A.
Purpose. These sign provisions are intended to:
(1)
Promote and maintain overall community beautification.
(2)
Establish reasonable time, place and manner
regulations on the exercise of free speech, without regulating content
of signs.
(3)
Promote traffic safety by avoiding distractions
and sight distance obstructions.
(4)
Promote the most appropriate uses of the land.
(5)
Ensure compatibility with the character of adjacent
land uses.
[Amended 8-21-2000 by Ord. No. 288]
B.
Permit required. A zoning permit shall be required for all signs in any zoning district except for signs not requiring a permit, as listed in §§ 190-178 and 190-179. All signs shall comply with the regulations of this ordinance. No sign shall be permitted other than those provided for in this article.
C.
Special business displays. A permit may be issued
four times in any one calendar year for new or existing businesses
to display banners used as promotional devices for special occasions.
Any given permit shall not exceed 14 days at a time and the sum of
the four allowed permits shall not exceed a total of 30 days in any
one calendar year. Banners shall not exceed 20 square feet in sign
area.
[Amended 8-21-2000 by Ord. No. 288]
D.
Proposed development signs. A temporary zoning permit
is required for any sign advertising a proposed major subdivision
or land development. A maximum of one such sign is permitted per subdivision
or land development. Such sign shall not be posted until after a valid
subdivision or land development application has been submitted to
the Township. Such sign permits shall be valid for a maximum of six
months. The Zoning Officer may extend the permit for an additional
year while a development is actively under review and/or construction.
Such a sign shall not exceed 36 square feet in sign area on each of
two sides.
E.
Official signs. Official signs are specifically exempted
from the requirements of this article.
A.
Signs legally existing at the time of enactment of
this ordinance and which do not conform to the requirements of the
ordinance shall be considered nonconforming signs. Legal nonconforming
signs may be repainted or repaired (including externally illuminated
signs) and may be changed in wording, provided that such work does
not increase the nonconformity of the sign.
[Amended 8-21-2000 by Ord. No. 288]
B.
Damaged signs. Any nonconforming sign which is damaged in excess of 25% of its cost of replacement or is removed shall be replaced only with a conforming sign, except as provided in Subsection C below.
C.
The Zoning Hearing Board may allow the replacement
of existing freestanding and wall signs of nonconforming business
uses by smaller and less high signs as a special exception, provided
that the new signs would be of such a size, character and illumination
that would not conflict with adjacent uses.
D.
Signs advertising a use no longer in existence or
a product no longer available shall be removed or changed to advertise
the new use or product within 90 days of the cessation of the original
use, except if for a sign relating to existing building space which
is still available for lease or sale. Once a nonconforming sign is
removed, it shall only be replaced by signs in conformance with this
ordinance.
As used in this ordinance, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
A sign made of flexible material, usually a fabric, which
is hung at short intervals to promote special events.
[Added 8-21-2000 by Ord. No. 288]
A sign or portion thereof that utilizes internally illuminated
components to create a full color image display, which may or may
not include text, and is capable of being changed periodically by
remote electronic means.
[Added 12-27-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-405; amended 10-24-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-449]
An informational sign indicating direction, entry or exit,
loading or service area, fire lanes, or similar information incidental
to the primary use and not itself advertising that use.
[Amended 8-21-2000 by Ord. No. 288]
A sign or portion thereof that utilizes colored lights to
create a sign message consisting of alphanumeric text only, and is
capable of being changed periodically by remote electronic means.
An electronically changing message sign shall contain a black background
and use only one color of lights at a time to create the sign message
text.
[Added 12-27-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-405; amended 10-24-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-449]
A sign hung or mounted on a specially crafted residential
fence, advertising the maker or installer of that fence.
[Added 8-21-2000 by Ord. No. 288]
A sign, the illumination of which is not kept constant in
intensity at all times when in use, and which exhibits sudden or marked
changes in lighting effects. Signs which indicate the time, temperature,
date or other similar information shall not be considered flashing
signs.
[Added 12-27-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-405; amended 10-24-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-449]
A sign which is self-supporting upon the ground or which
is supported by means of poles, pylons or standards in the ground.
A "freestanding sign" is not attached to a building except by secondary
supports such as guy wires.
A sign identifying a home occupation or identifying the use
of a property but one that has no advertisement.
A sign which is designed to be illuminated by artificial
light from a source adjacent to, or outside of, the sign in such a
manner that the source of the light is not directly visible from the
street or any other intended vantage point of the sign.
A sign which is designed to be illuminated by artificial
light from a source adjacent to, or outside of, the sign in such a
manner that the source of the light is not directly visible from the
street or any other intended vantage point of the sign.
[Added 8-21-2000 by Ord. No. 288]
A sign which is designed to be illuminated by light from
within the sign rather than a source adjacent to or outside of the
sign.
A sign which is designed to be illuminated by light from
within the sign rather than a source adjacent to or outside of the
sign.
[Added 8-21-2000 by Ord. No. 288]
An objective measurement of the brightness of illumination
emitted by a digital sign or electronic message sign, measured in
candela per square meter (c/m2) or "nits."
