The following regulations shall apply to all signs in Pittsfield
Township.
A. Construction standards.
(1)
General requirements. All permanent signs shall be designed
and constructed in a safe and stable manner in accordance with the
Township's adopted Building and Electrical Codes. All electrical wiring
associated with a freestanding sign shall be installed underground.
(2)
Building Code compliance. All permanent signs shall be designed
to comply with minimum wind pressure and other requirements set forth
in the adopted Building Code.
(3)
Framework. All signs attached to a structure shall be designed
so that the supporting framework, other than the supporting elements
on a freestanding sign, is contained within or behind the face of
the sign or within the building to which the sign is attached so as
to be totally screened from view.
B. Illuminated signs.
(1)
Only indirectly illuminated signs shall be allowed in Recreation-Conservation,
Agricultural, and Residential Districts, provided that such sign is
shielded so as to prevent direct light rays from being visible from
the public right-of-way or any adjacent residential property.
(2)
Indirectly or internally illuminated signs are permitted in
Neighborhood Commercial, Regional Commercial, Industrial, Business,
Planned Unit Development, Public Facilities, and Form-Based Districts.
Indirectly illuminated signs are shielded so as to prevent direct
light rays from being visible from the public right-of-way or any
adjacent residential property.
(3)
No sign shall have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights
or other illuminating devices which have a changing light intensity,
brightness, or color, or which are so constructed and operating as
to create an appearance of writing or printing. Nothing contained
in this article shall be construed as preventing use of lights or
decorations related to religious and patriotic festivities.
(4)
Lighting of off-premises signs must be turned off after 11:00
p.m. Lighting of on-premises signs shall be turned off upon closing.
(5)
Neon signs are permitted in districts which permit internally illuminated signs. Neon lighting is prohibited outside of the sign structure and shall not be permitted as accent lighting along a building wall or window, unless as allowed during the building and lighting review as part of site plan review as set forth in Article
IX.
(6)
The backlighting of awnings and signs is prohibited.
(7)
All electronic message signs shall comply with the standards
set forth in § 40-15.11.
C. Measurement of sign area.
(1)
The area of a sign shall be computed as including the entire
area within the regular geometric form of a square, rectangle, triangle,
or circle. If the sign utilizes more than one separate geometric form,
a square or rectangle may be combined with a contiguous circle or
triangle. The form(s) shall encompass all the display area of the
sign including all elements of the matter displayed.
(2)
Where a sign has two or more faces, the area of all faces shall
be included in determining the area of the sign, except that where
two such faces are placed back to back, parallel to one another and
less than 24 inches apart, the area of the sign shall equal the area
of one face.
(3)
Frames and structural members not bearing copy or display material
shall not be included in the computation of sign area.
D. Height of ground sign.
(1)
A ground sign shall not exceed a total height of eight feet
including the sign pedestal.
(2)
Sign measurement. Sign height shall be measured to the top edge
of the sign, from the adjacent grade. The total height of a ground
sign, including the sign pedestal and adjacent grade, shall be no
higher than 11 feet from the adjacent street grade.
E. All signs shall meet the minimum yard requirements for the district
where located, as set forth herein. In addition, all ground signs
shall be located a minimum of five feet from any private driveway
on or adjacent to the property containing the ground sign, and 15
feet from any right-of-way or property line.
[Amended 11-18-2020 by Ord. No. ZOA 20-211]
F. Flags.
(1)
In all single-family residential zoning districts, on developed
residential lots, flags shall be permitted without restriction.
(2)
In all other districts, flags shall be subject to the following
regulations:
(a)
Flags shall meet yard requirements for signs.
(b)
Flagpoles shall not exceed the height point of the roofline
of the structure on the same lot.
(c)
Area.
[1]
The maximum permitted area of a flag shall be as follows:
Pole Height
(feet)
|
Maximum Permitted Flag Area
(square feet)
|
---|
46 and over
|
60
|
26 to 45
|
40
|
21 to 25
|
24
|
20 and under
|
15
|
[2]
The area of a flag shall not be included in the total sign area
permitted on the lot.
(d)
No flag may exceed the height of the roof of the principal building
on the same lot.
(e)
Up to three flags of any combination shall be permitted on each
public street frontage of any lot, shopping center, or business center.
