[Added 8-1-1988 by Ord. No. 4-93; amended 10-17-1988 by Ord. No. 4-112; 2-6-1989 by Ord. No.
4-114; 8-16-1993 by Ord. No. 4-137; 10-5-2004 by Ord. No. 4-197]
[Amended 4-18-2006 by Ord. No. 4-217]
A.
The purpose of this article is:
(1)
To control the quantity, size, location and
illumination of signs in the Township in order to permit only those
signs that will not, by reason of their size, location, construction
or manner of display, endanger the safety of, confuse or mislead pedestrian
and vehicular traffic.
(2)
To permit and regulate signs in such a way so as to support and complement land use objectives set forth in § 160-8, Statement of community development objectives.
(3)
To alleviate the growth of sign usage that is
detrimental to the Township, which is to recognize that the economic
factors such as the right to advertise must be balanced with the public
interest to maintain the quality of the appearance of the Township,
which is to enhance the economic value as well.
(4)
To prevent an overabundance of signs causing
clutter and to prevent lack of quality in design and construction
causing blight and to provide for the removal of signs which constitute
a hazardous or blighting influence.[1]
[1]
Editor’s Note: Former Subsection B, Definitions, which
immediately followed, was repealed 11-19-2019 by Ord. No. 4-255.
A.
Area.
(1)
The area of a sign shall include all lettering,
wording and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background,
whether open or enclosed, on which they are displayed, including any
frame, but not including any supports and bracing incidental to the
display itself. If the sign consists of more than one section, all
areas will be totaled.
(2)
Where the sign consists of individual letters
or symbols attached to a building, wall or window, the area shall
be considered to be that of the smallest rectangle or other regular
geometric shape which encompasses all of the letters and symbols,
as approved by the Code Enforcement Officer.
(3)
In computing square foot area of a double-faced
sign, only one side shall be considered, provided that both faces
are identical. If the interior angle formed by the two faces of the
double-faced sign is greater than 45°, then both sides of such
sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
(4)
Signage may be placed on awnings which comply
with requirements of this article.
B.
Placement.
(1)
An "on-premises sign" is a sign which directs
attention to an activity conducted on the same lot.
(2)
An "off-premises sign" is a sign which directs
attention to an activity not conducted on the same lot.
(3)
An "advertising sign" is an off-premises sign
which advertises or otherwise directs attention to a commodity, business,
industry, home occupation or other similar activity which is sold,
offered or conducted elsewhere than on the lot upon which such sign
is located.
(4)
A "business sign" is an on-premises sign which
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 such sign is located or to which it is
affixed.
(5)
An "on-premises advertising sign" is a sign
or signs affixed to the windows, not exceeding 25% of the total glazed
area visible from the street, advertising events or commodities offered
in the individual establishment or advertising community events.
C.
Sign height.
(2)
A ground sign shall be measured from an elevation
at a point nearest the base of the sign in vertical height to the
top of the sign or structural support, whichever is higher.
(3)
A facade sign, projecting sign or roof sign
shall be measured vertically from the outside ground elevation at
the base of the building directly below the sign to the highest point
of a letter or symbol or the top of the frame or structural support,
whichever is higher.
(4)
A portable sign, when permitted, shall be measured
and conform to the specifications and standards established for ground
signs.
A.
An "internally illuminated sign" is a sign designed to give forth
artificial light directly (or through transparent or translucent material)
from a source of light within such sign, including but not limited
to neon and exposed lamp signs, but excluding plasma technology, LED
technology and other similar technology. Illumination shall only be
of an even intensity.
[Amended 3-15-2016 by Ord. No. 4-236]
B.
An "externally illuminated sign" is a sign illuminated
with a light source of an even intensity and so shielded that the
source is not visible off the lot where said illumination occurs.
D.
A "nonilluminated sign" is a sign which is not illuminated,
whether directly or indirectly, by an internal or external light source.
E.
Special regulations for illuminated signs:
[Amended 3-15-2016 by Ord. No. 4-236]
(1)
Illumination is to be controlled by a timer which shall turn
off the sign light not later than one hour after the close of regular
business hours. Emergency directional signs and physicians providing
emergency care upon the premises, as well as government signs, shall
be exempt.
(2)
The external light source shall be shaded, hooded or otherwise
screened to prevent the source of the light from being visible on
adjacent property or causing glare to traveling motorists on a public
street or access drive used by the public. Glare control shall be
achieved primarily through the use of such means as cutoff fixtures,
shields and baffles, and appropriate application of fixture mounting
height, wattage, aiming angle and fixture placement. Vegetative screens
shall not be employed to serve as the primary means for controlling
glare.
(3)
The intensity of internal illumination shall not exceed six
footcandles at a distance of eight feet from the center line of the
sign.
