A. 
Definitions. For the purpose of this article, the terms used herein are defined as follows:
ANIMATED SIGN
A sign with action or motion, flashing, color changes requiring electrical energy or electronic manufactured sources of supply, but not including wind-actuated elements such as flags, banners or specialty items.[1]
AWNING
A structure, as of canvas, stretched over a frame as a shelter from weather.
BANNER SIGN
Any sign intended to be hung either with or without frames, possessing characters, letters, illustrations or ornamentations applied to paper, plastic or fabric of any kind, but a single United States national flag of reasonable size shall not be considered a banner for the purpose of this article unless its use or purpose is that of advertising the location of the business at which it is flown.
BEACON LIGHT
Any light with one or more beams, capable of being directed in any direction or directions or capable of being revolved automatically.
CHANGEABLE ELECTRONIC VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGN
A sign that changes its display by programmable electronic or mechanical processes, automatically or by remote control, and displays a message or image by means of an electronic image, illuminated segments, a series of grid lights or video (including, but not limited to, a television screen, plasma screen, digital screen, LED screen, video board, or holographic display).
[Added 8-5-2009 by Ord. No. 1775; amended 5-21-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-1851]
CORNICE
The cornice directly over a window in the ground floor of a building.
CURBLINE
The established line and grade for the upper and outer edge of a curb.
DIRECTORY SIGN
A group of small signs advertising a group of professional, commercial or industrial individuals, companies, businesses or industries. Such signs may be erected in the manner of a freestanding sign or may be attached to a building or wall.
ERECT
To put in place and fasten to a building or elsewhere any sign or structure regulated by this article.
FESTOON LIGHTING
A directly illuminated sign comprised of either:
(1) 
A group of incandescent light bulbs hung or strung overhead or on a building or structure.
(2) 
Light bulbs not shaded or hooded or otherwise screened to prevent direct rays of light from shining on adjacent properties or rights-of-way.
FLASHING SIGN
An illuminated sign on which the artificial light is not maintained stationary and constant in intensity and/or color at all times when in use.
FREESTANDING SIGN
A sign which is not supported by attachment to a building or a wall.
HEIGHT
When applied to signs, the distance overall from top to bottom as erected in a vertical line.
NONCONFORMING SIGN
Any sign which does not comply with the applicable sign provisions in a zoning ordinance or amendment heretofore or hereafter enacted, where such sign was lawfully in existence prior to the enactment of such ordinance or amendment or prior to the application of such ordinance or amendment to its location by reason of annexation.
OFF-PREMISES SIGN
A sign which advertises or otherwise directs attention to an activity not on the same lot.
PERSON
The owner or person in possession of the premises and the erector of the sign, and shall include all individuals, partnerships, corporations and unincorporated associations.
PROJECTING SIGN
Any sign mounted to a wall or other vertical building surface other than a wall sign.
REBUILD
In connection with signs and structures, to make changes, additions or repairs which necessitate their temporary removal from their fastening.
RELOCATE
The removal of a sign from one building or location to another from its existing location to another location on the same building or property.
REVOLVING SIGN
A sign which revolves.
ROOF SIGN
A sign erected upon or above a roof or parapet wall of a building and which is wholly or partly supported by said building.
SIGN
An identification, description, illustration or device, illuminated or nonilluminated, which is visible from any public place and draws attention to a product, service, place, activity, person, institution, business or solicitation, or any emblem, painting, banner, pennant, placard or temporary display designed to advertise, identify or convey information, with the exception of national flags of reasonable size.
SIGN AREA
The area of all lettering, wording and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background on which they are displayed. "Sign area" excludes any supporting framework and bracing, provided that it does not contain any lettering, wording, designs or symbols. Where the sign consists of a double face, only one side shall be considered for the purpose of calculating total sign area. Where both sides are not identical, all sides shall be considered in calculating total sign area.
[Added 8-5-2009 by Ord. No. 1775]
STREET BANNER SIGN
Any banner sign which is stretched across and hung over a public right-of-way.
STREET LINE
The line of dedication in the case of a dedicated street and a line 25 feet on each side of the center line in the case of an alley, driveway or private road.
STRUCTURE
A marquee or steel framework supporting the roof sign.
THICKNESS
The distance between the outer surfaces of the two main spaces which are separated for construction purposes.
TRAILER SIGN
Any sign which is erected upon a structure having wheels, rollers or similar devices facilitating movement and is capable of being moved from one location to another.
