Township of Lower Frederick, PA Article XVIII Signs

[Amended 10-2-2007 by Ord. No. 07-04; 12-4-2012 by Ord. No. 12-07]

§ 170-134 Declaration of legislative intent.

In expansion of the declaration of legislative intent and community development objectives contained in Article I of this chapter, the specific intent of this article is to:

A. Recognize that signs perform an important function in identifying properties, businesses, services, residences, events, and other matters of interest to the public.

B. Set standards and provide controls that permit reasonable use of signs while restricting the potential adverse visual effects of signs on the character of the Township.

C. Control the size, number, height, location, and illumination of signs to reduce potential hazards caused by glare or obstruction of visibility, and to reduce visual clutter which results from competition among signs.

D. Encourage signs which are attractively designed in order to enhance the economic value as well as the visual character of the Township.

E. Establish criteria to encourage signs that are compatible with their surroundings, appropriate to the type of activity to which they pertain, complimentary to the architecture of the buildings involved, depicting the identity of individual proprietors or of an integrated development's identity, and easily readable in the circumstances in which they are seen.

§ 170-135 Definitions.

A. General. Unless specifically defined below, words and phrases used in this article shall be interpreted so as to give this article its most reasonable application.

B. Specific definitions. As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

BACKGROUND AREA OF A SIGN

The entire background area of a sign upon which copy could be placed. In computing the area of a sign background, only that face, or faces, which can be seen from any one direction at one time will be counted.

BEACON LIGHT

Any light with one or more beams, capable of being focused in several directions and rotated or revolved automatically.

BUILDING FACADE

A portion of any exterior elevation of a building extending from grade to the top of the parapet wall, or eaves, and the entire width of the building elevation.

FESTOON LIGHTING

A directly illuminated sign composed of either a group of incandescent bulbs hung or strung overhead or on building structures; or light bulbs not shaded or hooded or otherwise screened to prevent direct rays of light from shining on adjacent properties or rights-of-way.

ILLUMINATED SIGNS

A sign in which a source of light is used in order to make the message readable. This definition shall include internally and externally lighted signs.

(1) DIRECT SIGN ILLUMINATION A sign designed to give forth artificial light directly or through transparent or translucent material, from a source of light within the sign, including, but not limited to, neon, and exposed lamp signs.

(2) FLASHING SIGN An illuminated sign on which the artificial light is not maintained stationary and constant in intensity and/or color at all times when in use.

(3) INDIRECT SIGN ILLUMINATION A sign illuminated with a light so shielded that no direct rays therefrom are visible elsewhere on the lot where said illumination occurs. If such shielding device is defective, such sign shall be deemed to be a directly illuminated sign.

ROOFLINE

The juncture of the roof and the perimeter wall of the structure.

SIGN

Any object, device, display or structure, or part thereof, situated outdoors or indoors, which is used to advertise, identify, display, direct, or attract attention to an object, service, event, or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, design, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination or projected images. Sign types and sign-related terms are further defined in Article XVIII of this chapter.

SIGN AREA

(1) The area of a sign shall mean the area of all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background on which they are displayed (whether such background is open or enclosed), but excluding any supporting framework and bracing which are solely incidental to the display itself, provided the same do not contain any lettering, wording, or symbols.

(2) Where the sign consists of individual letters, designs, or symbols attached to a building, awning, wall, or window, the area shall be that of the smallest rectangle which encompasses all of the letters, designs, and symbols.

(3) Where a sign consists of an identical double-face, only one side shall be considered in the calculation of area, but if the interior angle formed by the two faces is greater than 45°, then both sides of the sign shall be considered in the calculation of area.

SIGN HEIGHT

The distance from the highest portion of the sign to the mean grade at the base of the sign.

SIGN STRUCTURE

Any structure which supports or is capable of supporting a sign, whether or not an integral part of a building.

SIGN TYPES

(1) AWNING SIGN A sign painted, printed or affixed to an awning over windows or doors of a building. The surface of the sign must be flush with the surface of the awning.

(2) ANIMATED SIGN A sign with action or motion, flashing, or color changes requiring electrical energy, but not including wind-actuated elements such as flags, banners, or novelty items.

(3) BUSINESS SIGN An on-premises sign which advertises or otherwise directs attention to a business, commodity, service, industry, or other activity which is sold, offered, or conducted, other than incidentally.