(4)
Electrical components of internally illuminated signs shall
bear the Underwriters' Laboratories label of approval.
(5)
External illumination shall not exceed 17 footcandles at the
face of the sign, shall consist only of white or amber color range
and shall consist of a uniform distribution of the light intensity.
(6)
Changeable text electronic message boards are subject to the
following brightness limits:
(a)
During daylight hours between sunrise and sunset, luminance
shall be no greater than 5,000 nits (candela per square meter).
(b)
At all other times, luminance shall be no greater than 250 nits
(candela per square meter).
(c)
Each sign must have a light-sensing device that will automatically
adjust the brightness of the display as the natural ambient light
conditions change, to comply with the limits set herein.
(7)
Electrical standards.
(a)
Permits for illuminated signs will not be issued without an
approved electrical permit, if required. Applications for electrical
permits shall be filed at the same time as the sign permit application.
(b)
All work shall be completed in full compliance with the Whitpain
Township Electrical Code as set forth in the Pennsylvania Uniform
Construction Code.
(c)
The electrical supply to all exterior signs, whether to the
sign itself or to lighting fixtures positioned to illuminate the sign,
shall be provided by means of concealed electrical cables. Electrical
supply to ground signs shall be provided by means of underground cables.
(8)
The owner of any illuminated sign shall arrange for a certificate
showing compliance with the brightness standards set forth herein
by an independent contractor and provide the certification documentation
to Whitpain Township as a condition precedent to the issuance of a
sign permit.
A.
A "ground sign" is a self-supporting freestanding sign resting on
the ground (i.e., monument sign) or is supported by means of poles
or standards in the ground (i.e., pylon sign).
[Amended 3-15-2016 by Ord. No. 4-236]
B.
A "facade sign" is a sign attached, painted or otherwise
mounted parallel to a wall or other vertical building surface. Facade
signs shall not extend beyond the edge of any wall or other surface
to which they are mounted or shall not project more than 12 inches
from their surface.
C.
A "projecting sign" is any sign mounted to a wall
or other vertical building surface other than a parallel sign. Projecting
signs shall not project more than three feet from the wall or surface
to which they are mounted nor in any way interfere with normal pedestrian
or vehicular traffic.
D.
A "roof sign" is a sign erected on or above the roof
or parapet of a building.
E.
A "portable sign" is any sign used for a short duration
of time, including sandwich boards, posters, bunting and signs on
wheels, and not permanently attached to the ground or to a building.
F.
A "changeable text electronic message board" is an internally illuminated portion of a permitted sign in the IN Institutional District in which plasma technology or LED technology, or other electronic technology is utilized to present text, or in limited cases a symbol or image, conveying a message or announcement regarding the use on the property where such sign is located or a public service announcement, all in accordance with the regulations for changeable text electronic message boards set forth in § 160-189O.
[Added 3-15-2016 by Ord.
No. 4-236; 10-18-2022 by Ord. No. 4-260]
The following signs are exempt from the provisions
of this article:
A.
Official highway route number, street name, directional
or other traffic signs, including those on private or public property.
B.
A sign indicating the prohibition or control of fishing,
hunting or trespassing or signs indicating the private nature of a
road, provided that the area of any such sign does not exceed one
square foot and that such signs are spaced no less than 100 feet apart
on street frontages and 50 feet apart along other boundaries.
C.
A sign with an area not exceeding one square foot
bearing only property number, street address or post box numbers or
the names of the occupants in residential districts.
D.
Governmental flags or governmental insignias, public
monument, historic identification signs or plaques and municipal identification
signs erected by or with the permission of a government agency.
E.
A legal notice.
F.
A Christmas tree, other holiday display or window
display of merchandise, except as specifically prohibited herein.
Holiday or seasonal nonidentification flags without letters, words
or numbers are permitted.
G.
Public service signs, signs promoting public safety
and information signs advertising the availability of rest rooms,
telephones or similar public conveniences.
H.
A sign on a vending machine advertising the sale of
the contents contained therein.
I.
One or more signs applied to a windowpane giving store
hours or the name or names of credit or charge institutions, when
the total area of all such signs does not exceed two square feet.
J.
A sign not exceeding four square feet which is a permanent
architectural feature of a building or structure, such as a cornerstone
or identifying letters carved into or embossed on a building, provided
that the letters are not made of reflective material nor do they contrast
in color with the building.
K.
An emblem, logo, insignia or badge displayed to signify
membership or of affiliation with any trade association, craftsman
group, labor union, civic or fraternal group or similar organization,
not to exceed one square foot.
L.
American flags, not to exceed 40 square feet, each.
M.
On-premises directional signs, devoid of all symbolic
or actual reference to any business activity on the lot and giving
only traffic or pedestrian information, no-parking signs and handicapped
parking signs.
N.
Political campaign signs, provided they are located
outside of the dedicated legal road right-of way.
