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

If you live in Pittsburgh or are thinking about moving there, sign regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Pittsburgh has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of sign regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Political Signs

Pittsburgh's sign regulations must comply with First Amendment protections for political speech. Political signs on private residential property are generally permitted. The city cannot impose content-based restrictions on political signs. Size and placement regulations apply on a content-neutral basis.

Key details: Protected Speech: First Amendment protections apply. Private Property: Generally permitted. Content Neutral: Cannot impose content-based restrictions. Public ROW: Generally prohibited. Size: Subject to general sign regulations.

Signs in right-of-way: removal by city, possible fine $25 to $100. Oversized signs: notice to reduce. Failure to remove post-election: fines $25 to $50 per day after grace period.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Pittsburgh gives residents more flexibility on political signs.

Garage Sale Signs

Pittsburgh regulates temporary signs including garage sale signs. Signs may be placed on private property but are generally prohibited in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, and on city property. Signs must be removed after the sale ends. The city's code enforcement may remove signs placed in prohibited locations.

Key details: Placement: Private property only. Prohibited: Public ROW, utility poles, city property. Removal: Must remove after sale ends. Enforcement: PLI code enforcement.

Signs on utility poles: removal and fine $25 to $50. Signs not removed after sale: fine $25 per day. Excessive signs: warning, then citation.

Holiday Displays

Pittsburgh does not impose specific restrictions on residential holiday displays beyond general safety requirements. Holiday lights and decorations on private property are permitted. Displays must not create electrical or fire hazards or obstruct the public right-of-way. Historic district properties may have additional considerations for exterior modifications.

Key details: Residential: Generally permitted on private property. Duration: No specific time restrictions. Safety: Must not create electrical or fire hazards. Historic Districts: Additional considerations may apply.

Obstruction of sidewalk or road: notice to correct. Electrical hazard: fire department may require removal. Excessive noise: noise ordinance enforcement. Displays left up past deadline: HOA fines possible.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Pittsburgh gives residents more flexibility on holiday displays.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Pittsburgh 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.

Keep in mind that Pittsburgh 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.