Sign Regulations in Shippensburg Borough, Pennsylvania
Shippensburg Borough, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 33 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Nameplate/Professional/Home Occupation Sign, Institutional Sign, No-trespassing/Private Ownership 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 Shippensburg Borough, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Shippensburg Borough
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate/Professional/Home Occupation Sign | — | 2 sq ft (one side) | — |
| Institutional Sign | — | 25 sq ft (one side) | — |
| No-trespassing/Private Ownership Sign | — | 1 sq ft (one side) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
33
- Nameplate/Professional/Home Occupation Sign
- Institutional Sign
- No-trespassing/Private Ownership Sign
- Directional Sign (House of Worship)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Shippensburg Borough
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Shippensburg 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 Shippensburg 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 Shippensburg Borough, regulated sign types include Nameplate/Professional/Home Occupation Sign, Institutional Sign, No-trespassing/Private Ownership Sign, Directional Sign (House of Worship), 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 Shippensburg 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 Shippensburg Borough are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Shippensburg Borough has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
Ready to Research Shippensburg Borough Sign Permits?
Stop spending hours searching through municipal codes. Get instant access to Shippensburg Borough, Pennsylvania sign regulations with PermitPal's AI-powered platform.
No credit card required · Get results in seconds
Shippensburg Borough, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Shippensburg Borough, Pennsylvania regulates 33 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the Commercial (C-1), Neighborhood Commercial (N-C), Transitional Commercial East (T-C East), Transitional Commercial West (T-C West) zoning district are capped at 18 ft (C-1, N-C, T-C East); 20 ft (T-C West) tall and 70 sq ft per face, with a Within setback area setback (Sec. §150-68B(1); §150-75; §150-72B). Most commercial signs in Shippensburg Borough require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Shippensburg Borough, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Shippensburg Borough (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4), Institutional District (I-1), Open Space District (O-S) | 13 | — | 35 sq ft (one side) | — |
| Commercial (C-1), Neighborhood Commercial (N-C), Transitional Commercial East (T-C East), Transitional Commercial West (T-C West) | 10 | 18 ft (C-1, N-C, T-C East); 20 ft (T-C West) | 150 sq ft per face | — |
| Historic Overlay District | 1 | — | — | — |
| Manufacturing Districts (M-1, M-2), Industrial Districts, Industrial and Manufacturing Districts | 2 | 10 ft (freestanding); wall signs = height of principal building | 200 sq ft (total) | — |
| All nonresidential districts | 1 | — | 36 sq ft (max two sides) | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 6 | — | 50 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Shippensburg Borough(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
Residential Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4), Institutional District (I-1), Open Space District (O-S)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate/Professional/Home Occupation Sign | — | 2 sq ft (one side) | — | — | 1 per permitted use or dwelling | Same lot as dwelling/occupant | — | Unlock | §150-67A; §150-72A |
| Institutional Sign | — | 25 sq ft (one side) | — | — | 1 per 100 ft street frontage | Same lot as school, church, hospital, college, university or nursing home | — | Unlock | §150-67B; §150-72A |
| No-trespassing/Private Ownership Sign | — | 1 sq ft (one side) | — | — | — | On same premises | — | Unlock | §150-67C |
| Directional Sign (House of Worship) | — | 6 sq ft (one side) | — | — | — | As authorized by Zoning Hearing Board | — | Unlock | §150-67D |
| Real Estate Sign (Advertising Sale or Rental) | — | 4 sq ft (per street frontage) | — | — | — | On premises of property for sale/rent | — | Unlock | §150-67E(1) |
| Real Estate Sign (Subdivision < 10 lots) | — | 35 sq ft (one side) | — | — | 1 per abutting street | On premises for sale/development | — | Unlock | §150-67E(2), (4) |
| Real Estate Sign (Subdivision ≥ 10 lots) | — | 35 sq ft (one side) | — | — | 2 per abutting street | On premises for sale/development | — | Unlock | §150-67E(3), (4) |
| Contractor's Sign | — | 12 sq ft (one side) | — | — | 1 per contractor | On premises where work is being performed | — | Unlock | §150-67G |
Commercial (C-1), Neighborhood Commercial (N-C), Transitional Commercial East (T-C East), Transitional Commercial West (T-C West)
| 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 | 18 ft (C-1, N-C, T-C East); 20 ft (T-C West) | 70 sq ft per face | — | Within setback area | 1/building (2 in T-C if lot ≥5 ac.) | Mounted within setback area, not connected to building | — | Unlock | §150-68B(1); §150-75; §150-72B |
| Wall Sign | Equal to the height of the principal building | — | — | — | No stated limit; total area regulated | Building front, side or rear | — | Unlock | §150-68B(2), §150-75, §150-72B |
| Flag with Commercial Advertising | — | 3 ft x 5 ft | — | — | 1 per business | Wall mount, bottom ≥7 ft above sidewalk/street, cannot project >6 ft over right-of-way | — | Unlock | §150-68B(3) |
| Portable Freestanding Sign | — | 2 ft x 3 ft per face | — | — | 1 per business | Adjacent to permitted business/sign, on private property or public sidewalk (min 5 ft clear walkway, not in sight triangle) | — | Unlock | §150-68B(4) |
