Sign Regulations in Silver Spring Township, Pennsylvania
Silver Spring Township, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 26 sign types across 18 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Residential Nameplate, Property Control Sign, Residential Development/Neighborhood Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: June 17, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Silver Spring Township, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Silver Spring Township
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Nameplate | 10 ft | 2 sq ft | — |
| Property Control Sign | 5 ft | 2 sq ft per sign | — |
| Residential Development/Neighborhood Sign | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | 10 ft from any lot line |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Silver Spring TownshipFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
26
- Residential Nameplate
- Property Control Sign
- Residential Development/Neighborhood Sign
- Individual Business Sign (Freestanding)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
18
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Silver Spring Township
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Silver Spring 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 Silver Spring 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 Silver Spring Township, regulated sign types include Residential Nameplate, Property Control Sign, Residential Development/Neighborhood Sign, Individual Business Sign (Freestanding), 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 Silver Spring 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 Silver Spring Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Silver Spring Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Silver Spring Township, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Silver Spring Township, Pennsylvania regulates 26 sign types across 18 zoning districts. Individual Business Sign (Freestanding)s in the Neighborhood Commercial Zone (C-1) zoning district are capped at 20 ft (freestanding); height of wall to which sign is attached (flat wall) tall and 75 sq ft, with a No closer than 10 ft from any lot line (freestanding); height of wall if attached setback (Sec. Permanent Sign Requirements Table). Most commercial signs in Silver Spring Township require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Silver Spring Township, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Silver Spring Township (18 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservation Zone (C) | 3 | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Agricultural Zone (A) | 3 | 10 ft | 6 sq ft | — |
| Rural Residential Zone (R) | 3 | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Residential Estate Zone (RE) | 3 | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| R-1 Residential Zone (R-1) | 3 | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| High-Density Residential Zone (R-2) | 3 | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Village Residential Zone (R-3) | 3 | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Neighborhood Commercial Zone (C-1) | 7 | 20 ft (freestanding); height of wall to which sign is attached (flat wall) | 100-400 sq ft (see formula) | Yes |
| Community Commercial Zone (C-2) | 7 | 20 ft (freestanding); height of wall to which sign is attached (flat wall) | 100-400 sq ft (see formula) | Yes |
| Highway Commercial Zone (C-3) | 7 | 20 ft (freestanding); height of wall to which sign is attached (flat wall) | 100-400 sq ft (see formula) | Yes |
| Professional Office Zone (O) | 2 | 20 ft (freestanding); height of wall to which sign is attached (flat wall) | 100 sq ft | — |
| Light Industrial Zone (I-1) | 2 | 20 ft (freestanding); height of wall to which sign is attached (flat wall) | 100 sq ft | — |
| General Industrial Zone (I-2) | 3 | 25 ft | 300 sq ft | — |
| Interchange Zone (INT) | 6 | 20 ft (freestanding); height of wall to which sign is attached (flat wall) | 100-400 sq ft (see formula) | Yes |
| Quarry Zone (Q) | 1 | 20 ft (freestanding); wall height if attached | 75 sq ft | — |
| Floodplain Zone (FP) | 1 | — | 6 sq ft per side | — |
| Conservation Subdivision Overlay Zone (CSO) | 1 | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 11 | 10 ft (freestanding); height of wall if attached | 64 sq ft combined area (2 per principal use) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Silver Spring Township(sample of 3 of 18 zones)
Neighborhood Commercial Zone (C-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Business Sign (Freestanding) | 20 ft (freestanding); height of wall to which sign is attached (flat wall) | 75 sq ft | — | No closer than 10 ft from any lot line (freestanding); height of wall if attached | 2 per principal use, max 1 freestanding | On premises | — | Unlock | Permanent Sign Requirements Table |
| A-frame Sandwich Board Sign | 4 ft | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business | On premises | — | Unlock | Permanent Sign Requirements Table |
| Planned Center Sign (Freestanding) | 20 ft (up to 300 sq ft); 25 ft (>200,000 sq ft GLA) | 100-400 sq ft (see formula) | — | — | 1 per planned center or per street frontage with entrance/exit | 1 per planned center or per street frontage with entrance/exit (see table) | Yes | Unlock | Businesses/Planned Center Signage Table; §415-44; Attachment 3. |
