Sign Regulations in Plymouth Township, Pennsylvania
Plymouth Township, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 108 sign types across 21 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Official Street / Traffic / Required by Law Signs, Professional / Accessory Use / Home Occupation / Name Sign, Institution Identification Sign (School / Church / Hospital / Club, etc.). 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 Plymouth Township, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Plymouth Township
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional / Accessory Use / Home Occupation / Name Sign | — | 125 square inches per side | — |
| Institution Identification Sign (School / Church / Hospital / Club, etc.) | — | 15 square feet per side | — |
| Trespassing / Private Property Control Sign | — | Total 4 square feet per 150 feet of street frontage (per side) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Plymouth TownshipFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
108
- Official Street / Traffic / Required by Law Signs
- Professional / Accessory Use / Home Occupation / Name Sign
- Institution Identification Sign (School / Church / Hospital / Club, etc.)
- Trespassing / Private Property Control Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
21
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Plymouth Township
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Plymouth Township 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 Plymouth Township, 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 Plymouth Township, regulated sign types include Official Street / Traffic / Required by Law Signs, Professional / Accessory Use / Home Occupation / Name Sign, Institution Identification Sign (School / Church / Hospital / Club, etc.), Trespassing / Private Property Control 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 Plymouth Township 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 Plymouth Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Plymouth Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Plymouth Township, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Plymouth Township, Pennsylvania regulates 108 sign types across 21 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign - Commercial Districts (Nonattached)s in the Residential Special Districts (RS); Office Laboratory Districts (OL); Commercial Districts (C); Limited Commercial Districts (LC); Shopping Center Districts (SC); High-Rise Apartment Districts (H-RA); Open Space Recreation Districts (OSR) zoning district are capped at 20 feet tall and Controlled by applicable frontage/area rules (§1601(C)), with a Also must comply with general sign setbacks §1603(B),(C) setback (Sec. §1601(C)(4)). Most commercial signs in Plymouth Township require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Plymouth Township, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Plymouth Township (21 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Districts (AA, A, B, C, D, D-1) | 13 | — | 125 square inches per side | — |
| Residential Special Districts (RS); Office Laboratory Districts (OL); Commercial Districts (C); Limited Commercial Districts (LC); Shopping Center Districts (SC); High-Rise Apartment Districts (H-RA); Open Space Recreation Districts (OSR) | 26 | 50 feet (with special area distribution above 35 feet) | Controlled by applicable frontage/area rules (§1601(C)) | — |
| Campus Industrial Districts (CI); Industrial Park Districts (IP); Limited Industrial Districts (LI); Heavy Industrial Districts (HI) | 7 | 35 feet (freestanding); if roof‑mounted, max 12 feet above main roof level | As per §1601(C) (e.g., 65 sq ft single business, etc.) | — |
| Planned Office Park Districts (PO) | 7 | 35 feet | May exceed limits of §1602.1(A)–(C) as allowed by Board | — |
| Mixed Use Planned Development District (MU); Business Park District (BP) | 10 | 25 feet | Standard: 400 sq ft per building wall (10% facade area cap); special: 300 sq ft for sign above first floor; large buildings: 6% of facade area cap per wall | — |
| Resource Recovery District (RRR) | 2 | 35 feet if not attached to building; 12 feet above main roof level if mounted on roof | As per §1601(C) (e.g., 65 sq ft, etc.) | — |
| Interchange Development District (mid-rise apartment developments) | 7 | 10 feet | Per §1600 for each sign type | — |
| High Rise Districts (H-RA); Commercial Districts (C); Shopping Center Districts (SC); Office Laboratory Districts (OL); Campus Industrial Districts (CI); Industrial Park Districts (IP); Limited Industrial Districts (LI); Heavy Industrial Districts (HI) - Illumination Scope | 1 | — | — | — |
