Sign Regulations in Swatara Township, Pennsylvania
Swatara Township, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 29 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Major Development Entrance Sign, Wall Sign, Window 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 Swatara Township, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Swatara Township
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Sales or Christmas Tree Sign | — | 8 sq ft (residential lots); 24 sq ft (nonresidential lots) | — |
| Charitable Event Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — |
| Contractor's Sign | — | 12 sq ft (residential lot); 30 sq ft (nonresidential); or one sign of 60 sq ft if shared by multiple entities | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
29
- Major Development Entrance Sign
- Wall Sign
- Window Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Swatara Township
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Swatara 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 Swatara 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 Swatara Township, regulated sign types include Major Development Entrance Sign, Wall Sign, Window Sign, Freestanding 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 Swatara 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 Swatara Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Swatara Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Swatara Township, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Swatara Township, Pennsylvania regulates 29 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Principal Nonresidential Use)s in the Conservation District, Agricultural District, Residential districts zoning district are capped at 8 feet tall and 24 sq ft per sign, with a Minimum 5 feet from right-of-way (§295-115A) setback (Sec. §295-112A). Most commercial signs in Swatara Township require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Swatara Township, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Swatara Township (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All zoning districts | 17 | 8 feet | Total of 60 sq ft for all such banners, flags, and other temporary signs | — |
| Conservation District, Agricultural District, Residential districts | 5 | To top of roof along wall where sign is attached (or up to 10 feet above structural roof if attached to parapet) | 50 sq ft per sign | — |
| A-OG District | 4 | To top of roof along wall where sign is attached (or up to 10 feet above structural roof if attached to parapet) | 24 sq ft per sign (see note for additional principal business) | — |
| Any zoning district not listed above | 5 | 30 feet (45 feet if allowed over 100 sq ft sign area) | 60 sq ft per sign (see note for increase with additional principal business establishment) | — |
| M-G District, M-L District (adjacent to I-83) | 1 | 45 feet above elevation of street center line it faces | 672 sq ft per sign face, 2 faces allowed if angle between <=45° | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 2 | 6 ft for supporting wall | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Swatara Township(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
All zoning districts
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Sales or Christmas Tree Sign | — | 8 sq ft (residential lots); 24 sq ft (nonresidential lots) | — | — | 2 | On lot where products are sold | — | Unlock | §295-111A |
| Charitable Event Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On lot where event occurs | — | Unlock | §295-111A |
| Contractor's Sign | — | 12 sq ft (residential lot); 30 sq ft (nonresidential); or one sign of 60 sq ft if shared by multiple entities | — | — | 1 per contractor | On lot where work is underway | — | Unlock | §295-111A |
| Directional Sign (On-site) | — | 3 sq ft per sign | — | — | No maximum | On same lot as served | — | Unlock | §295-111A |
| Flag | — | 20 sq ft | — | — | 1 (except up to 10 for government, color, or pattern only flags) | On lot | — | Unlock | §295-111A |
| Home Occupation Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | 10 ft from right-of-way (unless on mailbox) | 1 | Setback at least 10 ft from street right-of-way, unless printed on mailbox. May be freestanding, wall-mounted, or window. | — | Unlock | §295-111A |
| Identification Sign | 8 feet | 1 sq ft (residential); 6 sq ft (nonresidential); 2 sq ft permitted for a principal nonresidential use | — | — | 1 (except 2 for principal non-residential use) | On lot | — | Unlock | §295-111A |
| Special Sale Signs | — | Total of 60 sq ft for all such banners, flags, and other temporary signs | — | Kept min 5 ft from curb or road shoulder | 5 per lot | At lawful principal commercial business, not in public right-of-way, must allow 4 ft clear walkway. | — | Unlock | §295-111A |
Conservation District, Agricultural District, Residential districts
| 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 (Principal Nonresidential Use) | To top of roof along wall where sign is attached (or up to 10 feet above structural roof if attached to parapet) | 30 sq ft on each side of principal nonresidential building | — | — | 1 per building side | Principal nonresidential building or allowed nursing home/personal care center | — | Unlock | §295-112A, §295-112B |
| Window Sign (Principal Nonresidential Use) | — | Same as wall sign: max 30 sq ft per side; window signs may be used in place of wall sign with same restrictions | — | — | 1 per building side | Window of principal nonresidential building | — | Unlock | §295-112A |
| Freestanding Sign (Principal Nonresidential Use) | 8 feet | 24 sq ft per sign | — | Minimum 5 feet from right-of-way (§295-115A) | 1 per street abutted | On lot frontage per street abutted | — | Unlock | §295-112A |
| Major Development Entrance Sign | 6 feet for supporting wall | 50 sq ft per sign | — | — | Max 2 sign locations (one 2-sided or two 1-sided per entrance, max two entrances) | At exterior entrances to subdivision/land development of 20+ units or 5+ principal business uses; attached to decorative masonry/stone wall | — | Unlock | §295-112E |
