Sign Regulations in Smith Township, Pennsylvania
Smith Township, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 24 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Ground Sign (Business Identification), Bulletin Sign, Real Estate Sign - C-D, R-1, R-V. 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 Smith Township, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Smith Township
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulletin Sign | — | 24 sq ft | — |
| Real Estate Sign - C-D, R-1, R-V | 6 ft | 12 sq ft | — |
| Real Estate Sign - Other Zones | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
24
- Ground Sign (Business Identification)
- Bulletin Sign
- Real Estate Sign - C-D, R-1, R-V
- Real Estate Sign - Other Zones
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Smith Township
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Smith 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 Smith 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 Smith Township, regulated sign types include Ground Sign (Business Identification), Bulletin Sign, Real Estate Sign - C-D, R-1, R-V, Real Estate Sign - Other Zones, 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 Smith 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 Smith Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Smith Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Smith Township, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Smith Township, Pennsylvania regulates 24 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Billboards in the I-1 zoning district are capped at 40 ft above curb tall, 300 sq ft per face (max 2 faces), and 25 ft length; 15 ft height per face wide, with a Min 10 ft from public street right-of-way; must meet side and rear yard requirements for structures in the district setback (Sec. § 1406). Most commercial signs in Smith Township require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Smith Township, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Smith Township (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 11 | 10 ft | 40 sq ft | — |
| R-1, R-V | 2 | — | 24 sq ft | — |
| B-1 | 8 | 25 ft | 150 sq ft | — |
| I-1 | 3 | 40 ft above curb | 300 sq ft per face (max 2 faces) | — |
| C-D | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Smith Township(sample of 3 of 5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulletin Sign | — | 24 sq ft | — | — | One per use | In connection with any church, school, library or similar public or semipublic building | — | Unlock | § 1403.A |
| Real Estate Sign - C-D, R-1, R-V | 6 ft | 12 sq ft | — | — | One per lot | On each lot | — | Unlock | § 1403.B |
| Real Estate Sign - Other Zones | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | One per lot | On each lot | — | Unlock | § 1403.B |
| Development Sign - Residential | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | One per site | On each site of an approved subdivision or land development | — | Unlock | § 1403.C |
| Development Sign - Nonresidential | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | One per site | On each site of an approved subdivision or land development | — | Unlock | § 1403.C |
| Contractor's Sign | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | One per lot | On lot where work is being performed | — | Unlock | § 1403.D |
| Home Occupation Identification Sign | 4 ft if freestanding | 1 sq ft | — | 10 ft from any street right-of-way line or property line if freestanding | One per approved home occupation | Attached to dwelling or freestanding, minimum 10 ft from right-of-way or property line | — | Unlock | § 1403.F |
| Off-Premises Directional Sign | — | 3 sq ft | — | No more than 10 ft from edge of right-of-way if outside public right-of-way | Up to 4 per business or agency | Along arterial or collector street; up to 4 per business or agency; up to 3 miles away | — | Unlock | § 1403.G |
B-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Special Event Display | — | 40 sq ft per establishment; 100 sq ft max per lot if multiple establishments | — | — | Max 2 per establishment at a time | Building or supporting structure of freestanding pole business identification sign | — | Unlock | § 1405.A |
| Changeable-Copy Sign | — | 30 sq ft | — | — | One per lot | Permanently affixed to building wall or supporting structure of authorized freestanding sign | — | Unlock | § 1405.B |
| Wall Sign (Business Identification) | Shall not be located on roof nor extend above building height | 100 sq ft | — | — | Aggregate area limit applies | On building wall; not on roof | — | Unlock | § 1405.C(1) |
| Ground Sign (Business Identification) | 6 ft | 24 sq ft | — | 10 ft from property line or right-of-way | One per lot | Freestanding; at least 10 ft from property line and from public right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 1405.C(2) |
| Pole Sign (Business Identification - One Business) | 20 ft (top of sign), min 8 ft (bottom of sign) | 40 sq ft | — | 10 ft from property line or right-of-way | One per lot | Freestanding; at least 10 ft from property line or public right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 1405.C(3) |
| Pole Sign (Business Identification - Multiple Businesses) | 20 ft (top of sign), min 8 ft (bottom of sign) | 64 sq ft | — | 10 ft from property line or right-of-way | One per lot | Freestanding; at least 10 ft from property line or public right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 1405.C(3) |
| Monument Sign (Shopping Center Entrance) | 25 ft | 150 sq ft | — | 10 ft from public right-of-way or property line | One per entrance | At each entrance to shopping center, at least 10 ft from right-of-way or property line | — | Unlock | § 1405.C(4) |
| Arcade Sign | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | One per business | In shopping centers/multi-tenant buildings with covered pedestrian accessways | — | Unlock | § 1405.C(5) |
I-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign (Business Identification) | 6 ft | 48 sq ft | — | 10 ft from property line or right-of-way | One per lot | Freestanding; at least 10 ft from property line and public right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 1405.C(2) |
| All Signs Allowed in B-1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 1405 |
| Billboard | 40 ft above curb | 300 sq ft per face (max 2 faces) | 25 ft length; 15 ft height per face | Min 10 ft from public street right-of-way; must meet side and rear yard requirements for structures in the district | No explicit numerical limit; 1000 ft spacing | Within 500 ft of arterial street; not within 500 ft of residential, school, church, cemetery; not within 500 ft of highway interchange/rest area; not over sidewalk or ROW; not on roof, wall, building, or other structures | — | Unlock | § 1406 |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Smith 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 5 zones for Smith Township — start freeProhibited Signs in Smith Township
- A-frame or sandwich-board signs are not permitted in any zoning district.