O.
Religious symbols in conjunction with places of worship
in those districts where permitted.
The following signs, because of their inherent
characteristics, could threaten the health, safety or welfare of persons
in the Township and are prohibited:
A.
Any sign erected within 75 feet of a public right-of-way
or within 200 feet of a traffic control device which:
B.
Any banner or sign hung across a public street or
private property, except for such signs which are deemed to be of
general benefit to the municipality or for public convenience, necessity
or welfare, subject to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation regulations.
C.
A pennant which blows in the wind or a spinner which
spins in the wind, except when located inside a temporary fairground
or when used in conjunction with a special event.
D.
Any sign, except as specifically permitted in § 160-186 above, tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, hung, glued or otherwise attached to a tree, pole, stake, lightstand, fence or other object.
E.
Any sign, or part of any sign, with flashing or intermittent
lighting, sequential lights or revolving, moving, sound-producing
or oscillating parts, or which has movable parts or reflectors; or
with changing colors or intensity of illumination which utilize electrical
energy; or which changes sign image or text more than once every 24
hours; or which flaps in the wind, with the exception of signs that
display time, date or temperature exclusively and barber poles.
F.
Mobile or portable signs as noted in §§ 160-183C(4) and 160-185E.
G.
Advertising vehicles.
[Amended 11-19-2019 by Ord. No. 4-255]
(1)
This section shall not prohibit any form of vehicle signage,
such as a sign attached to a bus or a lettered motor vehicle where
the vehicle is not used for the basic purpose of providing advertisement
or direction as set forth above.
H.
Roof signs.
[Added 11-19-2019 by Ord.
No. 4-255]
A.
Permitted signs may only identify the person, establishment,
principal product and/or price thereof and/or service available on
the premises which contains the sign.
B.
The following on-premises signs are permitted in the zoning districts subject to and as specified in § 160-191, Schedule of Sign Regulations, and in conformance with all other provisions of this article:
(1)
Address: a sign identifying the house number
and/or name of the occupant of a property.
(2)
Public interest: a sign containing a cautionary
message, such as "Beware of Dog" or "No Trespassing," or an information
message, such as "Exit" or "Parking."
(3)
Home occupation: a sign which identifies only
the name and/or occupation of a practitioner or one conducting a permitted
home occupation/professional office in a dwelling, provided that no
more than one such sign shall be erected for each dwelling.
(4)
Place: a sign identifying a community, residential
development, public facility or historic facility.
(5)
Institutional: a sign identifying a club, association,
school, hospital, church, synagogue, other house of worship, and their
adjunct facilities, firehouse, nursing home, care facility, boardinghouse,
institution or cemetery.
(6)
Real estate: a sign indicating exclusively the
sale or rent (lease) of the premises upon which it stands. Such signs
shall be removed 30 days after the property is sold or rented or,
in the case of a subdivision, shall be removed the lesser of one year
following the date of issuance of the sign permit or 30 days after
the sale of the last lot.
(7)
Contractor: a sign identifying the contractor
or contractors doing work on the premises or building which contains
the sign. Such signs shall be removed no later than five working days
after completion of the work.
(8)
Industrial, office and business: signs identifying
establishments for offices, retail sales, service centers, production
or warehouse facilities and other uses as permitted in this chapter.
(9)
Multiple directory: a sign identifying five
or more persons, agencies or establishments located in a place or
location common to all and erected primarily as a service to the motoring
or pedestrian traffic.
(10)
Special event: a sign identifying a parade,
festival, fund drive or similar occasion.
[Amended 4-18-2006 by Ord. No. 4-217]
(11)
On-premises advertising signs: See § 160-183B(5).
(12)
Directional signs: an on-premises sign whose
message is exclusively limited to guiding the circulation of motorists
or pedestrians on the site.
(13)
Any property situated in the CSCOD, SC, C or
C-1 District may erect advertising signs on the premises which are
contained totally within the building, consisting of advertising and
window displays of merchandise sold on the premises; provided, however,
that signs and/or merchandise shall not cover more than 25% of the
glazed area of each window.
[Amended 11-19-2019 by Ord. No. 4-255]
(14)
Grand opening: on-site signage that does not
constitute a safety hazard for vehicles or pedestrian travel where
proposed, not to exceed 100 square feet total, for a period of no
more than 14 days, and only one time for a newly established business
within the CSCOD, C, C-1, SC and VC Zoning Districts.
[Added 4-18-2006 by Ord. No. 4-217; amended 11-19-2019 by Ord. No.
4-255]
In all districts, the following general sign
regulations shall apply:
A.
No sign shall be placed in such a position as to endanger
traffic on a street by obscuring view or by confusion with official
street signs or traffic signals by virtue of position, color, shape,
glare or other characteristics.
B.
