Township of South Fayette, PA Signs

Freestanding. A sign supported on a foundation or by one or more uprights, poles or braces permanently affixed to the ground and not attached to any building or other structure, including:

Pole sign. A freestanding sign which is supported by one or more poles, uprights, braces or pylons and which has a minimum clearance of eight feet between the bottom edge of the sign and the adjacent ground level.

Ground sign. A freestanding sign which is affixed to the ground by means of a permanent foundation and which provides a maximum clearance of 18 inches between the bottom edge of the sign and the adjacent ground level.

Wall. A sign attached to and erected parallel to the face of an outside wall of a building, projecting outward no more than 12 inches from the wall of the building.

Canopy or awning sign. A sign that functions as a roof-like shelter, either permanent, retractable or removable, made of canvas or other durable material that is affixed to a building or is self-supporting and provides protection from sun, rain, snow and other elements.

Arcade sign. A sign suspended beneath a ceiling of an arcade, a roof or marquee containing only the name of a business for the purpose of assisting pedestrian traffic traveling under the arcade, roof or marquee to identify the location of establishments within a shopping center or similar building.

Bulletin. A type of manual changeable copy sign constructed to allow letters or symbols to be changed periodically, such as those used by churches and schools to announce events.

Roof sign. A sign erected and maintained upon or above the roof of any building which projects no more than six feet above the roof.

Overhanging. A sign, other than a wall sign or arcade sign, affixed to a building or wall whose leading edge extends beyond such building or wall more than 12 inches, including signs perpendicular to the wall of a building, awnings, marquees, canopies or similar structures used for business identification.

Billboard. An off-premises sign which advertises an establishment, activity, person, product or service which is unrelated to or unavailable on the premises where the billboard is located.

Changeable copy. A sign that is designed so that characters, letters or illustrations can be manually changed or rearranged without altering the face or surface of the sign.

[Amended 5-14-2014 by Ord. No. 2-2014]

Portable sign. A sign that is not permanently affixed to a building, a structure or the ground, which is designed to be moved from place to place, including but not limited to signs attached to wood or metal frames designed to be self-supporting and movable; paper, cardboard or canvas signs affixed to or wrapped around supporting poles; sandwich-board signs; and trailer- or boat-mounted signs.

Attention-getting device. A pennant, flag, valance, banner, propeller, spinner, streamer, searchlight, balloon or other inflatable device, or similar object or representation of a product, vehicle, equipment or other advertising image or any ornamentation which is designed or used for the purpose of promoting, advertising or attracting attention.

Indirectly illuminated. A sign which is lighted by means of lamps or lighting devices external to and reflected on the sign, which lighting is stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times and which is shielded so that the illumination is concentrated on the face of the sign and there is no spillover of illumination or glare beyond the face of the sign.

Internally illuminated. A sign which is lighted by means of lamps or lighting devices internal to the sign, which lighting is either behind the face of the sign or is an integral part of the sign structure and the advertising effect.

(14)

Festoon lighting. A group of two or more light bulbs of more than 20 watts each hung or strung overhead, not on a building or structure, which are exposed to view by persons on a public right-of-way, or which are not shaded or hooded to prevent the direct rays of light from being visible from the property line, but not including the temporary erection of lights as part of a holiday celebration, or small lights of less than 20 watts each.

(15)

Projection sign. A sign created by projecting an image on a wall using lighting that is stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times and which may use stencils, photographic images or other visual media or technology to project the image.

Types. Signs are categorized by use, function or purpose into the following types:

Residential identification. A sign containing only the name and address of the occupant of the premises.

Home occupation. A sign containing only the name and address of the occupant of the premises and their occupation. No logos or other advertising shall be permitted.

Residential plan identification sign. A permanent wall or freestanding ground sign containing only the name and address of a plan of subdivision or a multifamily building or development.

Real estate. A temporary sign advertising the sale or rental of premises. The sign may also bear the words "sold," "sale pending" or "rented."

Development. A temporary sign erected during the period of construction and/or development of a property by the contractor and developer or their agent.

Construction. A temporary sign announcing the name of contractors, mechanics or artisans engaged in performing work on the premises.

Public sign. A sign of a noncommercial nature and in the public interest erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance of any public duty, such as official signs and notices of any public or governmental agency, or erected by or on the order of a court or public officer, including official traffic signs and signs warning of hazardous or dangerous conditions, public notices, government flags, communications in the public interest, signs on bus shelters or any other sign erected in the public right-of-way with the approval of a government agency and/or the owner of the right-of-way.

Notification. Signs bearing legal and/or property notices, such as; "no trespassing," "private property," "no turnaround," "safety zone," "no hunting" and similar messages and any signs posted by a governmental agency for traffic control or the safety of the general public.

On-premises directional. A sign which directs and/or instructs vehicular or pedestrian traffic relative to parking areas, proper exits, loading areas, entrance points and similar information on the premises on which it is located.

Off-premises directional. A temporary sign which directs the public to a new development or a real estate open house located within the Township erected on property other than on the property on which the new development or real estate open house is located.

Political signs. A temporary sign which indicates the name, cause or affiliation of anyone seeking public office or which refers to an issue concerning which a public election is scheduled to be held.

Business identification sign. A sign which contains the name, address and goods, services, facilities or events available on the premises.

Temporary special event display. A banner, flag, pennant or similar display constructed of durable material and affixed to the wall of a building or the supporting structure of an approved freestanding pole business identification sign erected for a period not exceeding 30 days, whose sole purpose is to advertise a special promotion or event.

