[Amended 4-16-1975 by Ord. No. 75-1; 6-6-1990 by Ord. No.
90-2; 10-7-1992 by Ord. No. 92-9; 8-21-1997 by Ord. No.
97-5; 2-3-1999 by Ord. No. 99-4; 6-7-2000 by Ord. No. 2000-4; 6-4-2008by Ord. No. 2008-02]
Any sign erected or maintained after the effective
date of this article shall conform to the following regulations.
A.Â
SIGN
(1)Â
(2)Â
(3)Â
As used in this article, the following terms shall
have the meanings indicated:
A name, identification, description, emblem, display or device
which is affixed to, printed on, or represented directly or indirectly
upon a building, structure, or parcel of land; which is illuminated
or nonilluminated; visible or intended to be visible from any public
place; and, which directs or calls attention to a person, place, product,
institution, business, organization, activity or service. Signs shall
also include any temporarily or permanently installed or situated
merchandise, including any banner, pennant, placard, statue, vehicle
or temporary sign.
SIGN AREAThe total dimensions of a sign surface used to display information, messages, advertising, logos, or symbols. The sign area shall be calculated by drawing the smallest possible square or rectangle around the message, logo, and/or symbol. This does not include the supporting structure. On double-faced signs, only one of the surfaces is counted towards the sign face, unless the two surfaces are parallel and more than two feet apart; or form an angle greater than 45°.
SIGN FACEThe part of the sign that is or can be used for the sign area (the sign area could be smaller than the sign face).
SIGN HEIGHTThe vertical distance from the highest portion of the sign, including all structural elements, to mean grade.
B.Â
ANIMATED SIGN
ARTISAN SIGN
AWNING
AWNING SIGN
BANNER SIGN
BEACON SIGN
BENCH SIGN
BOX SIGN
BUSINESS SIGN
CANOPY
CHANGEABLE COPY
(1)Â
(2)Â
CHANNEL LETTER SIGN
CIVIC EVENT SIGN
CONSTRUCTION SIGN
DEVELOPMENT SIGN
DIRECTIONAL SIGN
DIRECTORY SIGN
DOUBLE-FACED SIGN
EAVE
ERECT
FLAG
FREESTANDING SIGN
GOVERNMENTAL/REGULATORY SIGN
GROUP SIGN
ILLUMINATED SIGN
(1)Â
(2)Â
INCIDENTAL SIGN
LANDMARK SIGN
MARQUEE SIGN
MENU (RESTAURANT MENU) SIGN
MOBILE BILLBOARD SIGN
MONUMENT SIGN
MURAL
NAMEPLATE (IDENTIFICATION) SIGN
NEON SIGN
NONCONFORMING SIGN
NONSTATIONARY SIGN
OFF-PREMISES ADVERTISING SIGN OR BILLBOARD
ON-PREMISES SIGN
PARALLEL (WALL/FLUSH WALL) SIGN
PENNANT
POLITICAL SIGN
PORTABLE (MOVEABLE) SIGN
PUBLIC SERVICE SIGN
PROJECTING SIGN
REAL ESTATE SIGN
REVOLVING SIGN
ROOF SIGN
SANDWICH BOARD SIGN
SIGN STRUCTURE
SNIPE SIGN
SPECIAL-EVENTS SIGNS
STREET BANNER SIGN
TEMPORARY SIGN
TIME AND TEMPERATURE SIGN
TRAILER SIGN
UNDER-MARQUEE SIGN
VEHICULAR SIGN
WINDOW OR DOOR SIGN
SIGN LIGHTER
Sign types are as follows:
A sign with action or motion, flashing, color changes and/or
copy changes at intervals of less than 10 seconds requiring electrical
energy, but not including wind-activated elements such as flags, banners
or specialty items.
Any sign giving the name or names of principal contractors,
architects, and lending institutions responsible for painting or construction
on the site where the sign is placed.
Fabric, plastic, metal, or other roof-like covering that
projects from a wall for the purpose of shielding a doorway or window
from the elements. Awnings are either permanently attached to a building,
or can be raised or retracted to a position against the building when
not in use.
A sign that is mounted or painted on, or attached to, an
awning with no internal or background illumination. Such sign shall
not be backlit in any way.
Any temporary sign intended to be hung either with or without
frames, possessing characters, letters, illustration or ornamentations
applied to fabric or similar material that is applied to a pole or
building in a temporary manner. National flags, state or municipal
flags, or those containing decorative illustrations shall not be considered
a banner for the purposes of this article unless its use or purpose
is that of advertising the location of a business at which it is flown.
A sign that contains or consists of beacon lights, spotlights,
and/or searchlights used primarily or incidentally to cast a beam
or beams of light generally skyward to attract attention to its location
rather than, or in addition to, using the light to illuminate a sign
attached to a structure.
A sign located on any part of the surface of a bench or seat
placed on or adjacent to a public right-of-way.[1]
A sign fastened to a wall, constructed as a box with enough
internal depth to accommodate internal lighting.
