Sign Regulations in Shippensburg Township, Pennsylvania
Shippensburg Township, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 29 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Directional 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 Shippensburg Township, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Shippensburg Township
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | Equal to the top of a structural wall to which the sign is attached. Not higher than the highest point of the wall or located on a parapet wall. | — | — |
| Window Sign | — | 24 sq ft | — |
| Directional Sign | — | 8 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Shippensburg TownshipFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
29
- Wall Sign
- Directional Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- Flag/Flagpole
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Shippensburg Township
Municipal Code1 permit application link available
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
In Shippensburg Township, wall signs can be up to Equal to the top of a structural wall to which the sign is attached. Not higher than the highest point of the wall or located on a parapet wall.. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Shippensburg 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 Shippensburg Township, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Directional Sign, Freestanding Sign, Flag/Flagpole, 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 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 Shippensburg Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Shippensburg Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Shippensburg Township, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Shippensburg Township, Pennsylvania regulates 29 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Miscellaneous Signs – Exempts in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at Varies by sign type (e.g., security sign 1 sq ft, address signs, home occupation 2 sq ft, personal expression sign 4 sq ft/4 ft h) tall and Typically between 1 sq ft and 36 in height or as stated below (Sec. § 430-30D(1)-(25)). Most commercial signs in Shippensburg Township require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Shippensburg Township, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Shippensburg Township (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 9 | Varies by sign type (e.g., security sign 1 sq ft, address signs, home occupation 2 sq ft, personal expression sign 4 sq ft/4 ft h) | 150 sq ft | — |
| A, R-1, R-2, MU | 9 | 8 ft for ground sign, 24 ft for banner | 36 sq ft | — |
| C-1, C-2, U | 7 | 35 ft | 400 sq ft | — |
| I | 5 | 35 ft | Max 300 sq ft with tenant additions | — |
| Floodplain Overlay District | 2 | — | 6 sq ft | — |
| Residential Districts (A, R-1, R-2) | 2 | 30 ft | 24 sq ft (total, up to 2 flags/poles) | — |
| Nonresidential Districts (C-1, C-2, U, I, MU) | 2 | 30 ft | 35 sq ft (total, up to 3 flags/poles) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Shippensburg Township(sample of 3 of 7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | Equal to the top of a structural wall to which the sign is attached. Not higher than the highest point of the wall or located on a parapet wall. | — | — | — | — | On building walls; not on walls facing residential zoning districts except when facing a public street. | — | Unlock | § 430-30B(4), (13), (14), (25); § 430-30G(2); § 430-30N; § 430-30K |
| Window Sign | — | 24 sq ft | — | — | One per frontage | On or inside windows | — | Unlock | § 430-30B(32); § 430-30G(6); § 430-30A(2)(b) |
| Directional Sign | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | — | Private property; for traffic control | — | Unlock | § 430-30D(3); § 430-30G(8) |
| Directory Sign | — | 150 sq ft | — | — | — | Industrial park internal orientation | — | Unlock | § 430-30G(9) |
| Projecting Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Projecting from building | — | Unlock | § 430-30G(4) |
| Canopy/Awning Sign | — | — | Not wider than building wall/tenant space identified | — | — | Over building entrances/windows | — | Unlock | § 430-30G(3) |
| Manual Changeable Copy Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 430-30G(7) |
| Miscellaneous Signs – Exempt | Varies by sign type (e.g., security sign 1 sq ft, address signs, home occupation 2 sq ft, personal expression sign 4 sq ft/4 ft h) | Typically between 1 sq ft and 36 in height or as stated below | — | — | Varies by sign type | As specified—e.g., property address must be visible from street. | — | Unlock | § 430-30D(1)-(25) |
A, R-1, R-2, MU
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign (Large) | 8 ft for ground sign, 24 ft for banner | 32 sq ft for banners, 16 sq ft for other signs | — | — | 1 per lot, see requirements | — | — | Unlock | § 430-30F(1)(a); § 430-30I(2) |
