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Bethlehem, PA Sign Regulations: Garage Sale Signs (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

On-site signs allowed
2, up to 4 sq ft each
Directional signs allowed
2, up to 2 sq ft each
Directional sign condition
owner's written permission required
Posting window
up to 12 hours before sale
Removal deadline
immediately after sale ends

Summary

Bethlehem allows only two on-site yard-sale signs of up to four square feet each, plus two smaller off-site directional signs with the property owner's written permission, and every sign must come down immediately when the sale ends.

301.06 ADVERTISING; SIGNS. (a) Signs Permitted. Only the following specified signs may be displayed in relation to a pending yard sale: (1) Two (2) Signs Permitted. Two (2) signs of not more than four (4) square feet each shall be permitted to be displayed on the property of the residence where the yard sale is being conducted. (2) Directional Signs. Two (2) signs of not more than two (2) square feet each are permitted, provided that the premises upon which the yard sale is conducted is not on a major thoroughfare, and written permission to erect such signs is received from the property owners upon whose property such signs are to be placed. (b) Time Limitations. No sign or other form of advertisement shall be exhibited for more than twelve (12) hours prior to the commencement of such a sale. (c) Removal of Signs. Signs must be removed immediately upon the conclusion of the sale.

Full Breakdown

06. Two signs, each no larger than four square feet, are permitted on the property of the residence conducting the sale. Two additional directional signs, each no larger than two square feet, are permitted off-site, but only if the sale premises is not located on a major thoroughfare and only after the seller obtains written permission from the property owner where each directional sign will be placed. 06(c), all signs must be removed immediately once the sale concludes, so a sign cannot linger for days afterward.

08, which lets the Zoning Officer, a police officer, or another designated official enter any premises showing evidence of a yard sale to check compliance and issue citations. Because signs are treated as part of the yard sale activity itself, a violation of the sign rules is enforced as a violation of Article 301 as a whole rather than under a separate general sign ordinance.

Violations & Fines

Section 301.99 penalizes any violation of Article 301, including the sign provisions, on an escalating schedule: $100 or up to thirty days imprisonment for a first violation, $300 or up to sixty days for a second, and $600 or up to ninety days for a third or later violation, under Ordinance 3406 passed March 19, 1991.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many yard sale signs can I put up in Bethlehem?
Two signs of up to four square feet on your own property, plus up to two directional signs of up to two square feet elsewhere, under Section 301.06. Directional signs are only allowed if the sale property is not on a major thoroughfare and you have the host property owner's written permission.
When can I put up my yard sale signs?
Not more than twelve hours before the sale starts. Section 301.06(b) bars exhibiting any sign or advertisement earlier than that window relative to the sale's start.
When do I have to take my yard sale signs down?
Immediately once the sale is over. Section 301.06(c) requires removal right at the conclusion of the sale, with no grace period.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Bethlehem

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