An on-premises sign which advertises or otherwise directs
attention to a business, commodity, service, industry or other activity
which is sold, offered or conducted, other than incidentally, on the
premises upon which the sign is located, or to which it is affixed.
A structure other than an awning made of fabric, metal, or
other material with frames affixed to a building and carried by a
frame that is supported by columns or posts affixed to the ground.
A sign with text, numbers, or graphics, which is designed
to be easily and periodically changed. These can take one of two forms,
outlined below:
ELECTRONIC CHANGEABLE COPY SIGNA changeable copy sign whose messages can be electronically programmed without altering the physical surface of the sign. All copy that changes shall be displayed at intervals of not less than 10 seconds. Animation or any other significant distracting movement of the changeable copy as determined by the Township is prohibited.
MANUAL CHANGEABLE COPY SIGNA changeable sign whose message copy or intent can be changed manually.
A sign consisting of three-dimensional letters, individually
applied to a wall.
A temporary, noncommercial sign that promotes and/or advertises
an activity sponsored by the municipality, school district, public
agency, civic or charitable association, religious institution, or
other similar noncommercial organization. The sign is posted on the
site of the event.
Any temporary sign giving the name or names of principal
contractors, architects, and lending institutions responsible for
construction on the site where the sign is placed together with other
information included thereon with such sign to be limited to the duration
of construction.
A temporary on-premises sign which announces the property
is in the process of subdivision or land development.
An on-premises, incidental sign designed to guide or direct
pedestrians or vehicular traffic. Such signs shall not include logos,
insignia, commercial symbols, etc.
A sign designating businesses or offices, and their locations
on a multi-tenanted lot.
A freestanding sign with two identical faces of the same
size which are parallel to each other and not more than two feet apart
or two identical faces which form an angle not in excess of 45°.
The overhanging lower edge of the roof.
To build, construct, attach, place, suspend, or affix, which
shall also include the painting of wall signs or other graphics.
A piece of fabric or other material of distinctive design
that is used as a symbol of a nation, state, municipality, agency,
civic organization, or corporation and which is usually displayed
hanging free from a staff or halyard.
A self-supporting sign resting on or supported by means of
poles or standards which are secured in the ground, and which is not
dependent of structural support from any building, fence, or other
support.
Any sign for the control of traffic or for identification
purposes, street signs, warning signs, railroad crossing signs and
signs of public service companies indicating danger or construction,
which are erected by or at the order of a public officer, employee
or agent thereof, in the discharge of official duties.
A freestanding business sign which identifies more than one
tenant or use on a single sign.
A sign in which a source of light is used in order to make
the message readable. This shall include internally and externally
lighted signs as defined below:
EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATEDArtificial light, located outside and away from the sign, that lights the sign, but which is itself not visible to persons viewing the sign from any street, sidewalk or adjacent property. This includes festoon lighting, which is comprised of either:
INTERNALLY ILLUMINATEDA light source that is concealed or contained within the sign and becomes visible in darkness through a translucent surface.
A directional sign of a public service nature such as signs
identifying parking lots, telephones, restrooms, loading docks, and
similar services. These signs contain no advertising.
An older sign of artistic or historic merit, uniqueness or
extraordinary significance to the municipality as identified by the
governing body.
Any sign attached to a marquee for the purpose of identifying
a use. If attached to a theater, it may also advertise films or productions.
Signs that incorporate a listing of products and prices offered
by the business.
A sign affixed to a vehicle or pulled by a vehicle, the primary
purpose of which is for advertising while the vehicle is moving or
in traffic.
A sign supported by a brick, stone, or masonry wall or structure
which forms a supporting base for the sign display. The wall area
is not counted in the sign display area.
Artwork applied to the wall of a building, wall, or other
structure. A mural covers all of the surface and depicts a scene or
event of natural, social, cultural, or historic significance.
A nonbusiness sign which announces only the name and/or address
of the occupants of a residence.
A sign with glass tubing containing a large proportion of
neon gas. The tubing is typically bent to form words, numbers, logos,
symbols, etc.
A sign which has a valid permit and was erected prior to
the effective date of this or any subsequent amendment hereto to the
provisions of which such sign does not conform.
A sign which, by means of some mechanical device, changes
its position constantly or at regular intervals by rotating around
an axis, or shifting in horizontal or vertical alignment.[2]
A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity,
service, entertainment or facility not located, conducted, sold or
offered upon the premises where such sign is located.
[Added 6-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-1]
A sign which advertises, or otherwise directs attention to,
an activity on the same property.
A sign painted or mounted parallel to a wall or other vertical
building surface. A parallel sign shall not extend beyond the edge
of any wall, roof line or other surface to which it is mounted and
shall not project more than 12 inches from its mounting surface.
Any 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.
A temporary sign relating to the election of a person to
public office, or a political party, or a matter to be voted upon
at an election or referendum by the general public, or a limited group
thereof.
Any sign designed to be transported or moved, including but
not limited to signs designed to be transported by wheels (including
vehicular signs), A-frame signs, or sandwich board signs.
A sign posted at a site to promote and advertise a service
sponsored by the municipality, public agency, school district, religious
institution, civic association, or other nonprofit public agency.
