# Sign Regulations in West Mifflin Borough, Pennsylvania

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for West Mifflin Borough, Pennsylvania, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** West Mifflin Borough, Pennsylvania (PA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/pennsylvania/west-mifflin-borough
- **Data last verified:** 2025-04-28
- **Source:** [ecode360 municipal code](https://ecode360.com/15706140#15706140)

## At a glance

West Mifflin Borough, Pennsylvania regulates 21 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Temporary Real Estate Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 6 feet tall and 6 square feet, with a 10 feet from property line setback (Sec. §290-139A(2)).

## Sign rules by zoning district (4 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | 6 feet | 100 square feet | — |
| Residential zoning districts | 3 | — | 15 square feet | — |
| Commercial zoning districts, Industrial zoning districts | 10 | 25 feet | 100 square feet | — |
| C-2 Shopping Center District | 2 | — | 800 square feet per face | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 4 zones)

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Bulletin Board | — | 40 square feet | — | — | 1 | On premises of any school, college, church, hospital or similar institution | — | §290-139A(1) |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign | 6 feet | 6 square feet | — | 10 feet from property line | 2 | Not less than 10 feet from property line, not in required side or rear yard | — | §290-139A(2) |
| Contractor's or Artisan's Sign | — | 12 square feet | — | — | 1 | On lot where work is being performed | — | §290-139A(3) |
| Temporary Special Event Display | — | 100 square feet | — | — | 1 | On face of public building, church, or nonprofit building | — | §290-139A(4) |
| Personal Expression Sign | 6 feet | 15 square feet | — | 10 feet from street right-of-way | — | Set back at least 10 feet from street right-of-way | — | §290-134E |
| Directional, Information, or Public Service Sign | — | 2 square feet | — | — | — | On premises (not advertising commercial/industrial establishment) | — | §290-134A |
| Nameplate | — | 2 square feet | — | — | — | — | — | §290-134C |

### Residential zoning districts

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Identification Sign (Subdivision, Multifamily, or Development) | — | 15 square feet | — | — | 1 | Attached to building or decorative wall; may be freestanding on decorative wall | — | §290-139B(1) |
| Freestanding Ground Identification Sign (Subdivision, Multifamily, or Development) | — | 15 square feet | — | — | 1 | On decorative wall | — | §290-139B(1) |
| Wall Sign (Home Occupation) | — | 2 square feet | — | — | 1 | On wall of residence | — | §290-139B(2) |

### Commercial zoning districts, Industrial zoning districts

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Temporary Special Event Display | — | 100 square feet | — | — | 1 | Securely attached to the building | — | §290-139C(1) |
| Directional Sign | 3 feet | 4 square feet per sign | — | — | Variable by lot size (see additional requirements) | On premises (not on right-of-way), no further than 25 feet from entrance or 10 feet from parking area/driveway (interior) | — | §290-139C(2) |
| Changeable Copy Sign | — | 30 square feet | — | — | 1 | Permanently affixed to wall or an authorized freestanding sign | — | §290-139C(3); §290-148 |
| Wall Identification Sign (Single Occupant Building) | — | — | — | — | 1 per street front | Any side of building except where bordering residential zone; if bordering residential, not on that side | — | §290-139C(4)(a)-(e) |
| Freestanding Identification Sign - Ground Sign | 6 feet | 100 square feet | — | 10 feet from property lines/right-of-way | 1 | At least 10 feet from any property line and at least 10 feet from right-of-way | — | §290-139C(5)(e), (d) |
| Freestanding Identification Sign - Pole Sign (20,000 sq ft to 1 acre lots, >100 ft frontage) | 18 feet | 100 square feet | — | 35 feet from front property line, 10 feet from others | 1 | Setback not less than 35 feet from front property line, 10 feet from other property lines; 10 feet clearance above ground if landscaped or 14 feet if traffic circulates under | — | §290-139C(5)(b) |
| Freestanding Identification Sign - Pole Sign (>1 acre lots) | 25 feet | — | — | 10 feet from property lines, 35 feet from right-of-way | 1 | Setback at least 10 feet from every property line and at least 35 feet from right-of-way; bottom edge 10 feet above ground if landscaped, 14 feet if traffic circulates under sign | — | §290-139C(5)(c) |
| Gasoline Canopy Sign | — | 50 square feet per canopy side | — | — | 1 per canopy side | On each side of canopy facing street or parking area | — | §290-139C(6)(a) |

