A.
Administration. The purpose of this article is to establish standards
for the regulation of signs in order to safeguard the public interest
and:
(1)
To preserve the beauty and the unique character of the Township;
(2)
To promote and aid in the tourist industry of the Township;
(3)
To protect the general public from damage and injury which may
be caused by the faulty construction of signs;
(4)
To protect pedestrians and motorists from damage of injury caused,
or partially attributable to the distractions and obstructions caused
by improperly situated signs;
(5)
To promote the public safety, welfare, convenience and enjoyment
of travel and the free flow of traffic;
(6)
To assure that signs are clear and provide the essential identity
or direction to facilities in the community; and
(7)
To enable the fair and consistent enforcement of the sign restrictions
throughout the Township.
B.
Applicability and effect. A sign may be erected, placed, established,
painted, created or maintained in the Township only in conformance
with the standards, procedures, exceptions, and other requirements
of this chapter. The effect of this chapter as more specifically set
forth herein is:
(1)
To establish a permit system to allow a variety of types of
signs in the various zones, subject to the standards and the permit
procedures of this chapter;
(2)
To allow certain signs that are small, unobtrusive, and incidental
to the principal use of the respective lots on which they are located,
subject to the substantive requirements of this chapter, but without
a requirement for permits;
(3)
To provide for temporary signs without commercial messages in
limited circumstances in the public right-of-way; and
(4)
To prohibit all signs not expressly permitted by this chapter.
C.
Requirement of conformity. No sign, for which a permit is issued
after the effective date of this chapter, may be placed or maintained
in the Township except as provided herein. All signs maintained contrary
to the provisions of this chapter are declared to be nuisances, and
as such may be abated as provided by law.
D.
Recommended types of signs. It is recommended that signs be:
Words and phrases used in this article shall have the meanings set forth in this section. Words and phrases not defined in this section but defined in Article III shall be given the meanings set forth in said article. Principles for computing sign area and sign height are contained in this section. All other words and phrases shall be given their common, ordinary meaning, unless the context clearly requires otherwise. Section headings or captions are for reference purposes only and shall not be used in the interpretation of this chapter.
A movable sign consisting of two faces, connected and hinged
at the top.
A-Frame/Sandwich Board
|
A sign located on a property or premises which is vacant
and/or unoccupied for a period of six months, or a sign which is damaged,
in disrepair, or vandalized and not repaired within 60 days of the
date of the damaging event and/or for which no legal owner can be
found.
A sign which conveys a commercial or noncommercial message
unrelated to the activity conducted on the lot where the sign is located
or a sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service,
entertainment or attraction sold, offered, or existing elsewhere than
on the same lot where the sign is located. A structure intended to
support or contain such a sign shall also be considered an off-premises
advertising sign.
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 or varying of light intensity;
the automatic changing of all or any part of the facing of a sign;
the movement of a sign set in motion by the atmosphere. Time-and-temperature
devices shall be considered animated signs.
A person or entity who applies for a sign permit in accordance
with the provisions of this chapter.
See computation of area in individual signs and computation
of area of multifaced signs.
See "changeable panel sign."
A traffic directional sign which is used to direct pedestrian
or vehicular traffic on a parcel to the location of an automated teller
machine.
Any sign located on or architecturally associated with the
exterior face of an automated teller machine.
Signs which are placed on or integrated into fabric or other
material canopies which are mounted on the exterior wall of a building.
Awning Sign
|
A sign intended to be hung either with or without a frame
with characters, letters, illustrations, or ornamentations applied
to paper, plastic, fabric or similar material excluding flags, emblems,
and insignia or political, professional, religious, education, or
corporate organizations providing that such flags, emblems, and insignia
are displayed for noncommercial purposes.
Civic Event Banner
|
Banner Sign
|
A type of off-premises advertising sign and which conveys
a commercial or noncommercial message unrelated to the activity conducted
on the lot where the sign is located, or a sign which directs attention
to a business, commodity, service, entertainment or attraction sold,
offered, or existing elsewhere than on the same lot where the sign
is located. A structure intended to support or contain such a sign
shall also be considered a billboard.
