SIGNS

Philadelphia Code tit. 14, ch. 14-900

in effect

Philadelphia Code § 14-901 Signs.

§ 14-901. Signs. It is the intent of this Chapter 14-900 to designate the location, size, type, and features of all signs within the City, but not to engage in any form of content-based regulation of sign messages prohibited by the federal or state constitution, statutes, or court decisions. If any portion of this section is determined to include any form of impermissible content-based regulation, that provision shall be severed from the remainder of this Chapter 14-900 and shall be revised to reflect the least possible change that avoids impermissible content-based regulation, and the remainder of this Chapter shall remain in effect. It is the specific intent of the City that any unintentional impermissible content-based regulations not result in the invalidation of this Chapter 14-900. Notes 936 | Repealed and replaced, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013).

Philadelphia Code § 14-902 Applicability.

§ 14-902. Applicability. Notes 937 | Repealed and replaced, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013). (1) Applicable to All Signs. The provisions of this Chapter 14-900 apply to all accessory and non-accessory signs. (2) Specific Sign Controls. In addition, specific sign controls in base zoning districts listed in Chapter 14-400 and overlay districts listed in Chapter 14-500 and sign controls applicable to specific uses pursuant to § 14-603 apply. In the case of any inconsistency among the sign controls in different sections of this Zoning Code, the following rules of precedence shall apply: Any provision in Chapter 14-500 (Overlay Zoning District) shall control over any contrary provision; in all other cases, any provision relating exclusively to a Special Purpose ("SP") district shall control; in all other cases, the strictest provision shall control. (3) Sign Regulation Applicability Decision Tree. Figure 14-902-A orients the code user to those sections of this Chapter that describe whether a sign is permitted, and if so, what type of sign is allowed. Approval and variance processes are located in Chapter 14-300 (Administration and Procedures). Figure 14-902-A is provided for illustrative purposes only. [image omitted; see the official code] Figure 14-902-A: Sign Regulation Applicability Decision Tree {For printable PDF version of image, click HERE}

Philadelphia Code § 14-903 When a Permit is Required.

§ 14-903. When a Permit is Required. Notes 938 | Repealed and replaced, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013). (1) Zoning Permit Required. (a) No person shall perform any of the following actions without first obtaining a zoning permit from L&I pursuant to § 14-303(6). This provision is applicable to all signs, including any sign required by state or federal law, unless exempted by § 14-903(2). (.1) Erect a sign; (.2) Allow the continued placement of a sign; or (.3) Convert any portion of an existing sign to a different type of sign, including but not limited to conversion from an accessory to a non-accessory sign or conversion from a non-digital to a digital sign. (b) Any person owning, operating, or using any structure shall comply with the requirements of this Chapter and shall insure the compliance of all tenants with these requirements by lease or otherwise. (c) No zoning permit to erect or use any sign shall be granted unless that sign: (.1) Complies with the requirements of this Chapter 14-900 and the regulations issued pursuant to it; (.2) Complies with all other applicable provisions of this Zoning Code; (.3) Complies with the requirements of the Art Commission, where applicable; and (.4) Complies with the regulations of the Department of Parks and Recreation, where applicable. (2) Zoning Permit Not Required; Code Conformance Required. The following actions related to signs may be performed without obtaining a zoning permit, but the resulting sign must conform to the provisions of this Zoning Code, and failure to conform is a violation of this Zoning Code. (a) Reserved. (b) The placement of window signs, subject to the requirements of § 14-904(1)(i) (Window Sign). (c) The erection or placement of a directional sign required by state or federal law, subject to the requirements of § 14-904(1)(c). (d) The erection or placement of one temporary sign per street frontage not exceeding the following sizes: 940 (.1) In a Residential district: six sq. ft. per sign face. (.2) In a Commercial, Industrial, or Special Purpose district: 12 sq. ft. per sign face. (e) The erection or placement of any sign within a premises that is not located and designed to be viewed by members of the public outside the premises. This includes all interior signs located (i) more than 18 in. away from any window, door, or other aperture through which they could be viewed from outside the premises or (ii) at an angle of more than 45 degrees from the plane of any window, door, or other aperture through which they could be viewed from outside the premises. (f) The placement of any video or digital display with a screen area of less than one sq. ft. on a permitted primary structure, accessory structure, or piece of equipment and designed to be viewed only by an individual obtaining services or goods at that location. This includes digital or video screens on fuel pumps, car washes, and air filling stations. Notes 939 | Amended, Bill No. 130656-AA (approved July 1, 2015). 940 | Amended, Bill No. 130764 (approved December 18, 2013). (3) Zoning Permit Not Required; Code Conformance Not Required. The following actions related to signs may be performed without obtaining a zoning permit. The resulting sign need not conform to the provisions of this Zoning Code, subject to compliance with the provisions of § 14-305(8)(b) (Nonconforming Signs): (a) Changing sign content, including changes from commercial to non-commercial messages on signs, provided the content change does not involve any structural or electrical additions or changes. In the case of Special Effects added to a non-accessory sign, this is considered a content change that does not require a zoning permit. (b) The customary maintenance of any sign. Notes 941 | Added, Bill No. 130656-AA (approved July 1, 2015).

Philadelphia Code § 14-904 Accessory Sign Controls.