(f)
All flags shall be displayed from a pole or other mounting which
is permanently affixed to the ground or a building and dedicated to
that purpose. A flagpole may not be roof-mounted. A flag shall not
be attached to any structure or on a separate lot which is designed
for an alternative use.
Subject to the other conditions of this chapter, the following
signs shall be permitted anywhere within Pittsfield Township without
a permit:
A. Directional signs.
[Amended 11-18-2020 by Ord. No. ZOA 20-211]
(1)
A directional sign shall be located on the property to which
it is directing traffic and shall be located behind the front right-of-way
line and shall not exceed six square feet in area for each sign and
four feet in height.
(2)
A directional sign may bear the logo of a business for which
it directs entering and exiting traffic if it is the determination
of the Zoning Administrator that such logo is reasonably necessary
for the effectiveness of the directional sign on which it is located.
B. Garage, yard, and estate sales. Garage sale, yard, and estate sale
signs in residential zoning districts, provided that such signs:
[Amended 11-18-2020 by Ord. No. ZOA 20-211]
(1) Are
not attached to utility poles;
(2) Do
not exceed six square feet in area; a maximum of three feet in height.
(3) Are
erected no more than three days before and are removed within one
business day after the announced sale.
(4) Temporary
directional signs, not exceeding three square feet in area and three
feet in height, shall be permitted on approach routes to a private
garage, yard, or estate sale, for a period not to exceed 72 hours.
Said signs shall contain the address and dates of the sale and shall
be removed within four hours of the end of the sale.
C. Signs exempt from regulations.
(1)
Signs not exceeding one square foot in area bearing only property
numbers, post box numbers, names of occupants or premises, or other
identification of premises not having commercial connections.
(2)
Legal notices, identification, information, or directional sign
erected, or required by governmental bodies.
(3)
Integral decorative or architectural features of building, except
letters, trademarks, moving parts, moving lights, or backlit areas.
Subject to the other conditions of this chapter, the following
signs shall be permitted in the Recreation-Conservation, Agricultural,
and Residential Districts within Pittsfield Township with a sign permit:
A. Ground sign for permitted or conditional use other than residential.
(1)
Number. One ground sign shall be permitted for each public street
frontage.
(2)
Size. Each sign shall not exceed 18 square feet in area, and
eight feet in height.
B. Residential development signs.
(1)
Number. One identification sign within the boulevard at the
entrance to the development or two single-sided signs incorporated
into a landscape wall as shown on an approved landscape plan shall
be permitted for each public street frontage for a subdivision, multiple-family
building development or mobile home park.
(2)
Size. No sign shall exceed 32 square feet in area.
(3)
Illumination. Signs shall not be illuminated.
(4)
Material. Signs shall be made of substantial building materials.
Table 15.05
Recreation-Conservation, Agricultural, and Residential Districts
Signage Regulations
|
---|
Use
|
Number
|
Size
(square feet)
|
Setback
(feet)
|
Notes
|
---|
Ground sign for permitted use or conditional use other than
residential
|
1 for each public street frontage
|
18; no more than 8 feet in height
|
Ground: 15 from the road right-of-way
|
|
Residential development sign
|
1 for each public street frontage
|
32
|
Ground: 15 from the road right-of-way
|
1 additional sign advertising "For Rent" or "Vacancy" may be
placed on each public street frontage of a rental residential development,
provided that such sign shall not exceed 3 square feet in area and
is incorporated into the identification sign.
|
Residential development announcement sign
|
1 per entrance, with a maximum of 2
|
16; no more than 6 feet in height
|
Oriented towards the residential development. Set back the full
distance of the front yard for the district in which it is located
from any arterial or collector road right-of-way, and shall be set
back 1 foot from any local or neighborhood road right-of-way, or private
drive easements.
|
Said sign shall not be illuminated. Said sign shall be made
of substantial building materials.
|
Ground identification sign for permitted use other than residential
|
1 for each public street frontage
|
18; no more than 8 feet in height
|
Ground: 15 from the road right-of-way
|
Signs not permitted for home occupation business
|
Subject to the other conditions of this chapter, the following
signs shall be permitted in the C-1, Neighborhood Commercial District,
and C-2, Regional Commercial District, with a sign permit.