No sign or portion thereof shall be permitted within the clear sight
triangle (as defined in the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance
of this Code[1]) at any intersection of streets (other than official traffic
and highway signs) or any intersection of a driveway and a street
unless the sign is elevated to the extent that the clear sight triangle
is unobstructed. A clear sight triangle of 75 feet shall be measured
along the center lines from the point of the intersection. No sign,
other than an official street sign, shall be erected or maintained
within the legal right-of-way of any street.
[Amended 3-15-2016 by Ord. No. 4-236; 11-19-2019 by Ord. No. 4-255; 10-18-2022 by Ord. No. 4-260]
C.
No sign shall project more than 24 inches over a public
walkway, and the lower edge of a projecting sign shall be not less
than 10 feet above the walkway level.
D.
No sign shall project above the building height restriction of the
area. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no monument-style ground sign
shall exceed 10 feet in height measured from grade immediately adjoining
the sign to the top of the structure or enclosure for such sign.
[Amended 3-15-2016 by Ord. No. 4-236]
E.
Blinking or flashing signs or festoon lights shall
not be permitted within any lot in any district.
F.
Only on-premises signs which promote, identify or
draw attention to a product, article of business, name of business
or operation or service offered, sold or rendered at or in the place
or premises where such sign is located shall be permitted within the
Township. The address of the property shall be included on all freestanding
signs on each property in all districts.
G.
Zoning information. No sign shall be erected containing
information which states or implies that a property may be used for
any purpose not permitted under the provisions of this chapter in
the zoning district in which the property to which the sign relates
is located.
H.
Moving signs. Any sign or object intended to attract
attention, which is capable of free movement or oscillation or which
is designed to rotate or otherwise move, is not permitted.
I.
Holiday decorations displayed for recognized federal
or state holidays shall be exempted from the provisions of this article
except as they may interfere with glare, traffic safety or in any
other way become a public safety hazard.
J.
Projecting signs may be erected in lieu of a permitted ground sign and subject to all other regulations applicable to a ground sign as provided in § 160-191, Schedule of Sign Regulations.
L.
Maintenance. Every sign shall be constructed of durable
materials, using noncorrosive fasteners, shall be structurally safe
and erected or installed in strict accordance with the Township Building
Code[3] and maintained in a safe condition and good repair at
all times.
N.
Sign regulations for nonconforming uses (unless approved
otherwise by the Zoning Hearing Board): one sign per property on which
a nonconforming use is present, not greater than the following:
(1)
Property less than one acre: 15 square feet.
(2)
Property between one acre and five acres in
size: 25 square feet.
(3)
Property five acres or greater: 35 square feet.
(4)
Twelve-square-foot facade sign in accordance with the definition for individual establishments noted in § 160-191D.
(5)
One nine-square-foot leasing sign.
(6)
One thirty-two-square-foot "For Sale" sign.
O.
Special regulations for changeable text electronic message boards
allowed only in the IN Institutional District. Where permitted, changeable
text electronic message boards shall be considered part of the permitted
square footage for signs in the applicable district, but shall not
exceed the square foot percentage of such sign as set forth in this
section. In addition, changeable text electronic message boards shall
be related solely to the business or use upon the premises where such
sign is located (with the exception of unrelated community service
announcements preapproved by the Township), and shall comply with
the following requirements:
[Added 3-15-2016 by Ord.
No. 4-236]
(1)
Changeable text electronic message boards shall be permitted
only in the IN Institutional District or where required by law (i.e.,
gasoline price signs). Except as otherwise specifically provided for
in this chapter, no other electronic, LED or plasma signs shall be
permitted anywhere else in the Township. Changeable text electronic
message boards shall be permitted only on monument-style ground signs.
(2)
The height of letters or numbers in any text shall be no less
than five inches. Not more than five lines of written copy shall be
permitted per message board.
(3)
Other than text, only one other image or symbol of any kind
shall be permitted. Photographic images of objects may be displayed
on a changeable text electronic message board; provided, the background
of such photographs shall be excluded from the portion of the photograph
displayed on the sign. In no case shall a photographic image of a
person be displayed on a changeable text electronic message board.
Additionally, no signs or message boards shall be permitted to move,
scroll, flash, revolve, rotate, oscillate, fade or display animated
text, image or video.
(4)
Not more than 70% of a total sign face may be devoted to a changeable
text electronic message board. However, no more than 50% of the changeable
text electronic message board (i.e., 35% of the total sign face) shall
be devoted to an image or symbol (with the other 50% devoted to text).
The portion of a sign that contains the changeable text electronic
messaging shall be located on the lowest portion (i.e., bottom) of
the sign of which such message board is a part and may be side by
side with the static text of the sign.
