Sign Regulations in Unity Township, Pennsylvania
Unity Township, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 32 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Temporary Special Event Display, Multi-Tenant Commercial Development Identification Sign, Single-Occupant Commercial Development Identification 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 Unity Township, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Unity Township
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulletin Board Sign | — | 24 sq ft | — |
| Temporary Development Sign | 6 ft in residential, 10 ft in other zones | 32 sq ft per side | Not less than 10 ft from edge of any road surface; shall not restrict sight distances |
| Temporary Construction Sign | — | 12 sq ft | Not less than 10 ft from edge of any road surface; shall not restrict sight distances |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Unity TownshipFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
32
- Temporary Special Event Display
- Multi-Tenant Commercial Development Identification Sign
- Single-Occupant Commercial Development Identification Sign
- Changeable Copy 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 Unity Township
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Unity 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 Unity 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 Unity Township, regulated sign types include Temporary Special Event Display, Multi-Tenant Commercial Development Identification Sign, Single-Occupant Commercial Development Identification Sign, Changeable Copy 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 Unity 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 Unity Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Unity Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Unity Township, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Unity Township (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 11 | 6 ft in residential, 10 ft in other zones | 216 sq in (12 x 18 in) | — |
| Residential Zoning Districts, R District | 3 | — | 24 sq ft | — |
| Commercial Districts, B-1 (Rural Commercial), B-2 (Community Commercial), B-3 (Office Commercial) | 15 | 20 ft max | 120 sq ft per side OR 200 sq ft for four+ in <100,000 sq ft complex OR 300 sq ft for four+ in 100,000+ sq ft complex | — |
| Industrial Districts, M-1 | 15 | 20 ft max | 200 sq ft | — |
| Institutional Districts, I, I-AP | 14 | 20 ft max | 300 sq ft per side, 600 sq ft aggregate | — |
| B-1 (Rural Commercial), B-2 (Community Commercial), B-3 (Office Commercial), I (Institutional), M-1 | 2 | 40 ft above curb; 20 ft height per sign face; 25 ft max width | 225 sq ft per face; max 2 faces back-to-back or V-config (90° or less) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Unity Township(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
Commercial Districts, B-1 (Rural Commercial), B-2 (Community Commercial), B-3 (Office Commercial)
| 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 | — | Aggregate 40 sq ft per establishment, max 100 sq ft per site w/ multiple establishments | — | — | 2 per establishment; 1 A-frame per site | Attached to building or pole sign; one sandwich board/A-frame up to 6 sq ft permitted on private property | — | Unlock | §118-32(A) |
| Wall Sign | Not above bldg height | 100 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business establishment | Front wall of each business establishment/tenant | — | Unlock | §118-32(E)(1) |
| Ground Sign | 6 ft | 24 sq ft | — | At least 10 ft from property line/ROW | 1 per development | Freestanding; minimum 10 ft from all property lines or ROW | — | Unlock | §118-32(E)(2), §118-32(B) |
| Pole Sign (One Occupant) | 20 ft max | 60 sq ft per side | — | At least 10 ft from property line/ROW | 1 per development | Freestanding; minimum 10 ft from all property lines or ROW | — | Unlock | §118-32(E)(3), §118-29(P) |
| Pole Sign (Two Occupants) | 20 ft max | 90 sq ft per side | — | At least 10 ft from property line/ROW | 1 per development | Freestanding; min 10 ft from all property lines | — | Unlock | §118-32(E)(3)(e)[2] |
| Pole Sign (Three or More Occupants) | 20 ft max | 120 sq ft per side OR 200 sq ft for four+ in <100,000 sq ft complex OR 300 sq ft for four+ in 100,000+ sq ft complex | — | At least 10 ft from property line/ROW | 1 per development | Freestanding; min 10 ft from all property lines/ROW | — | Unlock | §118-32(E)(3)(e)[3]-[5] |
| Electronic Sign (B-1, B-2, M-1) | 5 ft for display area; pole-mounted: min 8 ft bottom, max 20 ft top | 40 sq ft per side, 80 sq ft aggregate | — | — | 1 per property | Integrated with ground or pole sign; not allowed as wall, roof, or arcade sign | — | Unlock | §118-32(F)(2); §118-32(G)(1); §118-32(F)(2)(i)-(k) |
