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Township of Spring, PA
Centre County
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
[Ord. 2009-03, 4/6/2009; as amended by Ord. 01-17, 8/7/2017]
This Part shall be referred to as the "Sign Ordinance."
[Ord. 2009-03, 4/6/2009; as amended by Ord. 01-17, 8/7/2017]
1.ย 
The Township recognizes that signs perform an important function in identifying properties, businesses, services, residences, events and other matters of public interest. It is the intent of this Part to:
A.ย 
Set standards and provide controls that permit reasonable use of signs and enhance the character of the Township.
B.ย 
Avoid excessive competition for large or multiple signs, so that permitted signs provide identification and direction while minimizing clutter, unsightliness, confusion and hazardous distractions to motorists.
[Ord. 2009-03, 4/6/2009; as amended by Ord. 01-17, 8/7/2017]
From the effective date of this Part, any sign erected shall conform to the provisions of this Part and any other ordinance or regulations of the Township of Spring that relate to it.
[Ord. 2009-03, 4/6/2009; as amended by Ord. 01-17, 8/7/2017]
Words and phrases used in this Part shall have the meanings defined in this section. Words and phrases not defined in this section but defined elsewhere in this Part shall be given the meanings set forth in that section.
ABANDONED SIGN
A sign which no longer identifies or advertises an existing business, leased service, owner, product or activity, and/or for which no legal owner can be found. Prohibited.
DOUBLE-FACED SIGN
A sign with two identical faces of equal sign area which are back to back.
ERECT
To build, construct, attach, hang, place or suspend, which shall also include the painting of wall signs or other graphics.
FACADE
The exterior surface of a building up to the eave line.
LEGALLY NONCONFORMING SIGN
Any existing sign:
A.ย 
Located on a premises in the Township with a permitted use.
B.ย 
Legally erected prior to the adoption of this Part.
C.ย 
Which does not meet the provisions of the current ordinance.
PREMISES
A parcel of real property with a separate and distinct identifying number shown on a recorded plat, record of survey, parcel map, subdivision map, or a parcel legally created or established in accordance with zoning.
SHOPPING CENTER
One store containing more than 20,000 square feet of gross floor area, or two or more stores which are designed to function as a unit, with shared vehicular access, off-street parking and signage and with entrances to the store(s) generally accessed from the outside.
SIGN
A name, identification, image, description, display or illustration that:
A.ย 
Is affixed to, painted or represented directly or indirectly upon a building, structure or piece of land.
B.ย 
Directs attention to an object, product, place, activity, facility, service, event, attraction, person, institution, organization or business.
C.ย 
Is visible from any street, right-of-way, sidewalk, alley, park or other public property.
SIGN AREA
The area of all lettering, wording and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background on which they are displayed. "Sign area" excludes any supporting framework and bracing, provided that it does not contain any lettering, wording, designs or symbols. For the purpose of this Part, "sign area" shall be computed as a square or rectangle drawn at the outer limits of the sign face. In the case of cylindrical signs, signs in the shape of cubes or other signs which are essentially three-dimensional with respect to their display surfaces, the entire display surface or surfaces are included in the computation of area.
A.ย 
Where the sign consists of a double face, both sides shall be considered for the purpose of calculating total sign area.
B.ย 
Any spacing between signs designating different or separate occupants or uses of a building shall not be counted as sign area.
SIGN FACE
The part of a sign that is or can be used to identify, advertise and communicate information for visual representation, which attracts the attention of the public for any purpose. This definition shall include any background material, panel, trim and color used that differentiates the sign from the building or structure on which it is placed. The sign structure shall not be included, provided that no message, display or symbol is designed and included as part of the structure.
SIGN HEIGHT
The distance from the highest portion of the sign, including all structural elements, to mean grade.
SIGN STRUCTURE
A supporting structure erected and used for the purpose of physically supporting a sign, situated on any premises where a sign may be located. This definition shall not include a building, fence, wall or earthen berm.