(5)
Notwithstanding any other regulations in this chapter to the contrary, the text on a changeable text electronic message board may change at a rate not greater than once per minute. Any image or symbol on a changeable text electronic message board may change at a rate not greater than once per day. Each change shall be instantaneous. All text, images, symbols and the messaging background shall remain static and in full compliance with Subsection O(3) above.
(6)
The color of changeable text, image, symbol and the messaging background shall be uniform and constant. The changeable text electronic message board shall comply with the brightness standards set forth in § 160-184E, and the electronic messaging background shall not be white colored.
(7)
No signs or message boards shall emit any audio or verbal announcement
or noises of any kind.
(8)
The illumination of the entire sign containing a changeable text electronic message board shall be turned off in accordance with § 160-184E(1), or as more particularly set forth in § 160-191.
(9)
For every permitted monument-style ground sign containing a
changeable text electronic message board, the outbound dimensional
area of the supporting structure or enclosure, including sign area,
for such sign shall be a minimum of 150% and a maximum of 200% of
the total permitted sign area.
[Amended 3-7-2017 by Ord.
No. 4-244; 10-18-2022 by Ord. No. 4-260]
(10)
The addition of any changeable text electronic message board
to a nonconforming sign is prohibited.
A.
Sign removal.
(1)
An "abandoned sign" is any sign that is located
on and/or related to the use of property which becomes vacant and
unoccupied for a period of six months or more. An abandoned sign is
prohibited, and the sign, along with any supporting structure, shall
be removed by the owner of the sign or owner of the property.
(2)
Discontinued signs. Any sign that is located
on and/or related to the use of a property which becomes discontinued
for a period of 30 days or more shall be deemed to have been discontinued.
A discontinued sign is prohibited, and the sign shall be removed.
(3)
Once an existing sign is removed for any reason,
other than maintenance or repair, including repair as a result of
an act of God or an accident beyond the control of the owner, the
replacement sign must comply with all the provisions of these regulations.
Modernization and/or changes in graphics, format or copy in the signs
shall constitute a replacement of the sign.
(4)
Immediate removal. A sign and/or its supports
shall be immediately removed from a premises upon notification and
as directed by the Building and Zoning Officer for the following reasons:
B.
Permits and fees for signs.
(1)
Permits are required for all signs except as otherwise indicated in § 160-191, Schedule of Sign Regulations. No signs shall hereafter be erected or altered or the content changed (except directory and bulletin boards at churches, synagogues, schools and government buildings) until a permit authorizing the same is issued by the Code Enforcement Officer. Such permit shall be valid for the length of time set forth in § 160-191, Schedule of Sign Regulations.
(2)
Applications for sign permits shall be filed
on forms furnished by the Code Enforcement Officer and shall be accompanied
by detailed plans and specifications necessary to determine the location
and details of construction of such signs.
(3)
No permit to erect a sign shall be issued until
the required fee has been paid to the Code Enforcement Officer, which
fee shall be established from time to time by resolution of the Board
of Supervisors.
(4)
After installation, the Code Enforcement Officer
shall inspect the sign to ensure that the installation has conformed
to the regulations set forth in this article.
(5)
A permit may be revoked by the Code Enforcement
Officer for any of the following violations if the owner of the sign
neglects to comply with the Building and Zoning Officers' directives
to correct the violations:
(a)
If the sign constitutes a hazard to the public
health or safety.
(b)
If a sign has been altered in a manner which
requires a new permit.
(c)
If a sign has been altered in a manner which
would render the sign prohibited.
(d)
If a sign has been erected in a manner which
violates the regulations set forth in this article.
A.
In the schedules in the following subsections:
(1)
Column 1 lists uses permitted in the specific zoning district. See § 160-186 for a list of signs exempt from the provisions of a permit. Prior to the construction, placement or modification of a sign, the landowner should contact the Code Enforcement Officer.
(2)
Column 2, Types of Signs Allowed, characterizes
the way the message is mounted, supported or constructed in a fixed
location on a property to differentiate between them.
(3)
Column 3 lists the maximum sign area permitted for each sign and sign type. Section 160-183A(1), (2) and (3) describe the way to measure various signs.
(4)
Column 4 lists the number of signs allowed per
lot or street frontage.
B.
Residential Districts: R-1 Residential, R-2 Residential,
R-3 Residential, R-3A Residential, R-4 Residential, R-5 Residential,
R-6 Residential, R-7 Residential, R-8 Residential, R-9 Residential,
R-3B Low-Intensity Multifamily District.
