Sign Regulations in Pittsburgh, PA

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 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of sign regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Digital Billboards

Electronic advertising signs need a Zoning Board Special Exception, are confined to AS-O Subdistrict A, and face strict brightness and dwell-time limits.

Key details: Where allowed: AS-O Subdistrict A only. Approval needed: Zoning Board Special Exception. Dwell time: No change faster than 30 sec. Night brightness cap: 250 nits after sunset. Day brightness cap: 2,500 nits.

No violation schedule stated in Chapter 919; erecting or operating an electronic advertising sign without a Special Exception approval or outside these standards makes it an illegal/nonconforming sign subject to Bureau of Building Inspection zoning enforcement.

This is one of the stricter rules in Pittsburgh's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Window Signs

In Pittsburgh's East Carson Street Neighborhood Business Sign District, street-level shops get two window signs capped at 20% of window glazing, up to eight square feet each.

Key details: Street-level window signs: Max 2, 20% of glazing, 8 sq ft. Upper-floor window signs: Max 2, 50% of glazing, 10 sq ft. Where it applies: East Carson St. NBD District only. Enforcing office: Bureau of Building Inspection.

Window signs beyond the count or glazing-percentage caps are zoning violations; the Bureau of Building Inspection can deny or revoke the sign permit and require the excess signage removed.

Holiday Displays

Pittsburgh's zoning code lets homeowners put up inflatable Santas, snowmen and other holiday decorations in any zoning district without a permit, but caps the display at 90 consecutive days and 90 days total per calendar year.

Key details: Max display period: 90 consecutive days, 90 days/year. Permit required: No permit needed. Right-of-way extension: Requires city authorization. Governing section: Pittsburgh Code § 919.03.H. Max fine for violation: $1,000 per day.

Chapter 924 treats an overstayed or unauthorized right-of-way display as a zoning violation: up to a $1,000 fine per day plus costs, or up to 30 days in the county jail for nonpayment.

Political Signs

Pittsburgh's zoning code lets temporary political campaign signs go up under Chapter 919, capped at 12 or 32 square feet depending on zoning district, and requires removal within 30 days after the election.

Key details: Size in Residential/LNC/UNC/HC/GT/RIV-RM/EMI: 12 sq ft, non-illuminated. Size in HC/GI/UI/RIV-IMU etc.: 32 sq ft, may be illuminated. Removal deadline: Within 30 days of election. Primary-winner exception: 30 days after general election. Governing provision: Zoning Code § 919.03.F.

Violating this section can bring a fine of up to $1,000 per offense plus costs, up to 30 days in jail for nonpayment, and each day the violation continues counts as a separate offense.

Freeway-Facing Signs

Advertising signs (billboards) facing Pittsburgh's restricted-access highways must sit at least 350 feet from the highway's center line and be spaced at least 1,500 feet apart along that highway, under the zoning code's AS-O district rules.

Key details: Setback from freeway center line: 350 feet minimum. Spacing along restricted-access highways: 1,500 feet between sign structures. Where advertising signs are allowed: AS-O Advertising Sign Overlay district only. Pre-1958 sign removal deadline: 1 year after highway is designated. Permitting/inspection office: Bureau of Building Inspection.

Signs violating the setback or spacing rules can't be permitted or annually re-tagged by the Bureau of Building Inspection; pre-1958 signs caught in a newly designated restricted-access corridor must be removed within one year, at the owner's expense.

The Bottom Line

Pittsburgh'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 Pittsburgh is broadly strict or permissive.

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.