Township of Lower Makefield, PA Signs

The area of a sign shall be construed to include all lettering, wording and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background, whether open or enclosed, on which they are displayed, but not including any supporting framework and bracing incidental to the display itself.

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.

In computing square foot area of a double-face 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.

Illumination of signs.

Directly illuminated sign. A sign designed to give forth artificial light directly through transparent or translucent materials from a source of light within such sign.

Indirectly illuminated sign. Illumination of a sign with an external artificial light source and which is shielded so that no direct rays are visible elsewhere except on the lot where the lights are located.

Nonilluminated sign. A sign which is not illuminated either directly or indirectly.

Location of signs.

No sign shall be placed in such a position as to endanger traffic on a street by obscuring view or by interfering with official street signs or signals by virtue of position, color or reflective surface.

A sign located along the right-of-way of a state or federal highway shall comply with all requirements of the state or federal government relating thereto, in addition to all requirements of this chapter.

No sign may interfere with a clear sight triangle, as defined by this chapter.

Posting of signs. No person shall paint, paste, brand, stamp or in any manner whatsoever place on or attach to any tree, telegraph, electric light or other pole on any street in the Township any written, printed, painted or other advertisement, bill, notice, sign, card or poster.

Signs in the right-of-way. No permanent signs except those of a duly constituted governmental body, including traffic signs and similar regulatory notices, shall be allowed within the right-of-way of a street, whether Township or state.

Irrespective of content, no temporary or permanent sign shall be placed on property owned by Lower Makefield Township, except for official signs or election signs erected on Election Day within 50 feet of the Township property used as a polling place.

[Amended 6-7-2004 by Ord. No. 341; 7-18-2007 by Ord. No. 371]

No billboards may be placed or erected in the Township, except in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in Article XIIIB of this chapter.

[Added 7-18-2007 by Ord. No. 371]

Construction and maintenance of permanent signs.

All signs must be constructed of durable materials and must be kept in good condition and repair at all times.

Unsafe and insecure signs. If the Building Inspector finds that any sign is unsafe or insecure or is a menace to the public, he shall give written notice to the permittee thereof. If the permittee fails to remove or alter the sign so as to comply with the standards herein set forth within 10 days after such notice, such sign may be removed or altered to comply by the Building Inspector at the expense of the owner of the property on which it is located. The building inspector may cause any sign or other advertising structure which is an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.

All signs shall comply with the construction standards of the Township Building Code.

Types of signs.

Freestanding signs. A self-supporting sign resting on the ground or supported by means of poles or standards in the ground. The height of freestanding signs shall be measured from the official street grade.

Parallel signs. A sign mounted parallel to a wall or other vertical building surface. Parallel signs shall not extend beyond the edge of any wall or other surface to which they are mounted and shall not project more than eight inches from its surface.

Projecting signs. Any sign mounted to a wall or other vertical building surface other than a parallel sign. Projecting signs shall not project more than 18 inches from the wall or surface to which they are mounted nor in any way interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic. The lowest edge of a projecting sign shall not be less than 7 1/2 feet above the sidewalk or ground level elevation.

Off-premises advertising sign. An off-premises sign which advertises or otherwise directs attention to a commodity, business, service, industry, development, or other activity which is sold, offered or conducted, other than incidentally, off the premises on which such sign is located or to which it is affixed.

On-premises advertising sign. An on-premises sign which advertises or which directs attention to a commodity, business, service, industry, development, or other activity which is sold, offered or conducted, other than incidentally, on the premises on which such sign is located or to which it is affixed.

Official sign. A sign erected or installed by any unit of government.

Flags or balloons. An official federal, state or local government flag shall not be considered a sign. Any other flag or balloon containing lettering, advertising, business or service names, logos, or any other information designed to attract attention to a business or other nonresidential activity shall be considered to be a freestanding sign and the area and height of the flag or balloon shall be limited by the sign regulations for the district in which it is located.