[Amended 6-7-2005 by Ord. No. 4-210; 9-15-2009 by Ord. No. 4-227; 8-18-2015 by Ord. No. 4-240; 11-19-2019 by Ord. No. 4-255; 10-18-2022 by Ord. No. 4-260]
|
Permitted Signs1
|
Types of Signs Allowed2
|
Sign Area
(square feet)
|
Number of Signs
|
Illumination3
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Residential estate
|
A or B
|
1
|
1 per street
|
D
|
|
Home occupation
|
A or B
|
2
|
1 per street
|
A or B; applies only where use is physician, dentist or District
Justice
|
|
Real estate sale or rent of single-family dwelling only
|
A or B
|
6
|
1 per street
|
D
|
|
Contractor
|
A
|
6
|
1 per lot
|
D
|
|
*Residential dwellings or lots for sale (subdivision ten or
more lots)
|
A
|
32
|
1 per street
|
D
|
|
*Residential dwellings or lots for sale (subdivision containing
fewer than ten lots)
|
A
|
16
|
1 per street
|
D
|
|
Building identification letters and/or numerals
|
A or B
|
6
|
1 per street
|
D
|
|
Trespassing
|
A
|
1
|
See § 160-186B
|
D
|
|
Directional: R-3, R-3A and R-3B rental or rental and attached
single-family dwellings
|
A
|
2
|
2 per street
|
D
|
|
*Public utility
|
A or B
|
8
|
1 per street
|
D
|
|
*Sale of farm products (R-7 excluded)
|
A or B
|
8
|
1 per street
|
D
|
|
*Auction4
|
A
|
12
|
1 per street
|
D
|
|
Residential R-6 golf course or retirement community and R-9
Districts only (*if visible from a street)
|
A
|
(2) 15 or (1) 30
|
B
| |
|
*Permanent community/subdivision identification sign(s)5
|
A
|
(2) 15 or (1) 30
|
Per street
|
B or D (if streets are dedicated)
|
|
*Accessory use
|
A or B or C
|
8
|
1 per street
|
D
|
|
Parking lot sign
|
A
|
10
|
1 per street
|
A or B or D; timer off by 11:00 p.m. or 1 hour after closing
|
|
*Rental office
|
A or B or C
|
8
|
1 per street
|
A or B or D
|
|
NOTES:
| ||
|
1
|
[*] Indicates sign permit or other permit needed.
| |
|
2
|
See § 160-185:
| |
|
A.
|
Ground sign.
| |
|
B.
|
Facade sign.
| |
|
C.
|
Projecting sign.
| |
|
D.
|
Portable sign.
| |
|
3
|
Per § 160-184:
| |
|
A.
|
Internal.
| |
|
B.
|
External.
| |
|
C.
|
(Reserved)
| |
|
D.
|
Nonilluminated.
| |
|
4
|
Auction signs shall be limited in duration to 14 days prior
to date of auction and shall be removed immediately thereafter
| |
|
5
|
Upon approval of Board of Supervisors, upon recommendation of
Planning Commission, with homeowners' organization on private property,
with easements for access to repair, with covenants.
| |
C.
PR District.
[Amended 8-18-2015 by Ord. No. 4-240]
|
Permitted Signs1
|
Types of Signs Allowed2
|
Sign Area
(square feet)
|
Number of Signs
|
Illumination3
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Trespassing
|
A
|
1
|
See § 160-186B
|
D
|
|
*Directional (if visible from a street)
|
A
|
2
|
4 per street
|
D
|
|
Contractor
|
A
|
6
|
1 per street
|
D
|
|
*Auction4
|
A
|
12
|
1 per street
|
D
|
|
Real estate sale
|
A
|
32
|
1 per street
|
D
|
|
*Real estate rent or lease sign affixed either
to the permanent building or lot identification sign or as a separate
freestanding sign
|
A or B or C
|
4
|
1 per street
|
D or B; external incidental illumination from
an exterior source as may be associated with the principal sign upon
the property
|
|
*Identification sign option. freestanding or
facade
|
A or B or C
|
15
|
2 per street frontage (cumulative sign may be
used on 1 frontage)
|
B; illumination shall be on timer, off by 9:00
p.m.
|
|
Building identification letters and/or numerals
|
A or B
|
6
|
1 per street
|
D
|
|
*Special event (up to 90 days per year)
|
A or E
|
24
|
1 per street
|
D
|
|
*New construction/land development
|
A
|
32
|
1 per street
|
D
|
|
NOTES:
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
1
|
[*] Indicates sign permit or other permit needed.
| |
|
2
|
See § 160-185:
A. Ground sign.
B. Facade sign.
C. Projecting sign.
D. Roof sign.
E. Portable sign.
| |
|
3
|
Per § 160-184:
A. Internal.
B. External.
C. (Reserved)
D. Nonilluminated.
| |
|
4
|
Auction signs shall be limited in duration to
14 days prior to date of auction and shall be removed immediately
thereafter.
| |
D.
CSCOD, SC, C, C-1 and VC Districts.
[Amended 4-18-2006 by Ord. No. 4-217; 8-18-2015 by Ord. No. 4-240; 11-19-2019 by Ord.
