For the purpose of this chapter, all signs shall be classified by the following descriptions:
A. 
Banner. A sign utilizing a flexible substance on which copy or graphics may be displayed and which is not permanently mounted.
B. 
Billboard sign. A sign that is freestanding, which exceeds 36 square feet per face (sign area) and which is not an official sign or a directional sign specifically permitted by this Chapter. Billboard Signs are permitted solely in the I-2 Light Industrial District and the I-C Industrial Commercial District.
[Amended 9-1-2005 by Ord. No. 2038, approved 9-1-2005]
C. 
Building face. The vertical area of a particular side of a building, but not including the area of any slanted roof.
D. 
Business sign. A sign for a permitted use, including a nonconforming use, conducted on the premises, which sign shall identify the written name and/ or the type of business and/or an article for sale or rent on the premises or otherwise call attention to a use conducted on the premises.
E. 
Freestanding sign. A sign which is self-supporting upon the ground or which is primarily supported by poles attached to the ground and not primarily supported by a building.
F. 
Height of sign. The vertical distance measured from the average ground level surrounding a sign to the highest point of the sign and its supporting structure. Religious symbols, when not accompanied by lettering, shall not be restricted by the sign heights of this article when attached to a tower or spire of a place of worship.
G. 
Identification sign. A sign for a permitted use, including a nonconforming use, conducted on the premises displaying the name of the premises.
H. 
Illuminated sign, internally. A sign illuminated by light from within the sign rather than a source adjacent to or outside of the sign. A sign within a display case with lights only shining onto the front of the sign shall be considered to be externally illuminated.
I. 
Instructional sign. A sign conveying instructions with respect to the use of the premises or a portion of the premises on which it is maintained or a use or practice being conducted on the premises.
J. 
Marquee sign. Any sign attached to, in any manner, or made part of a marquee.
K. 
Nameplate sign. A sign only indicating the name and/or address of an occupant.
L. 
Political sign. A sign which indicates the name, cause or affiliation of a person seeking public or elected office or on which reference is made to an issue for which a public election or referendum is scheduled to be held.
M. 
Portable freestanding sign. A freestanding sign which is readily portable and has no means of attachment to a structure or the ground, but which is held in place solely by gravity.
N. 
Projecting sign. A sign other than a wall sign that is attached to or projects more than 12 inches from a building face or wall or from a structure whose primary purpose is other than the support of the sign.
O. 
Sign size or sign area. The area of the sign facing, including any border, framing or decorative attachments. In the case of freestanding letters, it shall be the area contained between the highest and lowest point of any letters and the extremity points of the first and last letters.
P. 
Temporary sign. A sign intended to display messages of a transitory or temporary nature. Portable signs or any sign not permanently embedded in the ground, or not permanently affixed to a building or sign structure that is permanently embedded in the ground, are considered temporary signs.
Q. 
Wall sign. Any sign attached parallel to, but within 12 inches of, a wall and not extending beyond any edge of the wall, painted on the wall surface or erected and confined within the limits of an outside wall of any building or structure, which is supported by such wall or building, and which displays only one sign surface.
R. 
Window sign. A sign which is readily visible and can be at least partially read from an exterior lot line and which is attached to a window or transparent door or that can be read through a window or transparent door.
S. 
Any permitted sign meeting one of the preceding classifications may be a changeable-message sign, provided it complies with § 255-224.
[Added 8-9-2012 by Ord. No. 2170, approved 8-9-2012]
T. 
Any permitted sign meeting one of the preceding classifications may be a scrolling sign, provided it complies with § 255-224.
[Added 8-9-2012 by Ord. No. 2170, approved 8-9-2012]
A. 
All signs, as the same are defined in § 255-12 of this chapter, shall be subject to the provisions of this article.
B. 
Exempt signs. The following signs shall not be considered as subject to these regulations:
(1) 
Official traffic signs.
(2) 
Memorial plaques and historical tablets that have an area of less than one square foot.
