Sign Regulations in Upland, Pennsylvania
Upland, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 35 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Ground 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 27, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Upland, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Upland
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Signs - General Standards | — | — | General: ≥6 ft from public street ROW unless authorized; GC District exception to ROW restriction; sight distance and safety per § 185-1703C(3). |
| Freestanding Sign - General Standards | — | — | General: ≥6 ft from public street ROW unless otherwise authorized; residential freestanding signs: ≥6 ft from front property line. |
| Ground Sign - General Standards | Top edge ≤5 ft above grade | — | Same as freestanding signs in § 185-1703E. |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for UplandFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
35
- Wall Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- Ground Sign
- Residential-District Sign Types (by reference)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Upland
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Upland 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 Upland, 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 Upland, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Ground Sign, Residential-District Sign Types (by reference), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Upland, monument signs typically require a General: ≥6 ft from public street ROW unless otherwise authorized; residential freestanding signs: ≥6 ft from front property line. setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Upland are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Upland has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Upland, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Upland, Pennsylvania regulates 35 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Identification - Non-dwelling Uses)s in the R-1 Residential District, R-2 Residential District, R-3 Residential District zoning district are capped at ≤4 ft (height limit applies to freestanding/ground in this subsection) tall and ≤20 sq ft, with a Residential freestanding signs must be set back ≥6 ft from front property line; general ≥6 ft from street ROW applies. setback (Sec. § 185-1706A(2)(a)-(c); § 185-1703E). Most commercial signs in Upland require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Upland, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Upland (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 8 | Top edge ≤5 ft above grade | Combined area ≤50% of the area of the door, window, or wall to which affixed | — |
| HPO Historic Preservation Overlay | 1 | — | — | — |
| R-1 Residential District, R-2 Residential District, R-3 Residential District | 7 | ≤4 ft (height limit applies to freestanding/ground in this subsection) | ≤288 sq in (2 sq ft) | — |
| PRD Planned Residential Development District | 4 | ≤4 ft | ≤20 sq ft | — |
| INS Institutional District, MCD Medical Campus District | 4 | ≤(Max permitted building height + 20 ft) | ≤150 sq ft | — |
| GC General Commercial District, WFMU Waterfront Mixed Use District | 11 | — | By reference to § 185-1706C(3) (0.5 sq ft per linear foot of building width) | — |
| IND Industrial District | 7 | ≤(Max permitted building height + 20 ft) | Per § 185-1706D(3) (1.0 sq ft per linear foot of building width) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Upland(sample of 3 of 7 zones)
R-1 Residential District, R-2 Residential District, R-3 Residential District
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate Sign (Dwelling) | — | ≤288 sq in (2 sq ft) | — | — | Not more than one per dwelling. | At the dwelling (residential premises). | — | Unlock | § 185-1706A(1); § 185-1704H |
| Wall Sign (Identification - Non-dwelling Uses) | — | ≤20 sq ft | — | — | Per frontage: ≤1 wall sign (plus ≤1 freestanding or ground). | On apartment buildings/complexes, schools, churches, hospitals, and similar permitted non-dwelling uses. | — | Unlock | § 185-1706A(2)(a)-(c); § 185-1703C(9) |
| Freestanding Sign (Identification - Non-dwelling Uses) | ≤4 ft (height limit applies to freestanding/ground in this subsection) | ≤20 sq ft | — | Residential freestanding signs must be set back ≥6 ft from front property line; general ≥6 ft from street ROW applies. | Per frontage: ≤1 (freestanding or ground). | At apartment buildings/complexes, schools, churches, hospitals, and similar permitted non-dwelling uses. | — | Unlock | § 185-1706A(2)(a)-(c); § 185-1703E |
| Ground Sign (Identification - Non-dwelling Uses) | Top edge ≤4 ft (by § 185-1706A(2)(a)) and ≤5 ft overall per general ground sign standards | ≤20 sq ft | — | Same as freestanding; general ≥6 ft from ROW; integrate with landscape/architecture. | Per frontage: ≤1 (freestanding or ground). | At apartment buildings/complexes, schools, churches, hospitals, and similar permitted non-dwelling uses. | — | Unlock | § 185-1706A(2)(a)-(c); § 185-1703F |