Any sign mounted on a building wall, but not at the same
plane as the building wall. The sign extends more than 12 inches from
the building wall.
Any temporary sign which is used to offer for sale, lease
or rent the property upon which the sign is placed.
A sign which revolves in a circular motion rather than remaining
stationary on its supporting structure.
A sign erected upon or above a roof or parapet wall of a
building, and which is wholly or partly supported by said building.
A portable advertising sign consisting of two faces, taken
down at the end of the day. Sandwich board signs are typically used
to advertise dining, entertainment, or sales; and are located along
the street or sidewalk in front of the business it advertises.
Poles, posts, walls, frames, brackets, or other supports
holding a sign in place. The structure is not counted towards the
area of the sign.
Sign of any material whatsoever that is attached in any way
to a utility pole, tree, fence, guiderail, rock, traffic control device
or sign, or any similar object located or situated on public or private
property.
On-premises signs announcing special events including, but
not limited to, auctions, grand openings, new management, going-out-of-business
sales and events by religious, charitable or public service groups.
Any off-premises temporary banner sign which is stretched
across and hung over a public right-of-way.
A sign which is intended to advertise special events, sales,
general elections, community or civic events or projects, construction
projects and real estate for sale or lease on a temporary basis.
A display containing numbers flashing alternatively at intervals
of not less than five seconds to show time and temperature.
Any sign which is erected upon a structure having wheels,
rollers, or similar devices facilitating movement and is capable of
being moved from one location to another.
A lighted, or unlighted, display attached to the underside
of a marquee protruding over a public or private sidewalk or right-of-way.
Any vehicle to which a sign is affixed in such a manner that
the carrying of such sign, or signs, no longer is incidental to the
vehicle's primary purpose, but becomes a primary purpose in itself,
shall be considered a freestanding sign, and as such, shall be subject
to the provisions regarding freestanding signs in the district in
which the vehicle is located.
A sign which is fastened, painted, or placed on the inside
area of a window or a door window. This excludes window displays.
Such signs must be included in total sign face calculations.
A directed and controlled light specifically intended to
illuminate a sign.
[1]
Editor's Note: The former definition of "billboard sign,"
which immediately followed this definition, was repealed 6-6-2012
by Ord. No. 2012-1. See now the definition of "off-premises advertising
sign or billboard."
[2]
Editor's Note: The former definition of "off-premises sign,"
which immediately followed this definition, was repealed 6-6-2012
by Ord. No. 2012-1. See now the definition of "off-premises advertising
sign or billboard."
In all residential districts, the following
signs shall be permitted, and no other:
A.Â
Official street and traffic signs, and any signs required
by law.
B.Â
Professional, accessory use, excluding home occupations
on the same lot with and indicating the name, profession or activity
of the occupant of a dwelling, provided that the area of any one side
of any sign shall not exceed 240 square inches and five feet of sign
height, and provided that not more than one such sign shall be erected
for each dwelling.
C.Â
Sign for a school, church, hospital, sanitarium, club
or other institution of a similar nature on the same lot therewith
or on a lot owned by the same person or entity which is separated
from the lot on which the institutional use exists only by a legal
right-of-way, for the purpose of displaying the name of the institution
and its activities or services, provided that the area on any one
side of such sign shall not exceed 15 square feet and 10 feet of sign
height and provided that not more than one such sign shall be erected
on any one street frontage of any property in single and separate
ownership.
(1)Â
Notwithstanding the language of this subsection, for
churches having street frontage on a semi-controlled access highway
(as defined in § 142-22 of this Code), the signage permitted
on such frontage by this section may be increased to 35 square feet
per side, provided that any such sign is not internally illuminated.
D.Â
Trespassing signs and signs indicating private ownership
of roadways or other property on the same premises therewith, provided
that the total area on any one side of such sign shall not exceed
1Â 1/2 square feet and shall be spaced at intervals of not less
than 100 feet.
E.Â
Real estate signs as follows:
(1)Â
For advertising the sale or rental of the premises
upon which the sign is erected, provided that the total area on any
one side of such sign on any one street frontage of any property in
single and separate ownership shall not exceed eight square feet for
residential properties carried by a single broker or 20 square feet
for residential properties carried by one or more cooperating brokers
and five feet of sign height.
(2)Â
For advertising on the premises the sale or development
of homes within a subdivision, provided that the area of any one side
of such sign shall not exceed 40 square feet and 10 feet of sign height
and provided that not more than two such signs shall be erected within
any such subdivision.
F.Â
Signs in connection with the identification, operation
or protection of any public utility or municipal activity on the same
lot therewith, provided that the total sign area on any one street
frontage of any property in single and separate ownership shall not
exceed eight square feet and five feet of sign height.
G.Â
Temporary signs and freestanding signs associated
with roadside stands, particularly farm produce and related products,
provided that the area of any one side of any sign shall not exceed
eight square feet and five feet of sign height and provided that not
more than one such sign shall be erected on any one street frontage
of any property in single and separate ownership. These signs shall
not be erected more than 15 days in advance of the harvest of the
produce in question, and shall be removed within 30 days from the
end of harvest.