§ 14-904. Accessory Sign Controls. No accessory sign shall be erected anywhere in the City except in conformity with the applicable provisions of this § 14-904 and all applicable sections of this Zoning Code, except where the provisions of this § 14-904 or other applicable provision of this Zoning Code is expressly superseded. Any accessory sign that does not conform to the requirements of this Zoning Code is declared a public nuisance. No reference to a particular type of use in this § 14-904 shall be construed to imply that the use is allowed under circumstances different from those allowed under Chapter 14-600 (Use Regulations). Notes 942 | Repealed and replaced, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013); amended, Bill No. 240971 (approved December 23, 2024). Bill No. 240971 was subsequently repealed by Bill No. 250243 (approved May 14, 2025). (1) Controls That Apply in All Zoning Districts. These controls apply to specific types of signs in all zoning districts in addition to any other controls imposed by this Zoning Code. (a) Signs on Awnings and Canopies and Marquee Signs. 943 (.1) Awnings, canopies, and marquees shall comply with the requirements set forth in Section 11-603 of The Philadelphia Code in addition to the requirements in this Code. (.2) External lighting is permissible under an awning, provided that the lighting is directed toward the area beneath the awning. (b) Animated Sign Illumination. 944 (.1) Signs with animated illumination are permitted in base zoning districts as set forth in Table 14-904-1. (.2) Signs with animated illumination are prohibited within 200 ft. of any intersection of any two or more streets. (.3) Signs with animated illumination are prohibited within 150 ft. of a residential district or facing any residential district within 300 ft. of the sign with animated illumination. (.4) Sign Standards. (.a) Except for Accessory Digital News Tickers, the duration of each message using animated illumination shall be no less than eight seconds. The change time between messages shall be no more than 0.25 seconds. (.b) During daylight hours, luminance shall be no greater than 1,500 nits. At all other times, luminance shall be no greater than 150 nits. Automatic dimming is required to maintain the appropriate illumination levels at all times. (c) Directional Signs. 945 Directional signs, including those required by state or federal law, must comply with the following standards: (.1) No directional sign shall exceed a total sign area of 10 sq. ft. or a height of 7 ft. except in the case of a clearance sign. (.2) Logos are permitted on directional signs, provided they do not exceed ten percent (10%) of the total sign area. (.3) Projecting directional signs are permitted. (.4) Animated illumination and mechanical movement signs are prohibited. 946 (d) Extension of Signs over Public Rights-of-Way. (.1) This subsection (d) is applicable to any portion of a sign that extends over a public right-of-way. (.2) Pursuant to Section 4-606 of The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, Art Commission approval is required. 947 (.3) A sign, except in the case of a marquee sign or a sign on the front or sloped panel of an awning, shall be limited to the following extensions over public rights-of-way: (.a) No more than six in. when the lowest part of the sign which extends over the right-of-way is less than eight ft. above the right-of-way; (.b) No more than two ft. when the lowest part of the sign which extends over the right-of-way is between eight ft. and 10 ft. above the right-of-way; and (.c) No more than four ft. or two-thirds of the width of any sidewalk, whichever is less, when the lowest part of the sign which extends over the sidewalk is more than 10 ft. above the sidewalk. 948 (d.1) Menu Board Sign. 949 In addition to other permitted signage, a take-out restaurant with drive-through service may have up to two free-standing menu board signs; each shall be no larger than 55 sq. ft. Each menu board sign shall also adhere to all applicable provisions under § 14-805 (Drive-Throughs and Vehicle Stacking Areas). (e) Projecting Signs. A projecting sign shall not extend more than four ft. from the building facade to which it is attached. (f) Roof Signs. Roof signs are prohibited in all zoning districts. (g) Temporary Signs and Real Estate Signs. (.1) Real Estate Signs. (.a) Real estate signs shall not be calculated against the maximum sign area permitted by this Zoning Code. (.b) A real estate sign in a Residential district shall not exceed the size set forth in § 14-903(2)(d)(.1). A real estate sign in all other zoning districts shall not exceed the size set forth in § 14-903(2)(d)(.2). (.2) Temporary Signs Other than Real Estate Signs. (.a) Temporary signs, except for signs that are exempt from the requirement to obtain a zoning permit by § 14-903(2), shall be calculated against the maximum sign area permitted by this or other applicable chapters on the site. Where permanent signage accounts for one hundred percent (100%) of the maximum permitted sign area, temporary signs are prohibited. (.b) After a zoning permit for a temporary sign has been approved and the sign has been placed or erected, no application for a zoning permit for the same temporary sign or a substantially similar temporary sign on the same property may be accepted by L&I until at least three months after the expiration date of the approved zoning permit. (h) Wall Sign. 950 Unless otherwise provided by this Zoning Code, wall signs shall not extend above the roof line or the second floor window sill of a structure, whichever is lower. (i) Window Sign. 951 (.1) Window signs shall be limited to the ground floor, except that in CMX-2, CMX-2.5, CMX-3, CMX-4, CMX-5, CA-1, and CA-2 districts, window signs for businesses that are not located on the ground floor shall also be permitted in second floor windows. 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, as defined in § 14-203 (Definitions). (.2) The amount of area permitted for a window sign is in addition to the maximum sign area permitted in § 14-902(2) (Controls Applicable to Specific Zoning Districts and Defined Areas). (.3) Signs may be placed in no more than two windows; two transparent glass doors; or one window and one transparent glass door. (j) Portable Sign. 952 Portable signs shall be temporarily secured to resist rolling, blowing away, tipping over, or otherwise moving from their secured location. Notes 943 | Amended, Bill No. 170504 (approved July 11, 2017). 944 | Added, Bill No. 150766 (approved December 8, 2015); renumbered, amended and former subsection (b) deleted, Bill No. 170504 (approved July 11, 2017). 945 | Amended, Bill No. 130764 (approved December 18, 2013). 946 | Amended, Bill No. 170504 (approved July 11, 2017). 947 | Amended, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021). 948 | Amended, Bill No. 130764 (approved December 18, 2013). 949 | Added, Bill No. 150766 (approved December 8, 2015). 950 | Amended, Bill No. 150379 (approved June 18, 2015). 951 | Amended, Bill No. 170504 (approved July 11, 2017). 952 | Added, Bill No. 170504 (approved July 11, 2017). (2) Controls Applicable to Specific Zoning Districts. (a) Sign Controls Table 14-904-1. 