| Temporary Sign (Small) | 6 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 or 2 per property, see requirements | — | — | Unlock | § 430-30I(2)(b) |
| Freestanding Sign (Subdivision/Apartment >10 units) | 8 ft | 15 sq ft | — | — | 1 at main entrance | Main entrance | — | Unlock | § 430-30F(1)(b)[1] |
| Freestanding Sign (Home Occupation) | 6 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per home occupation | — | — | Unlock | § 430-30F(1)(b)[2] |
| Freestanding Sign (Commercial/MU, Institutional) | 8 ft | 24 sq ft (lots < 2 acres), 40 sq ft (lots > 2 acres) | — | — | One per frontage | Each street frontage (if more than one, one per frontage) | — | Unlock | § 430-30F(1)(b)[3] |
| Wall Sign (Home Occupation) | To the eave line or bottom of second-story window sill, whichever is lower | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per home occupation | — | — | Unlock | § 430-30F(1)(c)[1] |
| Wall Sign (Commercial MU, Institutional, <2 acres) | To the eave line | 24 sq ft | — | — | One per frontage | Each frontage (one per frontage) | — | Unlock | § 430-30F(1)(c)[2] |
| Wall Sign (Commercial MU, Institutional, >2 acres) | To the eave line | 36 sq ft | — | — | One per frontage | Each frontage (one per frontage) | — | Unlock | § 430-30F(1)(c)[2]; § 430-30B(25) |
C-1, C-2, U
| 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 | 20 ft (35 ft for regional attraction) | Max 150 sq ft (including tenant additions); regional attraction: 2 sq ft/lf up to 400 sq ft | — | — | One per frontage (<500'), two if 500'+ on that frontage | Each street frontage (one sign, or two for frontages 500+ feet) | — | Unlock | § 430-30F(2)(b) |
| Freestanding Sign (Regional Attraction) | 35 ft | 400 sq ft | — | — | Max 3 per regional attraction; one per frontage | Each street frontage (no closer than 1,000 ft to another attraction sign); max 3 signs/regional attraction | — | Unlock | § 430-30F(2)(b)[4] |
| Wall/Awning/Canopy/Window Sign (General Tenant) | — | 200 sq ft (general); 600 sq ft (regional attraction) | — | — | Per tenant: See above/variance allowed | Any wall facing street or public right-of-way. | — | Unlock | § 430-30F(2)(c) |
| Electronic Variable Message Sign (Freestanding) | — | — | — | 100 ft from A, R-1, R-2, MU districts; 50 ft from another EVMS | One per street frontage (freestanding & wall/fascia each allowed) | On-premises; 1 per frontage; 100 ft from residential districts (A, R-1, R-2, MU); 50 ft from another EVMS. | — | Unlock | § 430-30F(2)(d); § 430-30J |
| Electronic Variable Message Sign (Wall/Fascia) | — | — | — | — | One per street frontage (in addition to freestanding EVMS) | On-premises; 1 per frontage; 100 ft from residential districts | — | Unlock | § 430-30F(2)(d); § 430-30J |
| Sandwich Board Sign | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | One per business | Within 10 ft of business front, not in drive/parking; 5 ft walkway required | — | Unlock | § 430-30F(2)(e); § 430-30I(1) |
| Directional Sign | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | — | On-premises, for traffic control | — | Unlock | § 430-30F(2)(f); § 430-30G(8) |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Shippensburg 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 7 zones for Shippensburg Township — start freeProhibited Signs in Shippensburg Township
- Flashing, blinking, strobe, twinkling, or animated signs are prohibited, except for displays of time and temperature, and electronic variable message signs as permitted.
- No sign shall be located so as to interfere with visibility for motorists at street or driveway intersections.
- No sign located within 300 feet of any traffic light shall be illuminated with red, green or yellow lights.
- All electrically illuminated signs must meet National Board of Fire Underwriters standards.
- Signs must not interfere with any clear sight triangle.
- No loud, vulgar, indecent, or obscene advertising matter shall be displayed, including graphic illustrations of specified sexual activities or anatomical areas.
- No sign shall be erected or located to prevent free ingress or egress from any window, door, or fire escape.
- No sign shall be placed so as to obscure light or air from a building or create a traffic danger.
- Snipe signs are strictly prohibited.
- Only signs referring directly to services, materials or products made, sold or displayed on the premises are permitted, except as otherwise provided.
- Except for flat wall signs, no part of any sign shall be within 10 feet of any property line or street right-of-way.
- No sign may emit smoke, visible vapors or particles, sound, or odors.
- No sign shall contain information that states or implies that a lot may be used for a non-permitted purpose.
- Signs may not imitate, resemble, or confuse with official traffic signs, signals, or devices.
- No sign shall display words or images that are obscene or pornographic.
- No sign attached to a building may be placed on a roof, be higher than the highest point of the wall, or be located on a parapet wall.