| Anchor Tenant Sign | Height of wall to which sign is attached | 75-275 sq ft (see formula) | — | — | 1 per side facing a street, max 2 signs | 1 per side facing a street, max 2 signs | Yes | Unlock | Businesses/Planned Center Signage Table; §415-44; Attachment 3. |
| Storefront Sign | Height of wall to which sign is attached | 75-200 sq ft (see formula) | — | — | 1 per principal use | 1 per principal use | Yes | Unlock | Businesses/Planned Center Signage Table; §415-44; Attachment 3. |
| Storefront Under-Canopy Sign | To base of canopy or, where no canopy, 10 ft | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per principal use | 1 per principal use | Yes | Unlock | Businesses/Planned Center Signage Table; §415-44; Attachment 3. |
| Nonanchor Sign for Principal Freestanding Use Sharing Common Ingress/Egress | Height of wall to which sign is attached | 75 sq ft | — | — | 2 per principal use, but only 1 per wall | 2 per principal use, but only 1 per wall | Yes | Unlock | Businesses/Planned Center Signage Table; §415-44; Attachment 3. |
Community Commercial Zone (C-2)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Business Sign (Freestanding) | 20 ft (freestanding); height of wall to which sign is attached (flat wall) | 75 sq ft | — | No closer than 10 ft from any lot line (freestanding); height of wall if attached | 2 per principal use, max 1 freestanding | On premises | — | Unlock | Permanent Sign Requirements Table |
| A-frame Sandwich Board Sign | 4 ft | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business | On premises | — | Unlock | Permanent Sign Requirements Table |
| Planned Center Sign (Freestanding) | 20 ft (up to 300 sq ft); 25 ft (>200,000 sq ft GLA) | 100-400 sq ft (see formula) | — | — | 1 per planned center or per street frontage with entrance/exit | 1 per planned center or per street frontage with entrance/exit (see table) | Yes | Unlock | Businesses/Planned Center Signage Table; §415-44; Attachment 3. |
| Anchor Tenant Sign | Height of wall to which sign is attached | 75-275 sq ft (see formula) | — | — | 1 per side facing a street, max 2 signs | 1 per side facing a street, max 2 signs | Yes | Unlock | Businesses/Planned Center Signage Table; §415-44; Attachment 3. |
| Storefront Sign | Height of wall to which sign is attached | 75-200 sq ft (see formula) | — | — | 1 per principal use | 1 per principal use | Yes | Unlock | Businesses/Planned Center Signage Table; §415-44; Attachment 3. |
| Storefront Under-Canopy Sign | To base of canopy or, where no canopy, 10 ft | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per principal use | 1 per principal use | Yes | Unlock | Businesses/Planned Center Signage Table; §415-44; Attachment 3. |
| Nonanchor Sign for Principal Freestanding Use Sharing Common Ingress/Egress | Height of wall to which sign is attached | 75 sq ft | — | — | 2 per principal use, but only 1 per wall | 2 per principal use, but only 1 per wall | Yes | Unlock | Businesses/Planned Center Signage Table; §415-44; Attachment 3. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signs owned and associated with uses operated by the Township; official traffic signs | Unlimited | Unlimited | — | Unlimited | Unlimited | All zones | — | Unlock | Permanent Sign Requirements Table |
| Signs identifying semi-public uses (schools, churches, parks, fire stations, etc.) | 10 ft (freestanding); height of wall if attached | 64 sq ft combined area (2 per principal use) | — | 10 ft from any lot line (freestanding) | 2 per principal use | On premises | — | Unlock | Permanent Sign Requirements Table |
| Temporary Contractor Sign | 5 ft | 64 sq ft (area exceeding 12 sq ft requires permit) | — | — | 1 per contractor | On site | — | Unlock | Temporary Sign Requirements Table |
| Real Estate Sale or Rent Sign (<3 acres) | 5 ft | 12 sq ft residential; 32 sq ft commercial | — | — | 1 per frontage, max 2 | On property being sold/rented | — | Unlock | Temporary Sign Requirements Table |
| Real Estate Sale or Rent Sign (>3 acres) | 10 ft | 64 sq ft per sign | — | — | 1 per frontage, max 2 | On property being sold/rented | — | Unlock | Temporary Sign Requirements Table |
| Proposed Development Sign (Residential/Office) | 10 ft | 1 per unit of occupancy, not to exceed 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage, max 2 | On site, after final plan approval | — | Unlock | Temporary Sign Requirements Table |
| Proposed Development Sign (Commercial/Industrial) | 10 ft | 1 per 1000 sq ft GLA, not to exceed 64 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage, max 2 | On site, after final plan approval | — | Unlock | Temporary Sign Requirements Table |
| Special event sign and banner for business | 10 ft | 32 sq ft if freestanding; 48 sq ft if attached to wall | — | — | 6 per business per year | C-1, C-2, C-3 only | — | Unlock | Temporary Sign Requirements Table |
PermitPal covers all 18 zoning districts in Silver Spring 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 18 zones for Silver Spring Township — start freeProhibited Signs in Silver Spring Township
- No sign shall be maintained in such a state of disrepair as to have the appearance of complete neglect, be rotting or falling down, illegible, or have loose parts separated from original fastenings.