| Residential Districts; Residential Special Districts (RS); Open Space Recreation Districts (OSR) - Illumination Scope | 2 | — | As per professional sign (125 sq in per side) | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 22 | 10 feet | 25% of total glazed area visible from street or 40 sq ft, whichever less | — |
| Residential Districts (General Reference Outside §1600); Residential Special Districts (RS); Open Space Recreation Districts (OSR) - Nonresidential-Context Rules | 1 | — | As per each sign type in §1600 | — |
| High-Rise Apartment Districts (H-RA) (beyond what is covered in §1601 and §1604) | 1 | — | As per §1600 for residential signs | — |
| Commercial Districts (summary zone, already regulated in detail in §1601(C) and illumination §1604(B)) | 1 | 20 ft freestanding; building-attached signs not above building height | 65 sq ft for single-business frontage; 40 sq ft per business up to 120 sq ft total; larger by special exception to 135/195 sq ft as applicable | — |
| Shopping Center Districts (summary zone, beyond detailed §1601(D)) | 1 | 35–50 ft max depending on sign type and acreage; other detailed limits as previously captured | Per §1601(D)(1)–(3) depending on acreage and sign type | — |
| Office Laboratory Districts (OL) (beyond what is covered under §1601 and illumination §1604(B)) | 1 | Freestanding: 20 ft per §1601(C)(4); roof signs prohibited | Per Commercial/Shopping Center-type allowances imported via §1601 when the use is commercial/office in character | — |
| Campus Industrial Districts (CI) (summary beyond detailed §1602) | 1 | 25 ft freestanding; roof signs prohibited | Per §1602(B),(E) | — |
| Industrial Park Districts (IP) (summary beyond detailed §1602) | 1 | 25 ft freestanding for general signs; 10 ft for park identification sign; roof signs prohibited | Individual establishment: per CI formula; park sign: 15 sq ft without special exception | — |
| Limited Industrial Districts (LI) (summary beyond detailed §1602) | 1 | 35 ft freestanding; roof-mounted signs up to 12 ft above main roof level | 300 sq ft per first 1000 ft, plus 300 sq ft per additional 1000 ft, subject to formula | — |
| Heavy Industrial Districts (HI) (summary beyond detailed §1602) | 1 | 35 ft freestanding; roof-mounted signs up to 12 ft above main roof | 300 sq ft + incremental 300 sq ft per additional 1000 ft frontage | — |
| Mixed-Use Village Residential District (MUV) (additional note beyond §1600(I)(1)) | 1 | — | 12 square feet per sign | — |
| Business Park District (BP) (summary beyond detailed §1602.2) | 1 | Typical limits: 25 ft entrance signs; 12 ft directory/traffic-control; 12 ft changeable-copy; etc. | As per §1602.2 for Entrance Signs, Wall Signs, Directory, Traffic-control, Flags, Changeable-copy | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Plymouth Township(sample of 3 of 21 zones)
Residential Districts (AA, A, B, C, D, D-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional / Accessory Use / Home Occupation / Name Sign | — | 125 square inches per side | — | — | 1 per dwelling | On the same lot with the dwelling, indicating the name, profession or activity of the occupant | — | Unlock | §1600(B); illumination §1604(A)(1) |
| Institution Identification Sign (School / Church / Hospital / Club, etc.) | — | 15 square feet per side | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On the same lot as the school, church, hospital, sanitarium, club or similar institution, for displaying the institution name and activities/services | — | Unlock | §1600(C); illumination §1604(A)(2) |
| Trespassing / Private Property Control Sign | — | Total 4 square feet per 150 feet of street frontage (per side) | — | — | Number limited implicitly by total area per 150 feet of frontage | On the same premises as the property being posted (trespassing, private roadway or property) | — | Unlock | §1600(D) |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign - Sale or Rental of Single Premises | — | 5 square feet per side on any one street frontage | — | — | Limited by total area per frontage | On the premises being sold or rented | — | Unlock | §1600(E)(1); permit exemption implied by §1605(C) (exception only for real estate signs ≤15 sq ft) |
| Temporary Real Estate / Development Sign - Subdivision < 10 Lots | — | 15 square feet per side | — | — | 1 per qualifying subdivision | On the premises within a subdivision (recorded plot with fewer than 10 lots) advertising sale or development of homes | — | Unlock | §1600(E)(2) |
| Temporary Real Estate / Development Sign - Subdivision ≥ 10 Lots | — | 35 square feet per side | — | — | 2 per qualifying subdivision | On the premises within a subdivision (recorded plot with 10 or more lots) advertising sale or development of homes | — | Unlock | §1600(E)(3) |