Vehicular signs. Any vehicle to which a sign is affixed in such a manner than the carrying of such sign or signs is no longer incidental to the vehicle's primary purpose but becomes a primary purpose in itself shall be considered a freestanding sign and, as such be subject to the provisions regarding freestanding signs in the district in which such vehicle is located.

Temporary signs. All of the following signs are considered to be temporary signs:

Signs of mechanics, artisans, contractors, or architects erected and maintained during the period any of the above are performing work on the property.

Signs for an "open house" for a property for sale, rent, or lease.

Signs advertising political parties or candidates for election.

Signs directing persons to temporary exhibits, shows, or events located in the Township.

(e)

Real estate sign advertising the sale, rental, or lease of the premises or part of the premises on which the sign is displayed.

(f)

Real estate signs advertising or providing directions to a residential or nonresidential development, subdivision or land development.

(g)

Portable sign. Any sign which by its construction, size, design, or method of affixing it may be freely moved from one location to another.

Election political signs. An election/political sign is a temporary nonilluminated sign announcing, supporting or opposing a candidate or issue in connection with any national, state or local election.

[Added 10-20-2003 by Ord. No. 340]

Billboards. An off-premises, freestanding sign, that is defined and regulated by the terms set forth in Article XIIIB of this chapter.

[Added 7-18-2007 by Ord. No. 371]

Open space signs. An on-premises, freestanding sign, similar in style, format and size to the signs used by the Township to designate open space or preserved land, nonilluminated, that identifies the open space area preserved under this chapter.

[Added 8-2-2023 by Ord. No. 440]

Prohibited signs and sign elements.

Festoon-lighted sign. A directly illuminated sign comprised of a group of incandescent bulbs hung or strung overhead or used to outline a structure or any part thereof is prohibited.

Flashing sign. An illuminated sign on which the light is not maintained stationary or constant in intensity and color at all times when in use is prohibited.

Roof signs. A sign erected on or above the roof or parapet of a building is prohibited.

Projecting signs are prohibited in all zoning districts except for the HC Historic Commercial District.

Any sign which causes glare or visual interference at any point along a street right-of-way is prohibited.

Any sign containing information on which it 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 is prohibited.

Any sign which flashes, rotates, revolves or oscillates or creates the illusion of doing so, with the exception of barber poles, is prohibited.

Any novelty sign, including but not limited to an object (e.g. tire, automobile, food product, etc.), is prohibited.

Any sign placed or maintained in such a manner as to interfere with any electric light, power, telephone or telegraph wires or the supports thereof is prohibited.

Any sign which imitates any official traffic sign, signal or device is prohibited.

Any sign which interferes with an official highway sign is prohibited.

Any suspended or attached pennant or banner which blows in the wind or a spinner which spins in the wind is prohibited.

Signs exempt from permit requirements. The following signs do not need a sign permit, although all such signs must comply with all of the regulations contained herein. Any off-premises sign shall require the issuance of a permit before erection, rebuilding, or replacement.

Holiday decorations. Holiday decorations displayed for recognized federal, state or religious holidays shall be exempted from the provisions of this chapter except as they may interfere with glare, traffic safety or in any other way become a public safety hazard.

Street sign. Official highway sign, streets name, directional, or other traffic sign erected in accordance with the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code.

No trespassing sign. A sign not exceeding two square feet, indicating the prohibition or control of fishing, hunting, trespassing, etc. or a sign indicating a private road.

Residential identification sign. A sign, not exceeding two square feet, bearing only the property number, street address, and/or names of the occupants of the residence, or the name of the dwelling. The sign shall be non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated.

Legal notice.

Cornerstone.

Barber pole. Revolving barbershop pole sign provided that is does not exceed 36 inches in height and that it is erected only in conjunction with a barbershop.

Temporary signs of mechanics, artisans, contractors, or architects. A temporary sign erected and maintained during the period any of the above are performing work on the property. No one sign shall exceed six square feet. Only one sign may be erected for each business or contractor. There shall be no more that four such signs displayed on the property at any one time. No illumination is permitted. Any sign in place for more than 60 days requires a permit from the Township.