[Added 10-24-2017 by Ord.
No. 2017-449]
A sign which is not secured or attached to a structure or
to the ground.
A sign indicating only the name and/or address of persons
or person residing on or legally occupying the premises.
A sign erected by the state, county, Township or other legally
constituted governmental body or specifically authorized by a Township
ordinance or resolution.
See Article II.
A temporary sign used as an open invitation for the general
public to inspect a specific building listed for sale or auction.
This shall not include signs directing persons to a model or sample
home.
[Amended 8-21-2000 by Ord. No. 288]
A sign which indicates the name, cause or affiliation of
a person seeking public office or on which reference is made to an
issue for which a public election or referendum is scheduled to be
held.
A sign which advertises availability of rest rooms, telephone,
meeting times of service organizations or other similar public conveniences.
See Article II.
A continuous rectangular area on the face of a building.
See Article II.
The vertical distance measured from the average ground level
immediately below a sign to the highest point of the sign and its
supporting structure. Average ground level shall be measured at grade
after construction, exclusive of any filling, berming, mounding, or
excavating solely for the purpose of locating the sign.
[Amended 8-21-2000 by Ord. No. 288]
A sign advertising a company that provides security services
and systems to home and business owners.
[Added 8-21-2000 by Ord. No. 288]
A freestanding sign of more than six square feet in sign
area per side that is not permanently attached to the ground and that
was originally designed to be able to be periodically transported
to a different location. See § 190-186B.
A sign used to indicate special parking information or to
alert people that they are not to trespass on the property.
[Added 8-21-2000 by Ord. No. 288]
A sign constructed of paper, cloth, canvas, wood, metal or
any lightweight material intended to be displayed for a short period
of time, normally less than 30 days.
A sign or portion of a sign whose sole purpose is to indicate
the time and/or temperature.
A sign affixed or painted on a vehicle, trailer, or similar
device that is incidental to the primary purpose of the vehicle but
becomes that primary purpose in itself.
[Amended 8-21-2000 by Ord. No. 288]
A sign posted on, painted on, suspended from or otherwise
affixed to a wall or vertical surface of a building which does not
project more than 18 inches from the wall or vertical surface to which
it is attached.
A temporary sign attached or affixed to the interior of a
window or door or a sign which is readily visible and can be read
from the exterior through a window or door from an exterior lot line.
[Amended 8-21-2000 by Ord. No. 288]
A.
Every sign, except temporary signs not requiring a
permit, shall be constructed of durable, nonplastic materials and
must be kept in good condition and repair. Any sign which is allowed
to become dilapidated or a hazard shall be repaired or removed by
the property owner or lessee of the property within 30 days of notice
or it may be removed by the Township at the expense of the owner or
lessee of the property on which it is located.
B.
Signs shall be limited to three colors per sign (white
included), with neon and fluorescent colors prohibited.
A.
No person shall maintain or permit to be maintained
on any premises that they own or control a sign which has been abandoned.
An "abandoned sign," for the purpose of this section, is a sign that:
(1)
Is located on and/or related to the use of a
property which becomes vacant and unoccupied for a period of nine
months or more;
(2)
Was erected for an occupant or business unrelated
to the present occupant in business and is not being lawfully used
for the new occupant; or
(3)
Which relates to a time, event or purpose which
is past.
B.
Any such abandoned sign shall be removed by the owner
or person controlling the property within 30 days of the date of abandonment,
as herein defined.
A.
No sign except official signs, name plate signs, public
service signs and directional signs shall be erected within two feet
or project over an existing street right-of-way. Freestanding business
signs shall be set back a minimum of five feet from the existing street
right-of-way.
B.
No sign shall be so located or arranged that it interferes with the sight distance requirements of § 190-194C, except that one sign may have one pole with a maximum width of one foot within a sight distance triangle.
C.
No signs except official, political, public service
and specifically permitted off-premises signs shall be erected on
a property to which it does not relate.
D.
No temporary sign, political or otherwise, shall be
placed on any Township-owned property or on any public utility pole
or on any traffic light standard or on any other edifice, whether
artificial or natural, owned or controlled by any governmental entity
or any public utility except signs specifically authorized by such
government or public utility.
E.
All signs erected in any zoning district shall comply
with the accessory side yard requirements for the district, except
a freestanding sign may be erected one foot from the side lot line
in the GC District if the abutting use is a principal business use.
F.
No business sign shall be placed facing and/or within 200 feet of
an LDR, MDR, HDR or HDR-II District. If there exists no acceptable
reasonable alternative location on the property for a sign, such sign
shall not be a digital sign or electronic message sign.
[Amended 12-17-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-311; 12-27-2011 by Ord. No.
2011-405; 10-24-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-449]
See § 190-161 of this ordinance.
A.
The following types of signs are exempt from zoning
permit requirements, provided that they are removed in the time specified
and conform to the sign requirements of this section. Any sign not
meeting the time limits and size limits specified below shall need
a zoning permit and shall only be allowed if permitted by another
section of this ordinance.
