Sign Regulations in West Reading Borough, Pennsylvania
West Reading Borough, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 30 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Nonresidential Building Identification Sign, Projecting Sign, Banner 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 West Reading Borough, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in West Reading Borough
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Non-Commercial Event Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — |
| Political Sign (Temporary) | 3 ft | 6 sq ft per side, 12 sq ft aggregate | 20 feet from intersections/planting strip |
| Real Estate Sign (For Sale/Lease/Rent) | — | 6 sq ft | Outside street right-of-way |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
30
- Nonresidential Building Identification Sign
- Projecting Sign
- Banner Sign
- Business Identification 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 West Reading Borough
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in West Reading Borough 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 West Reading Borough, 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 West Reading Borough, regulated sign types include Nonresidential Building Identification Sign, Projecting Sign, Banner Sign, Business Identification 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 West Reading Borough 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 West Reading Borough are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. West Reading Borough has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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West Reading Borough, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
West Reading Borough, Pennsylvania regulates 30 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Commercial Advertising Sign/Billboard (Off-Premises)s in the General Business District zoning district are capped at Max 25 ft above ground or 40 ft above road, whichever is less tall, 300 sq ft per face, 25 ft max length; up to 20% temporary embellishments, and 25 ft wide, with a Min 10 ft from right-of-way/property line setback (Sec. § 455-162 to § 455-167). Most commercial signs in West Reading Borough require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for West Reading Borough, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in West Reading Borough (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | 3 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Residential and Conservation Districts | 2 | — | 8 sq ft | — |
| Institutional District | 1 | — | 32 sq ft (more if conditional use approval) | — |
| Central Business District | 16 | 25 ft | 150 sq ft total, 70 sq ft per facade | — |
| General Business District | 17 | Max 25 ft above ground or 40 ft above road, whichever is less | 375 sq ft | — |
| Light Industrial District | 5 | 25 ft above ground or 40 ft above road, whichever is less | 375 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in West Reading Borough(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
General Regulations For All Zones
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sign necessary for direction/regulation/control of traffic or official notices | — | — | — | — | — | All districts. Official governmental use only. | — | Unlock | § 455-160.A |
| Temporary Non-Commercial Event Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | — | All districts, except not for commercial sandwich signs | — | Unlock | § 455-160.B |
| Political Sign (Temporary) | 3 ft | 6 sq ft per side, 12 sq ft aggregate | — | 20 feet from intersections/planting strip | — | Any front, side, or rear yard area on private property | — | Unlock | § 455-160.C |
| Real Estate Sign (For Sale/Lease/Rent) | — | 6 sq ft | — | Outside street right-of-way | One per property, or one per street frontage if property fronts on multiple streets | On property for sale. Must be within lot lines and outside street right-of-way. | — | Unlock | § 455-160.D |
| No Trespassing/Private Property Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | — | On premises/driveway/road | — | Unlock | § 455-160.E |
| Temporary Construction Site Sign (New Construction) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On construction site property | — | Unlock | § 455-161.D |
| Temporary Contractor Sign (Renovation/Repair) | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per property | On property where work is performed | — | Unlock | § 455-161.D |
Central Business 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Projecting Sign | Min 10 ft, Max 25 ft above grade | — | May not project more than 4 ft from wall | Min 6 ft from property line | — | On business building | — | Unlock | § 455-172.A |
| Banner Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On building | — | Unlock | § 455-172.B |
| Facade Sign (Front) | — | 50 sq ft total (no more than 30 sq ft per individual sign) | — | — | — | Front facade | — | Unlock | § 455-172.K(1) |
| Facade Sign (Rear) | — | 50 sq ft total | — | — | — | Rear facade | — | Unlock | § 455-172.K(2) |
| Facade Sign (Side) | — | 25 sq ft total | — | — | — | Side facade | — | Unlock | § 455-172.K(3) |
| Shopping Center Wall/Window Sign | — | 150 sq ft total, 70 sq ft per facade | — | — | — | Wall and window signs only | — | Unlock | § 455-172.L |
| Freestanding Sign (Shopping Center or Service Station) | 25 ft | 24 sq ft (center name/address) + 8 sq ft per occupant | — | — | 1 per site | Along main thoroughfare adjacent to parking lot | — | Unlock | § 455-172.M |
| Multi-tenant Building Sign | — | 70 sq ft total, 30 sq ft max per individual sign | — | — | — | On building | — | Unlock | § 455-172.N |
General Business 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Projecting Sign | Min 10 ft, Max 25 ft above grade | — | May project max 4 ft from wall | Min 6 ft from property line | — | On business building | — | Unlock | § 455-173.A |
| Commercial Advertising Sign/Billboard (Off-Premises) | Max 25 ft above ground or 40 ft above road, whichever is less | 300 sq ft per face, 25 ft max length; up to 20% temporary embellishments | 25 ft | Min 10 ft from right-of-way/property line | — | On property; not within 100 ft of residentially zoned property | — | Unlock | § 455-162 to § 455-167 |
| Freestanding Sign | — | 375 sq ft | — | — | One per property (more if multiple street frontages) | On property | — | Unlock | § 455-173.H |
| Facade Sign (Front) | — | 50 sq ft total (no more than 30 sq ft per individual sign) | — | — | — | Front facade | — | Unlock | § 455-173.M(1) |
| Facade Sign (Rear) | — | 50 sq ft total | — | — | — | Rear facade | — | Unlock | § 455-173.M(2) |
| Facade Sign (Side) | — | 25 sq ft total | — | — | — | Side facade | — | Unlock | § 455-173.M(3) |
| Shopping Center Wall/Window Sign | — | 150 sq ft total, 70 sq ft per facade | — | — | — | On wall and window | — | Unlock | § 455-173.N |
| Multi-tenant Building Sign | — | 70 sq ft total, 30 sq ft max per individual sign | — | — | — | On building | — | Unlock | § 455-173.P |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in West Reading Borough — 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 West Reading Borough — start freeProhibited Signs in West Reading Borough
- Signs which are obsolete structures not meeting construction standards, out-of-date political billboards, signs advertising defunct businesses, and signs erected without a building permit.