A. Signs permitted in shopping or business centers.
(1)
Ground sign.
(a)
Number. One ground sign shall be permitted for each public street
frontage.
(b)
Area. No ground sign shall exceed 65 square feet in area.
(c)
Setback. Ground: 15 feet from the road right-of-way.
(2)
Wall sign.
(a)
Number. Each business in the center shall be permitted one wall
sign. All occupants without ground floor frontage shall be permitted
one combined exterior wall sign, in addition to the number of signs
allocated to the center.
(b)
Area. The area of wall signs permitted for each business shall
be determined as one square foot of sign area for each one linear
foot of building frontage occupied by a business to a maximum area
of 200 square feet. All businesses without ground floor frontage in
a given building shall be permitted one combined exterior wall sign
not more than 24 square feet in area.
(3)
Window, canopy, and awning.
(a)
Windows. Window signs must be located inside the window. There
is no limit on number, but window signs cannot occupy more than 25%
of the total window area.
(b)
Canopies and awnings. A canopy and awning sign is permitted
in lieu of a wall sign. The area of awning and canopy signs permitted
for each business shall be determined as one square foot of sign area
for each one linear foot of building frontage occupied by a business
to a maximum area of 200 square feet. For canopies and awnings upon
which a sign is to be displayed, the entire area of such canopy and
awning shall be considered to be a sign area.
(4)
Drive-through accessory sign. In addition to the signs permitted in Subsection
A(1),
(2), and
(3) above, drive-through businesses with pickup windows may have two drive-through accessory signs per drive aisle. The total square footage for accessory signs per drive aisle shall not exceed 32 square feet in area.
B. Signs permitted on parcels not located in shopping centers or business
centers.
(1)
Ground sign.
(a)
Number. One ground sign shall be permitted for each public street
frontage.
(b)
Area. No ground sign shall exceed 65 square feet in area.
(c)
Setback. Ground: 15 feet from the road right-of-way.
Figure 15.06.B.1
Ground Sign
|
(2)
Wall sign.
(a)
Number. Each developed lot shall be permitted one wall sign
for each public street frontage. All occupants without ground floor
frontage shall be permitted one exterior wall sign.
(b)
Area. The area of wall signs permitted for each lot shall be
determined as one square foot of sign area for each linear foot of
building frontage occupied by a business, to a maximum area of 200
square feet. All businesses without ground floor frontage in a given
building shall be permitted one space on a combined exterior wall
sign not more than 24 square feet in area.
Figure 15.6.B.2-1
Wall Sign 1
|
|
Figure 15.06.B.2-2
Wall Sign 2
|
|
(3)
Window, canopy, and awning.
(a)
Windows. Window signs must be located inside the window. There
is no limit on number, but window signs cannot occupy more than 25%
of total window area.
(b)
Canopy and awning sign. A canopy and awning sign is permitted
in lieu of a wall sign. The area of awning and canopy signs permitted
for each business shall be determined as one square foot of sign area
for each one linear foot of building frontage occupied by an occupant
to a maximum area of 200 square feet.
(4)
Drive-through accessory sign. In addition to the signs permitted in Subsection
B(1),
(2), and
(3) above, drive-through businesses with pickup windows may have two drive-through accessory signs and each shall not exceed 32 square feet in area.
Figure 15.06.C
Drive-Through Accessory Sign
|
|
(5)
Vehicle fueling/multi-use stations.
(a)
Canopy. A canopy and awning sign is permitted in lieu of a wall
sign. The area of awning and canopy signs permitted for each business
shall be determined as one square foot of sign area for each one linear
foot of building frontage occupied by an occupant to a maximum area
of 200 square feet.
(b)
Pump signage.
[1]
Number. One per fuel pump face.
[2]
Maximum of three square feet.