- No sign shall be affixed to a motor vehicle or trailer so that its use as a sign is not incidental.
- No sign or structure may constitute a hazard to public safety or health, including glare.
- No sign, due to size, location, content, color, or illumination, may obstruct the vision of drivers or detract from the visibility/effectiveness of traffic signs.
- No sign may use the words 'stop', 'look', 'one-way', 'danger', 'yield', etc. in a manner interfering with or confusing traffic.
- No commercial sign may be placed on public property or in public right-of-way.
- No sign may be painted on, attached to, or supported by a tree, stone, cliff, or other natural object.
- No sign shall be structurally altered, enlarged, or relocated except in conformity with ordinance provisions, including permits where required.
- No sign shall be maintained in disrepair, having appearance of neglect, or presenting a safety hazard.
- Whenever a sign becomes structurally unsafe or endangers safety, written notice requires it be made safe or removed within five days.
- Snipe signs (signs affixed to trees, utility poles, fences, etc.) are strictly prohibited.
- No portable signs are permitted in all districts, except for sandwich boards under strict regulation.
- Temporary signs may not be attached to trees or utility poles.
- Pennants and garland streamers are prohibited.
- No sign shall intrude or project over a street right-of-way unless specifically authorized by Township or PennDOT.
- No sign shall interfere with sight clearance or endanger street traffic by interfering with street signs/signals.
- No signs shall be posted on property, poles, or utility poles without owner's permission.
Exempt Signs in Shippensburg Township
- Nonilluminated window signs constructed of paper, poster board, or similar temporary materials do not require a permit.
- Miscellaneous signs specifically enumerated in the ordinance as not requiring permits are exempt.
- Flag poles, flags, banners, and pendants without advertising message (subject to area and number limits) are exempt from permit.
- Special sale signs (meeting specific conditions), directional signs without advertising, barber pole signs (conditions apply), property address signs (without advertising or logos), professional accessory/nameplate signs (not illuminated), home security signs, public service/info signs (e.g., restrooms, not exceeding area limits), menu/business hours signs (small, mounted location), personal expression signs (not illuminated), 'no trespassing' or private property signs, 'no parking' signs in residential districts, art and murals (no commercial advertising), athletic field signs (internal facing), Christmas tree sale signs (seasonal, area limits), charitable event signs (time/area limits), contractor signs (permitted only while work is ongoing, non-illuminated, area limits), garage/yard sale signs (one per event, area limits, removal within 24 hours), vehicle/trailer signs where vehicle is primarily used for transport, open house/for sale/rent signs (on-site, area limits), political signs (time, quantity, area limits), roadside stand signs (farm products, area/quantity limits), time-and-temperature signs (no advertising, area limits), off-premises service organization/place of worship signs (one only, area limits), and home occupation signs (one per lot, area limits) are exempt from permit requirements.
- Historic signs specifically authorized by Township, county, state, or federal agency are not regulated.
- Holiday decorations commemorating recognized holidays (no advertising) are not regulated.
- Signs not readable from any public street or exterior lot line are not regulated.
- Official signs by state, county, township, or legally constituted government bodies for public purposes are not regulated.
- Signs only including information required to be posted outdoors by a government agency or Township are not regulated.
- Signs posted within public street right-of-way, officially authorized by Township or PennDOT, are not regulated.
- Official government flags (no advertising) are not considered signs and not regulated.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Shippensburg Township
- A zoning permit is required for all permanent signs except those specifically exempted as miscellaneous or temporary-window signs constructed of non-permanent, non-illuminated materials.
- Lighting plan for site illumination (not specifically for signs, but overall site lighting) is required for review/approval by Township for certain developments (e.g., mobile home parks).
- Before issuing a zoning permit for constructing a permanent sign, detailed plans showing supporting structural members and foundations must be submitted; the Zoning Officer may require construction documents by a PA-registered design professional for approval.
- Permit application for permanent signs must include site map, sign design, owner's consent, and provisions for maintenance, among other details.
- Permits are required for temporary signs unless specifically enumerated as not requiring a permit.
- Temporary sign permits are valid for 60 days and may be renewed for one additional 30-day period.
- A sign plan (master sign plan) is not explicitly referenced/required for multi-tenant or complex projects; rather, sign-by-sign permitting is required. However, for multi-tenant buildings, all awning/canopy signs shall be similar in height, projection, and style, implying coordinated review.
Source: ecode360 municipal code