The regulations contained in this article shall
apply to all signs in all zoning districts.
Signs in all zoning districts shall be categorized
according to the types and classes described below and shall comply
with the requirements for those types and classes described in this
section.
A. Classes. Signs are classified by physical attributes
into the following categories:
(1)
Freestanding. A sign supported on a foundation
or by one or more uprights, poles or braces permanently affixed to
the ground and not attached to any building.
(a)
Pole sign. A freestanding sign that is supported
by one or more poles, uprights or braces and that has a minimum clearance
between the bottom edge of the sign and the adjacent ground level,
as specified by this chapter.
(b)
Ground sign. A freestanding sign that is affixed
to the ground by means of a permanent foundation and that provides
a maximum clearance of 18 inches between the bottom edge of the sign
and the adjacent ground level.
(2)
Wall. A sign attached to and erected parallel
to the face of an outside wall of a building, projecting outward no
more than six inches from the wall of the building.
(3)
Arcade sign. A sign suspended beneath a ceiling
of an arcade, a roof or marquee, containing only the name of a business
for the purpose of assisting pedestrian traffic traveling under the
arcade, roof or marquee to identify the location of establishments
within a shopping center or similar building.
(4)
Bulletin. A type of changeable copy sign constructed
to allow letters or symbols to be changed periodically, such as those
used by churches and schools to announce events.
(5) Roof sign. A sign erected and maintained upon or above
the roof of any building that projects no more than six feet above
the roof.
(6) Overhanging. A sign, other than a wall sign or arcade
sign, affixed to a building or wall, whose leading edge extends beyond
such building or wall more than six inches, including awnings, marquees
or similar structures used for business identification.
(7) Billboard. Any off-premises sign with a changeable
advertising face that advertises an establishment, person, activity,
product or service that is unrelated to or unavailable on the premises
on which the sign is located.
(8) Changeable copy. A sign that is designed so that characters,
letters or illustrations can be changed or rearranged without altering
the face or surface of the sign.
(9) Indirectly illuminated. A sign that is lighted by
means of lamps or lighting devices external to, and reflected on,
the sign, which lighting is stationary and constant in intensity and
color at all times and which is shielded so that the illumination
is concentrated on the face of the sign and there is no spillover
of illumination or glare beyond the face of the sign.
(10)
Internally illuminated. A sign that is lighted
by means of lamps or lighting devices internal to the sign, which
lighting is either behind the face of the sign or is an integral part
of the sign structure and the advertising effect.
B. Types. Signs are categorized by use, function or purpose
into the following types:
(1) Residential identification sign. A sign containing
only the name and address of the occupant of the premises.
(2) Home occupation identification sign. A sign containing
only the name and address of the occupant of the premises and his
occupation. No logos or other advertising shall be permitted.
(3) Residential plan identification sign. A permanent
wall or freestanding ground sign containing only the name and address
of a plan of subdivision or a multifamily building or development.
(4) Real estate sign. A temporary sign advertising the
sale or rental of the premises. The signs may also bear the words
"sold," "sale pending" or "rented" across their face.
(5) Development sign. A temporary sign erected during
the period of construction and/or development of a property by the
contractor and developer or their agent.
(6) Construction sign. A temporary sign announcing the
name of contractors, mechanics or artisans engaged in performing work
on the premises.
(7) Notification sign. A sign bearing legal and/or property
notices, such as "no trespassing," "private property," "no turnaround,"
"safety zone," "no hunting" and similar messages, and signs posted
by a governmental agency for traffic control or the safety of the
general public.
(8) Off-premises directional sign. A sign, other than
a billboard, that directs the public to an establishment, activity,
person, product or service that is not sold, produced or available
on the property on which the sign is located.
(9) On-premises directional sign. A sign that directs
and/or instructs vehicular or pedestrian traffic relative to parking
areas, proper exits, loading areas, entrance points and similar information
on the premises on which it is located.
(10)
Political sign. A temporary sign that indicates
the name, cause or affiliation of anyone seeking public office or
that refers to an issue concerning which a public election is scheduled
to be held.
(11)
Business identification sign. A sign that contains
the name, address and goods, services, facilities or events available
on the premises.
