A.
Purposes. This article is intended to promote and maintain overall
community aesthetic quality; establish reasonable time, place and
manner of regulations for the exercise of free speech, without regulating
content (excepting obscenity that is prohibited by state law or language
that incites violence); promote traffic safety by avoiding distractions
and sight distance obstructions; and protect property values and ensure
compatibility with the character of neighboring uses.
B.
Permit required. A zoning permit shall be required for all signs except for signs meeting the requirements of § 250-50 and nonilluminated window signs. Only types, sizes and heights of signs that are specifically permitted by this chapter within the applicable district shall be allowed.
C.
Changes on signs. Any lawfully existing sign (including nonconforming
signs) may be painted or repaired or changed in logo or message without
a new permit under this chapter, provided that the changes do not
increase the sign area or otherwise result in noncompliance or an
increased nonconformity with this chapter.
See § 250-22 of this chapter.
A.
The following signs shall be permitted by right within all zoning
districts within the following regulations and shall not be required
to have a permit under this article:
|
Type of Sign
|
Description
|
Maximum Number of Signs per Lot
|
Maximum Sign Area per Sign* on Residential Lots**
(square feet)
|
Maximum Sign Area per Sign* on Nonresidential
Lots
(square feet)
|
Other Requirements
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Agricultural sales or Christmas tree sign
|
Advertises the seasonal sale of agricultural products
or Christmas trees
|
2
|
8
|
24
|
Shall only be posted during seasons when such products
are actively offered for sale
|
|
Charitable event sign
|
Advertises a special event held a maximum of 9 days
in any calendar year that primarily is held to benefit a legitimate
tax-exempt nonprofit organization or charity
|
2
|
4
|
40
|
Shall be placed a maximum of 30 days prior to the event
and removed a maximum of 7 days after the event
|
|
Contractor's sign
|
Advertises a building tradesperson, engineer or architect
who is actively conducting significant work on a particular lot that
is not such person's place of business, or a bank or agency that is
financing an on-site construction project
|
1 per contractor
|
10
|
30 (or 1 sign of 60 square feet maximum may be used
if the sign is shared by multiple entities)
|
Shall only be permitted while such work is actively
and clearly underway and a maximum of 10 days afterward; such signs
shall not be placed on the lot for more than 1 year, unless a 1-year
extension is granted by the Zoning Officer; shall not be illuminated
|
|
Directional sign
|
Provides information indicating traffic direction,
entry or exit, loading or service area, directions to apartment numbers
or parking courts in a development, fire lanes, parking or closely
similar information regarding the same lot as the sign is on and that
does not include advertising
|
No maximum
|
3, in addition to signs painted on pavement
|
3, in addition to signs painted on pavement
|
Directional signs within a residential development
shall not be illuminated
|
|
Flag
|
A pennant made of fabric or materials with a similar
appearance that is hung in such a way to flow in the wind
(See also "special sale signs" below.)
|
1
|
20
|
20
|
Flags of governments and flags that simply include
colors or patterns are not regulated by this chapter, provided they
do not exceed 10 in number
|
|
Garage sale sign
|
Advertises an occasional garage sale/porch sale or
auction
|
2 per event
|
2 per sign
|
2 per sign
|
See "garage sale" in § 250-35
|
|
Home occupation sign
|
Advertises a permitted home occupation
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
Shall not be illuminated, except a sign of a medical
doctor may be externally lit; shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet
from the street right-of-way, unless printed on a mailbox; may be
freestanding, attached flat on a building wall or within a window
|
|
Identification sign
|
Only identifies the name and/or occupation of the resident
and/or the name, street address and/or use of a lot, but that does
not include advertising
|
1
|
1, except 2 for a principal non- residential use
|
6
|
Maximum height of 8 feet
|
|
Open house sign
|
Advertises the temporary and periodic open house of
a property for sale or rent
|
2 per event
|
4
|
4
|
Shall be placed a maximum of 5 days before the open
house begins and be removed a maximum of 24 hours after the open house
ends; such sign shall not be posted more than 5 consecutive days
|
|
Political sign
|
Advertises a person or party seeking political office
or a political cause or opinion on a referendum or matter of political
concern and which relates to a scheduled election or matter of upcoming
vote by a governmental body
(Political signs shall not be posted on property owned
by the Borough, except as may be allowed on election day outside of
a polling location.)