(3) 
Signs on mailboxes with printing not exceeding three inches in height.
(4) 
Building cornerstones.
(5) 
Nameplate signs that have an area of less than one square foot.
(6) 
Signs which are placed in the interior of a building, whether or not visible from a public street.
(7) 
Building markers indicating the name of a building and date and incidental information about its construction, which sign is cut into a masonry surface or made of bronze or other permanent material.
The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts:
A. 
Any sign placed on or over a public sidewalk, except as noted hereafter.
B. 
Any sign which flashes, moves, blinks or emits smoke, steam, or other visible particulates or odor. For the purposes of this prohibition, a sign is considered to be flashing, moving or blinking if the sign, content or display moves or changes at an interval more frequently than once every 30 seconds.
[Amended 8-9-2012 by Ord. No. 2170, approved 8-9-2012]
C. 
Any sign that projects above the roofline of the building on which it is mounted.
D. 
Spinners, pennants, streamers and any moving object used for commercial advertising purposes, whether or not any of the aforesaid items contain a message; except that banners and flags are permitted when authorized under any other pertinent provision of this article.
E. 
Flashing, electronically changing messages; blinking, twinkling, animated or moving signs of any type, except those portions of sign which indicate time and temperature changes. This restriction specifically includes window signs and signs on mobile stands. This shall not prohibit Christmas lighting or displays.
F. 
Flashing, blinking, twinkling, animated or moving signs of any type, except changeable-message signs or scrolling signs in compliance with § 255-224.
[Amended 8-9-2012 by Ord. No. 2170, approved 8-9-2012]
G. 
Signs that are of such character, form, shape or color that they imitate or resemble any official traffic sign, signal or device that have any characteristics which are likely to confuse or distract the operator of a motor vehicle on a public street.
H. 
Signs that use reflective materials to give the appearance of flashing, blinking, twinkling or electronically changing messages.
I. 
Signs that use reflective materials to give the appearance of flashing, blinking or twinkling.
[Amended 8-9-2012 by Ord. No. 2170, approved 8-9-2012]
J. 
Balloons of greater than five cubic feet that are tethered to the ground or a structure and are primarily intended for advertising purposes.
K. 
Signs permanently affixed, placed, maintained, erected, constructed or displayed upon any public property, public street, public sidewalk, public right-of-way, tree, utility pole, stone, cliff and other natural objects; except those signs erected by a governmental body or so placed by order of a governmental body. For purposes of this section, the term "governmental body" shall include the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Cumberland, Borough of Carlisle and all of their lawfully constituted commissions, authorities, boards and departments.
In all residential and institutional districts, the following signs shall be permitted and no others:
A. 
Professional, accessory use, home occupation or name signs on the same lot indicating the name, profession or activity of the occupant of the dwelling, provided that the area of any one side of any such sign shall not exceed two square feet, and provided that not more than one such sign shall be erected for each permitted use or dwelling.
B. 
Institutional signs.
(1) 
Signs for a primary or secondary school, place of worship, hospital, college or university or nursing home, on the same lot therewith, for the purpose of displaying the name of the institution and its activities or services, provided that the area on one side of such sign shall not exceed 25 square feet, and provided that not more than one such sign shall be erected for each 100 linear feet of street frontage.
(2) 
Signs interior to the campus for primary or secondary schools or colleges or universities for the purpose of providing directions and identifying facilities and services are permitted as required provided that the area on one side of each such sign shall not exceed six square feet.
(3) 
Temporary banners, interior to the campus for a college or university, for the purpose of identifying special events for athletics, cultural or scientific exhibits, or the arts. Such banners shall not exceed 250 square feet. The temporary banners shall be erected no more than two weeks prior to the event and shall be removed not later than one business day after the event.
(4) 
No-trespassing signs. Trespassing signs and signs indicating private ownership of streets or other property, on the same premises therewith, provided that the total area of any one side of such sign shall not exceed one square foot and shall be spaced at intervals of not less than 50 feet of street frontage.