(14)

Window signs. A sign or group of signs affixed to the inside of a display window in a commercial establishment which advertises a product or service available on the premises or which announces or promotes a special sale or special event.

(15)

Marquee sign. A freestanding sign which contains the name and logo of the development and major businesses in the development.

[Added 4-14-2008 by Ord. No. 3-2008]

(16)

Parking area identification sign. A sign that is freestanding or mounted to a parking lot light pole that contains a number, letter or icon that would be located throughout parking areas to help people locate their cars.

[Added 4-14-2008 by Ord. No. 3-2008]

(17)

Loading dock identification sign. A wall sign that contains the establishment name that would be located within the loading dock area to help identify the loading dock with the correct establishment.

[Added 4-14-2008 by Ord. No. 3-2008]

(18)

Project welcome sign. A freestanding sign that contains the development name, logo and could also contain the phrase "Welcome to."

[Added 4-14-2008 by Ord. No. 3-2008]

(19)

Major development sign. A large temporary sign erected during the period of construction and/or development of a property by the contractor/developer or their agent.

[Added 4-14-2008 by Ord. No. 3-2008]

(20)

On-premises business directional. A sign that includes a directory of major business names and directional arrows. These signs are permitted at all entrances to the development site and internal collector road intersections.

[Added 4-14-2008 by Ord. No. 3-2008]

§ 240-116 General regulations.

The following regulations shall apply to signs in all zoning districts:

Restricted signs. The following signs shall not be permitted in any zoning district:

Attention-getting devices;

Portable signs in all districts, except the C-2 District;

Festoon lighting;

Moving or flashing signs, except for that portion of an authorized sign which indicates only time and/or temperature.

[Amended 5-14-2014 by Ord. No. 2-2014]

Signs on trees, utility poles or official traffic control devices or signs;

Signs which imitate traffic control devices;

Signs painted on walls or chimneys of a building or on fences or walls;

Overhanging signs, as defined herein;

Signs on or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers which are parked on a public right-of-way, public property or private property, other than temporarily for overnight storage on the site of a business or for maintenance, repair, loading, unloading or rendering a service at any location, which are visible from the public right-of-way and where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property, but not including any signs associated with a temporary use authorized by § 240-146 of this chapter.

Off-premises directional signs for business, commercial or industrial uses.

Any and all signs that deal with residential developments, commercial businesses or advertisements that are not based within the South Fayette Township borders.

Signs which by reason of position, wording, illumination, size, shape or color that obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view of, or may be confused with, any traffic control sign, signal or device.

[Added 5-14-2014 by Ord. No. 2-2014]

Electronic message center type signs, including but not limited to light-emitting diode ("LED") signs.

[Added 5-14-2014 by Ord. No. 2-2014]

(14)

Illuminated signs that direct the illumination onto adjacent streets, or onto property other than the premises on which the sign is located.

[Added 5-14-2014 by Ord. No. 2-2014]

(15)

Signs which physically or visually move, rotate or create an illusion of movement, or which have parts or surfaces that physically or visually move, rotate or create the illusion of movement, or which emit audible sound or noise.

[Added 5-14-2014 by Ord. No. 2-2014]

(16)

Signs which appear animated or projected, or which are intermittently or intensely illuminated or of a traveling, tracing, scrolling, or sequential light type, or signs which contain or are illuminated by animated or flashing light.

[Added 5-14-2014 by Ord. No. 2-2014]

Exempt signs. The following signs are exempt from these regulations and the requirement to obtain a permit:

Residential identification signs, as defined herein, provided they do not exceed one square foot in surface area;

Holiday decorations displayed for recognized federal or state holidays, provided they do not interfere with traffic safety or do not, in any other way, become a public safety hazard;

Memorial historical plaques, as defined herein;

Public signs.

Lots with multiple street frontage. In all zoning districts, lots fronting on more than one street shall be permitted to have one of each type of sign which is authorized for the lot on each street frontage.

Temporary signs. In all zoning districts where authorized by § 240-117, real estate, construction and development signs shall be considered temporary signs which shall be removed within 30 days of the completion of sales or construction.

Notification signs. In all zoning districts, the number, location and size of legal notification signs erected by public agencies shall be in accordance with the laws of the commonwealth. In all zoning districts, legal notification signs posted on private property by property owners, such as "no trespassing," "no hunting" and the like, shall be limited to a surface area not exceeding two square feet. The placement and maximum number of signs permitted along road frontages shall be one sign for every 30 feet of road frontage.

Visibility. No sign shall be located in such a position that it will cause a hazard by obstructing visibility for traffic on a street or obscuring a traffic signal or other traffic control device. No sign, other than public signs and off-premises directional signs, shall hang over or be erected within the right-of-way of any street. No sign shall be located within the clear sight triangle defined by § 240-99D of this chapter.

Illumination. Illumination, when authorized by this chapter, shall be directed upon the sign face and not towards adjoining properties or streets. Lighting shall be stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times. The intensity of any source of illumination of any sign, whether indirect or internal, shall be controlled so as to not exceed a maximum of 1.0 footcandle at the property line.