H.Â
Directional signs, when authorized by the Zoning Hearing
Board as a special exception, provided that the area of any one side
of any such sign shall not exceed four square feet and provided that
such signs shall be spaced at intervals of not less than 500 feet
of street frontage.
I.Â
Temporary signs of contractors, mechanics, painters
and artisans erected and maintained on the premises where the work
is being performed during the period in which such work is being performed,
provided that the area of any one side of any such sign shall not
exceed eight square feet and five feet of sign height and provided
that not more than one such sign shall be erected on any property
in single and separate ownership and provided that such sign shall
be removed upon completion of the work.
J.Â
Signs that identify the name of a single-family residential
subdivision or development located at any street entrance to the subdivision
shall be erected as follows:
(1)Â
Signs shall be limited to two signed entrances
and shall be a minimum of 500 feet apart per subdivision, unless there
are multiple entrances which require such signs, in which case all
entrances are permitted to be signed.
(2)Â
Sign(s) shall be a monument-type or pole-type
sign.
(3)Â
Monument sign(s) shall be a maximum of 20 square
feet in area and five feet in height, while pole signs shall be a
maximum of 16 square feet in area and 12 feet in height.
(4)Â
Sign(s) shall be set back 10 feet from any property
line and outside all clear sight triangles. Sign(s) shall not be lighted
in any manner.
(5)Â
The developer shall record an easement for these
signs, acceptable to the Township Solicitor, and the continuing maintenance
and upkeep of such signs and any associated landscaping will be the
responsibility of the Homeowners' Association of the relevant subdivision.
In the event that such signs fall into severe disrepair, the Homeowners'
Association will be notified in writing and given 90 days to rectify
the problem, or else the sign will be considered in violation of this
article.
In commercial districts, the following signs
shall be permitted, and no other:
A.Â
Any sign permitted in a residential district, provided
that the use to which it refers is permitted in a commercial district.
B.Â
Signs in connection with tourist homes or rooming
houses on the same lot therewith, provided that the area of any one
side of such sign shall not exceed six square feet and five feet of
sign height and provided that not more than one such sign shall be
erected on any one street frontage of any property in single and separate
ownership.
C.Â
A business or commercial sign or a series of signs
on the same lot as the use to which it refers, or upon a different
lot owned by the user in the case of a directional sign, provided
that the total sign area on any one street frontage of any property
in single and separate ownership conforms to the following area requirements
which are based upon building frontage limitations:
(1)Â
Thirty square feet for those establishments
where the building frontage along any one principal road is 40 feet
or less.
(2)Â
The allowable area of a sign may be increased
by a maximum of one square foot for every three additional feet of
building frontage in excess of 40 feet.
(3)Â
In order to encourage users to provide the community
with an attractive, unified outdoor advertising scheme, it is further
provided that, if the user chooses to mount a sign or series of signs
flat against the building facade (a sign may not extend more than
six inches outward from the facade), the allowable area of the sign
may be increased by 15%.
(4)Â
Under no circumstances shall the total maximum
sign area exceed 80 square feet.
(5)Â
Maximum sign height shall be 12 feet for freestanding
signs and 18 feet for signs attached to building walls.
D.Â
A business or commercial sign for an establishment not situated on a primary highway may, with the consent of the owner of the affected property and as a special exception granted by the Zoning Hearing Board, be located at the nearest primary highway intersection to that establishment, provided that the combined area of this sign and the primary sign located at the place of business do not exceed the area specified in § 164-107C of this article. Maximum sign height shall be 12 feet.
E.Â
Business and commercial signs on multiple-occupancy
lots when erected in accordance with one of the following prescribed
options:
(1)Â
A sign or a series of signs may be mounted flat against the facade of each establishment located within a multiple-occupancy property, provided that the total area and sign height of all signs or series of signs shall conform to the requirements specified for business and commercial signs in § 164-107C of this article; or
(2)Â
Signs may be attached to the facade of each
establishment and a freestanding multiple directory sign may be erected,
provided that the following conditions are met:
(a)Â
The total area of signs attached to the facade
of each establishment may not exceed 20 square feet.
(b)Â
With respect to a multiple directory sign, the
amount of space allowed for the purpose of advertising the name of
an individual establishment shall not exceed four square feet. In
addition, the multiple directory sign is permitted an additional 20%
of the total area of the sign to identify the name of the complex
or site.
(c)Â
The multiple directory sign shall only be used
for the purpose of identifying the names and/or addresses of the establishments
within individual buildings and shall preclude the use of any other
freestanding signs for the said property on the same street frontage.
(d)Â
Maximum sign height shall be 12 feet for freestanding
signs and 18 feet for signs attached to building walls.
F.Â
For shopping center uses, signs may be mounted flat
against the facade of each establishment and a freestanding sign indicating
the name of the shopping center may be erected, provided that the
following conditions are met:
(1)Â
A sign or series of signs may be mounted flat against the facade of each establishment, provided that the total area of all signs or series of signs shall conform to the requirements for business and commercial signs set forth in § 164-107C of this article.