(4) CONSTRUCTION SIGN Any sign giving the name or names of principal contractors, architects, and lending institutions responsible for construction on the site where the sign is placed.

(5) DIRECTIONAL SIGN Incidental sign designed to guide or direct pedestrians or vehicular traffic, for the convenience or safety of the public while on private property. No advertising shall appear on a directional sign.

(6) DIRECTORY SIGN A sign on which the names and location of the occupants or the use of a building is given, including office building and church directories.

(7) FREESTANDING SIGN A self-supporting sign resting on or supported by means of poles or standards, situated on the ground.

(8) OFF-PREMISES SIGN A sign which advertises or otherwise directs attention to an activity not on the same lot where the sign is located.

(9) ON-PREMISES SIGN A sign which advertises or otherwise directs attention to an activity on the same lot where the sign is located.

(10) PARALLEL WALL SIGN A sign mounted parallel to a wall or other vertical building surface, but which does not extend beyond the edge of any wall, roofline or other surface to which it is mounted, and does not project more than one foot from the surface to which it is mounted.

(11) PERSONAL EXPRESSION SIGN A sign which exhibits personal, political, or religious beliefs, as protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

(12) PROJECTING WALL SIGN Any sign mounted to a wall or other vertical surface other than a parallel sign, but which does not project more than four feet from the surface to which it is mounted, nor project above the wall, roofline, or surface to which it is mounted, nor in any way interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

(13) REAL ESTATE SIGN Any sign which is used to offer for sale, lease or rent the property on which the sign is placed.

(14) REVOLVING SIGN A sign which revolves 360°.

(15) ROOF SIGN A sign erected upon or above a roof or parapet wall of a building, and which is wholly or partly supported by that building.

(16) TEMPORARY SIGN A sign which advertises community or civic projects, construction projects, real estate for sale or lease, or other special events on a temporary basis.

(17) TRAILER SIGN Any sign which is erected upon a structure having wheels or rollers facilitating movement from one location to another.

(18) VEHICULAR SIGN Any vehicle to which a sign is affixed in such a manner that the carrying of the sign is no longer incidental to the vehicle's purpose, but becomes a primary purpose in itself. An example is an empty tractor trailer with advertising painted on its side, left for an extended period of time in front of the business premises that is advertised on the trailer.

(19) WINDOW SIGN Any sign affixed to or visible through a window.

(20) ELECTRONIC DISPLAY SCREEN A sign, or portion of a sign, that displays an electronic image or video, which may or may not include text. This definition includes television screens, plasma screens, digital screens, flat screens, LED screens, video boards, and holographic displays, or other technologies of a similar nature.

(21) ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER Any sign or portion of a sign that uses changing lights to form a sign message or messages in text form wherein the sequence of messages and the rate of change is electronically programmed and can be modified by electronic processes.

(22) BANNER SIGN A temporary sign intended to be hung either with or without frames, possessing characters, letters, illustrations or ornamentations applied to paper, plastic or fabric of any kind. National flags, flags of political subdivisions and symbolic flags of any institution or business shall not be considered banners for the purposes of this chapter.

(23) PORTABLE SIGN Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure or a sign designed to be transported, including but not limited to signs designed to be transported by means of wheels; signs converted to A- or T-frames; menu and sandwich board signs; balloons used as signs; umbrellas used for advertising; and signs attached to or painted on vehicles parked and visible from the public right-of-way, unless said vehicle is used in the normal day-to-day operations of the business. Portable signs shall not be illuminated unless a conditional use is granted by the Board of Supervisors.

(24) SPECIAL EVENT SIGNS On-premises window signs, banners or commemorative flags which advertise a grand opening or other special event.

(25) MONUMENT SIGN A freestanding sign resting on the ground supported by or incorporated within a continuous foundation or structural base.

§ 170-136 General requirements.

Signs shall be permitted in all districts in compliance with the requirements of this article.

A. Permit required. An application for a sign permit must be submitted to the Zoning Officer prior to erecting, affixing, attaching or installing any sign larger than two square feet on or to any building, structure, or property. The application shall include:

(1) A site plan showing the location of the sign in relation to buildings, structures, property lines, and public or private rights-of-way. The width of street frontage(s) at the legal right(s)-of-way on the subject property shall be shown.

(2) A drawing of the proposed sign showing the specific dimensions of all elements of the sign, the specific copy, lettering, words, symbols, and designs to be displayed, along with a written explanation of any illumination or unusual feature of the sign.

