Sign Regulations in New Kensington, Pennsylvania
New Kensington, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 12 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Identification Sign or Bulletin Board (Public/Semi-public Use), Identification Sign (Nonconforming Use), Business or Identification Sign (On-Premises). 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 Kensington, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in New Kensington
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign (For Sale or Rental) | — | 6 sq ft | — |
| Temporary Sign (Residential Developments/Developers/Contractors/Realtors) | — | 24 sq ft | — |
| Sexually Oriented Establishment Sign (Main) | — | 18 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
12
- Identification Sign or Bulletin Board (Public/Semi-public Use)
- Identification Sign (Nonconforming Use)
- Business or Identification Sign (On-Premises)
- Temporary Sign (For Sale or Rental)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for New Kensington
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in New Kensington 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 Kensington, 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 Kensington, regulated sign types include Identification Sign or Bulletin Board (Public/Semi-public Use), Identification Sign (Nonconforming Use), Business or Identification Sign (On-Premises), Temporary Sign (For Sale or Rental), 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 Kensington 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 Kensington are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. New Kensington has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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New Kensington, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
New Kensington, Pennsylvania regulates 12 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Identification Sign or Bulletin Board (Public/Semi-public Use)s in the OS-1, OS-2, R-2, R-3, R-4, OS-3 (steep slopes area) zoning district are capped at 12 sq ft, with a not within 5 feet of all lot lines or facilities setback (Sec. 236-22D(2)(b)). Most commercial signs in New Kensington require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for New Kensington, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in New Kensington (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 5 | — | 24 sq ft | — |
| OS-1, OS-2, R-2, R-3, R-4, OS-3 (steep slopes area) | 4 | — | 12 sq ft | — |
| R-1 | 1 | — | 12 sq ft | — |
| OS-3 (valley area), C-1, I-1 | 3 | — | 24 sq ft | — |
| C-2, C-3, I-2 | 4 | — | 24 sq ft | — |
| Overlay districts | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in New Kensington(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
General Regulations For All Zones
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign (For Sale or Rental) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | All districts; on the property for sale or rent | — | Unlock | 236-22G |
| Temporary Sign (Residential Developments/Developers/Contractors/Realtors) | — | 24 sq ft | — | — | — | All districts; on the property for sale or rent | — | Unlock | 236-22G |
| Sexually Oriented Establishment Sign (Main) | — | 18 sq ft | — | — | 1 per establishment entrance | Attached flat to establishment | — | Unlock | 236-22H(1)-(2) |
| Sexually Oriented Establishment Sign (Entrance Notice) | — | — | — | — | 1 per entrance | Each entrance to the premises | — | Unlock | 236-22H(3) |
| Electronic Changeable Copy Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 236-22B(9) |
OS-1, OS-2, R-2, R-3, R-4, OS-3 (steep slopes 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name Plate Sign | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | 1 per occupant | Attached to the building to which it pertains | — | Unlock | 236-22D(2)(a) |
| Identification Sign or Bulletin Board (Public/Semi-public Use) | — | 12 sq ft | — | Freestanding: not within 5 feet of all lot lines or facilities | 1 per use | Attached to the building or freestanding (not within 5 ft of lot lines if freestanding) | — | Unlock | 236-22D(2)(b) |
| Identification Sign (Nonconforming Use) | — | 10 sq ft | — | — | 1 per use | Attached to the building | — | Unlock | 236-22D(2)(c) |
| Business or Identification Sign (Approved Exception or Conditional Use) | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 per approved use | — | — | Unlock | 236-22D(2)(d) |
C-2, C-3, I-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business or Identification Sign (On-Premises) | — | — | — | — | — | On the building or wall it pertains to. | — | Unlock | 236-22D(4)(a), 236-22D(3)(a), 236-22D(5) |
| Advertising Sign / Billboard (Off-Premises) | — | — | — | Minimum 100 ft between billboards | — | — | — | Unlock | 236-22D(4)(b) |
| Identification Sign or Bulletin Board (Public/Semi-public Use) | — | 24 sq ft | — | — | 1 per use | May be attached or freestanding | — | Unlock | 236-22D(3)(b), 236-22D(4)(a) |
| Identification Sign (Nonconforming Use) | — | 24 sq ft | — | — | 1 per use | May be attached | — | Unlock | 236-22D(3)(c), 236-22D(4)(a) |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in New Kensington — 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 Kensington — start freeProhibited Signs in New Kensington
- No sign shall be erected that states a property may be used for any purpose not permitted by the Zoning Chapter.
- Signs referring to a use or product no longer in existence or available must be removed within six months after cessation of the original use.
- No sign shall be located or used in a manner that interferes with traffic on a street by causing glare, an obstruction to vision, by causing confusion with traffic control devices, or through other means.
- Illuminated signs adjoining or visible from nearby residential areas must be shielded to protect against adverse effects or nuisances upon nearby dwellings.
- No part of any sign, except official governmental signs, shall be located within the official right-of-way of any street or alley unless specifically permitted.
- Every sign must be constructed of durable materials and kept in good condition and repair.
- No sign may be attached to a building in a manner which allows it to exceed the roof height of the building.
- No sign erected or replaced after the effective date of this chapter shall project more than one foot over a public sidewalk or street right-of-way unless specifically approved by the City Council.
- Signs which project over private areas must be approved by the Council and be at least 10 feet above areas used for pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
- Signs attached parallel to a building which project more than 12 inches from the building face must be at least eight feet above ground level.
- Signs simulating official governmental signs not related to protection of public health and safety are prohibited.
- Banners, spinners, flags, pennants or any moving object used for commercial advertising purposes are prohibited.
- Attention-getting devices including searchlights, balloons, representations of products, vehicles, or other advertising images or ornamentation used for promotion or attracting attention are prohibited.
- Inflatable devices are prohibited.
- Signs that imitate traffic-control devices are prohibited.
- Signs painted on walls or chimneys of a building or on fences or walls are prohibited.
- Signs affixed to vehicles and/or trailers parked on private property and visible from the public right-of-way for the apparent purpose of advertising a product or directing people to a business or activity on the same or nearby property are prohibited (except for vehicles temporarily stored on business sites or those parked for maintenance, repair, loading/unloading, or rendering service).
- No sign shall be located to prevent or hinder free ingress to or egress from any door, window, or fire escape.
- No sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
- No sign shall be attached to or placed on any public utility pole or tree located within any public right-of-way.
Exempt Signs in New Kensington
- Changes in the copy of any sign do not require a zoning permit.
- Official governmental signs do not require a zoning permit.
- Awnings, with or without graphics and visual displays, are not considered signs under this chapter, but are subject to applicable accessory use requirements, and projections over public right-of-way or private areas have additional requirements.
- Historic markers, though reviewed for approval, are not considered as signs but must conform to uniform requirements established for historic markers by the Commission.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for New Kensington
- A zoning permit is required prior to the erection or alteration of any sign, except for changes in copy or official governmental signs.
- Any existing nonconforming signs may not be altered or enlarged unless approved as a special exception.
- Electronic changeable copy signs (except in R-1, R-2, R-3) require review by the Planning Commission.
- In overlay districts, signs require application and review by the Planning Commission and issuance of a certificate of appropriateness and a sign permit; minor changes may be approved by the Code Enforcement Officer but must be reported to the Commission.
- Signs in the overlay districts must adhere to all other requirements of the City sign ordinance, with special considerations in residential overlay zones.
Source: ecode360 municipal code