(2)Â
A freestanding sign identifying the name of
the shopping center, provided that the area of any one side shall
not exceed 100 square feet or a total area on all eligible sides of
200 square feet, with a maximum sign height of 18 feet, and provided
further that the location shall be approved by the Township Supervisors
in connection with the required development plan.
G.Â
A garden apartment sign on the same lot as the use
to which it refers or upon a different lot owned by the user in the
case of a directional sign, provided that the total sign area on any
one street frontage conforms to the following limitations:
(1)Â
Twenty square feet for those garden apartment
complexes where the street frontage along any one principal road is
200 feet or less.
(2)Â
The allowable area of a garden apartment sign
may be increased if authorized as a special exception by the Board
of Supervisors by a maximum of one square foot for every 10 feet of
street frontage in excess of 200 feet.
(3)Â
Under no circumstances shall a garden apartment
sign with an area in excess of 40 square feet be permitted.
(4)Â
Maximum sign height shall be 12 feet.
H.Â
Real estate signs for sale or rental of commercial properties, said signs not to exceed 40 square feet and sign height of 12 feet. Residential sale or rental signs in a commercial district shall comply with § 164-106E.
I.Â
For commercial premises located in the C Commercial
District, one electronic changeable copy sign attached to a permitted
on-premises freestanding sign shall be allowed per premises, providing
it meets the following regulations:
(1)Â
Each message displayed on the electronic changeable
copy sign must be static or, if it is a scrolling or flashing message,
must be depicted for a minimum of 10 seconds before moving to the
next part of the text.
(2)Â
Signs which depict time and temperature are
permitted to allow for a minimum of five seconds of depiction of the
time and temperature before moving on to the next part of the message.
(3)Â
Where text is displayed on a background, the
text shall be brighter than the background (i.e., dark text shall
not be displayed on a bright background).
(4)Â
The letter height in electronic changeable copy
must be at least 12 inches if all caps, or 11 inches if the message
contains lower- and uppercase letters.
(5)Â
No freestanding electronic changeable copy sign shall exceed 40% of the total allowable sign face area for any on-premises freestanding sign. In addition, the maximum height of an electronic changeable copy sign shall conform to the standards as specified in § 164-107C.
(6)Â
On-premises freestanding electronic changeable
copy signs shall not be illuminated more than one-half hour before
the time at which the premises is open to the public or more than
one-half hour after the time at which the premises is closed to the
public, or 10:00 p.m., whichever is later, except in the case of twenty-four-hour
businesses, where the illumination must be dimmed or turned off between
the hours of midnight and 4:00 a.m.
(7)Â
The display may only be used to advertise goods
and services sold on-premises, time and temperature, and public service
announcements.
(8)Â
The addition of any electronic changeable copy
sign to any nonconforming freestanding sign is prohibited.
(9)Â
Electronic changeable copy signs shall also
be subject to the following regulations:
(a)Â
They shall not be permitted on any residential
land use.
(b)Â
They shall not be permitted to be located within
75 feet of any traffic signal or flashing light installation authorized
by a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation permit.
(c)Â
Any premises with an electronic changeable copy
sign shall not be permitted to have any other freestanding or monument
sign on the property, with the exception of shopping centers or plazas
with multiple businesses, where multiple signs to identify each business
are otherwise permitted.
(10)Â
Animation and streaming video is prohibited.
(11)Â
Electronic changeable copy signs shall not be
permitted in any zoning district except C Commercial.
[Amended 12-2-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-04]
In OLC, RO and MU Districts, the following signs shall be permitted:
A.Â
Residential uses, other than apartments, may have any sign permitted by § 164-106 of this chapter.
B.Â
Nonresidential and apartment uses may have signs in accordance with
the following requirements:
(1)Â
"Sign face area" is the entire surface area, including background,
of any one side of a sign necessary to convey the information contained
on the sign.
(2)Â
For individual mixed-use, nonresidential and apartment lots,
the following requirements apply:
(a)Â
Each lot is entitled to a maximum total sign face area of 80
square feet.
(b)Â
No individual sign face may exceed 30 square feet in area.
(c)Â
The area of all sides of signs used to convey information shall
be counted toward the total permitted sign face area of 80 square
feet per lot.
(d)Â
Signs may only be lit with direct external lighting, such as
floodlights or spotlights. Internal lighting that shines through a
plastic or other translucent covering is not permitted.
(e)Â
Freestanding signs shall not exceed 10 feet in height.
(3)Â
For individual mixed-use and nonresidential lots that are: 1)
located within the MU Mixed-Use District and have a minimum of 200
feet of street frontage along a primary arterial roadway; or 2) located
within the RO Residential-Office District, have a minimum of 200 feet
of street frontage along a primary arterial roadway and contain a
Class 3 conditional use, may have signs in accordance with the following
requirements:
(a)Â
Signs may be externally or internally lit.
(b)Â
Each lot is entitled to one freestanding sign of no more than
80 square feet in sign area and no more than 15 feet in height, measured
from the mean grade at the position of the base of the sign, or from
the elevation of the center of the primary arterial roadway at a point
nearest to the position of the base of the sign, whichever elevation
is lower.
