[Added 10-15-2012 by Ord.
No. 10152012-001; amended 5-2-2022 by Ord. No. 05022022-01]
A.Â
This article shall be knowns as the "Bellefonte Borough Sign Ordinance."
A.Â
The following regulations (patterned after the Sign Guidelines adopted
by Council on December 3, 1984) are made in accordance with an overall
plan and program for the public safety, area development, preservation
of property values and the general welfare of Bellefonte Borough,
and are intended to aid in traffic control and traffic safety, preserve
and protect property values; lessen congestion of land and air space;
provide against undue concentration of signs that distract and endanger
traffic safety and flow; establish reasonable standards for commercial
and other advertising through the use of signs in order to maintain
and encourage business activity and area development; avoid uncontrolled
proliferation of signs; recognize the rights of the public in roads,
streets, highways; preserve the wholesome and attractive character
of Bellefonte Borough; and recognize that the general welfare includes
a community plan that shall be beautiful as well as healthy, spacious
as well as clean, and well balanced in its growth and development.
B.Â
Please refer to the Borough's Design Guidelines Manual for more information on preferred designs and materials, sample photos regarding preferred types of signage, etc.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The Design Guidelines are included as an attachment to this chapter in the eCode® version of this Code.
A.Â
The community development objectives of this article are the goals,
objectives, and policies stated in the Borough's Comprehensive Plan,
as adopted and amended.
A.Â
A-FRAME OR SANDWICH BOARD SIGN
ADDRESS
AIR-POWERED DANCERS
ANIMATED or MOVING
ANIMATION
AWNING, CANOPY
BANNER
BILLBOARD
BUILDING IDENTIFICATION
CHANGEABLE COPY
CHANGEABLE COPY, REMOTE
COMMERCIAL MESSAGE
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
COMMUNITY EVENT SIGN
CONSTRUCTION
DECALS
DEVELOPMENT
DIGITAL
DIRECTIONAL, INCIDENTAL
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE BOARD
FEATHER FLAG BANNER OR SIGN
FLAGS, GOVERNMENTAL PENNANTS, AND INSIGNIA
FLASHING
FREESTANDING
GARAGE SALE, YARD SALE, AND OTHER SIMILAR SIGNS
GOVERNMENTAL
GROUND/MONUMENT
HISTORICAL MARKER
HOME OCCUPATION IDENTIFICATION
ILLUMINATED SIGN, EXTERNAL
ILLUMINATED SIGN, INTERNAL
INFLATABLE
MARQUEE
MARQUEE SIGN
MEMORIAL SIGN
MENU BOARD
MURAL/PUBLIC ART
NITS
OFF-PREMISES SIGN
ON-PREMISES SIGN
PANEL
PENNANT FEATHER SIGN
PERMANENT SIGN
PLAQUE
POLE/PYLON SIGN
POLITICAL
PORTABLE
PREMISES
PROJECTING OR BLADED SIGN
PROPERTY USE SIGN
REAL ESTATE SIGN
RECREATION FACILITY SIGN
RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION SIGN
RESIDENTIAL
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IDENTIFICATION SIGN
REVIEW BOARD or HARB
ROOF SIGN
SAFETY CONTROL
SHOPPING CENTER
SIGN
SIGN AREA
SPECIAL EVENTS SIGN
SPINNERS
STREAMER
TEMPORARY SIGN
TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGN
WALL SIGN
WINDOW SIGN
The following words and phrases, when used in this article, shall
have the meanings given in this section:
A portable sign comprised of two separate panels or faces
joined at the top and spread apart at the bottom to form the base
on which the sign stands.
The number or other designation assigned to a housing unit,
business establishment, or other structure for all purposes of location,
mail delivery, and emergency services.
An inflatable, moving, advertising product comprised of a
long fabric tube (with two or more outlets) which is attached to and
powered by an electrical fan.
Any sign or part of a sign that changes physical position
or light intensity by any movement or rotation of that gives the visual
impression of such movement or rotation. This includes air-powered
dancers and/or tube men. Changeable copy signs as defined herein are
not considered animated or moving signs.
The movement, or the optical illusion of movement, of any
part of the sign structure, design, or pictorial segment including
the movement of any illumination or the flashing, scintillating, or
varying of light intensity. Also included in this definition are signs
having "chasing action," which is the action of a row of lights commonly
used to create the appearance of motion.
Any sign that is a part of, or attached to, an awning, canopy,
or other fabric, plastic or structural protective cover over a door,
entrance, window, or outdoor service area. A marquee is not a canopy.
A sign or outside advertising display having the character,
letters, illustrations, ornamentations, symbol, color, or visual representation
applied to cloth, paper, vinyl, fabric, plastic, or like kind of malleable
material with or without a frame. National, state, or municipal flags,
or the official flag of any institution or business, shall not be
considered banners.
A permanently installed sign identifying, advertising, and/or
directing the public to a business, or merchandise, or service, or
institution, or residential area, or entertainment which is located,
sold, rented, leased, produced, pro-manufactured, and/or furnished
at a place other than the real property on which said sign is located.
Billboards are not permitted in any district in the Borough.