(1)
Up to two yard or garage sale signs per event,
provided each does not exceed four square feet in area and shall be
put up a maximum of 24 hours prior to a sale and removed within 24
hours after sale.
[Amended 11-13-1995 by Ord. No. 261; 8-21-2000 by Ord. No. 288]
(2)
Signs giving notice of the sale or rental of
the property on which the sign is located, provided that they do not
exceed 30 square feet in area, except that a maximum of six square
feet shall apply to lots of less than three acres in an LDR, MDR,
HDR or HDR-II District. Such signs shall be removed within 10 days
after final settlement for a sale property or occupancy of the premises
for a rental.
[Amended 12-17-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-311]
(3)
Political signs are permitted under this section,
provided that they do not exceed 32 square feet in area and are removed
within 21 days after the election or referendum to which the sign
relates.
[Amended 6-20-2005 by Ord. No. 2005-358]
(4)
Off-premises or on-premises signs of up to 24
square feet erected by a nonprofit or entirely charitable entity denoting
a special event, provided they are erected no more than 15 days before
the event and removed within three days after the event. Signs by
an entirely charitable entity shall be permitted for up to four months
if approved by the Board of Supervisors.
[Amended 8-21-2000 by Ord. No. 288]
(5)
Signs and decorations for an officially recognized
designated holiday, provided that they do not create traffic or fire
hazards and are removed within seven days following the event.
(6)
Signs announcing work being performed on the
premises by contractors, mechanics, painters, artisans, etc., are
not to exceed 10 square feet, except that a maximum of eight square
feet shall apply within the LDR, MDR, HDR or HDR-II Districts. Such
signs shall be permitted on the premises only while work is being
done on a daily basis and must be removed at the time of substantial
completion of work (90% completion of the total value of the work),
as determined by the Code Enforcement Officer. Such signs shall also
be removed should a delay of more than seven days prevent continuance
of work and may be replaced upon the continuance of said work.
[Amended 8-21-2000 by Ord. No. 288; 12-17-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-311]
(7)
Signs advertising the temporary sale of products
or goods such as Christmas trees. Such signs shall not exceed 12 square
feet in area and shall be removed within 30 days.
(9)
Signs placed on bus shelters shall be permitted
for up to six months in the following districts: PO/IP and PIC. A
maximum of two signs shall be permitted per shelter, each sign shall
be limited to six square feet.
[Added 8-21-2000 by Ord. No. 288]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 190-178, Vehicle signs, was repealed 8-21-2000 by Ord. No. 288. This ordinance also provided for the renumbering of former §§ 190-179 through 190-184 as §§ 190-178 through 190-183, respectively, former § 190-185 as § 190-183.1 and former §§ 190-186 through 190-189 as §§ 190-184 through 190-187, respectively. Additionally, this ordinance also repealed former § 190-190, Sign area bonuses.
Zoning permits are not required for the following types of signs, as defined by § 190-173:
A.
Official signs.
B.
Nameplate signs: one per lot, not to exceed two square
feet in sign area.
C.
Identification signs: one per lot, not to exceed two
square feet in sign area.
D.
Directional signs: each not to exceed four square
feet in sign area and not to include any advertising.
E.
Memorial or historic markers when approved by motion
or resolution of the Board of Supervisors or the Pennsylvania Museum
and Historical Commission.
F.
Public service signs such as those advertising availability
of rest rooms, telephone, meeting times of service organizations or
other similar public conveniences, each not to exceed two square feet.
H.
Parking and no-trespassing signs or signs indicating
the private nature of a road, driveway or premises and signs prohibiting
or controlling hunting and fishing upon the premises: four per lot,
not to exceed two square feet in sign area.
[Amended 8-21-2000 by Ord. No. 288]
I.
Signs physically carried by a person, which are not
regulated in any way by this ordinance.
J.
Home occupation signs. These signs are exempt from the permit requirements if they have a maximum total area of one square foot and are limited to one per lot or use, whichever is less. These signs shall not be internally illuminated. See § 190-211. These signs shall be attached to the primary residential structure and shall not be internally illuminated.
[Amended 8-21-2000 by Ord. No. 288]
K.
Home security signs shall be a maximum of 12 square
inches and shall be affixed to the principal structure.
[Added 8-21-2000 by Ord. No. 288]
L.
Fence signs shall be limited to one per fence, not
to exceed one square foot, and shall be positioned so the text faces
toward the principal structure.
[Added 8-21-2000 by Ord. No. 288]
The following signs are prohibited in all zoning
districts:
A.
Banners, spinners, flags, pennants or any moving object used for commercial advertising purpose whether containing a message or not, except as permitted in § 190-171C.
B.
Flashing, blinking, twinkling, animated or mechanically moving signs
of any type, except those portions of signs which indicate time and
temperature changes, and the outlining of roofs, doors, windows or
wall edges by illuminating tubing or strings of lights for advertising
purposes. This section specifically regulates window signs and signs
on mobile stands. This shall not prohibit Christmas lighting or displays
in season. This provision shall not apply to digital signs or electronic
message signs, which are subject to specific requirements under this
article.
