Sign Regulations in Newtown Borough, Pennsylvania
Newtown Borough, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 9 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Portable Sign, Wall Sign, Freestanding 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 28, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Newtown Borough, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Newtown Borough
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | — | — | Min 4 ft from front lot line, 20 ft from side lot line except in Town Center District. |
| Portable Sign | 36 inches | 6 sq ft per side (inc. legs or base) | — |
| Information Sign (Exempt) | — | 1 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Newtown BoroughFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
9
- Portable Sign
- Wall Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- Projecting Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
3
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Newtown Borough
Municipal Code2 permit application links available
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Newtown Borough 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 Newtown Borough, 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 Newtown Borough, regulated sign types include Portable Sign, Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Projecting Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Newtown Borough, monument signs typically require a Min 4 ft from front lot line, 20 ft from side lot line except in Town Center District. setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Newtown Borough are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Newtown Borough has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Newtown Borough, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Newtown Borough, Pennsylvania regulates 9 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Portable Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 36 inches tall, 6 sq ft per side (inc. legs or base), and 24 inches wide (Sec. § 550-38F, § 550-43B). Most commercial signs in Newtown Borough require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Newtown Borough, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Newtown Borough (3 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 6 | 36 inches | 6 sq ft per side (inc. legs or base) | — |
| Town Center District (TC); Village Conservation District (V-1); Village Gateway District (V-2); Business Gateway District (B-1); Business District (B-2) | 2 | 36 inches | 6 sq ft per side (inc. legs or base) | — |
| Historic District | 2 | — | 8 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Newtown Borough
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Parallel to face of building or wall, not above eaves, not more than 12" from facade. | — | Unlock | § 550-38B, § 550-40B(2), § 550-40D |
| Freestanding Sign | — | — | — | Min 4 ft from front lot line, 20 ft from side lot line except in Town Center District. | — | Permanently anchored into the ground. No signs with more than 2 faces. Height measured from ground level including earth mound. Min 4 ft from front lot line and 20 ft from side lot line except Town Center District. | — | Unlock | § 550-38A, § 550-40B(1), § 550-40D, § 550-40C(5) |
| Projecting Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Projects more than 12 inches from building. Lowest edge not less than 7.5 ft above sidewalk or ground. | — | Unlock | § 550-38E, § 550-40C(4), § 550-40D |
| Window Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Affixed to storefront window as defined. Only name and type of establishment allowed. | — | Unlock | § 550-38C, § 550-40F, § 550-40D |
| Directory Sign | — | — | — | — | — | For group of establishments in a property/building. | — | Unlock | § 550-38D, § 550-40D |
| Portable Sign | 36 inches | 6 sq ft per side (inc. legs or base) | 24 inches | — | One portable sign per business. | Private property or public right-of-way (permitted in specified zones), within 10 ft of business entrance, directly adjacent to front wall of building. | — | Unlock | § 550-38F, § 550-43B |
Town Center District (TC); Village Conservation District (V-1); Village Gateway District (V-2); Business Gateway District (B-1); Business District (B-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portable Sign | 36 inches | 6 sq ft per side (inc. legs or base) | 24 inches | — | One portable sign per business. | On private property or in public right-of-way, within 10 feet of business entrance, adjacent to building front. | — | Unlock | § 550-43B |
| Information Sign (Exempt) | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | Maximum two per property. | — | — | Unlock | § 550-41B(6) |
Historic District
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any Sign (Historic District requirements) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 550-40G, § 314-21, § 550-41A, § 550-42D |
| Activity Sign (Historic District variation) | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | One per property. | Subject to HARB review/approval and location requirements. | — | Unlock | § 550-41B(15)(d); § 550-41A; § 314-21 |
Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Newtown Borough are available with a free PermitPal account.
Start freeProhibited Signs in Newtown Borough
- Any sign that states that a property may be used for a nonpermitted use.
- Any sign which flashes, rotates, revolves or oscillates, with the exception of barber poles.
- Any movable message signs or letters, or signs with internally generated messages or symbols.
- Any sign that is illuminated by the use of neon or any form of exposed tubes or bulbs or any other internal illumination.
- Any novelty sign, including but not limited to an object (e.g., tire, automobile, food product, etc.), except that novelty signs may be permitted in the Historic District, provided that the applicant demonstrates to the HARB's satisfaction that such proposed novelty sign has qualities reflective of novelty signs utilized in this region historically.
- Any roof sign, i.e., any sign placed above the roofline of a flat roof or the lowest point of eaves of a sloping and mansard roof.
- Any sign placed or maintained in such a manner as to interfere with any electric light, power, telephone or cable wires or the supports thereof.
- Any sign which imitates any official traffic sign, signal or device.