[1]Â
Up to three freestanding signs shall be permitted
on a single tract of at least 20 acres within the Mixed-Use District.
One freestanding sign shall be permitted on all other tracts.
[2]Â
For lots with more than one street frontage, a
freestanding sign must be positioned along the primary arterial roadway.
(c)Â
Each single-occupancy lot is entitled to one or more building-mounted
signs of no more than 70 square feet in sign area for each sign and
no more than 100 square feet in total sign area for all building-mounted
signs on the lot. The maximum height shall not exceed 25 feet and
shall not extend beyond the edge of any wall, roof line or other surface
to which it is mounted.
(d)Â
Each multiple-use lot is entitled to one or more building-mounted
signs provided the following conditions are met:
[1]Â
For each single-occupancy building on a multiple-use
lot, no more than 80 square feet of total building-mounted sign area.
[2]Â
For each multiple-occupancy building on a multiple-use
lot, one building-mounted sign, no more than 30 square feet of sign
area per establishment, where the building frontage along the primary
arterial roadway is 40 feet or less. The allowable sign area per establishment
may be increased by a maximum of one square foot for every two additional
feet of building frontage in excess of 40 feet.
[3]Â
The maximum height shall not exceed 15 feet and
shall not extend beyond the edge of any wall, roof line or other surface
to which it is mounted.
(e)Â
Each lot containing a gasoline fueling facility, one changeable
copy sign attached to a permitted freestanding sign shall be allowed,
providing it meets the following regulations:
[1]Â
The electronic changeable copy sign may only depict
fuel prices dispensed at the facility.
[2]Â
The text of the electronic changeable copy sign
must be brighter than the background, i.e., dark text shall not be
displayed on a bright background.
[3]Â
The letter height of the changeable copy sign must
be at least 12 inches.
(4)Â
For mixed-use developments as a whole, a ground sign identifying
the name of the development may be erected at each public street providing
ingress and egress to the development, provided that the mixed-use
development is built in accordance with the MU District standards.
The maximum sign face area for such signs along primary arterial roadways
shall be 200 square feet and for such signs along other streets shall
be 100 square feet. The maximum height shall be eight feet.
[Amended 6-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-1]
In I Industrial Districts, the following signs
shall be permitted, and no others:
A.Â
Any sign except electronic changeable copy signs permitted
in any other district, provided that the use to which it refers is
permitted in I Industrial Districts.
B.Â
For any industrial use, a sign to display the name
of the owner or occupant of the premises and the activity conducted
thereon, on the same lot therewith, provided that the total sign area
on any one street frontage of any property in single and separate
ownership conforms to the following area requirements based upon building
frontage limitations:
(1)Â
Forty square feet for those establishments where
the building frontage along any one principal street is 60 feet or
less.
(2)Â
The allowable area of a sign may be increased,
if authorized as a special exception by the Board of Supervisors,
by a maximum of one square foot for every three additional feet of
building frontage in excess of 60 feet.
(3)Â
In order to encourage users to provide the community
with an attractive, unified outdoor advertising scheme, it is further
provided that, if the user chooses to mount a sign flat against the
building facade, the allowable area of the sign may be increased by
15%.
(4)Â
Under no circumstances shall the total maximum
sign area exceed 100 square feet.
C.Â
For those industrial uses having a road frontage in excess of 500 feet and which necessarily has more than one entrance point along that road frontage, an individual sign may be erected at each entrance, provided that the total area of all signs does not exceed the limits, based on building frontage, established in § 164-108B.
D.Â
Industrial signs on multiple-occupancy lots when erected
in accordance with the following limitations:
(1)Â
A sign may be mounted against the facade of each establishment located upon a multi-occupancy lot, provided that the total area of any sign shall conform to the requirements specified for industrial signs in § 164-108B.
(2)Â
For industrial parks, a multiple directory sign
may be erected for each point of ingress and egress to the area from
a primary access highway. Such signs must be ground signs and must
not exceed 12 feet in height nor 200 square feet in area.
E.Â
Real estate signs for sale or rental of industrial properties, said signs not to exceed 40 square feet. Residential sale or rental signs in an industrial district shall comply with § 164-106E.
F.Â
Maximum sign height shall be 12 feet for freestanding
signs and 18 feet for signs attached to building walls.
In all districts, the following general sign
regulations shall apply:
A.Â
No sign shall be placed in such a position as to endanger
traffic on a street by obscuring a clear view or by confusion with
official street signs or signals, by virtue of position or color.
B.Â
Rotating or moving signs are prohibited.
C.Â
No sign, other than official street signs, shall be
erected or maintained within the street right-of-way.
D.Â
No sign shall project more than 24 inches over a public
walkway, and the lower edge of such projecting sign shall be not less
than 10 feet above the walk level.
E.Â
Every sign permitted in this article shall be constructed
of durable materials and shall be maintained in good condition and
repair at all times.