WALL SIGN
A sign which is painted on a wall, glass surface or building or which consists of letters or symbols fastened either directly to a wall or a building or fastened to a panel which in turn is fastened to a wall or building, and which does not project more than six inches from the building or structure.
WAYFINDING SIGN
A sign and related equipment owned or operated by (or on behalf of) the Borough of Lansdale for the benefit of visitors, residents and businesses in the Borough of Lansdale to identify and help direct individuals to businesses, cultural institutions, recreation areas, public facilities, destinations of interest and other attractions located in the Borough of Lansdale.
[Added 5-21-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-1851]
WIDTH
The overall distance by a horizontal line from one side of the sign to the other as the sign is erected and installed.
WINDOW SIGN
Any sign which in any manner is affixed to the exterior or interior of a glass surface where such glass surface comprises any portion of the building front on a public street.
ZONING OFFICER
The person regularly assigned to that office or anyone temporarily performing the duties of the office or any other official to whom the duties of the office may be assigned by the Council or Borough Manager.
[1]
Editor's Note: The original definition of "area," which immediately followed this definition, was repealed 8-5-2009 by Ord. No. 1775. See now the definition of "sign area."
B. 
Permits.
(1) 
The applicant for a permit to erect a sign or structure regulated by this article shall make application to the Zoning Officer, setting forth the name of the owner of the property to which the sign or structure is to be attached, the name and address of the owner of the sign or structure and the name and address of the person, firm or corporation who is responsible for the erection and maintenance of the sign or structure.
(2) 
The applicant for a permit shall supply to the Zoning Officer such detailed information as to the structural features of the sign as well as such plans and specifications, including a scale drawing of the same, as the Zoning Officer may in each case require in order to determine the conformance of the proposed sign with the requirements of this chapter.
(3) 
No person shall be permitted or authorized to erect any sign or structure for which a permit is required under this article without procuring a proper permit, to be issued by the officers of the Borough designated for the issuance of permits. The registration certificate number of the permit shall be displayed on all signs or structures requiring a permit as provided herein.
C. 
Inspections. The Zoning Officer may inspect any sign at any time, and whenever any sign or structure is found to be unsafe in fastening or construction, the Zoning Officer shall notify the owner and the person responsible for the erection and maintenance thereof and the owner of the property on which the sign or structure is located and shall take the necessary legal steps given in this article for the removal of the sign or structure if the necessary corrections cannot be made within the time fixed in the notice issued by the Zoning Officer, which notice shall be in writing.
A. 
Extension. Signs may be set at an angle with the building and may project therefrom, but no part of such sign shall project so far as to be within four feet of the curbline.
B. 
Height. The distance between the level and the bottom of a projecting sign shall not be less than 10 feet.
C. 
Size. A projecting sign shall be not more than five feet in width and three feet in height.
D. 
Supports and fastenings. Any sign attached to a building shall be fastened directly to the walls by well-secured metal anchors. Wooden supports or bases shall not be permitted except for lawn signs. No electric lights or fixtures shall be attached in any manner to a wooden sign attached to a building, nor shall a post or posts designed to support a sign be erected outside the building line.
A. 
Signage. Signs shall be permitted on end panels, skirts, and the sloped portion of an awning provided that the following criteria are met:
[Amended 9-19-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-1825]
(1) 
Signs on the sloped portion of an awning shall be limited to stylized illustrations, monograms, or initials and shall not exceed 40% of the sloped face surface area of the awning.
(2) 
Signs on and skirts of an awning shall not exceed 25% of the surface area of the skirt or end panel.
(3) 
Signage on any portion of the awning must relate directly to a business actively being conducted in the building to which the awning is attached. In the event the business to which the signage on the awning refers is no longer located in the building to which the awning is attached, the awning signage must be removed upon 30 days' written notice from the Lansdale Borough Director of Community Development.
(4) 
Signs on the sloped portion of an awning are only permitted on awnings located over an entrance to a business.
B. 
Retractable awnings. There shall be a minimum clearance of seven feet from the lowest point of the awning structure to the sidewalk. Retractable awnings shall be securely fastened to the building and shall not extend farther than six feet from the building nor closer than 12 inches to the curbline. They shall be equipped with a mechanism or device for raising and holding the awning in a retracted or closed position against the face of the building.
C. 
Fixed or permanent awnings. The clearance from the sidewalk to the lowest part of any fixed or permanent awning shall be the same as required in Subsection B for retractable awnings. Fixed or permanent awnings installed above the first story shall not project more than four feet.
D. 
