[Amended 12-13-1994 by Ord. No. 94-17; 6-6-1996 by Ord. No. 96-5; 11-12-1996 by Ord. No. 96-13; 5-13-1997 by Ord. No. 97-8; 4-14-1998 by Ord. No. 98-3; 10-4-2011 by Ord. No. 11-17; 3-8-2016 by Ord. No. 16-06]
A.
General provisions applicable to all signs within the Borough of
Hillsdale.
(1)
No sign may be positioned on a structure so that it obscures any
architectural feature, including, but not limited to, windows, transoms,
cornices, trim, porch railings, etc.
(2)
No sign shall be erected in such a way as to obstruct a door, window
or fire escape of the building to which the sign is affixed.
(3)
No sign as regulated by this chapter shall be erected at or near
an intersection of any street in such a manner as to obstruct free
and clear vision, nor at any location where, by reason of the position,
shape or color, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of or be
confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device, or which
makes use of the words "stop", "look", "danger" or any other word,
phrase, symbol or character in such manner as to interfere with, mislead
or confuse traffic.
(4)
Obscene matter prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to
display upon any sign any obscene, indecent or immoral matter.
(5)
All signs shall be constructed of quality materials and shall complement
the building's architecture.
(6)
All freestanding signs shall be set back 10 feet from all property
lines unless otherwise stated in this chapter.
(7)
All signs shall be maintained in good condition and not allowed to
become dilapidated. All signs and their supports shall be kept in
continual repair, including cleaning, painting, replacing of defective
parts and otherwise maintaining a presentable condition.
B.
Prohibited signs within the Borough of Hillsdale.
(1)
The following signs and sign types are prohibited within the Borough and shall not be erected. Any lawfully existing permanent sign or sign type which is among the prohibited signs listed below shall be deemed a nonconforming sign subject to the provisions of § 310-61C:
(a)
Billboards.
(b)
No freestanding signs shall be at any point more than eight
feet above the ground level.
(c)
Signs with flashing, moving or intermittent lighting of any
kind, except for carnivals or special events, which have received
authorization from the governing body. Also exempt are "Open" signs
which may flash.
(d)
LED illuminated signs, except for "Open" signs.
(e)
Portable signs.
(f)
Temporary signs tacked, posted or painted to benches, barrels,
buildings, posts, trees, sidewalks, curbs, rocks or any structure.
(g)
Signs that list the names of developers, contractors, subcontractors,
engineers or architects on a job site beyond the duration of construction
activities or issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
(h)
Signs placed on a public sidewalk or public property, except
for signs erected by the Borough or with authorization of the Mayor
and Council.
(i)
Roof signs, including signs mounted on mansard roofs.
(j)
Signs painted on the window or the facade of the building, excluding
water-soluble paints for seasonal displays.
(k)
Flashing or steady-burning ornamental lights displayed within
one foot of a window that are visible to the public for the purpose
of enhancing or supplementing the visual attraction to a commercial
business. Such lights are permitted for seasonal use to the extent
that they are not displayed for longer than 60 days per year and do
not create a hazard to safety in the judgment of the Police Department.
(l)
Signs that emit smoke, visible vapor or smoke, sound, odor or
visible particles.
(m)
Signs that obstruct, conceal, hide or otherwise obscure from
view any official traffic or governmental sign, signal or device.
(n)
Signs within a sight triangle that obstruct a clear view of
pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic.
(o)
Signs which contain or consist of balloons, blimps, streamers,
feather flags, spinners or other similar moving devices. Feather flags
without letters or logos are also prohibited. Pennants, when not in
conjunction with permitted grand opening signs.
(p)
Signs with more than two faces.
(q)
Vehicle signs when the vehicle is not regularly used in the
conduct of the business or activity located on the property; and where
the vehicle is visible and parked within 50 feet of a street right-of-way.
C.
Nonconforming signs and removal of certain signs.
