The purpose of this article is to protect the safety and orderly
development of the community through the regulation of signs and sign
structures.
The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this
article and as used elsewhere in this chapter, have the meanings shown
herein:
ABANDONED SIGN
A sign structure that has ceased to be used for six months.
AGGREGATE AREA
The total height times the total width and shall mean the
sign face.
ANIMATED SIGN
A sign employing actual motion or the illusion of motion.
Animated signs, which are differentiated from changeable signs as
defined and regulated by this article, include the following types:
A.
ELECTRICALLY ACTIVATEDAnimated signs producing the illusion of movement by means of electronic, electrical or electromechanical input and/or illumination capable of simulating movement through employment of the characteristics of one or both of the classifications noted below:
(1)
FLASHINGAnimated signs or animated portions of signs whose illumination is characterized by a repetitive cycle in which the period of illumination is either the same as or less than the period of nonillumination. For the purposes of this chapter, flashing will not be defined as occurring if the cyclical period between on-off phases of illumination exceeds 15 seconds.
(2)
PATTERNED ILLUSIONARY MOVEMENTAnimated signs or animated portions of signs whose illumination is characterized by simulated movement through alternate or sequential activation of various illuminated elements for the purpose of producing repetitive light patterns designed to appear in some form of constant motion.
B.
ELECTRONIC SIGNAny sign with text or graphics generated by electronic components, including, but not limited to, light-emitting diode ("LED") and plasma displays, or any other past or future technology. An electronic sign is a changeable-copy sign capable of displaying a message in pictures or other photographic images, symbols, numbers and/or text which may be changed electronically, mechanically or rearranged automatically by computer or other form of programming.
C.
ELECTRONIC STREAMING SIGNA sign capable of bearing a continuous or streaming message, copy, symbols, picture, television image and/or other form of message which may be changed electronically, mechanically or rearranged automatically by computer or other form of programming.
D.
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE SIGNA sign with changing text or graphics generated by electronic components, including, but not limited to, light-emitting diode ("LED") and plasma displays, or any other past or future technology. Electronic message signs shall provide such information as current time, date, weather and news updates.
E.
ENVIRONMENTALLY ACTIVATEDAnimated signs or devices motivated by wind, thermal changes or other natural environmental input; includes spinners, pinwheels, pennant strings, and/or devices or displays that respond to naturally occurring external motivation.
F.
MECHANICALLY ACTIVATEDAnimated signs characterized by repetitive motion and/or rotation activated by a mechanical system powered by electric motors or other mechanically induced means.
ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTION
Any projection that is not intended for occupancy and that
extends beyond the face of an exterior wall of a building, but that
does not include signs as defined herein. See also "awning," "backlit
awning," and "canopy (attached)" and "canopy (freestanding)."
AWNING
An architectural projection or shelter projecting from and
supported by the exterior wall of a building and composed of a covering
of rigid or nonrigid material and/or fabric on a supporting framework
that may be either permanent or retractable, including such structures
that are internally illuminated by fluorescent or other light sources.
AWNING SIGN
A sign displayed on or attached flat against the surface
or surfaces of an awning. See also "wall or fascia sign."
BACKLIT AWNING
An awning with a translucent covering material and a source
of illumination contained within its framework.
BANNER SIGN
A temporary sign painted or printed on a strip of cloth,
vinyl, plastic or paper designed to be hung from poles, across the
wall of a building or in a window.
BILLBOARD
See "off-premises sign" and "outdoor advertising sign."
BUILDING ELEVATION
The entire side of a building, from ground level to the roofline,
as viewed perpendicular to the walls on that side of the building.
CANOPY (ATTACHED)
A multisided overhead structure or architectural projection
supported by attachments to a building on one or more sides and either
cantilevered from such building or also supported by columns at additional
points. The surface(s) and/or soffit of an attached canopy may be
illuminated by means of internal or external sources of light. See
also "marquee."
CANOPY (FREESTANDING)
A multisided overhead structure supported by columns, but
not enclosed by walls. The surface(s) and or soffit of a freestanding
canopy may be illuminated by means of internal or external sources
of light.
CANOPY SIGN
A sign affixed to the visible surface(s) of an attached or freestanding canopy. For reference, see §
87-146.
CHANGEABLE SIGN
A sign with the capability of content change by means of
manual or remote input, including signs which are:
A.
ELECTRICALLY ACTIVATEDChangeable sign whose message copy or content can be changed by means of remote electrically energized on-off switching combinations of alphabetic or pictographic components arranged on a display surface. Illumination may be integral to the components, such as characterized by lamps or other light-emitting devices, or it may be from an external light source designed to reflect off the changeable component display. See also "electronic message sign or center."
COMBINATION SIGN
A sign that is supported partly by a pole and partly by a
building structure.
COMMERCIAL
The term "commercial district" shall mean a Neighborhood
Commercial (NC), Local Commercial (LC) and Regional Commercial (RC)
zoning classification.
