The purpose of this article is to enhance the appearance of
the Township by promoting signs that are attractive, unobtrusive and
in keeping with the rural character of the Township.
The following regulations shall be observed in all districts:
A. No sign shall be erected within the lines of a street right-of-way,
except:
(1) Traffic signs and similar regulatory notices of a duly constituted
governing body;
(2) Off-premises signs as permitted by §
255-55;
(3) Business signs for business not located on a public street;
(4) Temporary signs as permitted by §
255-56.
B. No artificial light or reflecting device that interferes with, competes
for attention with, or may be mistaken for a traffic signal may be
used as part of a sign. Flashing lights, chaser lights, oscillating
lights, backlighted signs and reflecting devices are expressly prohibited.
Floodlighting shall be arranged so that the source of light is not
visible from any point off the lot and so that only the sign is illuminated
thereby.
C. Awnings, banners, overhangs and building walls that contain writing,
logos or company colors shall be considered a sign under this chapter.
The following signs shall be exempted from these regulations:
A. Directional, informational or public service signs such as those
advertising location of restrooms, telephones or similar public conveniences,
and signs advertising meeting times and places of nonprofit services
or charitable organizations, provided that such signs do not advertise
any commercial establishment, activity or organization. Exempt signs
shall not exceed four square feet in face area.
B. Development review notice sign. A sign which is posted on a property to notify the public of a pending subdivision, land development or site plan. This exempt sign shall be 30 inches wide, 48 inches high and shall have the following wording in three- and four-inch lettering: LAND DEVELOPMENT PROPOSED, CALL HALFMOON TOWNSHIP, 692-9800 (see Article
II, §
215-11, of Chapter
215, Subdivision and Land Development, for specifications). The sign shall be made of aluminum with white reflective sheeting and the lettering shall be royal blue. The sign must be posted within 10 days of filing a plan with the Township and shall be removed within seven days after receiving conditional approval from the Board of Supervisors.
Business signs accessory to allowed commercial, industrial and
home occupation uses shall be regulated as follows:
A. Business signs (other than those accessory to home occupations).
(1) Only one sign of any type, as defined by this article, per business
is permitted. Both sides of the sign may be used.
(2) Signs mounted on a front or side wall exposed to public view from
either a street or parking area shall not exceed 32 square feet in
face area, shall not project more than 10 inches from the face of
any wall, and shall not project above any roof.
(3) Freestanding signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in face area (one
side) and shall not be higher than 15 feet above ground level.
B. Home occupation signs.
(1) Only one sign per home occupation is permitted.
(2) The maximum face area of any home occupation shall not exceed four
square feet.
(3) The maximum height of any home occupation sign shall not exceed 30
inches above ground level except signs placed in a window.
(4) A home occupation sign may not be placed within 25 feet of any side
or rear property line.
(5) A home occupation sign may not be lighted or illuminated in any manner.
(6) Home occupation signs may not be placed on the walls of a house or
building.
(7) Home occupation signs may be placed in a window, but shall not exceed
four square feet in area or be back lit by interior lights.
Off-premises signs that direct prospective buyers to a place
of business are permitted only when in compliance with the following:
A. Off-premises signs shall state only the name of the business, the
type of business, and the distance and direction to the business.
B. Off-premises signs shall be of the same layout as street signs, except
that the background shall be blue instead of green, with white letters.
Churches or civic organizations shall be exempt from this requirement.
C. Only two off-premises signs per place of business are permitted.
D. The specific size, placement and wording of off-premises signs shall
be determined by the Township Zoning Officer.
E. Off-premises signs shall be installed by the Township at the expense
of the business owner or lessee.
F. Off-premises signs for home occupations are not permitted.
Temporary signs, including signs advertising land or premises
available for purchase, development or occupancy, or announcements
of special events shall be permitted, provided that:
A. Temporary signs shall not exceed 16 square feet in face area. Signs
shall be removed immediately after serving the purpose for which they
were erected, and the site or building on which the sign had been
erected shall be returned to its original condition.
B. Temporary signs shall be placed on the property being served by that
sign.
C. A sign stating HOUSE FOR SALE or REAL ESTATE FOR SALE or similar
statement with a directional arrow may be placed on the property of
another with that property owner's permission or at the edge of the
public right-of-way. This sign shall not show any realty company name
or logo. Such sign shall not exceed four square feet in face area.
D. A sign stating YARD SALE or GARAGE SALE or similar statement with
a directional arrow may be placed on the property of another with
that individual's permission or at the edge of the public right-of-way.
Such sign shall not contain any name or logo. Such sign shall not
exceed four square feet in face area and shall not be in position
for more than 16 consecutive days. After removal, such sign may not
be placed again until 30 days have elapsed.
E. Temporary political/election signs may be placed on a property of
another with that individual's permission. Such sign shall not exceed
16 square feet in size and shall not be placed more than 30 days prior
to any primary election and must be removed within seven days after
the date of the primary election or shall not be placed more than
30 days prior to a general or municipal election and shall be removed
within seven days of any general or municipal election being held.
Any temporary political election sign exceeding four square feet in
size shall require a zoning permit and approval of the Zoning Officer
as to size and location prior to erection of such sign.