Philadelphia, PA Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Coverage cap
- 20% of window's glazed area
- Window/door limit
- 2 windows or 1 window + 1 door
- Floor limit
- Ground floor only (most districts)
- Second-floor exception
- CMX-2 to CMX-5, CA-1, CA-2
- Enforcing agency
- L&I
Summary
Window signs in Philadelphia can't cover more than 20% of a window or glass door's transparent area, per the zoning code.
Window signs shall be limited to the ground floor... The total area of signs placed within a window or transparent glass door shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the total transparent glazed area of the window or transparent glass door within which they are placed... Signs may be placed in no more than two windows; two transparent glass doors; or one window and one transparent glass door.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 Code: Electronic version of The Philadelphia Code and Home Rule Charter is current through August 19, 2026).
Full Breakdown
The Philadelphia Zoning Code caps window signage at 20% of the total transparent glazed area of the window or glass door it's placed in. Signs may go in no more than two windows, two transparent glass doors, or one of each per storefront. Window signs are normally ground-floor only, though CMX-2 through CMX-5 and CA-1/CA-2 districts allow second-floor window signs for businesses not on the ground floor. This window allowance stacks on top of, not against, the maximum accessory sign area otherwise permitted for the property.
Violations & Fines
L&I enforces the Zoning Code; oversized or excess window signage is a zoning violation subject to a Notice of Violation, fines, and an order to remove or reduce the signage to conform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Philadelphia store cover its whole window with signs?
Are window signs counted against my store's total sign area?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Philadelphia
Compare Philadelphia to another location·View the Pennsylvania sign regulations overview
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