Township of South Strabane, 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 that is supported by one or more poles, uprights, braces or pylons and that has a minimum clearance between the bottom edge of the sign and the adjacent ground level, as specified by this chapter.

Ground sign: a freestanding sign that is affixed to the ground by means of a permanent foundation and that provides a maximum clearance of 18 inches between the bottom edge of the sign and the adjacent ground level or, in the case of an elevated foundation, from the top of the foundation.

Monument sign: a sign supported on two posts or uprights, located at the entrance to a shopping center, that identifies the name of the shopping center and that may include the names of one or more of the businesses in the shopping center.

Wall sign: a sign painted on or attached to and erected parallel to the face of an outside wall of a building, projecting outward from the wall of the building no more than 18 inches.

Canopy or awning sign: a sign that also 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 exterior covered walkway, 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 other multitenant building.

Bulletin sign: 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 that projects no more than six feet above the highest point of the roof.

Overhanging sign: a sign, other than a wall sign or arcade sign, affixed perpendicular to a building or wall, whose leading edge extends beyond such building or wall, but not including awnings, canopies or marquees otherwise authorized by this chapter.

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

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

(10)

Portable sign: a sign that is not permanently affixed to a building, a structure or the ground and that 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, sandwich board signs, and trailer-mounted signs.

(11)

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

(12)

Indirectly illuminated sign: a sign that 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 that 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.

(13)

Internally illuminated sign: a sign that 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.

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

Agricultural sales sign: a temporary sign announcing the seasonal sale of agricultural products raised and sold on a farm, as defined herein.

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

Home occupation identification sign: 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 sign or freestanding ground sign containing only the name and address of a plan of subdivision or a multifamily building or development.

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

Development sign: a temporary sign erected during the period that a valid permit exists for construction and/or development of a property by the contractor and developer or their agent.

Construction sign: 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, public notices, government flags and other signs warning of hazardous or dangerous conditions.

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

(10)

Memorial/historical plaque: a commemorative or inscribed tablet recognized and installed by an agency of the Township, county, commonwealth or federal government or a nonprofit historical or veterans organization.

(11)

On-premises directional sign: a sign that 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.

(12)

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

(13)

Business identification sign: a sign that contains the name, address and goods, services, facilities or events available on the premises.

(14)

Temporary special event sign: a banner, flag, pennant, portable sign 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 or, if a portable sign, adequately affixed to the ground or some permanent structure, erected for a period of not exceeding 30 days, whose sole purpose is to advertise a special event or promotion.

(15)

Temporary off-premises directional sign: a temporary sign erected by a business, agency, organization or development located within the Township that directs vehicular traffic to an establishment, event, activity, product or service not sold, produced or available on the property on which the sign is located, including but not limited to real estate open houses, garage sales, estate sales, weddings, showers, picnics, concerts, special promotions and similar events, but not including any public signs, as defined herein, that are exempt from these regulations.

(16)

Window sign: a sign or group of signs affixed to the inside of a display window in a commercial establishment that advertise a product or service available on the premises or that announce or promote a special sale or special event.

§ 245-188 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 displayed for a period of more than 30 days at any one time or for more than three periods of 30 days or less in any 12 consecutive months.

Portable signs.

Moving or flashing signs, except for that portion of an authorized sign that indicates time or temperature or an authorized electronic changeable copy sign.

Signs on trees, utility poles or official traffic control devices or signs within the public right-of-way.

Signs that imitate traffic control devices.

Signs painted on walls or chimneys of a building or on fences or freestanding walls, except for murals, as defined herein and authorized by § 245-191E(2).

Overhanging signs, as defined herein.

Roof signs, as defined herein.

Signs on or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers that are parked on a public right-of-way or on any public property or private property other than the site of the business it advertises, except for maintenance, repair, loading, unloading or rendering a service at any location, where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business or activity located on nearby property, but not including temporary construction trailers authorized by this chapter.

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

Attention-getting devices displayed for a period of 30 days or less, with no more than three such periods in any 12 consecutive months.

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, as defined herein.

Window signs, as defined herein.

Signs erected inside a building, including signs on businesses located inside an enclosed mall that are not visible outside a completely enclosed building.

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

Lots with multiple street frontage.

In commercial and industrial districts, lots fronting on more than one street shall be permitted to have wall signs, as authorized by § 245-191C of this chapter, on each wall of a building that faces a street frontage. If a lot has access to more than one street, a monument sign or freestanding pole sign shall be permitted at the primary entrance, and a ground sign shall be permitted at the secondary entrance, provided the signs comply with the requirements of § 245-191C.