C. 
Directional signs. Directional signs for places of worship when authorized by the Zoning Hearing Board, provided that the area of any one such sign shall not exceed six square feet.
D. 
Real estate signs as follows:
(1) 
For advertising the sale or rental of the premises upon which the sign is erected, provided that the total area of any such side of such sign on any one street frontage of any property in single and separate ownership shall not exceed six square feet in any residential or institutional district and shall not exceed 32 square feet in any commercial district (in compliance with § 255-220A) or industrial district (in compliance with § 255-221A).
(2) 
For advertising, on the premises, the sale or development of homes within a subdivision, the recorded plan of which contains less than 10 lots, provided that the area of any one side of such sign shall not exceed 35 square feet, and provided that not more than one such sign shall be erected facing on each street abutting the property.
(3) 
For advertising, on the premises, the sale or development of homes within a subdivision, the recorded plan of which contains 10 or more lots, provided that the area of any side of any such sign shall not exceed 35 square feet, provided that not more than two such signs shall be erected facing on each street abutting the property.
(4) 
On lots or in subdivisions or portions of subdivisions approved for development only for as long as a lot or lots, dwelling or dwellings are for sale by the developer. All signs must be removed from a lot, development or portion of development in which all lots have been conveyed by the developer.
E. 
Public utility sign. Signs in connection with the identification, operation or protection of any public utility or municipal activity, on the same lot therewith, provided that the total sign area on any one street frontage of any property in single and separate ownership shall not exceed eight square feet. If the public health or safety would require additional or larger signs, the Zoning Hearing Board may grant additional sizes or larger size signs.
F. 
Contractor's sign. Temporary signs of contractors, mechanics, painters and artisans, erected and maintained on the premises where the work is being performed, provided that the area of any one side of any such sign shall not exceed 12 square feet, and provided that not more than one such sign for each contractor shall be erected on any property in single and separate ownership, and provided that such sign shall be removed within 30 days after completion of the work.
G. 
Special events sign. Temporary signs advertising fairs, social events, auction sales, yard sales and the like shall be permitted, provided that each such sign shall not consist of more than two sides of a square footage per side not to exceed 32 feet, and provided that such sign shall be erected not sooner than 20 days prior to the event advertised, that such sign shall be removed within 10 days following such event, and provided that in no instance shall any sign be maintained for a period of time in excess of 30 days. One such sign may be erected for each 100 linear feet of lot frontage on a public street; provided, further, however, that nothing herein shall apply to signs respecting public elections, political candidates or issues.
H. 
Rental sign. For garden apartment or rental developments, one sign identifying the name of the development and the name of the owner, manager, realtor or person to contact, telephone number and the number of units available, not exceeding 16 square feet on any one face and 32 square feet total area may be permitted, but no more than one sign may be erected facing on each street serving the development.
I. 
Apartment building sign. One sign on each separate apartment building identifying the building, provided that the area of any one side of any such sign shall not exceed eight square feet.
In commercial districts, the following signs shall be permitted and no others:
A. 
Any sign, except billboard signs, permitted in any district, provided that the use to which it refers is permitted in the district in which the sign is located.
[Amended 9-1-2005 by Ord. No. 2038, approved 9-1-2005]
B. 
Each business or commercial establishment may erect advertising signs under any of the following provisions:
(1) 
Freestanding sign. In any commercial district except C-1, one sign may be erected for a business of single or separate ownership where such a sign is mounted within the building setback area and is not connected with the building. The total area at the face of such sign shall not exceed 36 square feet; provided, however, that if a sign is erected having more than one face, the combined total area of all faces shall not exceed 72 square feet.