TEMPORARY SIGN
A sign which advertises community or civic projects, construction projects, real estate for sale or lease, or other special events on a temporary basis.
TYPES OF SIGNS
Signs are defined by form and by type. Form refers to the physical sign itself.
A.ย 
Sign Type.
ADDRESS SIGNA sign or individual lettering/numbering that designates the street number and/or street name for identification purposes, as designated by the United States Postal Service.
BUILDING IDENTIFICATION SIGNA sign which identifies the name or numerical letter designation of a building; may be used for multifamily residential structures and mixed-use residential/nonresidential structures; and is located within the interior of a lot and not visible from the street or adjoining properties.
DIRECTORY SIGNA sign which identifies multiple uses in a planned development on a single sign; may be used for shopping centers, shopping streets or business campuses and similar large complexes which have a variety of tenants and/or uses.
DIRECTIONAL SIGNAn on-premises sign designed to guide vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic by using such words as "Entrance," "Exit," "Parking," "One-Way," or similar direction or instruction, but not including any advertising message. Nonilluminated only.
GENERAL COMMERCIAL SIGNA sign that directs attention to a business, to a product sold, manufactured or assembled, or to services or entertainment offered on the premises where the sign is displayed.
GOVERNMENT/REGULATORY SIGNAny sign to control traffic or for identification, including street signs, warning signs, railroad-crossing signs and signs of public service companies indicating danger or construction, which is erected by or at the order of a public officer, employee or agent thereof in the discharge of his official duties.
INCIDENTAL SIGNA sign used in conjunction with equipment or other functional elements of a use or operation. These shall include, but not be limited to, drive-through-window menu boards and signs on automatic teller machines, gas pumps, vending machines, or newspaper delivery boxes.
INSTRUCTIONAL SIGNA sign located within the interior of a lot, generally not visible from the street or adjoining properties, which provides information as to the location, interior operation and/or use of buildings or facilities.
MEMORIAL SIGNA memorial plaque or tablet, to include grave markers or other remembrances of persons or events, which is not for commercial or advertising purposes.
PERMANENT DEVELOPMENT SIGNA permanent freestanding sign placed at the entrance of a subdivision which states the name of the subdivision.
PUBLIC INTEREST SIGNA sign on private property that displays information pertinent to safety or legal responsibilities of the public, such as warning and "no trespassing" signs.
TEMPORARY SIGN, ON-PREMISESA sign of a temporary nature which is located on the primary residence or property owned by the individual or business erecting said temporary sign, not to be erected greater than 45 days, including (but not limited to, as defined within this Part) political signs, yard sale signs, grand opening signs, temporary development construction signs, personal expression signs, real estate for sale/for rent signs, civic event signs, auction/public sale signs, artisan signs and other signs intended to be used for a period of limited duration.
TEMPORARY SIGN, OFF-PREMISESA sign of a temporary nature which is located at a location other than the primary residence or property owned by the individual or business erecting said temporary sign, not to be erected, greater than 45 days, including (but not limited to) political signs, yard sale signs, grand opening signs, temporary development construction signs, personal expression signs, real estate for sale/for rent signs, civic event signs, artisan signs and other signs intended to be used for a period of limited duration.
TEMPORARY SIGN, LONG-TERM RESIDENTIALA sign of a temporary nature which is located on a residential property, which is erected by the owner or resident of said property, and which is intended to be erected for greater than 45 days, for the purpose of notifying the public that a property is for sale/for rent, including artisan signs regarding contractors currently performing work on site.
TIME/TEMPERATURE SIGNA display containing illuminated numerals flashing alternately to show the time and the temperature; may be a wall sign, projecting sign or freestanding sign.
B.ย 
Sign Form.
ANIMATED SIGNA sign with action or motion, flashing, or color changes requiring electrical energy, but not including wind-activated elements such as flags, banners or specialty items. Prohibited.
AWNING SIGNAny sign painted on or applied to a structure made of cloth, canvas, metal or similar material which is affixed to a building and projects from it.
