Sign Regulations in Middlesex Township, Pennsylvania
Middlesex Township, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 28 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Flat Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Wall 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: August 6, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Middlesex Township, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Middlesex Township
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 20 feet at right-of-way line; may increase 1 foot per 3 lineal feet from ROW, max 35 feet from grade, unless otherwise specified | — | — |
| Menu Board (all eating establishment types) | — | 20 square feet per board | — |
| Residential Nameplate | 5 feet (freestanding) | 2 square feet per sign, per side | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Middlesex TownshipFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
28
- Flat Wall Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- Wall Projecting Sign
- On-site Directional/Informational Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Middlesex Township
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
In Middlesex Township, monument signs are limited to 20 feet at right-of-way line; may increase 1 foot per 3 lineal feet from ROW, max 35 feet from grade, unless otherwise specified. 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 Middlesex 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 Middlesex Township, regulated sign types include Flat Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Wall Projecting Sign, On-site Directional/Informational 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 Middlesex Township 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 Middlesex Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Middlesex Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Middlesex Township, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Middlesex Township, Pennsylvania regulates 28 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Billboard (Highway-Oriented: I-81/PA Turnpike)s in the Commercial Highway District (CH), Light Industrial District (LI), General Industrial District (IG) zoning district are capped at 35 feet above grade tall, 672 sq ft (14 ft x 48 ft), 28 sq ft max for embellishments, and 48 feet wide, with a As above (40 ft from ROW/property, etc.) setback (Sec. Section 14.16.I; 2011/2013 Amendments). Most commercial signs in Middlesex Township require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Middlesex Township, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Middlesex Township (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 5 | 20 feet at right-of-way line; may increase 1 foot per 3 lineal feet from ROW, max 35 feet from grade, unless otherwise specified | 20 square feet per board | — |
| Residential Districts, Residential Farm District (RF) | 5 | Pole sign: 12 feet; Monument: 5 feet | Up to 32 square feet | — |
| Commercial Highway District (CH), Light Industrial District (LI), General Industrial District (IG) | 8 | Maximum height 35 feet above grade | 672 sq ft (14 ft x 48 ft), 28 sq ft max for embellishments | — |
| Village Center District (VC) | 3 | 20 feet | 64 square feet | — |
| Neighborhood Design Development (within VC Districts) | 4 | 20 feet | 150 square feet | — |
| Planned Center (sites containing less than 100,000 square feet of gross leasable floor area) | 7 | 20 feet | 75 square feet | — |
| Planned Center (sites containing more than 100,000 square feet of gross leasable floor area) | 8 | 20 feet | 150 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Middlesex Township(sample of 3 of 7 zones)
Commercial Highway District (CH), Light Industrial District (LI), General Industrial District (IG)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat Wall Sign | Height of wall to which sign is attached | 64 square feet per sign | — | — | 3 per principal use, +1 additional if corner or front/rear public entrance | On building wall | — | Unlock | Table 1 P6 |
| Freestanding Sign | 20 feet at ROW, potentially more with distance up to 35 feet | 64 square feet per sign | — | 10 feet from property line | 3 per principal use, +1 additional if corner or front/rear public entrance | Freestanding; 10 feet from any lot line; outside sight triangle | — | Unlock | Table 1 P6; Section 14.16.F.16/18 |
| Wall Projecting Sign | Height of wall to which sign is attached | Not more than 64 sq ft or 15% of wall area | — | — | 3 per principal use, +1 additional if corner or front/rear public entrance | Projecting from wall | — | Unlock | Table 1 P6 |
| Billboard (Standard) | Maximum height 35 feet above grade | 300 sq ft per face (except as otherwise specified for highways) | — | 40 ft from any property/utility easement line; 40 ft from ROW; 1000 ft from residential district/buildings, 2640 ft between billboards, 250 ft from any freestanding on-premises sign. | Subject to lot requirements and separation | On its own lot entirely within CH, LI, or IG District, with specified access and size | — | Unlock | Section 14.16.I; Amendments 2008/2011/2013 |
| Billboard (Highway-Oriented: I-81/PA Turnpike) | 35 feet above grade | 672 sq ft (14 ft x 48 ft), 28 sq ft max for embellishments | 48 feet | As above (40 ft from ROW/property, etc.) | Subject to separation and lot requirements | Abutting or intended for highway use only (as defined) | — | Unlock | Section 14.16.I; 2011/2013 Amendments |
| Changeable Sign (Freestanding & Wall) | Same as sign it is attached to | Same as sign it is attached to | — | — | 1 per principal use | On sign structure of permitted Flat Wall or Freestanding Sign | — | Unlock | Section 14.16.F.20; 2011/2013 amendments |