953 Additional sign regulations applicable to specific zoning districts are shown in the following tables, collectively labeled Table 14-904-1. (.1) Sign Type. The columns labeled "Sign Type" indicate the types of signs permitted in the zoning district. Where a sign type is not listed in the table, it is prohibited. (.2) Standards. The rows labeled "Standards" beneath each permitted sign type indicate the restrictions on the number of permitted signs, allowable sign area, and height for the corresponding permitted sign type. If two or more sign types are listed in the corresponding column, the standards shall apply to all of the permitted sign types in combination. For example, if a maximum sign area of 100 sq. ft. applies to wall signs and awning/canopy signs, then the total sign area of all wall signs and awning/canopy signs shall not exceed 100 sq. ft. (.3) Sign Characteristics. (.a) Static Illumination. A "Yes" in the row labeled "Static Illumination" indicates that constant illumination is permitted for the sign type in the corresponding column. A "No" indicates that static illumination is prohibited. (.b) Animated Illumination. A "Yes" in the row labeled "Animated Illumination" indicates that animated illumination is permitted for the sign type in the corresponding column. A "No" indicates that animated illumination is prohibited. (.c) Digital Sign. 954 A "Yes" in the row labeled "Digital Sign" indicates that digital signs are permitted for the sign type on the corresponding column. A "No" indicates that digital signs are prohibited. (.d) Mechanical Motion. A "Yes" in the row labeled "Mechanical Motion" indicates that mechanical motion is permitted for the sign type in the corresponding column. A "No" indicates that mechanical motion is prohibited. (.e) Electronic Message Sign. 955 A "Yes" in the row labeled "Electronic Message Sign" indicates that electronic message signs are permitted for the sign type in the corresponding column. A "No" indicates that electronic message signs are prohibited. (.f) Accessory Digital News Ticker. 956 An accessory digital news ticker shall be permitted only in the Market Street East Advertising District, subject to the requirements of § 14-906(6). (.4) Reserved. 957 Table 14-904-1: Accessory Sign Controls for Specific Zoning Districts 958 {For printable PDF version, click HERE} | RSD-1/2/3, RSA-1/2/3, RTA-1, RTA-2, RMX-1/2 958.1 Permitted Sign Types: Wall | Freestanding | RSD-1/2/3, RSA-1/2/3, RTA-1, RTA-2, RMX-1/2 958.1 Permitted Sign Types: Wall | Freestanding Standards | Maximum Number | N/A | N/A Maximum Area (sq. ft. for each lot frontage) | Home Occupations 959 (except as provided in § 14-604(10)(b)(.1)): 1 Non-Residential Uses: 15 | Home Occupations: Prohibited Non-Residential Uses: 15 Maximum Height | The lower of the roof line or second floor window sill | 7 ft. Additional Requirements | N/A | Prohibited in required setbacks Permitted Sign Characteristics | Static Illumination | Yes | Yes Animated Illumination (all) | No | No Mechanical Motion | No | No | RSA-4/5/6 and RM-1 960 Permitted Sign Types: Wall | Freestanding | RSA-4/5/6 and RM-1 960 Permitted Sign Types: Wall | Freestanding Standards | Maximum Number | N/A | N/A Maximum Area (sq. ft. for each lot frontage) | Home Occupations 961 (except as provided in § 14-604(10)(b)(.1)): 1 Non-Residential Uses: 15 | Home Occupations: Prohibited Non-Residential Uses: 15 Maximum Height | The lower of the roof line or second floor window sill | 7 ft. Additional Requirements | N/A | Prohibited in required setbacks Permitted Sign Characteristics | Static Illumination | Yes | Yes Animated Illumination (all) | No | No Mechanical Motion | No | No | RM-2/3/4 and RMX-3 Permitted Sign Types: Wall, Projecting, and Marquee | Freestanding | RM-2/3/4 and RMX-3 Permitted Sign Types: Wall, Projecting, and Marquee | Freestanding Standards | Maximum Number | N/A | N/A Maximum Area (sq. ft. for each lot frontage) | Home Occupations 962 (except as provided in § 14-604(10)(b)(.1)): 1 Non-Residential Uses: 24 | Home Occupations: Prohibited Non-Residential Uses: 15 Maximum Height | The lower of the roof line or second floor window sill | 7 ft. Additional Requirements | N/A | Prohibited in required setbacks Permitted Sign Characteristics | Static Illumination | Yes | Yes Animated Illumination (all) | No | No Mechanical Motion | No | No | CMX-1 Permitted Sign Types: Wall and Projecting Standards | Maximum Number | Wall: N/A Projecting: 1 per frontage Maximum Area (sq. ft. per lin. ft. of building frontage) | Lots with one building frontage: | 1 | CMX-1 Permitted Sign Types: Wall and Projecting Standards | Maximum Number | Wall: N/A Projecting: 1 per frontage Maximum Area (sq. ft. per lin. ft. of building frontage) | Lots with one building frontage: | 1 Lots with more than one building frontage: | Short side(s): 1 Long side: 0.5 Maximum Height | The lower of the roof line or second floor window sill Permitted Sign Characteristics | Static Illumination | Yes Animated Illumination | No Digital Display | No Mechanical Motion | No | CMX-2 and CMX-2.5 Permitted Sign Types: Wall, Projecting, and Marquee | Freestanding Standards | Maximum Number | Wall: N/A Projecting: 1 per frontage | 1 per building Maximum Area | Lots with one building frontage: | 3 sq. ft. per lin. ft. of building frontage Or Wall: one 25 sq. ft. sign 963 | 100 sq. ft. total | CMX-2 and CMX-2.5 Permitted Sign Types: Wall, Projecting, and Marquee | Freestanding Standards | Maximum Number | Wall: N/A Projecting: 1 per frontage | 1 per building Maximum Area | Lots with one building frontage: | 3 sq. ft. per lin. ft. of building frontage Or Wall: one 25 sq. ft. sign 963 | 100 sq. ft. total Lots with more than one building frontage: | Short side(s): 3 sq. ft. per lin. ft. of building frontage Long side: 2 sq. ft. per lin. ft. of building frontage Or Wall: one 25 sq. ft. sign per building frontage 964 Maximum Height | The lower of roof line or second floor window sill | 20 ft. Permitted Sign Characteristics | Static Illumination | Yes, except that in the CMX-2.5 district internally- illuminated cabinet signs shall be prohibited. | Yes Animated Illumination (all) | No | No Mechanical Motion | Yes | Yes | CMX-3 Permitted Sign Types: Wall, Projecting, and Marquee | Freestanding Standards | Maximum Number | N/A | 1 per building Maximum Area | Lots with one building frontage: | 6 sq. ft. per lin. ft. of building frontage | 100 sq. ft. per face; up to 2 faces | CMX-3 Permitted Sign Types: Wall, Projecting, and Marquee | Freestanding Standards | Maximum Number | N/A | 1 per building Maximum Area | Lots with one building frontage: | 6 sq. ft. per lin. ft. of building frontage | 100 sq. ft. per face; up to 2 faces Lots with more than one building frontage: | Short side(s): 6 sq. ft. per lin. ft. of building frontage Long side: 4 sq. ft. per lin. ft. of building frontage Maximum Height | The lower of roof line or second floor window sill | 20 ft. Permitted Sign Characteristics | Static Illumination | Yes | Yes Animated Illumination (all) | No | No Mechanical Motion | Yes | Yes | CMX-4/5 Permitted Sign Types: Wall, Projecting, and Marquee | Freestanding | CMX-4/5 Permitted Sign Types: Wall, Projecting, and Marquee | Freestanding Standards | Maximum Number | N/A | 1 per frontage Maximum Area | 2 sq. ft. per lin. ft. of ground floor frontage; 100 sq. ft. per sign 965 | 50 sq. ft./face; up to 4 faces Maximum Height | The lower of the roof line or second floor window sill | 10 ft. Additional Requirements | Notwithstanding § 14-904(1)(d), projecting signs shall not extend more than 24 in. over any public right-of-way | N/A Permitted Sign Characteristics | Static Illumination | Yes | Yes Animated Illumination: Digital Sign | Wall: Yes Others: No | Yes Animated Illumination: Electronic Message Sign | Wall: Yes Others: No | Yes Animated Illumination: Accessory Digital News Ticker | As provided in § 14-906(6) | As provided in § 14-906(6) Mechanical Motion | Yes | Yes | CA-1 Permitted Sign Types: Wall, Projecting, and Marquee | Freestanding | Portable | CA-1 Permitted Sign Types: Wall, Projecting, and Marquee | Freestanding | Portable Standards | Maximum Number | N/A | 1 per lot | 1 per building frontage Maximum Area | 10 sq. ft. per lin. ft. of ground floor frontage of the business or tenant with which the sign is associated 966 | 200 sq. ft. / face, up to 2 faces | 10 sq. ft. Maximum Height | The higher of the roof line or parapet wall, if applicable | 40 ft. | 5 ft. Permitted Sign Characteristics | Static Illumination | Yes | Yes | No