(2) 
Wall signs. Subject to compliance with § 255-220B(4), one or more signs may be attached to or mounted on a building front, side or rear, provided that the total area of such sign or signs does not exceed one square foot for each one linear foot of the building front, side or rear upon which the sign or signs are erected. However, every principal use shall be allowed at least 35 square feet in total sign area for each building front, side or rear. In no event shall the total sign area on each building front, side or rear exceed 15% of the area of the building face upon which said sign or signs are mounted.
(3) 
Projecting sign. Subject to compliance with § 255-220B(4), up to three projecting signs may be erected on a building front, side or rear for a business of single or separate ownership where such signs are limited to nine square feet; provided however, that if a sign is erected having two faces, the combined total area of both faces shall not exceed 18 square feet. Signs projecting over public walkways shall be permitted to do so only subject to a clearance limit of eight feet from grade level to the bottom of the sign or any associated sign structure, whichever is lower. No such sign shall extend vertically above the highest point of the building facade on which it is mounted.
(4) 
Total signage. In the C-1 Central Business District, the total area of both wall signs and projecting signs (area of one side only) per building front, side or rear shall not exceed one square foot for each one linear foot of the building front, side or rear upon which the sign or signs are erected except that every principal use shall be allowed at least 35 square feet in total sign area for each building front, side or rear.
(5) 
Temporary banners. Subject to compliance with the requirements for a sign permit and issuance of such permit by the Borough, each commercial establishment may mount to the building front, side or rear of the building in which it conducts business, a temporary banner of a size not to exceed three feet by five feet, with the total square footage not to exceed 15 square feet, subject to a clearance limit of eight feet from grade level to the lowest portion of the temporary banner, under and subject to the following circumstances and provisions:
[Amended 11-8-2007 by Ord. No. 2086, approved 11-24-2007]
(a) 
A temporary banner advertising a special promotion or event which may be erected no sooner than two weeks prior to such promotion or event and must be removed not later that one business day after such event. Each commercial establishment may display banners under the authority of this subsection for not more than 60 days in any calendar year.
(b) 
In addition to banners displayed under the authority of Subsection B(5)(a), a new commercial enterprise, an existing commercial enterprise which relocates to a new location or an existing commercial enterprise which opens an additional location may display a temporary banner on such new, relocated or additional location announcing "coming soon," or words of like import, for a period not exceeding 90 days prior to commencing business.
(c) 
In addition to banners displayed under the authority of Subsection B(5)(a) and (b), a new commercial enterprise, an existing commercial enterprise which relocates to a new location or an existing commercial enterprise which opens an additional location may display a temporary banner on such new, relocated or additional location announcing "grand opening," or words of like import, for a period not exceeding 30 days from the date of commencing business.
(d) 
The content of temporary banners displayed under the authority of Subsection B(5)(b) and (c) shall be limited to the event, i.e., "coming soon" or "grand opening" (or words of similar import), the name of the commercial enterprise, related logos and the date of the advertised event.
(e) 
Within the Historic District, all temporary banners shall be subject to the provisions and requirements of Article XXI (HP Historic Preservation District) of this chapter.
(6) 
Flags. Flags with commercial advertising shall be permitted as an accessory sign to a principal business or commercial establishment sign authorized by this section. Accessory flags shall be subject to all of the following provisions:
(a) 
Clearly accessory to a permitted business or commercial establishment sign.
(b) 
Limited to one flag per business establishment.
(c) 
No larger than three by five feet and in good condition.
(d) 
Displayed only during business hours.
(e) 
Inserted on a wall mount properly affixed to the building within which such use is conducted, with the bottom or lowest portion of the flag projecting or hanging no less than seven feet above the public sidewalk or public street.
(f) 
Do not project greater than six feet over the public right-of-way.
(7) 
Portable freestanding signs. Portable freestanding signs shall be permitted when accessory to a principal business or commercial establishment subject to all of the following provisions:
(a) 
Clearly accessory to, and placed adjacent to, a permitted business or sign.
(b) 
Limited to one portable freestanding sign per business establishment.
(c) 
Contain a total area not exceeding two feet by three feet per sign face.