| Electronic Sign (B-3) | 5 ft for display area; pole-mounted: min 8 ft bottom, max 20 ft top | 40 sq ft per side, 80 sq ft aggregate; Shopping centers (large retail) may have 60 sq ft per side, 120 sq ft total | — | — | 1 per property | Integrated with ground or pole sign; not allowed as wall, roof, or arcade sign | — | Unlock | §118-32(G)(2) |
Industrial Districts, M-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 | — | Aggregate 40 sq ft per establishment, max 100 sq ft per site w/ multiple establishments | — | — | 2 per establishment; 1 A-frame per site | Attached to building or pole sign; one sandwich board/A-frame up to 6 sq ft permitted on private property | — | Unlock | §118-32(A) |
| Wall Sign | Not above bldg height | 100 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business establishment | Front wall of each business establishment/tenant | — | Unlock | §118-32(E)(1) |
| Ground Sign | 6 ft | 64 sq ft | — | At least 10 ft from property line/ROW | 1 per development | Freestanding; minimum 10 ft from all property lines or ROW | — | Unlock | §118-32(E)(2), §118-32(B) |
| Pole Sign (One Occupant) | 20 ft max | 60 sq ft per side | — | At least 10 ft from property line/ROW | 1 per development | Freestanding; minimum 10 ft from all property lines or ROW | — | Unlock | §118-32(E)(3), §118-29(P) |
| Pole Sign (Two Occupants) | 20 ft max | 90 sq ft per side | — | At least 10 ft from property line/ROW | 1 per development | Freestanding; min 10 ft from all property lines | — | Unlock | §118-32(E)(3)(e)[2] |
| Pole Sign (Three or More Occupants) | 20 ft max | 120 sq ft per side OR 200 sq ft for four+ in <100,000 sq ft complex OR 300 sq ft for four+ in 100,000+ sq ft complex | — | At least 10 ft from property line/ROW | 1 per development | Freestanding; min 10 ft from all property lines/ROW | — | Unlock | §118-32(E)(3)(e)[3]-[5] |
| Roof Sign (Industrial Only) | Not project more than 6 ft above roof | 200 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building | Above roof, one per building | — | Unlock | §118-32(E)(4) |
| Electronic Sign (M-1) | 5 ft for display area; pole-mounted: min 8 ft bottom, max 20 ft top | 40 sq ft per side, 80 sq ft aggregate | — | — | 1 per property | Integrated with ground or pole sign; not allowed as wall, roof, or arcade sign | — | Unlock | §118-32(F)(2); §118-32(G)(1); §118-32(F)(2)(i)-(k) |
Institutional Districts, I, I-AP
| 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 | — | Aggregate 40 sq ft per establishment, max 100 sq ft per site w/ multiple establishments | — | — | 2 per establishment; 1 A-frame per site | Attached to building or pole sign; one sandwich board/A-frame up to 6 sq ft permitted on private property | — | Unlock | §118-32(A) |
| Multi-Tenant Commercial Development Identification Sign | — | Per ground/pole sign standards (see Ground Sign/ Pole Sign in this section) | — | — | 1 per development | At entry to commercial development; can be on decorative wall | — | Unlock | §118-32(B) |
| Wall Sign | Not above bldg height | 100 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business establishment | Front wall of each business establishment/tenant | — | Unlock | §118-32(E)(1) |
| Ground Sign | 6 ft | 24 sq ft | — | At least 10 ft from property line/ROW | 1 per development | Freestanding; minimum 10 ft from all property lines or ROW | — | Unlock | §118-32(E)(2), §118-32(B) |
| Pole Sign (One Occupant) | 20 ft max | 60 sq ft per side | — | At least 10 ft from property line/ROW | 1 per development | Freestanding; minimum 10 ft from all property lines or ROW | — | Unlock | §118-32(E)(3), §118-29(P) |
| Pole Sign (Two Occupants) | 20 ft max | 90 sq ft per side | — | At least 10 ft from property line/ROW | 1 per development | Freestanding; min 10 ft from all property lines | — | Unlock | §118-32(E)(3)(e)[2] |
| Pole Sign (Three or More Occupants) | 20 ft max | 120 sq ft per side OR 200 sq ft for four+ in <100,000 sq ft complex OR 300 sq ft for four+ in 100,000+ sq ft complex | — | At least 10 ft from property line/ROW | 1 per development | Freestanding; min 10 ft from all property lines/ROW | — | Unlock | §118-32(E)(3)(e)[3]-[5] |
| Electronic Sign (I, I-AP) | 5 ft for display area; pole-mounted: min 8 ft bottom, max 20 ft top | 300 sq ft per side, 600 sq ft aggregate | — | — | 1 per property | Integrated with ground or pole sign; not allowed as wall, roof, or arcade sign | — | Unlock | §118-32(G)(3), §118-32(F) |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Unity 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 Unity Township — start freeProhibited Signs in Unity Township
- A-frame or sandwich board signs, except when authorized as temporary special event displays.