BANNERA sign consisting of lightweight, flexible material, which is supported by frame, rope, wires or other anchoring devices, which may or may not include copy, logo or graphic symbols. Banner signs are temporary signs only.
BEACON LIGHTAny source of electric light, whether portable or fixed, the primary purpose of which is to cast a concentrated beam of light generally skyward as a means of attracting attention to its location rather than to illuminate any particular sign, structure or other object. Prohibited.
BILLBOARDAn off-premises sign of the freestanding type that directs attention to a business, product or service which is not offered on the premises where the sign is displayed.
CANOPY (FREESTANDING)A rigid multi-sided structure covered with fabric, metal or other material and supported by columns or posts embedded in the ground. May be illuminated by means of internal or external sources.
FREESTANDING SIGNA sign and supporting structure that is secured in the ground and independent of any building, fence or other support. For the purpose of this definition, "freestanding signs" may consist of the following:
(1)
GROUND SIGNA sign designed to be viewed at eye level. The bottom of the sign is no more than three feet from the ground.
(2)
POLE SIGNA sign which is detached from a building and supported by no more than two poles or other structural supports.
FLASHING SIGNA sign whose illumination is not kept constant in intensity at all times when in use and which exhibits changes in light, color, direction or animation. Illuminated signs that indicate the date, time and temperature are not considered flashing signs. Prohibited.
ILLUMINATED SIGNA nonflashing or nontwinkling sign which has letters, figures, designs or outlines illuminated by an internal or external lighting source as a part of the sign.
INTERIOR SIGNAny sign located fully within the interior of any building or stadium that is intended solely for information relating to the operation of such building or stadium.
MARQUEE SIGNAny sign attached to a marquee for the purpose of identifying a movie theater or similar place of entertainment.
NEON SIGNAny sign composed of glass tubing containing a large proportion of neon gas. A neon sign may be a wall sign, a projecting sign, or a window sign.
OFF-PREMISES SIGNAny sign, including billboards, that advertises or otherwise directs attention to an activity not on the same lot where the sign is located.
ON-PREMISES SIGNA sign which advertises or otherwise directs attention to an activity on the same lot where the sign is located.
PENNANTSAny lightweight plastic, fabric or other material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire or string, usually in a series, designed to move in the wind.
PROJECTING SIGNA sign which is attached directly to any building wall and which extends more than 12 inches from the face of the wall. A projecting sign may not extend more than four feet from a wall and must clear the sidewalk by at least 10 feet.
REVOLVING SIGNA sign which revolves in a circular motion rather than remaining stationary on its supporting structure. Prohibited.
ROOF SIGNAny sign erected and constructed wholly on and over the roof of a building, supported by the roof structure and not extending vertically above the highest portion of the roof. Prohibited.
SANDWICH BOARDA movable sign consisting of two faces, connected and hinged at the top.
VEHICULAR SIGNSigns placed on or affixed to the side of vehicles and/or trailers where the sign is incidental to the primary use of the vehicle or trailer. However, this is not in any way intended to permit signs placed on or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers which are parked on a public right-of-way where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property, with the exception of self-propelled, licensed vehicles with no more than two axles where the vehicles are parked in the parking lot for the use which the vehicles serve. A sign affixed to the side of a vehicle may not exceed the limits of the side of the vehicle that it is affixed to.
WALL SIGNAny sign against the wall of a building or displayed on doors or fences that does not protrude more than 12 inches from the wall, window or door. A wall sign may not extend beyond the eave line or parapet of the roofline.
WINDOW SIGNAny sign placed upon the inside of a window. Customary displays of merchandise or objects and material without lettering placed behind a store window are not considered signs or parts of signs.
(1)
PERMANENTAny sign painted or pasted on a window.
(2)
TEMPORARYAny paper or cardboard sign that is taped or pressed against a window; any sign attached to the inside of a window that is suspended from a string, hook or wire.