[Amended 11-18-2020 by Ord. No. ZOA 20-211]
Figure 15.06.D
Supplemental Ground Sign
|
|
Table 15.06
C-1 and C-2 Districts Signage Regulations
|
---|
Use
|
Type
|
Number
|
Size
|
Notes
|
---|
Shopping or business center
|
Ground
|
1 for each public street frontage
|
65 square feet
|
Setback: 15 feet from the road right-of-way.
|
Wall
|
1
|
1 square foot of sign area for each 1 linear foot of building
frontage. Maximum area of 200 square feet.
|
|
Window
|
No limit on number
|
Total window sign area cannot occupy more than 25% of each individual
window
|
Must be located on inside of window
|
Canopy and awning
|
1 in lieu of wall sign
|
1 square foot of sign area for each 1 linear foot of building
frontage occupied by a business to a maximum area of 200 square feet.
|
For canopies and awnings upon which a sign is to be displayed,
the entire area of such canopy and awning shall be considered to be
the sign area.
|
Drive-through accessory menu board sign
|
2
|
32 square feet
|
Only applicable for businesses with pickup windows
|
Signs permitted on lots not located in a shopping center or
business center
|
Ground
|
1 for each public street frontage
|
65 square feet
|
Setback: 15 feet from the road right-of-way
|
Wall
|
1
|
1 square foot of sign area for each 1 linear foot of building
frontage. Maximum area of 200 square feet.
|
|
Window
|
No limit on number
|
Total window sign area cannot occupy more than 25% of each individual
window
|
Must be located on inside of window
|
Canopy and awning
|
1 in lieu of wall sign
|
1 square foot of sign area for each 1 linear foot of building
frontage occupied by a business to a maximum area of 200 square feet
|
|
Drive-through accessory menu board
|
2
|
32 square feet
|
Only applicable for businesses with pickup windows
|
Automobile station signage
|
Canopy
|
1 in lieu of wall sign
|
1 square foot of sign area for each 1 linear foot of building
frontage occupied by a business to a maximum area of 200 square feet
|
|
Fuel pump
|
1 per fuel pump
|
Maximum of 1 square foot
|
|
Subject to the other conditions of this chapter, the following
signs shall be permitted in the form-based districts, with a sign
permit.
A. Intent. Recognizing that there are areas within the Township in which
the Master Plan places greater emphasis on regulating urban form and
character of development as well as use and intensity of use, this
section is intended to focus on sign standards that:
(1)
Acknowledge the differing design concerns and needs for signs
in certain specialized mixed-use areas.
(2)
Coordinate the placement and physical dimensions of signs within
the different districts.
(3)
Protect property values, the local economy, and the quality
of life by preserving and enhancing the appearance of the streetscapes
that affect the image of the Township.
(4)
Provide for signs as an effective channel of communication,
while ensuring that signs are designed and proportioned in relation
to adjacent structures and structures to which they are attached.
(5)
Address the business community's need for adequate communication
by improving the readability, and therefore the effectiveness, of
signs by preventing improper placement, over-concentration, excessive
height, area, and bulk.
B. General regulations.
(1)
Ground signs.
(a)
Lot requirements. Ground signs are only permitted on lots that
are at least 50 feet in width and for lots where the building is set
back a minimum of 10 feet from the public right-of-way.
(b)
One ground sign shall be permitted for each lot.
[Amended 11-18-2020 by Ord. No. ZOA 20-211]
(c)
Area.
[1] Parcels less than one acre shall not exceed 20 square feet in area.
[2] Parcels one acre or greater shall not exceed 60 square feet in area.
(d)
Height.
[1] Parcels less than one acre shall not exceed four feet in height.
[2] Parcels one acre or greater shall not exceed six feet in height.
(e)
Setback: two feet from the right-of-way and three feet from
the sidewalk.
(f)
Landscaping: one square foot of landscaping adjacent to the
sign per one square foot of sign area. Landscaping shall include a
decorative combination of ground cover and shrubs to provide seasonal
interest.
(2)
Wall signs.
(a)
Number. Each developed lot shall be permitted one wall sign
per frontage on the right-of-way and parking lot. All occupants without
ground floor frontage shall be permitted one combined exterior wall
sign, in addition to the number of signs allocated to the developed
lot.
(b)
Area. The area of wall signs permitted for each lot shall be
determined as one square foot of sign area for each one linear foot
of building frontage occupied by a business to a maximum area of 100
square feet. All businesses without ground floor frontage in a given
building shall be permitted one combined exterior wall sign not more
than 24 square feet in area.
(3)
Window signs. Window signs must be located inside the window.
There is no limit on number, but window signs cannot occupy more than
25% of the total window area.