[Amended 5-14-2014 by Ord. No. 2-2014]

Construction, maintenance and inspection. All signs and their supporting structures shall be constructed of a durable material, shall be designed to withstand a sustained one-hundred-miles-per-hour wind load and shall be maintained in good condition, including lack of rust, adequate paint cover, integrity of frame and supporting structure and readability of sign face. Any sign found to be in disrepair or in an unsafe condition upon inspection shall be declared to be a public nuisance and the Zoning Officer shall give notice to the owner in writing, in accordance with § 240-141B of this chapter, to repair or remove the sign within 10 days. Upon failure of the owner to comply, the Township shall remove the sign at the owner's expense.

Removal of signs. Whenever any business is discontinued or vacated, all signs relating to the discontinued or vacated business shall be removed within 30 days of the vacation or discontinuance of the business. Upon failure of the owner to comply, the Township may remove the sign at the owner's expense. The Township may lien the property for the cost of removing the sign and all legal fees and costs incurred with filing and enforcing the lien.

Permits required.

No permit shall be required for the following types of signs as described in § 240-115A above: residential identification, notification, real estate, construction signs, public signs and off-premises directional signs and window signs.

Permits shall be required for all other signs authorized by §§ 240-117 through § 240-121. The Zoning Officer shall issue the required permits upon submission of an application which complies with all applicable provisions of this chapter and payment of the required fee established from time to time by resolution of the Board of Commissioners.

Expiration of permits. Any permit issued by the Zoning Officer for erection, alteration, replacement or relocation of any sign shall expire automatically within six months of the date of issuance if work authorized by the permit has not been initiated and diligently pursued.

Sign location. Except for billboards and off-premises directional signs, as defined herein, where authorized by this chapter, all signs shall be located on the premises which they are intended to serve.

§ 240-117 Signs authorized in all zoning districts.

The following signs are authorized in all zoning districts:

Bulletin sign. One bulletin sign which is nonilluminated or indirectly or internally illuminated shall be permitted in connection with any church, school, library or similar public or semipublic building. If the bulletin sign is a wall sign, the surface area shall not exceed 12 square feet. If the bulletin sign is a freestanding ground sign, the surface area shall not exceed 24 square feet.

Political signs.

[Amended 10-7-2018 by Ord. No. 6-2018]

TEMPORARY POLITICAL SIGNS

Definitions. The following shall be defined terms for the purpose of this chapter.

Are those signs announcing political candidates seeking office, political parties and/or political and public issues contained on an election ballot.

Temporary political signs posted on public property located within the Township are subject to the following general requirements:

Number of signs: No more than one temporary political sign shall be placed on public property at any intersection of roads or streets for any candidate nor shall a temporary political sign be located within 10 feet of any other such sign for any candidate.

Area. Temporary political signs on public property shall not exceed an aggregate gross surface area of four square feet per sign.

Height. Temporary political signs shall not project higher than four feet, as measured from the base of the sign or grade of the nearest adjacent roadway, whichever is higher.

Timing. Temporary political signs may be erected or maintained for a period not to exceed 30 days prior to the date of the election to which such signs are applicable and shall be removed within three days following the termination of the election.

Illumination. No temporary political signs shall be illuminated in any manner.

Posting of a cash bond. Prior to any person, firm or corporation placing a temporary political sign within the confines of any public right-of-way within the Township, there shall be posted with the secretary of the Township a cash bond in the amount of $100.

(g)

Required information. At the time of the posting of the cash bond, there shall be submitted to the Township, on a form supplied by the Township, the following information:

The name and address of a person who is placing the temporary political signs and the name and address of the person who will be responsible for removal of each sign.

The general nature and purpose of the temporary political signs to be placed.

The date when the temporary political signs will be removed. In no event shall the date specified for removal be later than three days after termination of the election.

(h)

Required consent of the Township for the placement of temporary political signs on the public right-of-ways or public property. Township reserves the right to deny a required to post temporary political signs on public property or remove or require the removal of any temporary political signs at any time whenever such sign violates the provisions of this Ordinance or poses a threat to the public's safety, health and welfare. Specific prohibitions include, but are not limited to, the following:

Temporary political signs shall be prohibited within five feet of the edge of the paved surface of any road or street within the Township.

Temporary political signs shall be prohibited along any road or street within the Township where it would obstruct the clear sight distance of the traffic.

(i)

Return of bond. If the temporary political sign is removed within three days after the date when it was declared to the Township that they would be so removed, the cash bond shall be refunded to the person or organization responsible for posting that bond.

(j)

Forfeiture of bond. If the temporary political signs are not removed within three days after the date when it was declared to the Township that they would be so removed, the posted cash bond as required by this section shall be forfeited to the general fund of the Township in the amount of $5 per sign as the cost of the Township to remove the signs.

Private property. No temporary political signs shall be placed or erected on any private property without first obtaining permission from such property owner.

Violations and penalties. Any person who shall be convicted of a violation of any of the provisions of this chapter before a District Magistrate having jurisdiction shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $500, together with costs of prosecution.

Real estate sign. One nonilluminated temporary real estate sign shall be permitted on each lot, provided the sign shall not exceed six feet in height. The real estate sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in surface area when located in any residential zoning district and shall not exceed 32 square feet in any other zoning district. Such sign shall be removed within 30 days of the sale or rental of the property on which it is located.

Development sign. One nonilluminated temporary development sign shall be permitted on each lot, provided the surface area of the sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in surface area. The development sign shall not exceed eight feet in height. Such sign shall be removed within 30 days of the sale or rental of the last lot or completion of the proposed construction in the development.

