[Ord. 95-07, 12/14/1995, § 1900; as amended by
Ord. 2001-02, 10/12/2001, § 1]
1.
The following regulations shall apply to all districts:
A.
No sign shall be erected within the lines of a street right-of-way
except street name signs associated with traffic.
B.
No sign which may have a distracting effect on motorists on adjacent
highways shall be permitted including those which flash, move, oscillate
or rotate.
C.
No sign shall be erected which emits smoke, visible vapors or particles,
sound or odor.
D.
No sign shall be erected which uses an artificial light or reflecting
device which may be mistaken for a traffic signal.
E.
No sign shall be erected containing information which implies that
a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions
of this chapter.
F.
No roof sign shall be permitted and no sign shall project above the
main cornice line of a building to which a sign is affixed.
G.
Floodlighting of any sign shall be arranged so that the source of
light is not visible nor glare is detected from any property line
or vehicular access.
H.
A freestanding sign and projecting sign shall not be utilized together
to identify the same establishment on the same street frontage unless
for multiple uses on a single lot where the freestanding sign collectively
denotes a number of uses.
I.
No sign, except removable political signs and temporary removable
yard or garage sale signs, shall be placed on any tree, utility pole
or upon rocks or natural features.
[Ord. 95-07, 12/14/1995, § 1901; as amended by
Ord. 2001-02, 10/12/2001, § 1]
Every permitted sign shall be constructed of durable materials
and kept in good condition, safe from hazards, nuisances and collapse.
Any sign which is allowed to become dilapidated, the owner shall receive
notice by the Township Zoning Officer to remedy the situation within
30 days. Should the remedy not occur within this time frame, the Township
shall remove the dilapidated sign at the expense of the owner or lessee
of the property on which it is located.
[Ord. 95-07, 12/14/1995, § 1902; as amended by
Ord. 2001-02, 10/12/2001, § 1]
1.
No permit shall be required before erecting any of the following signs, provided they conform to all the provisions established under §§ 27-2001 and 27-2008.
A.
Information or public service signs including those for public telephones,
public conveniences and signs advertising meeting times and places
of nonprofit service or charitable organizations, not exceeding four
square feet in area.
B.
Official traffic signs.
C.
Trespassing signs.
D.
Signs indicating the private nature of a drive.
E.
Temporary real estate sales or rent signs, not exceeding six square
feet in area, provided they are removed within 14 days of the signing
of an agreement.
F.
Memorial or historic markers not exceeding six square feet in area.
G.
Temporary yard or garage sale signs not exceeding four square feet
in area and are removed within 48 hours of the completion of the sale.
H.
Temporary contractor signs for work being performed not exceeding
six square feet, provided they are removed within 14 days of the work
completion date.
I.
Temporary political signs not exceeding six square feet, provided
they are removed within 14 days of the applicable election date.
[Ord. 95-07, 12/14/1995, § 1903; as amended by
Ord. 2001-02, 10/12/2001, § 1]
1.
The following regulations shall apply to all districts:
A.
Temporary signs shall be displayed for less than 60 days. Flags, banners, and streamers shall only be allowed for 30 days. See Subsection 1B(1) below.
B.
Temporary signs shall comply with the following:
(1)
A permit must be obtained before erecting each temporary sign.
(2)
Display of signs for 60 days or longer shall require a renewal
permit or conversion to permanent sign status.
(3)
Signs shall be removed immediately upon expiration of an approved
permit.
(4)
The site or building on which the sign was erected shall be
restored to its original condition upon removal of a sign.
C.
Temporary signs shall not exceed 24 square feet in area.
D.
Any freestanding temporary sign shall be located at least 10 feet
from any lot line.
E.
Temporary signs do not require permanent foundations.
[Ord. 95-07, 12/14/1995, § 1904; as amended by
Ord. 2001-02, 10/12/2001, § 1; and Ord. 2011-10, 12/21/2011,
§ 3]
1.
Distances. All distances provided for this Part shall be measured
along straight lines between signs and from the rear edge to near
edge of the sign or sign structure. Distances shall apply in all cases,
including locating new signs in relationship to currently existing
nonconforming signs.
2.
Sign Area. The area of a sign shall be calculated in accordance with the definition for sign area in § 27-202.
3.
Window Signs. Unless further restricted by district regulations,
window signs shall not exceed 15% of the total glass area of the building
front. This is to include all incidental signage.
4.
