Sign Regulations in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 42 sign types across 26 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, All Sign Types - Special Sign Review, Wall/Projecting/Marquee 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 27, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Philadelphia
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Directional Sign | ≤ 7 ft (except clearance signs) | Total sign area ≤ 10 sq ft | — |
| Extension of Signs over Public Rights-of-Way | Clear height conditions govern allowable projection | — | — |
| Menu Board Sign (Drive-Through) | — | ≤ 55 sq ft per menu board sign | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for PhiladelphiaFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
42
- Freestanding Sign
- All Sign Types - Special Sign Review
- Wall/Projecting/Marquee Sign
- Building Identification Sign (Additional Allowance)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
26
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Philadelphia
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia, regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, All Sign Types - Special Sign Review, Wall/Projecting/Marquee Sign, Building Identification Sign (Additional Allowance), 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Philadelphia has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania regulates 42 sign types across 26 zoning districts. Wall/Projecting/Marquee Sign (Lots Facing One Street Line)s in the IRMX and ICMX zoning district are capped at Lower of roof line or second-floor window sill tall and 3 sq ft per linear ft (Sec. Table 14-904-1 (IRMX/ICMX)). Most commercial signs in Philadelphia require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Philadelphia (26 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 12 | ≤ 7 ft (except clearance signs) | ≤ 55 sq ft per menu board sign | — |
| RSD-1/2/3, RSA-1/2/3, RTA-1, RTA-2, RMX-1/2 | 3 | 7 ft | 15 sq ft per lot frontage | — |
| RSA-4/5/6 and RM-1 | 3 | 7 ft | 15 sq ft per lot frontage | — |
| RM-2/3/4 and RMX-3 | 3 | 7 ft | 24 sq ft per lot frontage | — |
| CMX-1 | 4 | Lower of roof line or second-floor window sill | 1 sq ft per linear ft (applies to wall and projecting combined) | — |
| CMX-2 and CMX-2.5 | 4 | 20 ft | 100 sq ft total | — |
| CMX-3 | 4 | 20 ft | 100 sq ft per face; up to 2 faces | — |
| CMX-4/5 | 3 | Bottom edge must be at least 150 ft high; wall building ID signs shall not extend above roof line; roof building ID signs prohibited | 50 sq ft per face; up to 4 faces | — |
| CA-1 | 3 | 40 ft | 200 sq ft per face; up to 2 faces | — |
| CA-2 | 3 | 40 ft | 150 sq ft per face; up to 4 faces | — |
| IRMX and ICMX | 5 | Bottom edge must be at least 150 ft high; wall building ID signs shall not extend above roof line; roof building ID signs prohibited | 100 sq ft per face; up to 4 faces | — |
| I-1 | 3 | Bottom edge must be at least 150 ft high; wall building ID signs shall not extend above roof line; roof building ID signs prohibited | 100 sq ft per lot frontage | — |
| Medium Industrial (I-2) | 3 | 20 ft | 100 sq ft per face; up to 4 faces | — |
| Heavy Industrial (I-3) | 3 | 20 ft | 100 sq ft per face; up to 4 faces | — |
| Port Industrial (I-P) | 3 | 20 ft | 100 sq ft per face; up to 4 faces | — |
| SP-CIV | 1 | Bottom edge must be at least 150 ft high; wall building ID signs shall not extend above roof line; roof building ID signs prohibited | — | — |
| Market Street East Advertising District | 9 | Top edge ≤ 90 ft above street level (except pre-1950 higher top edge signs on same building limited to no greater size/height) | Per sign face ≤ 1,600 sq ft; aggregate ≤ 24 × Market Street frontage | — |
| 1900 Market Street Digital Display Sign Regulations | 1 | Top edge ≤ 50 ft above street level; vertical dimension of active display ≤ 3.5 ft | Per frontage: ≤ 3.5 sq ft per 1 linear ft | — |
| Cobbs Creek Parkway Area | 2 | — | — | — |
| Roosevelt Boulevard Area | 1 | — | — | — |
| Fairmount Park | 2 | — | — | — |
| Cobbs Creek Park | 1 | — | — | — |
| Department of Parks and Recreation Land | 1 | — | — | — |
| I-95 Acquisition Corridor | 1 | Total sign height subject to relocation rules; must not exceed existing sign’s dimensions at application; face ≤ 30 ft high; bottom edge/overall height per § 14-905(5) unless otherwise compliant | ≤ 1,200 sq ft per face; height of sign face ≤ 30 ft; length ≤ 60 ft (inclusive of border/trim; excluding base/apron/supports) | — |
| State Road | 1 | ≤ 55 ft total height; bottom of sign face ≤ 25 ft above road elevation of nearest I-95 lane | ≤ 1,200 sq ft (single-faced) | — |
| Magee Avenue | 1 | ≤ 86 ft | Each face ≤ 1,200 sq ft (double-faced) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Philadelphia(sample of 3 of 26 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awnings/Canopies and Marquee Signs | — | — | — | — | — | Must comply with Section 11-603; external lighting permissible under awnings only if directed toward area beneath the awning | — | Unlock | § 14-904(1)(a); § 14-904(1)(d); Charter § 4-606; § 11-603 |
| Animated Illumination - Accessory Signs (General Rule) | — | — | — | — | — | Prohibited within 200 ft of any intersection of two or more streets; prohibited within 150 ft of a residential district or facing any residential district within 300 ft | — | Unlock | § 14-904(1)(b) |