- Signs which are illegal under state law or regulations.
- Signs that are not securely fixed on a substantial structure.
- Signs which attempt or appear to attempt to regulate, warn or direct the movement of traffic or which interfere with, imitate or resemble any official traffic sign, signal or device.
- Signs that prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window, or fire escape; or that are attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
- Signs advertising a use no longer in existence or a product no longer available.
- Banners, spinners, flags, pennants, or any moving objects used for commercial advertising purposes, whether containing a message or not, except as specifically allowed.
- Flashing, blinking, twinkling, animated, or moving signs of any type, except indications of time and temperature.
- Real estate signs except for signs on the property for sale as permitted.
- Signs located or arranged so as to interfere with traffic by glare, blocking sight lines for streets, sidewalks or driveways, causing confusion with traffic control devices, or by other means.
- No sign shall be erected containing information stating or implying that a property may be used for a non-permitted purpose under the zoning regulations.
- All signs except temporary signs shall be constructed of durable material and kept in good condition and repair.
- No flood or spotlights shall be mounted higher than 15 feet above ground level.
- No signs except those of a governmental body shall be allowed within street lines unless authorized by the Borough and in compliance with Pennsylvania regulations.
- No sign, except such directional devices as may be required by Federal and State Aviation Authorities, shall be placed, inscribed, or supported upon the roof or structure extending above the roof of any building.
- Any vehicle to which a sign is affixed in such a manner that the sign becomes a primary purpose shall be considered a freestanding sign and subject to freestanding sign provisions.
- Projecting signs shall not extend more than four feet from the wall or surface to which they are mounted and shall not interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic or be closer than six feet to the property line.
- Wall signs shall not extend beyond the edge of any facade or other surface to which they are mounted.
- Unless otherwise provided, no sign except a wall or projecting sign shall have any portion extending into the public right-of-way in excess of four feet and must be at least 10 feet above pavement or ground.
- Canopy or awning signs must state only the name and address of the resident business; logos permitted. They must have at least eight feet clearance and cannot interfere with public sidewalks.
- Electronic signs may not contain flashing, blinking, scrolling, or moving lights, text, or graphics, or any full-motion video. They must remain static for at least 10 seconds.
- Signs on smokestacks, water towers, and similar structures must comply with all signage provisions.
Exempt Signs in West Reading Borough
- Flags of any governmental unit, branch, charitable, or religious organization.
- Directional flags or signs posted by religious organizations, schools, or hospitals.
- Interior signs not visible from a public right-of-way or adjoining property.
- Cornerstones built into or attached to a wall of a building commemorating a person or event.
- Official notices of any court or public office.
- Legal notices posted pursuant to law.
- Public service company signs as aids to safety or service.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for West Reading Borough
- All signs require the issuance of a sign permit before erection or replacement. All signs must comply with these regulations, regardless of whether or not a permit is required.
- A new permit must be obtained before a copy change takes place. No permit is required for copy changes on a changeable copy sign.
- Nonconforming signs existing at the time of ordinance passage may be repainted or repaired but must not exceed the original dimensions. Copy changes require a new permit.
- Permits must be obtained for 'A' type sandwich signs and any changes to the sign location require submission of a new permit application.
- For sign sizes larger than specified allowances (such as in Institutional, Central Business, General Business, and Light Industrial districts), conditional use may be granted by Borough Council following comments from the Planning Commission and Zoning Officer.
- All new sign construction in the General Business District is subject to review and approval of the Planning Commission.
Source: ecode360 municipal code