(1)
Nonconforming signs. A nonconforming sign that was lawfully erected
may continue to be maintained until the nonconforming sign is substantially
damaged or destroyed. At such time that the nonconforming sign is
substantially damaged or destroyed, the nonconforming sign must either
be removed or be brought into conformity with this chapter and with
any other applicable law or regulation.
(a)
Routine maintenance. Routine maintenance is intended to include
such activities as cleaning, replacement of light bulbs, fasteners,
etc., removal of rust and corrosion and repainting. Specifically prohibited
is the replacement of the sign structure, in whole or in part.
(b)
Alteration of nonconforming sign use. Any sign which is nonconforming
shall not be enlarged, extended, relocated or altered in any manner.
(2)
Removal of certain signs.
(b)
When an owner entity, such as a shopping center or multi-tenant
building, changes and the owner's name is on the sign, then within
90 days the sign shall be removed and replaced if it is nonconforming.
(c)
Business owners will be notified of any violations of Subsections C(2)(a) and (b) above, which exist beyond the above-established time periods and will be given 30 days to comply with the notice before fines are imposed. Failure to remedy the violation will result in fines not to exceed $50 per violation per day.
D.
Exempt signs. The provisions and regulations of this chapter, including § 310-61E shall not apply to the following signs:
(1)
Street address signage shall be provided on each building or for
each building tenant. Street address signage may be placed on the
facade, the door or on a permitted freestanding sign. A corner building
may have street address signage on both street-facing facades.
(2)
Signs not exceeding one square foot in area and bearing only names
of occupants of premises or other identification of premises not having
commercial connotations.
(3)
Flags of any government entity are permitted within the Borough.
However, residential parcels shall be limited to one flagpole, which
shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from all property lines. A
flagpole shall not exceed 20 feet in height.
(4)
Traffic or other municipal signs, legal notices, identification,
informational or directional signs erected or required by governmental
bodies.
(5)
Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings, except
letters, trademarks, moving parts or moving lights. This shall include
names of buildings and date of erection.
(6)
Directional signs. On-site directional signs, not exceeding three
square feet in area and three feet in height shall be permitted as
needed for safety. Directional signs may bear the company's logo,
which may be a maximum of one square foot. On-site directional signs
may be internally illuminated.
(7)
Parking lot markers. Parking lot markers may include paint stenciled
on the pavement and freestanding pole signs that are maximum height
of six feet and have an area no greater than two square feet. Parking
lot markers including signs denoting handicapped spaces, the numbering
of spaces, words such as "Reserved" and the like shall be permitted
as needed.
(8)
Political signs. A political sign may be displayed as a freestanding
sign. A political sign shall be removed within seven calendar days
following the election to which it pertains.
(9)
Open signs. For each permitted non-residential establishment, one open sign is permitted. See § 310-4, Definitions for parameters.
(10)
Temporary construction signs. Temporary construction signs shall
be permitted identifying the owner, architect, builder, realtor and/or
contractor on the premises on which a building is being constructed,
altered or repaired, subject to the following limitations:
(11)
Temporary real estate signs, subject to the following limitations:
(a)
For each parcel, one temporary real estate sign for each street
frontage may be displayed.
(b)
For a parcel in residential use, the temporary real estate sign
shall not exceed six square feet in area and three feet in height.
For a parcel in nonresidential use, the sign shall not exceed 20 square
feet in area and five feet in height.
(c)
Temporary real estate signs shall be removed within seven days
following the closing or settlement of a sale, lease or rental of
the real estate that was offered for sale, lease or rent.
(12)
Temporary window signs. Where window signs are permitted, temporary
window signs advertising special sales or events shall be permitted,
subject to the following limitations:
E.
Permits.
(1)
No person shall erect, alter, locate or relocate or reconstruct within
the limits of the Borough of Hillsdale any sign or signs without first
having obtained and paid for and having in force and effect a zoning
permit for the location of such sign or signs from the Zoning Official
of the Borough of Hillsdale.
(2)
Permit procedures and guidelines.
(b)
Permit review.