(3) A fee, to be set by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.

(4) Permission of the landowner, if other than the applicant.

B. Construction standards. Construction, choice of materials and installation of signs shall be in accordance with the standards of the Township Building Code,[1] as amended.

[1] Editor's Note: See Ch. 61, Construction Codes, Uniform.

C. Prohibited signs. The following types of signs or illumination of signs are prohibited in the Township:

(1) Flashing, revolving, nonstationary or animated signs. The only animated signs permitted shall be revolving barber poles in conjunction with a barbershop.

(2) Festoon lighting or beacon lights.

(3) Roof signs.

(4) Trailer signs.

(5) Illuminated temporary signs.

(6) Vehicular signs which do not meet the requirements for a freestanding sign in the district where the vehicle is parked.

(7) Signs affixed with adhesives.

(8) Electronic signage is prohibited unless the electronic signage complies with the following standards:

(a) The electronic display of a sign may not change any more frequently than one time every minute.

(b) Scrolling script, either vertically, diagonally or horizontally, is not permitted.

(c) Signs that move, rotate, oscillate, vibrate or shimmer are not permitted.

(d) Signs that flash, scintillate or blink are not permitted.

(e) Signs that change script electronically must have an instantaneous change of script and not a gradual or scrolling change of script.

(f) The entire electronic portion of the sign must change at the same time, thereby preventing different portions of the sign changing at different times.

(g) The degree of brightness shall not be greater than necessary for adequate visibility.

(h) All signs containing electronic messaging must be a monument-type sign only and no higher than six feet from the ground including the base and structure of the sign and no wider than eight feet including the base and structure of the sign. The height of the sign shall be measured in the same manner as the height of the building.

(i) The base of the monument sign must be at least one foot from the ground and no higher than three feet from the ground.

(j) The display area of the sign must have no more than 50% used for electronic messaging with at least 50% of the display reserved for nonelectronic signage.

(k) The primary purpose of an electronic sign for a business must be to advertise the on-premises business.

(l) The above requirements are in addition to all other sign regulations in the Zoning Code, and, if any other provision of the Zoning Code conflicts with the above regulations, then the above regulations shall apply.

D. Prohibition of hazards. Signs shall be so designed and located that they shall not create a hazard to vehicular traffic by any of the following:

(1) Obscuring necessary visibility:

(a) Sign locations, sizes, types, and colors shall comply with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation standards and not conflict with street, traffic, and/or directional signs.

(b) Signs shall comply with the clear sight triangle regulations of Chapter 145, Subdivision and Land Development.

(2) Confusion with official street and/or traffic signs.

(3) Confusion with traffic control devices by reason of color, location, shape, or other means.

(4) Creation of motion, glare or excessive brightness which may interfere with drivers' vision or be unnecessarily distracting.

E. Public right-of-way. No sign, other than official street signs, shall be erected or maintained within the legal right-of-way of any public road in the Township, unless there is a PennDOT-approved permit. No sign projecting over a public walkway shall be less than eight feet above the walk level at its lower edge.

F. Location of signs.

(1) No sign may be located in the side or rear yard or in a required buffer area adjacent to a zoning district with more restrictive sign requirements.

(2) No freestanding sign may occupy an area designated for parking, loading, walkways, cartways, driveways, or other areas required to be unobstructed.

G. Removal of signs. A sign shall be found to be in violation of this chapter, and may be ordered removed by the Zoning Officer, under any of the following circumstances:

(1) The sign has not been maintained in good condition and safe repair, and has deteriorated to the point of becoming a potential public safety hazard. The Zoning Officer shall specify a period of time (but in no case longer than 10 days) in which the owner of the sign may repair or rehabilitate the sign, thereby effecting correction of the safety hazard.

(2) A sign is erected without an approved sign permit and does not comply with the requirements of this chapter.

(3) A sign exists for a business that no longer occupies the premises.

H. Illumination.

(1) Signs may be illuminated, unless otherwise specified herein, only to the extent that is necessary to allow them to be seen and read at night at a distance not to exceed 500 feet for signs of 20 square feet or more in area, and 150 feet for signs less than 20 square feet in area.

(2) Professional sign of a health care practitioner, dentist, clergyman, justice of the peace, and such other person whose services are customarily considered essential in an emergency may be illuminated, provided that the illumination is white light not exceeding the equivalent of an incandescent light source of 25 watts.