Rigid awnings. Those awnings supported in whole or in part by members resting on the ground shall be prohibited.
[Amended 9-19-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-1825]
The area of a wall sign shall not exceed a maximum of 2 1/2 square feet for each linear foot of front building wall on a public street, up to a maximum total sign area of 60 square feet. In determining the size of a wall sign for this purpose, if the letters or symbols are fastened to a panel or if a border circumscribes the letters or symbols, in either case, the area shall be determined by the square footage encompassed by the panel or border. In all other cases, the area shall be determined as that area that would be encompassed within a border if one did circumscribe the sign message or symbols on the outside limits of the same, horizontally and vertically, with straight lines, the horizontal lines being parallel with each other and the vertical lines being parallel with each other.
A. 
No projection into setback area. No freestanding sign on its base or foundation shall extend over or be placed within the setback area of the district in which it is located.
B. 
Supports and strengths. The supports, base and foundation of all freestanding signs shall be of sufficiently desirable quality as to support the weight of the sign without danger of collapse or falling and shall be maintained in such order and shall be designed so that the sign, supports, base and foundation will withstand a wind pressure of at least 30 pounds per square foot of surface of the sign area. Any freestanding sign over 10 feet in height, measured from ground level to the highest point of the sign or support, whichever is higher, shall be supported by metal supports. No more than two signs shall be attached to one base or foundation.
C. 
Sizes. No freestanding sign shall exceed 24 square feet in area unless the bottom of the surface of the sign is eight feet or more above ground level, in which case such sign shall not exceed 60 square feet in area for a single use and/or tenant, with an additional 10 square feet of sign area for each additional use and/or tenant, not to exceed a maximum of 80 square feet in area.
D. 
Landscaping. For each freestanding sign, the applicant shall provide two square feet of landscaped area for each square foot of sign area. To the maximum extent practicable, landscaping shall be situated at or near the base of the sign, but if such location is not practicable, the specific location of the required landscaping shall be subject to approval of the Borough Zoning Officer.
E. 
Except as provided in § 405-1613, not more than one freestanding sign shall be erected for each street frontage.
[Added 8-5-2009 by Ord. No. 1775]
Banners and temporary signs which advertise sales or special events are permitted, provided that only one such banner or temporary sign shall be permitted on each property for each street frontage on a public right-of-way, provided that such banner must be affixed to a building, and:
A. 
The maximum area of such banner shall not exceed 60 square feet. The maximum area of such temporary sign shall not exceed 24 square feet.
B. 
No banner or temporary sign shall extend into or over a public right-of-way.
C. 
The banner or temporary sign may not be displayed earlier than 15 days prior to the event, and such banner and temporary sign can only be displayed for a maximum of 30 days.
D. 
Applicants must obtain a temporary sign permit from the Zoning Officer prior to displaying a banner or temporary sign.
E. 
Temporary signs may be displayed for a total of 60 days each calendar year. A maximum of two permits per year for temporary signs or banner signs shall be issued by the Borough. Window signs, when accessory to a principal business or commercial establishment and installed in accordance with § 405-1614, shall not be considered temporary signs.
[Amended 8-5-2009 by Ord. No. 1775]
The size of a directory sign shall be measured from the area of the panel on which it is placed or, if no panel, then by the total area of the surface which the letters and symbols cover. A directory sign shall not exceed 24 square feet in area.
Signs of the following types may be erected and installed in residential districts:
A. 
Signs advertising the sale or rental of premises upon which they are erected, when erected by the owner or by a broker or other like person interested in the sale or rental of such premises, may be erected and maintained, provided that the size of any such sign is not in excess of six square feet and that not more than two such signs are placed upon any property held in single and separate ownership, unless such property held in single and separate ownership fronts upon more than one street, in which event not more than two such signs may be erected on each frontage.
B. 
Signs advertising the sale or development of the premises upon which they are erected, when erected in connection with the development of the premises by a building contractor, developer or other like person interested therein, may be erected and maintained, provided that the size of any such sign is not in excess of 32 square feet and that not more than two such signs are placed upon any property held in single and separate ownership, unless such property fronts upon more than one street, in which event not more than two such signs may be erected on each frontage.
C. 
Signs indicating the location and direction of premises available for or in the process of development, but not erected on such premises, and having inscribed thereon the name of the owner, developer, building or agent, may be erected and maintained, provided that the size of any such sign is not in excess of six square feet nor four feet in length and that not more than one such sign is erected on each 500 feet of street frontage.
D. 
