This chapter may be cited as the "Hanover Borough Sign Ordinance of 1975."
The purpose of this chapter is to promote and protect the safety and welfare of the public.
After this chapter becomes effective, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect, place, alter, locate, relocate or maintain within the Borough of Hanover any sign or sign structure without complying with the procedures and requirements of this chapter.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ADVERTISING SIGN
A sign which directs attention to a business, product, service or activity sold or conducted at a location other than upon the premises where the sign is located.
ANIMATED SIGN
A sign with action or motion, flashing lights or color changes requiring electrical energy, electronic or manufactured sources of supply, but not including wind-actuated elements such as flags, banners or pennants.
AWNING, CANOPY or MARQUEE
A sign or mark of identification on any structure made of cloth, metal, wood or substitute material with a frame or rigid form attached to a building and projecting out from the building.
BUNTINGS, PENNANTS, BANNERS AND SIMILAR MATERIAL
Temporary signs announcing changes and/or openings for businesses and industry and events concerning charitable, civic and religious organizations.
BUSINESS SIGN
A sign which announces or directs attention to a business, product, service or activity sold or conducted on the premises where such sign is located.
DIRECTIONAL SIGN
A sign which is for directing patrons or attendants to an establishment off the main traveled thoroughfare or to service clubs, churches or other nonprofit organizations.
GROUND SIGN (FREESTANDING)
A sign which is supported by uprights, columns, etc., in or upon the ground and not attached to any building.
HOME OCCUPATION
A sign depicting a use which is incidental or secondary to the residential use of a dwelling.
IDENTIFICATION SIGN
A sign which identifies only the occupant of the premises, the profession of an occupant and/or the name of the building upon which the sign is placed.
ILLUMINATED SIGN
A sign incorporating a source of light in order to make the message readable. Included are internally and externally lighted signs.
MOBILE BILLBOARD
A sign constructed on a moveable framework which can be moved from location to location. The sign has no permanent foundation in the form of footers or slab in the ground.
POLITICAL SIGN
A sign which takes sides in issues of public or group interest and/or advertises candidates involved therein.
PROJECTING SIGN
A sign which is attached to a building or other structure and extends beyond the line of said building or structure.
PUBLIC SERVICE SIGN
A sign erected or located by a public agency providing information or instructions.
ROOF SIGN
A sign erected upon or above the roof or parapet wall of a building and which is wholly or partially supported by said building.
SANDWICH BOARD SIGN
A sign constructed of at least two boards joined at the top; erected on the ground or a surface so as to form a triangular shape.
SIGN
A lettered board, structure, wall or other surface, or any other device used to visually announce, advertise or convey information to the public for any purpose. Included would be:
A. 
A separate structure consisting of a face or faces upon which information is portrayed, including its supporting structural elements.
B. 
A structure or device erected in the form of a symbol or trademark.
C. 
A structure or device attached or fastened to another structure, such as on the wall or roof of a building.
D. 
A surface of a structure or device upon which lettered, pictorial or other visual information is placed.
STREET CLOCK
A timepiece used as a sign erected upon or in a frame or structure placed or located upon the sidewalk by a person or business for the convenience of the public and which also serves as a business sign.
TEMPORARY SIGN
A sign placed or erected for a limited time only.
TRESPASSING SIGN
A sign indicating the private nature of a driveway or property.
WALL SIGN
A flat sign which is affixed in any manner against or parallel to any exterior wall of a building or structure and which does not extend above the parapet, eaves or facade of the building to which it is attached.