Animated Illumination: Digital Sign | Wall: Yes Others: No | Yes | No Animated Illumination: Electronic Message Sign | Wall: Yes Others: No | Yes | No Animated Illumination: Accessory Digital News Ticker | No | No | No Mechanical Motion | Yes | Yes | No | CA-2 | CA-2 Permitted Sign Types: Wall, Projecting, and Marquee | Freestanding | Portable Standards | Maximum Number | N/A | 1 per 15,000 sq. ft. of lot area | 1 per building frontage Maximum Area | 10 sq. ft. per lin. ft. of ground floor frontage of the business or tenant with which the sign is associated 967 | 150 sq. ft. / face, up to 4 faces | 10 sq. ft Maximum Height | The higher of the roof line or parapet wall, if applicable | 40 ft. | 5 ft. Permitted Sign Characteristics | Static Illumination | Yes | Yes | No Animated Illumination: Digital Sign | Wall: Yes Others: No | Yes | No Animated Illumination: Electronic Message Sign | Wall: Yes Others: No | Yes | No Animated Illumination: Accessory Digital News Ticker | No | No | No Mechanical Motion | Yes | Yes | No | IRMX and ICMX Permitted Sign Types: Wall, Projecting, and Marquee | Freestanding | IRMX and ICMX Permitted Sign Types: Wall, Projecting, and Marquee | Freestanding Standards | Maximum Number | N/A | 1 per lot frontage Maximum Area | Lots facing one street line: 3 sq. ft./lin. ft. of building frontage Lots facing more than one street line: 3 sq. ft./lin. ft. of building frontage on the short side, 2 sq. ft./lin. ft. of building frontage on the long side | 100 sq. ft. / face, up to 4 faces Maximum Height | The lower of the roof line or second floor window sill | 20 ft. Permitted Sign Characteristics | Static Illumination | Yes | Yes Animated Illumination: Digital Sign | Wall: Yes Others: No | Yes Animated Illumination: Electronic Message Sign | Wall: Yes Others: No | Yes Animated Illumination: Accessory Digital News Ticker | No | No Mechanical Motion | Yes | Yes | I-1 Permitted Sign Types: Wall, Projecting, and Marquee | Freestanding | I-1 Permitted Sign Types: Wall, Projecting, and Marquee | Freestanding Standards | Maximum Number | N/A | 1 per lot frontage Maximum Area | 100 sq. ft. per lot frontage | 100 sq. ft. / face, up to 4 faces Maximum Height | The lower of the roof line or second floor window sill | 20 ft. Permitted Sign Characteristics | Static Illumination | Yes | Yes Animated Illumination: Digital Sign | Wall: Yes Others: No | Yes Animated Illumination: Electronic Message Sign | Wall: Yes Others: No | Yes Animated Illumination: Accessory Digital News Ticker | No | No Mechanical Motion | Yes | Yes | I-2/I-3/I-P Permitted Sign Types: Wall, Projecting, and Marquee | Freestanding | I-2/I-3/I-P Permitted Sign Types: Wall, Projecting, and Marquee | Freestanding Standards | Maximum Number | Others: N/A | 1 per lot frontage Maximum Area | 1 street front: 15 sq. ft./lin. ft. of building frontage 2+ street fronts: 15 sq. ft./lin. ft. on short side, 5 sq. ft./lin. ft. on long side | 100 sq. ft. / face, up to 4 faces Maximum Height | The lower of the roof line or second floor window sill | 20 ft. Additional Requirements | N/A | N/A Permitted Sign Characteristics | Static Illumination | Yes | Yes Animated Illumination: Digital Sign | Yes | Yes Animated Illumination: Electronic Message Sign | Yes | Yes Animated Illumination: Accessory Digital News Ticker | No | No Mechanical Motion | Yes | Yes Special Purpose Districts (Chapter 14-400) Sign controls for the Special Purpose Districts are shown in the regulations for those districts in Chapter 14-400 (Base Zoning Districts). Notes 953 | Subsection (.4) added, Bill No. 130137-A (approved May 8, 2013); subsection (.5) added, Bill No. 150170 (approved April 21, 2015); subsections (.4) and (.5) deleted, Bill No. 150766 (approved December 8, 2015). 954 | Amended, Bill No. 170504 (approved July 11, 2017). 955 | Added, Bill No. 170504 (approved July 11, 2017). 956 | Added, Bill No. 170504 (approved July 11, 2017). 957 | Added, Bill No. 170721 (approved October 25, 2017); amended, Bill No. 180217 (approved June 20, 2018); deleted, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021). 958 | Amended, Bill No. 150766 (approved December 8, 2015); amended, Bill No. 170504 (approved July 11, 2017). 958.1 | Amended, Bill No. 250525 (approved June 13, 2025). 958.1 | Amended, Bill No. 250525 (approved June 13, 2025). 959 | Amended, Bill No. 140831-A (approved February 11, 2015). 960 | Amended, Bill No. 210078-A (approved April 28, 2021). 960 | Amended, Bill No. 210078-A (approved April 28, 2021). 961 | Amended, Bill No. 140831-A (approved February 11, 2015) 962 | Amended, Bill No. 140831-A (approved February 11, 2015) 963 | Amended, Bill No. 180954 (approved January 3, 2019). 963 | Amended, Bill No. 180954 (approved January 3, 2019). 964 | Amended, Bill No. 180954 (approved January 3, 2019). 965 | Amended, Bill No. 150264 (approved June 16, 2015). 966 | Amended, Bill No. 150264 (approved June 16, 2015); amended, Bill No. 161003-A (approved May 8, 2017). 967 | Amended, Bill No. 150264 (approved June 16, 2015); amended, Bill No. 161003-A (approved May 8, 2017). (3) Building Identification Signs in CMX-4, CMX-5, IRMX, ICMX, I-1, and SP-CIV Districts. In the CMX-4, CMX-5, IRMX, ICMX, I-1, and SP-CIV districts, building identification signs in excess of the signage allowed by Table 14-904-1 are permitted on a building, provided they are approved by the Art Commission and comply with the following requirements: (a) A building identification sign is permitted on each facade of a building, provided the signs contain the same message for the same single tenant on each facade. 969 (b) The bottom edge of a building identification sign must be at least 150 ft. high. (c) Roof building identification signs shall be prohibited. Wall building identification signs shall not extend above the roof line. (d) Building identification signs with animated illumination shall require special exception approval. 970 Notes 968 | Amended, Bill No. 210078-A (approved April 28, 2021). 969 | Amended, Bill No. 220418 (approved November 30, 2022). 970 | Amended, Bill No. 170504 (approved July 11, 2017). (4) Special Controls for Cobbs Creek, Roosevelt Boulevard, and Department of Parks and Recreation Land. (a) Applicability. The standards of this subsection (4) shall apply to any signs: (.1) Within the boundary lines of Roosevelt Boulevard or the Cobbs Creek Parkway, as those boundary lines are determined by the Streets Department as shown on the following maps for illustrative purposes only; 971 (.2) Within the boundary lines of Fairmount Park (as defined in § 15-201 (Jurisdictional Areas) or Cobbs Creek Park; 972 (.3) Within 200 ft. of any boundary line set forth in subsection (.1) or (.2), if the sign is visible from within any area set forth in subsection (.1) or (.2); or (.4) Within land under the jurisdiction of DPR. [image omitted; see the official code] {For printable PDF version of image, click HERE} [image omitted; see the official code] {For printable PDF version of image, click HERE} (b) Special Sign Review. (.1) L&I shall only issue a zoning permit for a sign subject to the provisions of this subsection (4) if L&I determines that: (.a) The sign complies with all applicable provisions of this Zoning Code, (.b) The sign is in compliance with applicable regulations of DPR, and (.c) The sign has been approved by the Art Commission. (.2) A zoning permit shall be granted for the continued maintenance of any sign lawfully in existence within the areas defined in subsection (a), above, on December 31, 1969, without requiring compliance with any of the other provisions of this subsection. However, any such sign shall not be altered or moved in any substantial manner unless it is made to comply with all the requirements of this subsection. Notes 971 | Amended, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021). 972 | Amended, Bill No. 220418 (approved November 30, 2022).