[1]
Applications for new signs or alterations to existing signs
shall be prepared by the applicant and submitted to the Zoning Official.
[2]
Applications and copies of the regulations for signage are available
from the Borough.
[3]
Questions about the regulations may be addressed to the Zoning
Official.
[4]
Sign design should take into account how it will be constructed,
where it will be located and how it will be mounted. Signs shall not
be constructed until approval is obtained from the Zoning Official.
(c)
Application description. An application must include the following
to be considered complete:
[1]
A completed application form.
[2]
An accurately scaled, fully dimensioned drawing that is legible,
clear and prepared to a scale, of the proposed sign and supporting
frame, construction, details, copy, illumination, etc.
[3]
A scaled drawing or photograph of the building for which the
sign is proposed, with the location of the sign accurately indicated.
(3)
Fee schedule. All applications will require a zoning review fee and a permit fee. Fees shall be as provided in Chapter 138, Fees.
(4)
Upon issuing a sign permit, the Land Use Officer shall furnish duplicates
thereof to the Zoning Officer of the Borough of Hillsdale and to the
Hillsdale Construction Code Agency.
(5)
Building Code compliance. All signs and all parts thereof, including
but not limited to framework, supports, background, anchors and wiring
system, shall be constructed and maintained in compliance with the
applicable building, electrical and fire prevention codes of the Borough.
(6)
Relocation of signs. Any sign that is moved to a new location, either
on the same structure or to other premises, shall be considered a
new sign and a permit shall be secured for any work performed in connection
therewith, and it shall be in conformance with the requirements herein.
(7)
Enforcement. Enforcement of all sign regulations shall conform to
the general enforcement powers conferred by statute and conditions
set forth by the Zoning Official.
The following uses are permitted within certain districts within the Borough. The signs in this section are required to obtain permits. In addition to the signs that are permitted pursuant to § 310-61D, the following signs shall be permitted for each of the following specific uses:
A.
For parcels containing a permitted public park or public building,
the following signs are permitted:
(1)
One illuminated permanent freestanding sign per public street frontage.
The maximum sign area shall be 16 square feet.
(2)
Public buildings shall be permitted wall signs and incidental signs
as needed for identification purposes as determined by the Borough.
(3)
Temporary freestanding or banner signs may be erected for the purpose
of advertising local charitable or non-profit events. Each parcel
is permitted a maximum of one temporary freestanding or banner sign.
Said sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in area and five feet in
height. Said sign shall not be displayed for a period longer than
21 days.
B.
For parcels containing a conditionally-permitted public or private
nonprofit school, the following signs are permitted:
(1)
One illuminated permanent freestanding sign per public street frontage.
The maximum sign area shall be 20 square feet. Said sign may be digital.
(2)
One wall sign per public entrance. The maximum sign area shall be
32 square feet for each permitted wall sign. Said signs may be externally
illuminated.
(3)
Incidental signs are permitted as needed and determined by the school
and Zoning Official.
C.
For parcels containing a conditionally-permitted place of worship,
the following signs are permitted:
(1)
One illuminated permanent freestanding sign per public street frontage.
The maximum sign area shall be 16 square feet. Said sign may be digital.
(2)
One wall sign per street frontage. The maximum sign area shall be
32 square feet for each permitted wall sign. Said sign may be externally
illuminated.
(3)
One freestanding bulletin board, which may or may not have changeable
letters. Said sign shall not exceed 15 square feet in area and six
feet in height. The sign shall be set back at least 20 feet from all
property lines. The sign may be illuminated.
(4)
A maximum of two incidental signs are permitted.
(5)
Temporary religious banners may be erected by places of worship for
the purpose of advertising meeting dates or special events for said
institution. Each place of worship is permitted a maximum of one temporary
religious banner. Said sign shall not exceed 15 square feet in area
and five feet in height. A temporary religious sign shall not be displayed
for a period longer than 21 days.
D.