Construction sign. One nonilluminated temporary construction sign announcing the names of contractors, mechanics or artisans engaged in performing work on the premises shall be permitted on a lot, provided the sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in area and shall be removed within 30 days of the completion of the work.

Temporary special event sign. One nonilluminated temporary special event display sign, as defined by this chapter, shall be permitted to be erected on the face of a public building, church or building housing a nonprofit organization, provided that the area of the sign shall not exceed 40 square feet and provided the sign is displayed for a period no longer than 30 days and is removed within five days following the event that it is erected to promote.

Home occupation identification sign. One nonilluminated home occupation identification sign shall be permitted for an approved home occupation, provided that the surface area of the sign does not exceed 1 1/2 square feet and the sign shall contain only the name, address and occupation of the resident and shall not contain any logo or other advertising. The sign shall be wall mounted or affixed to the structure supporting the mailbox.

On-premises directional signs.

On any lot which contains two or more multifamily or nonresidential buildings and/or on any lot which provides more than 100 parking spaces, on-premises directional signs shall be permitted, provided that the surface area of any one sign shall not exceed four square feet.

On lots with areas less than one acre, a maximum of four nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated on-premises directional signs shall be permitted. On lots with areas of one acre or more, a maximum of six non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated on-premises directional signs shall be permitted on the first acre. For each additional acre or fraction thereof over one acre, two additional on-premises directional signs shall be permitted.

Off-premises directional signs.

Signs within Township right-of-way.

New housing development plans (including open houses): Off-premises directional signs for new housing development plans within the Township right-of-way limits shall be permitted once final plan approval has been granted by the Township Board of Commissioners and all of the applicable plans have been recorded by the county. The signs may be erected by the developer/builder/owner at locations approved by the Township. The maximum number of signs permitted within the Township boundaries shall be an amount agreed upon by the developer/builder/owner and the Township staff at the time of the developer's agreement. The signs may be erected, upon receiving written approval from the Township Manager, during the period of time between the start of construction and once 95% of the lots have been sold. Signs may be moved during this time period at the direction of the Township. Extension of this time frame may be granted only at the discretion of the Township Manager. All costs associated with construction, installation and removal are the responsibility of the developer/builder/owner.

The overall sign may be comprised of three individual signs. Their individual size, etc. are as follows:

[a]

Plan name sign: two feet by two feet, green backing with white lettering, located at the top of the signpost.

[b]

Direction arrow sign: six inches by two feet, green backing with white lettering, located at the bottom of the sign.

[c]

Developer sign: six inches by two feet, located under the plan name sign. The color selection(s) is to be approved by the Township Manager.

Signs [a] and [b] may be combined into one should the developer/builder/owner choose. At common intersections, signs from various developments can be combined into one board.

Individual real estate open houses, private owner sales: Off-premises directional signs within the Township right-of-way shall have a maximum surface area of no more than four square feet per sign. These signs cannot be erected until the locations have been agreed to by the Township Administration. These signs shall be erected no sooner than two days prior to the open house and shall be removed at the conclusion of the open house. Removal of the signs includes all support posts, stakes, etc. Signs not removed within the time limits specified will be done so by Township work forces at the owner's expense.

Signs within state right-of-way. All off-premises directional signs within a state right-of-way shall have a maximum surface area of no more than four square feet per sign. These signs cannot be erected until the locations have been agreed to by the Township Administration. These signs shall be erected no sooner than two days prior to the open house and shall be removed at the conclusion of the open house. Removal of the signs includes all support posts, stakes, etc. Signs not removed within the time limits specified will be done so by Township work forces at the owner's expense.

§ 240-118 Signs authorized in residential zoning districts.

The following signs shall be permitted in all residential districts:

Residential plan identification sign.

A maximum of two nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated permanent wall or freestanding ground residential plan identification signs containing only the street address and/or name of a residential subdivision plan or multifamily building or development shall be permitted at each plan entrance. The surface area of any residential plan identification sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.

A sign identifying the name of a residential subdivision may be affixed to a freestanding decorative wall, rather than to a building wall, provided that the decorative wall meets all applicable ordinance requirements and does not obstruct visibility for traffic entering or leaving the plan in compliance with the clear sight triangle required by § 240-99D.

Nonresidential identification sign. One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated wall or freestanding ground identification sign for any nonresidential use, other than a home occupation, which is a legal nonconforming use or which is authorized as a conditional use or use by special exception in a residential zoning district shall be permitted, provided the sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in area.

On-premises directional signs. See § 240-117H.

Temporary special event display. One nonilluminated temporary special event display sign, as defined by this article, shall be permitted to be erected on the face of a public building, church or building housing a non-profit organization, provided that the area of the sign shall not exceed 40 square feet and provided the sign is displayed for a period no longer than 30 days and is removed within five days following the event that it is erected to promote.

§ 240-119 Signs authorized in commercial and industrial districts.

The following signs shall be permitted in the Washington Pike Overlay District and in all C-1, C-2, I-P and I-1 Districts:

Temporary special event display. Temporary special event displays, as defined by this chapter, shall be permitted, provided that:

No more than two signs or banners shall be permitted on any establishment at any one time;

The temporary special event display signs shall be securely attached to the building or to the supporting structure of a freestanding pole business identification sign;

Temporary special event display signs shall be displayed for a period not exceeding 30 days, either consecutively or cumulatively, in any twelve-month period;

The aggregate surface area of all temporary special event display signs shall not exceed 40 square feet per establishment. In the event that there is more than one establishment on a site, the maximum aggregate surface area of all temporary special event display signs on the site at any one time shall not exceed 100 square feet;

Portable signs may be used as temporary special event display signs, provided they are securely anchored, are located outside any public street right-of-way and do not constitute a hazard for pedestrian or vehicular traffic;

Temporary special event display signs shall be nonilluminated.