Any approved nonresidential use including commercial, manufacturing,
and industrial enterprises; public buildings and uses such as public
schools, parks, civic centers, municipal buildings; and semipublic
buildings and uses such as churches, fire houses, ambulance buildings,
private schools, and libraries.
A sign that directs attention to a business (see definition)
conducted, or to a commodity or service sold, offered, or produced,
or to an entertainment offered on the premises where the sign is located.
[Added 7-5-2023 by Ord.
No. 150-2023]
The name by which a business is commonly recognized and used
by the applicant. The applicant shall provide stationary or other
supporting documents illustrating the use of the business name or
verification of the official business license or tax name. Slogans
or product information shall not be considered as the business name.
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.
Canopy Sign on Freestanding Canopy
|
A sign designed to allow it's informational content to be
changed or altered.
Changeable Panel Sign
|
Any sign wording, logo, or other representations that, directly
or indirectly, names, advertises, or calls attention to a business,
product, service, or other commercial activity.
The area of sign face (which is also the sign area of a wall
sign or other sign with only one face) shall be computed by means
of the smallest square, circle, rectangle, triangle, or combination
thereof that will encompass the 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 zoning ordinance
regulations and is clearly incidental to the display itself.
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 are
not more than 42 inches apart, the sign area shall be computed by
the measurement of one of the faces.
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.
A temporary sign identifying an architect, contractor, subcontractor,
and/or material supplier participating in construction on the property
on which the sign is located.
The temporary signs which identify the contractor or subcontractor
engaged in the construction, reconstruction or repair of a building
or buildings on a lot or parcel or property.
A temporary sign used to identify an approved future development.
Development Sign
|
A sign that provides direction or instruction to guide persons
to facilities intended to serve the public, including, but not specifically
limited to, those signs identifying rest rooms, public telephones,
public walkways, parking areas, and other similar facilities.
[Amended 7-5-2023 by Ord. No. 150-2023]
Directional Sign
|
A sign which provides a listing of the names of businesses,
activities, addresses, locations, uses or places within a building
or complex of buildings for the purposes of giving directions, instruction,
or facility information and which may contain the name and logo of
an establishment but no advertising copy.
Directory Sign
|
A sign with two faces, essentially back to back.
A self-supporting, movable sign consisting of one face with
supporting legs or a supporting frame, or a sign displayed on an easel.
Any sign, or portion of a sign, that displays an electronic
image or video, which may or may not include text, where the rate
of change is electronically programmed and can be modified by electronic
processes. This definition includes television screens, plasma screens,
digital screens, LED screens, video boards, holographic displays,
and other similar media.
Emergency warning signs erected by a governmental agency,
a public utility company, or a contractor doing authorized or permitted
work within the public right-of-way.
Any exterior wall of a building exposed to public view; and
any structure or part of a structure attached to, or otherwise mounted
parallel to, an exterior wall or other vertical part of the structure.
Any fabric, banner, or bunting containing distinctive colors,
patterns, or symbols, used as a symbol of a government, political
subdivision, or other entity which is mounted on a pole, cable, or
rope at one end.
Common Freestanding Sign Types
|
A sign supported permanently upon the ground by poles or
braces and that is not attached to any building.
Any temporary or permanent sign erected and maintained by
the Township, county, state, or federal government for traffic direction
or for designation of or any school, hospital, historical site, or
public service, property, or facility.
The introduction, promotion or announcement of a new business,
store, shopping center or office, or the announcement, introduction
or promotion of an established business changing ownership. A business
qualifies for a grand opening sign when it has been closed to the
public for a period of 30 days.
The finished grade of the adjacent street curb or where there
is no street curb, six inches above street grade. Ground level shall
be the existing natural grade.
A freestanding sign that is architecturally integrated with
the building with individually mounted letters and/or logos only.
