Reading, PA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Size cap
- 32 sq ft, no permit
- Removal deadline
- 2 weeks after election
- Not allowed
- Public property, trees
- Mounting
- Wall or freestanding
Summary
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.
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 sought. Such signs shall:
(1) Be wall-mounted or freestanding.
(2) Not be located within any public area, public park or street right- of-way, except as allowed outside a polling place on election day.
(3) Not be affixed in any manner to any tree. See also
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-8: Current through August 10, 2026).
Full Breakdown
The city's temporary-sign rules let residents post political campaign signs, up to 32 square feet each, announcing candidates or expressing a view on a political matter, with no zoning permit required as long as each sign stays under that 32-square-foot cap. Signs can be wall-mounted or freestanding, but they can't be placed in any public area, public park, or street right-of-way (except just outside a polling place on election day), and they can't be affixed to a tree. Every sign must come down within two weeks after the election for the office it references.
Violations & Fines
Signs left up past the two-week post-election window, oversized signs, or signs placed on public property or trees can be ordered removed by the Zoning Administrator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do political signs need a zoning permit in Reading?
How soon must a campaign sign come down?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reading
Compare Reading to another location·View the Pennsylvania sign regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.