The purpose of this article is to regulate the type and dimensions
of signs in the various zoning districts; to protect the public from
damage or injury caused or attributable to distractions caused by
improperly designed or located signs; to promote the community environmental
setting and to preserve the distinctive appearance of the business
districts and other areas where the use of signs is necessary; and
to assure the orderly future utilization of signs throughout the Borough.
The size of any sign shall be determined in accordance with the definition of "sign area" as contained in Article
II of this chapter.
The following signs, to the extent indicated, are exempt from
the requirements of this chapter, from the need to secure permits
and from the allowable sign area requirements:
A. Governmental signs, including but not limited to route number, street
name, traffic and parking, or other signs of the same character.
B. Decorations for a recognized, officially designated holiday.
C. Temporary directional signs not exceeding two square feet.
D. Nonilluminated nameplate signs not exceeding 90 square inches in
size, provided that only one such sign per lot shall be exempted.
E. Real estate rental or sale signs not exceeding six square feet, provided
they are removed within seven days after settlement or agreement for
lease. Not more than one such sign may be erected per street frontage,
except that real estate "open house" signs may be placed off the premises
but shall be removed within 24 hours of such open house.
F. Signs advertising the development, subdivision, major repair or renovation
of the property, provided that:
(1) The size of such sign shall not exceed 12 square feet.
(2) Not more than one such sign shall be erected.
(3) No such sign shall be illuminated.
(4) All such signs shall be removed upon settlement of all lots or within
seven days after the completion of the repairs or renovation.
G. Political signs, provided they do not exceed six square feet and
are removed within seven days after the election. Not more than two
signs with an aggregate size of eight square feet shall be permitted
per street frontage.
H. A legal notice, which is to be removed when the legal requirements
have been met.
I. Public service information signs advertising the availability of
rest rooms, telephones, or similar public conveniences, and signs
advertising meeting times and places of nonprofit service or charitable
organizations. Any such sign shall not exceed four square feet.
J. A sign which is a permanent architectural feature or is of architectural
significance to the building, such as a cornerstone or identifying
letters carved into or embossed on a building, providing the letters
are not made of reflective material or contrast in color with the
building.
K. Temporary yard sale or garage sale signs which do not exceed six
square feet in area and which must be removed within 24 hours after
the sale.
L. No-trespassing signs, signs indicating the private nature of a driveway
or premises, and official signs indicating that the premises is protected
by burglar alarm, not to exceed two square feet in area.
M. Signs of contractors, mechanics and artisans which are not illuminated
and do not exceed six square feet in area. Not more than one such
sign shall be erected on each street frontage, and such signs shall
be removed within three days after the completion of the work.
N. For sale, for lease or for rent signs on vehicles, boats or trailers.
O. One or more signs applied to a windowpane, giving store hours and
listing charge cards accepted; the sum of the areas of such signs
shall not exceed two square feet.
P. Signs and devices such as barber poles, gasoline pricing and car
wash signs; changing of prices on pricing signs; business window signs
advertising periodic sales and special events.
Q. Identification signs for churches, schools or similar institutions,
provided that the area of one side of such sign does not exceed 12
square feet, and provided that no more than one such sign is erected
on each street frontage.
R. Menu boards, not exceeding six square feet, relating to and on the
premises of eating and/or drinking establishments.
The following signs are permitted, provided that a permit is
obtained:
A. Signs in residential districts:
(1) Permanent wall signs or freestanding signs identifying apartment
buildings, provided that:
(a)
The size of such signs shall not exceed 12 square feet.
(b)
Not more than one such sign shall be erected for each building
or group of buildings.
(c)
No such sign shall be illuminated.
(d)
All such signs shall be placed so that all portions, including
the overhang of the sign, are within the lot line.
(2) Signs identifying nonresidential uses where such uses are permitted
as valid nonconforming uses, provided that:
(a)
The types of signs permitted shall be wall signs or freestanding
signs only.
(b)
The size of such sign shall not exceed nine square feet.
(c)
Not more than one such sign shall be erected for each frontage.
(d)
Such sign shall be designed so as to create a minimal impact
on the residential district in which it is located. Illumination,
if provided, shall be by indirect, white light only.
B. Signs in nonresidential districts:
(1) Any sign of a type and size permitted in the residential districts
which relates to uses permitted in the nonresidential district in
which it is located.
(2) Not more than two such signs shall be erected for any property.
C. Business or industrial signs as follows:
(1) The total area of all such signs placed on any one premises shall
not exceed 30 square feet. This includes signs placed directly on
the facade of the structure. If individual letters are used, the outside
measurement of the sign shall not exceed 20 square feet.
(2) All such signs shall front on a street.
(3) All such signs shall relate only to uses on the premises on which
the sign is located.
(4) The area of a directional sign shall not exceed nine square feet.
(5) The total area of any one freestanding sign shall not exceed 30 square
feet.
The following regulations shall apply to all freestanding signs
within the Borough:
A. Each sign shall be placed so that all portions of the sign, including
the overhang, are within the lot line.
B. The height of freestanding signs shall be measured from the ground
or sidewalk to the top of the sign. The maximum height of such signs
shall be as follows:
(1) Residential districts: eight feet.
(2) Nonresidential districts: 16 feet.
C. Landscaping shall be provided around the base of each freestanding
sign for not less than two feet in each direction from the base of
the sign.
Where temporary signs are not exempt from the requirements of this chapter in §
340-60, they shall be permitted, provided that:
A. They are placed so as not to obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
B. A permit is obtained from the Code Enforcement Officer.
C. The duration of such permit shall not exceed six months.
D. Signs shall be removed immediately upon the expiration of the permit.