This sign shall be built with continuous background surface built
from the ground up.
The vertical distance measured from the highest point of
the sign, excluding decorative embellishments, to the grade of the
adjacent street or the surface grade beneath the sign, whichever is
less.
Any sign erected without first obtaining an approved sign
permit, other than nonconforming signs, and which does not meet the
requirement of this chapter.
A sign with an artificial light source incorporated internally
or externally for the purpose of illuminating the sign.
Internal and External Illumination
|
A sign, generally informational, that has a purpose secondary
to the use of the zone lot on which it is located, such as "no parking,
entrance, loading only, telephone" and other similar directives. No
sign with a commercial message legible from a position off the zone
lot on which the sign is located shall be considered incidental.
Incidental Sign or Instructional Sign
|
A source of external illumination located away from the sign,
but which is itself not visible to persons viewing the sign from any
street, sidewalk or adjacent property.
A cut-out or etched letter or logo which is individually
placed on a landscape, screen wall, building wall or ground sign.
A source of illumination entirely within the sign which makes
the contents of the sign visible at night by means of the light being
transmitted through a translucent material but wherein the source
of illumination is not visible.
A graphic symbol representing an activity, use or business.
Permitted logos shall be registered trademarks or symbols commonly
used by the applicant, and may include graphic designs in addition
to lettering. The applicant shall provide stationary or other supporting
documents illustrating the use of the logo.
The replacing or repairing of a part or portion of a sign
necessitated by ordinary wear, tear or damage beyond the control of
the owner or the reprinting of existing copy without changing the
wording, composition or color of said copy.
Any permanent rooflike structure projecting beyond a building
or extending along and projecting beyond the wall of the building
generally designed and constructed to provide protection from the
weather.
Marquee Sign
|
A freestanding cabinet or panel sign mounted on, or within
a base (above grade), which is detached from any building.
A commercial development in which there exists two or more
separate commercial activities, in which there are appurtenant shared
facilities (such as parking or pedestrian mall), and which is designed
to provide a single area in which the public can obtain varied products
and services. Distinguishing characteristics of a multiple-tenant
commercial building may, but need not, include common ownership of
the real property upon which the center is located, common-wall construction,
and multiple occupant commercial use of a single structure.
A small sign which identifies a resident's or home's name
and address or the name of a farm, ranch or commercial stable. Such
signs may be shingle, building wall or archway-mounted signs.
A sign with no commercial content which expresses personal
ideas and values, advocates a position on an issue, or seeks converts
and supporters and which does not meet the definition of a political
sign.
Any sign which is not allowed under this chapter, but which,
when first constructed before this chapter was in effect and for which
a sign permit was issued, was legally allowed.
A purpose for which a building, or part thereof, is used
or intended to be used.
A person recorded as such on official records. For the purpose
of this chapter, the owner of property on which a sign is located
is presumed to be the owner of the sign unless facts to the contrary
are officially recorded or otherwise brought to the attention of the
Zoning Officer.
A two-dimensional visual background behind the sign letters
and logos which is visually separated from the mounting upon which
the sign letters and logos are placed by the presence of a border,
different colors, different materials, or other technique of visual
framing around the letters or logos.
That portion of a building exterior wall projecting above
the plate line of the building.
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 series, designed to move in the wind.
Any sign which is intended to be and is constructed as to
be in lasting and enduring condition remaining unchanged in character,
condition (beyond normal wear) and position, and in a permanent manner
affixed to the ground, wall or building, provided the sign is listed
as a permanent sign in the article.
The point at which any part of the main roof structure first
touches or bears upon an external wall.
A temporary sign which supports candidates for office or
urges action on any other matter on the ballot of primary, general
and special elections.
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, menu and 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 right-of-way,
unless said vehicle is used in the normal day-to-day operations of
the business.
Portable Sign
|
Any sign affixed to a building wall in such a manner that
its leading edge extends more than six inches beyond the surface of
such building or wall.