(12)
Temporary special event display. A banner, flag,
pennant or similar display constructed of durable material and affixed
to the wall of a building, erected for a period not exceeding 30 days,
whose sole purpose is to advertise a special event.
(13)
Window display. A sign or group of signs affixed
to the inside of a display window in a commercial establishment that
advertises a product or service available on the premises or that
announces or promotes a special sale or special event.
(14)
Memorial/historical plaque. Commemorative plaques
recognized by an agency of the Township, county, commonwealth or federal
government or a nonprofit, historical or veteran's organization.
The following regulations shall apply to signs
in all zoning districts.
A. Restricted signs. The following signs shall not be
permitted in any zoning district:
(1) A-frame or sandwich board signs;
(2) Portable or wheeled signs, other than temporary special
event displays authorized by this chapter;
(3) Banners and pennants, other than temporary special
event displays authorized by this chapter;
(4) Inflatable structures of any kind, other than temporary
special event displays authorized by this chapter;
(5) Moving or flashing signs, except for that portion
of a permitted sign that indicates time or temperature;
(7) Signs on trees, utility poles or official traffic
control devices or signs;
(8) Signs that imitate traffic control devices;
(9) Signs painted on walls or chimneys of a building or
on fences or walls;
(10)
Strings of lights, flashers, flags, pennants
or other display paraphernalia, except those displays specifically
authorized by this article; and
(11)
Signs on or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers
that are parked on a public right-of-way, public property or private
property, other than temporarily for overnight storage on the site
of a business or for maintenance, repair, loading, unloading or rendering
a service at any location, that are visible from the public right-of-way
and where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct
people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property.
B. Exempt signs. The following signs shall be exempt
from these regulations:
(2) Residential identification signs, as defined herein;
(3) Holiday decorations displayed for recognized federal
or state holidays, provided they do not interfere with traffic safety
or do not, in any other way, become a public hazard;
(4) Memorial/historical plaques, as defined herein;
(5) Window displays, as defined herein, provided they
shall not exceed 20% of the gross surface area of all windows in an
establishment;
(6) Signs erected by a governmental agency, including street signs and official traffic signs, but not including off-premises directional signs regulated by §
410-108G.
C. Lots with multiple street frontage. In all zoning
districts, lots fronting on more than one street shall be permitted
to have one sign that is authorized per lot on each street frontage.
D. Temporary signs. In all zoning districts where authorized by §
410-108, real estate, construction and development signs shall be considered temporary signs that shall be removed within 30 days of the completion of sales or construction. Temporary special event displays shall be regulated by §
410-108E.
E. Notification signs. In all zoning districts, the number,
location and size of legal notification signs erected by public agencies
shall be in accordance with the laws of the commonwealth. In all zoning
districts, legal notification signs posted on private property by
property owners, such as "no trespassing," "no hunting" and the like,
shall be limited to a surface area not exceeding two square feet.
The placement and maximum number of signs permitted along road frontages
shall be one sign for every 30 feet of road frontage.
F. Visibility. No sign shall be located in such a position that it will cause a hazard by obstructing visibility for traffic on a street or obscuring a traffic signal or other traffic control device. No sign, other than official traffic signs and off-premises directional signs, shall hang over or be erected within the right-of-way of any street. No sign shall be located within the clear sight triangle defined by §
410-87D of this chapter.
G. Illumination. Illumination, when authorized by this
chapter, shall be directed upon the sign face and not towards adjoining
properties or streets. Flashing or oscillating signs shall not be
permitted. Lighting shall be stationary and constant in intensity
and color at all times. The intensity of any source of illumination
of any sign, whether indirect or internal, shall be controlled so
as to not create glare and to be compatible with the intensity of
ambient light and illumination on surrounding properties.
H. Maintenance and inspection. All signs must be constructed
of a durable material and maintained in good condition. Any sign found
to be in an unsafe condition upon inspection shall be declared to
be a public nuisance, and the Code Enforcement Officer shall give
notice to the owner, in writing, to repair or remove the sign within
10 days. Upon failure of the owner to comply, the Township shall remove
the sign at the owner's expense.