Changeable copy sign.

One nonilluminated or internally illuminated manual copy sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the number of businesses on the lot. The changeable copy sign shall be permanently affixed to the wall of the building or to the supporting structure of an authorized freestanding sign on the lot. The surface area of the changeable copy sign shall not exceed 24 square feet.

[Amended 5-14-2014 by Ord. No. 2-2014]

In addition, automobile service stations may erect manual changeable copy signs advertising the prices of gasoline or other fuels, provided that:

Such signs are permanently mounted, whether to the fuel pumps or to the supports of a canopy covering the fuel pumps;

Such signs shall not be erected higher than 12 feet above the ground;

There shall be no more than four sign faces per pump island;

The combined surface area of all such signs at each pump island shall not exceed 24 square feet; and

Such signs shall not be internally illuminated.

In addition, automobile gas fueling businesses may erect electronic signs advertising prices of gasoline or other vehicle fuels, provided that:

[Added 5-14-2014 by Ord. No. 2-2014]

Such signs are permanently mounted, whether to the fuel pumps, supports of a canopy covering the fuel pumps, poles or other foundation system acceptable to the Township;

The top of such signs shall not be erected higher than 12 feet above the ground;

There shall be no more than two sign faces, whether at separate locations or mounted back to back;

Surface area of each sign face shall not exceed 12 square feet;

The display of such signs shall be steady, shall not scroll, change text, color, flash or oscillate in any manner.

Business identification sign.

Wall signs.

In the Washington Pike Overlay District and in the C-1, C-2, I-P and I-1 Districts, each business establishment shall be permitted to have wall signs which may be illuminated or nonilluminated.

In the C-2, I-P and I-1 Districts, the aggregate surface area of all wall signs for each business shall not exceed one square foot for each lineal foot of width of the front wall of the building or portion of the building occupied by the business or a maximum of 100 square feet, whichever is less.

In the C-1 and Washington Pike Overlay Districts, the aggregate surface area of all wall signs shall not exceed one square foot for each two lineal feet of width of the front wall of the building or portion of the building occupied by the business or a maximum of 40 square feet, whichever is less.

The wall sign shall not be located on the roof nor extend above the height of the building.

Ground signs. In addition to the wall signs, one freestanding ground sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the number of businesses on the lot, provided that:

No freestanding pole sign exists or is proposed to be erected on the lot.

In planned shopping centers, the ground sign may contain the name of the shopping center and the names of several individual businesses in the shopping center, provided the total surface area of the ground sign shall not exceed 100 square feet.

In land developments, other than planned shopping centers, the maximum surface area of the ground sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in the Washington Pike Overlay District and the C-1 District and shall not exceed 64 square feet in the C-2, I-P and I-1 Districts.

The height and location of the sign shall be designed so as to not interfere with visibility for vehicular traffic entering or leaving the lot or traveling on any street, and in no case shall the total height exceed eight feet.

Ground signs shall be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated only. Internally illuminated ground signs shall not be permitted.

All freestanding ground signs shall be located at least 10 feet from any property line or public street right-of-way.

Pole signs. In addition to the authorized wall signs, one freestanding pole sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the number of businesses on the lot, provided that:

No freestanding ground sign exists or is proposed to be erected on the lot.

The pole sign shall be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or internally illuminated.

The maximum height of the top of the pole sign shall be 20 feet.

The minimum height of the bottom edge of the sign shall be eight feet.

In planned shopping centers, the pole sign may contain the name of the shopping center and the names of several individual businesses in the shopping center, provided the total surface area of the pole sign shall not exceed 100 square feet.

In land developments, other than planned shopping centers, the maximum surface area of the freestanding pole sign shall not exceed 40 square feet if there are fewer than three businesses on the lot and shall not exceed 64 square feet if there are three or more businesses on the lot. Neither dimension of such sign shall be less than five feet.

(g)

No portion of any sign shall project over any public right-of-way nor shall it be located within the clear sight triangle of any street intersection as defined by § 240-99D of this chapter.

(h)

All freestanding pole signs shall be set back at least 10 feet from any property line or public street right-of-way.

Roof signs. Roof signs may be illuminated or nonilluminated. Roof signs shall be permitted only in place of a wall sign in the I-1 District. The surface area of a roof sign shall not exceed one square foot for each two lineal feet of width of the front wall of the building or a maximum of 100 square feet, whichever is less. Roof signs shall not project more than six feet above the highest point of the roof on which they are erected.

Arcade signs. In shopping centers or office complexes which have pedestrian accessways covered by a roof, marquee or exterior arcade, one arcade sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted for each business in the building, provided that the maximum surface area of each sign shall not exceed eight square feet.

Canopy signs. Canopy signs may be erected at the building entrance. Canopy signs shall not be illuminated. No more than one canopy sign shall be permitted for each building. The maximum height of the letters on a canopy sign shall be six inches.

Window signs. The total area of all window signs on display at any one time, including temporary window promotional signs, shall not exceed 25% of the total area of the display window in which they are located. A series of windows which are separated by frames less than six inches in width shall be considered as a single window for the purpose of this computation.