Projecting Sign
|
Unless otherwise expressly provided, "public property" means
any and all real or personal property over which the Township or other
governmental entity has or may exercise control, whether or not the
government owns the property in fee, including, sidewalks, rights-of-way
and improved or unimproved land of any kind and all property appurtenant
to it.
A temporary sign advertising the real estate upon which the
sign is located as being for rent, lease, or sale.
No commercial sign shall be erected so as to project beyond
a property line, over a public sidewalk or over or within a public
right-of-way.
The uppermost line of the roof of a building or, in the case
of an extended facade or parapet, the uppermost point of said facade
or parapet.
Any sign mounted on the main roof portion of a building or
on the topmost edge of a parapet wall of a building and which is wholly
or partially supported by such building. Signs mounted on mansard
facades, pent eaves, and architectural projections such as canopies
or marquees shall not be considered to be roof signs. See the following
illustration for example of roof signs, and comparison of differences
between roof and fascia signs. (See below.)
A sign suspended from a roof overhang of a covered porch,
walkway or horizontal plane surface which identifies the tenant of
the adjoining space.
Comparison — Roof and Fascia Signs
|
Any device for visual communication which is used or is intended
to attract the attention of the public with a purpose of identifying,
when the display of the device is visible beyond the boundaries of
the public or private property upon which the display is made. The
term "sign" shall not include any flag or badge or insignia of the
United States, State of Pennsylvania, Monroe County, the Township,
or official historic plaques of any governmental jurisdiction or agency.
A sign which is tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued or otherwise attached to trees, poles, stakes, fences or to other objects, the advertising matter appearing on which is not applicable to the present use of the premises upon which such sign is located. (Does not include the exempt signs listing in § 400-111B.)
A promotional event such as, but not limited to, grand openings,
bazaars, street fairs, shows, exhibitions, sporting events, runs,
bicycling events, and block parties. This does not include sidewalk
sales occurring on private property where merchandise normally sold
indoors is transferred from indoors to outdoors for sale.
Any sign, banner, pennant, or valance of advertising display
constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, plastic, wallboard
or other like materials, with or without frames, attached to the ground,
wall or building.
Signs used at driveways to improve public safety and to enhance
public access to the site from public streets, which provides information
to assist the operators of vehicles in the flow of traffic. Such signs
may use names, logos, or symbols of buildings, businesses, activities,
uses or places as a means of direction.
Any sign attached parallel to, but within six inches of,
a wall, painted on the wall surface of, or erected and confined within
the limits of an outside wall of any building or structure, which
is supported by such wall or building, and which displays only one
sign surface.
Wall Signs
|
Any poster, cut-out letters, painted text or graphics, or
other text or visual presentation affixed to or placed behind a window
pane which is intended to be read from the exterior of the building.
Sign Comparison
|
The procedures included in this section shall apply to all signs
requiring permits.
A.
Requirement of permit. A sign permit shall be required before the
erection, re-erection, construction, alteration, placing, or installation
of all signs regulated by this chapter. However, a permit shall not
be required for the following signs and actions; provided, however,
that such signs shall be subject to any and all applicable provisions
of this chapter.
B.
Permit application. Applications for sign permits shall be submitted
to the Zoning Officer and shall, at a minimum, contain or have attached
thereto the information listed in this section. The applicant shall
pay the required application fee at the time when the sign application
is filed. Two copies of plans and specifications shall be submitted
with each application. One copy shall be returned to the applicant
at the time the permit is granted. The plans shall include complete
details about the size of the sign, the method of attachment or support,
locations and materials to be used, and the name, address and profession
of the person designing the plans and specifications. If the Zoning
Officer determines that the sign will be subject to excessive stresses,
additional data shall be required, showing that supporting surfaces
and other members of an existing building to which the sign is to
be attached are in good condition and are adequately strong to support
the load, including the proposed sign.
(1)
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.
(2)
The location of the building, structure, or zoning lot on which
the sign is to be erected or affixed.
(3)
A sketch plan of the property involved, showing accurate placement
thereon of the proposed sign.