| Directional Sign to Real Estate Development (Residential Districts) | — | 4 square feet per side | — | Minimum 15 feet behind curb; spacing minimum 500 feet between signs | No explicit maximum; limited by spacing and development needs | Off‑premises within the township, directing to real estate developments being sold by a subdivider or developer in connection with a recorded subdivision plan (not for resale of existing dwellings) | — | Unlock | §1600(E)(4) |
| Sign for Lawful Nonconforming Commercial or Industrial Use in Residential District | — | As allowed in district where such use would be permitted (cross‑reference commercial/industrial sign standards) | — | As per applicable nonresidential district sign regulations | As per applicable nonresidential district sign regulations | On the same lot as a lawful nonconforming commercial or industrial use in a residential district | — | Unlock | §1600(G); §1605(C) |
Residential Special Districts (RS); Office Laboratory Districts (OL); Commercial Districts (C); Limited Commercial Districts (LC); Shopping Center Districts (SC); High-Rise Apartment Districts (H-RA); Open Space Recreation Districts (OSR)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign - Commercial Districts (Nonattached) | 20 feet | Controlled by applicable frontage/area rules (§1601(C)) | — | Also must comply with general sign setbacks §1603(B),(C) | Not specified; governed by total area caps | On commercial lot; not attached to a building | — | Unlock | §1601(C)(4) |
| Shopping Center Tenant Sign - Centers < 5 Acres | 35 feet if not attached to a building | Up to 120 square feet per separate business | — | General sign setback rules apply | 1 per individual establishment | For individual establishments located within shopping centers containing fewer than 5 contiguous acres | — | Unlock | §1601(D)(1) |
| Shopping Center Entrance Sign - Centers 5–50 Acres (Street Entrance Sign) | 40 feet | 350 square feet per face | — | Minimum 10 ft from curb/edge of paving; minimum 5 ft from public street right‑of‑way; outside sight triangles; no overhang of drives/parking/walkways | 1 per street frontage, maximum 2 per center | At street entrances to shopping centers containing between 5 and 50 acres; one entrance sign per street frontage, maximum two per center | — | Unlock | §1601(D)(2)(a)(1) |
| Shopping Center Directory Sign (5–50 Acre Centers) | 5 feet (up to 12 feet if lowest edge ≥7 feet above grade) | 25 square feet per face | — | Minimum 5 ft from curb/edge of paving; no overhang of parking/right‑of‑way/walkway; outside sight triangles | Number subject to Township Council approval | Within 5–50 acre shopping center developments for direction of traffic to or identification of individual buildings or tenants (≥15,000 sq ft GFA with direct outdoor entrances) | — | Unlock | §1601(D)(2)(d) |
| Shopping Center Traffic-Control / Directional Sign (5–50 Acre Centers) | 3 feet (except PennDOT-approved street signs) | 4 square feet per face | — | Also subject to §1603(B),(C) | No fixed max; see also general directional limitations §1603(R) for per‑street‑frontage caps | Within shopping centers 5–50 acres for control of vehicular traffic | — | Unlock | §1601(D)(2)(e) |
| Shopping Center Changeable-Copy Sign (5–50 Acre Centers) | 10 feet | Changeable-copy portion: max 120 sq ft per face; overall included within 350 sq ft entrance sign cap | — | Same setbacks as associated entrance sign (§1601(D)(2)(a)(1)[c]) | Max 2 per center | Only as part of street entrance signs in 5–50 acre centers; maximum two per center | — | Unlock | §1601(D)(2)(g) |
| Shopping Center Entrance Sign - Centers ≥ 50 Acres (Driveway Entrance Sign) | 25 feet | 120 square feet per face | — | Minimum 20 ft from curb/edge of paving; minimum 5 ft from public street right‑of‑way; no overhang; outside sight triangles | 1 per driveway | At each driveway entrance to shopping centers containing 50 or more contiguous acres | — | Unlock | §1601(D)(3)(a)(1) |
| Shopping Center High-Street Sign - Centers ≥ 50 Acres (Large Street Sign) | 50 feet (with special area distribution above 35 feet) | 480 square feet per face | — | Minimum 20 ft from curb/edge of paving; minimum 5 ft from public right‑of‑way; outside sight triangles | Max 1 such high street sign per center | At not more than one location for centers ≥50 acres, displaying name of shopping center, developer, owner or operator (no tenants) | — | Unlock | §1601(D)(3)(a)(2) |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right-of-Way and Curbline Setback Rule | — | — | — | Minimum 15 ft from curbline and outside street right‑of‑way (except official street signs) | — | All districts | — | Unlock | §1603(B) |
| Curb, Sidewalk and Balloon Signs - Prohibited | — | — | — | — | 0 (prohibited) | All districts | — | Unlock | §1603(I) |