Projecting Signs. Projecting signs mounted to a wall or other vertical
building surface by a post shall project no more than two feet. No
part shall be less than nine feet nor more than 12 feet above the
ground or walkway. There shall be a limit of one projecting sign per
store and shall be limited to six square feet.
5.
Freestanding Signs and Directories. The height of freestanding signs shall be measured from the ground level to the topmost portion of the structure. Freestanding signs and directories shall not exceed 32 square feet in area unless otherwise specified herein. The maximum height of freestanding ground signs shall be six feet. Freestanding pole signs shall have a minimum height of seven feet above grade at the lowest point, and a maximum height of no greater than 12 feet above grade, except as provided for in § 27-2008. Permanent freestanding signs shall require building permits.
6.
Incidental Signs. Signs that provide additional information, such
as store hours, credit cards, notice of services shall not total more
than eight signs in number, and total area for all incidental signs
is not to exceed two square feet.
7.
Double-faced signs. A double-faced sign shall be considered as one
sign and only one face shall be used to calculate the sign area and
size of the support structure. Should the two surfaces deviate from
being parallel, exceed 12 inches between the parallel surfaces, or
differ in size or shape, the sign shall be considered as two signs
and not a double-faced sign.
[Ord. 95-07, 12/14/1995, § 1905; as amended by
Ord. 2001-02, 10/12/2001, § 1; and by Ord. 2011-10, 12/21/2011,
§ 4]
1.
In any agricultural or residential district, the following signs
and no other shall be permitted. No sign shall be illuminated directly
and indirectly. Only one sign shall be permitted on a premises for
each permitted use.
A.
Name and address signs of residents, farm or home occupation not
exceeding two square feet in area.
B.
Temporary signs in conjunction with the sale of farm products not
exceeding 12 square feet in area.
C.
Signs denoting a winery that is accessory to an agriculture use shall
not exceed 24 square feet in area.
D.
Public utility identification signs relative to the identification,
operation or protection of any public utility.
F.
Freestanding pole signs shall not be permitted in the Agricultural
and Residential Districts.
G.
Support structures for signs in Agricultural and Residential Districts
shall be made of or built with natural materials or the technological
equivalent.
H.
The size of the structure supporting a freestanding ground sign shall
be limited to 100 square feet in vertical area and a maximum thickness
of 30 inches. Where the support structure is an existing freestanding
wall or retaining wall that is not part of or connected to a building,
such support structure shall be exempt from this requirement.
[Ord. 95-07, 12/14/1995, § 1906; as amended by
Ord. 2001-02, 10/12/2001, § 1]
1.
In the Village District, the following signs and no other shall be
permitted:
A.
Name and address signs of residents or home occupation not exceeding
two square feet in area.
C.
For all permitted commercial uses in the Village District, one freestanding
sign up to 10 square feet plus one of the following:
E.
Directional signs of three square feet or less are permitted for
traffic control purpose, provided such signs do not contain advertising
copy.
2.
Where lighting is proposed, signs shall be illuminated only through
indirect methods.
3.
Sign Bonuses in the Village District.
A.
Intent. Sign bonus provisions in exchange for satisfying specific
conditions have been established to promote and protect the attractiveness
and convenience of the Village District.
B.
Procedure. The Board of Supervisors may authorize a modification of the provisions of this section when an application for the installation of a sign is deemed to be in compliance with the eligibility criteria of Subsection 3D below.
C.
Modification. Modifications shall take the form of zoning bonuses
conditioned upon specific approval of the application and granted
only in return for specific action on the part of the applicant. A
bonus of 10% additional square feet for the sign shall be allowed.
The modifications authorized by the Board of Supervisors shall be
affixed to the building permit issued for a particular sign. Bonuses
shall not be transferred from one sign to another.
D.
Eligibility Criteria. To become eligible for bonuses, an application
shall provide any of the following to warrant consideration by the
Board of Supervisors:
(1)
Create a sign design which complements the architecture of the
village and the site.
(2)
Create an artistic sign of natural products which reflects the
character of a village setting.
(3)
Provide additional setback for proposed signs from all road
rights-of-way.
(4)
Include indirect lighting with a concealed lighting source which
create no glare and complies with the lighting provisions of this
Part.
(5)
Bring all existing signs into conformity with the provisions
of this Part.
[Ord. 95-07, 12/14/1995, § 1907; as amended by
Ord. 2001-02, 10/12/2001, § 1; and by Ord. 2011-10, 12/21/2011,
§ 5]
1.