On-premises directional signs. See § 240-117H.

[Amended 4-14-2008 by Ord. No. 3-2008]

Projection signs. A business establishment may utilize no more than one projection sign, as defined in § 240-115A, if authorized by the Zoning Hearing Board as a use by special exception in accordance with the provisions of §§ 240-93 and 240-94 and the following express standards and criteria.

The sign shall only be operational from dusk until 11:00 p.m.

The surface area of the sign shall not exceed 85% of the total area of the wall on which the sign is projected.

The sign shall not create a distraction or visual hazard for motorists on any public street from which the sign is visible.

The sign shall be limited to business identification, including the name and/or the logo of a business, promotion of special events or community service message.

The maximum intensity of the illumination used shall be 750 watts.

The source of the illumination shall be shielded so as to eliminate glare in the immediate vicinity of the source.

Portable signs. Portable signs, as defined herein, may be utilized on properties in the C-2 District, provided the maximum surface area of the sign shall not exceed six square feet. The maximum number of signs permitted shall not exceed one sign for each 100 lineal feet of public street frontage.

§ 240-119.1 Signs authorized in the Commercial Signage Overlay District (CSOD).

[Added 4-14-2008 by Ord. No. 3-2008[1]]

The purpose of this district is to allow for signage appropriate to the use, scale, and circulation patterns of major planned commercial developments while maintaining an overall coordinated and orderly signage system. The Township shall maintain a map outlining the current Commercial Signage Overlay District (CSOD).

Signage shall be developed in conformance with the standards established within this article if the property owner so chooses and the development site meets the following criteria.

The base zoning district is either a Planned Economic Development District (PED) or a Business District (B-1).

Approved conditional use plan for a planned commercial development and/or a business park development plan.

A master signage plan has been prepared for the entire development site.

The development has a minimum site area of 50 acres.

The development has a minimum floor area ratio (F.A.R.) of 0.1.

The development site has road access to a state or federal limited access roadway.

A master signage plan and design guidelines shall be prepared for the entire development site to help ensure orderly and consistent signage; and to avoid signage that is uncoordinated, duplicative, and unnecessary.

The signage master plan: The plan shall contain the type and class of all signs, quantity of each type of sign, location, size, height and text description.

Sign designs: The design of all proposed signs shall be submitted for review and approval. The designs must include the style, materials, colors, text style, size and means of illumination.

The following signs shall be permitted in the CSOD:

Real estate sign. See § 240-117C.

Development sign. See § 240-117D. In addition, the sign cannot exceed eight feet in height.

Major development sign. One nonilluminated temporary major development sign shall be permitted per the development site. The sign shall not exceed 48 square feet in surface area, and not exceed 10 feet in height. Such sign shall be removed within 30 days of the sale or rental of the last lot/space or completion of the proposed construction in the development.

Construction sign. See § 240-117E. Be advised, however, that two nonilluminated temporary construction signs shall be permitted on a lot.

Temporary special event display. See § 240-119A.

Off-premises directional.

These signs shall announce the development name and directional information.

Shall not exceed 12 square feet in surface area.

The signs shall be permanent.

The signs can be erected only within state and federal roadway right-of-ways. Additionally, the locations must receive approval from the Township and the applicable agencies.

On-premises directional.

Business directional signs.

Directory signs for major business with directional arrows.

Permitted at all entrances to the development site and internal collector road intersections. However, the final number and location of the signs must be approved by the Township.

The surface area of any one sign shall not exceed 300 square feet and the height shall not exceed 20 feet.

The signs may be internally or indirectly illuminated.

Road directional signs.

Directory signs for major access routes/roadways with directional arrows.

Permitted at all entrances to the development site and internal collector road intersections. However, the final number and location of the signs must be approved by the Township.

The surface area of any one road sign shall not exceed 20 square feet, and the height shall not exceed six feet.

The signs may be internally or indirectly illuminated.

Minor directional signs.

Directory signs for parking and loading areas within the development.

The final number and location of the signs must be approved by the Township.

The surface area of any one sign shall not exceed six square feet and the height shall not exceed six feet.

Changeable copy signs. See § 240-119B.

Business identification sign.

Wall signs.

Each business establishment shall be permitted one wall sign per building face containing the name and logo of the establishment.

Only the wall sign on the front of the building may be illuminated. All wall signs located on the sides and rears of buildings shall be non-illuminated.

The maximum surface area of the wall sign on fronts, sides and rear of buildings shall not exceed 20% of the surface area of the wall on which the sign is located.

The wall signs shall not be located on the roof nor extend above the height of the building. Wall signs shall be mounted flush with the face of the building wall, and not on extended mounting brackets.

Ground signs. One freestanding sign containing the business establishment name and logo shall be permitted per individually owned lot within the overall development, regardless of the number of businesses on the lot, provided that:

No freestanding pole sign exists on the lot.

The surface area of the sign shall not exceed 200 square feet.

Sign can be double-sided.

The height of the sign shall not exceed 10 feet.

[5]

The height and location of the sign shall be designed so as to not interfere with visibility of the vehicular traffic entering or leaving the lot or traveling on any street.

[6]

The sign shall be indirectly illuminated only.

Arcade signs. See § 240-119C(5).

Canopy signs. See § 240-119C(6).

