# Sign Regulations in Media Borough, Pennsylvania

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Media Borough, Pennsylvania, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Media Borough, Pennsylvania (PA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/pennsylvania/media-borough
- **Data last verified:** 2025-04-28
- **Source:** [ecode360 municipal code](https://ecode360.com/44887005#44887005)

## At a glance

Media Borough, Pennsylvania regulates 43 sign types across 9 zoning districts. A-Frame Signs in the ROA District zoning district are capped at 48 in tall, 10 sq ft (30 in x 48 in), and 30 in wide (Sec. §311.E-41E(2)(d)). Most commercial signs in Media Borough require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (9 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Residential Districts | 4 | 8 ft | 12 sq ft | — |
| O-Office District | 3 | 8 ft | Aggregate 9 sq ft; individual sign: 6 sq ft max | — |
| MERC District | 2 | 8 ft | — | — |
| ROA District | 14 | 48 in | 30 sq ft | — |
| HBO District | 10 | 16 ft | 50 sq ft | — |
| Industrial District | 3 | 35 ft above curb/roadway (structure); 8 ft sign face height; 20 ft sign face length | 160 sq ft per sign face, 2 faces max (back-to-back) | — |
| Historic District | 1 | — | — | — |
| Nonresidential Districts | 3 | — | Within total allotted for district; if ground floor at max pre-chapter, +10 sq ft for upper and +10 sq ft for lower establishments after effective date | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | Residential, MERC, Office, ROA: 8 ft; HBO, Industrial: 16 ft | — | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 9 zones)

### Residential Districts

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Apartment Buildings, >4 units) | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building/group | On building or group of buildings; all portions including overhang within the lot line | — | §311.E-41A(1)(a)-(e) |
| Freestanding Sign (Apartment Buildings, >4 units) | 8 ft | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building/group | All portions including overhang within the lot line | — | §311.E-41A(1)(a)-(e), §311.E-42B(1) |
| Wall Sign (Nonresidential, Nonconforming Use) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per frontage | For each frontage | — | §311.E-41A(2)(a)-(d) |
| Freestanding Sign (Nonresidential, Nonconforming Use) | 8 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per frontage | For each frontage | — | §311.E-41A(2)(a)-(d), §311.E-42B(1) |

### ROA District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Commercial Use, Building Front) | — | 30 sq ft | — | — | 1 per front | Front of building | — | §311.E-41E(2)(a)[1], (c) |
| Wall Sign (Commercial Use, Corner Property Side) | — | 15 sq ft | — | — | 1 per side | Side of building (corner property) | — | §311.E-41E(2)(a)[2], (c) |
| Wall Sign (Commercial Use, Rear) | — | 15-30 sq ft | — | — | 1 per rear | Rear of building | — | §311.E-41E(2)(a)[3], (c) |
| Freestanding Sign (Commercial Use) | 8 ft | See front wall sign limits | — | — | See total sign limits | Front of property | — | §311.E-41E(2)(a)[1][2], §311.E-42B(1) |
| Projecting Sign (Commercial Use, North-South Streets) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per property | Projects 90° from front wall facing north-south streets | — | §311.E-41E(2)(a)[4] |
| A-Frame Sign | 48 in | 10 sq ft (30 in x 48 in) | 30 in | — | Unspecified | Adjacent to business; outdoors while open for business | — | §311.E-41E(2)(d) |
| Window Sign (Opaque) | — | 20% of window area, includes lit 'Open' signs | — | — | Unspecified | Inside/on window | — | §311.E-41E(2)(e)[1] |
| Window Sign (Text/Graphics, Non-Opaque) | — | 10% of window area | — | — | Unspecified | Inside/on window | — | §311.E-41E(2)(e)[2] |

### HBO District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Commercial Use, Front) | — | 50 sq ft | — | — | Unspecified | Front of building | — | §311.E-41F(2)(a)-(b)[2] |
| Wall Sign (Commercial Use, Side of Corner Property) | — | 25 sq ft | — | — | 1 per side (with area combination restriction) | Side (on corner property) | — | §311.E-41F(2)(b)[3] |
| Wall Sign (Commercial Use, Rear) | — | 15 sq ft | — | — | 1 per rear | Rear of building | — | §311.E-41F(2)(b)[4] |
| Freestanding Sign (Commercial Use, Front) | 16 ft | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per deeded property | Front of property | — | §311.E-41F(2)(b)[1], §311.E-42B(2) |
| Awning/Canopy Sign (Commercial Use) | — | — | — | — | Unspecified | On face of awning/canopy parallel to facade | — | §311.E-41F(2)(a), §311.E-45I, §311.E-45H |
| Window Sign (Commercial Use) | — | — | — | — | Unspecified | Front/side of building | — | §311.E-41F(2)(a) |
| Freestanding Sign (Shopping Center/Multi-Tenant ID) | 16 ft | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Frontage | — | §311.E-41F(3)(a)-(d), §311.E-42B(2) |
| Electronic Digital Display Fuel Price Sign (Gas Stations) | — | 24 sq ft (digits) | — | — | Unspecified | Gas stations | — | §311.E-41F(5) |

