Sign Regulations in New Castle, Pennsylvania
New Castle, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 16 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Flag, Ground Sign, Pole 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 21, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for New Castle, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in New Castle
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flag | 40 ft (for flagpole) | 60 sq ft | — |
| Building Marker | — | 2 sq ft | — |
| Ground Sign | 3 ft (R-1, R-2), 5 ft (R-3) | 2 sq ft (R-1, R-2), 12 sq ft (R-3) | 3 ft min from property line; clear view triangle at intersection/entranceway required. |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for New CastleFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
16
- Flag
- Ground Sign
- Pole Sign
- Temporary Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for New Castle
Municipal Code1 permit application link available
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in New Castle 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 New Castle, 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 New Castle, regulated sign types include Flag, Ground Sign, Pole Sign, Temporary 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 New Castle 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 New Castle are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. New Castle has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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New Castle, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
New Castle, Pennsylvania regulates 16 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Banner (Freestanding or Building)s in the General Business District (C-1) zoning district are capped at 24 ft (freestanding) tall and Per Table 1332.05(C): up to 100 sq ft (freestanding); building: not listed, so subject to permitted percentages and total limits., with a 5 ft min (freestanding); see intersection/entrance clear view requirement. setback (Sec. 1332.05(A), 1332.05(C), 1332.05(D)). Most commercial signs in New Castle require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for New Castle, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in New Castle (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Density Residential District (R-1), Medium Density Residential District (R-2), High Density Residential District (R-3) | 9 | 40 ft (for flagpole) | 60 sq ft | — |
| General Business District (C-1) | 13 | 40 ft for flagpole | Per Table 1332.05(C): up to 100 sq ft (freestanding); building: not listed, so subject to permitted percentages and total limits. | — |
| Central Business District (C-2) | 12 | 40 ft for flagpole | 160 sq ft (freestanding); building: not listed, but subject to allocation (20% wall area, 200 sq ft cap or 6% building, or 4.0 sq ft per linear ft of frontage) | — |
| Light Industrial District (M-1), Heavy Industrial District (M-2, M-2A) | 13 | 40 ft for flagpole | Per total sign allocation: up to 400 sq ft per zone lot, subject to other limitations | — |
| Institutional Uses Permitted in Residential Zoning Districts (INS) | 7 | 40 ft for flagpole | 60 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 2 | 62 in | 36 in wide, 62 in high (per exemption); as sign: see specific zone limits | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in New Castle(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
General Business District (C-1)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banner (Freestanding or Building) | 24 ft (freestanding) | Per Table 1332.05(C): up to 100 sq ft (freestanding); building: not listed, so subject to permitted percentages and total limits. | — | 5 ft min (freestanding); see intersection/entrance clear view requirement. | 1 per zone lot (either type) | On private property; must maintain required clearances where applicable. | — | Unlock | 1332.05(A), 1332.05(C), 1332.05(D) |
| Ground Sign | 24 ft | 100 sq ft | — | 5 ft min from property line and subject to clear view triangles at intersections. | 1 per 200 feet of street frontage | Private property | — | Unlock | 1332.05(A), 1332.05(C), Note 3, 1332.05(E) |
| Pole Sign | 24 ft | 100 sq ft | — | 5 ft min | 1 per 200 feet of street frontage | Private property | — | Unlock | 1332.05(A), 1332.05(C), 1332.05(E), Note 3, 4, 5 |
| Temporary Sign | 6 ft | 12 sq ft | — | 3 ft min from property line | 1 per zone lot | Private property | — | Unlock | 1332.05(A), 1332.11, Table 1332.05(D), Note 8 |