|
Maximum of 2 sign faces per issue or candidate per
street per lot
|
Maximum of 10 square feet per issue or candidate per
street frontage
|
Maximum of 20 square feet per issue or candidate per
street frontage
|
Shall be removed a maximum of 5 days after an election,
vote or referendum if the sign pertains to such a matter. Persons
posting political signs shall maintain a written list of locations
of such signs, unless posting signs on their own property. Political
signs shall not be placed on private property without the prior consent
of the owner. If a political sign does not meet these requirements,
then it shall be regulated as an off-premises sign
|
|
Public services sign
|
Advertises the availability of rest rooms, telephones
or other similar public conveniences
|
No maximum
|
2
|
2
| |
|
Real estate sign
|
Advertises the availability of property on which the
sign is located for sale, rent or lease
|
1 per street the lot abuts
|
6
|
30
|
Shall only be placed on the property while it is actively
for sale, lease or rent and shall be removed a maximum of 7 days after
settlement or start of lease
|
|
Recreation area sign
|
Off-premises signs that are posted on public property
around a recreation facility for a maximum of 6 months per year
|
No maximum
|
50
|
50
|
Such signs shall not be internally illuminated and
shall be directed towards spectators at the recreation facility
|
|
Service organization/place of worship sign
|
An off-premises sign stating the name of a recognized
incorporated service organization or place of worship and that states
the place and times of meetings or services and/or an arrow directing
persons to such location
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
Maximum of 2 such signs per such organization or place
of worship
|
|
Special sale signs
|
Temporary banners, flags and other signs that advertise
a special sales event at a lawful principal commercial business
(A portable sign may be used under this provision.)
|
5 per lot
|
Not permitted
|
Total of 60 square feet for all such banners, flags
and other temporary signs; no one banner, flag or sign shall exceed
40 square feet
|
Shall be displayed a maximum of 10 consecutive days
per event and a maximum of 4 events per year; such signs shall not
flash, be internally illuminated, nor obstruct safe sight distances
|
|
Time and temperature sign
|
With a sole purpose to announce the current time and
temperature and any nonprofit public service messages
|
1
|
Not permitted
|
30
| |
|
Trespassing sign
|
Indicating that a road is private, that trespassing
is prohibited on a lot, or controlling certain activities, such as
hunting and fishing, on the lot
|
No maximum
|
2
|
4
|
|
NOTES:
| |
|---|---|
|
*
|
Maximum sign areas are for each of two sides of each
permitted sign, measured in square feet.
|
|
**
|
For the purposes of this section, a "residential lot"
shall mean a lot occupied by a principal residential use or an undeveloped
lot in a residential district.
|
B.
In addition, the following types of signs are not regulated by this
chapter:
(1)
Historic sign: memorializes an important historic place, event or
person and that is specifically authorized by the Borough or a county,
state or federal agency.
(2)
Holiday decorations: commemorates a holiday recognized by the Borough,
county, state or federal government and that does not include advertising.
(3)
Not readable sign: not readable from any public street or any exterior
lot line.
(4)
Official sign: erected by the state, county, Borough or other legally
constituted governmental body, or specifically authorized by Borough
ordinance or resolution, and which exists for public purposes.
(5)
Required sign: only includes information required to be posted outdoors
by a government agency or the Borough.
(6)
Right-of-way sign: posted within the existing right-of-way of a public
street and officially authorized by the Borough or PennDOT, including
but not limited to decorative banners hung from streetlights that
are authorized by the Borough.
A.
The following are the on-premises signs permitted on a lot within the specified districts and within the following regulations, in addition to exempt signs and temporary signs permitted in all districts by other provisions of this article. See definitions of the types of signs in § 250-22.
|
Zoning District or Type of Use
|
Total Maximum Height of Freestanding Signs
(feet)
|
Total Maximum Area of Wall Signs
|
Total Maximum Area of Window Signs
|
Total Maximum Area and Number of Freestanding
Signs
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Residential districts, with signs in this table limited
to allowed principal nonresidential uses
(For home occupation signs, see § 250-50.)
|
8
|
30 square feet on each side of a principal nonresidential
building or an allowed nursing home or personal care center
|
May be used in place of a wall sign with the same restrictions
|
1 sign on each street the lot abuts, each with a maximum
sign area of 20 square feet
(See also entrance signs for major residential developments in § 250-51E.)
|
|
C-N District
|
8
|
1 square foot of sign area for each linear foot of
building length on the building side on which such signs are attached
|
Temporary nonilluminated window signs are not regulated;
other window signs shall be considered wall signs
|
1 sign per street that the lot abuts, each with a maximum
area of 20 square feet*
Up to 9 square feet of this sign area may be used instead
for a projecting sign, provided it is not internally illuminated,
or a sandwich board sign that is placed on the sidewalk in a location
that does not obstruct pedestrian traffic and which is kept inside
when the business is not open
|
|
C-G District, I-C District, and any other district
not listed above
|
20
|
2 square feet of sign area for each linear foot of
building length on the building side on which such signs are attached
|
Temporary nonilluminated window signs are not regulated;
other window signs shall be considered wall signs
|
1 sign per street that the lot abuts, each with a maximum
area of 40 square feet*
|
|
NOTE:
| |
|---|---|
|
*
|
If a lot includes two or more distinct principal nonresidential
uses, the maximum freestanding sign area may be increased by 10 square
feet for each principal nonresidential use beyond the first nonresidential
use. For example, in the C-G District, if a lot includes three such
uses, the maximum freestanding sign area shall be 40 plus 20 equals
60 square feet.
|
B.