[Amended 5-16-2012; 5-21-2014]
I. Removal of signs. Whenever any business is discontinued
or vacated, all signs relating to the discontinued or vacated business
shall be removed within 30 days of the vacation or discontinuance
of the business. Upon failure of the owner to comply, the Township
may remove the sign at the owner's expense.
J. Permits required. No permit shall be required for the following types of signs as described in §
410-106B above: notification, real estate, construction signs and off-premises directional signs erected by a governmental agency. Permits shall be required for all other signs authorized by §§
410-108 through
410-111. The Code Enforcement Officer shall issue the required permits upon submission of an application that complies with all applicable provisions of this chapter and payment of the required fee established from time to time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
[Amended 5-16-2012; 5-21-2014]
K. Expiration of permits. Any permit issued by the Code
Enforcement Officer for erection, alteration, replacement or relocation
of any sign shall expire automatically within six months of the date
of issuance if work authorized by the permit has not been initiated
and diligently pursued.
[Amended 5-16-2012; 5-21-2014]
L. Sign location. Except for billboards and off-premises
directional signs, as defined herein, where authorized by this chapter,
all signs shall be located on the premises that they are intended
to serve.
The following signs are authorized in all zoning
districts.
A. Bulletin sign. One bulletin sign that is nonilluminated
or indirectly or internally illuminated and that does not exceed 24
square feet in surface area shall be permitted in connection with
any church, school, library or similar public or semipublic building.
B. Real estate sign. One nonilluminated temporary real
estate sign shall be permitted on each lot, provided the sign shall
not exceed six feet in height. The real estate sign shall not exceed
12 square feet in surface area when located in any A, R-1, R-2 or
V Zoning District and shall not exceed 32 square feet in any B or
I Zoning District. Such sign shall be removed within 30 days of the
sale or rental of the property on which it is located.
C. Development sign. One nonilluminated temporary development
sign shall be permitted on each lot, provided the surface area of
the sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in surface area. The development
signs shall not exceed six feet in height when located in any A, R-1,
R-2 or V Zoning District and shall not exceed 10 feet in height in
any B or I Zoning District. Such sign shall be removed within 30 days
of the sale or rental of the last lot or completion of the proposed
construction in the development.
D. Construction sign. One nonilluminated temporary construction
sign announcing the names of contractors, mechanics or artisans engaged
in performing work on the premises shall be permitted on a lot, provided
the sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in surface area and shall
be removed within 30 days of the completion of the work.
E. Temporary special event display. One nonilluminated
temporary special event display sign, as defined by this chapter,
shall be permitted to be erected on the face of a public building,
church or building housing a nonprofit organization, provided that
the surface area of the sign shall not exceed 40 square feet, and
provided the sign is displayed for a period no longer than 30 days
and is removed within five days following the event that it is erected
to promote.
F. Home occupation identification sign. One nonilluminated
home occupation identification sign shall be permitted for an approved
home occupation, provided that the surface area of the sign does not
exceed one square foot and the sign shall contain only the name, address
and occupation of the resident and shall not contain any logo or other
advertising.
G. Off-premises directional signs.
(1) Each business or agency, other than a governmental
agency, may erect a maximum of four off-premises directional signs
along an arterial or collector street, as defined by this chapter.
Home occupations shall not be permitted to have any off-premises directional
signs.
(2) The off-premises directional signs shall be located
within 100 feet of an intersection of an arterial or collector street
with any other arterial or collector street, and the maximum number
of signs located at any intersection shall be eight signs.
(3) The off-premises directional signs shall be nonilluminated
and shall not exceed six square feet in surface area. Such signs shall
be permitted in the public right-of-way only if permission is granted
by the owner of the right-of-way. Evidence of permission from the
landowner shall be required for signs that are proposed to be erected
on property owned by an owner other than the owner of the building
or use the sign is intended to serve. Signs located outside the public
right-of-way shall be located no more than 10 feet from the edge of
the right-of-way or no more than 15 feet from the edge of the cartway
if the right-of-way is not contiguous with the front lot line.