| Directional Sign | ≤ 7 ft (except clearance signs) | Total sign area ≤ 10 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 14-904(1)(c); § 14-903(2)(c) |
| Extension of Signs over Public Rights-of-Way | Clear height conditions govern allowable projection | — | When lowest part < 8 ft above ROW: ≤ 6 in; between 8 and 10 ft: ≤ 2 ft; > 10 ft above sidewalk: ≤ 4 ft or ≤ 2/3 sidewalk width (whichever is less) | — | — | Any portion of a sign extending over a public right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 14-904(1)(d)(.2) and (.3) |
| Menu Board Sign (Drive-Through) | — | ≤ 55 sq ft per menu board sign | — | — | Up to 2 | On site of take-out restaurant with drive-through service | — | Unlock | § 14-904(1)(d.1) |
| Projecting Sign | — | — | Projection from facade ≤ 4 ft (except where otherwise provided, e.g., CMX-4/5 limit 24 in over ROW) | — | — | Attached to building facade | — | Unlock | § 14-904(1)(e); § 14-904(1)(d) |
| Wall Sign (General Height Limit) | Must not extend above roof line or second floor window sill, whichever is lower | — | — | — | — | On building wall | — | Unlock | § 14-904(1)(h) |
| Window Sign | — | — | — | — | Max 2 windows or 2 doors or 1 window + 1 door | Within window or transparent glass door | — | Unlock | § 14-904(1)(i); § 14-903(2)(b) |
IRMX and ICMX
| 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/Projecting/Marquee Sign (Lots Facing One Street Line) | Lower of roof line or second-floor window sill | 3 sq ft per linear ft | — | — | N/A | On building wall or projecting/marquee | — | Unlock | Table 14-904-1 (IRMX/ICMX) |
| Wall/Projecting/Marquee Sign (Lots Facing More Than One Street Line – Short Side) | Lower of roof line or second-floor window sill | 3 sq ft per linear ft (short side); 2 sq ft per linear ft (long side) | — | — | N/A | On building wall or projecting/marquee | — | Unlock | Table 14-904-1 (IRMX/ICMX) |
| Freestanding Sign | 20 ft | 100 sq ft per face; up to 4 faces | — | — | 1 per lot frontage | On lot | — | Unlock | Table 14-904-1 (IRMX/ICMX) |
| Building Identification Sign (Additional Allowance) | Bottom edge must be at least 150 ft high; wall building ID signs shall not extend above roof line; roof building ID signs prohibited | — | — | — | 1 building identification sign per facade | On each building facade | — | Unlock | § 14-904(3)(a)-(d) |
| Wall/Projecting/Marquee Sign (Lots Facing More Than One Street Line – Short/Long Sides) | Lower of roof line or second-floor window sill | Short side 3; Long side 2 sq ft per lin. ft. | — | — | N/A | On building wall or as projecting/marquee | — | Unlock | Table 14-904-1 (IRMX/ICMX) |
Market Street East Advertising 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | Top edge ≤ 90 ft above street level (except pre-1950 higher top edge signs on same building limited to no greater size/height) | Per sign face ≤ 1,600 sq ft; aggregate ≤ 24 × Market Street frontage | — | — | — | Within Market Street East Advertising District and within 100 ft north/south of Market Street lot line (with specific bridge exception) | — | Unlock | § 14-906(2)-(5) |
| Projecting Sign | Top/bottom edges must not create an angle > 60° with vertical wall nor be perpendicular to wall | — | Max projection onto public ROW: ≤ 3 ft for first 15 ft of building height or ≤ 5 ft for building heights > 15 ft | — | — | Attached to building; projecting over public ROW within District | — | Unlock | § 14-906(3)(a)(.2) |
| Accessory Freestanding Sign | Subject to underlying district Table 14-904-1 limits | Subject to underlying district Table 14-904-1 limits | — | — | — | On lot within District | — | Unlock | § 14-906(3)(a)(.3) |
| Building Identification Sign (Market Street East) | Subject to § 14-904(3) (bottom edge ≥ 150 ft; wall ID signs not above roof; roof ID prohibited) | — | — | — | — | On building facade(s) within District | — | Unlock | § 14-906(3)(a)(.4); § 14-904(3) |
| Real Estate Sign | — | Per § 14-904(1)(g)(.1) | — | — | — | Within the District | — | Unlock | § 14-906(3)(a)(.5); § 14-904(1)(g)(.1) |
| Roof Sign (Pre-1950 Building Roof Sign Allowed) | No greater height than pre-1950 roof sign on same building | No greater size than pre-1950 roof sign on same building | — | — | — | On roof of building with pre-1950 roof sign history | — | Unlock | § 14-906(3)(a)(.6) |
| Signs with Animated Illumination / Mechanical Motion / Digital Displays | Top edge ≤ 90 ft (except specific pre-1950 allowance) | Included in aggregate cap; per-face ≤ 1,600 sq ft | — | — | — | Within the District | — | Unlock | § 14-906(3)(a)(.7); § 14-906(3)(b)-(e) |
| Accessory Digital News Ticker | Top edge ≤ 50 ft above street level | — | — | — | — | Any public street frontage of property within District | — | Unlock | § 14-906(6) |
PermitPal covers all 26 zoning districts in Philadelphia — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 26 zones for Philadelphia — start freeProhibited Signs in Philadelphia
- No person may erect a sign, allow the continued placement of a sign, or convert a sign to a different type without first obtaining a zoning permit from L&I, unless exempted by §14-903(2) or §14-903(3).
