Sign Regulations in Willistown Township, Pennsylvania
Willistown Township, Pennsylvania has specific sign regulations covering 22 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Temporary Event Sign, Vertical Flagpole Sign (Temporary), Wall 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 Willistown Township, Pennsylvania
Sample Sign Requirements in Willistown Township
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — |
| Ground Sign | 15 ft | 24 sq ft | Min 5 ft from public right-of-way; more may be required for sightlines. |
| Projecting Sign | 20 ft (no portion above 20 ft above grade) | 18 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
22
- Temporary Event Sign
- Vertical Flagpole Sign (Temporary)
- Wall Sign
- Ground Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Willistown Township
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Willistown 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 Willistown 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 Willistown Township, regulated sign types include Temporary Event Sign, Vertical Flagpole Sign (Temporary), Wall Sign, Ground 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 Willistown 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 Willistown Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Willistown Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Willistown Township, Pennsylvania Sign Rules at a Glance
Willistown Township, Pennsylvania regulates 22 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Ground Signs in the Restricted Industrial District (I), Office District (O), Highway Business District (HB), Office-Professional District (O-P), Planned Highway Corridor District, Paoli Pike Corridor District, Unified Development Area District (UDA), Transportation District (TD), Town Center District (TCD), Commercial-Industrial Overlay District (C-I) zoning district are capped at 15 ft tall and 24 sq ft, with a Min 5 ft from public right-of-way; more may be required for sightlines. setback (Sec. §139-110J(4), §139-110.1B(1), §139-111C(4), §139-111G). Most commercial signs in Willistown Township require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Willistown Township, Pennsylvania
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Willistown Township (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted Industrial District (I), Office District (O), Highway Business District (HB), Office-Professional District (O-P), Planned Highway Corridor District, Paoli Pike Corridor District, Unified Development Area District (UDA), Transportation District (TD), Town Center District (TCD), Commercial-Industrial Overlay District (C-I) | 8 | 20 ft (no portion above 20 ft above grade) | 40 sq ft | — |
| Residential districts | 13 | 4 ft above grade | 20 sq ft | — |
| Multifamily District, Open Space Conservation District, Historic Preservation Resource Inventory | 1 | — | — | — |
| Historic Preservation Resource Inventory | 1 | 3 ft | 6 sq ft (inc. support) | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Willistown Township(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
Restricted Industrial District (I), Office District (O), Highway Business District (HB), Office-Professional District (O-P), Planned Highway Corridor District, Paoli Pike Corridor District, Unified Development Area District (UDA), Transportation District (TD), Town Center District (TCD), Commercial-Industrial Overlay District (C-I)
| 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 | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 wall sign per street frontage (max 2 on facades with street frontage) | Front/rear building facade; must be attached or flat against the wall; additional sign for double frontage. | — | Unlock | §139-110J(2), §139-110.1B(2)(a)-(c), §139-111G, §139-110J(1)(g), §139-111F, §139-111C(4) |
| Ground Sign | 15 ft | 24 sq ft | — | Min 5 ft from public right-of-way; more may be required for sightlines. | 1 per structure | Outside road right-of-way; not within or projecting into a public right-of-way; one ground sign per structure. | — | Unlock | §139-110J(4), §139-110.1B(1), §139-111C(4), §139-111G |
| Projecting Sign | 20 ft (no portion above 20 ft above grade) | 18 sq ft | — | — | 1 per premises | Affixed to wall or vertical building surface | — | Unlock | §139-110J(3), §139-110.1B(3), §139-111C(4), §139-111G |
| Window Sign (Temporary) | — | Up to 35% of glass area on one side of building (at any one time) | — | — | No explicit limit per building side; area-based regulation | Entirely within building; visible from public right-of-way | — | Unlock | §139-110J(5), §139-110.1B(4) |
| Directional Sign | — | 6 sq ft per face | 4 ft | — | On-site: no explicit limit per business; Off-site: 1 per 500 ft of frontage | On-site or off-site; not affixed to utility poles or traffic infrastructure. | — | Unlock | §139-110J(1)(b), §139-110E, §139-111G |
| Temporary Event Sign | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | — | Outside of road right-of-way | — | Unlock | §139-110L |
| Vertical Flagpole Sign (Temporary) | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §139-110N |
| Off-Premises Sign | 20 ft | 40 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | Restricted Industrial District (I) only. | — | Unlock | §139-110J(1)(h) |
Residential 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/Name Sign | — | 2 sq ft (per side) | — | — | — | Outside the road right-of-way | — | Unlock | §139-110B |
| Sale or Rental Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per property per street frontage | On premises for sale/rental | — | Unlock | §139-110C |