| Retail Fuel Price Sign (Changeable) | 10 feet | 32 square feet per face | — | Shall maintain side/rear yard setbacks; not within 15' of driveway/access | — | On same foundation as main identification sign; or, if separate, must maintain required setbacks and not extend within 15 feet of any vehicular access. | — | Unlock | Section 14.16.F.19 and 2011 amendment |
| On-site Directional/Informational Sign | 5 feet freestanding; 10 feet wall; wall sign (height of wall) | 6 square feet per sign | — | — | Unlimited | On premises | — | Unlock | Table 1 P7 |
Planned Center (sites containing less than 100,000 square feet of gross leasable floor area)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Planned Center Identification Sign (Freestanding) | 20 feet | 75 square feet | — | — | One per planned center | On site | — | Unlock | Table 3 PC1 |
| Anchor Tenant Wall/Projecting Sign (≤150 lineal ft storefront) | Height of wall | 75 sq ft | — | — | 1 per side facing street (max 2) | On building wall | — | Unlock | Table 3 PC3 |
| Storefront Sign for One Use | Height of wall | 50 sq ft; letter height 20 in. | — | — | 1 per principal use | On wall | — | Unlock | Table 3 PC5 |
| Under-Canopy Sign | To base of canopy or 10 feet if no canopy | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per principal use | Suspended under canopy or at height if none | — | Unlock | Table 3 PC7 |
| Non-Anchor Freestanding Use Sign | Height of wall | 50 sq ft per sign, not exceeding 20% of wall area. Letter height 28 in. | — | — | 2 per principal use, 1 per wall | Flat wall or wall projecting | — | Unlock | Table 3 PC9 |
| Planned Center Directional Sign | 6 feet | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per secondary street entrance | At entrance as directional | — | Unlock | Table 3 PC11 |
| Planned Center Light Pole Banner | Height of light pole | 12 sq ft per light pole | — | — | 1 per light pole | On light pole | — | Unlock | Table 3 PC13 |
Planned Center (sites containing more than 100,000 square feet of gross leasable floor area)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Planned Center Identification Sign (Freestanding) | 20 feet | 100 square feet | — | — | 1 per street frontage with entrance/exit | One per street frontage with entrance or exit | — | Unlock | Table 4 PC2 |
| Anchor Tenant Wall/Projecting Sign (>150 ft storefront, <300 ft from street) | Height of wall | 100 sq ft | — | — | 1 per side facing street, max 2 | Flat wall or wall projecting | — | Unlock | Table 4 PC4 |
| Anchor Tenant Wall/Projecting Sign (>150 ft storefront, >300 ft from street) | Height of wall | 150 sq ft | — | — | 1 per side facing street, max 2 | Flat wall or wall projecting | — | Unlock | Table 4 PC4 |
| Storefront Sign for One Use | Height of wall | 75 sq ft | — | — | 1 per principal use | Flat wall or projecting | — | Unlock | Table 4 PC6 |
| Under-Canopy Sign | To base of canopy or 10 ft if none | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per principal use | Under canopy or at specified height | — | Unlock | Table 4 PC8 |
| Non-Anchor Freestanding Use Sign | Height of wall | 75 sq ft per sign (not >20% of wall area); letter height 28 in | — | — | 2 per principal use, 1 per wall | Flat wall or wall projecting | — | Unlock | Table 4 PC10 |
| Planned Center Directional Sign | 6 feet | 8 sq ft | — | — | 1 per secondary street entrance | At entrance | — | Unlock | Table 4 PC12 |
| Planned Center Light Pole Banner | Height of light pole | 12 sq ft per light pole | — | — | 1 per light pole | On light pole | — | Unlock | Table 4 PC14 |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Middlesex 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 7 zones for Middlesex Township — start freeProhibited Signs in Middlesex Township
- Animated and moving signs, including flags with commercial messages, pennants, banners, streamers, propellers, discs, flashing signs, illuminated elements simulating motion, and searchlights are prohibited.
- Open flames used to attract public attention to a place of business or to an advertising sign are prohibited.
- Any sign, banner, pennant, balloon, valance, or advertising display constructed of cloth, fabric, cardboard, or other non-durable material, intended to be displayed for a short period of time (except a permitted special event sign) is prohibited, except as specifically permitted for bouquets of balloons or special occasions at a residence.
- Flashing signs, defined as any sign including lights or messages that flash, blink, or turn on or off intermittently at any time interval, are prohibited. Changeable signs are permitted only as specified and are not considered flashing signs.
- Glaring signs – signs with light sources or that reflect brightness in a manner that constitutes a hazard or nuisance, including fluorescent text/graphics/backgrounds and holographic signs – are prohibited.
- Obstructive signs erected or maintained at any road intersection in a manner that obstructs free and clear vision are prohibited.
- Posters and handbills affixed to structures, trees, other natural vegetation, rocks, or telephone poles are prohibited.
- Signs that may be confused with or obstruct the view of any authorized traffic sign, street sign, or signal are prohibited.
- Strings of lights outlining property lines, sales areas, or structures intended to advertise or draw attention to a business or commercial activity are prohibited, except temporary holiday decorations or use during specific temporary activities such as fairs or carnivals.
- A-frame/wheeled/portable signs are prohibited except on a temporary basis not to exceed 72 consecutive hours, not more than once per year.
- Multiple signs, logos and insignia on a canopy or canopies attached to a building or other structure are prohibited.
- Signs that prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window, fire escape, or free access on roofs, or are attached to standpipes or fire escapes are prohibited.
- No sign that emits smoke, visible vapors, particles, sound or odor shall be permitted.