- Portable or wheeled signs are not permitted, other than temporary special event displays authorized by this chapter.
- Banners and pennants are not permitted, other than temporary special event displays authorized by this chapter.
- Inflatable structures of any kind are not permitted.
- Moving or flashing signs are not permitted, except for that portion of an authorized sign that indicates time or temperature or an authorized electronic changeable-copy sign.
- Signs attached to trees, utility poles or official traffic control devices or signs are not permitted.
- Signs that imitate traffic control devices are not permitted.
- Signs painted on walls or chimneys of a building or on fences or walls are not permitted.
- Strings of lights, flashers, flags, pennants or other display paraphernalia are not permitted, except those displays specifically authorized by this Part.
- Overhanging signs, as defined herein, are not permitted.
- Roof signs, as defined herein, are not permitted.
- Signs on or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers that are parked on a public right-of-way, public property or private property, other than temporarily for overnight storage on the site of a business or for maintenance, repair, loading, unloading or rendering a service at any location, that are visible from the public right-of-way and whose apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property, are not permitted.
- No sign shall be located in such a position that it will cause a hazard by obstructing visibility for traffic on a street or obscuring a traffic signal or other traffic control device.
- No sign, other than official traffic signs and off-premises directional signs, shall hang over or be erected within the right-of-way of any street.
- No sign shall be located within the clear sight triangle defined by § 1203D.
- Flashing or oscillating signs are not permitted. Lighting shall be stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times, except for an approved electronic changeable-copy sign.
- The intensity of any source of illumination of any sign, whether indirect or internal, shall be controlled so as to not create glare and to be compatible with the intensity of ambient light and illumination on surrounding properties.
- All signs must be constructed of a durable material and maintained in good condition. Any sign found to be in an unsafe condition shall be declared a public nuisance and must be repaired or removed within 30 days of notice. Upon failure to comply, the Township shall remove the sign at the owner's expense.
- Whenever any business is discontinued or vacated, all signs relating to the discontinued or vacated business shall be removed within 30 days of the vacation or discontinuance. Upon failure to comply, the Township shall remove the sign at the owner's expense.
- Except for billboards and off-premises directional signs, all signs shall be located on the premises that they are intended to serve.
Exempt Signs in Smith Township
- Political signs are exempt from these regulations.
- Residential identification signs are exempt from these regulations.
- Holiday decorations displayed for recognized Federal or State holidays are exempt, provided that they do not interfere with traffic safety or otherwise become a public hazard.
- Memorial/historical plaques are exempt from these regulations.
- Window displays are exempt, provided they do not exceed 20% of the gross surface area of all windows in an establishment.
- Signs erected by a governmental agency, including street signs and official traffic signs, are exempt, but not including off-premises directional signs regulated by § 1403G.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Smith Township
- No permit is required for notification signs, real estate and contractor's signs, and off-premises directional signs erected by a governmental agency, as described in § 1401B.
- Permits are required for all other signs authorized by §§ 1403 through 1406.
- The Zoning Officer shall issue required permits upon submission of an application that complies with all applicable provisions and payment of the required fee.
- Permits for erection, alteration, replacement or relocation of any sign expire automatically within six months of issuance if work authorized by the permit has not been initiated and diligently pursued.
- For billboards, approval of the use by special exception is required, including a variance meeting with the Zoning Hearing Board, and various additional approvals (e.g., FAA or PennDOT) may be required before a permit is issued.
Source: ecode360 municipal code