- Any sign that interferes with an official highway sign.
- Any banner sign (cloth or plastic or other flexible material sign which is suspended on a building, window, or other supports), except for the annual display of a temporary activity sign approved by the Borough Council to identify a Borough community or public service event, or the recognition of a major award to a Borough business.
- Any suspended or attached pennant which blows in the wind or a spinner which spins in the wind.
- Any signs on wheels.
- Any vehicle or trailer which is parked on a public right-of-way or on public or private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way, which has attached thereto or located thereon any sign or advertising device for the basic purpose of providing advertisement of products or directing people to a business or activity located on the same or on another property.
- Except as provided in § 550-44G of this chapter, any off-premises sign except governmental signs and directory signs for service organizations and places of worship and except temporary activity signs and political signs as permitted herein.
- Any sign nailed or in any way attached to a tree or utility pole, except a banner may be attached to a light pole in the Town Center District under certain conditions approved by Borough Council.
Exempt Signs in Newtown Borough
- Official highway signs, street name, directional, or other traffic signs erected in accordance with the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code.
- "No trespassing" signs not exceeding two square feet indicating prohibition or control of fishing, hunting, trespassing, etc., or sign indicating a private road.
- Residential identification signs not exceeding two square feet bearing only the property number, street address, and/or names of the occupants of the residence or dwelling name; must be unilluminated.
- Government flag or insignia not exceeding six feet by 10 feet and affixed to a pole no higher than 25 feet.
- Legal notices, provided the notice is removed immediately after the legal requirement is satisfied.
- Information or public service signs indicating hours of operation, credit institutions, availability of a public telephone, or directions to entrance or parking, not exceeding one square foot and no more than two such signs per property.
- Cornerstone.
- Revolving barbershop pole signs not exceeding 36 inches in height, erected only in conjunction with a barbershop.
- Temporary signs of mechanics, artisans, contractors, or architects, during the period work is being performed on the property; not exceeding six square feet, only one sign per business/contractor, no more than four signs displayed on the property at any one time, no illumination.
- Temporary window signs displayed on inside window surface for advertising a sale, grand opening, new products or services, with total combined sign area of no more than four square feet; 'grand opening' sign may be in place no longer than 15 days.
- Yard sale sign (on-site only) not exceeding four square feet, up only during sale but no longer than seven days, no more than two yard sales per year per property, one sign per property, no illumination.
- Official and governmental signs including safety signs, signs indicating points of interest, historical plaques, public parks or recreation facilities, private parks, signs identifying official Borough buildings or facilities. Signs identifying Borough buildings, police stations, or other Borough facilities may be illuminated by exterior lights focused on the sign.
- Decorative flags marking seasons, holidays, or the general nature of a business, displayed only during business hours, no larger than three feet by five feet, lowest edge not less than 7.5 feet above sidewalk or ground.
- Political signs advertising political parties, candidates, or positions, provided they are erected by the property owner, candidate, or authorized agent; do not require a permit; may not block vehicular sight triangles or interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
- Activity signs for community groups advertising events, with constraints: up no earlier than 30 days prior to event, application specifies locations, written permission required from property owners/Borough, size not to exceed 24 sq ft (8 sq ft in historic district), one sign per property, removed within 48 hours after event.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Newtown Borough
- The erection of a sign is regulated and requires a permit unless a sign is specifically exempt from regulation (§550-39A, §550-41B).
- Submission of drawings and construction information is part of the sign permit application process (§550-39C).
- All window signs within the Historic District require review/recommendation by the Board of Historical Architectural Review and approval by Borough Council (§550-40F, §314-21A).
- Any sign in the Historic District requires a certificate of appropriateness pursuant to Chapter 314 (§550-40G(1), §314-21A).
- No sign or permanent regulated advertising display of any kind shall be erected or altered in the Historic District until a certificate of appropriateness has been issued (§314-21A).
- Application for a sign permit requires review by the Zoning Officer; the officer may request further review and recommendations by the Borough Planning Commission (see portable signs, §550-43B(3)(g)[1][a]).
- Display of a portable sign requires an initial sign permit application and annual renewal (§550-43B(3)(g)).
- Proof of adequate liability insurance coverage is required when applying for a permit to display a portable sign and must be renewed annually (§550-43B(3)(k)).
- Failure to obtain the required permit for portable (A-frame) signs, or to maintain permitted signs in good working condition and compliance, will result in removal and revocation by the Borough (§550-43B(3)(h), (i)).
- All regulated permanent and temporary signs (not exempted) require a sign permit; specific standards and processes apply based on sign type and use, as detailed in Article VII.
Source: ecode360 municipal code