[Ord. 2009-03, 4/6/2009; as amended by Ord. 01-17, 8/7/2017]
1.ย 
The following restrictions and regulations shall be applicable to all signs unless otherwise specified:
A.ย 
Materials. All signs, excluding awning, banner and window signs, shall be constructed only from wood, metal, stone or other materials as determined by the Township which have the general appearance of structures composed primarily of wood, metal or stone with painted, engraved or raised messages. Sign materials should complement the original construction materials and architectural style of the building facade on which they are to be displayed. If plywood is used, medium-density overlay shall be used as a minimum grade. Bare plywood is prohibited.
B.ย 
Color. In selecting the principal colors for a sign, colors that complement the color of the building should be used.
C.ย 
Illumination. Signs shall be illuminated only in accordance with the following regulations as authorized in an appropriate sign permit:
(1)ย 
Light sources shall be shielded from all adjacent properties and streets and shall not be of such intensity as to cause glare hazardous to pedestrians or motorists.
(2)ย 
With the exception of marquee signs, signs using internal illumination shall be designed so that, when illuminated at night, only the letters and logos of the sign are visible. Individual, solid letters with internal lighting tubes which backlight a wall in a halo effect are permitted.
(3)ย 
Permits for illuminated signs will not be issued without an approved electrical permit. All work shall be completed in full compliance with the electrical code as sent forth in the most recently published NEC Code.
D.ย 
Electrical Connections. The electrical supply to all exterior signs, whether to the sign itself or to lighting fixtures positioned to illuminate the sign, shall be provided by means of concealed electrical cables. Electrical supply to freestanding signs shall be provided by means of underground cables. Applications for electrical permits shall be filed at the time of the sign permit application.
E.ย 
Nuisance. No sign shall create a public nuisance by emitting smoke, sound, vapor, beams or rays, particle emission or odors.
F.ย 
Sign Removal. Any business that has closed shall remove any signs associated with the business within 60 days after it closes. The owner of the premises shall have the responsibility to ensure such signs are removed within the sixty-day period.
G.ย 
No sign or sign structure shall be erected unless it complies with all applicable requirements of the Spring Township Code.
H.ย 
All signs and sign structures shall be kept in good repair and in a presentable condition, so that all sign information is clearly legible. Any sign found by the Zoning Officer to show deterioration, including rust, faded colors, discoloration, holes and missing parts or informational items, shall constitute a violation of this Part.
I.ย 
No sign or structure shall be placed in the public right-of-way.
[Ord. 2009-03, 4/6/2009; as amended by Ord. 01-17, 8/7/2017]
1.ย 
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect any sign in the Township unless it is specifically permitted in this Part. Unlawful signs include, but are not limited to:
A.ย 
Any sign which, by color, shape or location, conflicts with or resembles a traffic signal device.
B.ย 
Signs attached to rocks, utility poles, parking meters, traffic signposts, traffic signals or control devices, street signs or historical markers.
C.ย 
Signs attached to trees, shrubs or any living vegetative matter.
D.ย 
Signs erected without the permission of the property owner or authorized agent.
E.ย 
Signs that create a hazard by obstructing the clear view of vehicles and pedestrian traffic.
F.ย 
Animated signs, except time-and-temperature signs.
G.ย 
Any sign that obstructs free ingress to or egress from a required door, window, fire escape or other required exit.
H.ย 
Vehicular signs.
I.ย 
Abandoned signs.
J.ย 
Signs that exhibit statements, words or pictures of obscene or pornographic subjects.
K.ย 
Flashing signs, except for the time-and-temperature portion of a sign.
L.ย 
Beacon lights.
M.ย 
Revolving signs.
N.ย 
Tethered balloons, filled either by gas or heated air.
O.ย 
Pennants longer than 150% of the street frontage of the premises.
P.ย 
Signs with reflective backgrounds, excepting government/regulatory signs.
[Ord. 2009-03, 4/6/2009; as amended by Ord. 01-17, 8/7/2017]
1.ย 
The following signs shall be allowed without a sign permit and shall not be included in the determination of the number or sign area of other signs allowed within a zoning district. Exempt signs shall be subject to any additional restrictions as shown in ยงย 19-111. Exempt signs are not required to meet standards detailed in ยงย 19-105, General Regulations.