Signs bearing the word "sold" or "rental" or words of similar import, with the name of the person effecting the sale or rental, may be erected and maintained subject to the conditions specified in Subsection A of this section.
E. 
Signs of mechanics, painters and other artisans may be erected and maintained during the period such persons are performing work on the premises on which such signs are erected, provided that the size of any such sign is not in excess of 12 square feet and that such signs are removed promptly upon completion of the work; and provided, further, that not more than one such sign may be erected or maintained by each such mechanic, painter or artisan on the premises on which such work is being performed.
F. 
Signs advertising that furnishings and other equipment have been installed or placed on the premises may be erected and maintained on such premises, provided that the size of any such sign is not in excess of 12 square feet and that any such sign is removed promptly upon occupation of the house as a residence.
G. 
Signs of schools, colleges, churches, hospitals, sanitariums or other institutions erecting the same may be erected and maintained, provided that the size of any such sign is not in excess of 20 square feet and that not more than two such signs are placed on a property held in single and separate ownership, unless such property fronts upon more than one street, in which event not more than two such signs may be erected on each frontage.
H. 
Signs which, at the time this article becomes effective, are maintained in connection with a business then existing and lawfully conducted may be maintained or repaired or replaced with signs similar in size and character but may not be enlarged or otherwise substantially altered.
I. 
Off-premises signs. No off-premises signs shall be permitted within the Borough of Lansdale except in the Industrial District, and all off-premises signs must conform to the requirements set forth in § 405-1604 governing freestanding signs, except as follows:
[Amended 1-17-1996 by Ord. No. 1561]
(1) 
Signs necessary for the direction, regulation and control of traffic, street name signs, legal notices, warnings at railroad crossings and other official signs which are singularly authorized or erected by duly constituted governmental bodies.
(2) 
Temporary signs advertising political parties or candidates for election may be erected or displayed and maintained, provided that:
(a) 
The size of any such sign is not in excess of four square feet.
(b) 
The sign shall not be erected or displayed earlier than 30 days prior to the election to which they pertain and shall be removed within seven days after said election.
(3) 
Temporary nonilluminated signs directing persons to temporary exhibits, temporary shows, special events of a noncommercial nature or proposed developments may be erected, subject to the following requirements:
(a) 
Signs shall not exceed six square feet in area.
(b) 
Signs shall not be posted earlier than seven days before the occurrence of the event to which they relate and must be removed within seven days after the date of the show, event, sale or rental of the final unit in such development.
(c) 
Nonilluminated signs shall be used for directing patrons, members or an audience to service clubs, churches or other nonprofit organizations, provided that signs indicate only the name of the organization and place, date and time of meeting.
A. 
Prohibited signs. The following types of signs or illumination of signs shall be prohibited in the Borough of Lansdale:
(1) 
Flashing signs.
(2) 
Roof signs.
(3) 
Revolving signs.
(4) 
Festoon lighting.
(5) 
Animated signs.
(6) 
Trailer signs.
(7) 
Beacon lights.
(8) 
Street banner signs.
(9) 
Any sign using the words "stop," "look," "danger" or any other word or symbol or character that attempts or appears to attempt to direct the movement of traffic or that interferes with or resembles any official sign, signal or device.
[Added 8-5-2009 by Ord. No. 1775]
(10) 
Any sign displaying any potentially offensive representation of any specified sexual activities, as defined in § 405-2801 of this chapter.
[Added 8-5-2009 by Ord. No. 1775]
B. 
Security of signs. All signs shall be adequately secured in such manner as to comply with applicable codes and ordinances of the Borough of Lansdale.
C. 
Obstruction of openings. No sign or structure shall be so erected as to obstruct any door, window or fire escape of any building or interfere with the use of the sidewalk.
D. 
Maintenance. Every sign or structure shall be constructed of durable and fire-resistant materials. Every person responsible for a sign or structure shall keep the same in proper repair and properly painted whenever the sign has painted parts and shall keep all metal parts and supports thereof that are not galvanized or made of rust-resisting materials properly covered with paint.
E. 
Unsafe signs or structures. Whenever, in the judgment of the Zoning Officer, any sign or structure regulated by this article is unsafe, insecure or in danger of falling, the owner of the property on which the sign or structure is erected shall be held responsible; and upon written notice from the Zoning Officer, the owner shall cause the dangerous condition to be abated. If the owner of said property does not comply with the requirements of said notice within the time specified therein, the Zoning Officer shall cause said sign or structure to be removed or made safe at the expense of the Borough; and the amount of said expense, together with all other necessary expenses incurred by the Borough in the case, shall be recovered from the owner of the property in an action of law or by municipalities.