A small, pedestrian-oriented sign attached to a building,
which bears only the name, number(s), and/or logo of the building
but not the tenant and which is intended to be legible only from the
pedestrianways immediately adjacent to the sign.
A sign that is designed so that characters, letters, or illustrations
can be changed or rearranged manually to change the message on the
sign without altering the face or surface of the sign.
A sign that is designed so that characters, letters, or illustrations
can be changed or rearranged remotely by electronic or other means
to change the message on the sign without altering the face or surface
of the sign.
Any wording, logo, or other representation on a sign that
either directly or indirectly names, advertises, or calls attention
to a business, product, service, or other commercial activity.
Bulletin boards for public, charitable, or religious institutions,
when located on the premises thereto, used exclusively for noncommercial
or organizational announcements.
A temporary sign advertising community activities that relate
to specific, time-limited community events.
A temporary sign announcing the name of contractors, mechanics,
or artisans engaged in performing work on the premises which is displayed
only during active construction activities.
Small signage affixed to the windows or door glass that indicate
membership in a business group or which denote credit cards accepted
by the establishment.
A temporary sign erected during the period of construction
and/or development of a property by the contractor and developer or
their agent.
A computer-programmable sign capable of displaying words,
numbers, symbols, figures, or picture images that can be altered or
rearranged by remote or automatically without physically altering
the face or surface of the sign. These signs typically utilize light-emitting
diode, plasma, or liquid crystal display technology to produce the
character and graphic of the display. Digital signs shall include
static alphanumeric displays and electronic message boards.
A sign generally informational, that has a purpose secondary
to the use of the lot or site on which it is located, such as "No
Parking," "Entrance," "Exit," "One Way," "Loading Only," "Telephone,"
and signs denoting other sections of a building, such as offices and
so forth, and other similar directives.
A type of digital sign which displays messages, such as time
and temperature, in alternating light cycles.
Any lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material, whether
or not containing a message of any kind, designed to move in the wind.
A feather flag banner is a sign that is used to advertise a company
and draw attention to a product, event, or business.
The flag, pennant, or insignia of any government or religious,
charitable, or fraternal organization.
A sign that contains an intermittent or sequential flashing
light source or has a light source which is not stationary, varies
in illumination intensity, or contains elements which give the appearance
of any of the aforementioned.
Any sign supported by structures or supports that are placed
on, or anchored in, the ground and that are independent from any building
or other structure.
A sign advertising all general sales, open to the public,
conducted from or on a residential parcel of land in any residential
zone for the purpose of disposing of personal property including,
but not limited to, all sales entitled "garage," "lawn," "yard," "attic,"
"porch," "room," "patio," "flea market," or "rummage" sale.
A sign, which is owned, installed, and maintained by the
Borough or other governmental agency. This includes state and federal
historical markers as well as way finding signage.
A freestanding sign which is completely self-supporting,
has its sign face or base on the ground, and has no air space, columns,
or supports visible between the ground and the bottom of the sign.
It shall not be attached to a pole or pylon, nor raised by mounting
on a man-made berm, wall, or similar structure. Pole/pylon signs that
have pole covers which extend from the base of the sign face to the
ground shall not be considered ground/monument signs.
A sign designed to capture the memory of people, places,
events, and innovations that happened at or near the site of the marker.
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.
A sign lighted by or exposed to artificial lighting either
by lights on or in the sign or directed toward the sign.
A sign containing a source of light contained within the
sign structure or sign cabinet.
A three-dimensional (3-D) object, filled with air or gas,
and located in such a manner as to attract attention.
A permanent roofed structure extending out from the building
which is fully supported by the building. This structure is usually
placed over the entrance to a hotel, theatre, casino, train station,
or similar building.
A wall sign attached to a marquee.
A memorial sign or tablet denoting the date of erection of
a building.
A sign that lists for consumers the various options of products,
goods, or services provided by a business.
A hand-painted, hand-tiled, or digitally printed restorative
image on the exterior wall of a building that does not contain any
commercial message. For definition purposes, a commercial message
is any message that advertises a business conducted, services rendered,
or goods produced or sold.
The measure of the light emanating from an object that is
used to quantify digital sign brightness, which is calculated by the
total amount of light emitted from a sign divided by the surface area
of the sign measured as candelas per square meter.
A sign that contains a message unrelated to a business or
profession conducted upon the premises where such a sign is located,
or which is unrelated to a commodity, service or entertainment sold
or offered upon the premises where such sign is located.
A sign or display that identifies or communicates a message
related to the activity conducted, the service offered, or the commodity
sold on the premises where the sign is located.
The primary surface of a sign that carries the identifying/advertising
message.
Any lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material, whether
or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire,
or string, usually in a series, designed to move in the wind.
Any sign that is not a temporary sign.
An ornamental tablet, typically of metal, porcelain, or wood,
that is fixed to a wall or other surface in commemoration of a person
or event. These include, but are not limited to historical markers
and memorial signs.
A freestanding sign erected on a pole, poles, pylon, or pylons,
or other supporting structure where the bottom edge of a sign face
is installed above the ground. Pole/pylon signs that have pole covers
which extend from the base of the sign face to the ground shall not
be considered ground/monument signs.
A sign which is designated to influence the action of voters
or public officials, the election or defeat of a candidate for the
nomination or election to any public office, or a measure appearing
on the ballot at any national, state, district, or local election.
Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other
permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported, including,
but not limited to, signs designed to be transported by means of wheels;
signs converted to A- or T-frames; sandwich board signs; balloons
used as signs; umbrellas used for advertising; and signs attached
to or painted on vehicles parked and visible from the public ROW,
unless the vehicle is used in the normal day-to-day operations of
the business.
The area occupied by a business or other public enterprise.
When more than one business occupies a single building on the ground
floor, each business area shall be considered a separate premises.
Business or other public enterprises that occupy other floors also
shall be considered separate premises.
A sign that projects from and is supported by a wall of a
building.
A sign regulating the use of a property, such as "no trespassing,"
"no hunting," "no fishing," etc.
A temporary sign advertising the real estate upon which the
sign is located as being for rent, lease, or sale.
Signage or slogans identifying a golf course, country club,
and/or other recreational facility, when located on the premises thereof
and containing no commercial advertising.
A sign that identifies a place of worship.
Any sign located in a district zoned for residential uses
that contains no commercial message except advertising for goods or
services legally offered on the premises where the sign is located,
if offering such service at such location conforms to all requirements
of this article.
Any sign used to identify the name of a residential development
containing no commercial message and located at the principal entrances
of such development.
Refers to the Historical and Architectural Review Board (HARB)
of Bellefonte Borough.
Any sign erected and maintained upon or above the roof of
any building.
A public safety sign pursuant to federal, state, or local
public safety regulations.
A cohesive unit of stores or other commercial businesses
arranged and constructed according to a plan and contained within
a separate parcel of land.
Any structure, device, light or natural object, including
the ground itself or any part thereof, or any device attached thereto
or painted or represented thereon, which shall be used to identify,
advertise or attract attention to any object, product, place, activity
person, institution, organization, firm, group, commodity, profession,
enterprise, industry or business, or which shall display or include
any letter, number, word, model, banner, flag, pennant, insignia,
device or representation used as an announcement, direction or advertisement
and which is intended to be seen from off the premises.
Sign area is the area of the smallest geometric configuration
(triangle, rectangle, or circle) what can wholly enclose the surface
area of the sign. All visible faces of a multifaced sign shall be
counted separately and then totaled in calculating the sign area.
Three-dimensional signs shall be treated as dual-faced signs, such
that the total area shall be twice the area of the smallest triangle,
rectangle, or circle that can be totally circumscribed within the
sign in the plane of its largest dimension.
A temporary sign no larger than 25 square feet in area that
advertises auctions, special events, and charitable or public service
groups.
Any spinning object used to attract attention for advertising
purposes.
Any long, narrow wavy strip resembling or suggesting a banner
floating in the wind used for advertising purposes or to attract attention.
Any sign normally, but not necessarily, constructed of paper,
cloth, fabric, or canvas, announcing or advertising a special, limited-time
offer not normally available on the premises. This includes real estate
signs, a-frame or sandwich board signs, feather signs, and banners.
A sign regulating traffic.
A sign that is attached directly to or painted upon a building
wall and that does not extend more than 12 inches therefrom nor extend
above the roofline.
Any sign, picture, symbol, or combination thereof, designed
to communicate information about an activity, business, commodity,
event, sale, or service that is temporarily affixed inside a window
or upon the windowpanes of glass and is visible from the exterior
of the window.
A.Â
The regulations contained in this section shall apply to all signs
in all zoning districts within Bellefonte Borough. No sign may be
erected, placed, established, painted, created, altered, or maintained
except in conformance with the standards, procedures, and requirements
contained herein.
B.Â
Method of sign authorization and approval. For the purposes of this
article, signs shall be authorized for approval pursuant to the following:
(1)Â
Authorized signs are those for which a zoning approval has been
issued by the Zoning Administrator, following a review of an application,
provided the application complies with this article.
(2)Â
Exempt signs are signs that are authorized by the Borough but
that are exempt from the regulations herein and do not require a formal
zoning approval.
(3)Â
Prohibited signs are those signs that are not authorized by
this article nor are they exempt from regulation.
C.Â
Alteration of sign face. The physical alteration of a sign face or
supporting structure shall be considered the same as construction
of a new sign which shall require zoning approval and conformity to
all applicable requirements of this article.
D.Â
Methods for determining sign area and height.
(1)Â
Computation of area of single-faced signs. The area of a sign
face shall be computed by means of the smallest square or rectangle
that will encompass extreme limits of the writing, representation,
emblem, or other display together with any material or color forming
an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate
the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed,
but not including any supporting framework, bracing, or decorative
fence or wall when such fence or wall otherwise meets the regulations
of the Zoning Ordinance and is clearly incidental to the display itself.
Any digital portions of a proposed sign and/or sign base that contains
a message or logo shall be included in the calculation of sign area.
(2)Â
Computation of area of multi-faced signs. The sign area for
a sign with more than one face shall be computed by adding together
the area of all sign faces visible from any one point. When two identical
sign faces are placed back-to-back so that both faces cannot be viewed
from any point at the same time, and when such sign faces are part
of the same sign structure and not more than 42 inches apart, the
sign area shall be computed by measurement of one of the faces. Any
digital portions of a proposed sign and/or sign base that contains
a message or logo shall be included in the calculation of sign area.