| Wall/Freestanding/Ground Sign (Valid Nonconforming Use Identification) | Freestanding/Ground: ≤4 ft (per § 185-1706A(2)(a)); Ground top edge ≤5 ft per § 185-1703F(1) | ≤20 sq ft | — | Freestanding: follow § 185-1703E; Ground: follow § 185-1703F. | Per frontage: ≤1 wall and ≤1 freestanding or ground. | For nonresidential uses permitted as valid nonconforming uses within R districts. | — | Unlock | § 185-1706A(3) (same as A(2)); § 185-1706A(5) |
| Wall Sign (Accessory Use - Major Home Occupation/Home Professional Office) | — | ≤6 sq ft | — | — | 1 total (ground or wall). | On dwelling with approved major home occupation or home professional office. | — | Unlock | § 185-1706A(4)(a)-(c), (5) |
| Ground Sign (Accessory Use - Major Home Occupation/Home Professional Office) | — | ≤6 sq ft | — | Follow ground sign standards. | 1 total (ground or wall). | At dwelling with approved major home occupation or home professional office. | — | Unlock | § 185-1706A(4)(a)-(c), (5); § 185-1703F |
GC General Commercial District, WFMU Waterfront Mixed Use District
| 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 | — | ≤1 sq ft per linear foot of building width | — | — | ≤1 per frontage; corner lot: +1 on side street. | On building wall; per frontage. | — | Unlock | § 185-1706D(3)-(5) |
| Wall Sign - Second-Floor Business (Additional) | — | ≤8 sq ft | — | — | 1 additional for second-floor business. | For a business on the second floor. | — | Unlock | § 185-1706D(9) |
| Awning/Canopy Sign (Substitute for Wall Sign) | — | By reference to § 185-1706C(3) (0.5 sq ft per linear foot of building width) | — | — | Counts toward wall sign allowance. | Mounted on canopy/awning on front wall. | — | Unlock | § 185-1706D(7)-(8) (referencing § 185-1706C(3)-(4)); § 185-1703C(9) |
| Window Sign | — | ≤25% of total window area (permanent) | — | — | — | On windows. | — | Unlock | § 185-1706D(2) (window signs permitted); § 185-1703G |
| Freestanding Sign (General - Non-Business/District ID) | — | ≤8 sq ft | — | General freestanding setbacks apply; GC District is excepted from ROW prohibition per § 185-1703C(4) (check with Borough). | — | On lot frontage; intended for district identification or similar, not for individual business identification within GC. | — | Unlock | § 185-1706D(2), (6); § 185-1703A(8); § 185-1703E(5) |
| Shopping Center Identification - Freestanding Sign | — | ≤50 sq ft for center identification; plus tenant panels: ≤10 sq ft allotted per establishment | — | General freestanding setbacks apply; GC ROW exception per § 185-1703C(4). | One per road frontage. | At shopping center frontage(s). | — | Unlock | § 185-1706D(12)(a)-(c) |
| Wall Sign (Shopping Center - Interior Establishments) | — | ≤1 sq ft per linear foot of building/establishment width | — | — | 1 per interior establishment; end/corner +1 up to 50% area. | For interior establishments within shopping centers. | — | Unlock | § 185-1706D(12)(d)-(f) |
| Building Identification Sign (Multi-tenant Building) | — | Per § 185-1706C | — | — | Per tenant: 1 wall sign ≤4 sq ft; building ID sign per § 185-1706C. | At multi-tenant buildings (building identification). | — | Unlock | § 185-1706D(10) (refers to § 185-1706C) |
IND Industrial District
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential-District Sign Types (by reference) | — | — | — | — | — | As permitted by § 185-1706A. | — | Unlock | § 185-1706E(1) (refers to § 185-1706A) |
| Wall Sign | — | ≤1.5 sq ft per linear foot of building width | — | — | ≤1 per frontage. | On building wall; per frontage. | — | Unlock | § 185-1706E(2)-(4) |
| Freestanding Sign | — | ≤60 sq ft | — | General ≥6 ft from ROW unless otherwise authorized; spacing ≥75 ft between freestanding signs; embed posts per standards. | ≤1 per frontage (freestanding or ground). | On lot frontage; per frontage. | — | Unlock | § 185-1706E(2), (5)-(6); § 185-1703E |
| Ground Sign | Top edge ≤5 ft above grade | ≤60 sq ft | — | Same as freestanding; general ≥6 ft from ROW. | ≤1 per frontage (freestanding or ground). | On lot frontage; per frontage. | — | Unlock | § 185-1706E(2), (5)-(6); § 185-1703F |
| Awning/Canopy Sign (Substitute for Wall Sign) | — | Per § 185-1706D(3) (1.0 sq ft per linear foot of building width) | — | — | Counts toward wall sign allowance. | Mounted on canopy/awning on front wall. | — | Unlock | § 185-1706E(7) (refers to § 185-1706D(3)-(4)); § 185-1703C(9) |
| Window Sign | — | ≤25% of total window area (permanent) | — | — | — | On windows. | — | Unlock | § 185-1706E(8); § 185-1703G |
| Billboard | ≤(Max permitted building height + 20 ft) | ≤150 sq ft | — | ≥35 ft from street ROW; adhere to PennDOT sight distance standards. | 1 per lot. | Within 1,000 ft of Interstate 95; freestanding only; not on/attached to buildings; outside safe clear sight/stopping distance of signalized intersections. | — | Unlock | § 185-1707A (IND by right); § 185-1707B-N |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Upland — 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 Upland — start freeProhibited Signs in Upland
- Flashing, blinking, twinkling, spinning, animated, inflatable, aerial, crane or lighted moving signs, including automatic color-changing or rotating lamps and other moving objects that call attention to the sign, are prohibited.