(3) Floodlighting shall be so shielded that the source of the light shall not be visible from any point off the lot on which the sign is located, and that only the sign is directly illuminated.

I. Off-premises signs. Off-premises signs are not permitted except as follows. All off-premises signs require the written permission of the landowner.

(1) Directional signs. Businesses not situated on Route 73, Route 29, or other heavily traveled roads in the Township may, as a special exception granted by the Zoning Hearing Board, locate a directional sign at the nearest intersection with a major Township road. Such sign may not exceed six square feet in sign area, and may display no more than the name of the subject business and its location, direction, and distance.

(2) Political signs. Temporary nonilluminated signs advertising political parties or candidates for elections, provided that the sign area does not exceed four square feet. Such signs shall not be displayed more than 30 days prior to an election and must be removed no later than seven days following the election.

(3) Special event signs. Temporary nonilluminated signs directing attention to temporary exhibits, shows, or sales, provided the sign area does not exceed 15 square feet and the sign complies with all other regulations of the district in which it is located. Such signs shall not be displayed more than 30 days prior to the advertised event and must be removed no later than seven days following the event. No property shall have a special event sign for more than 60 days each year.

(4) Service signs. Nonilluminated signs directing patrons, members, or an audience to service clubs, churches, or other nonprofit organizations, provided the area of such signs does not exceed six square feet. Such signs shall indicate only the name or the organization, and the place, date and time of meetings. Signs must have appropriate approval by PennDOT or the Board of Supervisors.

(5) Official signs. Memorial or historical markers, official signs directing traffic, signs identifying communities and street names, legal notices and warnings, and other official signs authorized or erected by appropriate governmental authorities. Such signs must have appropriate approval by PennDOT or the Board of Supervisors.

§ 170-137 Signs in residential districts.

The following provisions shall apply to all uses in residential districts and to residential uses in nonresidential districts:

A. On-premises signs.

(1) Identification signs. One identification sign shall be permitted for the purpose of identifying the occupant of a residence, the name of a property, or the address of a property. Such signs shall not exceed one square foot in area.

(2) Real estate signs.

(a) Individual properties. Nonilluminated on-premises real estate signs, provided the sign area does not exceed six square feet, and not more than two signs are placed upon any property in single and separate ownership, unless such property fronts upon more than one street, in which event not more than two such signs may be erected on each frontage.

(b) Small developments. Nonilluminated on-premises sign advertising sale or rental of dwelling units in a development or subdivision of up to 10 dwelling units, provided that the sign area shall not exceed 20 square feet, and provided that not more than one such sign shall be erected within any such development. The sign shall be removed when all rentals are full or at completion or sale of lots within subdivision.

(c) Large developments. Nonilluminated on-premises sign advertising sale or rental of dwelling units in a development or subdivision of more than 10 dwelling units, provided that the sign area shall not exceed 20 square feet, and provided that not more than two such signs shall be erected within any such subdivision. The sign(s) shall be removed when all rentals are full or at completion or sale of lots within subdivision.

(3) Directional signs. On-premises directional signs, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed two square feet.

(4) Private property signs. Nonilluminated, on-premises "No Trespassing" signs, "No Hunting" signs, and other similar signs indicating private ownership of roadways or other property, provided that the sign area shall not exceed two square feet and shall be spaced at intervals of not less than 100 feet.

(5) Construction signs. Temporary, nonilluminated, on-premises construction signs, provided that:

(a) The sign area shall not exceed six square feet.

(b) Not more than one such sign for each contractor performing work on any one property shall be erected on that property.

(c) All such signs shall be removed upon completion of the work.

(6) Business signs.

(a) Home occupations. Nonilluminated, on-premises signs identifying and advertising bed-and-breakfasts, rooming houses, and home occupations, provided that the sign area shall not exceed six square feet, and provided that not more than one such sign shall be erected on any one street frontage of any property in single and separate ownership.

(b) Businesses in residential districts. If a lot in a residential district is conducting a legal commercial, industrial, professional, or office use on the premises, it shall be allowed to have an on-premises sign. The sign area shall not exceed 20 square feet and no more than one such sign may be erected on any one property in single and separate ownership. The signs shall not be illuminated unless they comply with the provisions of Subsection H(2).

(c) Roadside stand sign. Nonilluminated on-premises sign advertising the sale of agricultural products at a roadside stand, provided that the sign area shall not exceed 15 square feet, and provided that not more than one such sign shall be placed on any one street frontage of any property in single and separate ownership.