In all other zoning districts, lots fronting on more than one street shall be permitted to have one of each type of sign that is authorized for the lot, only on the street address frontage.

Temporary signs. In all zoning districts, where authorized by § 245-189, real estate signs, temporary off-premises directional signs, construction signs and development signs shall be considered temporary signs that shall be removed within 30 days of the completion of sales or construction.

Notification signs. In all zoning districts, legal notification signs posted on private property outside the public street right-of-way 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. Public signs, as defined herein, shall be exempt from these requirements in accordance with § 245-188B of this chapter.

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 official traffic signs and authorized 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 § 245-172D of this chapter.

Illumination. Illumination, when authorized by this chapter, shall be directed upon the sign face and not towards adjoining properties or streets. Flashing or oscillating signs shall not be permitted. Lighting shall be stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times, except for electronic changeable copy signs where authorized by § 245-191B of this chapter. 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 0.2 footcandle at the property line.

Design, construction, maintenance and inspection. All signs shall be constructed of a durable material and shall be maintained in good condition. All freestanding signs shall be designed to withstand a sustained one-hundred-mile-per-hour wind load. Any sign found to be 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 § 245-212B 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. 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.

Removal of signs. Whenever any business is discontinued or vacated, with no intention to reopen under the same name, all sign advertising panels containing the name of 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 § 245-187B above: residential identification signs, notification signs, real estate signs, construction signs and political signs.

No permit shall be required for any existing sign if there is no change in sign type, height, location, surface area, supporting structure or illumination, and the only change proposed is the change of advertising panels. While no permit is required, plans documenting the proposed change shall be submitted to the Zoning Officer, who shall determine compliance with this subsection.

Permits shall be required in accordance with § 245-217 of this chapter for all other signs authorized by §§ 245-189 through 245-192. The Zoning Officer shall issue the required permits upon submission of an application that 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 Supervisors.

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.

§ 245-189 Signs authorized in all zoning districts.

In addition to the signs authorized by §§ 245-190 through 245-191 in specific zoning districts, the following signs are authorized in all zoning districts:

Bulletin sign. One bulletin sign that 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.

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 A-1, R-1, R-2, R-3 or R-4 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 development site, provided the surface area of the sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in surface area. If the development is phased, the development sign shall be located in the phase that is currently under construction. A second nonilluminated temporary development sign shall be permitted at the entrance to the development, provided the surface area of the sign shall not exceed 16 square feet. 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, nor six feet in height, and shall be removed within 30 days of the completion of the work.

Temporary special event signs for public and nonprofit organizations. One nonilluminated temporary special event 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. Each organization may display a temporary special event sign a maximum of three times in any twelve-month period for a maximum of 30 days each time.

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 one square foot 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 either attached to the wall of the dwelling or may be freestanding in the front yard, provided the height of the freestanding sign shall not exceed four feet and the freestanding sign shall be located at least five feet from any property line or street right-of-way line.

On-premises directional signs.

On any lot that contains two or more multifamily or nonresidential buildings and/or on any lot that 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 nonilluminated 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.

Temporary off-premises directional signs. Temporary off-premises directional signs are authorized to direct the motoring public to real estate open houses, garage or estate sales or other special events, developments under construction and businesses or organizations located within the Township, subject to the following regulations:

Real estate open houses. Off-premises directional signs for real estate open houses for properties located within the Township shall be erected no sooner than two days prior to the open house and shall be removed at the conclusion of the open house. Signs not erected and/or removed within these time limits shall be removed at the owner's expense. The maximum surface area of such signs shall not exceed four square feet. No sign permit shall be required for such temporary off-premises directional signs for real estate open houses.

New developments.

Off-premises directional signs for new developments in the Township that are under construction shall be permitted only within the right-of-way of any arterial or collector street, as defined herein, with the permission of the owner of the right-of-way. If the owner of the right-of-way is PennDOT, the applicable permit for the use of the right-of-way shall be obtained.

The maximum surface area of each sign shall not exceed four square feet, and the maximum number of signs authorized for each development shall be four.

Off-premises directional signs located within the right-of-way shall comply with § 245-172D of this chapter, regarding visibility at intersections.

The permit required for off-premises directional signs for new development shall expire after one year from the date of issuance; however, the permit may be renewed, provided there is continued need for the sign. All such signs shall be removed within 10 days of the sale or rental of the last lot or unit in the development.

