
Sign Resource Center
A guide to signage for Philadelphia business owners
Created by SCRUB
Find Your Zoning Codes
To find the Zoning classification for your address, visit the City of Philadelphia's online zoning map.
It is important to know the terms used by the zoning code to refer to different types of signs. An illustrated list of the different type of signs described can be found under Sign Definitions.
After you know your zoning
classification, you can view the rules for your property in the
Philadelphia Zoning Codes.
The regulations for
signage are towards the end of each zoning code section.
Alternatively you can view a simple table
that has sign restrictions for the most common commerical districts in the city.
Sign Overlay Zones There are special areas,
usually in historic and culturally significant areas of the
city, but also in some commercial corridors, where special
“Overlay Zones” are applied. If your business is in an
overlay zone, you must comply with the regulations of your
Zoning Classification (C-1, C-2, etc. as determined in step #1)
AND the regulations described in the overlay zone.
The more restrictive rules will apply. Descriptions for special
overlays of commercial corridors can be found
here, in the Philadelphia Zoning Codes. The SRC has created a map to
assist you in determining if you are in a special zone and what
rules apply to you. Click on a zone, colored red, to find out
the restrictions and boundaries for that area. Access this map here.