| Nonconforming Use Sign (Residential District Only) | — | 20 sq ft per sign | — | — | 1 | Lawful principal nonconforming use in residential district | — | Unlock | §295-112F |
Any zoning district not listed above
| 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 | To top of roof along wall where sign is attached (or up to 10 feet above structural roof if attached to parapet) | — | — | — | — | On building | — | Unlock | §295-112A §295-112B |
| Window Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On window | — | Unlock | §295-112A |
| Freestanding Sign | 30 feet (45 feet if allowed over 100 sq ft sign area) | 60 sq ft per sign (see note for increase with additional principal business establishment) | — | Minimum 5 feet from right-of-way (§295-115A) | 1 per street abutted | On lot frontage per street abutted | — | Unlock | §295-112A (Table Note) |
| Sandwich Board Sign | 4 feet | — | 2 feet | 5 ft from curb or road shoulder | 1 | Only outside business during open hours | — | Unlock | §295-112A (Table Note) |
| Major Development Entrance Sign | 6 feet for supporting wall | 50 sq ft per sign | — | — | Up to two entrances: one 2-sided or two 1-sided per entrance | At entrances to subdivision/land development of 20+ units or 5+ principal business uses | — | Unlock | §295-112E |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Swatara 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 6 zones for Swatara Township — start freeProhibited Signs in Swatara Township
- Any moving object used to attract attention to a commercial use is prohibited, except for certain flags and banners as specified.
- Flashing, blinking, twinkling, animated, or electronically or mechanically moving signs are prohibited. Scrolling signs are allowed only if they include text and messages hold for at least 6 seconds (except time-and-temperature signs).
- Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors or particles, sound, or odor are prohibited.
- Signs which contain information that states that a lot may be used for a purpose not permitted under this chapter are prohibited.
- Signs that resemble an official traffic sign, signal, or device, or that have characteristics likely to confuse or distract motorists (e.g., use of the word 'danger') are prohibited.
- Signs or displays visible from a lot line that include words or images that are obscene or pornographic are prohibited.
- Balloons of greater than 50 cubic feet that are tethered for over a day and primarily intended for advertising are prohibited.
- Floodlights and outdoor lasers for advertising purposes are prohibited.
- Neon lighting of more than 10 square feet per lot is prohibited as part of signs and if attached to the outside of a building; neon shall not be used to line the outside of a building.
- Portable signs are prohibited in all districts, except as temporary charitable event signs or special sale/event signs as specified.
- Signs shall not be posted on any property or utility pole without the owner's permission.
- No sign shall be attached to a utility pole or street signpost, except by a utility or government agency.
- Signs shall be prohibited that involve electrical cords laying across parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except on a residential property for seasonal lighting or as may be allowed for a temporary charitable event sign.
- No sign, except permitted off-premises, official, political, or public service signs, shall be erected on a property to which it does not relate.
- Signs shall not be located within the existing street right-of-way, except for allowed projecting signs and sandwich board signs.
- No sign shall interfere with required sight clearances.
- Signs advertising a use no longer in existence (other than for properties clearly being offered for lease or sale) must be removed within 180 days of cessation of such use.
- Signs must be kept in good and safe condition; dilapidated or unsafe signs are required to be repaired or removed upon notice.
- Any vehicle, trailer, or structure used primarily for signage purposes rather than transportation becomes subject to all requirements for freestanding signs.
Exempt Signs in Swatara Township
- Signs meeting the requirements of § 295-111 (Signs not requiring permits) and nonilluminated window signs do not require a zoning permit.
- Historic signs memorializing an important historic place, event, or person and specifically authorized by the Township or a county, state, or federal agency are not regulated by this chapter.
- Holiday decorations that commemorate a holiday recognized by the Township, county, state, or federal government and do not include advertising are not regulated.
- Signs not readable from any public street or any exterior lot line are not regulated.
- Official signs erected by the state, county, Township, or other legally constituted governmental body, or specifically authorized by Township ordinance or resolution, and which exist for public purposes, are not regulated.
- Signs that only include information required to be posted outdoors by a government agency or the Township are not regulated.
- Signs posted within the existing right-of-way of a public street and officially authorized by the Township or PennDOT (such as decorative banners or banners across a street) are not regulated.
- Temporary nonilluminated window signs are not regulated; other window signs shall be considered wall signs.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Swatara Township
- A zoning permit is required for all signs except those specified as exempt in § 295-111 and for nonilluminated window signs.
- There is no explicit mention of a 'master sign plan' or requirement for a sign plan or variance meeting in these sections.
- Signs must comply with the districts' specific permitted types, sizes, and heights as outlined in the ordinance for the applicable zoning district.
- Lawfully existing signs may be painted or repaired or changed in logo or message without a new permit, provided changes do not increase sign area or otherwise increase nonconformity.
Source: ecode360 municipal code