Garage sales, estate sales and other special events. Off-premises directional signs for garage sales, estate sales or other special events held on properties located within the Township shall be erected no sooner than two days prior to the event and shall be removed within two days of the conclusion of the special event. Signs not erected and/or removed within these time limits shall be removed at the owner's expense. The maximum surface area of such signs shall not exceed four square feet. No sign permit shall be required for such temporary off-premises directional signs for garage sales, estate sales or other special events.

Off-premises directional signs for businesses or organizations located in the Township.

Off-premises directional signs shall be permitted to be erected by any business or organization located within the Township, provided that each business shall be permitted to erect a maximum of four such signs.

The off-premises directional signs shall be located only along an arterial or collector street, as defined herein. The maximum number of signs located at any intersection or at any other individual location along the arterial or collector street shall be four signs.

The off-premises directional signs shall be nonilluminated and shall not exceed four square feet in surface area. The signs shall contain only the name of the business or organization, a logo, the street address and directional information, but shall not include any phone numbers, websites or other advertising information about products or services available. Such signs shall be permitted in the public right-of-way only if permission is granted by the owner of the right-of-way, and, if the owner of the right-of-way is PennDOT, the applicable permit for the use of the right-of-way shall be obtained.

If the signs are proposed to be erected on property owned by any owner other than the owner of the business or organization the sign is intended to serve, evidence of permission from the landowner in the form of a lease agreement or notarized statement shall be required with the permit application.

Signs located outside the public street right-of-way shall be located no closer than 10 feet to the edge of the public street right-of-way. The sign shall comply with the requirements of § 245-172D, regarding visibility at intersections.

Agricultural sales sign. In those districts where agricultural sales are authorized or may exist as a legal nonconforming use, two nonilluminated freestanding agricultural sales signs shall be permitted, provided the maximum surface area of the sign shall not exceed 12 square feet, the height of the sign shall not exceed eight feet, and the sign shall be located no closer than 10 feet to any property line or street right-of-way.

Residential identification sign. One nonilluminated residential identification sign shall be permitted on each lot, provided the sign shall not exceed one square foot in surface area and the maximum height of any freestanding sign shall be two feet. The residential identification sign may be affixed to the mailbox or to the wall of the dwelling or may be freestanding in the front yard.

Political signs. Political signs located on public property or within a public street right-of-way shall not be located within the clear sight triangle, as defined by § 245-172D of this chapter. These political signs shall be removed within 72 hours after the election for which they are erected. Political signs located on private property shall be exempt from these regulations.

§ 245-190 Signs permitted in agricultural and residential districts.

The following signs shall be permitted in all agricultural and residential districts:

Residential plan identification sign. One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated permanent wall or freestanding ground residential plan identification sign containing only the street address and/or name of a residential subdivision plan or multifamily building or development shall be permitted, provided the sign shall not exceed 24 square feet in area. A sign identifying the name of a residential subdivision or land development 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 § 245-172D. Such signs shall not be located in any public street right-of-way without the permission of the owner of the right-of-way and an agreement for maintenance of the sign by a homeowners' association or similar private organization.

Business identification sign for authorized conditional uses, uses by special exception or legal nonconforming uses. If a business identification sign is not otherwise authorized and regulated by this chapter for a legal nonconforming use or a conditional use or use by special exception in an A-1, R-1, R-2, R-3 or R-4 District, such business may have one nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated wall sign or freestanding ground identification sign, provided the sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in area and the maximum height of a freestanding sign shall not exceed six feet.

On-premises directional signs.

§ 245-191 Signs permitted in commercial and industrial districts.

In addition to the signs authorized in § 245-189 in all districts, only the following signs shall be permitted in all C-1, C-2, C-3, I-1 and I-2 Districts:

Temporary special event signs for businesses. Temporary special event signs, 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 signs shall be securely attached to the building or to the supporting structure of a freestanding pole business identification sign.

Temporary special event signs may be displayed a maximum of three times in any twelve-month period, provided each display shall not exceed 30 days.

The aggregate surface area of all temporary special event signs shall not exceed 24 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 signs on the site at any one time shall not exceed 70 square feet.

None of the signs prohibited by § 245-188A shall be used as temporary special event signs.

Temporary special event signs may be illuminated, but the message shall remain stationary at all times.

Changeable copy sign.

One nonilluminated or internally illuminated manual or electronic changeable 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 ground or pole sign on the lot or, in the case of an automobile service station, on the canopy over the gas pumps. The total surface area of the changeable copy sign shall not exceed 50% of the area of the wall sign or the freestanding ground or pole sign or 25 square feet, whichever is less. The area devoted to the changeable copy sign shall be included in the calculation of the maximum allowed surface area for the wall sign or the freestanding ground or pole sign on which the changeable copy sign is being erected. The cumulative surface area of all changeable copy signs or canopies over gas pumps shall not exceed 25 square feet.