- No mirror device shall be used as part of a sign.
- Signs placed on or affixed to vehicles/trailers that are parked on a public right-of-way, public property or private property so as to be visible from the right-of-way for advertising purposes are prohibited.
- No sign may display matter where the dominant theme appeals to the prurient interest in sex, is patently offensive regarding the depiction of sexual matters, and is utterly without redeeming social value, including graphic illustrations of specified anatomical areas or sexual activities.
- Obsolete signs that no longer advertise a bona fide business or product are prohibited.
- No sign may be maintained in a state of disrepair, giving the appearance of neglect, or having loose parts or being structurally unsafe.
- Any sign which becomes structurally unsafe or endangers safety must be made safe or removed within five days of notice.
- No sign shall obscure light/air from a building or create a traffic danger.
- No sign shall be attached to trees within the right-of-way of any street or to public utility poles.
- Except in the case of billboards, only signs referring directly to services, businesses, products, etc. on the premises are permitted; off-premise signs are otherwise prohibited.
- Signs attached to buildings may not be placed on the roof or higher than the wall to which attached.
- Sign height is limited—no sign or part thereof shall exceed 20 feet at the street right-of-way line, nor 35 feet measured from grade, unless specifically allowed elsewhere.
- No sign located within 300 feet of any traffic light shall be illuminated with red, green, or yellow lights or neon tubing.
- All electrically illuminated signs must be constructed to the standards of the National Board of Fire Underwriters and applicable building codes.
Exempt Signs in Middlesex Township
- Residential nameplates: Up to two signs indicating address, number, and/or occupant names (not exceeding 2 sq ft per side, no commercial advertising or other identification).
- Decals not exceeding one sq ft affixed to windows/doors indicating business group memberships/accepted credit cards.
- Flags, emblems, and insignia of government agencies or recognized organizations (no permit required, but flagpoles subject to standard district height limits).
- Handicapped parking space signs not exceeding 2 sq ft each in accordance with building/PennDOT codes.
- On-premises private drive signs (1 per driveway entrance, max 2 sq ft, language limited to 'private drive' and addresses).
- Official signs erected by government agencies/utilities including traffic, safety, railroad, public facility, or other official signs.
- Seasonal on-premises signs for farm products, erected no more than 15 days before harvest, removed within 30 days after harvest.
- Security and warning (e.g. 'No Trespassing') signs not exceeding 2 sq ft in residential areas, 5 sq ft in commercial/industrial areas—limitations don't apply to no trespassing signs posted in accordance with state law.
- Temporary real estate for sale/rent/sold signs (1 per street frontage, max 2 per property), plus 1 off-premises temporary directional sign per event, subject to timing/removal limits.
- Auctions, garage/yard sale signs not exceeding 6 sq ft, not erected more than 4 days prior, removed 1 day after the sale, 1 on-premises/1 off-premises sign per sale event.
- Political yard signs announcing candidates, parties, or issues on a ballot.
- Memorial signs/tablets, plaques, grave markers, or other historical/non-commercial commemorative items.
- Bulletin boards for public, charitable or religious institutions (on-premises use only, up to 25 sq ft one-sided or 50 sq ft double-faced, used exclusively for non-commercial announcements).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Middlesex Township
- All permanent and temporary signs (unless specifically exempted) require a sign permit indicating compliance with Section 14.16 and relevant tables.
- A site plan drawn to scale is required for any sign permit application, showing building/lot location, sign position with respect to buildings, property lines, and streets.
- A sketch of the sign and any required landscaping/island (for permanent freestanding signs) must be included with the permit application and reviewed by the Zoning Officer.
- Applications for new/altered/moved signs must include owner information, site plan, sign design, construction/attachment details, landscaping plan (for freestanding signs), and other info required to show compliance.
- Conceptual Master Plan is required for development of a Neighborhood Design Development; the master plan must show proposed sign locations and types as part of the overall layout.
- Land Development/Subdivision Plan approval is required for Billboards prior to amendments in 2008—in 2008 this requirement was removed, but Billboards still require Planning Commission review and Board of Supervisors approval for site access.
- Planned Centers (Shopping Centers, Office Parks, etc.) are required to submit a sign plan as part of approval per the definition of 'Shopping Center' and the requirement for an approved sign plan.
- All non-conforming signs existing at the time of ordinance adoption or amendment must apply for a non-conforming sign permit within 90 days of the effective date.
- For any change in dimension, location, or content (except copy replacement/face change of the identical size or smaller) a new sign permit is required.
- A changeable/LED/EMC sign (where permitted) must be coordinated with emergency services for emergency message override; this requirement should be addressed on the sign plan or permit application.
- Requests for modification from Neighborhood Design Development or sign dimensional standards require conditional use approval with findings related to overall plan consistency.
- All landscaping and screening requirements for signs, including freestanding and planned center signage, must be depicted on and approved as part of the sign plan.
- Applications for planned centers must include a sign plan identifying sign types, sizes, locations, and compliance with the requirements of Tables 3 and 4.
- Billboards require Zoning Hearing Board approval as a special exception prior to permitting.
Source: other municipal code