Official and governmental signs including safety signs, signs indicating points of interest, historical plaques, public parks or recreation facilities, private parks, signs identifying official Township buildings or facilities. Signs identifying Township buildings, police stations, or other Township facilities may be illuminated by exterior lights focused on the sign to ensure public safety.

Temporary non-illuminated signs advertising an "open house" on the lot where an open house is taking place, subject to the following.

Open house signs may be posted for a period no longer four hours and on the day the open house is taking place and shall be removed at the end of the day that the open house occurs.

No more than one open house for which signs are used shall be permitted per week per property.

The maximum sign size shall be three square feet.

One off-premises sign shall be permitted for the duration of the open house, but not longer than four hours, per property having an open house. Such sign shall be placed at the intersection with an arterial or collector nearest to the property having the open house. Off-premises signs may be used only for open houses on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays.

(e)

Failure to adhere to this code will result in the removal of the signs, and the expense of any such removal shall be charged to the person or company responsible.

(f)

No such sign shall be placed on property owned by Lower Makefield Township or on the right-of-way adjacent to any property owned by the Township.

[Added 10-20-2003 by Ord. No. 340]

Signs placed on Township property in accordance with the provisions of § 200-83C(6) of this article.

[Added 6-7-2004 by Ord. No. 341]

§ 200-84 Signs in residential districts.

On-premises signs in residential districts. In R-RP, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-3M and R-4 Districts, and any residential portions of the MU Overlay District, except where otherwise indicated, on-premises signs shall be parallel or freestanding. Only the following on-premises signs shall be permitted.

[Amended 8-31-2020 by Ord. No. 423]

One non-illuminated sign advertising for sale of agricultural produce raised on the premises, where such sale is permitted, not to exceed 12 square feet in area.

Non-illuminated signs displayed strictly for the direction, safety or convenience of the public, including signs which identify rest rooms, telephone booths, parking area entrances or exits, freight entrances or the like, provided the area of any such sign shall not exceed two square feet.

One non-illuminated sign posted in conjunction with door bells or mailboxes, provided the area of any such sign shall not exceed 36 square inches, in accordance with Ordinance 217 dealing with house numbering.

One non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated bulletin or announcement board or identification sign for a permitted nonresidential building or use, provided the area of any such sign shall not exceed 24 square feet.

One non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated sign in connection with a lawfully maintained nonconforming use, provided the area of any such sign shall not exceed 12 square feet.

One non-illuminated sign advertising the sale or rental of the premises on which the sign has been erected or one sign indicating that sale premises have been sold or rented, provided the area of any such sign shall not exceed 12 square feet and shall be removed within 20 days after an agreement of rental has been entered into or legal title has been transferred.

One temporary non-illuminated sign erected in connection with the development or proposed development of the premises by a builder, contractor, developer or other persons interested in such sales or development, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed 32 square feet and shall be removed within 20 days after the last structure has been initially occupied or upon expiration of the building permit, whichever is sooner. No more than one such sign shall be placed upon any property held in single or separate ownership; except that, where such property is greater than five acres and abuts more than one public street, one sign may be erected on each street frontage.

Non-illuminated signs announcing no trespassing; signs indicating the private nature of a road, driveway, or premises, and signs controlling fishing or hunting on the premises, provided the area of any such sign shall not exceed two square feet.

Temporary signs of mechanics, artisans, contractors, or architects, in accordance with § 200-83G(8).

Non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated memorial signs or historical signs or tablets not exceeding two square feet.

Permanent development entrance signs. Signs at the entrance to a residential development are permitted subject to the following regulations.

Number of signs. A maximum of one pair of entrance signs per development at the main entrance to the development. Signs shall be placed outside the required clear sight triangle.

Text. The text should be limited to the name of the development and lettered in a style compatible with the residential nature of the community.

Size. The size of the sign should be no more that 32 square feet. The maximum height shall be 4.5 feet.

Materials. Wooden, brick, or stone signs are required in order to maintain the residential character to the community.

(e)

Illumination. Signs shall be non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated only.