G.Â
The area of an irregularly shaped sign shall be deemed
to be the total square footage of the smallest square or rectangle
into which the irregular shape would fit.
H.Â
Projecting signs shall not project more than four
feet from the surface to which they are attached and the height of
the top of the sign shall not exceed the height of the wall from which
it projects if attached to a single-story building, or the top of
the sill of the second-story windows if attached to a multistory building.
In addition, the sign board shall not exceed an area (one side) of
six square feet. Lettering, numbering, or graphics should not be greater
than eight inches, and the distance from the wall to the sign board
shall not exceed six inches. Where permitted, projecting signs are
limited to first floor businesses only and are not permitted in conjunction
with awning or parallel signs for the same business.
I.Â
All signs erected within the Township shall conform
to the applicable building codes.
J.Â
All signs shall be constructed of durable materials,
designed to withstand expected wind pressures and erected so as not
to sustain damage and deterioration from the elements. No sign shall
contain iridescent or "day-glow" paint.
K.Â
Every sign, including those specifically exempt from
permit and permit fees, shall be maintained in good repair and in
a safe, clean and attractive condition.
L.Â
All freestanding signs or displays shall be erected
at least 10 feet from any property line or right-of-way, and shall
be located outside all clear site triangles or a minimum of 10 feet
from the edge of the travel-way, whichever is the greater distance.
M.Â
The following types of signs, illumination of signs
and lights shall be expressly prohibited in all districts in the Township:
(1)Â
Animated/video signs.
(2)Â
Beacon signs and/or lights.
(3)Â
Bench signs.
(4)Â
Festoon lighting.
(5)Â
Marquee signs.
(6)Â
Nonstationary signs.
(8)Â
Revolving signs.
(9)Â
Roof signs.
(10)Â
Snipe signs.
(11)Â
Trailer signs, including such signs with electronic
changeable copy.
(12)Â
Under-marquee signs.
(13)Â
Vehicular signs.
N.Â
Manual changeable copy signs are permitted in C-Commercial
and I-Industrial Districts, provided that they meet the standards
outlined in this article. Manual changeable copy signs are also permitted
in R-Residential Districts for institutional purposes only.
A.Â
In all residential districts, the following permitted
signs may be illuminated, and no other:
(1)Â
Professional sign of a physician, dentist, justice
of the peace and such other person whose services in an emergency
are customarily considered essential to the public health, safety
and welfare, provided that the illumination is white light only, properly
shaded, and provided further that the total illumination for any such
sign shall not exceed the equivalent of that given by a sixty-watt
incandescent light source.
(2)Â
Sign of a school, church, hospital, sanitarium,
club or other institution of similar nature, laboratory or municipal
building, provided that the illumination is white light only and provided
further that the total illumination for any such sign shall not exceed
the equivalent of that given by a two-hundred-watt incandescent light
source.
(3)Â
Signs for regulation of traffic, marking of
hazards and the like.
B.Â
In commercial and industrial districts any permitted
sign, building or structure may be illuminated.
C.Â
Any permitted illumination of signs, buildings or
structures in any district shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1)Â
No signs shall be illuminated with or contain
flashing, rotating, moving or intermittent lighting devices, whether
created by lighting effect or by rotation of the sign itself.
(2)Â
Floodlighting shall be shielded so that only
the sign, building, structure or open area on said lot is directly
illuminated.
(4)Â
Sign lettering may be backlit, halo-lit illumination,
or reverse channel letters with halo illumination.
(5)Â
Illumination shall be permitted only to the
extent necessary to allow signs to be seen and read at night at a
distance not to exceed 500 feet.
(6)Â
Neon lighting is not permitted in residential
districts.
A.Â
Temporary signs shall be permitted for the following
purposes:
(1)Â
Public or community events, political events or campaigns,
charitable fundraising events, conventions and religious events or
any notice of general public interest.
(2)Â
Public auctions and sales for the disposal of real
estate, personal or corporate property or merchandise.
(3)Â
Business or commercial signs for advertising on the premises such events that are considered to be necessary for the conduct of business beyond the normal day-to-day operations, such as grand openings, going-out-of-business, bankrupt or fire sales. Signs advertising daily specials or other ordinary incentives to purchase or participate are permitted, provided that they meet the standards of § 164-111D.
B.Â
Authorized temporary signs, except for signs advertising
daily specials or other ordinary incentives to purchase or participate,
may be displayed 30 days prior to the advertised event and must be
removed within 72 hours after the close of the event.
C.Â
The size, construction, location and use of temporary
signs, except for signs advertising daily specials or other ordinary
incentives to purchase or participate, shall be approved by the Zoning
Officer and/or the Board of Supervisors.
D.Â
Special-events signs shall be subject to the following
requirements:
(1)Â
Any business, individual or organization may
display a special-event sign. A maximum of two special-event signs
may be displayed for up to 30 days prior to a special event no more
than three times per year.
(2)Â
Signs shall not exceed 24 square feet both sides
included and shall be removed within 24 hours after the event. Maximum
sign height shall be eight feet.
