Bensalem, PA Home Business: Signage Rules (2026)

The Bensalem Township Council permits home occupations only in the R-A, R-A-1, R-A-2, R-AA, R-1, R-11, R-2, R-22, R-3, R-3A, R-33, A-D and MHP districts, and Section 232-594(b) bars the use from every other zoning district in the Township. Even where a home business is allowed, Section 232-594(c) layers on strict use limitations beyond signage. The occupation must be clearly incidental and secondary to the residential use, must be carried on entirely indoors, and cannot occupy more than 400 square feet or 25 percent of the dwelling's habitable space, including basements, whichever figure is smaller.

No goods may be sold or displayed on the premises except items produced there, and no exterior storage, exterior alterations, or commercial-vehicle servicing is allowed. Section 232-594(c)(9) is the flat rule at issue here: no signs whatsoever indicating use of the premises for a home occupation are permitted. That means a home-based hairstylist, tutor, or online retailer in Bensalem cannot post a yard sign, window sign, or any exterior marker naming the business, regardless of size. Section 232-594(c)(16) separately requires the operator to obtain both a zoning permit and an occupancy permit before starting the use, and Section 232-594(d) adds that no home occupation may operate without a license under the Bensalem Township Business Privilege/Mercantile License Tax.

The Zoning Officer, appointed under Section 232-762, reviews these applications and can issue stop-work orders for noncompliance. Because the sign ban applies to every home occupation in every eligible district, an operator who needs visible signage must instead seek relief through the Zoning Hearing Board.