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Sign Regulations

Sign Regulations in Penn Hills, PA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

If you live in Penn Hills or are thinking about moving there, sign regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Penn Hills has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of sign regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Digital Billboards

Penn Hills allows LED billboards with electronically changing messages, but only in I-1 and I-2 Industrial Districts, and every such sign must meet PennDOT's digital-billboard standards under Publication 581.

Key details: Where allowed: I-1 and I-2 Districts only. LED faces: permitted, changing messages allowed. State standard: PennDOT Publication 581, § 5.04. Separation distance: 1,000 feet apart minimum. Interstate-adjacent size cap: 672 square feet per face.

Erecting an LED billboard outside the I-1/I-2 Districts, or one that fails to meet PennDOT Publication 581 standards, is a Zoning Code violation subject to the Municipality's enforcement action and fines.

Political Signs

Penn Hills lets campaign signs go up no more than 30 days before an election and requires removal within 12 days after, banning them from municipal property and utility poles.

Key details: Posting window: Up to 30 days before election. Removal deadline: Within 12 days after election. Removal fee: $25 per sign, more if complex. Prohibited locations: Municipal property, poles, traffic hazards.

Posting a sign too early, leaving it up past 12 days post-election, or placing it on municipal property triggers removal by the Director plus a $25 fee, or more for signs needing special equipment.

The Bottom Line

Penn Hills's sign regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Penn Hills is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Penn Hills can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.