(4)
Two drawings of the plans and specifications of the sign to
be erected or affixed and 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.
(5)
If required by the Zoning Officer, a copy of stress sheets and
calculations prepared by or approved by a registered structural engineer,
licensed by the State 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.
(6)
The written consent of the owner of the building, structure,
or property on which the sign is to be erected or affixed.
(7)
Such other information as the Zoning Officer may require to
determine full compliance with this and other applicable ordinances.
C.
Issuance of permits. Upon the filing of an application for a sign
permit, the Zoning Officer 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 chapter and
other applicable ordinances and if the appropriate permit fee has
been paid, the Zoning Officer shall issue a permit for the proposed
sign.
D.
Expiration. If the work authorized under a sign permit has not been
completed within 90 days after the date of issuance, the permit shall
become null and void, unless otherwise extended by the Zoning Officer
for a single additional ninety-day period.
E.
Validity; renewal. Permits issued for permanent signs shall be valid for a period of one year. If the sign is maintained in compliance with this chapter the permit shall be automatically renewed for subsequent one-year terms. If the sign is not maintained in compliance, upon Zoning Officer notification to the permittee in accord with § 400-118C of the specifics of the noncompliance, the permit shall immediately lapse.
F.
Permit fees. Each sign required by this chapter requiring a sign
permit shall pay a fee as established pursuant to a resolution duly
adopted by the Township.
A.
Prohibited signs. All signs not expressly permitted or exempted under
this chapter from regulation are prohibited. Such prohibited signs
include, but are not limited to the following:
(1)
"A" frame or sandwich-board signs. "A" frame or sandwich-board and sidewalk or curb signs except as a temporary sign permitted by § 400-112.
(3)
Animated, moving and flashing signs. Signs which are animated, flash, blink, revolve, rotate, swing, undulate, or move by any means, or otherwise attract attention through the movement or flashing of parts, including, but not limited to, automatic, electronically controlled copy changes (except as permitted in § 400-116), search lights, strobe lights and disco balls; or through the impression of movement or flashing except for time and temperature indicators whose movement is either digital or analog, and flags as permitted by this chapter.
(4)
Mirrors. Signs which use a mirror or similar device to attract
attention by reflecting images or otherwise reflecting light.
(5)
Portable and wheeled signs. Portable and wheeled signs except as a temporary sign permitted by § 400-112.
(6)
Projecting signs. Signs which are attached or otherwise affixed
to a building and project more than 15 inches beyond the wall surface
of such building to which the sign is attached or otherwise affixed
thereto.
(7)
Signs on parked vehicles. Signs placed on or affixed to vehicles,
trailers and/or containers which are parked on a public right-of-way,
public property or private property, so as to be visible from a public
right-of-way where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product
or direct people to a business, organization or activity.
(8)
Signs on utility poles or trees. Signs which are attached or
otherwise affixed to utility poles, or trees or other vegetation.
(9)
Signs which imitate or obstruct traffic control devices. Signs
which imitate, interfere with, obstruct the view of, or can be confused
with or obstruct any authorized traffic control sign, signal, or other
device.
(10)
Emissions. No sign shall be permitted to emit any sound, odor
or visible matter such as smoke.
(11)
Obscene or pornographic. Obscene or pornographic signs or signs
advertising obscene or pornographic information or materials. Any
sign which exhibits statements, words or pictures of obscene or pornographic
material or information, or contains advertising material or information
for obscene or pornographic material or information.
(12)
Snipe signs.
B.
Exempt signs. The following signs are hereby exempt from the provisions
of this chapter, excepting for such instances where any sign listed
herein is found to be unsafe or unlawful as provided for in other
sections of this chapter.
(1)
Awning, canopy, and marquee signs. (See Subsection G.) Signs, not exceeding an area of four square feet, indicating only the name of the activity conducted on the premises on which the sign is to be located and/or a brief generic description of the business being conducted by the activity. Advertising material of any kind is strictly prohibited on signs affixed to awnings, canopies, and marquees.