(7) Signs for residential complexes and institutional uses.

(a) Churches. Churches may have a sign or signs of any permitted sign type within the following limits on the sign area: the total permitted sign area per street frontage shall not exceed two square feet per linear foot of building frontage, up to a maximum of 250 square feet, and shall be a minimum of 20 square feet.

(b) Permanent signs which identify the name of a subdivision or land development shall be permitted in compliance with the following:

[1] One freestanding sign or monument sign may be located at each intersection of the development's streets with primary or secondary streets, the area of each sign not to exceed six square feet in area. The maximum height for a monument sign shall not exceed six feet.

[2] One freestanding sign or monument sign may be located at one main entrance to the development, not to exceed 25 square feet in area, or two signs not exceeding 15 square feet each. The maximum height for a monument sign shall not exceed six feet.

(8) Personal expression signs. One nonilluminated sign per lot is permitted, up to four square feet in area.

B. Height. The maximum height limit for any sign permitted in residential districts shall be four feet.

§ 170-138 Signs in nonresidential districts.

The following provisions shall apply to all nonresidential uses in nonresidential districts:

A. Permitted on-premises signs.

(1) Single-occupancy business and church signs. Properties in single and separate ownership, with a single business premises or a church, may have a sign or signs (of any permitted sign type) within the following limits on sign area: Total permitted sign area per street frontage shall not exceed two square feet per linear foot of building frontage, up to a maximum of 250 square feet, and shall be a minimum of 20 feet. In a case where there are multiple buildings, the linear footage shall include the total of the facades along the frontage. Sign area may be divided as follows:

(a) One wall sign up to 150 square feet.

(b) A freestanding sign up to 50 square feet at the setback line, and an additional 1.5 square feet for each linear foot moved back, up to 100 square feet.

(c) A freestanding sign shall include the numerical address number at the top or bottom using a five-inch minimum, which shall not be included in the sign area calculations.

(2) For lots with more than one nonresidential tenant, with the exception of shopping centers, planned commercial centers, and office or industrial parks, total permitted sign area per street frontage shall not exceed two square feet per linear foot of building frontage, up to a maximum of 300 square feet. Signs shall include the numerical address number at the top or bottom using a five-inch minimum which shall not be included in the sign area calculations. Sign area may be divided as follows:

(a) One freestanding sign is permitted at each vehicular entrance to the property, except that signs along the same frontage must be at least 500 feet apart.

[1] The sign must be set back 10 feet and shall not exceed 50 square feet, but may be enlarged by 1.5 square feet for each additional foot the sign is set back beyond this point, up to a maximum of 100 feet.

[2] The sign shall identify the name and numerical address of the property, and not more than five tenants.

(b) One wall sign shall be permitted on each building facade that faces the street frontage in question.

(c) All signs for multi-tenant properties shall be designed with similar style and compatible materials, to project a unified appearance.

(d) Developments with more than 400 linear feet between entrances may have two freestanding signs, one at each entrance.

(3) For shopping center, planned commercial centers, and other storefronts arranged in strip fashion, total sign area per street frontage need not be calculated. The following restrictions apply:

(a) One freestanding sign shall be permitted at the primary entrance to the development: the sign must be set back 10 feet and shall not exceed 50 square feet, but may be enlarged by one square foot for each additional foot the sign is set back beyond this point, up to a maximum of 100 feet. Twenty-five percent of the sign may advertise the center with the rest dedicated to tenants. A freestanding or directory sign shall include the numerical address number at the top or bottom using a five-inch minimum number, which does not count towards the sign area.

(b) Wall signs for multitenant buildings shall be permitted for each tenant. The area may not exceed 20% of the building face on the frontage, up to a maximum of 150 square feet. One sign shall be permitted for each tenant.

(4) Window signs shall not be regulated under the maximum sign area provisions if they are not internally illuminated and they do not exceed 25% of the total area of the windows along each external wall.

(5) Directional signs. On-premises directional signs, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed three square feet, and be placed as approved by the plan.

(6) Private property signs. Nonilluminated, on-premises "No Trespassing" signs, "No Hunting" signs, and other similar signs indicating private ownership of roadways or other property, provided that the sign area shall not exceed two square feet and shall be spaced at intervals of not less than 100 feet.

(7) Real estate signs. Nonilluminated on-premises signs no larger than 15 square feet in sign area. One such sign per road frontage is permitted.