A.ย 
Government/regulatory signs.
B.ย 
Public interest signs.
C.ย 
Memorial signs.
D.ย 
Address signs.
E.ย 
Interior signs.
F.ย 
Incidental signs.
G.ย 
Temporary signs, either on-premises or off-premises, but not temporary signs, long-term residential.
H.ย 
Pennants as permitted in this Part. Pennants may only be used on a nonresidential premises.
[Ord. 2009-03, 4/6/2009; as amended by Ord. 01-17, 8/7/2017]
Signs on the premises of legally nonconforming uses, such as an office in a residential area, may remain until the existing use of the premises is discontinued. If a sign wears out or is damaged, or is changed for any other reason, the number, size and area of all signs relating to the premises shall not be increased beyond the size they were at the time this Part was adopted.
[Ord. 2009-03, 4/6/2009; as amended by Ord. 01-17, 8/7/2017]
1.ย 
A legally nonconforming sign shall immediately lose its legally nonconforming designation if the sign is altered in any way. At that point, the sign shall be immediately brought into compliance with this Part and a new permit secured, or the sign shall be removed.
2.ย 
Nothing in this Part shall relieve the owners or users of legally nonconforming signs, or the owners of the property on which legally nonconforming signs are located, from any provisions of this Part regarding the safety, maintenance and repair of signs.
3.ย 
Should 50% or more of any legally nonconforming sign be damaged by any means, it shall be removed and not reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of this Part.
4.ย 
Any business that has closed shall remove any signs associated with the business within 60 days after it closes. The owner of the premises shall have the responsibility to ensure such signs are removed within the sixty-day period.
5.ย 
The existence of a legally nonconforming sign on a single- or multiple-occupancy premises shall not prevent the erection or placement of another sign on the premises, if the new sign meets requirements of this Part. However, the total number of signs and the size and area of the signs shall not exceed the requirements of this Part.
6.ย 
If a legally nonconforming sign lists more than one business, new businesses may be added without affecting the nonconforming status of the sign. However, the sign may not be altered in any way that extends the sign's nonconformity in any manner.
[Ord. 2009-03, 4/6/2009; as amended by Ord. 01-17, 8/7/2017]
1.ย 
Permits Required. Unless otherwise provided by this Part, all signs shall require an application, permits and payment of fees. No permit is required for the maintenance of a sign or for a change of copy on a legally conforming painted, printed, or changeable-copy sign. For the purpose of this section, "maintenance" shall include any repainting of a sign that does not otherwise change its message or appearance.
2.ย 
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, alter, or relocate any sign within the Township without first obtaining a sign permit, unless the sign is specifically exempt from the permit requirements as per ยงย 19-107 of this Part.
3.ย 
Applications for sign permits shall be made upon forms provided by the Zoning Officer and shall contain and/or have attached the following information, where relevant:
A.ย 
Name, address, telephone number and signature of the owner or duly authorized agent for the property owner.
B.ย 
Name, address, telephone number and signature of the owner of the sign.
C.ย 
Name, address and telephone number of the sign contractor.
D.ย 
Property address and applicable zoning district.
E.ย 
One copy of a plan, drawn to scale, depicting:
(1)ย 
The design of each sign face and sign structure, including dimensions, total area, sign height, depth, color scheme, structural details, materials, lighting scheme and proposed location.
(2)ย 
Sign message.
(3)ย 
Current photographs showing existing signs on the premises and certifying the date on which photographs were taken.
F.ย 
A permit fee, to be established from time to time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors, shall be paid.
G.ย 
Such other information which may be required by the Zoning Officer to show full compliance with this Part and all other ordinances of the Township.
[Ord. 2009-03, 4/6/2009; as amended by Ord. 2012-01, 1/3/2012; and by Ord. 01-17, 8/7/2017]
How to use the chart below:
1.
Determine the zoning district in which your premises is located (Zone, first column).