- Portable or wheeled signs.
- Banners and pennants, other than temporary special event displays and temporary business identification signs authorized by this article.
- Balloons or inflatable structures of any kind, except when authorized as temporary special event displays.
- Moving or flashing signs, except for that portion of a permitted sign which indicates time or temperature.
- Signs on trees, utility poles or official traffic control devices or signs.
- Signs which imitate or have features similar to traffic control devices.
- Signs painted on walls or chimneys of a building or on fences or walls, other than murals or similar decorative displays on building walls which do not contain any advertising other than the name of the artist and a small acknowledgment of the sponsor of the display.
- Overhanging signs, as defined herein.
- No sign shall be located, placed or constructed where it will cause a hazard, obstruct the visibility of traffic exiting or entering a street, or obscure a traffic signal or other traffic control device.
- No sign, other than official traffic signs and off-street premises directional signs, shall hang over or be erected within the right-of-way of any street.
- Flashing or oscillating signs, or the flashing or oscillating illumination thereof, is prohibited.
- All lighting for signs shall be stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times.
- The intensity of any source of sign illumination shall not create glare nor affect or interfere with the intensity of ambient light on surrounding properties.
- No sign shall exceed 20 feet in height except where otherwise specified.
- Except for billboards, political signs, real estate directional signs and temporary step-in signs, all signs shall be located within the area of the property they are intended to serve.
- Signs must be constructed of durable material and maintained in good condition — unsafe signs are declared a public nuisance.
- Business signs must be removed within 30 days of business discontinuation or vacancy.
- No flashing, moving, or noise-emitting sign faces, structure, or lighting on billboards.
Exempt Signs in Unity Township
- Residential identification signs, as defined in the ordinance.
- Holiday decorations displayed for recognized federal or state holidays, provided they do not interfere with traffic safety or create a public safety hazard.
- Memorial/historical plaques, as defined in the ordinance.
- Window displays, as defined in the ordinance, provided they shall 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, but not including off-premises directional signs regulated elsewhere.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Unity Township
- All signs constructed, placed or maintained within the Township require a permit unless specifically exempted (notification, real estate, political and construction signs, and off-premises directional signs erected by a governmental agency; all other signs require permits).
- Billboards require approvals from other agencies (Westmoreland County Department of Aviation or FAA, when applicable) before applying for a sign permit. They also require conditional use approval with Planning Commission recommendation and public hearing by Board of Supervisors.
- Any new electronic billboard must obtain the same conditional use approval as a standard billboard pursuant to the terms of this section.
- Special exceptions (variance) may be granted for electronic signs along specified corridors (Route 30 and Route 981) by the Zoning Hearing Board after a finding and written decision.
- For temporary step-in signs, permits are required and are obtained from the Code Enforcement Officer.
- Applications for real estate directional signs (REDS) must be made by the manager or director of a licensed real estate brokerage office, with limits on numbers and specific permitting requirements.
- The Zoning Officer shall issue required permits upon submission of applications complying with all applicable provisions and payment of fees.
- Permit expiration provisions apply; permits expire automatically within six months if not acted upon (except as otherwise set for particular sign types).
Source: ecode360 municipal code