(8) Construction signs. Temporary, nonilluminated construction signs shall not exceed 15 square feet in sign area, and shall be removed upon completion of the work. No more than one sign per contractor performing work on a property shall be permitted.

(9) Corporate or company flags. Flags bearing a corporate or company name and/or insignia may be flown on the property where the company is located, according to the following:

(a) The flag shall be flown in conjunction with the United States flag, and the size of the corporate flag shall not exceed 75% of the size of the United States flag with which it is displayed. The United States flag shall be higher than the corporate flag.

(b) No other advertising shall be permitted on such flags.

(10) Personal expression signs. One nonilluminated sign per lot is permitted, up to four square feet in area and four feet in height.

(11) One of the following types of temporary signs for a given thirty-day period only:

(a) Portable signs.

(b) Banner signs.

(c) Special event signs.

B. Height. The maximum height of signs in nonresidential districts shall be as follows:

(1) Ten feet for freestanding signs for individual uses.

(2) Seventy-five percent of the wall or awning height for wall or awning signs, measured on the wall or awning upon which the sign is placed, up to a maximum of 15 feet.

(3) Fifteen feet for freestanding shopping center signs and multiple-directory signs.

(4) Six feet for all monument signs.

C. Additional sign regulations for gasoline service and/or filling stations. In recognition of the unique and particular significance to the driving public, gasoline service and/or filling stations may have one sign in addition to a single-occupancy business sign permitted under Subsection A, according to the following regulations:

(1) Such sign shall advertise the current fuel prices only, and the actual pricing may be digital.

(2) Such sign shall not exceed 20 square feet on each side.

(3) When fuel prices are displayed by means of manual changeable lettering, such lettering shall be between eight and 18 inches in height.

(4) Such sign shall be set back a minimum of 15 feet from the ultimate right-of-way line, and shall not interfere with the safe and convenient access and circulation of the property.

(5) Canopy signs shall be allowed at 0.75 square foot per linear foot.

D. Additional regulations for off-premises signs. Off-premises signs (billboards) shall be permitted according to the following regulations:

(1) An off-premises sign shall be permitted only in the LI Limited Industrial District.

(2) Each off-premises sign shall require a conditional use from the Board of Supervisors, according to the provisions of § 170-31 of this chapter.

(3) Only one off-premises sign is permitted per lot.

(4) An off-premises sign may be double-faced, with two advertising surfaces. Both surfaces shall be the same size and shape. The maximum sign area per side shall be 100 square feet.

(5) The maximum height for an off-premises sign erected on the ground shall be 20 feet. No off-premises sign shall be erected on the roof of a building or structure.

(6) Each off-premises sign shall comply with the following minimum setbacks:

(a) Fifty feet from the ultimate right-of-way of any public road.

(b) Fifty feet from any property line.

(c) One hundred feet from any property line abutting a residential use or district, including when a zoning district line follows the center line of a public road.

(d) Five hundred feet from any other off-premises sign permitted by this subsection.

(e) Forty feet from any building on the same lot as the sign.

(f) Two hundred feet from any public or private school, church, park, library, day-care center, or other public facility.

(7) No sign may be attached to a bridge.

(8) Each sign shall be erected on permanent footings and support structures that meet the standards of the Township Building Code, as amended.[1]

[1] Editor's Note: See Ch. 61, Construction Codes, Uniform.

(9) The off-premises sign shall be removed by the owner if the sign remains without bona fide advertisement for a period of 90 days, or if the right to use the property for a sign has expired for any reason. Bona fide advertisement shall not include an advertisement for the rental of the sign.

E. Additional regulations for permitted, on-premises special event signs, banners, or portable signs for businesses announcing a grand opening, going-out-of-business sale or other special promotional event:

(1) The area of the special event sign, banner, or portable sign shall not exceed 15 square feet.

(2) The property or business shall display only one special event sign, banner, or portable signs at any one time.

(3) A special event sign or banner for a business shall be displayed no more than two times during the calendar year for periods of time not exceeding 30 calendar days. Portable signs may be displayed only once during the calendar year for a period of time not exceeding 30 calendar days.

(4) Special event signs or banners for public or quasi-public events shall comply with the following standards:

(a) Such banners shall be affixed to a building or some other appropriate sturdy structure.

(b) The permitted size of any street banner shall be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Township.

(c) Signs or banners shall not be posted earlier than one month prior to the advertised event and must be removed within seven days after the day of the event.