In any commercial district, the following signs and no other shall
be permitted:
B.
Business signs, accessory to a permitted commercial use, provided
that the following conditions are met:
(1)
Wall-mounted signs shall not exceed two square feet in area
for each linear foot of building wall. Wall-mounted signs shall not
exceed 25 feet in width and four feet in height or 64 square feet
in area. Their maximum height shall be 12 feet above ground level,
and shall not exceed the eave line of the building.
(2)
Freestanding signs not exceeding 32 square feet. The maximum
height of freestanding signs shall be 16 feet. The maximum width shall
be eight feet. The supports or feet of the sign shall inhibit plant
growth for at least a six-inch radius. Acceptable inhibitors are mulch,
stone, and concrete. Permanent freestanding signs shall require building
permits.
D.
Business signs and directory relating to a group of stores or business
establishments on a single lot or adjacent lot.
E.
Outdoor Advertising Signs.
(1)
A maximum of one outdoor advertising sign is permitted per lot
or contiguous lots under single and separate ownership.
(2)
No outdoor advertising sign shall be located within 100 feet
of a residential use or district, school, designated historic structure,
house of worship, or public recreation facility.
(3)
Outdoor advertising signs shall have a maximum sign area of
40 square feet.
(4)
Outdoor advertising signs shall have a maximum height of 30
feet or the maximum height of buildings permitted in the district,
whichever is less.
(5)
Outdoor advertising signs shall be set back a minimum of 50
feet from any property line.
[Ord. 95-07, 12/14/1995, § 1908; as amended by
Ord. 2001-02, 10/12/2001, § 1]
1.
In any Limited Industrial District, the following signs and no others
shall be permitted:
B.
Business or industrial signs, accessory to a permitted use, provided
that the following conditions are met:
(1)
Wall-mounted signs shall not exceed 120 square feet in area.
(2)
Freestanding signs shall not exceed 75 square feet in area.
The maximum height of freestanding signs shall be 25 feet.
(3)
Directional signs not exceeding 12 square feet in area.
(4)
Industrial park sign and directory relating to a group of industrial
activities within a unified development.
[Ord. 95-07, 12/14/1995, § 1909; as amended by
Ord. 2001-02, 10/12/2001, § 1]
1.
The following provisions apply to all districts:
A.
No sign other than official traffic signs shall be permitted in the
right-of-way of any public street.
B.
All signs, other than official traffic signs and temporary yard and
garage sales, shall be located on the tract or lot with which they
are associated.
C.
Signs shall not be spaced closer together than a distance equal to
10 times the height of the sign having the largest dimension.
D.
Freestanding signs shall be erected only within the limits of the
yard of the property to which they pertain.
[Ord. 95-07, 12/14/1995, § 1910; as amended by
Ord. 2001-02, 10/12/2001, § 1; and by Ord. 2008-04, 11/19/2008,
§ 1]
1.
Applications. Applications for sign permits shall be filed in duplicate
on forms furnished by the Township. Applications shall be accompanied
by detailed plans and specifications that include:
A.
Size, color, method of illumination, location, material and information
on sign.
B.
Company or person who will be mounting the sign.
C.
Total weight.
D.
Voltage requirements.
E.
Sketch or sample of the material (photographs may be acceptable)
and such other information deemed necessary by the Zoning Officer
to determine the location and details of construction.
F.
Construction.
G.
The colors shall be limited to three and must match the background
or trim of the building.
H.
Materials must be natural, specifically, wood, masonry, stone, stucco,
wrought iron, antiqued metal.
I.
Letters must be painted or stained or nonreflecting raised metal.
J.
Roofs may be made of copper or standing seam metal.
K.
Metal frames are allowed on signs.
2.
Inspection. All signs shall be subject to annual inspections by the
Zoning Officer.
3.
Temporary Sign Permits. A temporary sign permit shall be validated
for 60 days from the date of issuance. Three permits may be issued
for a single sign on a consecutive basis.
4.
Permit Fees. No permit to erect a sign shall be issued until the
appropriate fee has been paid. The fee schedule for Franklin Township
shall be adopted by resolution of the Board of Supervisors. The fee
schedule shall be made available to the public upon request.
[Ord. 95-07, 12/14/1995, § 1911; as amended by
Ord. 2001-02, 10/12/2001, § 1]
1.