(3)Â
Computation of height. The height of a sign shall be computed
as the distance from the base of the sign at normal grade to the top
of the highest attached component of the sign. Normal grade shall
be construed to be the lower of 1) existing grade prior to construction
or 2) the newly established grade after construction, exclusive of
any filling, berming, mounding, or excavating solely for the purpose
of locating the sign. In cases in which the normal grade cannot reasonably
be determined, sign height shall be computed on the assumption that
the elevation of the normal grade at the base of the sign is equal
to the elevation of the nearest point of the crown of a public street
or the grade of the land at the principal entrance to the principal
structure on the zone lot, whichever is lower.
E.Â
Signs generally permitted. Signs listed in this section are permitted
in all sections of the Borough (with additional regulations placed
on those situated in the Historic District, the regulations of which
can be found below) and shall not require licenses or permits, and
they shall not be calculated when counting the number of signs on
a premise. However, such signs shall conform with the general guidelines
for signs enumerated herein.
(1)Â
Property identification signs. Name and address of resident,
but not to include any commercial advertising, of not more than one
square foot in sign area for single-faced signs and two square feet
for double-faced signs.
(2)Â
Property use signs. Property use signs such as "no trespassing"
signs or other such signs regulating the use of a property, such as
"no hunting," "no fishing," etc., of no more than two square feet
in sign area. Such signs shall be limited to one sign per 20 feet
of lot frontage.
(3)Â
Real estate signs. Real estate signs not exceeding five square
feet in sign area in residential zones and the Central Business District,
and 16 square feet in all other commercial and industrial zones, which
advertise the sale, rental or lease of the premises upon which said
signs are located. Such real estate signs shall be removed within
10 days after the premises advertised has been sold, rented, or leased.
Real estate signs may be placed off-premises for a period not to exceed
10 days for purposes of advertising an open house or similar event.
(4)Â
Community bulletin boards. Bulletin boards associated with public,
charitable, or religious institutions, when located on the premises
thereto, and with a sign area of not more than 25 square feet if single-faced,
nor more than 50 feet if double-faced.
(5)Â
Directional/incidental signs. Signs regulating on-premises traffic,
parking or other functional subdivisions, such as restroom facilities,
and signs denoting other sections of a building, such as offices,
kitchen, and so forth, when less than four square feet in area and
bearing no commercial advertising.
(6)Â
Governmental signs. Signs erected by a governmental body, or
under the directions of such a body, and bearing no commercial advertising,
such as traffic signs, railroad-crossing signs, safety signs, signs
identifying public schools, parks, playgrounds, and the like.
(7)Â
Memorial signs. Memorial signs, historic tablets, and signs
denoting the date of erection of buildings, not to exceed one square
foot.
(8)Â
Flags, pennants, and insignia. The flag, pennant, or insignia
of any government or religious, charitable, or fraternal organization.
(9)Â
Special events. Temporary signs no larger than 25 square feet
in area, advertising auctions and special events or charitable or
public service groups. Such temporary signs must be removed within
24 hours after the event and erected no sooner than three weeks before
the event.
(10)Â
Residential development subdivision signs. Permanent residential
development signs at major entrances designed to identify a residential
subdivision and containing no commercial advertising, when no more
than 25 square feet.
(11)Â
Religious institutions; signs identifying places of worship.
The maximum area for a sign on the property shall be 25 square feet,
single-faced, or 50 square feet, double-faced. Off-property signage
for religious institutions shall not exceed six square feet in size
and shall not be attached to a tree or utility pole.
(12)Â
Recreation facility signs. Recreational facility signs shall
not contain any commercial advertising and shall not be more than
25 square feet.
(13)Â
Garage sale, yard sale, and other such signs. Such are restricted
to display only on the property at which the sale is being conducted
and are limited to a maximum size of five square feet. They may not
be erected earlier than 24 hours before the beginning of the sale
and must be removed within 24 hours of the end of the sale.
(14)Â
Political signs. Political signs shall not exceed six square
feet in size and shall not be attached to a tree or utility pole.
(15)Â
Decals. Decals shall not exceed 24 square inches.
(16)Â
Community event signs. Each sign shall not exceed two square
feet in area, and not more than one sign for each activity shall be
permitted for each public entrance to the premises. Such signs shall
be removed as soon as the event or activity specified thereon has
taken place.
(17)Â
Temporary signs. All other temporary sign uses not mentioned
above shall meet the following criteria:
(a)Â
Each premises in the Heavy Industrial, Highway Commercial, Village
Commercial, Central Business, and Waterfront Business Districts is
permitted to display one temporary sign per storefront, the total
cumulative area of which shall not exceed 30% of the area of each
display window or public entrance on the site. No single sign larger
than 10 square feet shall be permitted. No premises shall be limited
to less than 10 square feet of temporary sign area. This includes
pennants, banners, sandwich or A-frame signs.
(b)Â
Feather signs are permitted in all commercial districts outside
of the Historic District.
(c)Â
At any premises with more than one display window, the occupant
may choose to place all permitted temporary sign area on any single
window, provided that not more than 50% of that display window so
used is covered with signs.