| Projecting Sign | — | 8 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 per building frontage | Building frontage | — | Unlock | §150-68B(6) |
| Shopping Center Sign | — | 150 sq ft per face | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Frontage street | — | Unlock | §150-68C(1) |
| Electronic Message Board (T-C East) | — | 32 sq ft | — | ≥20 ft from right-of-way edge of intersection | 1 per lot | On lot | — | Unlock | §150-68.1A |
| Electronic Message Board (T-C West) | — | 38 sq ft | — | ≥20 ft from right-of-way edge of intersection | 1 per lot | On lot | — | Unlock | §150-68.1B |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parking/Traffic Control Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §150-71A |
| Special Information Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Attached to building or equipment | — | Unlock | §150-71C |
| Garage/Yard/Auction Sale Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 2 per event | — | — | Unlock | §150-71D |
| Political Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §150-71E |
| Freestanding Subdivision Entrance Sign | — | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per entrance | At entrance | — | Unlock | §150-71F |
| Signs not visible from beyond a lot line | — | — | — | — | — | Not visible beyond lot line | — | Unlock | §150-71G |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Shippensburg 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 6 zones for Shippensburg Borough — start freeProhibited Signs in Shippensburg Borough
- Any sign placed over a public sidewalk, except as permitted in §150-68B(6).
- Any sign that flashes, moves or emits smoke, steam, other visible particulates or odor.
- Any sign that projects above the roofline of the building on which it is mounted.
- Spinners, pennants, streamers and any moving object used for commercial advertising purposes, whether or not any of the aforesaid items contain a message, except that banners and flags are permitted when authorized under another provision.
- Flashing, electronically changing messages; blinking, twinkling, animated or moving signs of any type, except those portions of sign that indicate time and temperature changes. This restriction includes window signs and signs on mobile stands. This shall not prohibit Christmas lighting or displays.
- Signs which contain information that states or implies that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance in the zoning district in which the property to which the sign relates is located.
- Signs that imitate or resemble any official traffic sign, signal or device or have any characteristics likely to confuse or distract motor vehicle operators on public streets.
- Signs that use reflective materials to give the appearance of flashing, blinking, twinkling or electronically changing messages.
- Signs or displays that include words or images that are obscene, pornographic or highly offensive to public decency.
- Balloons of greater than five cubic feet that are tethered to the ground or a structure and are primarily intended for advertising purposes.
- Signs permanently affixed, placed, maintained, erected, constructed or displayed upon any public property, public street, public sidewalk, public right-of-way, tree, utility pole, stone, cliff and other natural objects; except those signs erected by a governmental body or so placed by order of a governmental body.
Exempt Signs in Shippensburg Borough
- Signs erected by a governmental body or so placed by order of a governmental body are exempt from the prohibition on signs placed on public property, public rights-of-way, or natural objects.
- Christmas lighting or displays are not prohibited under flashing/blinking/animated sign prohibitions.
- Parking and traffic control signs, not exceeding six square feet, authorized by the Zoning Officer on the advice of the Chief of Police or by Borough Council, are permitted and do not require a permit as a legal use in the district.
- Traffic control, parking or signs identifying services of hospitals or medical centers may be authorized by the Borough Council.
- Special information signs (e.g. restrooms, hours of operation, credit cards accepted, membership, barber poles, state inspection station, gasoline pump identification, gallonage register, identity of type of work done in service area) are permitted only where attached to the building or equipment, with total area not included in calculating permitted areas.
- Political signs (not exceeding four square feet, on private property, subject to timing/removal requirements) do not require a permit as a legal use in the district.
- One freestanding sign not exceeding 50 square feet is permitted at each entrance to a subdivision (10+ lots), for identification only.
- Signs not visible from beyond a lot line do not require a permit as a legal use in the district.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Shippensburg Borough
- No general requirement is specified in the provided text for a master sign plan, sign plan, or required variance/exception for all signs across all zones. However, off-premises signs for service/fraternal/civic/religious organizations in nonresidential districts require a special exception from the Zoning Hearing Board, with specific standards and limitations detailed in section 150-70.
- Enlarged or additional signs for public utility or municipal activities may be granted by the Zoning Hearing Board if public health or safety requires them.
- Approval from the Shippensburg Historical Architectural Review Board is required for neon signs within the Historic Overlay District.
- Directional signs for houses of worship in residential/institutional districts require authorization from the Zoning Hearing Board.
Source: ecode360 municipal code