| Temporary Public-Interest Event Sign (All Zones) | — | — | — | Must be located to avoid traffic danger | — | Any zoning district | — | Unlock | §1603(J) |
| Display Window Sign Exemption - General | — | 25% of total glazed area visible from street or 40 sq ft, whichever less | — | — | — | All districts | — | Unlock | §1603(O) |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign - Nonresidential Districts | — | 15 square feet per side per street frontage | — | — | — | On premises in nonresidential districts | — | Unlock | §1603(P); §1605(C) |
| Temporary Contractor/Mechanic/Painter/Artisan Sign - Nonresidential Districts | — | 12 square feet per side | — | — | 1 per property | On premises in nonresidential districts where work is being performed | — | Unlock | §1603(Q); §1605(B) |
| Directional Sign - General | — | 2 square feet per side | — | — | Max 2 directional signs per street frontage | All districts | — | Unlock | §1603(R); §1605(A) |
| Freestanding Sign Design in HARB Areas | 10 feet | — | — | — | — | Properties subject to Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) review | — | Unlock | §1603(S) |
PermitPal covers all 21 zoning districts in Plymouth Township — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 21 zones for Plymouth Township — start freeProhibited Signs in Plymouth Township
- No sign shall be placed in such a position as to endanger traffic on a street by obscuring a clear view or by confusion with official street signs or signals, by virtue of position or color (Section 1603.A).
- No sign other than official street signs shall be erected or maintained within the street right-of-way line and in no case closer than 15 feet to the curbline (Section 1603.B).
- No sign shall project over a public walkway or public right-of-way nor shall any sign extend beyond any property line (Section 1603.C).
- All signs exposed to public view, together with all of their supports, braces, guys, and anchors, shall be constructed of durable materials and shall be kept in repair (Section 1603.D).
- A lawful nonconforming sign shall not be changed, modified, reconstructed or changed in overall dimensions except so as to make such sign conform to the provisions of this ordinance; a nonconforming sign may only be repaired or repainted with the same wording, design and format (Section 1603.E).
- All signs or devices must be stationary and may not move, rotate, oscillate, vibrate, shimmer, wave, flap, animate or have flashing lights or reflectors, except for the functioning parts of clocks, barber poles, thermometers or barometers (Section 1603.G).
- The stringing of light bulbs, advertising signs, banners, pennants or spinners is prohibited, except as may be permitted as a special exception for not more than 30 days in any one calendar year (Section 1603.H).
- The erection, maintenance or use of curb, sidewalk and balloon signs is prohibited (Section 1603.I).
- No sign or other device shall be erected so as to obstruct any fire escape or any window, door or opening used as a means of egress or for fire-fighting purposes or so as to prevent free passage from one part of a roof to any other part; no sign shall be attached to a fire escape or placed so as to interfere with an opening used or intended for ventilation (Section 1603.K).
- When this ordinance provides that a use of a more restrictive classification is a permitted use in a less restrictive classification, the sign regulations governing the more restrictive classification must be complied with (Section 1603.L).
- The areas of lamps, neon tubing or other artificial illumination on walls of any structure are counted as part of the total allowable sign area (Section 1603.M(2) and 1603.N).
- There shall not be more than two directional signs per street frontage; directional signs shall not exceed two square feet per side and shall not contain the name of the business or describe any products of the business conducted on the premises (Section 1603.R).
- For properties subject to Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) review, all freestanding signs must be constructed as monument signs and may not exceed 10 feet in height (Section 1603.S).
- All outside lighting, including sign lighting, must be arranged, designed, shielded, directed and maintained so as to protect adjoining property or streets from direct glare so that the light does not constitute a nuisance or a hazardous condition (Section 1604.C(1)).
- No outside illumination by bare bulb is permitted; floodlighting must be shielded so the light source is not visible off the lot, and lights must have restraining hoods to concentrate illumination on the sign area and prevent glare (Section 1604.C(2)).