| Incidental Sign | 3 ft | 2 sq ft per sign | — | 1 ft min from property line | 2 per access drive | Private property | — | Unlock | 1332.05(D) |
| Marquee Sign | — | Not specified; total sign area allocation & wall limitations apply | — | 9 ft clearance from sidewalk, 12 ft from street/drive | 1 per building | On marquee, which projects from wall | — | Unlock | 1332.05(A), 1332.05(D), Note 3 |
| Projecting Sign | — | 40 sq ft | — | 9 ft clearance from sidewalk, 12 ft from street/drive | 1 per building | Projecting outward from building | — | Unlock | 1332.05(A), 1332.05(D), Note 3 |
| Suspended Sign | — | Not specified; must fit within total sign area allocations | — | 9 ft clearance from sidewalk, 12 ft from street/drive | 1 per entrance | Suspended under horizontal projection | — | Unlock | 1332.05(A), 1332.05(D), Note 3 |
Central Business District (C-2)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banner (Freestanding or Building) | 36 ft (freestanding) | 160 sq ft (freestanding); building: not listed, but subject to allocation (20% wall area, 200 sq ft cap or 6% building, or 4.0 sq ft per linear ft of frontage) | — | 0 ft min setback (freestanding); clear triangle required at intersections. | 1 per zone lot | On private property; clearances as in C-1 | — | Unlock | 1332.05(A), 1332.05(C), 1332.05(D), Note 3 |
| Flag | 40 ft for flagpole | 60 sq ft | — | — | — | Private property | — | Unlock | 1332.05(A), Note 5 |
| Ground Sign | 36 ft | 160 sq ft | — | 0 ft min (but clear site required at intersections) | 1 per 200 feet of street frontage | Private property | — | Unlock | 1332.05(A), 1332.05(C), 1332.05(D), Note 7 |
| Pole Sign | 36 ft | 160 sq ft | — | 0 ft minimum (see max height/setback from residential lots) | 1 per 200 feet street frontage | Private property | — | Unlock | 1332.05(A), 1332.05(C), 1332.05(E) |
| Temporary Sign | 6 ft | 12 sq ft | — | 3 ft min | 1 per zone lot | Private property | — | Unlock | 1332.05(A), 1332.11, Table 1332.05(D), Note 8 |
| Incidental Sign | 3 ft | 2 sq ft per sign | — | 1 ft min from property line | 2 per access drive | Private property | — | Unlock | 1332.05(D) |
| Marquee Sign | — | Subject to allocation | — | 9 ft sidewalk, 12 ft from street/drive | 1 per building | On marquee | — | Unlock | 1332.05(A), 1332.05(D), Note 3 |
| Projecting Sign | — | 40 sq ft | — | 9 ft sidewalk, 12 ft from street/drive | 1 per building | Projecting outward from building | — | Unlock | 1332.05(A), 1332.05(D), Note 3 |
Light Industrial District (M-1), Heavy Industrial District (M-2, M-2A)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banner (Freestanding or Building) | 36 ft (freestanding) | 80 sq ft (freestanding); building sign area per allocation (5% wall area, 400 sq ft, or 2% of building area or window restrictions) | — | 5 ft min (M-1, M-2, M-2A at freestanding signs); clear intersection triangles apply. | 1 per zone lot | Private property, as permitted | — | Unlock | 1332.05(A), 1332.05(C), 1332.05(D), Note 3 |
| Billboard | — | Per total sign allocation: up to 400 sq ft per zone lot, subject to other limitations | — | — | 1 per building | Building or on lot, not right-of-way | — | Unlock | 1332.05(A), 1332.05(B), 1332.05(D) |
| Ground Sign | 36 ft | 80 sq ft | — | 5 ft min from property line | 1 per 500 feet of street frontage | Private property | — | Unlock | 1332.05(A), 1332.05(C), 1332.05(D), Note 7 |
| Pole Sign | 36 ft | 80 sq ft | — | 5 ft min | 1 per 500 feet of street frontage | Private property | — | Unlock | 1332.05(A), 1332.05(C), 1332.05(E) |
| Temporary Sign | 6 ft | 12 sq ft | — | 3 ft min from property line | 1 per zone lot | Private property | — | Unlock | 1332.05(A), 1332.11, Table 1332.05(D), Note 8 |
| Incidental Sign | 3 ft | 2 sq ft per sign | — | 1 ft min | 2 per access drive | Private property | — | Unlock | 1332.05(D) |
| Marquee Sign | — | Subject to allocation | — | 9 ft sidewalk, 12 ft street/drive | 1 per building | On marquee | — | Unlock | 1332.05(A), 1332.05(D), Note 3 |
| Projecting Sign | — | 40 sq ft | — | 9 ft sidewalk, 12 ft street/drive | 1 per building | Projecting outward | — | Unlock | 1332.05(A), 1332.05(D), Note 3 |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in New Castle — 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 New Castle — start freeProhibited Signs in New Castle
- All signs not expressly permitted under this article or exempt from regulation hereunder are prohibited in the City.