(f)

Location. Such signs shall not be located within the public right-of-way or on Township property or on deed-restricted land. Signs shall be located on the property of an individual lot owner or on property owned and maintained by a property owners association approved by the Township.

(g)

Maintenance. Signs shall be maintained in a state of good repair by the property owner on whose lot it is located.

Temporary nonilluminated signs of religious, civic or charitable nonprofit organizations, advertising or directing persons to temporary exhibits, shows or events located on the premises, may be erected subject to the following requirements:

[Added 1-20-1997 by Ord. No. 306]

The sign and/or signs as permitted by the provisions of this subsection shall not exceed 12 square feet in area per side.

The sign and/or signs shall not be posted earlier than three weeks prior to the occurrence of the event to which the sign and/or signs relate, and the sign and/or signs must be removed within one week after the exhibit, show or event.

The number of signs shall be limited to one per road frontage.

(13)

[Added 8-2-2023 by Ord. No. 440]

Off-premises signs in residential districts. Off-premises signs are not permitted in residential districts except as follows (signs permitted within this section may also be on-premises signs):

Official signs. Such signs may be illuminated only as necessary or customary for traffic control or safety.

Temporary nonilluminated signs advertising political parties or candidates for election may be erected or displayed and maintained, provided that:

The size of any such sign is not in excess of 16 square feet.

The signs shall not be erected or displayed earlier than 30 days prior to the election to which they pertain.

All signs shall be removed promptly within 10 days after the date of the election to which such signs relate. It shall be unlawful to fail to remove a election/political campaign sign within 10 days after the election for which the sign was posted. If such signs remain more than 10 days after the election for which the sign was posted, the Zoning Officer or his/her authorized agents are authorized to secure legal process pursuant to the Township's rights under § 200-87 of this chapter and the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code[1] to the end that all such signs shall be expeditiously removed from any property where posted.

[Amended 10-20-2003 by Ord. No. 340]

[1]

Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.

Temporary nonilluminated signs directing persons to temporary exhibits, shows or events located in the Township may be erected, subject to the following requirements:

Signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in area.

Signs shall not be posted earlier than two weeks before the occurrence of the event to which it relates and must be removed within one week after the date of the exhibit, show or event.

Street banners are prohibited, except in the case of civic or charitable nonprofit organizations. When permitted, such banners are exempted from the size restrictions specified in Subsection B(3)(a) but must fully comply with the time limits for display set forth in Subsection B(3)(b).

Nonilluminated signs used for directing patrons or members of an audience to service clubs, churches or other nonprofit organizations, provided that signs shall indicate only the name of the facility and the direction to the facility and shall not exceed four square feet in area.

In residential districts, all signs must comply with the following requirements:

Freestanding signs may not exceed eight feet in height above grade level.

Parallel signs or portions of such signs shall not be located above the first floor of any building or more than 12 feet above the established grade, whichever is less.

§ 200-85 Signs in nonresidential zoning districts.

On-premises signs in the C-1, C-2 and C-3 Districts and any nonresidential portions of the MU Overlay District.

[Amended 8-31-2020 by Ord. No. 423]

All signs permitted in residential districts at the standards prescribed therein, except as otherwise provided in this section.

Parallel on-premises advertising signs are permitted for individual establishments, provided that:

The total area of all parallel signs for each establishment shall not exceed two square feet for each foot of length of the front building wall or length of that portion of wall devoted to such establishment.

If such establishment does not occupy floor area on the ground level of the building other than an entryway, the maximum permitted sign area shall not exceed one square foot per foot of length of the front building wall (or portion).

Signs painted on or affixed to the inside or outside of windows shall be included in this computation.

In no case, however, may the total area of parallel signs exceed 25% of the area of the wall (including windows, door area and cornices) to which they are attached.

Freestanding on-premises advertising signs are permitted, provided that:

Only one such sign shall be permitted on each lot.

The area of any such sign shall not exceed one square foot for each two feet of lot frontage or 75 square feet, whichever is smaller.

The maximum height of freestanding signs shall not exceed 14 feet above the established grade nearest the sign.