(d)Â
Temporary signs are permitted to be used daily, so long as they
are displayed at the opening of the business and taken down at the
close of business. (Ex: sandwich board sign, pennant "OPEN" sign,
feather signs, etc.). Signs may not exceed 10 feet in height, measured
from ground to tip of sign.
(e)Â
All other such temporary signs shall be removed immediately
upon the completion of the event so advertised or announced, provided
that no temporary sign shall be maintained for a period in excess
of 28 consecutive days and no more than 84 days total within a calendar
year. A two-week, or fourteen-day, break shall be required between
periods for such temporary event signage.
F.Â
Signs prohibited in all districts. The following signs shall not
be erected anywhere in the Borough.
(1)Â
Signs that incorporate in any manner any flashing or moving
illumination or with illumination that varies in intensity or varies
in color, and signs that have any visible moving part, visible revolving
parts, or visible mechanical movement of any description, or other
apparent visible movement achieved by electrical pulsations or by
actions of normal wind currents, except when not visible from motor
vehicles traveling on public roadways. Hanging signs that simply swing
in the wind, and clocks and time/ temperature signs, and barber poles
may be excepted if they comply with all other provisions of this article.
(2)Â
Light sources that cast lights upon signs unless shielded by
opaque material so that the bulbs, floodlights, or tubes are not visible
off the property on which the signs are located.
(3)Â
Any sign or structure that constitutes a hazard to public health,
safety, or welfare. This includes any signs that impede or limit sight
distance and/or any signs that are located within a public right-of-way,
or any sign that impedes the view of street from an aboveground window.
(4)Â
Signs that, by reason of size, content, coloring or manner of
illuminating, obstruct the vision of drivers, either when driving
upon a roadway or when entering a roadway from another drive or roadway,
or obstruct or detract from the visibility or effectiveness of any
traffic sign or control device on public streets and roads.
(5)Â
Any sign that obstructs free ingress to or from a fire escape,
door, window, or other required exit way.
(6)Â
Signs that make use of the words "Stop," "Look," "One Way,"
"Danger," "Yield," or any similar words phrases symbols, lights, or
characters, in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse
traffic.
(7)Â
Signs on public property or a public right-of-way, unless erected
by a governmental body or unless required to be so located by order
of a governmental body. No sign located on public property or a public
right-of-way shall bear any commercial advertising or announcement.
(8)Â
Signs painted on, attached to, or supported by a tree, utility
pole, stone, cliff, or other natural object.
(9)Â
Searchlights, stringed pennants, spinners, and streamers, except
for occasions such as grand openings or special events, and then only
with special permission from the Zoning Administrator or Borough Council.
Use shall be limited to a fifteen-day period or by a time period specified
by Council.
(10)Â
Roof signs.
G.Â
Limit on number of signs per premises. No more than three signs may
be erected on any premises except when a premises is located on a
corner lot and has public entrances on two or more public ways, or
where a building has both a front and rear public entrance, in which
case one additional sign shall be allowed. In calculating the total
number of signs on a premises, temporary signs will be computed in
the total number or square footage allowed. A double-faced sign shall
count as a single sign.
H.Â
Limit on height of signs. No sign, or any part thereof, including
braces, supports, or lights, shall exceed a height of 25 feet. Height
shall be measured from grade level directly below the face of the
sign to the highest part of the sign. This is subject to review on
a case-by-case basis.
I.Â
Limit on sign area. The total sign area per premises shall not exceed
two square feet per lineal front foot of the main building on the
premises, except that no premises shall be limited to less than 20
square feet in total sign area. For corner lots, lineal front footage
shall be considered the sum of the premises' footage fronting the
side and front streets. In no case shall the total area of all signs
on one premises exceed 200 square feet. The total sign area for basement
premises shall not exceed 20 square feet.
J.Â
Limit on content of largest sign. The largest sign on a premises
shall not advertise any particular article of merchandise unless it
is the principal product sold or manufactured on the premises.
K.Â
Safety and maintenance.
(1)Â
Every sign and all parts thereof, including framework, supports,
background, anchors, and wiring systems, shall be constructed and
maintained in compliance with all current and future local, state,
or federal building, electrical, and fire prevention codes. The National
Electrical Code shall be used as the standard for all wiring systems.
(2)Â
All signs and all parts thereof shall be kept clean, neatly
painted, and in a good state of repair and maintenance.
A.Â
Projecting and bladed signs.
(1)Â
No sign may extend a distance of more than three horizontal
feet or exceed six square feet in area per side.
(2)Â
No projecting sign may extend into the property of another or
into a public right-of-way, unless such right-of-way is a sidewalk
and the bottom of the sign is located not less than 7Â 1/2 feet
from the sidewalk.
(3)Â
There shall be no more than one projecting sign per premises,
unless the premises is located on a corner lot or has public entrances
on two or more public ways, in which case one projecting sign may
be erected for and toward each public way.
B.Â
Murals and public art.
(1)Â
All murals and public art in the Historic Districts are subject
to HARB review and must obtain a certificate of appropriateness, as
well as a permit from Bellefonte Borough.
(2)Â
Mural content should be appropriate to the Historic District
and the immediate surroundings.