- No sign shall be maintained within the Township that is structurally unsafe or endangers safety; such a sign must be made safe or removed within five days of notice.
- Each sign shall be removed when the circumstances leading to its erection no longer apply.
- No sign shall be maintained that does not refer directly to services, materials or products made, sold, or displayed on the premises (except for billboards).
- No sign shall interfere with visibility for motorists at street or driveway intersections or block any required clear sight triangle.
- No sign located within 300 feet of any traffic light shall be illuminated with red, green or yellow lights or neon tubing.
- Animated, sequential, flashing, rotating, or oscillating signs are expressly prohibited.
- Open flames used to attract public attention to a place of business or to an advertising sign are expressly prohibited.
- Any sign, banner, pennant, balloon, valance, or advertising display constructed of cloth, fabric, cardboard, or other light material, intended to be displayed for a short period of time, is expressly prohibited (except as a special event sign).
- No sign shall display loud, vulgar, indecent or obscene advertising matter, including any graphic illustration pertaining to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.
- No sign shall be located so as to interfere with ingress or egress from any window, door, or fire escape.
- No sign shall be permitted which is permanently attached to public utility poles or to trees within the right-of-way of any street.
- No sign shall obstruct light or air from a building or create a traffic danger.
- No sign located within the Floodplain Zone shall exceed six square feet of area per side.
- No sign, including trim, border, and supports, shall be located within 10 feet of any property or street right-of-way line except as specially provided for signs along the Carlisle Pike.
- No sign shall be placed on the roof or be higher than the wall to which it is attached.
- No point of a wall projecting sign shall be located less than 8.5 feet above the grade directly below the sign.
- Signs are prohibited if they resemble or can be mistaken for a traffic signal or use arrows or the word 'Stop,' or red and green lights in a context that may cause confusion with traffic signals.
- Any freestanding or projecting sign is prohibited within an area bounded by the intersection of two rights-of-way and 20 feet from such intersection.
- No sign or signs may be attached to, placed on, or painted onto any vehicle or trailer in excess of 10 square feet per side or 20 square feet in total, for the purpose of advertising, unless the vehicle is actively used as a delivery or service vehicle.
- No loud, vulgar, indecent or obscene advertising matter shall be displayed on any sign.
- No sign attached to a building shall be placed on the roof or be higher than the wall to which it is attached.
- Prohibited signs: balloons, pennants, streamers, feather flags, and similar attention-getting devices are not permitted except as authorized for special events and within time limits established by ordinance.
Exempt Signs in Silver Spring Township
- Signs owned and associated with uses operated by the Township, and official traffic signs are exempt from the requirements.
- Signs identifying semipublic uses (e.g., schools, churches, public utilities, hospitals, libraries, parks, fire stations, post offices) are permitted as listed and are generally exempt from strict business signage controls, subject to size and number limits.
- Property control signs (such as 'No Trespassing', 'Posted', etc.) are permitted as exempted with specified size and spacing limits.
- Residential nameplates and address markers (up to one per dwelling unit and two square feet in size) do not require a permit.
- Garage/yard sale signs (up to two, of maximum six square feet each, for properties conducting such sales) are exempt from permits.
- Political signs are exempt from permit requirements, subject to display timing limitations (no more than 30 days prior to and 5 days after an election).
- Real estate sale or rent signs of twelve square feet or less do not require a permit.
- Roadside stand signs for agricultural products may be displayed seasonally and do not require permits.
- On-site directional, entrance, exit, restroom, and other information signs are allowed subject to specified numbers and sizes.
- Residential development/neighborhood signs (one per street entrance, up to two per development, not exceeding 32 square feet each and 10 feet high) are permitted, subject to review and maintenance agreement but do not require the same approval as business signs.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Silver Spring Township
- Planned center, master site, or shopping center signage must comply with the additional requirements for planned centers as specified in the Planned Center Signage Tables. These include limits based on gross leasable area, frontage, number, size, and height of signs, and sometimes require a sign plan as part of the land development review process.
- A site plan (which may constitute a master sign plan) is required for land development and/or for planned centers to determine location and size of planned center signage, and must be approved by the Planning Commission through the land development review process.
- Any application for a sign permit for a planned center must include sufficient detail of overall center dimensions and signage to ensure compliance with the regulations on total signage allowed for the center and per-tenant allowances.
- Amortization of nonconforming signs: Existing signs that were legally established but do not conform to current standards must be brought into compliance at such time as 75% or greater of the sign area is changed in any way. This implies consideration in sign plans and during sign program updates.
- Where the interpretive application of sign area limitations is unclear due to complex development (such as a campus or multi-parcel project), the Zoning Officer or Planning Commission may require a comprehensive sign plan to ensure aggregate sign areas for all tenants and uses comply with the zone's overall numeric and area restrictions.
Source: ecode360 municipal code