2.
Determine the use of your premises, such as single-family residential, commercial, professional office (Permitted Use, second column).
3.
Determine what kind of sign you would like to erect, in terms of its Type (see definitions, ยงย 19-104).
4.
Look for that sign in the third column (Type).
5.
The fourth column shows what Form (physical structure) is permitted for each type of purpose sign. (For definitions of signs by form, see ยงย 19-104.)
6.
The fifth column shows Restrictions on the size, height, placement, and other aspects of each sign.
EXAMPLE: An address sign (sign type as defined in ยงย 19-104) is allowed for a single-family residential premises, in any zoning district, but only in the form of a wall sign or a projecting sign (defined in ยงย 19-104) with a maximum area of two square feet.
1.ย 
The chart below shows the kinds of signs permitted in all zones, on any kind of premises:
A.ย 
General.
Zone
Permitted Uses
Type
Form
Restrictions and Guidelines
All zones
All uses
Government regulatory
Development (permanent)
Freestanding- ground
Wall
Maximum area: 6 square feet
Maximum 1 sign for each street premises faces
Maximum height, freestanding: 6 feet
Nonilluminated
Must be removed when project is 90% complete (temporary)
Directional on-premises
Freestanding
Maximum area: 6 square feet
Maximum height: 4 feet
Directional on-premises
Wall
Maximum area: 6 square feet
Maximum height: 8 feet
Memorial
Wall
Maximum 1 sign
Maximum area: 2 square feet
Nonilluminated
Public interest
Wall
Freestanding
Maximum area: 2 square feet
Maximum height: 7 feet
Minimum spacing: 100 feet apart
Nonilluminated
Temporary sign, on-premises
Freestanding
Banner
Maximum area: 6 square feet (freestanding); 16 square feet (banner)
Maximum height: 6 feet
May be erected a maximum of 45 days
Nonilluminated
Temporary signs, off-premises (residential permitted use only)
Temporary signs, long-term residential
All temporary sign, on-premises restrictions, in addition to:
Must contain contact information on sign
1 sign per linear mile per individual/organization maximum
B.ย 
The chart below shows the address signs that are permitted.
Zone
Permitted Use
Type
Form
Restrictions and Guidelines
All zones
Single-family residential
Address
Wall Projecting
Maximum area: 2 square feet
Multifamily residential
Nonresidential
Address
Awning
Canopy
Freestanding
Projecting
Wall
Maximum area: 10 square feet
Maximum height, freestanding: 6 feet
2.ย 
The chart below shows the signs permitted in the residential and conservation districts:
Zone
Use of Premises
Type
Form
Restrictions and Guidelines
Maximum 1 sign per premises. Internally lit signs and backlit awnings prohibited in R-2 District
R-1
R-2
R-4
C-1
A-2
A-7
Residential
General commercial
Freestanding
Projecting
Wall
Maximum area: 4 square feet
Maximum height, freestanding: 6 feet
Nonilluminated
Awning
Canopy
Maximum area: 24 square feet
Multifamily dwelling
Building identification
Freestanding
Maximum area: 24 square feet
Maximum height: 6 feet
Wall
Maximum area: 24 square feet
Nonresidential
General purpose
Awning
Canopy
Maximum area: 24 square feet
Freestanding
Maximum area: 24 square feet
Maximum height: 6 feet
Projecting
Wall
Maximum area: 10 square feet
3.ย 
The chart below shows the signs permitted in the TND Development, Neighborhood Center:
Zone
Use of Premises
Type
Form
Restrictions
Each business 1 sign; each building maximum 2 building identification signs, 1 front, 1 rear
Traditional Neighborhood Development
Residential
General commercial
Projecting
Wall
Maximum area: 4 square feet
Maximum height: 7 feet
Nonilluminated
Multifamily dwellings
General commercial
Awning
Canopy
Maximum area: 24 square feet
10 square feet, minimum 7 feet height over finished grade
Freestanding
Maximum area: 12 square feet
Nonresidential
General commercial
Projecting
Maximum area: 10 square feet, minimum 7 feet height, ground floor only
Wall
Maximum area 24 square feet; ground floor only
Awning
Maximum area: 10 square feet, minimum 7 feet height over finished grade, ground floor
Building identification
Freestanding
Maximum area: 12 square feet
Maximum height: 10 feet
Directional
Freestanding
Maximum 6 square feet
Maximum height: 4 feet
4.ย 
Industrial Districts.