H. On-premises directional signs.
(1) On any lot that contains two or more multifamily buildings
or nonresidential buildings and/or on any lot that provides more than
100 parking spaces, on-premises directional signs shall be permitted,
provided that the surface area of any one sign shall not exceed four
square feet.
(2) On lots with areas less than one acre, a maximum of
four nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated on-premises directional
signs shall be permitted. On lots with areas of one acre or more,
a maximum of six nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated on-premises
signs shall be permitted on the first acre. For each additional acre
or fraction thereof over one acre, two additional on-premises directional
signs shall be permitted.
I. Agribusiness and tourism uses.
(1) In those districts where agribusiness and tourism
uses are authorized, each business establishment shall be permitted
to have one wall sign that may be illuminated or nonilluminated. The
maximum surface area of the wall sign shall not exceed 24 square feet
in area. In place of a wall sign, a business establishment shall be
permitted to have one overhanging sign that may be illuminated or
nonilluminated, provided the surface area of the sign shall not exceed
six square feet and the sign shall be erected no higher than the top
elevation of the first floor of the building.
(2) In addition to the wall sign or overhanging sign,
one freestanding ground sign shall be permitted on the lot regardless
of the number of businesses on the lot. The maximum surface area of
the ground sign shall not exceed 24 square feet. The ground sign may
be illuminated or nonilluminated. The ground sign shall be located
at least 10 feet from any property line or street right-of-way. The
maximum height of the ground sign shall not exceed four feet.
The following signs shall be permitted in all
R-1, R-2 and V Zoning Districts.
A. Residential plan identification sign. One nonilluminated
or indirectly illuminated permanent wall or freestanding ground residential
plan identification sign, containing only the street address and/or
name of a residential subdivision plan or multifamily building or
development, that shall not exceed 24 square feet in surface area.
A sign identifying the name of a residential subdivision may be affixed
to a freestanding decorative wall, rather than to a building wall,
provided that the decorative wall meets all applicable ordinance requirements
and does not obstruct visibility for traffic entering or leaving the
plan.
B. Other business identification signs. One nonilluminated
or indirectly illuminated wall or freestanding ground identification
sign shall be permitted for any business use that is a legal nonconforming
use or that is authorized as a conditional use or use by special exception
in a residential or village zoning district, provided the surface
area of the sign shall not exceed 12 square feet.
The following signs shall be permitted in all
B, Business, Districts.
A. Temporary special event display. Temporary special
event displays, as defined by this chapter, shall be permitted, provided
that:
(1) No more than two signs or banners shall be permitted
on any establishment at any one time;
(2) The temporary special event display signs shall be
securely attached to the building or to the supporting structure of
a freestanding pole business identification sign;
(3) Temporary special event display signs shall be displayed
for a period not exceeding 30 days, either consecutively or cumulatively,
in any twelve-month period;
(4) The aggregate surface area of all temporary special
event display signs shall not exceed 40 square feet per establishment.
In the event that there is more than one establishment on a site,
the maximum aggregate surface area of all temporary special event
display signs on the site at any one time shall not exceed 100 square
feet; and
(5) Temporary special event display signs shall be nonilluminated.
B. Changeable copy signs. In addition to the authorized
business identification signs, one nonilluminated or internally illuminated
changeable copy sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the
number of businesses on the lot, which shall not exceed 30 square
feet in area and which shall be permanently affixed to the wall of
the building or to the supporting structure of an authorized freestanding
sign on the lot. The changeable copy sign may be either manual or
electronic. In the case of an electronic changeable copy sign, the
message shall remain stationary for a minimum of three seconds.
C. Business identification signs.
(1) Wall signs. Each business establishment shall be permitted
to have wall signs that may be illuminated or nonilluminated. The
aggregate area of all wall signs shall not exceed two square feet
for each lineal foot of width of the front wall of the building, or
portion of the building, occupied by the business or a maximum of
100 square feet, whichever is less. The wall identification sign shall
not be located on the roof nor extend above the height of the building.
(2) Ground signs. In addition to the wall signs, one freestanding
ground sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the number of
businesses on the lot, provided that:
(a)
No freestanding pole sign exists or is proposed
to be erected on the lot.
