Reading, PA Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Permanent window sign limit
- 30% of glass or 600 sq in, greater
- Temporary window sign limit
- 35% of glass or 700 sq in, greater
- Temporary sign duration
- 30 days maximum
- Permit for nonilluminated temp signs
- None required
- Enforcing official
- Zoning Administrator
- Penalty range
- $100 to $500 per violation
Summary
Storefronts in Reading's commercial zoning districts, including the Commercial Neighborhood District, can cover only 30% of show window glass, or 600 square inches, whichever is greater, with permanent window signs. Temporary signs like a "sale" banner get slightly more room: 35% of the glass, or 700 square inches, whichever is greater, capped at a 30-day run. Section 600-1706(G) sets the C-N District rule, and nonilluminated temporary window signs need no permit at all.
G. Window identity signs are permitted in commercial storefronts given the following conditions:
(1) Signs on window glass shall be limited to 30% of the glass area, or 600 square inches, whichever is greater.
(2) Temporary signs on window glass (e.g., "sale") shall be limited to 35% of the glass area, or 700 square inches, whichever is greater, for a thirty-day maximum.
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
Reading Codified Ordinances § 600-1706(G) governs window identity signs in the Commercial Neighborhood (C-N) District: permanent signs on show window glass are limited to 30% of the glass area or 600 square inches, whichever is greater, and temporary signs such as "sale" postings are limited to 35% of the glass area or 700 square inches, whichever is greater, for a maximum of 30 days. The Commercial Core and Commercial Residential Districts (C-C, C-R) carry the identical 30%/600-square-inch and 35%/700-square-inch caps under § 600-1705(A)(6), added by Ord.
No. 83-2013, and Residential Districts (R-1A, R-1, R-2, R-3) apply the same numbers to commercial storefronts under § 600-1703(I). A zoning sign permit is generally required for any sign over two square feet, or over 10 square feet for a temporary sign posted less than 60 days a year, but § 600-1702(D) exempts nonilluminated temporary signs placed inside a window from that permit requirement entirely; only illuminated or oversized window displays trigger review. The Zoning Administrator reviews and issues sign permits and inspects permitted signs under § 600-1719 for conformance with this Part.
Properties inside a Historic District face an additional design review layer under § 600-1701(B). A sign found unsafe can be ordered removed or repaired by the Zoning Administrator under § 600-1721, and an abandoned window sign advertising a discontinued business must come down within 30 days of written notice under § 600-1722.
Violations & Fines
Window-sign violations run through Chapter 600's general zoning penalty at § 600-206: a civil enforcement judgment of not less than $100 and not more than $500 per violation, plus court costs and the City's reasonable attorney fees, imposed by a Magisterial District Judge. Each day a nonconforming or unpermitted display continues counts as a separate violation, though the chapter authorizes no imprisonment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a "sale" sign in my storefront window?
How much of my window can a permanent sign cover?
What happens if my temporary window sign stays up past 30 days?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reading
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