Lit channel letters
Built in Washington and California
In Philadelphia a lit sign needs three approvals: zoning, a building permit with a licensed contractor doing the work, and an electrical permit.
Starting at $9.68 per inch
State guide
Channel Letters and Storefront Signs Shipped to Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania businesses can price custom LED channel letters online, have them built in Washington and California, and receive them ready for a qualified local installer. Window graphics and banners are printed in Renton, WA and ship with them or on their own.
- State electrical licenseNone; set by each municipality
- Building codeUniform Construction Code, mostly enforced locally
- Philadelphia licenseL&I Electrical Contractor license
- Philadelphia signZoning approval + building permit (+ electrical permit if lit)
Last reviewed against the official sources linked on this page.
What we ship
Channel Letters, Banners and Graphics Shipped to Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is unusual: it has no statewide electrician or electrical contractor license. Licensing, where it exists, is set by the municipality where the work is done, and more than 90% of the state’s 2,562 municipalities enforce the Uniform Construction Code locally. So your local code office decides who may connect a lit sign.
In Philadelphia, a sign needs zoning approval and a building permit from the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I), the work must be done by a licensed contractor, and a lit sign also needs an electrical permit.
Banners and banner stands
Made in Renton, WA
Banner rules sit in each municipality’s zoning ordinance, so a township and the borough next door can differ; ask your local zoning officer before an opening.
Starting at $1.58 per ft2
Window graphics and vinyl
Made in Renton, WA
Philadelphia exempts window graphics from a zoning permit in up to two windows or doors, as long as each covers no more than 20 percent of the glass.
Starting at $1.98 per ft2
Flags and A-frames
Made in Renton, WA
Starting at $16 per item
Trade show displays
Made in Renton, WA
Starting at $269.50 per item
Popular choices
Popular Signs for Pennsylvania Storefronts
Lit letters for main streets and shopping centers, plus window graphics for city blocks.
Type 1 – Standard Channel Letter Front Lit
Lit letters for shopping centers and highway frontage.
Starting at $9.68 per inch
Type 2 – Standard Channel Letter – Back Lit
A soft glow on brick and stone storefronts.
Starting at $12.17 per inch
AV 6 – Adhesive Window Perf
Window graphics for Philadelphia and Pittsburgh storefronts.
Starting at $1.98 per ft2
Who can install it
Who Can Connect a Lit Sign in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania doesn’t license electricians at the state level. The Department of Labor & Industry says local licensing, where it exists, is set by the municipality, that the state has no authority over it and keeps no list of which towns require it. Some license electrical contractors, some only require a permit for each job, and some have no requirement. Over 90% of municipalities also run the Uniform Construction Code themselves, using their own staff or certified third-party agencies, so call your local code office first.
Philadelphia requires an Electrical Contractor license from L&I. Applicants need at least four years of employment doing electrical work for a licensed company, general liability insurance of at least $500,000 per occurrence plus automobile and workers’ compensation coverage, and a passing score on the Philadelphia Electrical Contractor Examination.
| State license | None statewide |
|---|---|
| Local rules | Set by your municipality or its code agency |
| Philadelphia | L&I Electrical Contractor license |
| Philadelphia insurance | $500,000 general liability per occurrence, plus auto and workers’ comp |
Official sources
- Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: Uniform Construction Code
- Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: Contractor licensing
- City of Philadelphia: Get an electrical contractor license
Rules change. Always confirm with the office that issues your permit before you order.
Permits
Sign Permits in Pennsylvania
Outside Philadelphia, your township, borough or city sets the sign rules in its zoning ordinance and issues the permits.
Philadelphia needs two approvals from L&I. Zoning approval covers the number, type, size, location, height and lighting of signs; some signs are exempt, such as window signs in up to two windows or doors, and applications that meet the EZ standard are processed within 5 business days. A building permit is then needed: the property owner or an authorized agent may apply, but a licensed contractor with an active license, current City taxes and insurance on file with L&I must do the work. Applications are filed online through eCLIPSE, and applications with plans are reviewed within 20 business days, or 5 with accelerated review for an extra fee. A lit sign also needs an electrical permit.
| Sign permit | Your municipality |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia zoning | Zoning approval; EZ applications in 5 business days |
| Philadelphia building permit | Filed in eCLIPSE; licensed contractor does the work |
| Philadelphia electrical | Electrical permit for illuminated signs |
New to sign permits? Read how sign permits work and what your electrician needs.
Official sources
- City of Philadelphia: Get a zoning permit for signs
- City of Philadelphia: Get a building permit to install signs
- City of Philadelphia: Get an electrical permit
Rules change. Always confirm with the office that issues your permit before you order.
Windows
Window Graphics Rules in Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s zoning code exempts window signs from a zoning permit when they’re in no more than two windows or doors and each takes up no more than 20 percent of that window’s transparent glass. Signs mounted inside more than 18 inches back from the window, and not meant to be seen from outside, are exempt too. Anything larger, or in more windows, goes through the regular sign zoning permit, which an EZ application can clear in 5 business days.
Weather
Planning for Pennsylvania Weather
Pennsylvania winters bring snow, ice and freeze-thaw cycles, and summers are humid. Ask your installer to seal wall penetrations so water can’t freeze behind the letters, especially on older masonry storefronts.
How it works
How Ordering Works From Pennsylvania
-
Price it online
Use the channel letter builder or send your logo.
-
Approve your proof
Check it with your landlord and installer.
-
We build and test it
Letters in WA or CA; the rest in Renton, WA.
-
It ships to you
Standard shipping takes 3–6 business days in transit; 3-day, 2-day and overnight shipping are available at checkout. Shipping options.
-
Your installer mounts it
With our wiring diagram and install pattern (overview). Permit checklist.
-
Five-year warranty
On every channel letter style (details).
We build and ship; a local pro installs. A licensed sign installer or electrician in Pennsylvania mounts and connects your sign. We don’t have an office or installation crew in Pennsylvania, and orders can’t be picked up.
Questions
Pennsylvania Storefront Sign FAQ
Is there a channel letter company near me in Pennsylvania?
We ship custom channel letters anywhere in Pennsylvania, built in Washington and California and tested before they ship. We don’t install, so you’ll hire a local electrician or sign contractor who meets your municipality’s rules.
Does Pennsylvania require a state electrician license?
No. Pennsylvania has no statewide electrical license; each municipality sets its own rules. Philadelphia, for example, requires an L&I Electrical Contractor license.
Who can install a sign in Philadelphia?
A licensed contractor with insurance on file with L&I. The owner or an agent can apply for the building permit, and a lit sign also needs an electrical permit.
Can I put graphics in my Philadelphia shop window without a permit?
Usually, if they stay small. Philadelphia exempts window signs from zoning permits in up to two windows or doors when each covers no more than 20 percent of the glass. Larger or more numerous window graphics need the sign zoning permit; EZ applications are processed in 5 business days.
How long does shipping to Pennsylvania take?
Standard shipping takes 3–6 business days in transit, with 3-day, 2-day and overnight options. Checkout shows the estimated date for each, including production.
Keep reading
Guides and Products
Neighboring state guides
Planning a Sign in Pennsylvania?
Send a storefront photo, your logo and the size and lighting limits confirmed by your landlord or installer. We can suggest options and give you a price before you order.
- Mon–Fri, 8:00am–5:00pm PST
- Channel letters made in Washington & California · shipped to all 50 states