# Sign Regulations in Yardley Borough, Pennsylvania

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Yardley Borough, Pennsylvania (PA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/pennsylvania/yardley-borough
- **Data last verified:** 2025-04-28
- **Source:** [ecode360 municipal code](https://ecode360.com/44162461#44162461)

## At a glance

Yardley Borough, Pennsylvania regulates 22 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Recreational Facility/Institutional Use)s in the R-R District zoning district are capped at 12 ft tall and 40 sq ft (or 1 sq ft per linear ft of building facade, whichever is less), with a 8 ft from street line or 12 ft from curb (whichever is greater); 25 ft side lines; 75 ft from residential district setback (Sec. § 27-212.3.B; § 27-1212.B). Most commercial signs in Yardley Borough require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (7 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Historic District | 2 | 4 feet | 8 square feet per face | — |
| R-R District | 6 | 12 ft | 288 square inches (2 square feet) per face | — |
| R-1 District, R-1A District, R-2 District, R-2A District, R-3 District | 7 | 12 ft | 288 square inches (2 square feet) per face | — |
| R-3A District | 2 | 4 ft (excluding decorative/structural elements) | Varies per §27-1203 | — |
| C-1 District, C-2 District | 10 | 16 ft | 288 square inches (2 square feet) per face | — |
| I-1 District | 5 | 12 ft | 40 sq ft (or 1 sq ft per linear ft of building facade, whichever less) | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | — | Official signs: no limit; private/prohibition signs: 4 sq ft; residential address: 3 sq ft; governmental flag/insignia: 50 sq ft; public service/info/organization meeting sign: 4 sq ft; window business hours/credit name: 2 sq ft total per occupant; cornerstone/identifying letter: no area limit but must not be reflective/contrasting | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 7 zones)

### R-R District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Nameplate Sign (Home Occupation) | — | 288 square inches (2 square feet) per face | — | — | 1 per home occupation | — | — | § 27-212.3.A; § 27-1212.F |
| Freestanding Sign (Recreational Facility/Institutional Use) | 12 ft | 40 sq ft (or 1 sq ft per linear ft of building facade, whichever is less) | — | 8 ft from street line or 12 ft from curb (whichever is greater); 25 ft side lines; 75 ft from residential district | 1 per recreational facility or institutional use | Must be set back at least 8 ft from street line or 12 ft from curbline (whichever greater); 25 ft from side property lines; 75 ft from any residential district | — | § 27-212.3.B; § 27-1212.B |
| Development Sign | 4 ft (excluding structural/decorative features) | 16 sq ft | — | — | 1 per multiple-housing development project | At entrance to development/subdivision; one per abutting street | — | § 27-212.3.C; § 27-1212.G |
| Wall Sign (Institutional or Recreational Use) | — | 6% of building facade | — | — | 1 per institutional/recreational use | On wall of building for institutional/recreational use | — | § 27-212.3.D; § 27-1212.D |
| Temporary Signs (Residential) | — | Most types: 4 sq ft; Yard Sale: 3 sq ft | — | — | Generally 1 per lot per allowed temporary sign type | — | — | § 27-212.3.E; § 27-1213.A |
| Other Permitted Signs (General in all districts: residential, governmental, public service) | — | Varies – see § 27-1203 for general signs permitted in all districts | — | — | — | — | — | § 27-212.3.F; § 27-1203 |

