Sign Regulations in Quakertown Borough, Pennsylvania
Quakertown Borough, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 11 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Directional Sign (for service clubs/places of worship/nonprofits), Changeable-copy/Electronic Message Board, Billboard (Off-Premises Advertising Sign). Height restrictions apply. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 28, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Quakertown Borough, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Quakertown Borough
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard (Off-Premises Advertising Sign) | 20 ft | 300 sq ft | At least 20 feet from street right-of-way |
| Directional Sign (for service clubs/places of worship/nonprofits) | — | 200 sq in | — |
| Changeable-copy/Electronic Message Board | — | Not to exceed 35% of the maximum sign area for the sign structure | 20 feet from legal right-of-way, 100 feet from LR, MR, HR district |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
11
- Directional Sign (for service clubs/places of worship/nonprofits)
- Changeable-copy/Electronic Message Board
- Billboard (Off-Premises Advertising Sign)
- A-Frame Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Quakertown Borough
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Quakertown 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 Quakertown Borough, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Quakertown Borough, regulated sign types include Directional Sign (for service clubs/places of worship/nonprofits), Changeable-copy/Electronic Message Board, Billboard (Off-Premises Advertising Sign), A-Frame 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 Quakertown Borough 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 Quakertown Borough are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Quakertown Borough has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Quakertown Borough, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Quakertown Borough, Pennsylvania regulates 11 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Billboard (Off-Premises Advertising Sign)s in the HC District zoning district are capped at 20 ft tall and 300 sq ft, with a At least 20 feet from street right-of-way setback (Sec. § 502.2A(1)(a)-(b), § 502.2A(2)(a)-(d)).
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Quakertown Borough, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Quakertown Borough (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HC District | 3 | 20 ft | 300 sq ft | — |
| LI District | 1 | — | 200 sq in | — |
| TC District, NC District | 1 | — | Not to exceed 35% of the maximum sign area for the sign structure | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 8 | — | 100 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Quakertown Borough(sample of 3 of 4 zones)
HC 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard (Off-Premises Advertising Sign) | 20 ft | 300 sq ft | — | At least 20 feet from street right-of-way | Not specified | Along Route 309 | — | Unlock | § 502.2A(1)(a)-(b), § 502.2A(2)(a)-(d) |
| Directional Sign (for service clubs/places of worship/nonprofits) | — | 200 sq in | — | — | — | HC and LI Zoning Districts | — | Unlock | § 502.2B(3) |
| Changeable-copy/Electronic Message Board | — | Not to exceed 35% of the maximum sign area for the sign structure | — | 20 feet from legal right-of-way, 100 feet from LR, MR, HR district | — | At least 100 feet from a LR, MR or HR district | — | Unlock | § 510B(2), (a)-(i) |
TC District, NC 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Changeable-copy/Electronic Message Board | — | Not to exceed 35% of the maximum sign area for the sign structure | — | 20 feet from legal right-of-way, 100 feet from LR, MR, HR district | — | At least 100 feet from a LR, MR or HR district | — | Unlock | § 510B(2), (a)-(i) |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-Frame Sign | — | — | — | 7 feet from curbline | — | Minimum 7 feet from curbline; must be put in at night | — | Unlock | § 504.4, § 507.3 |
| Awning Sign | — | — | — | 8 feet above sidewalk | — | Minimum 8 feet above sidewalk | — | Unlock | § 504.5 |
| Marquee Sign | — | 100 sq ft | — | — | — | Vertical clearance of 10 feet above grade required | — | Unlock | § 504.6A-B |
| Billboard (General) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 501.4A-C |
| Freestanding Sign (Vehicles or Structures Used as Signs) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 509.1-3 |
| Temporary On-Premises Real Estate/Construction/Special Event/Political Signs | — | Real Estate: 6 sq ft without permit, >6 sq ft with permit; Political: 9 sq ft max | — | — | — | Within property lines | — | Unlock | § 502.1C, § 502.1D |
| Temporary Signs, Mobile Stand | — | — | — | — | — | On premises or on a mobile stand | — | Unlock | § 502.1E |
| Temporary Off-Premises Directional Signs for Nonprofits | — | 50 sq ft | — | — | — | Off premises for temporary exhibits, shows, or events sponsored by nonprofit organizations | — | Unlock | § 502.2B(2) |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Quakertown Borough — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 4 zones for Quakertown Borough — start freeProhibited Signs in Quakertown Borough
- No sign is allowed within street right-of-way lines except government signs and certain public events temporary signs in the TC and NC Districts, unless specifically authorized by another Borough ordinance or by state law (§504.1).