F. 
The maximum square footage for any one type of sign shall apply regardless of the number of that type of sign installed on the property. For example, the maximum size of a wall sign is 60 square feet. The maximum applies whether there is one wall sign or four wall signs, so that the total square footage of the four wall signs may not exceed 60 square feet.
[Added 8-5-2009 by Ord. No. 1775]
Other than as provided in the following, no sign shall be erected in the Borough of Lansdale.
A. 
Commercial, Business and Industrial Districts: All signs referred to as permitted signs in this Article XVI may be erected in the Commercial, Business and Industrial Districts of the Borough of Lansdale.
B. 
Residential districts: Only those signs set forth in §§ 405-1607 and 405-1908B may be erected in the residential districts of the Borough of Lansdale.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
C. 
Professional Office A and B Districts: There shall be permitted, with the obtaining of a permit from the Borough of Lansdale, with a maximum size sign of 16 square feet, neither dimension to exceed five feet either vertically or horizontally, to be a freestanding or directory sign. The sign shall be set back at least four feet from the inside of the sidewalk line and not less than six feet from any side property line.
D. 
Limited Professional Office District: Signs shall be erected as permitted in § 405-1002.
All permit fees for signs and inspection thereof shall be adopted by resolution of the Borough Council, as such may be updated from time to time, and which shall be on file and available for public use in the office of the Zoning Officer.
[Amended 5-21-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-1851]
Any permitted illumination of signs, buildings or structures in any district shall be subject to the following regulations:
A. 
No signs shall be illuminated with or contain flashing, rotating, moving or intermittent lighting devices, whether created by lighting effect or by rotation of the sign itself.
B. 
Floodlighting shall be shielded so that only the sign, building, structure or open area on said lot is directly illuminated.
C. 
Any artificial lighting that crosses the property line must not exceed the following intensities as measured with a portable handheld light sensor:
(1) 
Five-tenths footcandles above existing ambient light conditions for lighting falling onto an adjacent nonresidential use;
(2) 
Two-tenths footcandles above existing ambient light conditions for lighting falling onto adjacent residential uses or street rights-of-way, or emanating from any property in a residential district.
D. 
Sign lettering may be backlit, halo-lit illumination, or reverse channel letters with halo illumination.
E. 
Signs in residential zoning districts shall not contain or consist of any neon lighting.
[Amended 5-21-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-1851]
A. 
Changeable wording on permanent signs other than CEVMS signs shall be permitted when accessory to a principal business or commercial establishment when the wording on such signs can be changed manually and shall be subject to the following provisions:
(1) 
All changeable letters and numbers shall not exceed six inches in height; and
(2) 
All changeable letters and numbers shall not exceed 20% of the sign area.
B. 
CEVMS signs are only permitted in the Industrial District and, in addition to the general provisions set forth in § 405-1608, shall be subject to the following provisions:
(1) 
A CEVMS shall consist of a maximum of two sign faces;
(2) 
The maximum area of each sign face of a CEVMS shall be 12 square feet;
(3) 
Every sign face of a CEVMS shall display the same message at the same time;
(4) 
The sign area of the CEVMS shall be deducted from the total permitted sign area;
(5) 
There shall be no more than one CEVMS per parcel or condominium unit;
(6) 
A CEVMS owner shall provide the Borough with a contact, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for the following purposes: to provide a contact for the Borough to immediately request action be taken if the sign is operating in violation of the Borough's ordinances and to request the display of a public safety or emergency message;
(7) 
Except as set forth in § 405-1612(B)(14), the message (or display) on the CEVMS shall remain fixed for 30 seconds and the transition between messages (or displays) shall be instantaneous (taking no more than 0.3 seconds);
(8) 
Except for the display of public service, public safety or emergency message(s) the message displayed on the CEVMS shall directly relate to a business or activity;
(9) 
In the event of a CEVMS malfunction, the CEVMS shall go dark and shall not display any error message or emit any light from any sign face;
(10) 
Within one hour of a request by the Borough Manager or Borough Police Chief, a CEVMS shall display the requested public service, public safety or emergency message(s) for the period of time requested;
(11) 
A CEVMS shall be equipped to adjust brightness according to ambient light conditions and in no event shall lighting emitted from the CEVMS be more than two-tenths footcandles above existing ambient light conditions measured at the property line or street right-of-way;
(12) 
Except for the display of public service, public safety or emergency message(s), a CEVMS display shall be limited to letters, numbers, punctuation and symbols set forth on a standard ISO keyboard (105 keys) and shall not include any other picture, symbol or icon;
(13) 
A CEVMS shall display a maximum of two colors: one foreground color (typically the lettering or symbols) and one contrasting background color;
(14) 
Except for the display of public service, public safety or emergency message(s), a CEVMS display shall be turned off, display a fixed message, or have a blank, black screen (or display) from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.; and
(15) 
A CEVMS shall be permanently fixed to a base or building and shall not be a portable, freestanding sign or fixed to a vehicle or trailer.