(b)
The maximum surface area of the ground sign
shall not exceed 24 square feet.
(c)
The height and location of the sign shall be
designed so as to not interfere with visibility for vehicular traffic
entering or leaving the lot or traveling on any street, and in no
case shall the total height exceed six feet.
(d)
Ground signs shall be nonilluminated or indirectly
illuminated only. Internally illuminated ground signs shall not be
permitted.
(e)
All freestanding ground signs shall be located
at least 10 feet from any property line or public street right-of-way.
(3) Pole signs. In addition to the authorized wall signs,
one freestanding pole sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless
of the number of businesses on the lot, provided that:
(a)
No freestanding ground sign exists or is proposed
to be erected on the lot.
(b)
The pole sign shall be nonilluminated, indirectly
illuminated or internally illuminated.
(c)
The maximum height of the top of the pole sign
shall be 20 feet.
(d)
The minimum height of the bottom edge of the
sign shall be eight feet.
(e)
The maximum surface area of the freestanding
pole sign shall not exceed 40 square feet if there is only one business
on the lot and shall not exceed 64 square feet if there is more than
one business on the lot. Neither dimension of such sign shall be less
than five feet.
(f)
No portion of any sign shall project over any public right-of-way nor shall it be located within the clear sight triangle of any street intersection, as defined in §
410-87D.
(g)
All freestanding pole signs shall be set back
at least 10 feet from all property lines and the public street right-of-way.
(4) Arcade signs. In shopping centers or office complexes
that have pedestrian accessways covered by a roof, marquee or exterior
arcade, one arcade sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted for
each business in the building, provided that the maximum surface area
of each sign shall not exceed eight square feet.
Billboards shall not be permitted in any A,
R, V or B Zoning District. Billboards shall be permitted only as conditional
uses on property located in the I, Industrial, District, following
recommendation by the Planning Commission and a public hearing by
the Board of Supervisors, provided all of the following requirements
are met:
A. Location. Billboards may be authorized as a conditional
use only in the I, Industrial, District, provided all of the following
requirements are met:
(1) Billboards shall not be erected within 500 feet of
any existing dwelling, any public or private school, church or cemetery,
said 500 feet being measured along the radius of a circle from the
centermost point of the billboard structure extending in all directions.
(2) Billboards shall maintain a lateral minimum spacing
between any existing or proposed billboard structure of 1,000 feet.
Required spacing shall be measured along both sides of the same roadway
frontage from the centermost point of the billboard structure along
a line extending from the centermost point of the billboard that is
parallel to the center line of the roadway to which the billboard
is oriented.
(3) No billboard shall be located closer than 10 feet
to any public street right-of-way.
(4) The minimum side and rear yard requirements applying
to a principal structure as set forth within the zoning district in
which the billboard is to be located shall apply to each billboard
structure.
(5) No billboard shall be erected in such a manner as
to block the view from the street of any existing business identification
sign, residential or nonresidential structure.
(6) No billboard shall be constructed within the clear
sight triangle of the public street on which it is situated and shall
not in any case obstruct or impede traffic safety.
(7) No sign shall be erected over any sidewalk or public
right-of-way.
(8) Billboards shall not be part of a roof or wall, nor
shall they be mounted on the roof, wall or other part of a building
or any other structure.
B. Size and height. A billboard shall have a maximum
allowable gross surface area of 250 square feet per sign face. This
gross surface area shall be permitted, provided all of the following
additional requirements are met:
(1) A billboard shall have no more than two sign faces
per billboard structure which may be placed back to back or in a V-shaped
configuration having an interior angle of 90° or less.
(2) The dimensions of the gross surface area of the billboard's
sign face shall not exceed 10 feet in total height or 25 feet in total
length, provided the total allowable gross surface area for the sign
face is not exceeded.
(3) A billboard structure shall have a maximum height
above the curb of the roadway from which it is intended to be viewed
of 40 feet.
C. Construction methods. Billboards shall be constructed
in accordance with applicable provisions of the Township Building
Code and shall meet all of the following additional requirements:
(1) A billboard structure shall have a maximum of one
vertical support being a maximum of three feet in diameter or width
and without additional bracing or vertical supports.