[Amended 11-13-1995 by Ord. No. 261; 12-27-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-405; 10-24-2017 by Ord.
No. 2017-449]
C.
Signs placed, inscribed or supported upon the roof
or upon any structure which extends above the eaves of the roof of
any building.
D.
Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors or particles,
sound or odor.
E.
Signs which contain information that states or implies
that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the
provisions of the Township Zoning Ordinance in the zoning district
in which the property to which the sign relates is located.
F.
Signs that are of such character, form, shape or color
that it imitates or resembles any official traffic sign, signal or
device or that has any characteristics which are likely to confuse
or distract the operator of a motor vehicle on a public street.
G.
Signs that use reflective materials to give the appearance
of flashing, blinking or twinkling.
H.
Signs or displays that include words or images that
are obscene, pornographic or highly offensive to public decency.
I.
Balloons of greater than 10 cubic feet that are tethered
to the ground and primarily intended for advertising purposes.
K.
Vehicle signs.
[Added 8-21-2000 by Ord. No. 288]
B.
Size and number. Signs described in this section may
have a maximum sign face area of 30 square feet and a maximum height
of eight feet. These signs and/or structures may be located at up
to three of the major entrances to the development from exterior streets.
This sign area may be an addition to other sign area limits of this
ordinance.
(1)
Where more than one sign may be permitted for an office, commercial or industrial development under the provisions above, only one sign shall be a digital sign or electronic message sign, provided that it meets the size requirements of this section, the hours of illumination requirements of § 190-161D(3) and the provisions of § 190-189.
[Added 10-24-2017 by Ord.
No. 2017-449]
C.
Durability. Such signs shall be designed to be of
a durable nature requiring little maintenance.
D.
Message. Such signs may include the overall name of
the development and any logo. Such signs shall not include advertising.
E.
Landscaping. It is the intent of this section that
such signs be attractively landscaped, with plants and shrubs requiring
minimal maintenance.
F.
Location. Such signs and structures shall be located outside of the future right-of-way lines and shall satisfy the sight distance requirements of § 190-194C.
G.
Maintenance. If such signs are intended to remain
beyond the completion of a developer's involvement in a project, the
developer shall provide an appropriate method to ensure proper maintenance
of the sign.
The following regulations shall be used in computing
the area of signs:
A.
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 which are incidental
to the display itself.
B.
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols
attached to or painted on a surface, building, wall or window, the
area shall be considered to be that of the smallest rectangle or other
regular shape, including the sign background, which encompasses all
of the letters and symbols.
C.
In computing square foot area of a double-face sign,
only one side shall be considered, provided that both faces are identical
in size. If the interior angle formed by the two faces of the double-faced
sign is greater than 45º, than both sides of such sign shall
be considered in calculating the sign area.
D.
Unless otherwise specified, all square footages are
maximum sizes.
A.
Maximum height. No sign shall exceed the maximum height
restriction for the particular type of sign structure and zoning district
established below. (NOTE: "Maximum height" shall mean the vertical
distance measured from the average ground level immediately below
a sign to the highest point of the sign and its supporting structure.
See Figure III.[1])
[Amended 8-21-2000 by Ord. No. 288; 12-17-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-311]
|
Type of Sign
|
RA, C-R, LDR, MDR, HDR or HDR-II District
|
GC or PC District
|
LI, PO/IP or PIC District
|
Any Other District
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Freestanding
|
5 feet
|
10 feet
|
10 feet
|
5 feet
|
|
Wall
|
Equal to the total height of the principal building
|
Equal to the total height of the principal building
|
Equal to the total height of the principal building
|
Equal to the total height of the principal building
|
[1]
Editor's Note: Figure III is included at the
end of this chapter.
B.
Minimum height. Freestanding business signs in the
GC District that include any portion of the sign within 20 feet of
the existing street right-of-way shall have a minimum height of six
feet. This minimum height shall be measured from the ground or pavement
to the bottom most part of the sign.
[Amended 12-17-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-311]
The following sign regulations shall apply within
the LDR, MDR, HDR, HDR-II, C-R and RA Zoning Districts:
B.
The following type of signs, and no others, are permitted
for any lawful permitted or nonconforming principal nonresidential
use (not including home occupations):
(1)
One wall sign, not to exceed 10% of the total
area of the building face on which it is visible or 32 square feet,
whichever is less, and permitted on the front wall of the structure
only.
(2)
One freestanding sign, not to exceed 32 square
feet in area for a place of worship or 20 square feet for other uses.
No more than one freestanding sign per street frontage. Any freestanding
sign that would be associated with a proposed conditional or special
exception use shall be reviewed and either be approved or denied at
the same time that the conditional or special exception use is being
reviewed. A condition of approval of such sign shall be compatibility
with adjacent land uses.
(a)
A freestanding sign for a public or private elementary or secondary school may include an electronic message sign, provided that it meets the size requirements of this section, the hours of illumination requirements of § 190-161D(3), the height requirements of § 190-183 and the provisions of § 190-189. Where more than one sign may be permitted on a lot under the provisions above, only one sign shall be an electronic message sign.