(3)Â
A mural may not depict a commercial product, brand name or symbolic
logo that is currently sold (this does not apply to historic "ghost
signs" painted on historic buildings).
(4)Â
A mural should be incorporated as an element of the overall
building design. It should complement the wall on which it is placed.
(5)Â
A mural should never obscure key features of a historic building.
(6)Â
In order to preserve historic architecture, a mural may be painted
on boards that are then mounted on the building wall.
(7)Â
It is the responsibility of the building owner to maintain the
physical appearance and upkeep of the mural. If an organization or
third party wishes to take on this responsibility, a written agreement
must be made between the entity and the building owner assuming responsibility
for upkeep. A copy of said agreement must be submitted to the Zoning
Administrator.
C.Â
Wall signs.
(1)Â
No wall sign shall extend above the top of the wall upon which
it is placed.
(2)Â
No wall sign shall exceed six square feet in area or a height
of four feet.
(3)Â
No wall sign or any part thereof shall project more than 12
inches from the wall upon which it is mounted.
(4)Â
No wall sign shall extend beyond the left and right extremities
of the wall to which it is attached.
D.Â
Ground/monument signs.
(1)Â
Every ground/monument sign and all parts, braces, and supports
thereof shall be located entirely behind the property line and shall
not project over the public right-of-way or other adjoining lands.
However, ground/monument signs may be permitted between the property
line and the building setback lines.
(2)Â
No ground/monument sign shall be larger than 25 square feet
in sign area on a single face, nor larger than 50 square feet of sign
area for both faces combined, nor in excess of 10 feet in any direction
on the sign face.
(3)Â
No ground/monument sign shall exceed 20 feet in height.
(4)Â
A premises may erect and maintain one ground/monument sign.
However, no individual business or other enterprise within a shopping
center may erect or maintain its own ground/monument sign.
(5)Â
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this article, for any
property located on a corner lot or having public entrances to two
or more public ways, one ground/monument sign may be erected for and
toward each public way.
E.Â
Pole/pylon signs.
(1)Â
Every pole/pylon sign and all parts, braces, and supports thereof
shall be located entirely behind the property line and shall not project
over the public right-of-way or other adjoining lands. However, pole/pylon
signs may be permitted between the property line and the building
setback lines.
(2)Â
No pole/pylon sign shall be larger than 25 square feet in sign
area on a single face, nor larger than 50 square feet of sign area
for both faces combined, nor in excess of 10 feet in any direction
on the sign face.
(3)Â
No pole/pylon sign shall exceed 25 feet in height.
(4)Â
A premises may erect an maintain one pole/pylon sign. However,
no individual business or other enterprise within a shopping center
may erect or maintain its own pole/pylon sign.
F.Â
LED/LCD freestanding signs.
(1)Â
Every freestanding sign and all parts, braces, and supports
thereof shall be located entirely behind the property line and shall
not project over a public right-of-way or other adjoining lands. However,
freestanding signs may be permitted between the property line and
the building setback lines.
(2)Â
No LED/LCD freestanding sign shall be larger than 75 square
feet in sign area on a single face, nor larger than 150 square feet
of sign area for both faces combined, nor in excess of 15 feet in
width or 25 feet in height.
(3)Â
A premises may erect and maintain one LED/LCD freestanding sign
per premises.
(4)Â
After the effective date of this article, LED/LCD signs shall
be permitted only in the Highway Commercial (HC) District of Bellefonte
Borough. In addition, off-premises advertising signs existing on the
date of the enactment of this article may be changed to LED/LCD only
in the Highway Commercial District of Bellefonte Borough.
(5)Â
No LED/LCD sign shall be operated (brightness, timing, etc.)
in such a manner as to be detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare
of the public.
(6)Â
No LED/LCD sign shall incorporate continuous streaming or moving
message of any type. A sign may only change from one message to another
message, except that displays of time and temperature may change more
frequently.
(7)Â
Signs which include new electrical connections, or in the case
of freestanding signs, include footers, must comply with all Uniform
Construction Code and/or such other building requirements which may
be applicable. In this case, a building permit application along with
a fee as established by the Borough Fee Resolution will be required
before construction commences.
(8)Â
Effective date. This subsection shall be effective upon adoption.
G.Â
Home occupation signs. Home occupation signs shall not exceed one
sign per premises and shall not exceed one square foot in size.
H.Â
Historic markers, memorial signs, and plaques. Plaques highlighting
a historic significance of a building or landmark are permitted within
the Borough under the following conditions:
I.Â
Bed-and-breakfast signage.
(1)Â
The following regulations apply to signs used for bed-and-breakfast
establishments:
(a)Â
Size. Signs may be double-faced and may not exceed six square
feet on any one side.
(b)Â
Material. Signs are to be made with wood, precision signboard,
or wrought iron.
(c)Â
Height. Signs must be in scale with the building, subject to
site analysis by HARB.
(d)Â
Mounting method. Signs can be mounted on the building, on post(s),
or on brackets.
(e)Â
Colors. Sign colors must be coordinated with the palette of
the house.
(f)Â
Lettering. The printing style should reflect the period of the
building's construction.
(g)Â
Lighting. Lighting is permitted, although the amount and style
is subject to site analysis by HARB.