Philadelphia Code § 14-905 Non-Accessory Signs.

§ 14-905. Non-Accessory Signs. (1) Scope. These controls apply to non-accessory signs in all areas of the City, with special restrictions regulating size, height, illumination, distances from residences, spacing, prohibition, and conditions for obtaining permits. These controls shall supplement all provisions of this Chapter 14-900. (2) Spacing Requirements. In all areas of the City, outdoor advertising signs and non-accessory signs shall not be permitted within 500 ft. of any other outdoor advertising sign. This spacing requirement shall not apply to on-premise or accessory signs, non-commercial signs, and highway directional signs. (3) Distances from Residential District Property. No sign support structure or sign face shall be erected within 300 ft. of any residentially-zoned property. (4) Area Regulations. (a) The maximum sign area of any outdoor advertising sign is: (.1) For frontages along a street or right-of-way that is less than 60 ft. wide, 1,000 sq. ft. per sign face. (.2) For frontages along a street or right-of-way that are 60 ft. wide or more, 1,500 sq. ft. per sign face. (b) Special Effects Elements that extend beyond the top and side edges of the sign face are permitted provided such elements do not extend more than 6 ft. from the top edge and no more than 3 ft. from the side edges. Special effects elements may not extend below the bottom edge of the sign face. Those portions of such special effects elements that extend beyond the edges of the sign face shall be considered as embellishments whose total area may not exceed 288 sq. ft. A sign face and any extended elements may include three-dimensional features, provided such features do not extend more than 5 ft. from the plane of the sign face. Special Effects Elements may not be digital. Notes 973 | Amended, Bill No. 130656-AA (approved July 1, 2015). (5) Height Regulations. (a) The bottom edge of any outdoor advertising sign shall not be located more than 25 ft. above the road surface from which the advertising message is intended to be principally viewed and the sign shall not extend more than 20 ft. in height above its bottom edge, except as provided in subsection (5)(d). (b) When an outdoor advertising sign is to be erected in a location within 150 ft. of two or more street, road, highway, or bridge surfaces, the maximum height of an outdoor advertising sign shall be measured from the surface with the lowest grade elevation. (c) Where other provisions of The Philadelphia Code are more restrictive than this Chapter 14-900 in terms of height regulations, the more restrictive height regulations shall apply for non-accessory signs whether the signs are freestanding or roof signs. (d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code, if a noise barrier or permanent road sign erected by a governmental entity after a sign has been erected diminishes the visibility of the sign from the road surface from which the sign is intended to be principally viewed, then the height of the sign may be increased to the minimum height required to achieve the same degree of visibility from such road surface that the sign had prior to the erection of the noise barrier or permanent road sign. For purposes of this provision, a "noise barrier" is a standalone wall or similar structure designed for outdoor noise mitigation, whether denominated as a sound wall, sound berm, sound barrier, noise- attenuation barrier, acoustical barrier, or otherwise. Notes 974 | Amended, Bill No. 130656-AA (approved July 1, 2015). (6) Sign Face Regulations. No more than two sign faces or advertising messages shall be permitted on any one lot, and no more than one sign support structure shall be permitted on any lot. (7) Illuminated, Flashing, and Revolving Signs. (a) Signs, other than digital signs, may be illuminated, but the illumination shall be focused upon the sign itself, so as to prevent glare upon the surrounding areas. 975 (b) Flashing signs, signs with intermittent illumination, or signs with mechanically or electronically changing messages shall not be erected within 500 ft. of any Residential district, nor face any Residential district within 1,000 ft. of the sign. (c) Signs that revolve shall require approval from the Zoning Board through the special exception process in § 14-303(7). Notes 975 | Amended, Bill No. 130656-AA (approved July 1, 2015). (8) Digital Signs. (a) Digital signs shall not be erected or converted from non-digital to digital within 500 ft. of any residentially zoned district, nor face any residentially zoned district within 1,000 ft. of the sign. (b) Digital Illumination Standards; Automatic Dimming. During daylight hours luminance of a digital billboard shall be no greater than 6,500 nits. At all other times, luminance of a digital billboard shall be no greater than 450 nits. In addition, digital billboards shall not operate at brightness levels of more than 0.3 foot candles above ambient light, as measured using a foot candle meter at the following preset distances: Nominal Face Size | Distance to be Measured From 12' x 25' | 150' 10'6" x 36' | 200' 14' x 48' | 250' 20' x 60' | 350' Automatic dimming is required to keep luminance within permitted levels at all times. (c) Motion. All motion is prohibited on digital displays. Only static text and graphics shall be permitted. A display change between messages shall not constitute motion. Holographic or three-dimensional projections are prohibited. The digital display shall contain a default mechanism that will freeze the sign in one position or show a black blank screen if a malfunction occurs. (d) Timing. The duration of each display shall be no less than eight (8) seconds. (e) Digital Sign Conversions. Non-accessory signs may not be converted to digital unless they are located within 660 ft. of I-95 or I-76; are intended to be principally viewed from one of those roadways; and meet all of the other requirements of this code. (f) Applicability. Unless expressly provided to the contrary, the provisions of this subsection (8) (Digital Billboards): (.1) Shall not apply in the Market East Advertising District described in § 14-906. (.2) Shall be considered safety regulations applicable to all signs, regardless whether they pre-date or post-date the addition of this subsection (8) to the Code. Notes 976 | Amended, Bill No. 130656-AA (approved July 1, 2015); subsection caption amended, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021). (9) Permitted Areas. Outdoor advertising signs and non-accessory signs shall be permitted: (a) Within the I-2, Medium Industrial district, except within the area bounded by the Delaware Expressway, the Schuylkill Expressway, and Darien Street (extended); (b) Within the I-3, Heavy Industrial district; and (c) Within the I-P, Port Industrial district. (10) Prohibited Areas. Outdoor advertising signs and non-accessory signs shall be prohibited: (a) Within 660 ft. of all the bridges over the Schuylkill River from the Girard Point Bridge northwestwardly to the Belmont Avenue Bridge; (b) Within 660 ft. of all ingress and/or egress ramps of the Delaware expressway (I-95), from the Bucks County Line to the Delaware County Line, and the Schuylkill expressway (I-76), between the Montgomery County Line and the Walt Whitman Bridge; (c) Within 660 ft. of Benjamin Franklin Parkway as defined by the Streets Department; (d) Between 23rd Street and the Schuylkill River from the south side of Race Street to Chestnut Street; (e) Between 24th Street and the Schuylkill River from Chestnut Street to South Street; (f) East of 6th Street from South Street to the south side of Race Street; (g) Between 6th Street and Christopher Columbus Boulevard from South Street to Washington Avenue; (h) Within 660 ft. of the outward edge of the right-of-way lines as defined by the Department of Streets, of the Delaware expressway between Washington Avenue and Oregon Avenue; (i) Within 660 ft. of all the bridges over the Delaware River from the Walt Whitman Bridge to the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge; (j) Within 660 ft. of the outward edge of the right-of-way lines as defined by the Department of Streets, of Woodhaven Road; (k) Within 660 ft. of the outward edge of the right-of-way lines as defined by the Department of Streets, of the Roosevelt Boulevard; (l) Within any area of the City designated as a local or national Historic District; (m) Within 660 ft. of the outward edge of any park under the jurisdiction of DPR, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, or the National Park Service; (n) Within 660 ft. of any park, playground, recreation center, play lot, or other recreational facility under the jurisdiction of DPR; and (o) Within 660 ft. of any public or private pre-school, elementary, middle, or high school. (11) Regulations Applicable to the I-95 Acquisition Corridor. (a) For purposes of this § 14-905(11), the "I-95 Acquisition Corridor" shall include all areas within 200 ft. of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) right-of-way (as that right-of-way may change from time to time) from Rhawn Street to Arch Street. 977 (b) A structure or outdoor advertising sign that is a lawful use located within the I-95 Acquisition Corridor shall be permitted if relocated within the I-95 Acquisition Corridor, notwithstanding any contrary provisions of this Zoning Code, provided all of the following apply: (.1) The owner or tenant of the structure or outdoor advertising sign has received a Declaration of Taking, a Notice of Acquisition or a Notice of Relocation Eligibility from PennDOT or its agent with respect to such structure or outdoor advertising sign, or has moved its structure or outdoor advertising sign as a result of receiving one of the aforesaid notices; (.2) The owner or tenant files an Application for Relocation, in a form required by L&I, within three years after receiving such Declaration of Taking, Notice of Acquisition or Notice of Relocation Eligibility or has moved its structure or outdoor advertising sign as a result of receiving one of the aforesaid notices; (.3) The proposed new location of the structure or outdoor advertising sign is within the I-95 Acquisition Corridor and is within 350 ft. of the existing location of the structure or outdoor advertising sign; (.4) The proposed new location of the structure or outdoor advertising sign is zoned industrial or commercial; (.5) The dimensions and height of the relocated structure or outdoor advertising sign do not exceed the dimensions and height of the existing structure or sign at the time of the filing of the Application for Relocation; (.6) The size of the face of the relocated outdoor advertising sign is not greater than 1,200 sq. ft. with a maximum height of 30 ft. and a maximum length of 60 ft. inclusive of any border of trim but excluding the base or apron, supports or other structural members. The area shall be measured by the smallest square, rectangle, triangle, circle or combination thereof which will encompass the entire sign; (.7) Where the relocated outdoor advertising sign exceeds 600 sq. ft. in area, it is not double-faced (abutting and facing the same direction); (.8) The distance between the relocated structure or outdoor advertising sign and any residentially- zoned property is not less than that required by any other applicable provision of this Zoning Code at the time of the filing of the Application for Relocation; except where the distance between a legally existing structure or outdoor advertising sign and any residentially-zoned property is less than the distance required by this Zoning Code and the proposed new location does not meet the required distance from any residentially-zoned property, the relocated structure or outdoor advertising sign shall be at least the same distance from any residentially- zoned property as the existing structure or outdoor advertising sign; (.9) The relocated outdoor advertising sign is not located within 500 ft. of any other outdoor advertising sign as measured along the nearest edge of the pavement between points directly opposite the outdoor advertising signs along the same side of the traveled way; (.10) The relocated outdoor advertising sign does not include lights which are of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or impair the vision of a driver of any vehicle, interfere with any driver's operation of a motor vehicle, or are not effectively shielded so as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed at any portion of the traveled way of I-95; (.11) The relocated outdoor advertising sign is not illuminated such that it interferes with the effectiveness of or obscures an official traffic sign, device or signal; (.12) The relocated outdoor advertising sign is consistent with all other provisions relating to lighting of signs along State highways; (.13) The relocated outdoor advertising sign is not a non-accessory changeable electronic variable message sign; and (.14) The owner or tenant has not previously relocated the structure or outdoor advertising sign pursuant to the provisions of this § 14-905(11). (c) None of the provisions of this § 14-905(11) shall have any impact upon the duty of an owner or tenant to move its structure or outdoor advertising sign when given notice to vacate by PennDOT. Notes 977 | Amended, Bill No. 120417 (approved July 17, 2012), effective August 22, 2012. (12) Permits. (a) Sign permits shall be processed through the Zoning Permit process in § 14-303(6). 