## Prohibited signs in West Mifflin Borough

- No sign shall be constructed of any material which does not meet the approval of the Building Inspector for safety, or be located so as to interfere with the view of motorists or pedestrians, reflect lights or cast shadows in a manner that interferes with safe walking or driving, or create a menace or hazard to life, limb or property. (§224-8.A)
- No sign shall prevent free ingress or egress from doors, windows, or fire escapes, nor be attached to any fire escape, nor interfere with the view or operation of any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device. (§224-8.B)
- It is unlawful to nail, tack, hang, or append a sign, notice, or advertisement of any kind to any tree, post, pole, utility pole, stake, or pillar within the Borough, except on private lots with owner’s written permission. (§224-13)
- A-frame or sandwich board signs are prohibited in any zoning district. (§290-133.A)
- Portable or wheeled signs are prohibited. (§290-133.B)
- Banners and pennants, other than authorized temporary special event displays, are prohibited. (§290-133.C)
- Flashing, moving, or oscillating signs are prohibited, except that portion of a permitted sign indicating time and temperature or permitted electronic changeable copy signs. (§290-133.D, §290-138.D)
- Signs on trees, guard and/or guide rails and utility poles are prohibited (except official traffic signs or control devices). (§290-133.E)
- Signs which interfere with, imitate, or may be mistaken for a traffic control or traffic signal are prohibited. (§290-133.F, §290-138.B)
- Signs on or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers parked on public right-of-way, public property or private property, with the apparent purpose to advertise or direct people to a business or activity, are prohibited (with limited exceptions). (§290-133.G)
- Signs painted on exterior walls of any building are prohibited. (§290-133.H, §290-138.K)
- Overhanging signs or roof signs are prohibited. (§290-133.I)
- No sign shall be erected within, or project into, the lines of a street right-of-way, except authorized governmental signs. (§290-138.A, §290-144)
- No sign shall contain information stating or implying that a property can be used for a use not permitted by the zoning ordinance. (§290-138.E)
- No sign shall be constructed, located, or illuminated so as to cause a nuisance or hazardous condition (such as distraction, glare, confusion, or visual difficulty). (§290-146)
- No sign shall be erected in such a manner as to create a visibility hazard at traffic intersections or locations. (§290-142, §290-143)
- No signs shall be mounted on communications towers, antennas, or equipment buildings, except as required by governmental agencies or as a public warning. (§290-138.H)
- Political signs shall not be exhibited, placed, erected, or maintained within the restricted public right-of-way, on median barriers, telephone poles or pillars, or trees within the restricted right-of-way, or on Borough-owned property. (§224-23.A)
- Political signs shall not be nailed, tacked, glued, hung, or otherwise affixed within the restricted public right-of-way. (§224-23.B)
- No person shall affix or place on the exterior or interior walls, doors or windows, or place in or around municipal buildings, any signs which are political, opinionated, advocating in nature, or irrelevant to Borough business. (§224-15)

## Signs exempt from permit in West Mifflin Borough

- Signs placed on the inside of a building. (§224-9.A)
- Signs painted or lettered directly on the surface of any window, door, or wall of a building. (§224-9.B)
- Professional signs, nameplates, house numbers, emergency nonadvertising signs, bulletin boards, or other signs of purely public, charitable or religious institutions. (§224-9.C)
- Temporary real estate signs solely advertising sale, rental, or lease of premises, provided a permit/license is obtained. (§224-9.D)
- Bronze, brass, stone or other noncombustible tablets attached to walls of a building or structure. (§224-9.E)
- Temporary signs (in excess of 25 sq ft) announcing architects, engineers, and contractors for construction/repair projects or active building construction. (§224-9.F)
- Signs for public demonstrations or meetings promoting civic, welfare, or charitable enterprises, when a special permit has been granted by Borough Council. (§224-9.G)
- Signs used as a warning of danger to the public. (§224-9.H)
- Directional, information, or public service signs (maximum 2 sq ft) advertising public conveniences, meeting times or places of nonprofit service or charitable organizations, provided such signs do not advertise any commercial or industrial establishment, activity or organization. (§290-134.A)
- Signs of schools, colleges, churches, hospitals, or similar institutions, relating exclusively to their identity, activities and services; must not exceed 12 sq ft and limited to one per use. (§290-134.B)
- Nameplates not exceeding two square feet in area. (§290-134.C)
- Signs on Borough-owned rights-of-way or realty under a written agreement with the Borough (agreement not to exceed two years). (§290-134.D)
- Personal expression signs (maximum 15 sq ft, maximum 6 ft high, minimum 10 ft street setback). (§290-134.E)
- Temporary signs (including real estate, special event, and contractor/artisan signs) as specified in §290-135, meeting stated size/number/duration limitations, are permitted without a permit.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Application for permit for any billboard must include a plan and specifications showing design, dimensions, material, nature of display, type of illumination, height and grade, owner and ground owner's contact information, and cost. (§224-3)
- No sign except those listed as exempt requires a sign permit issued by the Zoning Officer. (§290-131.A, §290-134)
- Permit applications must include scaled drawings of design, size, character and color of letters, method of illumination, exact location, and construction details. (§290-131.E)
- Calculation of the total sign area, area for individual signs, height, and number of signs must be provided with application. (§290-131.F)
- Application must present evidence of bonding and insurance as required by the Borough. (§290-131.G)
- A separate permit is required for the erection, structural repair or alteration of any regulated sign unless specifically exempted. (§290-131.D)
- Master sign plan or sign plan requirements are not specifically articulated for all signs in the ordinances provided; however, site plans showing location, area, and design of all proposed signs are implicitly required through application documentation described in §290-131.
- Some zoning districts or special circumstances may require a variance or special exception through the Zoning Hearing Board for deviations (e.g., wall identification sign extending above the building height, or projecting toward residential districts).

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 4 zoning districts in West Mifflin Borough — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=West+Mifflin+Borough+PA&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-west-mifflin-borough

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