Public service and charitable organization signs. Nonbusiness related
signs, which provide notice of local charitable or nonprofit events,
may be displayed as temporary window signs where temporary window
signs are permitted within the Borough. These signs shall be counted
in the maximum area permitted for temporary window signs. Said signs
may be displayed a maximum of 21 days prior to the event and shall
be removed immediately thereafter. If the building's windows are not
transparent, the public service and/or charitable organization sign
may be hung on the exterior of the building.
In addition to the signs that are permitted pursuant to § 310-61D, the following signs shall be permitted in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, TC and SC Districts:
A.
One wall sign indicating a permitted home professional office in
the R-4 District, where a home professional office is permitted by
ordinance and/or registered with the Borough, provided that such sign
shall not exceed two square feet in area. Said sign may be externally
illuminated.
B.
Freestanding signs for permitted townhouse or senior citizen communities,
where permitted by ordinance, subject to the following limitations:
In addition to the signs that are permitted pursuant to § 310-61D, the following signs shall be permitted in the Industrial District:
A.
Wall signs, subject to the following limitations:
(1)
One wall sign shall be permitted per business/tenant per public street
frontage.
(2)
Each permitted wall sign shall have a maximum sign area of 90% of
the linear business frontage in feet, with a maximum area of 32 square
feet. For example, if the linear business frontage is 25 feet, the
maximum sign area shall be 22.5 square feet.
(3)
The sign shall not project more than 12 inches from the building
facade.
(4)
The top edge of a wall sign shall not be installed more than 20 feet
above the ground and shall not extend beyond the top of the building.
(5)
Wall signs may be illuminated.
C.
Directory signs, subject to the following limitations:
(1)
Where a building has upper story nonresidential uses, one directory
sign shall be permitted per entrance to said upper story establishments.
Said sign shall be located next to the exterior entrance to the upper
story establishments.
(2)
The maximum sign area shall be three square feet.
(3)
Directory signs may be illuminated by downward focused lights, such
as gooseneck lights.
D.
Flagpoles. One flagpole is permitted on each nonresidential parcel.
A flagpole shall not exceed 25 feet in height and shall be set back
a minimum of 15 feet from all property lines and from any other structure.
Each flagpole is limited to one flag, not greater than 15 square feet
in area.
E.
Incidental signs. A maximum of three incidental signs are permitted
per business/tenant.
[Amended 6-12-2018 by Ord. No. 18-12]
In addition to the signs that are permitted pursuant to § 310-61D, the following signs shall be permitted within the Commercial District:
A.
A permitted ground floor use may have a wall or projecting or awning
sign. A business wishing to have a combination of the aforementioned
signs shall be required to obtain a variance. The standards for wall,
projecting and awning signs are as follows:
(1)
Wall signs, subject to the following limitations:
(a)
One wall sign shall be permitted per ground floor use per public
street frontage.
(b)
The following types of wall signs shall be permitted:
[1]
Individually internally illuminated channel letters. Example
shown below.
 |
[2]
Individual externally illuminated raised letters. Example shown
below.
 |
[3]
Back-lit raised letters with concealed ballast, which creates
a halo effect. Example shown below.
 |
[4]
Internally lit raised letters with concealed ballast. Example
shown below.
 |
[5]
Signage board with or without gooseneck lighting. Example shown
below.
 |
(c)
The horizontal dimension of the sign shall not exceed 80% of
the width of the building frontage occupied by the use.
(d)
Each permitted wall sign shall have a maximum sign area of 95%
of the linear business frontage in feet, with a maximum area of 24
square feet. For example, if the linear business frontage is 20 feet,
the maximum sign area shall be 19 square feet.
(e)
Wall signs shall not project more than 12 inches from the building
facade.
(f)
The top edge of a wall sign shall not be installed above the
bottom of any second floor windows or within one foot of the top of
a parapet.
(2)
Projecting signs, subject to the following limitations:
(a)
One projecting sign shall be permitted per ground floor use
per public street frontage.
(b)
The maximum sign area shall be 10 square feet.
(c)
The lower edge of a projecting sign shall be at least eight
feet above the sidewalk or grade. The highest edge of a projecting
sign shall be no more than 14 feet above the sidewalk or grade.