(d) 
Displayed only during business hours.
(e) 
Placed on private property or, notwithstanding the prohibition of § 255-218A, placed on the public sidewalk; provided, that placement of such sign allows an unobstructed sidewalk for pedestrian use of a width of not less than five feet and; provided, further, that such sign is not placed within a "sight distance triangle" as defined and established under the provisions of Chapter 226 (Subdivision and Land Development) of this Code.
(8) 
Additional portable freestanding signs in the C-1 Central Business District. In addition to the portable freestanding signs permitted under the provisions of Subsection B(7) above, in the C-1 Central Business District there shall be permitted three portable freestanding signs per building subject to all of the following provisions:
[Added 7-12-2007 by Ord. No. 2076, approved 8-8-2007]
(a) 
Each sign shall be clearly accessory to a permitted business or commercial establishment in the building and placed on private property or, notwithstanding the prohibition of § 255-218A, on the public sidewalk within the lot lines of the building in which the business is located.
(b) 
Contain a total area not exceeding two feet by three feet per sign face.
(c) 
Displayed only during business hours.
(d) 
Placement of all signs shall allow an unobstructed sidewalk for pedestrian use of a width of not less than five feet and shall not be within a "sight distance triangle" as defined and established under the provisions of Chapter 226, Subdivision and Land Development, of this Code.
C. 
Shopping center signs. In addition to such signs as are permitted for individual establishments, there shall be permitted one freestanding sign on each frontage street, indicating the name of the shopping center, names of various establishments and schedules of events in the shopping center. This sign shall not exceed 150 square feet in size, per face of the sign; provided, further, however, that no individual establishment shall be permitted to erect an individual freestanding sign under § 255-220B(1).
D. 
Auto service station signs. This use will be allowed one sign in addition to all other signs allowed in commercial districts to identify the price and type of fuel sold by the service station. In addition, two portable signs not exceeding eight square feet on each face may be displayed on the premises for the purpose of advertising the cost of fuel or other products or services. The total area of such sign shall not be included in calculating permitted sign size.
In industrial districts, the following signs shall be permitted and no others:
A. 
Any sign, except billboard signs, permitted in any district, provided that the use to which it refers is permitted in the district in which the sign is located. Billboard signs are permitted in the I-2 Light Industrial District and the I-C Industrial Commercial District, subject to the provisions of § 255-221.1.
[Amended 9-1-2005 by Ord. No. 2038, approved 9-1-2005]
B. 
One or more signs for the purpose of identifying the use or occupancy of such, provided that the total area of such signs does not exceed one square foot of area for each one linear foot of building frontage along the street on which said signs are displayed, and provided that the total area of such signs does not exceed 200 square feet, and provided, further, that not more than 50 square feet of the permitted sign area may be on signs located within the required minimum front yard.
[Added 9-1-2005 by Ord. No. 2038, approved 9-1-2005]
A. 
Billboard signs, subject to the following provisions.
(1) 
The total sign size or sign area, as defined in § 255-216, shall not exceed 312.5 square feet, and the sign shall have no more than two sides or faces. In no event shall the sign exceed 625 square feet.
(2) 
Signs shall comply with applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
(3) 
No sign shall be permitted upon the roof of a building.
(4) 
No sign shall be placed within 30 feet of the street right-of-way line or within 10 feet of a side or rear lot line.
(5) 
No sign shall be erected or maintained within a five-hundred-foot radius of any other billboard sign, or within a five-hundred-foot radius of a residential zone or lot line of an existing residential use.
(6) 
No sign shall exceed 35 feet in height, as measured according to § 255-231 of this chapter.
(7) 
Lighting shall conform to all applicable regulations. No lighting shall be permitted to spill over onto adjoining property, nor shall it be permitted to interfere with, or be hazardous to, persons using public highways.
(8) 
All signs must be of unipole construction.
(9) 
Stacking of signs is prohibited.
(10) 
Any sign that does not have advertising for more than a year must be removed.
