103(b)(1)(A), §1260.104(b)(1)(A) |
| Freestanding Sign | More than 10 ft, but not more than 20 ft | 20 sq. ft. | — | — | Total for all signs not to exceed 20 sq. ft. | Within buildable area of lot (front or side yard abutting street allowed) | — | Unlock | §1260.103(b)(2), §1260.104(b)(2) |
| Monument Sign | — | 35 sq. ft. | — | — | — | Not attached to building or pole structure | — | Unlock | §1260.103(b)(3), §1260.104(b)(3) |
| Perpendicular Signage | — | 864 sq. in. (3 ft x 2 ft) | — | — | — | Installed perpendicular to facade | — | Unlock | §1260.103(b)(4), §1260.104(b)(4), §1260.108(l) |
H Health Service and Medical Center District, C1 Neighborhood Shopping 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 | — | 30 sq. ft. | — | — | — | Attached to main wall of building, projecting max 18 in.; if ≤3 in., height limit does not apply. | — | Unlock | §1260.105(b)(1) |
| Canopy and Awning Sign | — | 30 sq. ft. | — | — | — | Attached/projected from exterior building wall | — | Unlock | §1260.105(b)(2) |
| Pole Sign | 10 ft minimum/20 ft maximum above ground | 60 sq. ft. | — | — | — | Within buildable area of lot; may be in front or side yard abutting street (C1) | — | Unlock | §1260.105(b)(3) |
| Ground Sign | 5 ft max pole structure | 16 sq. ft. | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §1260.105(b)(4) |
| Monument Sign | — | 35 sq. ft. | — | — | — | Principally supported by structure affixed to ground; not by building or pole | — | Unlock | §1260.105(b)(5) |
C2 Community Business District, C3 Central Business 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 | — | 400 sq. ft. | — | — | — | On wall | — | Unlock | §1260.106(c) |
| Billboard (Off-Site Sign) | 30 ft | 700 sq. ft. | — | Min 300 ft radius from certain uses, 1,000 ft radius from other billboards, 400 ft from highway centerline if visible | — | — | — | Unlock | §1260.106(b) |
| Electronic Message Display | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §1260.108(m) |
| Projected Light Display | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §1260.108(o) |
| Perpendicular Signage (C3 only) | — | 864 sq. in. (3 ft x 2 ft) | — | — | — | Installed perpendicular to building facade. | — | Unlock | §1260.106(e), §1260.108(l) |
| Projecting Sign (C3 only) | — | — | — | — | — | Perpendicular to facade; may project into public right-of-way; not to extend above top of wall; min clearance 10 ft above ground, min 4 ft from curb line. | — | Unlock | §1260.106(f), §1260.108(n) |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Johnstown — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 7 zones for Johnstown — start freeProhibited Signs in Johnstown
- No sign shall be placed in a position that will cause danger to vehicular or pedestrian traffic by obscuring view or causing distraction.
- Any sign, if illuminated, shall be lighted in a manner not detrimental to any adjacent property or public right-of-way.
- No sign, except traffic signs and other official signs, may be erected or extend onto any public street or right-of-way.
- No sign that is a part of or is supported by a building shall be erected upon the roof of such a building.
- No signs shall be permitted which are posted, stapled or otherwise permanently attached to public utility poles or trees within the street line.
- Nonconforming signs, once removed, shall be replaced only with conforming signs.
- No signs shall be permitted which are posted, stapled, taped, or otherwise permanently attached to public utility poles, trees within the street line, buildings or fences, which are made of paper, natural or synthetic fabric, vinyl or other flexible, roll stock materials or any other non-rigid material. Temporary signs made of non-rigid material are permissible only for a period up to 60 days.
- All signs that are not expressly permitted under this chapter or exempted from its regulations by subsection (i) are prohibited.
- Electronic message display boards, beacons, pennants, strings of lights that are not permanently mounted to a rigid background, inflatable signs, tethered balloons, and sexually suggestive signs containing advertisements are prohibited.
- Merchandise displays, signs, or any other exhibit depicting adult entertainment activities or sexually oriented businesses placed within the interior of buildings or premises must be arranged and screened to prevent public viewing from outside such buildings or premises.
- No sexually suggestive signs shall contain photographs, silhouettes, drawings or pictorial representations of any kind.
Exempt Signs in Johnstown
- Any public notice or warning required by a valid and applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance.
- Any sign that is inside a building, not attached to a window or door, or not legible from a distance of more than three feet beyond the lot line of the involved lot or parcel.
- Works of art that do not include a commercial message.
- Signs on the scoreboard or outfield fence of an athletic field, within the structure.
- Holiday lights and decorations with no commercial message.
- Traffic control signs on private property such as 'STOP,' 'YIELD,' and similar signs, the face of which meet Pennsylvania Department of Transportation standards and which contain no commercial message.
- Project identification signs are exempt for the duration of the work for which permits have been issued if they comply with the following: not exceed four feet by eight feet in size, secured so that it is not a hazard, and one such sign per project.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Johnstown
- A building permit shall be required for any sign erected.
- A permit shall be secured for the establishment, major alteration or moving of any sign (except real estate signs) one and one-half square feet or more in area.
- The Building Code Official shall approve all signs and billboards erected pursuant to this subchapter.