Maximum height of wall signs. The maximum height of wall signs shall
be equal to the top of the roof along the wall to which they are attached.
However, sign may be attached to a parapet roof that vertically extends
up to 10 feet above the structural roof, provided the parapet roof
appears to be an architectural extension of the building.
C.
Portable signs (including signs on mobile stands) and other temporary
signs.
(1)
Purpose. These standards recognize portable signs as a particular
type of sign that has the characteristics of a temporary sign but
that has been inappropriately used as a permanent sign. This section
is based on the policy that if a use desires to regularly display
a sign for regularly changing messages, that it erect a permanent
sign within all of the requirements of this chapter.
(2)
Portable signs are prohibited in all districts, except as a temporary charitable event sign permitted by § 250-50.
(3)
Businesses are encouraged to provide an area on a permanent sign
that displays changeable messages, as opposed to using a separate
sign for such purpose.
D.
Signs on freestanding walls. A freestanding sign may be attached
to a decorative masonry or stone wall, with a maximum height of six
feet and a maximum length of 12 feet, without being regulated by the
wall setback regulations of this chapter and with the wall itself
not counting towards the maximum sign area. Such walls may be placed
in a yard, provided they do not obstruct safe sight distances.
E.
Major development sign. One two-sided sign or two one-sided signs shall be allowed at up to two exterior street entrances to a subdivision or land development of 20 or more dwelling units or more than five principal business uses. Such sign area shall be 32 square feet and shall be attached to a wall that meets § 250-51D.
The following prohibitions on signs shall apply in all zoning
districts:
A.
Any moving object used to attract attention to a commercial use is prohibited, with the exception of signage that changes or scrolls in compliance with this chapter. Certain flags and banners may be allowed as provided in § 250-50.
[Amended 12-2-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-1]
B.
Flashing, blinking, or twinkling signs of any type are prohibited. Signs may change their message from time to time, provided that each message is visible for a minimum of 10 seconds, except as follows: time and temperature signs may change more frequently, signs with a message that scrolls, and signs with a sign area greater than 50 square feet shall not change their message more frequently than once every minute. In addition, flashing lights visible from a street shall not be used to attract attention to a business. This restriction specifically includes window signs, but does not prohibit Christmas lighting or displays within § 250-50.
[Amended 12-2-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-1]
C.
Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors or particles, sound or odor
are prohibited.
D.
Signs which contain information that states that a lot may be used
for a purpose not permitted under this chapter are prohibited.
E.
Signs that are of such form, shape or color that they resemble an
official traffic sign, signal or device or that have any characteristics
which are likely to confuse or distract the operator of a motor vehicle
on a public street (such as prominent use of the word "danger") are
prohibited.
F.
Signs or displays visible from a lot line that include words or images
that are obscene or pornographic are prohibited.
G.
Balloons of greater than 50 cubic feet that are tethered to the ground
or a structure for periods of over a day and that are primarily intended
for advertising purposes are prohibited.
H.
Floodlights and outdoor lasers for advertising purposes are prohibited.
I.
To avoid distractions to motorists, neon lighting of more than 10
square feet per lot shall be prohibited as part of signs and if attached
to the outside of a building. Neon shall not be used to line the outside
of a building.
A.
Purposes. Off-premises signs are controlled by this chapter for the
following purposes:
(1)
To
ensure that a physical environment is maintained that is attractive
to desirable types of development, especially light industrial and
office parks;
(2)
To
prevent visual pollution in the Borough and protect property values,
especially in consideration of the fact that most commercial areas
of the Borough are within close proximity to existing residences;
(3)
To
prevent glare on adjacent property and streets;
(4)
To
avoid the creation of additional visual distractions to motorists,
especially along busy arterial streets that involve complex turning
movements and numerous traffic hazards;
(5)
To
recognize the numerous alternative forms of free speech available
in the Borough, including existing nonconforming off-premises signs,
on-premises signs and temporary signs and printed and electronic media;
B.
Nonconforming off-premises signs. This section is not intended to
require the removal of an existing lawfully placed off-premises sign
that is in structurally sound condition.
C.
PennDOT sign. Signs erected and maintained by PennDOT are permitted
by right in all districts.
D.
