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​Local Governments and Outdoor Advertising

The municipal government has a significant role in the outdoor advertising control within its community. A sign will not be permitted by PennDOT if it does not receive local approval first. After verifying local approval, the Department then checks whether all the information in an application complies with the Outdoor Advertising Control Act of 1971 before issuing a permit.

The local municipality is often a prospective sign owner's first step in the placement process when applying for building and zoning permits. This first contact is an opportunity to highlight the owner's responsibilities under State law and regulations, such as the need for a PennDOT permit for off-premise devices along controlled State highways, the prohibition against flashing lights and full-motion video displays, the prohibition against sign placement in the State right-of-way, and the availability of PennDOT resources and contacts to assist with the sign permitting process.

Of particular relevance to municipalities are the requirements for Gateway Signs and temporary event signs. See the Outdoor Advertising Control Outreach Guide in the useful links section of this page and the additional resources provided below for more information. 

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Resources

The following documents are reference resources available for public use regarding outdoor advertising:

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