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.
The Allentown Zoning Ordinance does not authorize a dedicated home-occupation business sign for typical single-family/duplex homes. Under Table 660-15 (Signs in N, MX-N, and GX-N Zones), Household Living uses of '1-4 units' are limited to 'Only those exempt signs allowed under 660-97.' Exempt signs (Section 660-97) cover items like integral building signs, real estate signs, flags, and 'small attached signs,' and Section 660-97.D limits a small attached sign to 'not exceed 2 square feet in area in N zones.' 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' (660-98.D(1)). Separately, Allentown defines Type 1 home occupations as meeting the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code definition of a 'no-impact home-based business' (Section 660-48.C(1)). Under that state definition (53 P.S. Section 10107), a qualifying no-impact business must have 'no outside appearance of a business, including, but not limited to, parking, signs or lights.' 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.
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.
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