[Added 12-27-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-405; amended 10-24-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-449]
C.
Movable signs and signs on mobile stands are specifically
prohibited.
E.
As of November 1, 2002, internally illuminated signs
shall not be permitted to be erected in residential districts within
the Township. However, internally illuminated signs shall be permitted
to be erected within the William Penn Highway Overlay District, Route
248 Overlay District, as well as any subsequent commercial overlay
districts created by the Township subject to all other provisions
of the Palmer Township Zoning Ordinance governing signs. As of November
1, 2002, internally illuminated signs which are located in a residential
district and were in existence before the enactment of this ordinance
(except for those located in the William Penn Highway Overlay District,
Route 248 Overlay District, and any other commercial overlay districts
subsequently adopted and created by the Township) shall be lit during
office hours only.
[Added 11-26-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-326]
A.
The following types of signs are permitted in the
GC and PC Districts:
(3)
Signs for uses not included under § 190-184A(4), including a use occupying an individual structure on a single lot, in accordance with the following regulations (see Figure IV[1]):
[Amended 11-13-1995 by Ord. No. 261; 8-21-2000 by Ord. No. 288; 12-17-2001 by Ord. No.
2001-311]
(a)
Wall signs. One shall be permitted for each
wall facing a public street, each with a total area not to exceed
10% of the total area of the building face on which the sign is located.
The maximum total wall sign area shall be 60 square feet.
[1]
A wall sign shall not include a digital sign or electronic message
sign.
[Added 10-24-2017 by Ord.
No. 2017-449]
(b)
Freestanding signs.
[1]
One shall be permitted with a total area not
to exceed 28 square feet. This sign may consist of a structure to
which are attached several signs, within the total square footage.
[2]
If a use has a total linear road frontage of
more than 300 feet, a second freestanding sign is permitted with a
total square footage of 60 square feet for the two signs together.
[3]
A lot in the GC District may also include one
additional nonilluminated freestanding sign with a maximum square
footage of six square feet.
[4]
A freestanding sign may include a digital sign or electronic message sign, provided that it meets the size requirements of this section, the hours of illumination requirements of § 190-161D(3) and the provisions of § 190-189. The portion of a freestanding sign containing a digital sign or electronic message sign shall have a maximum area of 14 square feet.
[Added 12-27-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-405; amended 10-24-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-449]
[5]
Where more than one sign may be permitted on a lot under the provisions above, only one sign shall be a digital sign or electronic message sign, provided that it meets the size requirements of this section, the hours of illumination requirements of § 190-161D(3) and the provisions of § 190-189.
[Added 12-27-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-405; amended 10-24-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-449]
[1]
Editor's Note: Figure IV is included as an
attachment to this chapter.
(4)
Signs relating to more than one commercial establishment
on a lot, in accordance with the following regulations:
(a)
Wall signs. One shall be permitted for each
establishment. The total area of all wall signs shall not exceed 15%
of the total area of the building face on which the signs are located.
Wall signs shall only be allowed on portions of a building that face
onto a public street and not on faces that abut residential uses.
The maximum wall sign area shall be 200 square feet per lot.
[1]
A wall sign shall not include a digital sign or electronic message
sign.
[Added 10-24-2017 by Ord.
No. 2017-449]
(b)
Freestanding signs.
[1]
One shall be permitted with a total area not
to exceed 40 square feet. This sign may consist of a structure to
which are attached several signs, within the total square footage.
[2]
If a lot has a total linear street frontage
of more than 300 feet or if the lot includes more than 10 principal
establishments or involves the sale of automobiles by more than three
distinct manufacturers, a second freestanding sign shall be allowed
with a total square footage of 80 square feet for the two signs together.
[3]
A lot in the GC District may also include one
additional nonilluminated freestanding sign with a maximum square
footage of six square feet.
[4]
A freestanding sign may include a digital sign or electronic message sign, provided that it meets the size requirements of this section, the hours of illumination requirements of § 190-161D(3) and the provisions of § 190-189. The portion of a freestanding sign containing a digital sign or electronic message sign shall have a maximum area of 20 square feet.
[Added 12-27-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-405; amended 10-24-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-449]
[5]
Where more than one sign may be permitted on a lot under the provisions above, only one sign shall be a digital sign or electronic message sign, provided that it meets the size requirements of this section, the hours of illumination requirements of § 190-161D(3) and the provisions of § 190-189.
[Added 12-27-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-405; amended 10-24-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-449]
(c)
Window signs. Total window signs, as defined
by this article, shall not exceed 20% of the total area of the window
on which the sign is located.
[Amended 11-13-1995 by Ord. No. 261]
[1]
A window sign shall not include a digital sign or electronic
message sign.
[Added 10-24-2017 by Ord.
No. 2017-449]
(d)
Buildings including more than one use. The requirements
of this section shall apply. It is the specific intent of this section
that for buildings including more than one use, that each use be identified
as part of one coordinated freestanding sign structure and not by
individual freestanding signs.
B.
Signs on mobile stands.