No. 4-255; 10-18-2022 by Ord. No. 4-260]
|
Permitted Signs1
|
Types of Signs Allowed2
|
Sign Area
(square feet)
|
Number of Signs
|
Illumination3
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
*(1) Identification Option No. 1
|
A or C
|
35
|
1 per street frontage
|
A or B; on timer, off by one hour after closing
|
|
*(2) Identification Option No. 2 (in lieu of
No. 1)
|
A and B or C
|
25 for ground sign; 16 for facade or projecting
|
1 ground sign per street frontage and 1 facade
or projecting sign per individual establishment
|
A or B; on timer, off by one hour after closing
of latest establishment
|
|
*(3) Corner lot identification Option No. 3
(in lieu of Option Nos. 1 and 2)
|
A and B or C
|
50 for ground sign; 16 for either facade or
projecting
|
1 ground sign per lot and 1 facade or projecting
sign per individual establishment
|
A or B; on timer, off by one hour after closing
of latest establishment.
|
|
*(4) Shopping center identification, SC District
only, single lot
|
A
|
100
|
1 per lot/street
|
A or B; on timer, off by one hour after closing
of latest establishment.
|
|
*Mall or contiguous anchor identification having
a minimum gross floor area of 30,000 square feet
|
B or C
|
200
|
1 per street frontage
|
A or B; on timer, off by one hour after closing
of latest establishment.
|
|
*Nonanchor; individual establishment identification
|
B or C
|
20
|
1 per individual establishment
|
A or B; on timer, off by one hour after closing
of latest establishment.
|
|
*Nonanchor; individual establishment identification
where canopy overhang is equal to or greater than three feet.
|
B door or window sign only4
|
4
|
1 per establishment
|
D
|
|
Real estate sale
|
A or B
|
32
|
1 per street frontage
|
D
|
|
*Real estate rent or lease
|
A or B or C
|
12 ground or 8 facade or 8 projecting
|
1 per street frontage
|
B (Ground signs may be illuminated by an exterior
source as may be associated with the principal sign of the property.)
|
|
*New construction/land development
|
A
|
32
|
1 per street frontage
|
D
|
|
*Auction5
|
A
|
12
|
1 per street frontage
|
D
|
|
*Illuminated directory sign (three or more buildings)
|
A
|
12
|
1 per street frontage
|
A or B
|
|
*Directional
|
A
|
2
|
2 per street frontage
|
D
|
|
Trespassing
|
A
|
1
|
See § 160-186B
|
D
|
|
Contractor's sign
|
A or B
|
6
|
1 per street frontage
|
D
|
|
NOTES:
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
1
|
[*] Indicates sign permit or other permit needed.
| |
|
2
|
See § 160-185:
A. Ground sign.
B. Facade sign.
C. Projecting sign.
D. Roof sign.
E. Portable sign.
| |
|
3
|
Per § 160-184:
A. Internal.
B. External.
C. (Reserved)
D. Nonilluminated.
| |
|
4
|
Door sign is classified as a facade sign, the
face of the door being considered a facade independent of the building
facade.
| |
|
5
|
Auction signs shall be limited in duration to
14 days prior to date of auction and shall be removed immediately
thereafter.
| |
|
6
|
Signage not covered in § 160-130C.
| |
E.
IN Institutional District.
[Amended 12-20-2011 by Ord. No. 4-234; 8-18-2015 by Ord. No. 4-240]
(1)
Religious (place of worship), preschool, primary,
secondary, and collegiate level educational facilities and municipal
facilities.
[Amended 3-15-2016 by Ord. No. 4-236; 11-19-2019 by Ord. No. 4-255]
|
Permitted Signs1
|
Types of Signs Allowed2
|
Sign Area
(square feet)
|
Number of Signs
|
Illumination3
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
*Identification Option No. 1 religious (place of worship), preschool,
elementary, middle or high school
|
A
|
30[1]
|
1 per street
|
A or B; opposite residential districts, on timer, off by one
hour after closing or 11:00 p.m., whichever is earlier
|
|
*Identification Option No. 2 religious (place of worship), preschool,
elementary, middle or high school
|
B or C
|
30
|
1 per street
|
A or B; opposite residential districts, on timer, off by one
hour after closing or 11:00 p.m., whichever is earlier
|
|
*New construction/land development
|
A
|
32
|
1 per street
|
D
|
|
Real estate sale
|
A
|
32
|
1 per street
|
D
|
|
Real estate rent or lease
|
A or B
|
4 freestanding or 8 facade
|
1 per lot
|
D; except where incidental illumination from an exterior source
associated with the principal sign upon the property
|
|
*Directional, at street
|
A
|
2
|
2 per curb cut
|
D
|
|
*Direction, at internal
|
A
|
4 per building, aggregate
|
Number and size to be determined by property owner, not to exceed
an aggregate of 4 square feet per building
|
D
|
|
Trespassing
|
A
|
1
|
See § 160-186B
|
D
|
|
Building identification
|
A or B
|
12 for a freestanding sign; 16 for a facade sign
|
1 per building entrance
|
A or B; opposite residential districts, on timer, off by one
hour after closing or 11:00 p.m., whichever is earlier
|
|
Building identification letters and/or numerals
|
A or B
|
6
|
1 per street
|
D
|
|
*Auction4
|
A
|
12
|
1 per street
|
D
|
|
Contractor
|
A
|
6
|
1 per street
|
D
|
|
*Special event (up to 90 days per year)
|
A
|
24
|
1 per street
|
D
|
|
NOTES:
| ||
|
1
|
[*] Indicates sign permit or other permit needed.