- Roof signs are prohibited in all zoning districts. (§14-904(1)(f))
- Animated illumination is prohibited within 200 feet of any intersection of two or more streets. (§14-904(1)(b)(.2))
- Animated illumination is prohibited within 150 feet of a residential district or facing any residential district within 300 feet of the sign. (§14-904(1)(b)(.3))
- Directional signs may not use animated illumination or mechanical movement. (§14-904(1)(c)(.4))
- Wall signs may not extend above the roof line or the second-floor window sill of a structure, whichever is lower. (§14-904(1)(h))
- Where permanent signage accounts for 100% of the maximum permitted sign area on a site, temporary signs are prohibited. (§14-904(1)(g)(.2)(.a))
- No portion of a sign may extend over a public right-of-way beyond specified limits (6 in. if lowest part is <8 ft high; 2 ft if between 8–10 ft; 4 ft or two‑thirds of sidewalk width, whichever is less, if >10 ft above sidewalk). (§14-904(1)(d)(.3))
Exempt Signs in Philadelphia
- Window signs that comply with §14-904(1)(i) may be placed without a zoning permit, but must conform to the Zoning Code. (§14-903(2)(b))
- Directional signs required by state or federal law may be erected or placed without a zoning permit, but must conform to the Zoning Code. (§14-903(2)(c))
- One temporary sign per street frontage not exceeding 6 sq. ft. per face in Residential districts or 12 sq. ft. per face in Commercial, Industrial, or Special Purpose districts may be erected or placed without a zoning permit, but must conform to the Zoning Code. (§14-903(2)(d))
- Any sign within a premises that is not located and designed to be viewed by the public outside the premises (including interior signs >18 in. from any window/door or at >45° from the plane of such openings) may be placed without a zoning permit, but must conform to the Zoning Code. (§14-903(2)(e))
- Video or digital displays with a screen area of less than 1 sq. ft. on permitted structures or equipment and designed to be viewed only by an individual obtaining services or goods (e.g., fuel pumps) may be placed without a zoning permit, but must conform to the Zoning Code. (§14-903(2)(f))
- Changing sign content (including commercial to non‑commercial messages), without structural or electrical additions or changes, does not require a zoning permit and need not conform to the Zoning Code (subject to §14-305(8)(b)). Special Effects added to a non‑accessory sign are considered a content change that does not require a zoning permit. (§14-903(3)(a))
- Customary maintenance of any sign does not require a zoning permit and need not conform to the Zoning Code (subject to §14-305(8)(b)). (§14-903(3)(b))
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Philadelphia
- No master sign plan requirement is stated in the provided sections.
- Approval and variance processes referenced in the Sign Regulation Applicability Decision Tree are located in Chapter 14‑300 (Administration and Procedures). (§14-902(3))
- Revolving signs (non‑accessory) require approval through the Zoning Board special exception process. (§14-905(7)(c))
- Building identification signs with animated illumination require special exception approval. (§14-904(3)(d))
- Building identification signs in CMX‑4, CMX‑5, IRMX, ICMX, I‑1, and SP‑CIV districts in excess of Table 14‑904‑1 require Art Commission approval and must meet specific criteria. (§14-904(3))
- Any portion of a sign extending over a public right‑of‑way requires Art Commission approval. (§14-904(1)(d)(.2))
- For signs within Cobbs Creek Parkway, Roosevelt Boulevard, Fairmount Park/Cobbs Creek Park areas, or on land under DPR jurisdiction, L&I will only issue a zoning permit if the sign complies with the Zoning Code, complies with DPR regulations, and has Art Commission approval. (§14-904(4)(b))
- In the Market Street East Advertising District, L&I shall not issue a zoning permit until the Commission has reviewed the sign plans and determined the sign structure design is appropriate; signs with animated illumination/mechanical motion/digital displays require a licensed professional traffic engineer’s safety documentation. (§14-906(3)(a)(.7), §14-906(3)(d))
- In the 1900 Market Street Digital Display area, applicants must submit documentation by a licensed professional traffic engineer to the Streets Department demonstrating the sign will not create a safety hazard. (§14-907(3)(h))
Source: amlegal municipal code