## Prohibited signs in Media Borough

- Spinning, twirling, rotating or any other animated signs or objects used for advertising purposes, whether containing a message or not, except for time and temperature signs.
- Signs that emit sound, smoke or steam.
- Signs that glare, unless effectively shielded so that beams are not directed at public streets and are not internally illuminated so as to obscure, detract from adjoining properties, or impair the vision or operation of a driver.
- Signs with prohibited words such as 'stop,' 'look,' 'danger,' or any word, symbol or character that attempts to direct traffic or resembles official traffic signage.
- Signs placed on property without the permission of the owner or agent.
- Signs with obscene or prurient words, scenes or graphics.
- Signs painted on buildings, or painted on or attached to trees, utility poles, fences, outdoor benches or similar natural or man-made features.
- Signs that obscure other signs or obstruct fire escapes, doors or windows.
- Unsafe and damaged signs, including signs within the safety clearances of electrical and utility lines.
- Projecting signs, roof signs or animated signs, except for specifically designated properties and locations.
- Advertising cloth, paper or plastic banners or similar signs suspended or hung on any property, except for temporary banners permitted by the Code Enforcement Officer for 14 days.
- Wall bulletins or other signs painted directly on the facade of a building or structure.
- Signs or mobile stands that can be moved and are not permanently affixed to the ground.
- Swinging or hanging signs.
- Signs placed on vehicles or trailers parked for the primary purpose of displaying the sign (not applicable to normal business vehicles).
- Off-premise signs, except as specifically permitted by the ordinance.
- No sign, other than exempt signs, shall be erected within or over a public right-of-way or be of a character, form or shape as to dangerously distract vehicle operators.
- Self-illuminating signs are prohibited in the Historic District.

## Signs exempt from permit in Media Borough

- Official signs, including route number, street name, traffic, parking, or similar official signage.
- Decorations for recognized, officially designated holidays that do not create traffic or fire hazards.
- Directional signs not exceeding two square feet.
- Memorial or historic markers approved by the Planning Commission and not more than six square feet in area.
- Nonilluminated nameplate signs not exceeding 90 square inches, limited to one per lot.
- Real estate rental or sale signs not exceeding six square feet, with removal deadlines after settlement/lease; only one per street frontage, with open house signs allowed off-premises for up to 24 hours.
- Signs advertising development, subdivision, major repair or renovation, limited to 12 square feet, only one such sign and not illuminated, removed after sale or within seven days of completion.
- Political signs not exceeding six square feet, removed within seven days after an election (max two per street frontage, max total 8 square feet).
- Governmental flag or insignia not exceeding 32 square feet.
- Legal notices, removed when legal requirements are met.
- Public service signs for rest rooms, telephones or similar conveniences and meeting times for nonprofit organizations, max four square feet.
- Permanent architectural feature signs or features of architectural significance such as cornerstones or identifying letters carved/embossed on a building (not reflective or color contrasting).
- Temporary yard sale or garage sale signs not exceeding six square feet, removed within 24 hours after sale.
- Trespassing signs or signs indicating the private nature of a driveway or premises not exceeding two square feet; official burglar alarm notice.
- Signs of contractors, mechanics and artisans, not exceeding six square feet, not illuminated, one per frontage, removed within three days after work completion.
- For sale or for lease/rent signs on vehicles, boats or trailers.
- Signs applied to window panes giving store hours and identifying accepted cards, if total area does not exceed two square feet.
- Barber poles, gasoline pricing, and car wash signs; changing of pricing signs; business window signs advertising periodic sales and special events.
- Signs for street fairs, parades, school, church and periodic events.
- Identification signs for churches, schools, or similar institutions, not exceeding 12 square feet/side, one per street frontage.
- Menu boards not exceeding six square feet at eating/drinking establishments.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Applications for sign permits must include a plan showing the sign's location on the building or lot, the distance from the curbline and the height of the sign.
- For permanent signs, all must be designed by a recognized sign company.
- Multi-tenant building sign applications must be submitted by the owner.
- A landscaping plan must be submitted for billboards for approval by the Code Enforcement Officer.
- When referred, the Art and Architectural Commission must review and report on the sign's lettering, color, design, placement, and compatibility.
- A permit is required for any sign unless exempted or otherwise specified.
- A permit is required for the erection, repair, or replacement of any awning or canopy, following review by the Planning Commission.
- Appeals of sign permit denials may be made to the Zoning Hearing Board for a variance.
- In cases where a sign is replaced, enlarged, altered or damaged over 50% of its value, a permit is required except in specific cases for name changes on office/professional signs.

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 9 zoning districts in Media Borough — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Media+Borough+PA&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-media-borough

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