(2)
Civic and religious. Civic and religious organization signs
indicating only the organization insignia, name, meeting place, and
time. Such signs shall not exceed two square feet in area.
(3)
Directional or instructional signs.
[Amended 7-5-2023 by Ord. No. 150-2023]
(a)
On-site signs, not exceeding eight square feet in area, which
provide direction or instruction to guide persons to facilities intended
to serve the public. Such signs include those identifying rest rooms,
public telephones, public walkways, affiliation with motor clubs,
acceptance of designated credit cards, and other similar signs providing
direction or instruction to persons using a facility, but not including
those signs accessory to parking areas.
(4)
Noncommercial signs. Flags, emblems, and insignia of political,
professional, religious, educational, or fraternal organizations providing
that such flags, emblems, and insignia are displayed for noncommercial
purpose.
(5)
Governmental signs. Governmental signs for control of traffic,
emergency response, and other public or regulatory purposes, street
signs, warning signs, railroad crossing signs, and signs of public
service companies indicating danger and aids to services or safety
which are erected by, or at the order of a public officer or employee
in the performance of the officer's or employee's duties. Such signs
may be of any type, number, area, height, location, or illumination
as required by law, statute, or ordinance.
(6)
Holiday decorations. Signs or other materials temporarily displayed
on traditionally accepted civic, patriotic, or religious holidays
related to observance of the civic, patriotic, or religious holiday.
(7)
Interior signs. Signs not affixed to a window and visible from
outside and which are fully located within the interior of any building
or stadium, or within an enclosed lobby or court of any building,
and signs located within the inner or outer lobby court or entrance
of any theater and which are not displayed to be visible from outside.
(8)
Memorial signs. Memorial plaques or tablets, grave markers,
statutory, or other remembrances of persons or events that are noncommercial
in nature.
(9)
Name and address plates. Wall signs, one per street frontage
and not exceeding 1.5 square feet in area, indicating the name of
the occupant, the address of the premises, and identification of any
legal business or operation which may exist at the premises.
(10)
No trespassing, no hunting, no fishing, no dumping, no parking,
no towing, and other similar signs. No trespassing, no hunting, no
fishing, no dumping, no parking, towing and other similar signs (as
set forth in Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code and its regulations
and as set forth in Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code and its
regulations) not exceeding two square feet in area.
(11)
Parking lot directional and instructional signs.
(a)
Directional signs. Signs designating parking area entrances and exits limited to one sign for each entrance and/or exit and not exceeding four square feet in area. Parking lot directional signs shall exceed a height of five feet in height as determined in accord with the definition of computation of height in § 400-109.
(b)
Instructional signs. Signs designating the conditions of use or identity of parking areas and not exceeding eight square feet in area for each exposed face nor exceeding an aggregate area of 16 square feet. Parking lot instructional signs shall not project higher than 10 feet on the wall for wall signs and shall not exceed a height of seven feet for ground signs as determined in accord with the definition of computation of height in § 400-109.
(12)
Patron advertising signs. Signs erected on the perimeter of
an organizational-sponsored youth athletic field for the sole purpose
of sponsoring or contributing to the organized youth athletic sport.
Signs erected for this purpose shall be one-sided with a maximum of
32 square feet in area. Sponsors advertising on scoreboards may not
exceed 25% of the surface area of the scoreboard.
(13)
Plaques. Plaques, nameplates, or memorial signs, directly attached
or affixed to the exterior walls of a building, not exceeding four
square feet in aggregate area.
(14)
Public notices. Official notices posted by public officers or
employees in the performance of the officer's or employee's duties.
(15)
Signs on vehicles. Signs placed on or affixed to vehicles and/or
trailers where the sign is incidental to the primary use of the vehicle
or trailer. However, this is not in any way intended to permit signs
placed on or affixed to vehicles, trailers and/or containers, which
are parked on a public right-of-way, public property, or private property
so as to be visible from a public right-of-way where the apparent
purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business or
activity located on the same or other property.