An electronic changeable copy sign shall not be visible from property in an A-1, R-1, R-2, R-3 or R-4 District. An electronic changeable copy sign shall not be located within 500 feet of any signalized intersection.

Electronic changeable copy signs shall be equipped with an automatic day/night switch to regulate the intensity of the lighting relative to the ambient light. The color of the background, the color of the letters and the size of the letters shall be designed to minimize glare, be compatible with ambient light and be the minimum size and contrast necessary to be readable, given the speed of traffic on the adjacent street and the distance between the sign and the travel lanes.

A rolling or continuously moving message or display shall not be permitted. Except for time and temperature displays, each message or display shall remain stationary for at least 30 seconds. There shall not be any appearance of a visual dissolve or fading in which any part of one electronic message or display appears simultaneously with any part of another electronic message or display.

Business identification signs.

Wall signs.

In the C-1, C-2, C-3, I-1 and I-2 Districts, each business establishment shall be permitted to have wall signs that may be illuminated or nonilluminated. The wall sign shall not be located on the roof, nor extend above the height of the building.

In the C-1 District, 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 20 square feet, whichever is less.

In the C-2, C-3, I-1 and I-2 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 64 square feet, whichever is less.

In the case of a shopping center where buildings are set back from the street a distance in excess of 500 feet, the aggregate surface area of all wall signs for a business shall not exceed 2.5 square feet for each lineal foot of width of the front wall of the building or a maximum of 125 square feet, whichever is less.

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, and the lot is not located in a planned shopping center that has a monument sign.

The maximum surface area of the ground sign shall not exceed 20 square feet in the C-1 District. In the C-2, C-3, I-1 and I-2 Districts, the maximum surface area of the ground sign shall not exceed 50 square feet for the first 100 lineal feet of street frontage. For properties that have in excess of 100 lineal feet of street frontage, an additional one square foot of surface area of sign shall be permitted for each two lineal feet of street frontage; however, the surface area of the sign shall not exceed 150 square 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, and in no case shall the total height exceed eight feet above the adjacent ground level on which it is located. The sign shall comply with the visibility requirements of § 245-172D.

Ground signs may be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or internally illuminated.

(e)

All freestanding ground signs shall be located at least 15 feet from any property line, except, where property abuts on a public right-of-way, the ground sign shall be set back at least 15 feet from the right-of-way or at least 20 feet from the edge of the cartway if the right-of-way is not contiguous with the front lot line.

Pole signs. In addition to the authorized wall signs, one freestanding pole sign shall be permitted on lots of 50 acres or less, and two freestanding pole signs shall be permitted on lots in excess of 50 acres, 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, and the lot is not located in a planned shopping center that has a monument sign.

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

The maximum height of the top of the pole sign shall be 25 feet above the adjacent street level from which the sign is to be viewed.

The minimum height of the bottom edge of the sign shall be 14 feet if traffic circulates under the sign.

(e)

The maximum surface area of the freestanding pole sign or signs authorized on any lot shall be 100 square feet for lots with street frontages of 50 feet or less. For lots with street frontages in excess of 50 lineal feet, the following requirements shall apply:

	Street Frontage (lineal feet)	Maximum Surface Area of Sign (square feet)
	51 to 100	200
	101 to 150	300
	151 to 250	400
	More than 250	500

(f)

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 § 245-172D of this chapter.

(g)

All freestanding pole signs shall be set back at least 15 feet from every property line or public street right-of-way or a distance equal to the height of the sign, whichever is greater.

Monument signs.

One illuminated or nonilluminated monument sign shall be permitted at the main entrance to a planned shopping center or planned industrial park, provided a ground sign or pole sign does not exist and is not proposed at that entrance. Outparcels in a planned shopping center and lots fronting on a public street in a planned industrial park owned in fee simple may have a ground sign or pole sign authorized by Subsection C(2) and (3) of this section. No other businesses within a planned shopping center or planned industrial park shall be permitted to have a ground sign or pole sign; however, each business shall be permitted to have the wall signs authorized by Subsection C(1) of this section.

The maximum surface area of a monument sign shall be 150 square feet. The maximum height of the monument sign shall be 25 feet. The monument sign shall be located at least 10 feet from any property line or street right-of-way line. The monument sign shall comply with the visibility requirements of § 245-172D. The base of the sign shall be landscaped with shrubs, perennials and annuals for a minimum distance of three feet from the base of the sign.