978 (b) For each non-accessory sign erected or converted to digital in conformance with these provisions, two existing lawful, non-accessory signs encompassing equal or greater sign area, other than a sign located in the Market Street East Advertising District, as defined in § 14-906, shall be removed; provided that this requirement shall not apply to the conversion to digital of a sign that, on June 1, 2015, lawfully could have been converted to digital without removal of an existing sign but for a then-existing lease or agreement which precluded the owner or future owner from effecting such a conversion; no more than ten signs owned by any sign company or related sign companies may be converted under this proviso. 979 (c) The application to erect an outdoor advertising or non-accessory sign must specify the size and the location of the sign(s) to be removed. Sufficient proof of the physical existence of the sign(s) to be removed shall be supplied to the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I). Required proof may be in the form of permits and/or photographs of the existing sign(s). (d) The application to erect an outdoor advertising or non-accessory sign must also be accompanied by a written authorization from the owner of the property where the sign(s) to be removed are located authorizing the applicant to remove those sign(s) and acknowledging that the right to maintain an outdoor advertising or non-accessory sign is being forfeited through the filing of the application and the issuance of the permit for the erection of the new sign. (e) No permit for the erection of an outdoor advertising or non-accessory sign shall be issued prior to actual removal of the sign(s) required to be removed as provided in subsections (a), (b), and (c) above. (f) No permit for the erection of an outdoor advertising or non-accessory sign shall be issued if there is any outstanding violation, for which all legal appeals have been exhausted, of The Philadelphia Code or regulations adopted pursuant to the Code, relating to the premises upon which the outdoor advertising sign or non-accessory sign is to be erected or maintained. (g) No permit for the erection of an outdoor advertising or non-accessory sign shall be issued if the owner of the premises upon which the outdoor advertising sign or non-accessory sign is to be erected or maintained is delinquent in the payment of any City or School District taxes, charges, fees, rents, or claims, unless the owner has entered into an agreement to pay any the delinquency and is abiding by the terms of the agreement. Notes 978 | Amended, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013). 979 | Amended, Bill No. 130656-AA (approved July 1, 2015). (13) Signs and Their Supporting Structures. (a) The supporting structures for non-accessory signs shall conform to the definition of a structure as set forth in Chapter 14-200, shall be considered as structures and shall conform to all the requirements regarding structures contained in this Chapter 14-900. However, Tables 14-602-1 through 14-602-4 shall not apply to outdoor advertising signs and their structures and therefore these types of signs may not be extended or reconstructed pursuant to reconstruction provisions otherwise applicable to Residential districts. (b) Non-accessory signs shall be considered as the principal use of a property and as a main structure and not as an accessory or ancillary use; provided that, in the Market Street East Advertising District, as defined in § 14-906, non-accessory signs, where permitted, shall be allowed as an additional principal use. 980 Notes 980 | Amended, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021). (14) Nuisance, Unlawful, and Nonconforming Signs. (a) Nothing in this section is intended to prohibit L&I from removing a sign at any time without compensation that has been determined to be a public nuisance or unlawfully in existence under any other provision of The Philadelphia Code. (b) A nonconforming sign shall be maintained in good condition, but it shall not be structurally altered so as to enlarge or extend the area or height of the sign. However, a nonconforming sign shall not be reconstructed if for any reason it becomes necessary to replace the entire sign, including the sign face, the frame and any supporting mechanism, but excluding the foundation. 982 Notes 981 | Subsection caption amended, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021). 982 | Amended, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021). (15) Sign Requirements for Municipal Property. (a) Purpose. The sign requirements of this subsection (15) are intended to balance the public interest in maintaining a safe and attractive City; the interests of businesses and other entities in promoting their products, services and ideas; and the interests of the City and other governmental bodies in communicating public service and emergency messages on a city-wide basis through an integrated network of signage on municipal property. (b) Applicability. The provisions of this subsection (15) apply to all municipal property, defined as any land, building, or structure (i) that is owned by the City; or (ii) in which the City possesses rights sufficient to permit it to authorize the placement of a non-accessory sign on such land, building, or structure for six months or more. (c) Non-Accessory Signs on Municipal Property. No prohibition or regulation of non-accessory signs set forth in this Title shall apply to municipal property. In the event of any conflict between any provision of this subsection (15) and any other provision of this Zoning Code, the provisions of this subsection (15) shall control. (d) Requirements. The following requirements shall apply to any sign located on municipal property. (.1) Maximum Size. Reserved. (.2) Maximum Height. Reserved. (.3) Sign Faces. Reserved. (.4) Embellishments. Reserved. (.5) Spacing. Reserved. (.6) Prohibited Locations. Reserved. (e) Requirements for Digital Signs on Municipal Property. In addition to the requirements set forth in subsection (15)(d), the following requirements shall apply to digital signs on municipal property. (.1) The sign shall be capable of receiving and transmitting both programmed and real-time digital images and messages and shall be operated as a changing image sign; (.2) The sign shall be integrated into the City's emergency response network and integrated with other digital signs on municipal property so as to enable the City to interrupt and override, on either a City-wide or localized basis, any regularly programmed messaging in order to communicate City emergency information (or emergency information from a federal, state, or other governmental unit); (.3) The City shall be entitled to: (i) a percentage of the regularly scheduled programmable time for digital signs on municipal property; (ii) other available programmable time (or a portion thereof) when the operator of the integrated network of such signs otherwise has no advertising commitments; and (iii) the emergency information override and broadcast rights described in subsection (e)(.2) above; and (.4) The operator of the integrated network of digital signs on municipal property has entered into a written agreement with the City that sets forth the operation requirements of such signs and network, including but not limited to, requirements regulating sign design, light intensity, mitigating light pollution, energy conservation, and similar environmental and public health and safety concerns, which agreement shall be subject to the approval of City Council when required under Section 8-201 of the Charter (relating to concessions) or any other section of the Charter. (f) The Planning Commission shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary and appropriate to implement the provisions of this subsection (15). (g) The Director of Finance is authorized (i) to create a separate fund, held by the City of Philadelphia, and to deposit into such fund any revenue collected by the City with respect to advertising signs erected on municipal property and (ii) to provide for the disposition of such funds to the School District of Philadelphia. 984 Notes 983 | Added, Bill No. 130109 (approved May 15, 2013), effective July 14, 2013. 984 | Added, Bill No. 170201 (approved May 22, 2017). (16) State Road. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Title to the contrary, one (1) free-standing, single-faced non- accessory outdoor advertising sign, mounted to a single support structure, shall be permitted within the area generally bounded by State Road, the Delaware Expressway (I-95), and Ashburner Street, and more particularly within the area rezoned to I-2 Medium Industrial District by Bill No. 160275, provided all of the following are satisfied: (a) The area of the sign face shall be no more than 1,200 sq. ft. (b) The back of the sign face shall be constructed so as to conceal structural supports for the sign face. (c) The height of the sign from ground grade to the top of the sign shall not exceed 55 ft.; nor shall the bottom of the sign face be more than 25 ft. above the road elevation of the nearest lane of I-95 measured at 90° angle from the single support for the sign structure. (d) Internal illumination and digital electronic changeable messages shall be permitted. (e) The sign face shall be oriented facing north on I-95 and thus advertising to southbound traffic. (f) The sign shall be in compliance with the provisions of this Chapter 14-900, except that it need not be in compliance with § 14-905(2) (spacing requirements); § 14-905(4)(a) (area regulations); § 14-905(5)(a), (b), (c) (height regulations); § 14-905(10)(m), (n) (distance from park or recreational area); or § 14-905(12)(b)-(f) (permits). (g) A lot on which a non-accessory outdoor advertising sign is erected pursuant to this subsection (16) shall not contain any structures or improvements other than those in place on March 31, 2016, and any improvements necessary for the erection and maintenance of the sign, and subdivision shall not be permitted so long as such sign remains on the lot. Notes 985 | Added, Bill No. 160276 (approved September 6, 2016). "State Road" caption added by Code editor. (17) Magee Avenue. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Title to the contrary, one (1) free-standing, double-faced non- accessory outdoor advertising sign, mounted to a single support structure, shall be permitted within the area generally bounded by Magee Avenue (extended), the Delaware River, Unruh Avenue, and New State Road, provided all of the following are satisfied: (a) The lot is zoned I-2 industrial, and abuts New State Road. (b) The area of each sign face is no more than 1,200 sq. ft. (c) The height of the sign from grade to the top of the sign does not exceed 86 ft. (d) External illumination shall be permitted. (e) Only static sign faces shall be permitted. (f) The sign shall be in compliance with the provisions of this Chapter 14-900, except that it need not be in compliance with § 14-905(3) (300 ft. of any residentially zoned property); § 14-905(4)(a) (area regulations); § 14-905(5)(a), (b), (c) (height regulations); § 14-905(10)(m), (n) (distance from park or recreational facility); § 14-905(10)(o) (within 660 ft. of any school); and § 14-905(12)(b)-(f) (permits). Notes 986 | Added, Bill No. 160272 (approved August 4, 2016). "Magee Avenue" caption added by Code editor.

