Reading Digital Sign Bylaws & Brightness Rules

Signs and Advertising Pennsylvania 3 Minutes Read · published March 01, 2026 Flag of Pennsylvania

Reading, Pennsylvania businesses and property owners must follow local rules for digital signs that control brightness, messaging, and placement. This guide summarizes the City of Reading's sign provisions, how they are enforced, what to check before installing or changing a digital display, and practical steps to apply for permits, appeal orders, or report violations. Where the municipal code or official pages do not publish specific fees or numeric limits, the guide notes that the figure is not specified on the cited page and directs you to the enforcing offices listed in Help and Support.

Scope & Key Requirements

The City of Reading regulates signs through its municipal code; the code defines sign categories, permitted zones, and general restrictions for illumination and content. For the controlling text see the city's official code of ordinances. Read the code[1]

Check zoning and frontage rules before buying a digital display.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of sign rules in Reading is handled by the city enforcement or planning offices as identified in the municipal code and city permit pages. Specific monetary fines, escalation amounts for repeat or continuing offences, and precise time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited municipal code page; see the Resources section for the office contact to confirm current penalty amounts and time limits.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; contact city enforcement for current schedules.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal or alteration orders, stop-work or compliance notices, and possible court enforcement actions may be used per the code.
  • Enforcer and complaints: the city's Code Enforcement or Planning divisions investigate complaints; use the official permit/contact pages in Resources to file a complaint.
  • Appeals and review: the municipal code references administrative appeals procedures; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences/discretion: permitted variances, lawful permits, or approved temporary exemptions are typical defences; code grants administrative discretion for some reliefs where stated.
If you receive a notice, act promptly and contact the listed city office to learn appeal deadlines.

Applications & Forms

The municipal code describes permit requirements for signs but does not publish a specific sign-permit form on the cited code page. The official city permit or planning pages list application forms and submission instructions; if no form appears there, contact the permitting office directly to request the application and fee schedule.

  • Name/Number: sign permit application (name and form number not specified on the cited page).
  • Fee: not specified on the cited municipal code page; check the city's permit fee schedule.
  • Submission: typically to the City's Planning or Building Department; method not specified on the cited page.

Common Violations

  • Unauthorized animated or rapidly changing content in zones that permit static signage.
  • Excessive brightness causing glare or safety risks to drivers or neighbors.
  • Sign installed without required permit or outside approved dimensions.

Action Steps

  • Before ordering equipment, confirm zoning and permitted sign types with Planning.
  • Apply for a sign permit using the city form or by contacting the building/permit office.
  • Document the installed brightness and content settings and retain supplier specifications.
  • If you receive an enforcement notice, file an appeal within the time stated on the notice or request administrative review.

FAQ

How bright can a digital sign be in Reading?
The municipal code sets illumination rules in context but the cited city code page does not list numeric brightness (nits) limits; the exact numeric limit is not specified on the cited page. Contact the city planning or code office for numeric standards.[1]
Do I need a permit to install a digital sign?
Yes, the code requires permits for most permanent signs; the sign permit form itself is not published on the cited code page—check the city's permit pages for the form and fee details.
How do I report a suspected violation?
Use the city's Code Enforcement or Planning contact channels listed in the Resources section to submit a complaint and any photographic evidence.

How-To

  1. Confirm your property's zoning and permitted sign types with the City of Reading planning information.
  2. Review the municipal sign rules in the official code to identify any restrictions that apply to digital displays.[1]
  3. Obtain and complete the city's sign permit application, include supplier specifications and proposed brightness settings.
  4. Submit the permit application to the Building or Planning office and pay any required fees.
  5. After approval, install the sign per permit conditions and retain documentation in case of inspection.

Key Takeaways

  • Always confirm zoning and permit needs before purchasing a digital sign.
  • Numeric brightness and fee details may not be published in the code page; verify with city offices.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Reading Code of Ordinances - Sign regulations and definitions

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