Sign Regulations in Reading, PA

If you live in Reading or are thinking about moving there, sign regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Reading has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of sign regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Garage Sale Signs

Reading allows yard and garage sale signs on utility poles only three days before the sale, requires the address and date on the sign, and demands removal within 24 hours after it ends.

Key details: Posting window: 3 days before sale. Removal deadline: 24 hours after sale ends. Required content: Address and sale date. Size limit: 30 in. by 24 in.. First-violation fine: $10 per sign.

Unpermitted signs may be removed by Public Works; a violation is a summary offense carrying a $10 fine per sign for the first violation and $5 per sign for each additional day, under § 485-213.

Digital Billboards

Reading limits how fast electronic message signs can change (once every six to ten seconds), bans scrolling text on larger signs, and curfews illuminated off-premises signs near homes after 11 p.m.

Key details: Message-change rate: 6-10 seconds minimum. Scrolling: Banned over 20 sq ft. Billboard curfew: Off 11 p.m.-6 a.m.. Light output cap: 500 lumens/sq ft.

The Zoning Administrator can deny or revoke a sign permit for a noncompliant message-change rate, scrolling text, or a billboard left illuminated past curfew near a residential district.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Reading actively enforces its digital billboards requirements.

Holiday Displays

Reading requires a written City Arborist permit before hanging lights or any other seasonal or holiday display on a shade tree in a public street, park, right-of-way or other public area, and once permitted the display must come down within 30 days of the holiday or the end of the season under Chapter 555.

Key details: Permit issuer: City Arborist. Removal deadline: Within 30 days of holiday/end of season. Permit duration cap: 6 months, extendable by Arborist. Revocation appeal: 5 workdays to the Director. Violation appeal: 10 days to Shade Tree Commission.

Hanging an unpermitted display, or leaving one up past the 30-day removal window, is enforced under Section 555-114. The Arborist serves a written notice of violation directing abatement; the property owner may appeal in writing within 10 days, and can request to appear before the Shade Tree Commission at its next meeting. If the violation is not abated as directed, the City Solicitor may sue to restrain or correct it. A conviction carries a fine of up to $600 plus costs, with up to 30 days in jail if the fine and costs go unpaid, and each day the violation continues counts as a separate offense.

Window Signs

Storefronts in Reading's commercial zoning districts, including the Commercial Neighborhood District, can cover only 30% of show window glass, or 600 square inches, whichever is greater, with permanent window signs. Temporary signs like a "sale" banner get slightly more room: 35% of the glass, or 700 square inches, whichever is greater, capped at a 30-day run. Section 600-1706(G) sets the C-N District rule, and nonilluminated temporary window signs need no permit at all.

Key details: Permanent window sign limit: 30% of glass or 600 sq in, greater. Temporary window sign limit: 35% of glass or 700 sq in, greater. Temporary sign duration: 30 days maximum. Permit for nonilluminated temp signs: None required. Enforcing official: Zoning Administrator.

Window-sign violations run through Chapter 600's general zoning penalty at § 600-206: a civil enforcement judgment of not less than $100 and not more than $500 per violation, plus court costs and the City's reasonable attorney fees, imposed by a Magisterial District Judge. Each day a nonconforming or unpermitted display continues counts as a separate violation, though the chapter authorizes no imprisonment.

Political Signs

Reading allows political campaign signs up to 32 square feet without a permit, but they must come down within two weeks after the relevant election and can't go on trees or public property.

Key details: Size cap: 32 sq ft, no permit. Removal deadline: 2 weeks after election. Not allowed: Public property, trees. Mounting: Wall or freestanding.

Signs left up past the two-week post-election window, oversized signs, or signs placed on public property or trees can be ordered removed by the Zoning Administrator.

The Bottom Line

Reading'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 Reading is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Reading's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.