Philadelphia Code § 14-906 Market Street East Sign Regulations.

§ 14-906. Market Street East Sign Regulations. Notes 987 | Repealed and replaced, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013); amended, Bill No. 240972 (approved December 23, 2024). Bill No. 240972 was subsequently repealed by Bill No. 250242 (approved May 14, 2025). (1) District Boundaries. The Market Street East Advertising District contains the area bounded by 13th Street, Filbert Street, 7th Street, Ranstead Street, 9th Street, Ludlow Street (extended), 10th Street, Ludlow Street, Girard Street, and Ludlow Street (extended), as shown in the following map for illustrative purposes only. [image omitted; see the official code] {For printable PDF version of image, click HERE} (2) Applicability. The provisions of this § 14-906 (Market Street East Sign Regulations 988 ) apply to accessory and non- accessory signs not otherwise permitted by this Zoning Code and located in the Market Street East Advertising District, subject to all of the following: 989 (a) The owner of the property, or a tenant with the owner's authorization, has committed to use the gross proceeds, in whole or in part, from the erection or maintenance of such sign, including but not limited to any lease payments owing to the property owner, to offset the costs of public improvements, so long as the Commission has determined that the public improvements satisfy the criteria of § 14-906(4) (Criteria for Public Improvements). (b) The sign shall be located on a property either with 100 ft. or more of frontage on Market Street, or belonging to a contiguous set of buildings under common ownership or management with a collective frontage on Market Street of 100 ft. or more. For the purposes of this subsection (b), two buildings are contiguous to one another if there are no other lots between them, even if there is a street between them. (c) The sign shall be located no more than 100 ft. north or south of the lot line on Market Street, but may be located more than 100 ft. north of the lot line on Market Street if located on the north-facing facade of a bridge structure over 9th Street or 10th Street between Market Street and Filbert Street. 990 (d) Signs on or abutting a parking garage or surface parking lot with frontage on Market Street are exempt from this § 14-906 (Market Street East Sign Regulations 991 ). Notes 988 | Revised by Code editor to conform to section's caption. 989 | Amended, Bill No. 150379 (approved June 18, 2015). 990 | Amended, Bill No. 180979 (approved January 3, 2019). 991 | Revised by Code editor to conform to section's caption. (3) Sign Regulations. The following regulations shall apply to signs that are subject to this § 14-906 (Market Street East Sign Regulations 992 ), provided that the conditions of § 14-906(4) (Criteria for Public Improvements) and § 14-906(5) (Limitations), below, are satisfied. In the event of a conflict between any provision of this § 14-906 and any other provision of this Zoning Code, the provision of this § 14-906 shall control. (a) The following types of accessory and non-accessory signs shall be permitted: 993 (.1) Wall signs; (.2) Projecting signs, provided that the maximum projection onto a public right of way shall not exceed three ft. for the first 15 ft. of building height or five ft. for building heights in excess of 15 ft., and neither the bottom nor top edge of any projecting sign shall create an acute angle with the vertical wall from which it projects greater than 60 degrees; nor shall any such edge be perpendicular to such wall; and provided further that no antenna may be attached to a projecting sign. (.3) Accessory freestanding signs, subject to the requirements set forth in Table 14-904-1 as applicable to the underlying zoning district; (.4) Building identification signs, subject to the requirements set forth in § 14-904(3), as applicable; (.5) Real estate signs; (.6) Roof signs, if located on a building on which a roof sign was situated at any time prior to January 1, 1950; and (.7) Signs with animated illumination, mechanical motion, or digital displays, provided that: (.a) The applicant submits documentation prepared by a licensed professional traffic engineer demonstrating to the satisfaction of the Commission that the sign will not create a material distraction to drivers of motor vehicles or otherwise present a safety hazard or substantially interfere with the peaceful enjoyment of the neighborhood; and (.b) The following shall apply to accessory and non-accessory signs. (i) § 14-905(7) (Illuminated, Flashing, and Revolving Signs). (ii) For digital displays, during daylight hours luminance shall be no greater than 2,500 nits. At all other times, luminance shall be no greater than 250 nits. Automatic dimming is required to maintain the appropriate illumination levels at all times. (b) Signs shall not exceed 1,600 sq. ft. per sign face. The total aggregate sign area on any property, excluding any accessory sign area that would be permitted under Table 14-904-1 or § 14-502(7)(m) (Market Street East Retail Area), shall not exceed 24 times the property's linear footage along Market Street. 994 (c) The top edge of any sign shall not be located more than 90 ft. above street level; provided further that, on any building on which was situated a sign the top edge of which was located more than 90 ft. above street level at any time prior to January 1, 1950, a sign of no greater size and no greater height shall be permitted. (d) L&I shall not issue a zoning permit for the sign until the Commission has reviewed plans of the sign and determined that the design of the sign structure does not detract from the building's key architectural or character-defining features. (e) Non-accessory signs are exempt from the: (.1) Spacing requirements of § 14-905(2) (Spacing Requirements) and the distance from residential zoning district standards of § 14-905(3) (Distances from Residential District Property). (.2) Sign face regulations of § 14-905(6) (Sign Face Regulations). (.3) Prohibited area provisions of § 14-905(10) (Prohibited Areas). (.4) Permit procedures of § 14-905(12)(b) through § 14-905(12)(e). (.5) Height regulations of § 14-905(5). 995 Notes 992 | Revised by Code editor to conform to section's caption. 993 | Amended by deleting former subsection (.6) and renumbering subsequent subsections, Bill No. 150264 (approved June 16, 2015). 994 | Amended, Bill No. 150379 (approved June 18, 2015). 995 | Added, Bill No. 150264 (approved June 16, 2015). (4) Criteria for Public Improvements. The Commission shall approve a public improvement only if it determines that all of the following criteria have been satisfied: (a) The public improvement shall be located in the District and must materially improve the facade (including, but not limited to, facade lighting) or publicly accessible exterior of the property, or, if no such material improvements are needed, in the exclusive judgment of the Commission, the public improvement may improve either publicly accessible interior areas of the property or publicly accessible exterior of another property in the District, with permission of the other property's owner. Improvements to the publicly accessible exterior of a property may include improvements or connections to a public transit facility. (.1) With regards to improvements relating to public transit, the applicant shall submit a letter from the public transit agency confirming that the agency (a) is aware of the proposed transit improvements; (b) approves the portion of the project that will be constructed on its property; and (c) verifies that the improvements are engineered and will be completed to accommodate peak hour travel in all directions. (b) The public improvement requires a minimum investment of ten million dollars ($10,000,000), exclusive of any facade work directly associated with construction and operation of the sign. (c) The public improvement has been completed prior to the application for a zoning permit, or will be completed pursuant to an approved investment schedule prepared in accordance with subsections (.1) through (.3), below. Upon completion of the public improvement, the applicant shall submit to the Commission a Final Certificate of Payment that it is confirmed by a licensed architect indicating that the applicant has completed the minimum required investment. (.1) The applicant shall submit to the Commission a scope of work; construction documents and plans prepared by a licensed architect; and documentation of the total costs and investment schedule as prepared by a cost estimator certified by the American Society of Professional Estimators, the Society of Cost Estimating and Analysis, or AACE International. (.2) The investment schedule shall indicate that a minimum of six million dollars ($6,000,000) will be invested within eighteen months of issuance of the sign permit; and the total ten million dollar ($10,000,000) required investment shall be made within two years and six months of issuance of the sign permit. An applicant may request an extension of that time for a maximum of an additional twelve months, for good cause shown. The applicant shall submit a Certificate of Payment that is confirmed by a licensed architect annually to the Commission to demonstrate compliance with the investment schedule. 996 (.3) The applicant shall post a bond or letter of credit in an amount equal to ten million dollars ($10,000,000) in a form and with financial entities acceptable to the City. The City shall maintain an irrevocable right to draw on the bond or letter of credit if the owner fails to meet the approved investment schedule. Notes 996 | Amended, Bill No. 150264 (approved June 16, 2015). (5) Limitations. (a) For any individual property: (.1) The sign shall not be erected until the applicant has received the necessary permits and approvals for the public improvement required by subsection (2)(a), above. (.2) Reserved. 997 (.3) The provisions of subsection (3), above, shall apply only for such periods of time when sixty percent (60%) or more of the property is either occupied or, in the judgment of the Commission, is being actively marketed, provided that no space shall be considered actively marketed if vacant for more than three years. (.4) The provisions of subsection (3), above, shall not apply if the property owner is delinquent for more than six months on any taxes relating to the subject property owing to the City or the School District, or has any outstanding Code violations relating to the subject property that remain uncured more than six months after notice. A property owner shall not be considered delinquent, and a violation shall not be considered uncured, when there is pending a bona fide legal dispute concerning the tax liability or violation. (.5) Upon failure to comply with the provisions of subsections (.3), or (.4) above, the owner of the property shall remove any sign authorized by this § 14-906 (Market Street East Sign Regulations 998 ), or, if the owner fails to do so, the Department may remove such sign and shall place a lien on the property for the costs of removal. 999 (b) Reserved. 1000 (c) The individual provisions of this § 14-906 (Market Street East Sign Regulations 1001 ) are not severable from the remainder of the provisions of this Code relating to the Market Street East Advertising District. Should a court of competent jurisdiction issue an order declaring any provision of this § 14-906 invalid or unenforceable, it is the intent of Council that all provisions of this Zoning Code relating to the Market Street East Advertising District would not have been adopted without such invalid or unenforceable provision and said provisions shall be null and void. (d) Nothing in this § 14-906 (Market Street East Sign Regulations 1002 ) shall permit the erection or maintenance of a sign on any lot on which sits a building designated historic under Chapter 14-1000 (Historic Preservation) unless, in addition to any requirements imposed by Chapter 14-1000 (Historic Preservation), the Historical Commission determines that the sign is consistent with historic precedent with respect to such building and the sign does not materially obscure the view of the building's key architectural, historic or character-defining features. (e) Other than a sign permitted by any provision of this Code other than this § 14-906 (Market Street East Sign Regulations 1003 ), no person shall place or maintain, or allow to be placed or maintained, within 1,000 ft. of any school, public playground, recreation center, child-care center or library, any sign advertising any tobacco product. (f) Nothing in this § 14-906 (Market Street East Sign Regulations 1004 ) is intended to supersede any requirement of The Philadelphia Code not in conflict with the provisions of this § 14-906 (Market Street East Sign Regulations 1005 ), including but not limited to the requirements of Chapter 14-1000 (Historic Preservation). Notes 997 | Deleted, Bill No. 150379 (approved June 18, 2015). 998 | Revised by Code editor to conform to section's caption. 999 | Amended, Bill No. 150379 (approved June 18, 2015). 1000 | Added, Bill No. 150379 (approved June 18, 2015). 1001 | Revised by Code editor to conform to section's caption. 1002 | Revised by Code editor to conform to section's caption. 1003 | Revised by Code editor to conform to section's caption. 1004 | Revised by Code editor to conform to section's caption. 1005 | Revised by Code editor to conform to section's caption. (6) Accessory Digital News Ticker Signs. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Zoning Code, Digital News Ticker Signs shall be permitted in the Market Street East Advertising District subject to the following conditions: (.1) The sign shall be accessory to a permitted business use primarily involving the collection, production, or dissemination of news and information via various print and electronic media; (.2) The sign band shall not exceed 5 ft. in height; (.3) The top edge of the sign shall not be located more than 50 ft. above street level; and (.4) The sign shall be permitted on any public street frontage of the property, provided it does not exceed in length the property's linear footage along any public street. (b) An accessory Digital News Ticker Sign, as permitted in this section, shall be permitted in addition to any other signs permitted for the property under Chapter 14-900 of this Zoning Code and shall not count against the maximum square footage of any signs otherwise permitted under Chapter 14-900. Notes 1006 | Added, Bill No. 130856 (approved December 18, 2013). (7) Sunset Provision. The provisions of this § 14-906 (Market Street East Sign Regulations) 1008 shall expire July 19, 2031. Lawfully permitted signs in existence on July 19, 2031, to the extent not authorized by any provision of this Zoning Code other than this § 14-906, shall be deemed nonconforming and may be maintained as nonconforming signs pursuant to § 14-305 (Nonconformities). Notes 1007 | Added, Bill No. 150379 (approved June 18, 2015). 1008 | Revised by Code editor to conform to section's caption.