| |
|
2
|
See § 160-185:
| |
|
A.
|
Ground sign.
| |
|
B.
|
Facade sign.
| |
|
C.
|
Projecting sign.
| |
|
D.
|
Roof sign.
| |
|
E.
|
Portable sign.
| |
|
3
|
Per § 160-184:
| |
|
A.
|
Internal.
| |
|
B.
|
External.
| |
|
C.
|
(Reserved)
| |
|
D.
|
Nonilluminated.
| |
|
4
|
Auction signs shall be limited in duration to 14 days prior
to date of auction and shall be removed immediately thereafter.
| |
|
5
|
CSCOD See § 160-161M.
| |
|
6
|
VC See § 160-130C.
| |
[1]
Note: However, a ground sign containing a changeable text
electronic message board shall be permitted an additional square foot
of sign area for every 10 linear feet of frontage over 400 linear
feet on an arterial road and an additional square foot of sign area
for every 10 linear feet of frontage over 400 linear feet of frontage
on a collector road, up to a maximum sign square footage of 75 square
feet of total sign area on an arterial road and 60 square feet of
total sign area on a collector road.
F.
AR, A-R-1, R-E and I Districts.
[Amended 8-18-2015 by Ord. No. 4-240]
|
Permitted Signs1
|
Types of Signs Allowed2
|
Sign Area
(square feet)
|
Number of Signs
|
Illumination3
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
*Freestanding identification
|
A
|
40
|
1 per curb cut but in no event greater than
200 feet
|
A or B; on timer, off by one hour after regular
business hours
|
|
Building identification (letters and/or numbers
affixed to the building)
|
B or C
|
6
|
1 per individual establishment
|
B; on timer, off by one hour after closing of
latest establishment
|
|
*New construction
|
A
|
32
|
1 per lot
|
D
|
|
*Temporary "space available" (new construction)4
|
A or B
|
32
|
1 per lot/street
|
A or B; on timer, off by one hour after closing
of latest establishment
|
|
Sign per building for tenant or owner-occupant
occupying more than 50% of the floor area
|
B
|
16
|
1 per building
|
D
|
|
*Real estate rent or lease
|
A
|
12
|
1 per street
|
D
|
|
Real estate sale
|
A or B
|
16
|
1 per street
|
D
|
|
*Site directory sign (multibuilding site; three
or more buildings per lot)
|
A
|
12
|
1 per curb cut
|
D
|
|
*Directional
|
A
|
2
|
2 per street
|
D
|
|
Trespassing
|
A
|
1
|
See § 160-186B
|
D
|
|
Auction5
|
A
|
12
|
1 per street
|
D
|
|
NOTES:
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
1
|
[*] Indicates sign permit or other permit needed.
| |
|
2
|
Per § 160-185:
A. Ground sign.
B. Facade sign.
C. Projecting sign.
D. Roof sign.
E. Portable sign.
| |
|
3
|
Per § 160-184:
A. Internal.
B. External.
C. (Reserved)
D. Nonilluminated.
| |
|
4
|
"Space available" sign shall be removed upon
issuance of temporary or final use and occupancy permit, whichever
comes first.
| |
|
5
|
Auction signs shall be limited in duration to
14 days prior to date of auction and shall be removed immediately
thereafter.
| |
G.
Temporary directional signs. Off-site temporary directional
ground signs, providing directions to Whitpain Township properties
only, shall be permitted in all zoning districts subject to the following
conditions:
[Added 5-16-2005 by Ord. No. 4-209]
(1)
Maximum size: maximum area of each sign not
to exceed two square feet.
(2)
Maximum number. There shall be a maximum of
six such signs to be displayed by any one applicant at one time.
(3)
Maximum duration of display: no more than three
days, six times per year.
(4)
Type of signs. Signs must be freestanding and
shall not be mounted on utility poles, street signs or other municipal
or utility appurtenances.
(5)
Display limitations. No festooning, lighting
or other decorations shall be permitted.
