# Sign Regulations in Morton Borough, Pennsylvania

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Morton Borough, Pennsylvania (PA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/pennsylvania/morton-borough
- **Data last verified:** 2025-04-28
- **Source:** [ecode360 municipal code](https://ecode360.com/31261413#31261413)

## At a glance

Morton Borough, Pennsylvania regulates 53 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Off-premises Sign (Railroad Facing)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 10 ft from average grade tall and 55 sq ft (up to 100 sq ft by exception with Zoning Board approval), with a Minimum 50 ft from residential dwelling property setback (Sec. § 27-1405.1.B(2)). Most commercial signs in Morton Borough require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (7 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 23 | 10 ft from average grade | 90 sq in | — |
| Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4) | 4 | 8 ft | 12 sq ft | — |
| NC-Neighborhood Commercial District (NC) | 4 | 8 ft for freestanding | Aggregate 9 sq ft (no individual sign over 6 sq ft) | — |
| Nonresidential Districts | 2 | — | 10 sq ft (additional for upper/lower floor, if ground floor quota exceeded) | — |
| OC District | 12 | 48 in | 30 sq ft | — |
| GC District | 8 | 16 ft for freestanding | 50 sq ft | — |
| Light Industrial District | 1 | 16 ft for freestanding | Refer to General Commercial (GC): front - wall up to 50 sq ft (1 sq ft per lineal ft bldg width); freestanding 50 sq ft; side - 25 sq ft; rear - 15 sq ft | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 7 zones)

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Nameplate Sign | — | 90 sq in | — | — | 1 per lot | — | — | § 27-1403.1.E |
| Real Estate Sale/Rent Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | — | — | § 27-1403.1.F |
| Construction/Development Sign | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 | — | — | § 27-1403.1.G |
| Political Sign | — | 6 sq ft (two signs = max 8 sq ft aggregate per street frontage) | — | — | 2 per street frontage | — | — | § 27-1403.1.H |
| Contractor Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per frontage | — | — | § 27-1403.1.O |
| For Sale/Lease Sign (Vehicle/Boat/Trailer) | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | — | On vehicle, boat, trailer | — | § 27-1403.1.P |
| Off-premises Sign (Transit Shelter) | 8 ft from average grade | 55 sq ft (may be up to 100 sq ft by exception) | — | — | 1 per shelter/station | On transit shelter or station | — | § 27-1405.1.B |
| Off-premises Sign (Railroad Facing) | 10 ft from average grade | 55 sq ft (up to 100 sq ft by exception with Zoning Board approval) | — | Minimum 50 ft from residential dwelling property | 1 per lot | Properties abutting SEPTA railroad tracks | — | § 27-1405.1.B(2) |

### OC District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Carryover from Residential or NC (as applicable) | 8 ft for freestanding | Per applicable lower-district rules | — | — | — | — | — | § 27-1404.1.D(1) |
| Wall Sign (Commercial Use, Front of Building) | — | 30 sq ft | — | — | — | Front of building | — | § 27-1404.1.D(2)(a)[1], (c) |
| Wall Sign (Side of Building, Corner Property) | — | 15 sq ft | — | — | — | Side of building | — | § 27-1404.1.D(2)(a)[2] |
| Wall Sign (Rear - with enhanced entry) | — | up to 30 sq ft (with entry and enhancement), otherwise 15 sq ft | — | — | — | Rear of building | — | § 27-1404.1.D(2)(a)[3] |
| A-Frame Sign | 48 in | 30 in x 48 in (10 sq ft) | 30 in | — | — | Displayed only while adjacent establishments are open | — | § 27-1404.1.D(2)(d) |
| Wall Sign (Multi-tenant Building, Front) | — | 30 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Front of multi-tenant building | — | § 27-1404.1.D(3)(b)-(c) |
| Wall Sign (Multi-tenant Building, Rear w/ Entrance) | — | 15 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Rear of multi-tenant building | — | § 27-1404.1.D(3)(b)-(c) |
| Wall Sign (Listing All Individual Establishments in Multi-tenant Building) | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Wall of multi-tenant building | — | § 27-1404.1.D(4) |

### GC District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Carryover from Residential, NC, OC (if applicable use) | 16 ft for freestanding | Per applicable lower-district rules | — | — | — | — | — | § 27-1404.1.E(1) |
| Wall Sign (Commercial Use, Front of Building) | — | 50 sq ft | — | — | — | Front of building | — | § 27-1404.1.E(2)(b)[2] |
| Freestanding Sign (Commercial Use, Front of Building) | 16 ft | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per deeded property | Front of building | — | § 27-1404.1.E(2)(b)[1], §27-1406 |
| Wall/Window/Awning/Canopy Sign (Commercial Use, Side of Building, Corner Property) | — | 25 sq ft | — | — | — | Side of building | — | § 27-1404.1.E(2)(b)[3] |
| Wall/Window/Awning/Canopy Sign (Commercial Use, Rear of Building) | — | 15 sq ft | — | — | — | Rear of building | — | § 27-1404.1.E(2)(b)[4] |
| Directory Sign / Listing of All Establishments (Shopping Center/Multi-tenant Building) | 16 ft | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Freestanding | — | § 27-1404.1.E(3) |
| Wall Sign (Individual Establishments in Shopping Center) | — | 16 sq ft | — | — | 1 per establishment | Wall of building, affixed to individual establishment | — | § 27-1404.1.E(4) |
| Remote Change Electronic Digital Display Fuel Price Sign | — | 24 sq ft (LED digits only) | — | — | — | At gasoline stations | — | § 27-1404.1.E(5) |