- Advertising cloth or paper banners or similar signs hung on property are prohibited, except for temporary banners; banners and pennants for public purposes are allowed in the GC district.
- Signs painted directly on the facade of a building or other structure (wall bulletins or painted signs) are prohibited.
- Curb or sidewalk signs, and signs painted on, attached to or suspended from outdoor benches, chairs or similar structures, are prohibited.
- Swinging and hanging signs are prohibited.
- Signs, letters, posters and advertisements tacked, pasted, tied or otherwise affixed to poles, posts, buildings, fences or other structures on public property or within public rights-of-way are prohibited.
- Signs placed, inscribed or supported upon the roofline or any structure extending above the roofline of any building are prohibited.
- Digital movable billboard signs are prohibited.
- No new projecting signs may be erected; existing projecting signs are nonconforming and may continue.
- No sign may be located, arranged or placed so that it creates a danger to traffic, including causing glare, blocking required sight lines for streets, sidewalks or driveways, or causing confusion with traffic control devices by color, location, shape or other characteristics.
- Except for traffic signs, no sign may be erected within the right-of-way of any public street (GC district excepted), and no sign may be closer than six feet to a public street right-of-way line unless specifically authorized by applicable ordinances or other agencies.
- No illuminated sign may be lighted on days when the business or permitted use is not open.
- Except for traffic signs, incidental signs and billboards, permanent signs are prohibited off the property to which their message applies.
Exempt Signs in Upland
- The provisions of the sign article do not apply to signage erected and maintained by the Borough for Borough purposes, provided all other required government permits are obtained.
- Public notice, warning or official traffic signs required by federal, state or local law are exempt from permits.
- Interior signs not attached to a window or door and not legible from more than three feet beyond the lot line are exempt from permits.
- Building markers limited to building name, date of construction or historical data (one per building, max six square feet) are exempt from permits.
- Flags of the United States, Pennsylvania, foreign nations with diplomatic relations, or any other flag adopted by an elected legislative body (max 60 square feet; pole max 40 feet) are exempt from permits.
- Incidental signs containing no commercial message (max eight square feet) are exempt from permits.
- For-sale/for-rent signs on the premises (one per street frontage; nonilluminated; max six square feet; removed by settlement) are exempt from permits.
- Signs advertising the development of the premises (max six square feet in residential districts; max 32 square feet in nonresidential districts; removed by settlement) are exempt from permits.
- Nameplate signs on private residences (max 144 square inches) are exempt from permits.
- Officially designated holiday decorations that do not create a traffic or fire hazard are exempt from permits.
- Yard or garage sale signs (max two square feet; removed within 24 hours after the sale) are exempt from permits.
- Signs announcing educational, charitable, civic, religious or similar campaigns or events (max eight square feet; up to 30 days per occurrence, no more than four times per year, total max 120 days annually) are exempt from permits, except a permit is required if placed on telephone poles.
- Changeable-copy signs for churches, schools and other uses that by their nature require such signs (one per property; corner properties may have one additional on the side; max 16 square feet) are exempt from permits.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Upland
- No master sign plan requirement is stated in the provided text.
- Historic Preservation Overlay (HPO): On properties listed as historic resources, no sign may be erected or altered until a certificate of appropriateness is reviewed by the Historical Commission and approved by Borough Council. Applications must include a current color photo, a facade illustration showing the sign, a scaled drawing with size/materials/colors/lighting/lettering/attachment (with material samples if required), a site plan for ground signs, and the type of illumination.
- GC General Commercial and WFMU Waterfront Mixed Use Districts: Applicants must submit proposed signs to the Borough Code Official for compliance evaluation and are required to meet with the Planning Commission to discuss the proposal; the Planning Commission may suggest modifications.
- Billboards: Permitted by right in the IND district and by special exception in the MCD district; special exception requires Zoning Hearing Board approval.
- Nonconforming signs: If damaged more than 50% of value or removed/discontinued for 90 days, they may only be repaired/rebuilt as conforming signs or when authorized as a special exception (Zoning Hearing Board).
Source: ecode360 municipal code