COPY
Those letters, numerals, figures, symbols, logos and graphic
elements comprising the content or message of a sign, excluding numerals
identifying a street address only.
DEVELOPMENT COMPLEX SIGN
A freestanding sign identifying a multiple-occupancy development, such as a shopping center or planned industrial park, which is controlled by a single owner or landlord, approved in accordance with §
87-152 of this article.
DIRECTIONAL SIGN
Any sign that is designed and erected for the purpose of providing direction and/or orientation for pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Temporary signs as set forth in §
87-151B and the subsections thereunder shall not be deemed directional signs.
ELECTRIC SIGN
Any sign activated or illuminated by means of electrical
energy.
FREESTANDING SIGN
A sign principally supported by a structure affixed to the
ground, and not supported by a building, including signs supported
by one or more columns, poles or braces placed in or upon the ground.
For visual reference, see Figure 1003.
FRONTAGE (BUILDING)
The length of an exterior building wall or structure of a
single premises orientated to the public way or other properties that
it faces.
FRONTAGE (PROPERTY)
The length of the property line(s) of any single premises
along either a public way or other properties on which it borders.
IDEOLOGICAL SIGN
A sign which expresses a religious, social, political or
other philosophical message. An ideological sign is not to be classified
as a temporary sign.
ILLUMINATED SIGN
A sign characterized by the use of artificial light, either
projecting through its surface(s) (internally illuminated) or reflecting
off its surface(s) (externally illuminated).
INDUSTRIAL
The term "industrial classification" shall mean Light Industry
(LI) and Heavy Industry (HI) zoning classifications.
INTERIOR SIGN
Any sign placed within a building, but not including window
signs, as defined by this chapter. Interior signs, with the exception
of window signs as defined, are not regulated by this chapter.
MANSARD
An inclined decorative roof-like projection that is attached
to an exterior building facade.
MENU BOARD
A freestanding sign orientated to the drive-through lane
for a restaurant that advertises the menu items available from the
drive-through window, and which has no more than 20% of the total
area for such a sign utilized for business identification.
ON-PREMISES SIGN
A sign erected, maintained or used in the outdoor environment
for the purpose of the display of messages appurtenant to the use
of, products sold on, or the sale or lease of the property on which
it is displayed.
OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGN
A permanent sign erected, maintained or used in the outdoor
environment for the purpose of the display of commercial or noncommercial
messages not appurtenant to the use of, products sold on, or the sale
or lease of the property on which it is displayed.
PARAPET
The extension of a building facade above the line of the
structural roof.
POLITICAL SIGN
Any sign which advocates a candidate for public office or
which supports a particular political party or a position on an issue
to be determined by an election. Political signs are not to be classified
as temporary or permanent. A legally permitted outdoor advertising
sign shall not be considered to be a political sign.
PORTABLE SIGN
Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or to a building
or building surface.
PROJECTING SIGN
A sign other than a wall sign that is attached to or projects
more than 18 inches (457 mm) from a building face or wall or from
a structure whose primary purpose is other than the support of a sign.
For visual reference, see Figure 1003.
REAL ESTATE SIGN
A temporary sign placed on the property which is actively
marketed for sale, as the same may be evidenced by the property's
listing in a multiple listing service.
[Amended 11-23-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-12]
REVOLVING SIGN
A sign that revolves 360° (6.28 rad) about an axis. See
also "animated sign, mechanically activated."
ROOFLINE
The top edge of a peaked roof or, in the case of an extended
facade or parapet, the uppermost point of said facade or parapet.
ROOF SIGN
A sign mounted on, and supported by, the main roof portion
of a building, or above the uppermost edge of a parapet wall of a
building and which is wholly or partially supported by such a building.
Signs mounted on mansard facades, pent eaves and architectural projections
such as canopies or marquees shall not be considered to be roof signs.
For a visual reference and a comparison of differences between roof
and fascia signs, see Figure 1003.
SIGN
Any device visible from a public place that displays either
commercial or noncommercial messages by means of graphic presentation
of alphabetic or pictorial symbols or representations. Noncommercial
flags or any flags displayed from flagpoles or staffs will not be
considered to be signs.
SIGN AREA
The area of the smallest geometric figure, or the sum of
the combination of regular geometric figures, which comprises the
sign face. The area of any double-sided or V-shaped sign shall be
the area of the largest single face only. The area of a sphere shall
be computed as the area of a circle. The area of all other multiple-sided
signs shall be computed as 50% of the sum of the area of all faces
of the sign.
SIGN COPY
Those letters, numerals, figures, symbols, logos and graphic
elements comprising the content or message of a sign, exclusive of
numerals identifying a street address only.
SIGN FACE
The surface upon, against or through which the sign copy is displayed or illustrated, not including structural supports, architectural features of a building or sign structure, nonstructural or decorative trim, or any areas that are separated from the background surface upon which the sign copy is displayed by a distinct delineation, such as a reveal or border. See §
87-146 of this article.