Temporary directional signs shall be permitted in the AR Agricultural/Residential
District, LDR Low-Density Residential District, MDR Medium -Density
Residential District and HDR High-Density Residential District under
the following conditions:
A.
Each user of a temporary directional sign desiring a permit shall
make application for a temporary sign permit. If the sign is to be
located on property other than the property owned by the person desiring
the temporary directional sign, the owner of the property shall jointly
apply for the sign permit.
B.
A sign permit shall be issued upon payment of a sign permit fee as
established by the Board of Supervisors by resolution and shall include
the escrow fee guaranteeing removal of the off-street directional
sign which fee shall be set by the Board of Supervisors of Franklin
Township by resolution.
C.
No more than three off-site signs shall be permitted to provide direction
to any site. In the case of a subdivision, the entire subdivision
shall be considered to be a single site.
D.
The temporary directional signs shall be in place only on Saturdays
and Sundays between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
E.
Each sign for which a permit is given shall not exceed four square
feet as measured on one face. Each sign shall be limited to two faces.
Maximum height of the sign shall be 36 inches above the ground.
[Ord. 95-07, 12/14/1995, § 1912; as added by Ord.
2001-02, 10/12/2001, § 1; and as amended by Ord. 2011-10,
12/21/2011, § 6]
1.
Signs on sides of buildings. The building front is considered to
contain the main entrance and exit for customers or clients.
2.
Any signs with messages that contain obscene matter or hate messages
according to community standards.
3.
Neon signs.
4.
Illuminated awnings.
5.
Wall panel signs.
6.
Box signs.
7.
Illuminated channel letters.
8.
Directly illuminated signs.
9.
Mobile standing signs.
10.
Balloons or other inflatables are not allowed for advertising or
any other purpose.
11.
Bulletin boards on outside of buildings.
[Ord. 95-07, 12/14/1995, § 1913; as added by Ord.
2001-02, 10/12/2001, § 1; as amended by Ord. 2008-04, 11/19/2008,
§ 1 and by Ord. 2011-10, 12/21/2011, § 7]
1.
Signs for physicians, dentists, Magisterial District Judges or others for emergency services that protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents may be illuminated beyond the hours stipulated. They shall conform with glare ordinances [§ 27-1607].
2.
Flags in the Commercial, Limited Industrial, or Special Use Districts. Only flags listed in Subsection 2A through D below may be flown on freestanding poles. Any freestanding pole with any item, other than flags permitted by this subsection, connected thereto shall be considered a freestanding sign and shall be required to meet the requirements stated herein. The following flags may be flown, provided they are no higher than the flags at the county seat:
[Ord. 95-07, 12/14/1995, § 1914; as added by Ord.
2001-02, 10/12/2001, § 1]
1.
Theaters, cinemas, exhibition centers are allowed signs that have
a maximum of 100 square feet. They are allowed six square feet per
screen or auditorium. Letters must be six inches in height or less.
2.
Menu Boards.
A.
Only one board per establishment is allowed.
B.
Boards must be 12 square feet or less.
C.
Numbers or letters must be three inches or smaller in height.
D.
For establishments that face a road, menu boards must be displayed
in back or side unless the sign is shielded from traffic by screening,
berms, fences, other buildings or other permanent means.
|
As described above, menu boards are not considered signs and
do not require permits. If outside, they must be removed at the end
of the business day. Menu boards shall be considered double-faced
signs if joined at the top.
|
3.
Double-Faced Signs. A sign is considered to be double-faced if lettering
and advertising is the same on both sides and the sides are six inches
or less apart.
4.
Directional Signs. On the premises, signs shall only be posted for
traffic control at the discretion of the Township. Off-premises, they
are not allowed.
5.
Holiday Decorations. Special decorations are allowed six weeks prior
to a holiday and two weeks after. If they contain advertising or logos,
they are considered signs and must conform to ordinances.
[Ord. 95-07, 12/14/1995, § 1915; as added by Ord.
2001-02, 10/12/2001, § 1]
1.
These signs may only be used if painted on driveway surface. These
signs include, but are not limited to, no parking, drive-through,
exit and entrance.
2.
Vehicles. Trucks, cars, trailers or other vehicles that advertise
a business must be parked out of sight. If not, it is considered a
sign and must conform to all ordinances.
[Ord. 95-07, 12/14/1995, § 1916; as added by Ord.
2001-02, 10/12/2001, § 1]
