[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Editor’s Note: Former Subsection B, Definitions, which immediately followed, was repealed 11-19-2019 by Ord.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.
(1) 
The maximum height of a permitted sign shall be as specified in § 160-189D.
(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.
C. 
(Reserved)[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection C, regarding flashing signs, was repealed 8-18-2015 by Ord. No. 4-240.
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:
(1) 
Uses the words "stop," "look" or "danger";
(2) 
Contains red or green lights;
(3) 
Contains any word, place, symbol or character which interferes with, imitates or resembles an official traffic sign; or
(4) 
Contains a light source visible from the public right-of-way.
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]
(15) 
Signs on interior walls of buildings visible from the exterior of the building, provided the total square footage of signage does not exceed the maximum specifications in the Schedule of Sign Regulations.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See § 160-191.
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]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 129, Subdivision and Land Development.
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.
K. 
(Reserved)[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection K, regarding billboards and off-premises signs, was repealed 4-3-2012 by Ord. No. 4-235.
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.
[3]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 71, Building Construction.
M. 
Schedule of Sign Regulations for permitted uses: § 160-191.
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:
(a) 
It becomes dangerous or hazardous to public health or safety.
(b) 
It no longer serves its intended purpose.
(c) 
It has been erected or altered without having first obtained a valid permit.
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.
(5) 
Column 5 lists the type of illumination allowed. All illuminated signs require a permit and shall comply with special regulations located herein in § 160-184E.
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.
(6) 
Permit required. A permit shall be required in accordance with § 160-190B.