Loading dock identification sign. Establishments with their own individual loading docks shall be permitted one loading dock identification sign per dock area. The surface area for each sign shall not exceed six square feet.

Parking area identification sign.

The surface area of each sign shall not exceed 20 square feet.

Sign can be double-sided.

Signs mounted on parking lot light poles shall not exceed the height of the light pole. The height of freestanding signs shall not exceed the height of any parking lot light pole and fixture.

Project welcome sign. One sign shall be permitted at all major entrances to the project, provided that:

The surface area of each sign shall not exceed 1,000 square feet.

Sign can be double sided.

The height of the sign shall not exceed 25 feet.

Marquee sign. One marques sign per development shall be permitted as a conditional use within the CSOD, provided it is properly located, recommended by the Planning Commission, and all of the following criteria is met:

The sign shall not be erected within 500 feet of the boundary line of any "R" District, public or private school, church or cemetery, said 500 feet being measured along the radius of a circle from the centermost point of the sign structure extending in all directions.

On interstate or limited access highways, the sign shall not be erected within 100 feet of an interchange or safety rest area, said distance measured along the interstate or limited access highway from the beginning/ending of the pavement widening at the exit, from or entrance to the main-traveled way.

No sign shall be located closer than 10 feet to any street right-of-way.

No sign shall be erected in such a manner as to block the view of any existing business identification sign, residential or non-residential structure, or limit/reduce the lighting requirements established by the Township.

No sign shall be constructed within the clear sight triangle of the public street on which it is situated, as defined by § 240-99D of this chapter, and shall not in any case obstruct or impede traffic safety.

No sign shall be erected over any sidewalk or public right-of-way.

(g)

The sign shall not be part of, nor mounted on the roof, wall or other part of a building and/or structure.

(h)

The surface area of the sign shall not exceed 1,000 square feet. Be advised that this surface area will be permitted, provided all of the following criteria is met:

The sign shall have no more than two faces per structure.

The faces of the sign may be back-to-back, or in a V-shaped configuration having an interior angle of 90° or less.

The structure shall have a maximum height above the curb of the street, from which it is intended to be viewed, of 60 feet.

Editor's Note: This ordinance originally added the provisions of this section as § 240-120, redesignating §§ 240-120 and 240-121 as 240-121 and 240-122, respectively, but, to maintain the organizational structure of the Code, the provisions were added as § 240-119.1, and §§ 240-120 and 240-121 were not redesignated.

§ 240-120 Signs authorized in planned economic development districts and B-1 business districts.

[Amended 4-14-2008 by Ord. No. 3-2008; 4-15-2020 by Ord. No. 3-2020]

The following signs shall be permitted in planned economic development (PED) and business (B-1) districts:

Wall signs. Each business establishment shall be permitted one wall sign which may be illuminated or nonilluminated. The maximum surface area of the wall sign shall not exceed one square foot for each lineal foot of width of the front wall of the building or portion of the building occupied by the business or a maximum of 100 square feet, whichever is less. The wall sign shall not be located on the roof nor extend above the height of the building.

Ground signs. In addition to the wall sign, one freestanding ground sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the number of businesses on the lot, provided that:

No freestanding pole sign exists on the lot.

The maximum surface area of the ground sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.

The maximum height of the ground sign shall be six feet.

The height and location of the sign shall be designed so as to not interfere with visibility for vehicular traffic entering or leaving the lot or traveling on any street.

Ground signs shall be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated only. Internally illuminated ground signs shall not be permitted.

On-premises directional signs. See § 240-117H.

Temporary special event display signs.

Within an approved open space design component, see § 240-118D.

Within all other approved components, see § 240-119A.

Roof signs. Roof signs shall be permitted only in the B-1 business districts in place of a wall sign, provided that:

When viewed from a distance of 50 feet directly in front of the sign surface and at a point five feet above ground level, a roof sign shall exhibit a background which contains nothing other than a portion of the building which supports the sign.

The maximum surface area of the roof sign shall not exceed 2% of the exposed façade area or a maximum of 250 square feet, whichever is less.

The sign shall not project more than 12 inches from the building.

The sign letters shall not exceed six feet in height above the highest point of the roof.

The sign letters are permitted to extend above the roofline or may be mounted on a mechanical penthouse located on the roof of the subject building.

Roof signs may be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated, or internally illuminated but must not be detrimental to the character of the B-1 Business District in location, design, type and color of sign.

§ 240-121 Billboards.

Billboards shall not be permitted in any R Zoning District, in the Washington Pike Overlay District, or in any C-1, PED, I-P or I-1 District. Billboards shall be permitted only as conditional uses on property located in the C-2 District following recommendation by the Planning Commission and a public hearing by the Board of Commissioners, provided all of the following requirements are met:

Location. Billboards may be authorized as a conditional use only in the C-2 District, provided all of the following requirements are met:

Billboards shall not be erected within 500 feet of the boundary line of any R District or within 500 feet of any public or private school, church or cemetery, said 500 feet being measured along the radius of a circle from the centermost point of the billboard structure extending in all directions.

On interstate and limited access highways, billboards shall not be erected within 500 feet of an interchange or safety rest area measured along the interstate or limited access highway from the beginning or ending of the pavement widening at the exit from or entrance to the main-traveled way.

Billboards shall maintain a lateral minimum spacing of 600 feet between any existing or proposed billboard structure on both sides of the street. Required spacing shall be measured from a point on the center line of the street which is perpendicular to the centermost point of the billboard structure along a line extending from the centermost point of the part of the billboard which is parallel to the center line of the street to which the billboard is oriented.