- Beacons are prohibited.
- Flashing Signs are prohibited.
- Oscillating Signs are prohibited.
- Strings of lights not permanently mounted to a rigid background are prohibited, except those exempt under the previous section.
- No signs shall be erected in the public right-of-way except as authorized by the City and in accordance with Section 1332.08.
- To install, create, erect, or maintain any sign in a way that is inconsistent with any plan or permit governing such sign or the zone lot on which the sign is located is a violation.
- To install, create, erect, or maintain any sign requiring a permit without such a permit is a violation.
- To fail to remove any sign that is installed, created, erected, or maintained in violation of this article or for which the sign permit has lapsed is a violation.
- To continue any such violation (each day constitutes a separate violation).
- Each sign installed, created, erected, or maintained in violation of this article shall be considered a separate violation.
Exempt Signs in New Castle
- Historic signs memorializing an important historic place, event, or person specifically authorized by the City, County, State or Federal agency are not regulated by this ordinance.
- Holiday decorations that commemorate a holiday recognized by the City, Council, State, or Federal Government, do not include advertising, and are specifically authorized by the City, are not regulated by this ordinance.
- Signs not readable from any public street or exterior lot line and specifically authorized by the City are not regulated by this ordinance.
- Official signs erected by the State, County, City or other legally constituted governmental body, or specifically authorized by City Ordinance or resolution, and which exist for public purposes, are not regulated by this ordinance.
- Required signs that include only information required to be posted outdoors by a government agency or the City, and are specifically authorized by the City, are not regulated by this ordinance.
- Right-of-way signs posted within the existing right-of-way of a public street and officially authorized by the City or PennDOT are not regulated by this ordinance.
- Any public notice or warning required by valid and applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance is exempt from regulation under this article.
- Any sign inside a building, not attached to a window or door, that is not legible from a distance of more than three feet beyond the lot line of the zone lot or parcel on which such sign is located is exempt from regulation under this article.
- Works of art that do not include a commercial message are exempt from regulation under this article.
- Holiday lights and decorations with no commercial message, but only between November 15 and January 15, are exempt from regulation under this article.
- Traffic control signs on private property, such as Stop, Yield, and similar signs, the face of which meet Department of Transportation standards and which contain no commercial message of any sort, are exempt from regulation under this article.
- Any poster or sandwich board sign which does not prohibit pedestrian or traffic flow, which is no more than 36 inches wide and 62 inches high, and which is displayed only during business hours, is exempt from regulation under this article.
- Temporary exemptions may be permitted for special circumstances by action of City Council.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for New Castle
- Signs identified as 'P' (Allowed Without Sign Permit) or 'S' (Allowed only with Sign Permit) on Table 1332.05(A) shall be erected, installed, or created only in accordance with a duly issued and valid sign permit from the Permit Officer.
- Applications for sign permits must be submitted to the Permit Officer on an application form as prescribed by the City, including detailed drawings to show dimensions, design, structure, and location for each sign.
- Permit for new sign or for sign modification requires detailed drawings for each particular sign; one application and permit may include multiple signs on the same zone lot.
- Temporary signs on private property are allowed only upon the issuance of a Temporary Sign Permit, subject to specific requirements: a 30-day term per permit, a maximum of two permits per business license holder per zone lot per calendar year (total of 30 days), and only in districts with the letter 'S' for Temporary Signs on Table 1332.05(A).
- Animated signs, neon signs (if over 20 square feet), or freestanding neon signs require Zoning Hearing Board approval/variance.
- No sign permit shall be issued for an existing or proposed sign unless such sign is consistent with the requirements of Article 1332.
- A Non-conforming Sign Permit may be issued for a legally existing non-conforming sign upon application; such signs may be repaired, reconstructed, or replaced, but not structurally altered to increase gross surface area.
- If a sign is to be placed, constructed, erected, or modified on a zone lot and requires a permit under this article, the owner must secure a sign permit prior to commencement.
- No permits for temporary private signs in the public right-of-way will be issued.
Source: ecode360 municipal code