(2) A billboard sign face shall be independently supported
and have vertical supports of metal that are galvanized or constructed
of approved corrosive-resistant, noncombustible materials. Structures
constructed with galvanized metal shall be painted.
(3) The one vertical support shall be capable of enabling
the entire sign face to be able to withstand a minimum one-hundred-mile-per-hour
wind load. Structural design computations shall be made and certified
by a registered engineer and shall be submitted to the Township with
the application for conditional use.
(4) The base shall be installed using a foundation and
footings approved by the Township Engineer for the type of construction
proposed.
(5) The entire base of the billboard structure parallel
to the sign face shall be permanently landscaped with suitable shrubbery
and/or bushes of minimum height of three feet, placed in such manner
as to screen the foundation of the structure.
(6) Landscaping shall be maintained by the sign owner
in an attractive and healthy manner in accordance with accepted conservation
practices.
(7) No bare cuts shall be permitted on a hillside.
(8) All cuts or fills shall be permanently seeded or planted.
(9) A billboard with display lighting shall be constructed
so that it does not glare upon adjoining property and shall not exceed
a maximum footcandle of 1.5 upon the adjoining property.
(10)
Display lighting shall not operate between 12:00
midnight and 5:00 a.m., prevailing local time.
(11)
No billboard structure, sign face or display
lighting shall move, flash or emit noise. No display lighting shall
cause distractions, confusion, nuisance or hazard to traffic, aircraft
or other properties.
(12)
The use of colored lighting shall not be permitted.
D. Maintenance.
(1) A billboard structure shall be entirely painted every
three years, unless constructed of an approved corrosive-resistant
material.
(2) Every 10 years, the owner of the billboard shall have
a structural inspection made of the billboard by a qualified Pennsylvania
registered engineer and shall provide to the Township a certificate
from the engineer certifying that the billboard is structurally sound.
(3) Annual inspections of the billboard may be conducted
by the Township to determine compliance with this chapter.
(4) Billboards found to be in violation of this chapter
shall be brought into compliance or removed within 30 days upon proper
notification by the Township.
(5) Billboards using removable paper or other materials
shall be maintained in such condition as to eliminate loose or frayed
material protruding or hanging from the structure. All paper and other
waste materials shall be removed from the site and disposed of properly
whenever any sign face is changed.
E. Liability insurance. The applicant for a permit to
erect a billboard shall provide a certificate of insurance for public
liability and property damage that holds the Township harmless. The
amount of insurance to be maintained shall be determined and adjusted
from time to time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors. The insurance
certificate shall contain a clause stating that the insurance shall
not be canceled or reduced without first giving 10 days' notice to
the Township.
F. Permits.
(1) Prior to submission of an application for a permit,
the applicant for a billboard shall obtain and submit with the application
approvals from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), when applicable.
(2) Approval of the conditional use shall be valid for
six months from the date of action by the Board of Supervisors granting
the conditional use. If the applicant fails to obtain a sign permit
for the approved billboard within the six-month period, approval of
the conditional use shall expire automatically, without written notice
to the applicant.
(3) The issuance of a permit for a billboard that has
been granted approval of a conditional use shall be conditioned upon
the approval of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
for billboards along state highways. If the applicant fails to submit
evidence of the required approval by PennDOT within 30 days of the
issuance of the conditional permit, the permit shall be revoked by
the Township Code Enforcement Officer, who shall provide written notice
to the applicant.
[Amended 5-16-2012; 5-21-2014]
(4) The applicant may reapply for the required permit,
upon submission of evidence of PennDOT approval, without payment of
any additional permit fee, provided the application is filed within
the six-month period during which the conditional use approval is
valid.
G. Application fees. Said application shall be accompanied
by an application fee in an amount equal to that set from time to
time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
H. Nonconforming billboards.
(1) Any billboard that does not conform to the requirements
of this section shall not be enlarged or moved unless the billboard
complies with all provisions of this section.
(2) Any billboard that is damaged or destroyed by more
than 51% of its replacement value at the time of damage or destruction
shall be reconstructed only in compliance with all provisions of this
section.