No billboard shall be located closer than 10 feet to any public street right-of-way.

The minimum side and rear yard requirements applying to a principal structure as set forth within the zoning district in which the billboard is to be located shall apply to each billboard structure.

No billboard shall be erected in such a manner as to block the view from the street of any existing business identification sign, residential or nonresidential structure, or limit or reduce the light and ventilation requirements.

No billboard shall be constructed within the clear sight triangle of the public street on which it is situated, as defined by § 240-99D of this chapter, and shall not in any case obstruct or impede traffic safety.

No sign shall be erected over any sidewalk or public right-of-way.

Billboards shall not be part of a roof or wall nor shall they be mounted on the roof, wall or other part of a building or any other structure.

Size and height. A billboard shall have a maximum allowable gross surface area of 750 square feet per sign face. This gross surface area shall be permitted, provided all of the following additional requirements are met:

A billboard shall have no more than two sign faces per billboard structure which may be placed back to back or in a V-shaped configuration having an interior angle of 90° or less.

The dimensions of the gross surface area of the billboard's sign face shall not exceed 20 feet in total height or 40 feet in total length, provided the total allowable gross surface area for the sign face is not exceeded.

A billboard structure shall have a maximum height above the curb of the street from which it is intended to be viewed of 40 feet.

Construction methods. Billboards shall be constructed in accordance with applicable provisions of the Township Building Code, as now or hereafter adopted, and shall meet all of the following additional requirements:

A billboard structure shall have a maximum of one vertical support being a maximum of three feet in diameter or width and without additional bracing or vertical supports.

A billboard sign face shall be independently supported and have vertical supports of metal which are galvanized or constructed of approved corrosive-resistant, noncombustible materials. Structures constructed with galvanized metal shall be painted.

The one vertical support shall be capable of enabling the entire sign face to be able to withstand a minimum one-hundred-miles-per-hour wind load. Structural design computations shall be made and certified by a registered engineer and shall be submitted to the Township with the application for conditional use.

The base shall be installed using a foundation and footings approved by the Township Engineer for the type of construction proposed.

The entire base of the billboard structure parallel to the sign face shall be permanently landscaped with suitable shrubbery and/or bushes of minimum height of three feet placed in such manner as to screen the foundation of the structure.

Landscaping shall be maintained by the sign owner in an attractive and healthy manner in accordance with accepted conservation practices.

No bare cuts shall be permitted on a hillside.

All cuts or fills shall be permanently seeded or planted.

A billboard with display lighting shall be constructed so that it does not glare upon adjoining property and shall not exceed a maximum of 1.0 footcandle upon the adjoining property.

Display lighting shall not operate between 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m. prevailing local time.

No billboard structure, sign face or display lighting shall move, flash or emit noise. No display lighting shall cause distractions, confusion, nuisance or hazard to traffic, aircraft or other properties.

The use of colored lighting shall not be permitted.

Maintenance.

A billboard structure shall be entirely painted every three years, unless constructed of an approved corrosive-resistant material.

Every 10 years, the owner of the billboard shall have a structural inspection made of the billboard by a qualified Pennsylvania-registered engineer and shall provide to the Township a certificate from the engineer certifying that the billboard is structurally sound.

Annual inspections of the billboard shall be conducted by the Township to determine compliance with this chapter. The owner shall pay an annual inspection fee, as established from time to time, by resolution of the Board of Commissioners.

Billboards found to be in violation of this chapter shall be brought into compliance or removed within 30 days upon proper notification by the Township, issued in accordance with § 240-141B of this chapter.

Billboards using removable paper or other materials shall be maintained in such condition as to eliminate loose or frayed material protruding or hanging from the structure. All paper and other waste materials shall be removed from the site and disposed of properly whenever any sign face is changed.

Liability insurance. The applicant for a sign permit to erect a billboard shall provide a certificate of insurance for public liability and property damage which holds the Township harmless. The amount of insurance to be maintained shall be determined and adjusted from time to time by resolution of the Board of Commissioners. The insurance certificate shall contain a clause stating that the insurance shall not be canceled or reduced without first giving 10 days' notice to the Township.

Permits.

Prior to submission of an application for a sign permit, the applicant for a billboard shall obtain and submit with the application approvals from the Allegheny County Department of Aviation or the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), when applicable.

Approval of the conditional use shall be valid for six months from the date of action by the Board of Commissioners granting the conditional use. If the applicant fails to obtain a sign permit for the approved billboard within the six-month period, approval of the conditional use shall expire automatically, without written notice to the applicant.

The issuance of a sign permit for a billboard which has been granted approval of a conditional use shall be conditioned upon the approval of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) for billboards along state highways. If the applicant fails to submit evidence of the required approval by PennDOT within 30 days of the issuance of the conditional sign permit, the sign permit shall be revoked by the Township Zoning Officer who shall provide written notice to the applicant. The applicant may reapply for the required sign permit upon submission of evidence of PennDOT approval without payment of any additional sign permit fee, provided the application is filed within the six-month period during which the conditional use approval is valid.

Application fees. Said application shall be accompanied by an application fee in an amount equal to that set from time to time by resolution of the Board of Commissioners.

Nonconforming billboards.

Any billboard which does not conform to the requirements of this section shall not be enlarged or moved unless the billboard complies with all provisions of this section.