(1)
Purpose: to recognize signs on mobile stands
as a particular type of sign that has the characteristics of a temporary
sign but that is inappropriately used as a permanent sign. This section
is based on the policy that if a use desires to regularly display
a sign for regularly changing messages, that it erect a permanent
sign within all of the requirements of this ordinance.
(2)
Standards for signs on mobile stands.
(a)
Signs on mobile stands shall be permitted only
in the GC District.
(b)
Signs on mobile stands shall have a maximum
sign area of 40 square feet.
(c)
Only one mobile sign shall be permitted per
use or per lot, whichever is lesser.
(d)
Permit. The display of signs on mobile stands
shall require a special permit to ensure their use only as a temporary
sign. The cost of this permit shall be $10.
(e)
Time limit. A permit for a sign on a mobile
stand shall be limited to 20 days and be issued only once per use
or lot, whichever is lesser, within a calendar year.
(f)
Deposit. To ensure that a sign on a portable
stand is removed within 20 days, the applicant shall be required to
pay a deposit of $150 to the Township. This deposit shall be refunded
only if the sign is removed within the 20 days of the issuance of
the permit. Refusal to remove the sign after the 20 days shall constitute
a zoning violation, within the procedures of this ordinance.
(g)
No sign on a mobile stand shall be placed so
that it causes a hazard to traffic nor shall it be placed within the
existing/future road right-of-way.
(h)
No sign on a mobile stand shall include a flashing
or blinking light.
(3)
Applicability. The standards of this section
shall apply to all signs on mobile stands that are placed for display
to the public after this ordinance goes into effect. These standards
shall also apply to all signs on mobile stands that currently exist
in the Township for which a permit from the Township has not been
granted for a permanent sign.
A.
The following types of signs are permitted in the
LI, HI, PIC and PO/IP Districts, but not including PO/B:
(4)
Wall signs. Up to two shall be permitted for
each establishment. Each sign shall have a maximum total sign area
of 50 square feet.
(a)
A wall sign shall not include a digital sign or electronic message
sign.
[Added 10-24-2017 by Ord.
No. 2017-449]
(5)
Freestanding signs, not to exceed one structure
per street frontage. The total area of each freestanding sign shall
not exceed 50 square feet.
(a)
A freestanding sign may include a digital sign or electronic message sign, provided that it meets the size requirements of this section, the hours of illumination requirements of § 190-161D(3) and the provisions of § 190-189. The portion of a freestanding sign containing a digital sign or electronic message sign shall have a maximum area of 25 square feet.
[Added 12-27-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-405; amended 10-24-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-449]
(b)
Where more than one sign may be permitted on a lot under the provisions above, only one sign shall be a digital sign or electronic message sign, provided that it meets the size requirements of this section, the hours of illumination requirements of § 190-161D(3) and the provisions of § 190-189.
[Added 12-27-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-405; amended 10-24-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-449]
(6)
Signs on mobile or movable stands are specifically
prohibited.
(7)
Each principal establishment within a multi-tenant
building may also have a wall sign with a maximum sign area of four
square feet, which shall be located near or on the use's door.
B.
The following types of signs are permitted in the
PO/B District:
(4)
Wall signs. Up to two per building, each with
a maximum sign area of 16 square feet. Such sign shall be posted a
minimum of four feet and a maximum of 10 feet above the average adjacent
finished grade.
(a)
A wall sign shall not include a digital sign or electronic message
sign.
[Added 10-24-2017 by Ord.
No. 2017-449]
(5)
A wall sign shall not include a digital sign or electronic message
sign.
[Added 10-24-2017 by Ord.
No. 2017-449]
(6)
Each principal establishment within a multi-tenant
building may also have a wall sign with a maximum sign area of four
square feet, which shall be located near or on the use's door.
(7)
Freestanding signs, not to exceed one sign for
each principal building. The total area of each freestanding sign
shall not exceed 50 square feet.
(a)
A freestanding sign may include a digital sign or electronic message sign, provided that it meets the size requirements of this section, the hours of illumination requirements of § 190-161D(3) and the provisions of § 190-189. The portion of a freestanding sign containing a digital sign or electronic message sign shall have a maximum area of 25 square feet.
[Added 12-27-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-405; amended 10-24-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-449]
(b)
Where more than one sign may be permitted on a lot under the provisions above, only one sign shall be a digital sign or electronic message sign, provided that it meets the size requirements of this section, the hours of illumination requirements of § 190-161D(3) and the provisions of § 190-189.
[Added 12-27-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-405; amended 10-24-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-449]
(8)
Signs on mobile stands are specifically prohibited.
Any signs that are to be associated with a proposed
variance or change of a nonconforming use shall be reviewed and either
be approved or denied at the same time that such action is approved
by the Zoning Hearing Board. A condition of such approval shall be
compatibility with adjacent land uses.
A.
Purposes:
(2)
This section is intended to carefully control
the sizes and locations of off-premises signs for the following reasons:
(a)
Uncontrolled placement of off-premises signs
would result in visual pollution that would conflict with the economic
development goals of the Comprehensive Plan.