E.Â
Political signs shall be required to meet the following
criteria: they shall be four square feet or smaller and shall be used
expressly for announcing political candidates seeking office, slates
of candidates, political parties, and/or political and public issues
appearing on a ballot. In addition, they shall be subject to the following
requirements:
(1)Â
No person shall post any sign of any kind whatsoever
upon private property without permission of the property owner.
(2)Â
Political yard signs shall not be posted more
than 30 days in advance of the election or referendum to which they
pertain and shall be removed within five calendar days following the
election or referendum for which they were posted.
(3)Â
Political yard signs shall not exceed four square
feet per side in area and shall not project higher than 30 inches
from the base of the sign or grade of the nearest adjacent roadway,
whichever is higher, and shall not be located in the clear sight triangle
at driveways or intersections.
(4)Â
Political yard signs are expressly prohibited
on any Township-owned property or Township-designated open space.
The only exception is on election days, when political signs are permitted
for that day and only at polling places.
No signs, except public directional and public
road signs, shall be erected within the lines of any street or road,
except that the Board of Supervisors may grant, as a special exception,
a permit for the erection of temporary directional and advertising
signs for any convention, fair or other public event.
B.Â
No permit shall be required for real estate signs, temporary signs of contractors, mechanics, painters and artisans which are otherwise in conformity with and permissible under this article, or nonconforming signs, except as provided in § 164-114.
C.Â
Applications for sign permits shall be submitted on
forms provided by the Township, completed as required; at a minimum,
they shall have attached the following information, in either written
or graphic form:
(1)Â
Location of the sign on the premises in relation
to lot lines, buildings, sidewalks, streets, public rights-of-way
and street intersections within 300 feet of the proposed sign.
(2)Â
Type of sign (as outlined in § 164-105.1) and general description of structural design and construction materials.
(3)Â
Drawing(s) of the proposed sign containing specifications
indicating height, perimeter, area, dimensions, type of lettering
proposed, means of support, method of illumination, and any other
significant characteristics.
(4)Â
Any other information requested by the Zoning
Officer in order to carry out the purpose and intent of this article.
(5)Â
The required sign permit fee as established
by resolution of the governing body. Permit fees will cover the cost
for administering this article for compliance with its purpose.
D.Â
The Zoning Officer shall review the sign permit application
and issue or deny the permit, in conformance with the following standards:
(1)Â
The official date of submission shall be the
day the Zoning Officer determines that the completed application,
with all required or necessary data, has been properly prepared and
submitted.
(2)Â
The Zoning Officer shall determine whether the
proposed sign will or will not be in compliance with the requirements
of this article, and shall, within 30 business days of the official
date of submission, issue or deny the sign permit.
(3)Â
When the sign has been completed, the applicant
shall photograph the completed sign and forward the photograph to
the Zoning Officer. The Zoning Officer shall then inspect the sign.
(4)Â
The Zoning Officer, or a designee, shall perform
a final inspection after installation of any approved sign. The Zoning
Officer will then complete the Township portion of the sign application
and forward the completed application form to the applicant. The final
dimensions of the sign will be noted by the Zoning Office, either
on the back of the photograph of the sign or at any other appropriate
place, which information shall be filed at the Township offices along
with the completed application.
(5)Â
Any discrepancies between any sign as approved
and the sign as constructed shall be identified in writing by the
Zoning Officer and may result in the halt of construction and correction
of the discrepancy. If the discrepancy is not corrected within 20
days after written notice, the sign may be ordered removed by the
Zoning Officer.
E.Â
The Zoning Officer shall investigate any complaints
of violations of these regulations and may revoke any permit if there
is any violation of these regulations or if there was any misrepresentation
of any material fact, in either the sign permit application or the
plans.
[Amended 9-3-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-4]
Any sign, signboard, billboard or advertising
device existing at the time of the passing of this article that does
not conform in use, location, height, illumination or size with the
regulations of the district in which it is located shall be considered
a nonconforming use and may continue in such use in its present location.
A.Â
Nonconforming signs shall not be enlarged, extended,
structurally reconstructed or altered in any manner, except that the
sign face (gross surface area portion of the sign) may be changed
as long as the new sign face is equal to or reduced in height, sign
area and/or projection. A sign permit is not needed for a new sign
face or a change in the advertising content appearing on the sign
face.
(1)Â
A nonconforming sign or the structure supporting
the sign which is damaged or destroyed must be under repair within
60 days, and all repairs must be completed within six months. The
sign shall not be enlarged in any manner.
Any owner, tenant or other person who shall
erect or install or cause to be erected or installed any sign without
the permit required by this article first having been attained or
who shall fail to comply with any of the requirements of the permit
or this article or who shall in any way violate any of the provisions
of this article shall be liable, upon conviction thereof, to a fine
or penalty not exceeding $300 for each and every offense. And whenever
such person shall have been notified by the Zoning Officer or by service
of summons in a prosecution, or in any other way, that he is committing
such violation of this article, each day in which he shall continue
such violation after such notification shall constitute a separate
offense, punishable by a like fine or penalty. Such fines or penalties
shall be collected as like fines or penalties are now by law collected.