Sign Regulations in Reading, PA (2026)
5 verified sign regulations for Reading, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Reading Political Campaign Sign Rules
Some RestrictionsReading Codified Ordinances § 600-1711(C)
Political campaign signs. Signs or posters that each do not exceed 32 square feet in surface area, announcing candidates seeking political office or providing an opinion on a political matter, may be erected. Political campaign signs do not need a zoning permit if they are less than 32 square feet in sign area. Such signs shall be removed within two weeks after the election for the office sough...
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.
Reading PA Garage Sale Sign Rules
Some RestrictionsReading Codified Ordinances §§ 485-203, 485-204
No yard or garage sale sign which does not include the address and date of the sale may be posted. § 485-204. Duration of posting. A. Political signs may not be posted to a utility pole or streetlight standard earlier than 45 days prior to an election. Such signs shall be removed within seven days following the election. B. Special event signs may not be affixed to a utility pole or s...
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.
Reading PA Holiday Light Display Permit
Some RestrictionsReading Codified Ordinances § 555-106.A, B(5)
A. No shade tree shall be planted, transplanted, cut, pruned, treated or removed in or upon any public street, highway or avenue, park, or open space without a written permit from the City Arborist. Any person who works on or has work done on a shade tree in a public area must first obtain a written permit from the City in accordance with § 555-106. All work required to be done under any permit...
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.
Reading Digital Sign Illumination Rules
Significant RestrictionsReading Codified Ordinances § 600-1714(B), (G)
An electronic sign shall not change its message more than once every six seconds, except a changeable message sign of more than 100 square feet shall not change more than once every 10 seconds. ... If a sign has a sign area of more than 20 square feet, it shall not have a scrolling message. ... Off-premises signs with LED or other internally illuminated sign faces that are within 300 feet from ...
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.
Reading PA Window Sign Coverage Limits
Some RestrictionsReading Codified Ordinances § 600-1706(G)
G. Window identity signs are permitted in commercial storefronts given the following conditions: (1) Signs on window glass shall be limited to 30% of the glass area, or 600 square inches, whichever is greater. (2) Temporary signs on window glass (e.g., "sale") shall be limited to 35% of the glass area, or 700 square inches, whichever is greater, for a thirty-day maximum.
Looking for Berks County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Reading city rules.
Sign Regulations in Berks County →