(11) 
Billboard signs are prohibited in all other zoning districts.
As conditional use, an off-premises sign for identification of various local, state, national or international service, fraternal, civic or religious organizations within the Borough may be permitted by the Borough Council, subject to § 255-198 of this chapter and subject to the following specific standards:
A. 
The total area of the sign shall not exceed 50 square feet, and the sign shall have no more than two sides.
B. 
The sign shall not be of a type prohibited under § 255-218 of this chapter.
C. 
The sign shall be placed only on private property abutting an arterial street, with the owners' consent, and shall not be placed within the public right-of-way.
D. 
The sign shall not be placed in a residential zoning district.
E. 
The applicant for the conditional use may be any organization(s) eligible for inclusion on the sign, and the applicant shall be responsible for its placement and maintenance in a safe and attractive condition, for review of requests for inclusion on the display and for affixation of qualifying insignia upon the display.
F. 
The number and concentration of signs permitted as conditional uses hereunder shall be strictly limited for aesthetic reasons.
G. 
A sign permitted as a conditional use hereunder shall be removed at such time as it is no longer being used for the aforesaid purpose or as it falls into a state of disrepair or otherwise is not in conformity herewith or any term of use specified by the Borough Council in granting the conditional use expires, whichever first occurs.
H. 
The applicant shall provide the Borough with a certificate of general liability insurance in the minimum amount of $500,000. Said insurance to be maintained for the life of the sign.
The following signs shall be permitted in any district, provided that any use advertised by such sign is permitted and shall not require a permit as a legal use in such district:
A. 
Parking and traffic control signs, not exceeding six square feet, where such signs are authorized by the Zoning Officer on the advice of the Chief of Police or by the Borough Council. Said sign shall not describe any products of said business.
B. 
Traffic control, parking or signs identifying services of hospitals or medical centers may be authorized by the Borough Council.
C. 
Special information signs. These shall include only the following: men, women, restrooms, hours of operation, credit cards accepted and the name of credit card, membership in state or national organizations, revolving red- and white-striped barber poles, state inspection station, gasoline pump identification, gallon register and identity of type of work done in a service area. Such signs shall be permitted only where attached to the building or equipment. No letter in excess of nine inches vertical height shall be permitted in such signs. The total area of such signs shall not be included in calculating permitted areas.
D. 
Garage sale signs. Up to two auction, yard or garage sale signs per event, provided that each does not exceed four square feet in area and are removed within 48 hours after a sale.
E. 
Political signs. Political signs, provided that they do not exceed four square feet in area, are placed on private property not more than 60 days prior to the election or referendum and are removed within 10 days after an election or referendum. No political sign shall be placed on Borough property, except as hereafter provided, or on any property or pole for which permission has not been received from the owner. On election days, political signs may be placed on Borough property being used as an official polling place. Such signs may be placed no earlier than 5:00 p.m. the day preceding the election and must be removed no later than 8:00 a.m. the day following the election. Larger signs for political purposes shall be considered off-premises signs and regulated as such.
F. 
One freestanding sign not exceeding 50 square feet shall be permitted for each entrance to a subdivision consisting of more than 10 lots, provided that such sign shall identify or express solely the name of the subdivision and any trademark attributable to such subdivision.
G. 
Signs not visible from beyond a lot line.
H. 
Temporary signs of real estate lender(s) erected and maintained on the premises securing the loan(s), provided the area of any one side of any such sign shall not exceed six square feet, provided that not more than one such sign for all lenders secured by such property shall be erected on the property, and provided further that such sign shall be removed within 30 days of erection or display.
[Added 11-8-2007 by Ord. No. 2086, approved 11-24-2007]
[Amended 8-9-2012 by Ord. No. 2170, approved 8-9-2012]
A. 
In any residential district, no signs may be illuminated, and no sign shall be a changeable-message sign or scrolling sign. In the Historic Preservation District, no sign shall be a changeable-message sign or scrolling sign.
