McKeesport's Sign Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles sign regulations a little differently. In McKeesport, Pennsylvania, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Holiday Displays

Holiday decorations and lighting permitted without permit. No specific time limits in McKeesport code, though displays causing nuisance (excessive light trespass, traffic) may draw complaints under general nuisance provisions.

Key details: Permit: Not required. Duration: No specific limit. Noise Rule: Ch. 187 applies 10 PM-7 AM. Public Property: DPW approval required. HOA Rules: May add restrictions.

No fine for decorations themselves. Noise nuisance from display (amplified music 10 PM-7 AM): $100-$1,000 per violation under Chapter 187. Traffic hazard or blocked sidewalk: $25-$300 citation. Light trespass: enforced as private nuisance through civil action, not city code.

McKeesport is more permissive than most cities when it comes to holiday displays. That said, there are still limits.

Garage Sale Signs

Garage sale signs allowed on private property with owner consent. Signs in public right-of-way or on utility poles prohibited and subject to removal. Must be taken down within 24 hours after sale ends.

Key details: Max Size: 6 sq ft face area. Right-of-Way: Prohibited. Utility Poles: Prohibited. Post Window: 48 hr before to 24 hr after. State Law: 75 Pa.C.S. §6112.

Unauthorized right-of-way signs: removed and discarded by Public Works without notice. Repeat offense: $50-$300 fine per sign under the Zoning Ordinance. Obstruction of sight triangle: immediate removal plus $100-$500 fine under traffic safety provisions.

Political Signs

Political signs permitted in residential yards without permit. McKeesport zoning limits size to 6 square feet in residential districts. First Amendment protections limit content regulation.

Key details: Permit: Not required. Max Size: 6 sq ft residential. Location: Private property only. Removal: 7 days post-election.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

McKeesport is more permissive than most cities when it comes to political signs. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, McKeesport gives residents more room on sign regulations. 2 of the 3 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

These rules come from McKeesport's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.