(d)
A projecting sign shall be attached to its support so that it
does not swing.
(3)
Awning signs, subject to the following limitations:
(a)
One awning sign shall be permitted for each business on the
first floor of a commercial building.
(b)
The maximum sign area shall be 90% of the linear business frontage
in feet, with a maximum area of 20 square feet. For example, if the
linear business frontage is 20 feet, the maximum sign area shall be
18 square feet.
(c)
The horizontal dimension of the text/logo shall not exceed 90%
of the width of the awning.
(d)
The lower edge of an awning sign shall be at least eight feet
above the sidewalk or grade. No roll-out type of awning may extend
greater than six feet beyond the building facade or within 18 inches
of the curb face. All fixed awnings shall extend no farther than three-and-one-half
feet beyond the building facade.
(e)
Awnings may be illuminated with downward lighting, such as gooseneck
lighting.
B.
Supplemental wall signs, subject to the following limitations:
(1)
One externally illuminated wall sign is permitted on a rear facade
with a business entrance facing a parking area.
(2)
The maximum sign area shall be six square feet.
(3)
The sign shall not project more than six inches from the building
facade.
(4)
The sign shall be located next to the business entrance and the top
edge of the sign shall be no higher than 10 feet above the sidewalk
or grade.
C.
Directory signs, subject to the following limitations:
(1)
Where a building has upper story nonresidential uses, one directory
sign shall be permitted per entrance to said upper story establishments.
(2)
The maximum sign area shall be four square feet.
(3)
Directory signage shall be located next to the exterior entrance
to the upper story establishment(s). The top edge of the sign shall
be no higher than seven feet above the sidewalk or grade.
D.
Freestanding signs, subject to the following limitations:
(1)
Properties where the building is set back 60 feet or more from the
right-of-way may have a freestanding sign.
(2)
There shall be no more than one freestanding sign per property.
(3)
Freestanding signs shall not exceed 25 square feet in area and eight
feet in height.
(4)
Freestanding signs may be internally or externally illuminated.
E.
Window signs, subject to the following limitations:
(1)
Permitted ground floor and upper story nonresidential uses may have
window signs.
(2)
Window signs shall not exceed 25% of the area of the glass surface,
but in no event shall they exceed a total of 36 square feet; the more
restrictive limitation shall apply. Window signs on doors shall not
exceed 10% of the glass area of the door on which they are affixed.
(3)
All window signs shall be neat, clean and professional-looking. Window
signs shall pertain only to the establishment occupying the premises
where the window is located.
(4)
Illuminated interior signs located within six feet of the window
glass or door glass of a building shall be considered a window sign
and shall meet all applicable requirements for window signs.
(5)
Indirectly illuminated interior signs located within two feet of
the window glass or door glass of a building shall also be considered
a window sign and shall meet all applicable requirements for window
signs.
F.
Menu boxes. One menu box is permitted for each restaurant, which
shall not exceed a maximum of three square feet. The front of the
box shall be comprised of clear safety glass, plastic or similar materials.
G.
Flagpoles. One flagpole is permitted on each nonresidential parcel.
A flagpole shall not exceed 25 feet in height and shall be set back
a minimum of 15 feet from all property lines and from any other structure.
Each flagpole is limited to one flag, not greater than 15 square feet
in area.
H.
Temporary grand opening signs, subject to the following limitations:
(1)
One temporary grand opening or coming soon sign may be displayed
for the grand opening of a business, relocation of a business or to
announce the approaching arrival of a new business. Additionally,
a maximum of two strings of pennants may be hung in conjunction with
the sign. Said pennants shall not be attached to public or private
trees or public street lights. No words or logos are permitted on
pennants.
(2)
Said sign shall not exceed a maximum of 20 square feet.
(3)
Said sign shall be located within the window of the commercial establishment
or on the exterior of the building no higher than the roofline.
(4)
A temporary grand opening sign shall not be displayed for a period
longer than 45 days.