B. 
In any nonresidential district, any permitted sign may be illuminated.
C. 
Any floodlighting of any sign in any district shall be so shielded that the source of light shall not be directly visible without adequate diffusion from any point off the lot on which the sign, building or structure being illuminated is erected and so that only the sign is directly illuminated.
D. 
Changeable-message signs and scrolling signs shall comply with the following:
(1) 
Changeable-message signs and scrolling signs may be activated by manual, electrical or electronic means. Activation may include projection or rotation of sign copy, or manually, electronically, digitally, wirelessly or cabled programmed message or display changes. Flashing or blinking is prohibited in changeable-message signs or scrolling-message signs. Animated signs are prohibited.
(2) 
The interval between on and off cycles of changeable-message signs shall not be less than 30 seconds.
(3) 
The interval between changes of text on scrolling signs shall not be less than 30 seconds.
(4) 
Changeable-message signs and scrolling signs shall meet all other applicable sign requirements.
(5) 
Changeable-message signs and scrolling signs shall meet all applicable federal, state and local statutes, laws, regulations and requirements and be maintained according to those standards.
A. 
Except as hereinafter provided, no sign shall be erected or maintained except pursuant to the provisions of a permit. Fees for permits are set forth in Chapter 120, Fees, of the Code of the Borough of Carlisle. The following signs shall not require a permit:
(1) 
Real estate signs, in compliance with § 255-219D.
(2) 
Signs permitted in all districts, in compliance with § 255-223.
(3) 
Flags, in compliance with § 255-220B(6).
(4) 
No-trespassing signs, in compliance with § 255-219B.
(5) 
Directional signs, in compliance with § 255-219C.
(6) 
Contractor's signs, in compliance with § 255-219F.
(7) 
Special events signs, in compliance with § 255-219G.
(8) 
Portable freestanding signs, in compliance with § 255-220B(7).
[Amended 8-9-2012 by Ord. No. 2170, approved 8-9-2012]
B. 
Sign permits.
(1) 
A sign permit shall be required prior to the erection or alteration of any sign, except as otherwise provided herein.
(2) 
Application for a permit shall be made in writing to the Zoning Officer and shall contain all information necessary for such Officer to determine whether the proposed sign or the proposed alterations conform to all the requirements of this chapter.
(3) 
Permits shall be granted or refused within 15 days from date of application.
(4) 
No sign permit shall be issued except in conformity with the regulations of this chapter, except after written order from the Zoning Hearing Board or the courts.
(5) 
All applications for sign permits shall be accompanied by plans or diagrams in duplicate and approximately to scale, showing the following:
(a) 
Exact dimensions of lot or building upon which the sign is proposed to be erected.
(b) 
Exact size, dimensions and location of the said sign on lot or building.
(c) 
Any other lawful information which may be required of applicant by the Zoning Officer.
(6) 
One copy of said plan or diagram shall be returned to the applicant after the Zoning Officer shall have marked such copy either approved or disapproved and attested to same.
A. 
Any aggrieved person has all rights provided by law to request a variance to any provision of this article.
B. 
The variance requirements of Act 247 shall apply.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
A. 
Maximum height. No sign shall exceed the maximum height restriction for the particular type of sign structure and zoning district established below:
[Amended 8-9-2012 by Ord. No. 2168, approved 8-9-2012]
Maximum Height*
(feet)
Type of Sign Structure
(R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, OS and INS) Residential Districts
(C-1, C-2, C-3,
C-4, C-5)
Commercial Districts
(I-1, I-2, UM, I-C) Industrial Districts
Freestanding
8
18
10
Wall
Equal to the total height of the principal building.
NOTE:
* “Maximum height” shall mean the vertical distance measured from the average ground level immediately below a sign to the highest point of the sign and its supporting structure.
B. 
Minimum height. Signs shall be raised above the ground level as needed to ensure proper sight distances along any street.