- No sign shall interfere with traffic through glare, blocking sight lines, confusion with traffic control devices, or any other means (§504.2A).
- Freestanding signs are prohibited where the required minimum distance from a lot line cannot be met (§504.3).
- No sign shall exceed maximum sign area or height restrictions established in applicable tables or specified for the district (§503, §505).
- A-frame signs must be located minimum seven feet from the curbline, be removed at night, be weighted at the base, and cannot be chained, tied or affixed to any object, structure, or the ground (§504.4).
- Awning signs must provide a minimum height of eight feet from the lowest point to the sidewalk and should be traditional fabric foldout awnings, not permanently affixed, backlit awnings (§504.5).
- Marquee signs shall not exceed 100 square feet and must maintain a vertical clearance of 10 feet above grade (§504.6).
- Any sign allowed to become dilapidated may, after notification, be removed by the Borough at the owner or lessee's expense (§506.2).
- Direct lighting must be shielded so no direct light shines on abutting properties or into the normal line of vision of street users (§507.1).
- Sign internal lighting must be stationary and of constant intensity and color when in use (§507.2).
- A-frame signs may not be illuminated (§507.3).
- On-site signs advertising a use or product no longer in existence must be removed or changed within 90 days (§508.1).
- Signs once removed for 90 continuous days can be replaced only by conforming signs (§508.2).
- Vehicles or structures used primarily to display signs are considered freestanding signs and are subject to district provisions (§509.1, §509.2).
- Use of silos, smokestacks, water towers, and similar structures as signs is subject to all sign provisions (§509.3).
- The following are prohibited in all zoning districts (§510): banners, flags, pennants, or any moving object used for commercial advertising purposes (except as limited); flashing, blinking, twinkling, animated or moving signs of any type (with limited exceptions for time/temperature and changeable-copy signs meeting strict requirements); signs emitting smoke, vapors, sound, odor, or glare.
- No sign shall be so illuminated that it interferes with the effectiveness of or obscures an official traffic sign, device or signal (§510B(2)(e)).
- Any bulbs used for lighting signs shall not exceed 25 watts (§510B(2)(f)).
- Illuminated, electronic, or message board signs must comply with specified requirements for frequency of change, malfunction, area, setback, zoning districts, and proximity to residential districts (§510B(2)).
Exempt Signs in Quakertown Borough
- A sign permit is not required for real estate and construction site temporary signs under six square feet and temporary window signs (§501.2B(1)).
- A sign permit is not required for any sign which requires only a change of copy where use involves frequent and periodic changes of copy (§501.2B(2)).
- A sign permit is not required for exempt signs listed in §501.3 (§501.2B(3)).
- Exempt signs include: signs on doors or windows with store hours or credit institution names, up to two square feet (§501.3A); signs not exceeding one square foot with street numbers, box numbers, or occupant names (§501.3B); directional, informational or public service signs not exceeding four square feet (§501.3C); signs required by law or government order, unless specifically restricted (§501.3D); flags/emblems of political, civic, philanthropic, educational, or religious organizations (§501.3E); traffic control/guidance signs erected by government (§501.3F); and building name/date signs up to four square feet (§501.3G).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Quakertown Borough
- A sign permit is required for any permanent sign exceeding two square feet in area except for signs exempted in §501.2B and certain listed temporary signs (§501.2A).
- Each sign must comply with the standards of the ordinance, whether or not a permit is required (§501.2C).
- Temporary, on-premises signs for public/educational/charitable/civic/religious events require a permit and are subject to time limits (§502.1C(3)).
- A sign permit is required for special events temporary signs such as block parties, lawn fetes, and mobile stand signs (§502.1D and E).
- Mobile stand signs require a sign permit (§502.1E).
- Real estate and construction site signs over six square feet require a sign permit (§502.1C(1), (2)).
- No mention found of a master sign plan, sign plan, or requirement for a variance hearing in this ordinance text.
Source: ecode360 municipal code