### R-1 District, R-1A District, R-2 District, R-2A District, R-3 District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Nameplate Sign (Home Occupation) | — | 288 square inches (2 square feet) per face | — | — | 1 per home occupation | — | — | R-1: § 27-222.3.A, R-1A: § 27-232.3.A, R-2: § 27-242.3.A, R-2A: § 27-252.3.A, R-3: § 27-262.3.A; all referencing § 27-1212.F |
| Freestanding Sign (Institutional Use) | 12 ft | 40 sq ft (or 1 sq ft per linear ft of building facade, whichever less) | — | 8 ft from street line or 12 ft curb; 25 ft side lines; 75 ft from residential | 1 per institutional use | Setback: min 8 ft street line or 12 ft curb (greater); 25 ft side yard; 75 ft from residential (where possible) | — | R-1: § 27-222.3.B, R-1A: § 27-232.3.B, R-2: § 27-242.3.B, R-2A: § 27-252.3.B, R-3: § 27-262.3.B; all referencing § 27-1212.B |
| Development Sign | 4 ft (excluding decorative/structural elements) | 16 sq ft | — | — | 1 per multiple-housing development project (2 for R-3A TNDs) | At entrance to development; one per abutting street | — | R-1: § 27-222.3.C, R-1A: § 27-232.3.C, R-2: § 27-242.3.C, R-2A: § 27-252.3.C, R-3: § 27-262.3.C, R-3A: § 27-272.3.A referencing § 27-1212.G |
| Wall Sign (Institutional Use) | — | 6% of building facade | — | — | 1 per institutional use | On wall of institutional building | — | R-1: § 27-222.3.D, R-1A: § 27-232.3.D, R-2: § 27-242.3.D, R-2A: § 27-252.3.D, R-3: § 27-262.3.D; all referencing § 27-1212.D |
| Temporary Signs (Residential) | — | Most types: 4 sq ft; Yard Sale: 3 sq ft | — | — | Varies by sign type; generally 1 per lot per allowed temporary sign type | — | — | R-1: § 27-222.3.E, R-1A: § 27-232.3.E, R-2: § 27-242.3.E, R-2A: § 27-252.3.E, R-3: § 27-262.3.E; referencing § 27-1213.A |
| Other Permitted Signs (General in all districts: residential, governmental, public service) | — | Varies – see § 27-1203 for general signs permitted in all districts | — | — | — | — | — | R-1: § 27-222.3.F, R-1A: § 27-232.3.F, R-2: § 27-242.3.F, R-2A: § 27-252.3.F, R-3: § 27-262.3.F; all referencing § 27-1203 |
| Temporary A-Frame Sign | 4 feet | 8 square feet per face | — | — | 1 per business frontage | On sidewalk or grassy area between sidewalk and curb; must maintain 5-foot wide pedestrian path; R-1 (on West Afton Ave), R-2 (on South Main St) only | — | § 27-1214 |

### C-1 District, C-2 District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Nameplate Sign (Home Occupation) | — | 288 square inches (2 square feet) per face | — | — | 1 per home occupation | — | — | C-1: § 27-312.3.A, C-2: § 27-322.3.A; referencing § 27-1212.F |
| Freestanding Sign | 12 ft | 40 sq ft (or 1 sq ft per linear ft of building facade, whichever less) | — | 8 ft from street/12 ft from curb; 25 ft side yard; 75 ft from residential district | 1 per lot | Setback: 8 ft from street/12 ft from curb; 25 ft side yard; 75 ft from residential district | — | C-1: § 27-312.3.B, C-2: § 27-322.3.B; referencing § 27-1212.B |
| Fascia Sign | 2 feet | Width limited by occupant’s building facade; max height 2 feet | — | — | 1 per lot | Attached to, hung from, or placed upon structure projecting from building and extending beyond facade (e.g., canopy/awning) | — | C-1: § 27-312.3.C, C-2: § 27-322.3.C; referencing § 27-1212.A |
| Projecting Sign | 16 ft | 20 sq ft | — | 15 ft from side property line; 75 ft from residential | 1 per lot | Affixed to building/wall/structure, over public right-of-way only if at least 50 linear ft of frontage | — | C-1: § 27-312.3.D, C-2: § 27-322.3.D; referencing § 27-1212.C |
| Wall Sign | — | 6% of building facade | — | — | 1 per occupant | On wall of occupant’s space | — | C-1: § 27-312.3.E, C-2: § 27-322.3.E; referencing § 27-1212.D |
| Window Sign | — | 30% of window/glassed area | — | — | 1 per occupant | On or inside window visible from exterior | — | C-1: § 27-312.3.F, C-2: § 27-322.3.F; referencing § 27-1212.E |
| Directory Sign | — | 40 sq ft (or 1 sq ft per linear foot of building facade, whichever less) | — | Same as freestanding signs | 1 per lot per major parking area or main entrance | Freestanding or wall sign at main entrance or major parking area | — | C-1: § 27-312.3.G, C-2: § 27-322.3.G; referencing § 27-1212.H |
| Temporary A-Frame Sign | 4 feet | 8 square feet per face | — | — | 1 per business frontage; for multi-tenant, 1 per tenant (officer may limit total displayed) | On sidewalk/grassy area between sidewalk and curb; must maintain 5-foot wide pedestrian path; C-1 and C-2 only; accessory to retail/personal service/eating places/institutional uses | — | §27-1214 |