- Illuminated signs or devices must be stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times when in use; no open spark or flame may be used for sign or display purposes (Section 1604.C(3)).
- No sign may be illuminated before 7:00 a.m. local time or later than 11:00 p.m. local time or one-half hour after the premises is closed to the public, whichever is later, except when extended hours are authorized by special exception for public safety and protection of property (Section 1604.C(4)).
- No electrical equipment or apparatus that causes interference with radio or television reception may be used in the operation of illuminated signs; upon notice from the zoning officer, the owner or operator must immediately eliminate such interference (Section 1604.C(5)).
- Illuminated signs must bear the Underwriters Laboratories seal of approval placed in a location readily visible to the zoning officer (Section 1604.C(6)).
Exempt Signs in Plymouth Township
- Official street and traffic signs, and any signs required by law, are permitted in all residential districts (Section 1600.A) and are also the only signs allowed within the street right-of-way (Section 1603.B).
- Signs within a display window are not counted as part of the permitted sign area, provided such signs are limited to 25% of the total glazed area visible from the street or 40 square feet, whichever is less (Section 1603.O; see also similar rule in Section 1601.E).
- The functioning parts of clocks, barber poles, thermometers or barometers are expressly allowed and are not prohibited moving devices (Section 1603.G).
- Flags of the United States of America, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Plymouth Township and corporate flags of an office park or its tenants are permitted in the Planned Office Park District (Section 1602.1.F).
- Flags of the United States of America, other sovereign nations, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Montgomery County, Plymouth Township and corporate flags of the owner or its tenants are permitted in Mixed Use Planned Development and Business Park Districts, subject to Township Council review and approval of number and location (Section 1602.2.F).
- In High Rise, Commercial, Shopping Center, Office Laboratory, Campus Industrial, Industrial Park, Limited Industrial and Heavy Industrial Districts, any permitted sign, building, structure or use may be illuminated (general allowance of illumination within those districts, Section 1604.B).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Plymouth Township
- Shopping centers containing fewer than five contiguous acres: one shopping center identification sign is permitted per street frontage, provided that the location and orientation of such sign is designated on the required development plan (Section 1601.D.1).
- Industrial Park Districts: the location and orientation of the one permitted Industrial Park identification sign must be approved by the Zoning Officer of Plymouth Township (Section 1602.C).
- Shopping center directory signs (5–50 acre centers): the total number of directory signs is subject to the review and approval of Township Council (Section 1601.D.2(d)(5)).
- Shopping center directory signs (50+ acre centers): the total number of directory signs is subject to the review and approval of Township Council (Section 1601.D.3(e)(5)).
- Mixed Use Planned Development and Business Park Districts: the total number of directory signs within the development is subject to the review and approval of Township Council (Section 1602.2.D(6)).
- Mixed Use Planned Development and Business Park Districts: the total number and location of flags for the owner or its tenants are subject to the review and approval of Township Council (Section 1602.2.F).
- Temporary signs advertising an event of public interest may be erected only upon issuance of a 30‑day nonrenewable permit by the Zoning Officer, who must determine that the sign will not cause a traffic hazard (Section 1603.J).
- As a special exception, the Zoning Hearing Board may permit use of light strings, banners, pennants or spinners for not more than 30 days in any one calendar year (Section 1603.H).
- Signs of larger size than otherwise permitted may be authorized as a special exception by the Zoning Hearing Board in various districts (e.g., larger commercial signs in Section 1601.C(3); larger Campus Industrial/Industrial Park/Industrial and Resource Recovery signs in Sections 1602.B–D and 1602.4; larger Planned Office Park signs in Section 1602.1.D), all after a public hearing.
- Illumination hours beyond 11:00 p.m. or one-half hour after closing may be authorized as a special exception by the Zoning Hearing Board when, in its judgment, such illumination is necessary for public safety and protection of property (Section 1604.C(4)).
- Special exception approval is required for certain specific sign types or sizes (e.g., some tourist home/apartment signs, larger commercial/shopping center/industrial signs, certain temporary decorative devices), which implies application and public hearing before the Zoning Hearing Board (multiple references throughout Sections 1601, 1602, 1602.1, 1602.4, 1603.H, 1604.D).
Source: ecode360 municipal code