(4)
Canopy and awning signs. A canopy and awning sign is permitted
in lieu of a wall sign. The area of awning and canopy signs permitted
for each business shall be determined as one square foot of sign area
for each one linear foot of building frontage occupied by an occupant
business to a maximum area of 100 square feet.
(5)
Blade (projecting).
(a)
Number: shall be limited to one sign with no more than two sign
surfaces.
(b)
Area: shall not exceed eight square feet in sign area.
(c)
Height from grade. The lowest part of the sign shall be a minimum
of eight feet above grade.
(d)
Projection distance. A sign may not project more than four feet
from the attached facade.
(6)
Vehicle fueling/multi-use station signage. All vehicle fueling/multi-use
station signage shall comply with § 40-15.06B(5).
C. Design standards. All signs shall comply with design standards as
set forth in § 40-5.03.
D. Comprehensive sign plans.
(1)
Intent. The intent of the sign package is to ensure that properties
with multiple buildings, buildings with multiple occupants or tenants,
and adjoining property owners are able to provide signage that is
well designed and consistent throughout that building, property, or
area, while providing some flexibility in the design of the signs
that are approved through a sign package.
(2)
Process. A sign package may be submitted to the Planning Commission
for its review and approval in accordance with this section for i)
any property containing more than one building; ii) any multiple tenant
building; iii) adjacent buildings on multiple parcels that wish to
carry out sign consistency.
(3)
Contents of sign package. As part of the site plan review process as set forth in Article
IX, an application for approval of a sign package shall include details regarding the design and location of all proposed signs for which a sign permit is required. The sign package shall clearly define the areas of the building or property for which approval of a sign package is requested. At a minimum, the following details shall be provided in the application submittal for approval of a sign package:
(a)
Sign design, material(s), anchorage, and support(s).
(4)
Standards. No sign package shall be approved by the Planning
Commission unless the Planning Commission finds that the sign package
incorporates signage that is:
(a)
Unified and consistent throughout the building or property;
(b)
Of a higher quality than would be otherwise required under the
applicable sign regulations; and
(c)
Compatible with the design and materials of the building or
buildings, and consistent with the area surrounding the building or
property.
(5)
Relief. The following relief may be granted by the Planning
Commission, provided that all standards set forth in § 40-15.07D(4)
are found:
(a)
To increase the sign area of a sign by no more than 33 1/3%.
(b)
To increase the height of a sign by no more than 33 1/3%.
(c)
To permit one additional sign on any lot, provided that no relief
shall be granted to permit an additional ground sign.
Table 15.07
Form-Based District Signage Regulations
|
---|
Type
|
Number
|
Size
|
Height
|
Notes
|
---|
Ground (on parcel less than 1 acre)
|
1 for each public street frontage
|
20 square feet
|
4 feet
|
Lot requirements: Ground sign only permitted for lots that are
at least 50 feet in width and for lots where the building is set back
a minimum of 10 feet from public right-of-way.
Setback: 2 feet from right-of-way and 3 feet from sidewalk.
Landscaping: 1 square foot of landscaping adjacent to sign per
1 square foot of sign area. Landscaping shall include a decorative
combination of ground cover and shrubs to provide seasonal interest.
|
Ground (on parcel 1 acre or greater)
|
1 for each public street frontage
|
60 square feet
|
6 feet
|
Lot requirements: Ground sign only permitted for lots that are
at least 50 feet in width and for lots where the building is set back
a minimum of 10 feet from public right-of-way.
Setback: Ground: 1/2 the yard requirements for the district
where located.
Landscaping: 1 square foot of landscaping adjacent to sign per
1 square foot of sign area. Landscaping shall include a decorative
combination of ground cover and shrubs to provide seasonal interest.
|
Wall
|
1 per frontage on right-of-way and parking lot
|
1 square foot of sign area for each 1 linear foot of building
frontage, or a maximum of 100 square feet
|
|
|
Window
|
No limit on number
|
Total window sign area cannot occupy more than 25% of each individual
window.
|
|
Must be located on inside of window.
|
Canopy and awning
|
A canopy and awning sign is permitted in lieu of a wall sign
|
The area of awning and canopy signs permitted for each business
shall be determined as 1 square foot of sign area for each 1 linear
foot of frontage occupied by an occupant business to a maximum area
of 100 square feet.
|
|
Lettering on a canopy sign shall not exceed six-inch type.
|
Blade (projecting)
|
Shall be limited to 1 sign with no more than 2 sign surfaces
|
8 square feet
|
The lowest part of the sign shall be a minimum of 8 feet above
grade.
|
Sign may not project more than 4 feet from the attached facade.
|
Subject to the other conditions of this chapter, the following
signs shall be permitted in the Public Facility District, General
Industrial District, and Business District, with a sign permit.