Off-premises signs in C-1, C-2 and C-3 Districts. In C-1, C-2, and C-3 Districts, off-premises signs are not permitted except as follows:

All off-premises signs permitted in residential districts at the standards prescribed herein.

(Reserved)[1]

[1]

Editor's Note Former Subsection B(2), regarding freestanding and parallel off-premises advertising signs, was repealed 7-18-2007 by Ord. No. 371.

Signs to identify the use or the occupant within a shopping center shall be designed as part of the architectural design of the building and center.

Off-premises signs advertising a land development or subdivision. Such signs shall have a maximum size of three square feet and a maximum height of four feet and shall not be illuminated. Such signs shall remain in place only for the duration of the project and shall be removed upon the sale or rental of the final unit. No such signs may be placed in the clear sight triangle. No such signs may be placed along state roads in violation of PennDOT regulations. In order to secure a permit for a sign, the applicant must provide evidence, in writing, that the owner of the property on which the sign is to be placed has given his/her permission for placement of the sign. Permits for such signs shall have a duration of six months and must be renewed at the end of each six month period. Such signs shall be permitted only for developments located within Lower Makefield Township.

Election/political signs are permitted subject to the provisions of § 200-84B(2).

[Added 10-20-2003 by Ord. No. 340]

On-premises signs in Office/Research O-R Districts. No on-premises signs shall be permitted in O-R Districts except as follows:

All signs permitted in residential districts at the standards prescribed therein.

Parallel on-premises advertising signs, subject to the following provisions:

The total area of any parallel sign shall not exceed two square feet for each foot length of the front building wall or length of that portion of the wall devoted to such establishment or 150 square feet, whichever is smaller.

No parallel sign shall be painted on or affixed to the inside or outside of windows in such districts.

Freestanding on-premises advertising signs, provided that:

The area of all such sign shall not exceed one square foot for each two feet of lot frontage or 150 square feet, whichever is smaller.

The maximum height of freestanding on-premises advertising signs shall not exceed 14 feet above level grade.

Only one freestanding sign is permitted per lot.

Signs may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated but may not be directly illuminated.

Off-premises signs in O-R Districts. Off-premises signs are not permitted in the O-R Districts except as follows:

All off-premises signs permitted in residential districts at the standards prescribed therein.

Signs in the Historic-Commercial H-C District. In addition to the general sign regulations contained in this chapter, signs in the Historic-Commercial District shall comply with the following:

A certificate of appropriateness shall be obtained from the Historic and Architectural Review Board for the use, erection, structural repair, alteration, moving, removal, repainting or demolition of any sign for any use in the Historic-Commercial District.

One sign, either freestanding, projecting or parallel shall be allowed for each lot. In the case of multiple tenant buildings, directory type signs may be mounted flush on the building facade. Any such tenant identification sign shall not exceed one square foot in area for each tenant.

Maximum sign area shall be 12 square feet for any freestanding or parallel sign. Maximum sign area for a projecting sign shall be four square feet.

All primary use identification signs may incorporate a symbol or graphic representation of the use.

Freestanding signs in excess of six feet above grade are prohibited. Parallel signs are to be located below the second floor window sill level.

No signs are permitted in windows of structures.

No directly illuminated signs as described in § 200-83B(1) shall be permitted within the Historic District. Signs to be installed shall be regulated by the Edgewood Village Design Guidelines adopted in 2002.

[Added 12-6-2004 by Ord. No. 345[2]]

[2]

Editor's Note: This ordinance also provided for the redesignation of former Subsections E(7) through (10) as Subsections E(8) through (11), respectively.

Temporary signs, such as real estate "for sale" signs shall be governed by the sign regulations for the sale or rental of a single property on a lot in residential districts.

No off-premises signs or vehicular signs are permitted in the H-C District.

Temporary signs for religious, civic or charitable nonprofit organizations permitted pursuant to § 200-84A hereof shall not be subject to the requirement of obtaining a certificate of appropriateness from the Historic and Architectural Review Board.

[Added 1-20-1997 by Ord. No. 306]