## Prohibited signs in Yardley Borough

- Signs using any method of illumination that can cause glare, unless effectively shielded and not directed at a main-traveled highway; may not be internally illuminated so as to obscure or detract from adjoining properties or impair vision of motor vehicle drivers.
- Signs using words or symbols that attempt to direct movement of traffic, or imitate any official traffic sign or device within 75 feet of a traffic control device.
- Banner signs or signs of any other type are prohibited across a public street except those approved by Borough Council for general benefit or public convenience. Banner signs are prohibited on all lots except commercial lots when erected as temporary promotion or special event signs.
- Permanent pennant or spinner signs suspended between poles are prohibited on all lots except commercial lots when erected as a temporary promotion or special event sign.
- Red or green lights (except traffic control signals) are prohibited within 75 feet of a public right-of-way or 200 feet of a traffic control signal, whichever is greater.
- Any sign erected or maintained on a tree or utility pole or painted or drawn on a rock or other natural feature is prohibited.
- Any sign generally of a temporary nature tacked, nailed, strapped, posted, pasted, hung, glued or otherwise attached to a tree, pole, stake, fire hydrant, light stand, parking meter, fence or other object is prohibited.
- Any illegal sign erected and maintained prior to the effective date of the current ordinance if it did not conform to previous sign ordinances is prohibited.
- No sign (except banner signs) may be erected within or project into the present or future right-of-way of any street or within 10 feet of the shoulder or curb, whichever is greater.
- No sign shall be erected or installed to block or obstruct any exit or entrance, including emergency exits or entrances, or be attached to any part of a fire escape or fire tower.
- No signs shall be erected or maintained on Borough property without express permission from Borough Council.
- No sign may be erected or maintained in a parking space or fire lane to obstruct or impede use or access.
- No sign shall be placed that will be a danger to traffic or pedestrians, or that obstructs the sight lines of pedestrians or motorists.
- No sign shall obstruct a driveway or the sight distance from vehicles exiting a driveway.
- No sign shall block or obstruct any bicycle rack or curbside car door opening.
- No billboards (outdoor advertising signs) are permitted.

## Signs exempt from permit in Yardley Borough

- Official highway route number signs, street name signs, directional or other traffic signs erected on public roads in the interest of public safety or traffic regulation.
- Signs indicating prohibition or control of fishing, hunting, trespassing, etc., or indicating private nature of a road, not exceeding four square feet.
- Signs with an area not exceeding three square feet bearing only property number, address, and post box numbers (or occupant names) in residential districts, provided lettering does not exceed three inches in height.
- Governmental flag or insignia not exceeding 50 square feet.
- Legal notices.
- Christmas tree, other holiday display, or window display of merchandise, except as specifically prohibited.
- Public service and information signs advertising availability of rest rooms, telephones, or similar conveniences, and signs advertising meeting times/places of non-profit service or charitable organizations, not exceeding four square feet.
- Public monuments, historic identification signs, or plaques erected by a government agency.
- One or more signs applied to a windowpane giving store hours or names of credit or charge institutions, not to exceed two square feet in total area.
- A sign which is a permanent architectural feature of a building, such as a cornerstone or identifying letters carved or embossed (not reflecting/contrasting color or material with building).
- Residential signs (permanent or temporary real estate signs, temporary mechanic/ artisan's signs) are exempt from sign permit requirements, provided they have no electrical parts or usage and conform to regulations.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- For development signs (permanent), a sign application and final approval of subdivision and land development plans by Borough Council is required.
- Application for a sign permit requires a sketch with design, location, dimensions, copy ratio, elevation drawings, and building relation.
- All new signs require a sign permit indicating compliance unless specifically exempted.
- Non-transferability: Sign permits are not transferable; new owners/occupants must reapply.
- Permit issuance is contingent on all existing signs on the premises being in compliance and not having outstanding violations.
- Where HARB (Historic Architectural Review Board) review is required (esp. for signs in the Historic District), design guidelines or approval may be needed.
- Temporary A-frame signs require both a sign permit and an annual renewable license; Zoning Officer approval may be needed for placement limits.
- Historic District: Application for a certificate of appropriateness, sign permit, photographs, elevations, and material samples may be required for certain sign installations.

## 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 7 zoning districts in Yardley Borough — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Yardley+Borough+PA&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-yardley-borough

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