A. Business and industrial park signs. For industrial and business park
developments one ground sign shall be permitted for each public street
frontage. The maximum area of each ground sign shall be 65 square
feet.
B. Ground signs.
(1)
Number. Each developed lot shall be permitted one ground sign
for each public street frontage.
(2)
Area. No ground sign shall exceed 65 square feet in area.
C. Wall signs.
(1)
Number. Each building shall be permitted one wall sign. All
occupants without ground floor frontage shall be permitted one combined
exterior wall sign, in addition to the number of signs allocated to
the developed lot.
(2)
Area. The area of wall signs permitted for each lot shall be
determined as one square foot of sign area for each one linear foot
of building frontage occupied by a business to a maximum area of 200
square feet. All businesses without ground floor frontage in a given
building shall be permitted one combined exterior wall sign not more
than 24 square feet in area.
D. Business, office, and industrial park signs.
(1)
Business park internal signs. For businesses, office, and industrial
parks, an internal ground sign per park shall be permitted in addition
to other signs permitted under the following regulations:
(a)
Only one internal sign per park shall be permitted.
(b)
The sign shall not exceed 24 square feet in area or six feet
in height from finished grade.
(c)
The sign shall be located no closer than 50 feet to any property
line, and shall be located in a manner which is observable to users
once they have entered the premises.
Table 15.08
PF, I, and BD Zoning Districts Signage Regulations
|
---|
Type
|
Number
|
Size
(square feet)
|
Notes
|
---|
Park ground sign
|
1 for each public street frontage
|
65 square feet
|
Setback: 15 feet from the road right-of-way
|
Ground
|
1 for each public street frontage
|
65 square feet
|
Setback: 15 feet from the road right-of-way
|
Wall
|
1
|
1 for each 1 linear foot of building frontage to a maximum of
200 square feet in area
|
|
Internal sign
|
1
|
24 square feet
|
Letters may be 6 inches in height
|
Signs shall be permitted in each use area in a PUD district
in accordance with the sign regulations in the zoning district that
is most similar to that use area; provided, however, that those more
restrictive sign regulations in the approved area plan shall control.
Electronic message signs (EMS) shall be permitted within all
commercial, form-based, industrial, business, or public facility zoning
districts, as either a freestanding or a wall-mounted sign subject
to the sign regulations for each zoning district, and subject to the
following additional regulations:
A. An electronic message sign (EMS) shall only be permitted as part
of a static sign and shall not exceed 50% of the total sign area of
the static sign.
B. Frequency of message change shall be no more than once every 30 seconds.
C. Scrolling words or images are prohibited.
D. The rate of change between two messages shall be one second or less.
E. EMS owners shall permit Township, state, and federal governments
to post messages in the event of an emergency.
F. The electronic message sign may not display light of such intensity
or brilliance as to cause glare, impair the vision of an ordinary
driver, or constitute a nuisance. Maximum sign luminance shall not
exceed 0.3 footcandle above ambient light measurement based upon the
size of the sign (in square feet) and distance measured perpendicular
to the sign face in accordance with the following table:
Maximum Allowed Ambient Light Level
(footcandles)
|
Area of Sign
(square feet)
|
Measurement of Distance
(feet)1
|
---|
0.3
|
10
|
32
|
0.3
|
15
|
39
|
0.3
|
20
|
45
|
0.3
|
25
|
50
|
0.3
|
30
|
55
|
0.3
|
35
|
59
|
0.3
|
40
|
63
|
0.3
|
45
|
67
|
0.3
|
50
|
71
|
0.3
|
55
|
74
|
0.3
|
60
|
77
|
NOTES:
|
Source: Model Code, Illuminating Engineering Society of North
America
|
1
|
Measured in feet, perpendicular to the face of the sign.
|
G. Prior to the issuance of a sign permit, the applicant shall provide
written certification from the sign manufacturer that the light intensity
has been factory-programmed not to exceed the above listed light levels.