Arcade signs. In shopping centers or office complexes that 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 street level entrance to a building. In the case of multitenant buildings, each business with a street level entrance may have a canopy sign. 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.

On-premises directional signs.

Master sign plan for regional commercial development. In applying for conditional use approval of a regional commercial development, the developer may submit a master sign plan for the entire regional commercial development site. In addition to the signs authorized for the individual businesses in the C-3 District by this section, the following signs may be proposed on the regional commercial development site:

Monument signs.

One illuminated or nonilluminated monument sign shall be permitted along each public street frontage on the site of a regional commercial development. The maximum surface area of a monument sign facing Interstate 79 shall be 300 square feet. The maximum surface area of any other monument sign shall be 150 square feet. The maximum height of the monument sign shall be 25 feet.

The monument sign shall be located at least 10 feet from any property line or street right-of-way line. The monument sign shall comply with the visibility requirements of § 245-172D. A monument sign may be located on any property within the regional commercial development site or an adjacent regional commercial development site, even though it is not located on the lot on which the business it advertises is located, provided the business is located within the regional commercial development site and the owner of the property on which the sign is to be located grants permission for the placement of the sign.

Mural signs. A mural is the application of paint, acrylic or other material directly onto the exterior wall of a building, whose sole purpose is to create an aesthetic design to commemorate an historic or community event or characteristic, provided it contains no advertising other than the name(s) of the artist(s) and the donor in an area not to exceed 0.5% of the mural's total surface area. A mural may be applied to the wall of any building in a regional commercial development, provided all of the following requirements are met:

The mural shall be the only sign on the building wall on which it is displayed and shall not be permitted to be used in conjunction with any other sign on the same facade.

The mural shall not be applied to more than one wall of any building.

The theme of the mural shall not relate to any business, product, service or other commercial or political promotion.

The mural shall be compatible with the established architectural or design theme that exists in the immediate area of the regional commercial development where the building is located.

(e)

The maximum surface area of the building wall covered by a mural shall be 500 square feet.

(f)

The mural shall be located so as to be visible from a public space, such as a parking lot, public or private open space or public street.

(g)

The mural shall be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.

§ 245-192 Billboards.

Billboards shall be permitted only as a conditional use, subject to the requirements of §§ 245-103, 245-104 and 245-106 through 245-168, and provided all of the following requirements are met:

Location. Billboards shall be authorized only as a conditional use on property located in the A-1 or I-2 District, provided all of the following requirements are met:

Billboards shall not be erected within 100 feet of the right-of-way of a public street.

Billboards shall not be erected within 100 feet of the boundary line of any R-1, R-2, R-3 or R-4 District or within 200 feet of any public or private school, church or cemetery, said distance in feet being measured along the radius of a circle from the centermost point of the billboard structure, extending in all directions.

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.

The spacing of billboards shall not exceed two billboards per lineal mile of public street. In calculating the spacing of billboards, both sides of the street shall be considered in measuring the lineal mile.

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 all parts of each billboard structure.

No billboard shall be erected in such a manner as to block the view, from the road or 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 or road on which it is situated, as defined by § 245-172D of this chapter, and it 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 300 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 that may be placed back-to-back or in a V-shaped configuration having an interior angle of 90° or less.

Neither dimension of the billboard's sign face shall 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 roadway from which it is intended to be viewed of 40 feet.

Construction methods. Billboards shall be constructed in accordance with applicable provisions of the Uniform Construction Code,[1] as now or hereafter amended, and shall meet all of the following additional requirements:

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

Vertical supports shall be capable of enabling the entire sign face to be able to withstand a minimum one-hundred-mile-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.

All grading shall be performed in accordance with Chapter 109, Excavations, Filling and Grading, of the Code of the Township of South Strabane.

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 0.5 footcandle upon the adjoining property.

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

In the case of a billboard that utilizes an electronically or manually changing display, each display shall remain stationary for at least 30 seconds.

[1]

Editor's Note: See Ch. 95, Construction Codes, Uniform.

Maintenance.

The aesthetic quality of billboards shall be maintained at all times.

Every five years, the owner of the billboard shall have a structural inspection made of the billboard by a qualified Pennsylvania-registered engineer or architect and shall provide to the Township a written report and certification certifying structural integrity.

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 § 245-212B 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.

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 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 Supervisors 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 that 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 Supervisors.

Nonconforming billboards.

Any billboard that 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.