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Delaware County, PA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

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

Key Facts

County sign rule
None; municipal only
Governing law
PA MPC §603
Constitutional limit
Reed v. Gilbert (content-neutral)
Right-of-way signs
Usually prohibited
Where to check
Local sign ordinance

Summary

Delaware County has no sign ordinance for private property. Political-sign rules (size, number, how long before and after an election) are set by your borough or township zoning code, which under the U.S. Constitution must treat signs content-neutrally.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Delaware County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Zoning ordinances may permit, prohibit, regulate, restrict and determine ... Size, height, bulk, location, erection, construction, repair, maintenance, alteration, razing, removal and use of structures.

View official code

Full Breakdown

The PA Municipalities Planning Code (§603) authorizes municipalities, not the county, to regulate signs as part of zoning. Any limits on political-sign size, number, placement, and display period come from your local zoning ordinance. Following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015), a municipality cannot single out political signs for stricter rules than other temporary signs; time limits keyed only to an election are constitutionally suspect. On your own private property, reasonable content-neutral size and setback limits still apply. Signs in the public right-of-way (medians, utility poles) are separately restricted. Check your municipality's sign regulations.

Violations & Fines

Non-compliant signs may be removed by the municipality and can draw a zoning enforcement notice with fines set by local ordinance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my township limit how long I display a campaign sign?
It cannot single out political signs. Under Reed v. Gilbert, sign rules must be content-neutral, so durational limits tied only to elections are legally vulnerable.
Does the county set political-sign rules?
No. Signs are regulated by your borough or township zoning ordinance under the state Planning Code, subject to First Amendment limits.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Delaware County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsGarage Sale SignsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingSome Restrictions

All Delaware County rules

Compare Delaware County to another location·View the Pennsylvania sign regulations overview

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