A.
In the case of panel or cabinet-type signs, the sign face shall
include the entire area of the sign panel, cabinet or face substrate
upon which the sign copy is displayed or illustrated, but not open
space between separate panels or cabinets.
B.
In the case of sign structures with routed areas of sign copy,
the sign face shall include the entire area of the surface that is
routed, except where interrupted by a reveal, border, or a contrasting
surface or color.
C.
In the case of signs painted on a building, or individual letters
or graphic elements affixed to a building or structure, the sign face
shall comprise the sum of the geometric figures or combination of
regular geometric figures drawn closest to the edge of the letters
or separate graphic elements comprising the sign copy, but not the
open space between separate groupings of sign copy on the same building
or structure.
D.
In the case of sign copy enclosed within a painted or illuminated
border, or displayed on a background contrasting in color with the
color of the building or structure, the sign face shall comprise the
area within the contrasting background or within the painted or illuminated
border.
STREET
Includes street, road, lane, alley, and court, either intended
for public or private use, and shall include the cartway, sidewalk,
gutter or right-of-way area, whether or not such street, or any part
thereof, is owned in fee by others within the Township.
TEMPORARY SIGN
A sign intended to display either commercial or noncommercial
messages of a transitory or temporary nature. Portable signs or any
signs 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.
V SIGN
Signs containing two faces of approximately equal size erected
upon common or separate structures, positioned in a "V" shape with
an interior angle between faces of not more that 90º (1.57 rad),
with the distance between the sign faces not exceeding five feet (1,524
mm) at their closest point.
WALL OR FASCIA SIGN
A sign that is in any manner affixed to any exterior wall of a building or structure and that projects not more than 18 inches (457 mm) from the building or structure wall, including signs affixed to architectural projections from a building, provided the copy area of such signs remains on a parallel plane to the face of the building facade or to the face or faces of the architectural projection to which it is affixed. For a visual reference and a comparison of differences between wall or fascia signs and roof signs, see§
87-146.
WINDOW SIGN
A sign affixed to the surface of a window with its message
intended to be visible to and readable from the public way or from
adjacent property. Signs painted on the interior or the exterior of
the surface of a window shall not be considered window signs.
Sign types and the computation of sign area shall be as depicted
in Figures 1003.1(1) through 1003.1(4).
The following signs shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter. No sign shall be exempt from §
87-151.
A. Official notices authorized by a court, public body or public safety
official.
B. Directional, warning or information signs authorized by federal,
state or municipal governments.
C. Memorial plaques, building identification signs and building cornerstones
when cut or carved into a masonry surface or when made of noncombustible
material and made an integral part of the building or structure.
D. The flag of a government or noncommercial institution, such as a
school.
E. Religious symbols and seasonal decorations within the appropriate
public holiday season.
F. Works of fine art displayed in conjunction with a commercial enterprise
where the enterprise does not receive direct commercial gain.
G. Street address signs and combination nameplate and street address signs, as provided for in Chapter
75 (Streets and Sidewalks), Article
III, of the Code of the Township of Hempfield.
The following devices and locations shall be specifically prohibited:
A. Signs located in such a manner as to obstruct or otherwise interfere
with an official traffic sign, signal or device, or obstruct or interfere
with a driver's view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic.
B. Banner signs, except:
(1) As nonprofit banner signs advertising special events, not erected
over a street, highway or right-of-way, and only with approval of
the landowner; or, if located over a street, highway or right-of-way
owned or maintained by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the County
of Westmoreland, with the approval of the appropriate governmental
unit; or
(2) As special promotion, event and grand opening signs as set forth in §
87-151B(3).
C. Signs which revolve, blink, flash or are animated by lighting in
any fashion that would cause such signs to have the appearance of
traffic safety signs and lights or municipal vehicle warnings from
a distance.
D. Portable signs, except as allowed for temporary signs.
E. Any sign attached to, or placed on, a vehicle or trailer parked on
public or private property, except for signs meeting the following
conditions:
(1) The primary purpose of such a vehicle or trailer is not the display
of signs.
(2) The signs are magnetic, decals or painted upon an integral part of
the vehicle or equipment as originally designed by the manufacturer
and do not break the silhouette of the vehicle.
(3) The vehicle or trailer is in operating condition, currently registered
and licensed to operate on public streets when applicable, and actively
used or available for use in the daily function of the business to
which such signs relate.
F. Vehicles and trailers are not used primarily as static displays,
advertising a product or service, nor utilized as storage, shelter
or distribution points for commercial products or services for the
general public.
G. Balloons, dirigibles, streamers, pinwheels or an inflatable device,
except those temporarily displayed as part of a special sale, promotion
or community event. For the purposes of this subsection, "temporarily"
means no more than five consecutive days.
H. Any sign containing more than two faces.