## Prohibited signs in Morton Borough

- It is unlawful to erect or maintain spinning, twirling, rotating, or any other animated signs or objects used for advertising purposes, except for time and temperature signs.
- Signs that flash, blink, or emit sound, smoke, or steam are prohibited.
- Signs that can cause glare are prohibited unless effectively shielded so that glaring beams or rays of light are not directed to any portion of a public street, and must not be internally illuminated so as to impair the vision of vehicle drivers, interfere with vehicle operation, or detract from adjoining properties.
- No sign may use the words 'stop,' 'look,' 'danger' or any word, symbol, or character attempting to direct traffic movement, or that interferes with or resembles any official traffic sign, signal, or device.
- Signs placed on property without the permission of the owner or his agent are prohibited.
- Signs with obscene or prurient words, scenes, or graphics are prohibited.
- Signs painted on buildings, or attached to trees, utility poles, fences, outdoor benches, or similar natural or man-made features, are prohibited.
- Signs which obscure other signs or obstruct fire escapes, doors, or windows are prohibited.
- Unsafe and damaged signs, including those within the safety clearances of electrical and utility lines, are prohibited.
- Projecting signs, roof signs, or animated signs are prohibited.
- Advertising cloth, paper, or plastic banners or similar signs suspended or hung on any property are prohibited, except for temporary banners with special permission and 14-day display duration.
- Wall bulletins or any other signs painted directly on the facade of any building or structure are prohibited.
- Signs or mobile stands not permanently affixed to the ground and which can be moved from place to place are prohibited.
- Swinging or hanging signs are prohibited.
- Signs placed on vehicles or trailers parked or located for the primary purpose of displaying signs are prohibited (does not apply to vehicles in normal business use).
- Off-premises signs are prohibited except as specifically permitted by ordinance.

## Signs exempt from permit in Morton Borough

- Official signs, including route number, street name, traffic, parking, or other similar official signs.
- Decorations for an officially designated holiday, provided they do not create a traffic or fire hazard.
- 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.
- Non-illuminated nameplate signs not exceeding 90 square inches, limited to one per lot.
- Real estate rental or sale signs not exceeding six square feet, provided they are removed within seven days after settlement or agreement for lease, with specific limitations on quantity and off-premises 'open house' sign removal.
- Signs advertising development, subdivision, major repair or renovation of the property, not exceeding 12 square feet, no more than one per lot, not illuminated, and removed upon settlement or seven days after work completion.
- Political signs not exceeding six square feet, removed within seven days after the election, limited to two per street frontage with total eight square feet.
- A governmental flag or insignia not exceeding 32 square feet.
- Legal notices to be removed when legal requirements are met.
- Public service information signs (restrooms, telephones, meeting times/places for non-profit or charitable organizations) not exceeding four square feet.
- Permanent architectural features or building-integral signs (such as cornerstones or carved/embossed identifying letters) if non-reflective and not contrasting in color with the building.
- Temporary yard sale or garage sale signs not exceeding six square feet, removed within 24 hours after sale.
- Trespassing, private driveway, or burglar alarm signs not exceeding two square feet.
- Contractor, mechanic, or artisan signs not exceeding six square feet, non-illuminated, removed within three days of work completion, limited to one per frontage.
- For sale or for lease/rent signs on vehicles, boats, or trailers not exceeding one square foot.
- Window signs giving store hours and accepted cards not exceeding total of two square feet.
- Barber poles, changing of prices on pricing signs, business window signs advertising periodic sales, and special event signs.
- Signs for street fairs, parades, school, church, and periodic events.
- Identification signs for churches, schools, or similar institutions not exceeding 12 square feet (one per street frontage).
- Menu boards for eating or drinking establishments not exceeding six square feet, located on premises.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A sign permit is required for all signs except those exempted in § 27-1403.
- Permit applications must be accompanied by a plan drawn to scale showing the sign, its size, location in relation to the building and lot boundaries (§ 27-1401.2, § 27-1410.1(B)).
- All permanent signs must be designed by a recognized sign company (§ 27-1410.1(E)).
- A permit is required for erection, repair, or replacement of any awning or canopy, following Planning Commission review (§ 27-1409.1).
- In multi-tenant buildings, applications for signs must be submitted by the owner (§ 27-1410.1(D)).
- No sign permit is required for exempt signs listed in § 27-1403.
- A permit is required if any sign is replaced, enlarged, altered, dismantled, or damaged/destroyed by more than 50% of its value (§ 27-1410.2).
- Permit applications for off-premises signs (such as billboards) must be accompanied by a plan sealed by a structural engineer and approved by the Borough Engineer (§ 27-1405.D.14).
- Appeals from sign permit denial may be made to the Zoning Hearing Board for a variance (§ 27-1410.6).

## 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 7 zoning districts in Morton Borough — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Morton+Borough+PA&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-morton-borough

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