(2)Â
When the location for signage is in the regulated Historic District,
the HARB shall review each application on a case-by-case basis. Design
is encouraged to respond sensitively to the context of the building
it serves.
J.Â
Shopping center signs.
(1)Â
Only ground pole signs that bear the name of the shopping center may be erected on the lands occupied by the center, subject to the provisions of Subsection D above.
(2)Â
All other signs identifying each individual business shall be
erected in accordance with the applicable provisions of this article.
K.Â
Banners. Temporary banners announcing special events of nonprofit
groups and organizations may be hung across Borough streets at approved
locations only. Such banners are subject to the following regulations:
(1)Â
Banners must be constructed of air-relieved and weather-resistant
material.
(2)Â
Banners shall not be permitted to hang lower than 15 feet and
shall not obstruct any other signage.
(3)Â
Banners shall not exceed 65 feet in length, including corner
ties.
(4)Â
Banners shall not exceed four feet in height.
(5)Â
Banners can be installed no more than two weeks prior to the
event and must be removed no later than one week after the event.
(6)Â
Banners must be hung in a proper and safe manner. If the Borough
is required to make emergency repairs to the banner, or to remove
a banner damaged or destroyed by wind or the elements, the group or
organization will be billed for Borough time and equipment at the
prevailing rate.
(7)Â
Banners may be installed on the tall poles/bridge railings at
the following locations:
A.Â
Signs in low-density (Suburban) and medium density (Town) residential zones. All signs are prohibited in low- and medium-density residential districts except those signs enumerated in § 575-123E, Signs generally permitted, and § 575-124G, Home occupation signs.
(1)Â
Illuminated signs (including those on soft-drink-dispensing
machines) are prohibited in all residential districts except for street
address signs, signs indicating Doctor of Medicine, signs indicating
churches and other places of worship, and signs necessary for the
public safety.
(2)Â
No sign may be erected in a low- and medium-density residential
zone that exceeds 25 square feet of area on a single face or 50 square
feet of area on a double-face sign.
A.Â
General requirements. All signs within the Historic District shall comply with the sign regulations that are applicable in the underlying zoning district, unless excepted under the provisions of Subsection A(2) hereunder, and with the additional special standards for signs contained in this section.
(1)Â
Certificate of appropriateness. A sign in the Historic District
that meets the requirements of the underlying district must still
be certified as appropriate in relation to the specific building on
which it is to be located and in terms of compatibility with signs
in the surrounding area. Compliance with the underlying zoning district
requirements does not guarantee approval of a certificate of appropriateness.
(2)Â
Signs not provided for. HARB may recommend and Council may issue
a certificate of appropriateness for a sign that is not permitted
by the regulations of the underlying zoning district if the proposed
sign is shown to be historically accurate by documentation acceptable
to HARB.
B.Â
Special standards for the Historic District.
(1)Â
Illumination. No sign in the Historic District, including those
on soft-drink-dispensing machines, shall be internally lighted. Illumination
of signs in the Historic District shall be either by neon or by indirect
lighting only, and shall be shielded or otherwise arranged to prevent
glare.
(2)Â
Acceptable sign types. These include:
(a)Â
Framed on a background;
(b)Â
Painted on a building or mounted on a board;
(c)Â
Individual letters cut out and mounted;
(d)Â
Plaques;
(e)Â
Etched, decals, or painted signs on window glass, covering no
more than 20% of the glazing area;
(f)Â
Awning signs provided the awning is of traditional material
(e.g., canvas) and design (e.g., retractable and sloping rather than
fixed or rounded);
(g)Â
Bladed or projecting signs; and
(h)Â
Murals/public art.
(3)Â
Placement. Signs shall be placed in traditional locations on
building facades.
(4)Â
Installation. Installation should not obscure existing architectural
features.
(5)Â
Colors. Sign colors should be historically accurate and should
be compatible with those on the building and adjacent buildings.
(6)Â
Soft-drink machines. Internally lit signs on soft-drink-dispensing
machines — commonly advertising the brand name of a product
— are prohibited in the Historic District.
(7)Â
Banners. Temporary banners as established in § 575-124K above shall not require a certificate of appropriateness.
(8)Â
Other temporary signs. Temporary signs, other than banners,
posted within the Historic District shall obtain approval from the
HARB Administrator.
A.Â
Enforcement officer. The Bellefonte Borough Zoning Administrator
is hereby designated as the enforcement officer of this article and
shall have the following duties and powers:
(1)Â
Review all applications for sign permits, issuing permits for
those signs found to be in compliance with the provisions of this
article.
(2)Â
Receive, investigate, and process all complaints and notify
all persons of any violations of provisions of this article.
(3)Â
Cause the removal of certain signs that are found in noncompliance
with the provisions of this article.
(4)Â
Render, when called to do so, administrative interpretations
regarding the provisions of this article and their effect on the display
of any sign located or to be located in Bellefonte Borough.
(5)Â
Maintain all records necessary for the appropriate administration
and enforcement of this article, including applications for variances
and appeals.
(6)Â
Provide and maintain a source of public information relative
to all matters arising out of this article.
(7)Â
Any sign that is not explicitly prohibited or permitted in this
article will be reviewed by the Zoning Administrator.