(16)
Symbols or insignia. Religious symbols, commemorative plaques
of recognized historical agencies, or identification emblems of religious
orders or historical agencies not exceeding two square feet in area
for and not exceeding four square feet in aggregate area.
(17)
Vending machine signs. Permanent, nonflashing signs on vending
machines, gasoline pumps, ice or milk containers, or other similar
machines indicating only the contents of such devices, the pricing
of the contents contained within, directional or instructional information
as to use, and other similar information as to the use, and other
similar information not exceeding four square feet in area and not
exceeding an aggregate area of eight square feet on each machine.
(18)
Warning signs. Signs warning the public of the existence of
danger, but containing no advertising material; to be removed within
three days upon the subsidence of danger. Such warning signs may be
of any type, number, area, height, location, or illumination as deemed
necessary to warn the public of the existence of danger.
(19)
Tourist signs. Tourist orientation directional signs when erected
in accord with a permit issued by PennDOT.
C.
Construction requirements. All signs permitted by this chapter shall be constructed in accord with all construction code requirements and the provisions of this Subsection C.
(1)
Obstruction to exit. No sign shall be erected, constructed,
or maintained so as to obstruct any fire escape required exit, window,
door opening, or wall opening intended as a means of ingress or egress.
(2)
Obstruction to ventilation. No sign shall be erected, constructed,
or maintained so as to interfere with any opening required for ventilation.
(3)
Clearance from electrical power lines and communication lines.
All signs shall be located in such a way that they maintain horizontal
and vertical clearance of all electrical power lines and communication
lines in accordance with the applicable provisions of the National
Electrical Code. However, in no instance shall a sign be erected or
constructed within eight feet of any electrical power line, conductor,
or service drop, or any communication line, conductor, or service
drop.
(4)
Clearance from surface and underground facilities. All signs
and supporting structures shall maintain clearance and non-interference
with all surface and underground facilities and conduits for water,
sewage, gas, electricity, or communications equipment or lines. In
addition, the placement of all signs and their supporting structures
shall not interfere with natural or artificial drainage or surface
or underground water.
(5)
No obstruction to any existing warning or instructional sign.
No sign shall be erected, constructed, or maintained so as to interfere
with any existing warning or instructional sign.
(6)
Traffic hazards. No sign shall be erected in such a way as to
interfere with or to confuse traffic, to present any traffic hazard,
or to obstruct the vision of motorists, and all signs shall comply
with the clear sight triangle requirements of this chapter.
(7)
Public right-of-way; setback. No sign may be erected or maintained
in the public right-of-way unless an encroachment permit has first
been obtained for the sign. No signs other than official traffic signs
shall be erected or maintained nearer to a curb or shoulder than a
distance equaling the height of the sign, unless attached flatly to
a building.
(8)
Clearance. Clearance beneath overhead signs shall be at least
nine feet, measured from the ground or pavement to the bottommost
part of the sign.
(9)
Height. No portion of a sign shall be positioned in a manner
that exceeds the height of the primary structure on the property on
which it is located.
D.
Maintenance. Each sign shall be maintained in good order and repair
at all times so that it does not constitute any danger or hazard to
public safety, or a visual blight, and is free of peeling paint, major
cracks, or loose and dangling materials.
E.
Illumination. All signs permitted by this chapter may be illuminated in accord with the provisions of this Subsection E.
(1)
Type of illumination. Illumination may be by internal, internal/indirect
or by indirect means.
(3)
Glare. All signs shall be so designed located, shielded, and
directed so as to prevent the casting of glare or direct light from
artificial illumination upon adjacent publicly dedicated roadways
and surrounding property.
(4)
Floodlighting. Floodlighting of signs shall be arranged so that
the source of light is not visible from any point of the lot and so
that only the sign is directly illuminated.
F.
Signs on roof. No sign placed on a roof shall extend above the highest
part of the roof. In the case of a flat roof, the sign shall not extend
more than six feet above the roof.
