Signs

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Borough’s sign regulations are provided in Chapter XV: Signs of the Borough Code.  Please note that the ordinance includes an attachment that provides specific requirements based on the zoning district.

If you are unsure what zoning district the property is located in, enter the address into the search bar of the Interactive Zoning Map.

SIGN PERMITTING

All signs require a permit unless they are listed in § 15-105: Signs Exempt from Permit Requirements of the sign ordinance.

The submission requirements for all signs regulated by the Sign Ordinance are located in § 15-117: Permits for Signs and include:

1. A completed sign permit application.
2. Plans, drawings, or photographs showing the design, dimensions, and location(s) of the sign(s) on the property.
3. Sign permit fee, as established in the annual Fee Schedule.  The applicant will be notified of the fee upon initial review of the application.  The fee is due at the time of permit issuance.

Completed applications can be emailed to Adrienne Ott at aott@statecollegepa.us or mailed/dropped off at the municipal building.

ADDITIONAL PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS

The following types of signs require additional permitting to ensure building code compliance:

• Internally-illuminated signs
• Awnings
• Canopies
• Marquees

 1    Installation of new fabric or other material that covers the existing structure only requires a sign permit.  Additional permitting is only required when installing a new awning or replacing an existing awning structure.

IMPORTANT:

All applications requiring a Zoning/Building Permit must be submitted to the State College Borough Planning Department prior to submitting to Centre Region Code.  The Code office will not review building permits for signs, awnings, canopies, or marquees without first receiving municipal Zoning Officer approval.

Please also ensure that after you have received an approved Zoning/Building Permit from the Borough, you follow the Centre Region Code submission procedures.  Failure to do so may result in additional delays.

REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS

All sign permit applications are reviewed by the Borough Planning Department and the Centre Region Code office when applicable.  While we strive to review applications promptly, incomplete or deficient submissions will cause delays.  Please contact the Planning Department at any time if you have questions about your proposal.

In addition, the following sign applications require review by the Design Review Board:

• Off-Premises Signs
• Addition, relocation, or modification of any sign in a “Planned” zoning district

The Board typically meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month.  Applications must be submitted to the Planning Department a minimum of 14 days prior to the next meeting date to allow time for staff review and agenda preparation.  The applicant or sign contractor must attend the meeting (in-person or virtually) to present the design and answer questions.  The Board will provide advisory design comments for the applicant’s consideration.