C. 
In the event of a conflict between this § 405-1612 and any other Lansdale Borough rule, regulation or ordinance, the provisions of this § 405-1612 shall control.
[Added 8-5-2009 by Ord. No. 1775]
Portable freestanding signs shall be permitted when accessory to a principal business or commercial establishment, provided that each such portable freestanding sign shall comply with the following:
A. 
Clearly accessory to and placed adjacent to a permitted business or sign.
B. 
Limited to one portable freestanding sign per business establishment, except as permitted in Subsection F hereof.
C. 
Contain a total area not exceeding two feet by three feet per sign face.
D. 
Displayed only during regular business hours of the establishment.
E. 
Placed on private property or placed on the public sidewalk, provided that placement of such sign allows an unobstructed sidewalk for pedestrian use having a width of not less than five feet; and provided, further, that such sign is not placed within a sight distance triangle as defined and established under the provisions of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The Borough's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance is on file and available for inspection or sale at Borough offices.
F. 
One additional menu board (a portable freestanding sign containing a listing of menu items), not exceeding six square feet, is permitted on the premises of eating or drinking establishments.
[Added 8-5-2009 by Ord. No. 1775]
Window signs shall be permitted when accessory to a principal business or commercial establishment, subject to all of the following provisions:
A. 
Window signs shall be mounted only to the inside surface of windows and doors.
B. 
The total square footage of window signage shall not exceed 15% of the square footage of the individual window at/on which the sign is located.
C. 
Window signs shall be installed only at/on the windows of the first floor/ground level floor of a building.
D. 
Window signs shall be installed on one facade only of any building. In the event that a building has multiple street frontages, window signs shall be limited to no more than two street frontages.
E. 
Window signs shall be professionally designed and manufactured.
F. 
Seasonal window art (displayed for a maximum of 45 days) which does not advertise any product, service or the name of a business shall be exempt from the provisions set forth in Subsections A, B and E hereof.
[Added 8-5-2009 by Ord. No. 1775]
A. 
Any sign that was legal when erected, existing at the time of passage of this chapter, as amended, that does not conform to the regulations adopted hereby shall be considered a nonconforming sign. If the nonconforming sign is removed pursuant to a sale of the premises, any new sign or signs shall conform to the requirements of this chapter, as amended. If the sign is destroyed, the sign shall lose its nonconforming status unless it is replaced within three months; however, it may be repaired, replaced or repainted without loss of nonconforming status.
B. 
If any illegal, nonconforming sign shall be removed by reason of a street widening or any other municipal or governmental improvements, the owner of such sign may replace it; provided, however, that the new sign does not exceed the dimensions or size of the preexisting, nonconforming sign.
[Added 5-21-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-1851]
A permit is required for the erection or placement of all signs within the Borough of Lansdale except for the following types of signs which are exempt from the standards set forth in this chapter:
A. 
Any sign expressly authorized by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania laws or regulations which sign is specifically for public health, safety or welfare.
B. 
Signs applied to the door or window of a store giving the store hours when the total sign area of all such signs does not exceed two square feet.
C. 
Signs bearing only street numbers, post office box numbers or names of the principal occupants of the premises when the total sign area of all such signs does not exceed two square feet.
D. 
Directional, information or public service signs such as those advertising the availability of rest rooms, telephones or similar public conveniences provided such signs do not exceed four square feet in area.
E. 
Wayfinding signs, traffic control signs, and directional, guidance or public service signs (such as those advertising the availability of restrooms, telephones or similar public conveniences) erected and maintained by or on behalf of the Borough of Lansdale, which signs may be erected in an ultimate right-of-way; provided, however, the Borough of Lansdale shall approve the size, content and location of the sign(s); and the Borough of Lansdale shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to remove, replace or relocate the sign(s).
F. 
Window signs identifying the source, brand name or manufacturer of merchandise exhibited for sale when the total sign area of all such signs on a premises does not exceed two square feet.