[1]
The Township has a goal of attracting desirable
light industrial and office development. These types of uses are very
prestige conscious and seek an attractive physical environment. Uncontrolled
erection of off-premises signs, especially along major entranceways
to the Township and the Lehigh Valley, would harm the positive image
of the Township that business persons receive.
(b)
Uncontrolled placement of off-premises signs
would create an environment of visual pollution that would conflict
with the existing and planned residential character of many areas
of the Township.
(c)
The visual pollution and visual clutter that
would result from uncontrolled placement of off-premises signs could
harm areas of great natural and scenic beauty in the Township. This
would threaten the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan of seeking
to maintain the agricultural and open space character of many areas
of the Township.
(d)
The visual clutter from uncontrolled placement
of off-premises signs could cause serious traffic hazards and distractions,
including obstructing sight distances for vehicles and pedestrians.
Also, possible sites abutting arterial streets would add to existing
problems of complex turning movements, congestion and traffic hazards.
Such high-traffic roads require drivers to place their full attention
onto the road without needless attractions.
(e)
This section recognizes that a full variety
of alternative means of free speech are available within the Township,
including provisions for on-premises signs, certain types of temporary
signs and a number of existing off-premises nonconforming signs that
exist in the Township and are available for rent.
(f)
The owners of all properties in the Township
are provided with a reasonable variety of reasonable uses for their
land other than permitted off-premises signs.
(g)
This section seeks to avoid off-premises signs
from having unfair advantages in sign area and height over on-premises
signs in the competition for attention.
B.
Nonconforming off-premises signs. This section is
not intended to require the removal of existing lawful off-premises
sign that are structurally sound and in good repair.
C.
Commercial and noncommercial signs. This section applies
to both commercial and noncommercial off-premises signs except as
may be specifically provided for elsewhere in this ordinance.
D.
State signs. Signs erected and maintained by the PA
Department of Transportation are permitted by right in all districts.
Such signs that identify business services available at an interchange
are specifically encouraged as an appropriate and orderly means of
providing information without causing visual pollution or traffic
hazards.
E.
Prohibition. Based directly on the purposes stated
in this section, all off-premises signs are prohibited in all districts
of the Township, except as is specifically permitted by provisions
of this ordinance.
F.
Allowance for peculiar circumstances.
(1)
This section recognizes that peculiar and exceptional
circumstances may cause a need for an off-premises sign other than
those that are permitted.
(2)
The Zoning Hearing Board may as a special exception
allow one off-premises sign related towards one individual use. Such
a sign shall be limited to 30 square feet in sign area on one face
and with a maximum height of 20 feet.
(3)
Such a sign may be permitted in any district
other than LDR, MDR, HDR or C-R.
(4)
No approval shall be granted for such a sign
unless the applicant proves to the satisfaction of the Zoning Hearing
Board that peculiar and exceptional characteristics of both the individual
use and the site overwhelmingly require a need for such a sign in
order for that use to exist. The applicant shall also prove that the
location of such a sign would be completely compatible with adjacent
uses.
G.
Permitted off-premises "billboard" signs. An off-premises billboard-type
sign is only permitted if it complies with all of the following requirements:
[Amended 12-27-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-405; 3-27-2012 by Ord. No.
2012-406; 10-24-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-449]
(1)
Shall have a maximum of one sign face per structure if one-sided
or two sign faces per structure if two-sided.
(2)
Shall have a total maximum height of 40 feet above the surrounding
ground level. However, for off-premises signs located adjacent to
and directed toward U.S. Route 22 or PA Route 33 and where the grade
of the lot is below the grade of the highway, then the total maximum
height of the sign may be 40 feet above the grade of the highway.
(3)
Shall only be located in the GC, NEB, LI, PO/IP or PI/C District.
(4)
Shall be located at least 1,000 feet from any other such sign,
as measured in any direction.
(5)
Shall be located within 300 feet of the existing right-of-way
of U.S. Route 22 or PA Route 33.
(6)
Shall be located at least 300 feet from any residential lot
line, as measured in any direction from the visible face of the sign.
(7)
Shall be located a minimum of 30 feet from any lot line other
than a residential lot line.
(8)
Shall have a maximum sign area of 300 square feet on each of
the permitted sign faces, except where such sign is located within
200 feet of the right-of-way of, and intended or designed to be viewed
from U.S. Route 22 or PA Route 33, in which case the maximum area
on each of two sides may be 672 square feet.
(9)
Shall not be required to meet the maximum height and size requirements
for a freestanding sign. The maximum height and size requirement governing
freestanding signs as defined by this ordinance shall not apply to
billboard signs.
H.
Off-premises digital billboard signs. An off-premises billboard sign
may be permitted as a digital sign if approved as a conditional use
by the Palmer Township Board of Supervisors provided the following
requirements are met:
[Added 12-27-2011 by Ord.
No. 2011-405; amended 10-24-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-449]
(1)
If an off-premises billboard sign, or any portion thereof, is
a digital sign, it shall be separated a minimum of 1,000 feet from
any other digital off-premises sign, as measured in any direction.