Zone
Use of Premises
Type
Form
Restrictions
Maximum two signs per property except adult entertainment, limit one sign
LI
HI
Heavy and light manufacturing
General commercial
Freestanding
Wall
Maximum 32 square feet
Maximum height: 20 feet
Adult entertainment
Freestanding
Wall
Maximum 24 square feet
Maximum height: 12 feet
RR
General commercial
Freestanding
Wall
Maximum 32 square feet
Maximum height: 20 feet
5.ย 
Commercial Districts.
Zone
Use of Premises
Type
Form
Restrictions
Maximum 1 sign per property plus 1 sign per business
Internally illuminated signs and backlit awnings are prohibited
VC
Commercial
General commercial
Awning
Canopy
Maximum 10 square feet
Minimum height: 7 feet, ground floor only
Freestanding
Maximum 24 square feet
Maximum height: 15 feet
Projecting
Maximum 15 square feet per side
Minimum height: 7 feet
Maximum height: 15 feet
Wall
Maximum 20 square feet
Ground floor only
Sandwich board
Maximum 8 square feet per side
Must not impede pedestrian traffic; may only be displayed during business hours
General commercial
Freestanding wall
Projecting
Maximum 4 square feet
Maximum height: 7 feet
Nonilluminated
Total signage permitted: 2 square feet per 1 linear foot of building frontage, maximum 250 square feet
Maximum of 5 signs (one of which may be freestanding) allowed per anchor business
For properties of 10 acres or greater, 1 additional freestanding sign, maximum 62 square feet, to be used as a directory sign permitted
Individual and unassociated businesses located within a shopping center may have 1 wall sign with a maximum of 32 square feet
Directional signs as needed
IC
Shopping center Commercial
General commercial
Directory (freestanding form only)
Awning
Maximum 10 square feet
Canopy
Maximum 20 square feet
Maximum height: 20 feet
Freestanding
Maximum 32 square feet
Maximum height: 20 feet
Wall
Maximum 175 square feet
Ground floor only
Projecting
Maximum 12 square feet per side
Minimum height: 7 feet
Sandwich board
Maximum 8 square feet per side
Must not impede pedestrian traffic; may only be displayed during business hours
Directional
Freestanding
Maximum 6 square feet
Maximum height: 4 feet
No commercial advertisement
Two signs plus 1 sign per business maximum; only 1 sign may be freestanding per property
HC
HMD
Commercial
General commercial
Awning
Maximum 10 square feet
Canopy
Maximum 20 square feet
Maximum height: 20 feet
Freestanding
Maximum 32 square feet per side
Maximum height: 20 square feet
Projecting
Maximum 12 square feet per side
Minimum height: 7 feet
Sandwich board
Maximum 8 square feet per side
Must not impede pedestrian traffic
May only be displayed during business hours
Wall
Maximum 32 square feet
Ground floor only
[Ord. 2009-03, 4/6/2009; as amended by Ord. 01-17, 8/7/2017]
1.ย 
Location.
A.ย 
No billboard shall be located within 1,000 feet of another billboard.
B.ย 
Billboard signs shall be permitted in the following areas/corridors:
(1)ย 
State Route 26 (also known as "East College Avenue"): between the intersection at Harrison Road and the intersection at the I-99 interchange.
(2)ย 
State Route 144 (also known as "Axemann Road"): between the structure currently known as the "Odd Fellows Lodge" extending in a generally northerly direction to the intersection of Mill Street and Pine Street.
