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Allentown, PA Home Business: Signage Rules (2026)

Heavy Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified June 2026

Key Facts

Code Section: Table 660-15; Sections 660-97, 660-98, 660-48.C(1)
1-4 unit homes: Only exempt signs (Section 660-97) allowed
Small attached sign limit: 2 square feet in N zones
Internal illumination: Prohibited in N/MX-N/GX-N zones
Type 1 no-impact rule: No outside appearance of a business, including signs (53 P.S. Section 10107)
Sign permit: Required before placing any non-exempt sign

Summary

Allentown's sign table allows only exempt signs on residential buildings of 1-4 units, and small attached signs in N (neighborhood) zones may not exceed 2 square feet. For Type 1 'no-impact' home businesses, Pennsylvania state law independently bars any outside indication of the business, including signs.

Table 660-15. Signs in N, MX-N, and GX-N Zones - Household Living - 1 to 4 units: Only those exempt signs allowed under 660-97. ... 660-97.D SMALL ATTACHED SIGNS. Small attached signs are allowed in all zones, provided such signs do not exceed 2 square feet in area in N zones or 4 square feet in area in all other zones. ... 660-98.D ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS. (1) Illumination. (a) Signs on N-, MX-N-, and GX-N-zoned lots may be illuminated only by external lighting, not by a light source that is contained within the sign.

Source: City of Allentown Code of OrdinancesView official code

Full Breakdown

The Allentown Zoning Ordinance does not authorize a dedicated home-occupation business sign for typical single-family/duplex homes. D(1)). C(1)). S. ' As a result, a Type 1 home occupation in Allentown effectively may not post any business sign, and any sign for a residential property is capped by the city's exempt-sign rules.

Violations & Fines

Erecting a non-exempt or oversized sign is a violation: a zoning permit is required before placing any non-exempt sign (Section 660-114.A(3)), and signs implying a property may be used for a purpose the ordinance prohibits are not allowed (660-96.B(7)). Under Section 660-123.D, civil enforcement can result in a judgment of up to $500.00 plus court costs and attorney fees, each day a separate offense; the zoning officer may also order sign removal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put up a sign for my home business in Allentown?

Generally no for a typical single-family or duplex home. Table 660-15 allows only exempt signs under Section 660-97 for residential uses of 1-4 units, and a small attached sign may not exceed 2 square feet in N zones. A Type 1 'no-impact' home business is barred from any outside business signage by Pennsylvania state law (53 P.S. Section 10107).

Can my home-business sign be illuminated?

Internally illuminated signs are prohibited in N, MX-N, and GX-N zones; Section 660-98.D(1) allows signs there to be illuminated 'only by external lighting, not by a light source that is contained within the sign.'

Do I need a permit for a home-business sign?

Yes, unless the sign is expressly exempt. Section 660-114.A(3) requires a zoning permit before the construction, extension, or placement of any sign except those expressly exempt from permit requirements.

Sources & Official References

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All Allentown rules

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