(2)
An existing off-premises sign shall only be permitted to be
converted to a digital sign if:
(3)
Where applicable, such off-premises signs shall be located,
constructed and maintained in accordance with all applicable Pennsylvania
Department of Transportation regulations, in addition to all Palmer
Township regulations. Where there is a conflict between regulations,
the more restrictive regulation shall apply.
(4)
An engineering certificate shall accompany any application for
a digital off-premises sign. The certification shall indicate under
seal of a professional engineer licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
that the sign has been designed in accordance with acceptable engineering
practices.
(5)
Prior to a permit being issued, the applicant shall provide,
in a form acceptable to the Township Solicitor, proof that the property
owner and licensee or other person in control of the sign consents
to the removal of the off-premises sign at their own expense if no
advertising is located on it or the sign otherwise ceases to be used
for a period of three consecutive months.
(6)
The applicant shall be required to permit and coordinate message
access for local, regional, state and national emergency services
during emergency situations.
(7)
The Board of Supervisors may impose reasonable conditions as
part of any conditional use approval of an off-premises digital sign.
[Added 12-17-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-311; amended 7-1-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-320]
Lights shall be permitted as an outline to commercial
structure rooflines, provided that the lights are white, nonflashing,
nonblinking and pose no distraction or harm to passing motorists.
Lights shall be no more than 3/4 inches in height and 8.1 watts per
bulb.
[Added 12-27-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-405; amended 10-24-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-449]
A.
Digital signs shall only be permitted to be located within 200 feet
of the right-of-way of, and intended or designed to be viewed from,
U.S. Route 22 or PA Route 33, as permitted within a GC, PC, MSC, NEB,
TI-1, TI-2, LI, HI, PI/C, PO/IP or PO/B Zoning District. Where applicable,
such signs shall be located, constructed and maintained in accordance
with all applicable Pennsylvania Department of Transportation regulations,
in addition to all Palmer Township regulations. Where there is a conflict
between regulations, the more restrictive regulation shall apply.
(1)
A digital sign shall not be placed within 500 feet of a residential
property line, as measured in any direction from the visible face
of the sign.
(2)
A digital sign placed within 750 feet of a residential property
line, as measured in any direction from the visible face of the sign,
shall be turned off between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
B.
Electronic message signs shall only be permitted to be located within
50 feet of the right-of-way of, and intended or designed to be viewed
from, U.S. Route 22, PA Route 33, William Penn Highway, Route 248/Nazareth
Road/South 25th Street, or Freemansburg Avenue, as permitted within
a GC, PC, LI, HI, PI/C, PO/IP, PO/B or C-R Zoning District. Where
applicable, such signs shall be located, constructed and maintained
in accordance with all applicable Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
regulations, in addition to all Palmer Township regulations. Where
there is a conflict between regulations, the more restrictive regulation
shall apply.
(1)
An electronic message sign shall not be placed within 200 feet
of a residential property line, as measured in any direction from
the visible face of the sign.
C.
A digital sign or electronic message sign shall be separated a minimum of 500 feet from any other digital sign or electronic message sign, as measured in any direction, except as required under § 190-187H(1).
D.
All messages, images or displays on a digital sign or electronic
message sign shall remain unchanged for a minimum of eight seconds.
Signs of 24 square feet or less which indicate only the time, temperature,
date or similar information shall be excluded.
E.
The time interval used to change from one complete message, image
or display to the next complete message, image or display shall be
a maximum of one second.
F.
There shall be no appearance of a visual dissolve or fading, in which
any part of one message, image or display appears simultaneously with
any part of a second message, image or display.
G.
There shall be no appearance of flashing, twinkling, blinking, or
sudden bursts of light, and no appearance of video motion, animation,
scrolling, twirling, or flow of the message, image or display.
H.
The intensity and contrast of light levels shall remain constant
throughout the sign face.
I.
The luminance of the sign display shall be controlled so as to not
create glare, hazards or nuisances. The luminance or brightness of
the display shall not exceed 5,000 nits during daylight hours and
150 nits during hours of darkness. Each digital sign or electronic
message sign shall be equipped with automatic dimming technology to
adjust the sign's brightness based on ambient light conditions.
(1)
The luminance specification shall be determined by a calibrated
luminosity meter, operated by a qualified lighting professional following
the instruments manufacturer's instructions.
(2)
The measurement of luminance should be taken from the nearest
roadway location perpendicular to the center of the digital sign face
or electronic message sign face.
(3)
The measurement of luminance shall include the measurement of
an all-white image displayed by the sign to evaluate the worst-case
condition.
J.
Signs shall be equipped with a properly functioning default mechanism
that will stop the sign display on one message or image and reduce
the luminance level to 150 nits should a malfunction occur.
K.
Digital signs and electronic message signs shall be inspected annually
to verify dwell time and brightness level. An annual inspection fee
shall be charged for every digital sign and electronic message sign,
as specified in the Township Fee Schedule.[1] The inspection shall be paid and the inspection completed
no later than April 30 of every year.
[1]
Editor's Note: Said schedule is on file in the Township
offices.