H. In no case shall EMS luminance exceed 0.1 footcandle above ambient
light along any adjacent property line that is zoned or used for residential
purposes.
Nonilluminated temporary exterior signs may be erected in accordance
with the regulations of this section.
A. General regulations.
(1)
It is the intent of these regulations to minimize the proliferation
of temporary signs in the Township.
(2)
Temporary signs shall not be illuminated.
(3)
Unless otherwise specified, all temporary signs shall be located
on the premises they are intended to serve.
B. Permits required. All permitted temporary signs that are 12 square
feet or greater, except those signs where additional sign area is
permitted during the time frame and conditions specified in this section,
shall require a permit from the Zoning Administrator. Banners meeting
the requirements of this section shall require a permit from the Zoning
Administrator.
C. Temporary ground signs. The setback, height and area of temporary
ground signs are set forth in Table 15.12.C-1.
Table 15.12.C-1
Setback, Height, and Area for Temporary Ground Signs Per Premises
|
---|
Sign Zone
|
Minimum Setback
(feet)1
|
Maximum Height
(feet)
|
Maximum Area
(square feet)
|
Maximum Area of Individual Sign2
|
---|
RC, AG, and residential zoning districts
|
5
|
6
|
32
|
16
|
All nonresidential zoning districts
|
15
|
6
|
32
|
16
|
NOTES:
|
1
|
Front yard.
|
2
|
Either on same or adjacent properties.
|
D. Temporary wall signs. The maximum area of temporary wall signs is
set forth in Table 15.12.D-1.
Table 15.12.D-1
Setback, Height, and Area for Temporary Wall Signs Per Premises
|
---|
Sign Zone
|
Total Maximum Area
(square feet)
|
Maximum Area of Individual Sign
|
---|
RC, AG, and residential zoning districts
|
16
|
8
|
All nonresidential zoning districts
|
24
|
12
|
E. Standards for all temporary signs.
(1)
Temporary signs shall be constructed of durable, all-weather
materials and designed to remain in place and in good repair so long
as they remain on display.
(2)
The maximum display time of temporary signs is 30 days unless additional time is granted under Subsection
E(3) or
(4) below. After this time expires, the sign shall be removed. Once the temporary sign is removed, there shall be a gap of at least 30 days between displays of a temporary sign on the same property.
(3)
In recognition that there is a need for additional expression
of speech prior to a scheduled election, the following applies for
a period of 30 days prior to the three days after a Township-designated
election day on which there is at least one ballot item: the maximum
allowable area of temporary signs shall be increased to 64 square
feet per premises in all districts. The maximum area of an individual
sign remains as stated in the table above during this period.
(4)
When all or a portion of a building or land area is listed for
lease, the maximum display time of freestanding temporary signs and
temporary signs mounted on buildings shall be 90 days. When all or
a portion of a building or land area is listed for sale, the maximum
display time of freestanding temporary signs for all uses and temporary
signs mounted on buildings for all uses except residential uses shall
be the duration the building, building unit or land is listed for
sale. In all cases, the sign area limits in Table 12.07.B-2 apply.
(5)
Display of temporary banners and temporary signs mounted on
building walls (temporary wall signs) shall be limited to a total
of 28 days per calendar year. Such signs shall not be displayed for
any continuous period greater than 14 days.
Nonconforming signs shall not:
A. Be reestablished after the related activity, business, or usage has
been discontinued for 90 days or longer.
B. Be structurally altered so as to prolong the life of the sign or
so as to change the shape, size, type, or design of the sign.
C. Be reestablished after damage or destruction, if the estimated expense
of reconstruction exceeds 50% of the replacement cost as determined
by the Building Inspector.
Knowing and willful violation of the provisions of this article
shall be a municipal civil infraction. Enforcement of this article
may proceed through the municipal civil infraction process. Each day
that such violation continues after receipt of written notice to remove
a sign shall be deemed a separate offense. Violation of these regulations
shall result in a revocation of the subject sign permit.