(3)ย 
State Route 144/150 (also known as "Pleasant View Boulevard"): between the Bellefonte Borough municipal line and the Boggs Township municipal line.
2.ย 
Billboard Setbacks.
A.ย 
The front setback of a billboard shall be determined by the sign face (the side of the billboard to which advertisements are affixed). The rear setback of a billboard shall be determined by the back surface of the billboard sign and support structure.
B.ย 
All billboards shall have required front, side and rear setbacks equal to the height of the billboard plus 10 feet.
C.ย 
In no case shall a billboard be located closer than 25 feet from any public road right-of-way.
3.ย 
Maximum Height. The height of a billboard shall not exceed 25 feet to the top of the sign.
4.ย 
Maximum Size. No billboard shall have an overall size greater than 300 square feet.
5.ย 
Illumination. Light sources shall be shielded from all adjacent properties and streets and shall not be of such intensity as to cause glare hazardous to pedestrians or motorists.
6.ย 
Property Maintenance. All properties upon which a billboard is erected shall be regularly maintained so as not to create a nuisance by means of weeds, vegetation and litter.
7.ย 
Animation. No animated, flashing, rotating or oscillating signs shall be permitted. Each image displayed on an electronic display screen must be static or depicted for a minimum of 10 seconds. Animated images and images which move or give the appearance of movement are prohibited. This restriction shall not prohibit the dissolving or replacing of one image with another image.
8.ย 
The conversion or addition of an electronic display screen to any existing nonconforming billboard is prohibited.
9.ย 
No billboard shall obstruct the view of motorists on adjoining roads. All billboards shall be located a minimum of 50 feet from any commercial or industrial structure and 150 feet from any residential structure which is existing or permitted at the time the application for a billboard is approved.
10.ย 
All newly constructed billboards and existing billboards which are to be modified or replaced shall require a building permit.
11.ย 
Conformance. All billboard signs shall conform to all applicable regulations set forth in ยงยงย 19-105, 19-109 and 19-110 of this Part.
[Ord. 2009-03, 4/6/2009; as added by Ord. 2013-03, 11/4/2013; and amended by Ord. 01-17, 8/7/2017]
1.ย 
Campus option applies to the following zoning districts: Highway Commercial (HC), Interchange Commercial (IC), Highway Mixed Use (HMD), Light Industrial (LI), Heavy Industrial (HI) and Multi-Family Residential (R-4) Districts.
2.ย 
Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
CAMPUS
A single property that contains a minimum of three occupiable nonresidential buildings.
INSTRUCTIONAL SIGN
A sign located within the interior of a lot, generally not visible from the street or adjoining properties, which provides information as to the location, interior operation and/or use of buildings or facilities.
OCCUPIABLE BUILDING
A structure which has been granted an occupancy permit.
SITE ENTRANCE SIGN
A sign placed along a public road which denotes the name of the complex or facilities; may include a digital message board.
3.ย 
Exempted Signs.
A.ย 
Entrance Labeling Sign. A wall-mounted sign identifying a specific entrance to a building (example: "Entrance A, "Door B").
4.ย 
Permitted Signs.
Zone
Use of Premises
Type
Form
Restrictions
Site entrance signs: No limit on number of signs which may be placed at site entrances, site entrance signs are limited to a total of 64 square feet, with no site entrance site exceeding 32 square feet per side, minimum distance 500 feet between site entrance signs. One building identification sign per occupiable structure. Instructional signs and directional signs as required.
HC
IC
HMD
LI
HI
R-4
Industrial, commercial, educational
Site entrance
Freestanding
Maximum 32 square feet per side
Maximum height: 12 feet
Maximum 64 square feet of total signage
Building identification
Wall
Maximum 16 square feet
Ground floor only
No commercial advertisement
Instructional
Freestanding
Maximum 20 square feet
Maximum height: 7 feet
Minimum 100 feet from a public right-of-way
Building address
Wall
Maximum 10 square feet
Ground floor only
Directional
Freestanding
Maximum 6 square feet
Maximum height: 4 feet
No commercial advertisement