| Development Sale/Marketing Sign | — | 20 sq ft | — | — | 1 per property per frontage | On premises being developed | — | Unlock | §139-110D |
| Directional Sign (residential/development) | — | 6 sq ft | 4 ft | — | 1 per 500 ft of frontage | Off premises, not affixed to utilities/infrastructure | — | Unlock | §139-110E |
| Sold/Rented Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | On premises | — | Unlock | §139-110F |
| Institutional Identification Sign | — | 20 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On premises | — | Unlock | §139-110H |
| Farm Product Sale Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 2 | On premises of sale | — | Unlock | §139-110I |
| Permanent Development Entrance Sign | 4 ft above grade | 6 sq ft | — | — | Both sides of each entrance; multiple entrances allowed | Both sides of development entrance; outside of right-of-way | — | Unlock | §139-110M |
Historic Preservation Resource Inventory
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Historic Resource Sign | 3 ft | 6 sq ft (inc. support) | 3 ft | — | 1 per street frontage | On lot with historic resource; not in window/door without Historical Commission approval | — | Unlock | §139-166A |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Willistown 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 5 zones for Willistown Township — start freeProhibited Signs in Willistown Township
- No sign shall be placed in such a position that it will cause danger to traffic on a street or at an intersection by obscuring the view.
- No sign other than an official traffic sign shall be erected within or project over the lines of any highway or street unless specifically authorized by other ordinances or regulations.
- No sign shall project above or be placed upon the roof of any building.
- No sign shall be of the flashing or rotating type.
- No sign located within 300 feet of any traffic light shall be illuminated with red, green, or yellow lighting.
- No sign shall be erected which shall obscure or interfere with the line of sight at any street intersection or traffic signal.
- No sign shall be erected or located as to prevent free ingress or egress from any window, door, or fire escape.
- No signs shall be permitted which are permanently attached to public utility poles or trees within the right-of-way of any street.
- Rotating, traveling, pulsing, flashing or oscillating light sources, lasers, beacons, searchlights or strobe lighting shall not be permitted.
- The use of highly reflective signage that creates nuisance glare or a safety hazard shall not be permitted.
- No sign shall be erected on any premises without the approval of the property owner.
- All signs must be constructed of durable materials, kept in good condition and repair, and may not be allowed to become dilapidated.
- Abandoned signs must be removed within 30 days of written notice by the Township.
- Unsafe, unlawful, or nuisance signs must be removed upon notice from the Township.
- All electronic signs shall conform to specific requirements, require conditional use approval, and shall not be permitted unless all conditions are met.
- The illumination of signs within 400 feet of a residential use shall not be permitted.
- No projecting sign shall extend above the top of the wall upon which it is mounted.
- No wall sign shall extend above the top of the wall upon which it is mounted or beyond the edges of same.
Exempt Signs in Willistown Township
- Official traffic signs erected by the Township or state do not require a permit.
- Professional, accessory use, name signs, and trespassing signs (indicating the name, profession, or activity of the occupant of a dwelling, or indicating the private nature of a driveway or premises) not exceeding two square feet do not require a permit.
- Signs advertising the sale or rental of a premises not in excess of six square feet, and not more than one sign per property frontage, do not require a permit.
- Signs bearing the word 'sold' or 'rented', with the name of the person effecting the sale or rental, if complying with size and placement conditions, do not require a permit.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Willistown Township
- A permit shall be required for the erection of any sign, except for exempted signs (see § 139-111G). All applications for a permit shall be accompanied by plans or diagrams in duplicate and to scale, showing exact dimensions of the lot, building, size, location, type, construction, materials, and manner of installation.
- For electronic signs, a building permit is required and conditional use approval from the Board of Supervisors must be obtained. The conditional use process includes specific criteria and submission requirements (see § 139-111C).
- For signs to be located on or within 100 feet of the exterior walls of an historic resource, no permit shall be issued prior to review and comment by the Willistown Historical Commission (see § 139-166). Permit applications in such cases must comply with additional historic resource standards.
- Overlay and district conflicts: Where conflicts exist between this article and standards contained in the individual district, the district standards apply; conformance required for overlay districts unless otherwise specified.
- No mention of a formal Master Sign Plan or sign plan required for general signs; each sign is permitted or reviewed individually unless district/site plan standards require otherwise.
Source: ecode360 municipal code