B.Â
Permits required. Except for signs enumerated in § 575-123E above, no person may erect, alter or relocate within Bellefonte Borough any sign without first obtaining a sign permit from the Zoning Administrator and paying the required fee as outlined in the Borough's fee schedule as adopted by Borough Council and as may be amended from time to time.
(1)Â
Permit application. Applications for sign permits shall be submitted
to the Zoning Administrator and shall contain or have attached thereto
the following information:
(a)Â
The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the applicant,
the owner of the property on which the sign is to be erected or affixed,
the owner of the sign, and the person to be erecting or affixing the
sign;
(b)Â
The location of the building, structure or zoning lot on which
the sign is to be erected or affixed;
(c)Â
A sketch plan of the property involved, showing accurate placement
thereon of the proposed sign;
(d)Â
Two blueprints or ink drawings or the plans and specifications
of the sign to be erected or affixed and the method of construction
and attachment to the building or in the ground; such plans and specifications
shall include details of dimensions, color, materials and weight;
(e)Â
If required by the Zoning Administrator, a copy of stress sheets
and calculations prepared by or approved by a registered structural
engineer licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, showing that
the sign is designed for dead load and wind pressure in any direction
in the amount required by this and all other applicable ordinances
of the Bellefonte Borough;
(f)Â
The written consent of the owner of the building, structure,
or property on which the sign is to be erected or affixed; and
(g)Â
Such other information as the Zoning Administrator may require
determining full compliance with this and other applicable ordinances
of Bellefonte Borough.
(2)Â
Application fees. Each sign application required by this article
shall be accompanied by an application fee as established by resolution
of Borough Council.
(3)Â
Issuance of permits. Upon the filing of an application for a
sign permit, the Zoning Administrator shall examine the plans, specifications,
and other submitted data, and the premises upon which the sign is
proposed to be erected or affixed. If it appears that the proposed
sign is in compliance with all the requirements of this article and
in conformance with the chapter and other applicable ordinances of
Bellefonte Borough, and if the appropriate permit fee has been paid,
the Zoning Administrator shall issue a permit for the proposed sign.
For permanent signs to be erected within the Historic District, a
sign permit shall not be issued until Council, after reviewing the
recommendation of the Historical and Architectural Review Board, authorizes
a certificate of appropriateness.
(4)Â
Revocation of permits. All rights and privileges acquired under
the provisions of this article are mere licenses and, as such, are
at any time revocable for just cause by the Bellefonte Borough Council.
All permits issued pursuant to this article are hereby subject to
this provision.
C.Â
Removal of certain signs. The Zoning Administrator shall be authorized
to institute proceedings for the removal of the following signs:
(1)Â
Unsafe signs. If the Zoning Administrator finds that any sign
is unsafe or insecure or is a menace to the public, notice shall be
given to the owner, agent or person having the beneficial interest
in the building or premises on which such sign is located. Correction
to the condition that caused the Zoning Administrator to give such
notice shall be affected through the procedures established in the
Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, as amended. Notwithstanding
the foregoing provisions, the Zoning Administrator is authorized to
cause any sign to be removed summarily and without notice, at the
expense of the owner, agent or person having the beneficial interest
in the building or the premises on which such sign is located, whenever
the Zoning Administrator determines that such sign is an immediate
peril to persons or property.
(2)Â
Illegal signs. If any sign is erected in violation of the requirements
of this article, such sign shall be removed in accordance with the
procedures established in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning
Code, as amended.
(3)Â
Preexisting, nonconforming signs. Within three years of the
date of the passage of this article, all preexisting signs inconsistent
with the requirements herein shall be removed in accordance with the
procedures established in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning
Code, as amended. Exemption given to those permitted businesses in
the Highway Commercial District with pre-existing electronic signage.
(4)Â
Obsolete signs. Any sign, whether existing on or erected after
the effective date of this article, that advertises a business no
longer being conducted or a product no longer being offered for sale
in or from the premises on which the sign is located, shall be removed
within 30 days upon the cessation of such business or sale of such
product by the owner, agent or person having the beneficial interest
in the building or premises on which such sign is located. If such
sign is not removed within such thirty-day period, the sign shall
be removed in accordance with the procedures established in the Pennsylvania
Municipalities Planning Code, as amended.
D.Â
Violations and penalties. Failure to comply with any provision of
this article shall be a violation of this chapter.
(1)Â
Complaints regarding violations. Whenever a violation of this
article occurs, or is alleged to have occurred, any person may file
a complaint to the Zoning Administrator stating fully the causes and
basis thereof. The Zoning Administrator shall record such complaint,
investigate, and take appropriate action as provided by this article.
E.Â
Appeals. Any appeal from a decision or action of Council or of any
officer or agency of the Borough in matters pertaining to this article
shall be made in accordance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning
Code.
F.Â
Zoning Hearing Board of Bellefonte Borough. The Zoning Hearing Board, as authorized in Article IX of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, is hereby vested with all jurisdiction and authority to hold hearings and perform such functions as are authorized by Article IX of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, as it pertains to the provisions herein.
G.Â
Amendments. The regulations and restrictions set forth in this article
may, from time to time, be amended through action of Council in the
manner provided by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.