Philadelphia Code § 14-907 1900 Market Street Digital Display Sign Regulations.

§ 14-907. 1900 Market Street Digital Display Sign Regulations. Notes 1009 | Added, Bill No. 170282-A (approved June 6, 2017); repealed, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021); added, Bill No. 210470 (approved July 15, 2021). (1) Applicability. The provisions of this § 14-907 (1900 Market Street Digital Display Sign Regulations) apply to the west side of 19th Street from a point 65 feet south the south side of Market Street to Market Street, the south side of Market Street between 19th Street and 20th Street, and the east side of 20th Street from Market Street to a point 65 feet south of the south side Market Street, as shown in the following map for illustrative purposes. [image omitted; see the official code] {For printable PDF version of image, click HERE} (2) Exempt Provisions. Digital display accessory signs that comply with the provisions of subsection (3) below shall be permitted and shall not be required to comply with the following provisions of this Zoning Code: (a) Any sign controls set forth in Chapter 14-400 (applicable to base zoning districts) or Chapter 14-500 (applicable to overlay zoning districts). (b) § 14-904 (Accessory Sign Controls). (3) Sign Regulations. The exemptions set forth at subsection (2), above, shall apply to digital display accessory wall signs that comply with the following: (a) The top edge of the sign shall be no higher than 50 ft. above street level. (b) Vertical dimension of any digital display accessory sign shall not exceed 3.5 ft. of active display area. (c) Total digital display accessory sign area on each applicable street frontage shall not exceed 3.5 sq. ft. for each 1 lineal foot of lot line street frontage. (d) Hours of display are limited to 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. during Eastern Standard Time, and 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. during Eastern Daylight Time. (e) Primary illumination of the digital display accessory signs shall be internal and shall use ambient light sensors to automatically reduce the intensity of the illumination during periods of darkness. (f) The intensity of the luminance of a digital display accessory sign shall not exceed a maximum of 7,500 nits and shall not exceed 0.3 foot candles of light above the ambient light levels. (g) Digital display accessory signs shall be made available to display public service announcements, upon request of the City Representative, or National Amber Alert System displays and messages as the National Amber Alert System provides such alerts that are applicable to the locations of each digital display accessory sign. (h) The applicant shall submit documentation prepared by a licensed professional traffic engineer demonstrating to the satisfaction of the Streets Department that the digital display accessory sign will not create a material distraction to drivers of motor vehicles or otherwise present a safety hazard or substantially interfere with the peaceful enjoyment of the neighborhood.

Philadelphia Code § 14-908 Maintenance and Nuisance Abatement.

§ 14-908. Maintenance and Nuisance Abatement. This § 14-908 shall apply to accessory signs. (1) All signs for which a permit is required or that are regulated by this Zoning Code, together with all their supports, braces, guys, and anchors, shall be maintained in good condition and in a safe manner and, when constructed of materials which require protection from the elements, shall be protected from the elements to prevent corrosion. (2) A non-conforming sign shall be maintained in good condition, but it shall not be structurally altered so as to enlarge or extend the area or height of the sign or to convert it from a non-digital to a digital sign. However, a non-conforming sign shall not be reconstructed if for any reason it becomes necessary to replace the sign foundation. (3) Nothing in this section is intended to prohibit L&I from removing at any time, without compensation, a sign that has been determined to be a public nuisance or unlawfully in existence under any other provision of The Philadelphia Code. Notes 1010 | Added, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013); renumbered, Bill No. 170282-A (approved June 6, 2017). Enrolled bill failed to renumber section number in the introductory paragraph; renumbered by Code editor.

Source: City of Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Code and Home Rule Charter (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/philadelphia/latest/philadelphia_pa/0-0-0-294053Fetched: 10/27/2026