Permitted off-premises signs. Except for other types of signs that
are specifically allowed by this section to be off-premises, an off-premises
sign is only permitted if it meet the following requirements:
(1)
District. An off-premises sign is only permitted in the I-C District.
(2)
Location. An off-premises sign shall be set back a minimum of 25
feet from all lot lines and street rights-of-way.
(3)
Maximum total sign area on each of two sides: 250 square feet.
(4)
Spacing. Any off-premises sign shall be separated by a minimum of 500 feet from any other off-premises sign with a sign area greater than 20 square feet, including signs on either side of a street and including existing signs in other municipalities. No lot shall include more than one off-premises sign, except as allowed in Subsection D(6) below.
(5)
Maximum height: 35 feet above the elevation of the adjacent street,
measured at the street center line.
(6)
Attached. No off-premises sign or sign face shall be attached in
any way to any other off-premises sign, except that a sign of 250
square feet may have two sign faces of 250 square feet each, provided
the angle between the signs does not exceed 45°.
(7)
Control of lighting and glare. See standards in § 250-42. Lights shall be directed so they do not shine into the eyes of motorists, nor residents of homes. Lighting shall be directed downwards towards the sign area and shall be turned off between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m.
(8)
Setbacks. No off-premises sign greater than 20 square feet in sign
area shall be located within 200 feet of any of the following: an
existing dwelling or a residential district.
(9)
Condition. The sign shall be maintained in a good and safe condition,
particularly to avoid hazards in high winds. The area around the sign
shall be kept free of debris. If the message of a sign is no longer
intact, it shall be replaced with a solid color or a "for lease" sign.
A.
Setbacks.
(1)
All freestanding signs shall be set back a minimum of five feet from
the existing street right-of-way, except in the C-N District. Signs
shall not be located within the existing street right-of-way, except
for allowed projecting signs and sandwich board signs.
(2)
A freestanding illuminated sign for a commercial or industrial business
shall not be located within five feet of an abutting lot line of a
principal dwelling in a residential district.
(3)
These setbacks shall not apply to official signs, nameplate signs,
public service signs and directional signs.
B.
Sight clearance. No sign shall be so located that it interferes with the sight clearance requirements of § 250-62.
C.
Off-premises. No sign, except a permitted off-premises, official,
political or public service sign, shall be erected on a property to
which it does not relate.
D.
Permission of owner. No sign shall be posted on any property or sign
pole or public utility pole, unless permission has been received by
the owner.
E.
Signs on utility poles and street signs. No sign shall be attached
to a utility pole or street sign post, except by a utility or government
agency.
F.
Construction of signs. Every permanent sign permitted in this section
shall be constructed of durable materials and shall be kept in good
condition and repair. The Zoning Officer shall, by written notice,
require a property owner or lessee to repair or remove a dilapidated
or unsafe sign within a specified period of time. If such order is
not complied with, the Borough may repair or remove such sign at the
expense of such owner or lessee.
G.
Wiring of signs. Signs shall be prohibited that involve electrical
cords laying across parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except on
a residential property for seasonal lighting.
H.
Banners and overhanging signs. The Borough Council may approve the
hanging of decorative banners within the street right-of-way and may
approve a sign overhanging across a street to advertise a community
event or festival.
Any vehicle, trailer or structure to which a sign is affixed
in such a manner that the carrying of such sign(s) no longer is incidental
to the primary purpose of the vehicle, trailer or structure, but instead
becomes a primary purpose in itself, shall be considered a freestanding
sign and shall be subject to all of the requirements for freestanding
signs in the district in which such vehicle, trailer or structure
is located.
Signs advertising a use no longer in existence (other than a
sign relating to a building that is clearly temporarily vacant and
being offered to new tenants or for purchase) shall be removed within
180 days of the cessation of such use.
A.
Sign area shall include all lettering, wording and accompanying designs
and symbols, together with related background areas on which they
are displayed. One freestanding sign may include several signs that
are all attached to one structure, with the total sign area being
the area of a common geometric form that could encompass all signs.
B.
The sign area shall not include any structural supports that do not
include a message.
C.
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached
to or painted directly on a building or window, other than an illuminated
background that is a part of the sign, the sign area shall be the
smallest rectangle that includes all of the letters and symbols.
D.
The maximum sign area of the sign shall be for each of two sides
of a sign, provided that only one side of a sign is readable from
any location.
E.
Unless otherwise specified, all square footages in regards to signs
are maximum sizes.
A.
Signs legally existing at the time of enactment of this chapter and
which do not conform to the requirements of this chapter shall be
considered nonconforming signs.
B.
An existing lawful nonconforming sign that was lawful when it was
initially placed may be replaced with a new sign, provided the new
sign is not more nonconforming in any manner than the previous sign.
A nonconforming sign shall not be expanded in a manner that does not
conform to this chapter.
