Sign Regulations in Upper Merion, Pennsylvania
Upper Merion, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 7 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Business Sign, Professional, accessory use, or name sign, Identification sign or bulletin board. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: December 12, 2024
Sign Regulation Overview for Upper Merion, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Upper Merion
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional, accessory use, or name sign | Not specified | 1 square foot | — |
| Identification sign or bulletin board | Not specified | 24 square feet | — |
| Business Sign | Not specified | 15 square feet | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
7
- Business Sign
- Professional, accessory use, or name sign
- Identification sign or bulletin board
- Entrance Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
3
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Upper Merion
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Upper Merion 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 Upper Merion, 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 Upper Merion, regulated sign types include Business Sign, Professional, accessory use, or name sign, Identification sign or bulletin board, Entrance 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 Upper Merion 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 Upper Merion are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Upper Merion has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Upper Merion, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Upper Merion, Pennsylvania regulates 7 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Professional, accessory use, or name signs in the AG, R-1A, R-1, R-2, R-2A, R-2, R-3, R-3A, R-3B and U-R Zoning Districts zoning district are capped at Not specified tall, 1 square foot, and Not specified wide (Sec. Section 165-167.A.1). Most commercial signs in Upper Merion require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Upper Merion, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Upper Merion (3 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AG, R-1A, R-1, R-2, R-2A, R-2, R-3, R-3A, R-3B and U-R Zoning Districts | 5 | Not specified | 25 square feet | No |
| C-O, NC, LC, GC, SC, ARE, AR-1, SM, SM-1, LI, HI and KPMU Zoning Districts | 2 | May not project above the sign height line except in specific districts (see § 165-168.B). In C-O, NC, LC, GC and SC Districts, to the extent of 24 inches. In LI and HI Districts, to the extent of 42 inches | 200 sq ft | Yes |
| Billboard Overlay District | 1 | 40 ft from grade of I-276 | 336 sq ft per side (max 2 sides) | Yes |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Upper Merion
AG, R-1A, R-1, R-2, R-2A, R-2, R-3, R-3A, R-3B and U-R 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional, accessory use, or name sign | Not specified | 1 square foot | Not specified | — | — | Single-family lots | No | Unlock | Section 165-167.A.1 |
| Identification sign or bulletin board | Not specified | 24 square feet | Not specified | — | — | School, college, church, hospital, sanitarium, municipal building, farm, estate, club, or any permitted use other than dwelling | No | Unlock | Section 165-167.A.2 |
| Business Sign | Not specified | 15 square feet | Not specified | — | — | AG Districts | No | Unlock | Section 165-167.A.3 |
| Entrance Sign | Not specified | 25 square feet | Not specified | — | — | At each vehicular entrance to the property | No | Unlock | Section 165-167.B.1 |
| Signs for convenience or safety of public | Not specified | 4 square feet per sign | Not specified | — | — | Off the public right-of-way | No | Unlock | Section 165-167.B.2 |
C-O, NC, LC, GC, SC, ARE, AR-1, SM, SM-1, LI, HI and KPMU 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business sign | May not project above the sign height line except in specific districts (see § 165-168.B). In C-O, NC, LC, GC and SC Districts, to the extent of 24 inches. In LI and HI Districts, to the extent of 42 inches | 200 sq ft | Not specified | — | — | In C-O, NC, LC, GC, SC, ARE, AR-1, SM, SM-1, LI, HI and KPMU Zoning Districts | Yes | Unlock | § 165-168.A.1 |
| Business sign - buildings facing more than one street | May not project above the sign height line except in specific districts (see § 165-168.B). In C-O, NC, LC, GC and SC Districts, to the extent of 24 inches. In LI and HI Districts, to the extent of 42 inches | 100 sq ft | Not specified | — | — | In C-O, NC, LC, GC, SC, ARE, AR-1, SM, SM-1, LI, HI and KPMU Zoning Districts | Yes | Unlock | § 165-168.A.2 |
Billboard Overlay 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard | 40 ft from grade of I-276 | 336 sq ft per side (max 2 sides) | Not specified | — | — | Billboard Overlay District (within 200 feet of I-276) | Yes | Unlock | § 165-168.1 |
Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Upper Merion are available with a free PermitPal account.
Start freeProhibited Signs in Upper Merion
- Signs located in such a manner as to obstruct or otherwise interfere with an official traffic sign, signal or device, or obstruct or interfere with a driver's view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic. Signs shall not be placed within the sight triangle of any intersection or driveway.
- Except as provided for elsewhere in this code, signs encroaching upon or overhanging public right-of-way. No sign shall be attached to any utility pole, light standard, street tree or any other public facility located within the public right-of-way.
- Signs which blink, flash or are animated by lighting in any fashion that would cause such signs to have the appearance of traffic safety signs and lights, or municipal vehicle warnings from a distance.
- Portable signs except as allowed for temporary signs.
- Any sign attached to, or placed on, a vehicle or trailer parked on public or private property
- Balloons, streamers or pinwheels, except those temporarily displayed as part of a special sale, promotion or community event. For the purposes of this subsection, "temporarily" means no more than 30 days in any calendar year.
Exempt Signs in Upper Merion
- Official federal, state or municipal signs erected within Upper Merion Township.
- The trade names, emblems or directions on service facilities or product dispensers, including but not limited to gasoline pumps, telephone booths and vending machines, as long as such trade name, emblem or single group of words or symbols is not greater than three square feet in area.
- Bus shelter signs on public rights-of-way pursuant to agreement with the Township.
- Official notices authorized by a court, public body or public safety official.
- Directional, warning or information signs authorized by federal, state or municipal governments.
- Memorial plaques, building identification signs and building cornerstones when cut or carved into a masonry surface or when made of noncombustible material and made an integral part of the building or structure.
- Religious symbols and seasonal decorations within the appropriate public holiday season.
- Works of fine art displayed in conjunction with a commercial enterprise where the enterprise does not receive direct commercial gain.
- The flag of the United States of America, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Montgomery County, Upper Merion Township, or a noncommercial institution, such as a school.
- Flags bearing a corporate or company name and/or insignia shall be permitted to be flown on the property where the company is located, provided that such flag must be flown in conjunction with the flag of the United States and provided that such corporate or company flag shall not exceed in size 75% of the United States flag with which it is displayed. No other advertising shall be permitted on such flags. In the event that a flagpole is attached to a building, such flagpole shall not extend above the sign height line of such building except where such pole is used exclusively for the display of the United States flag.
- Trespassing signs indicating private ownership of a driveway or property not to exceed one square foot in size.
- Signs announcing garage and yard sales not exceeding two square feet, provided they are not attached to utility poles and removed within two days after the event.
- Signs for public transit or signs affixed to bus shelters as approved by the Board of Supervisors.
- Identification signs.
- Historic identification signs.
Source: other municipal code