G.
Awning, canopy, and marquee signs.
(1)
Number. There shall not be more than one awning, canopy, or marquee sign exceeding an area of four square feet for each principal building. Awning, canopy, and marquee signs which are four square feet or less in area are exempt from the provisions of this chapter, as specified in Subsection B(1).
(2)
Area. The area of an awning, canopy, or marquee sign shall not
exceed 16 square feet, but shall be limited to not more than 50% of
the area of the face of the awning, canopy, or marquee to which such
sign is affixed.
(3)
Height. Any awning, canopy, or marquee sign shall not project
higher than the top of the awning, canopy, or marquee to which such
sign is to be affixed.
(4)
Illumination. Only the face area of the letters or logos may
be illuminated and all illumination must be internal behind the surface
of the awning, canopy or marquee.
(5)
Awning valance. If sign letters or logos are place on the awning
valance, no letters or logos may be placed elsewhere on the awning.
H.
Sign faces. All signs may be multifaced.
I.
Window signs. Window signs for commercial, manufacturing, industrial,
public and semipublic uses, referred to as "business" in this section,
shall be permitted, subject to the following:
(1)
Location. Signs on or inside the windows of a business are permitted,
but no signs are permitted in unglazed openings, and any interior
sign placed within three feet of the window pane shall be considered
a window sign.
(2)
Area. No more than 25% of any window pane that is more than
three feet in any dimension may be used for such signs. The area of
any business identification sign shall be deducted from the total
sign area allowed for the use on the property and the total of all
window signs shall not exceed 50% of the total sign area allowed for
the entire business use.
(3)
Sign copy. Sign copy shall be limited to business identification
and a graphic symbol or any combination thereof, or signs advertising
products or services available on the premises.
(4)
Illumination. Window signs may be internally illuminated.
J.
Freestanding sign landscaping. All freestanding business and residential identification signs shall be placed in a landscaped area of not less than four square feet of landscaping for one square foot of sign area, but in no case less than 120 square feet. Sign landscaping shall be part of the required project landscaping plan and shall be maintained in accord with § 400-49C.
K.
Flags. Flags displayed by commercial, manufacturing, industrial,
public and semipublic uses, referred to as "business" in this section,
shall be subject to the following:
(1)
Business identification. The flag shall identify the business.
(2)
Flag pole. The flag shall be suspended from a pole and the maximum
height shall be 36 feet.
(3)
Area. The maximum area of the flag shall be 24 square feet;
however, this shall not apply to the United States flag or the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania flag.
L.
Wall signs. Wall signs as permitted by this chapter shall be securely
attached to the wall; and each sign shall be parallel to and in the
same plane as the wall to which the sign is attached and shall not
extend more than 15 inches from the wall, nor above or beyond the
top and ends of the wall.
M.
Wood relief sign area bonus.
(1)
The following signs shall be eligible for an increase in size of 50%, provided the sign complies with the requirements of this Subsection M in addition to all other applicable requirements:
(2)
The sign shall be wood or simulated wood relief only. The carved
pattern is raised and seems to rise out of the underlying material.
(3)
The sign shall be designed as an integral architectural element
of the building and component of the site.
(4)
Sign colors, materials, and lighting shall be restrained and
compatible with the building and site.
(5)
The signs shall not exceed a height of 15 feet.
N.
Noncommercial free speech signs. Noncommercial free speech signs
shall comply with the following:
Temporary signs may be erected and maintained in accordance
with the provisions contained in this section.
A.
General conditions.
(1)
Permit required. No person shall erect, construct, repair, alter,
or relocate any temporary sign without first obtaining a permit from
the Zoning Officer, unless such sign is specifically exempted from
permit requirements.
(2)
Materials and methods. The Zoning Officer shall impose as a
condition of the issuance of a permit for temporary signs such requirements
as to the material, manner of construction, and method of erection
of a sign as are reasonably necessary to assure the health, safety,
welfare, and convenience of the public.
(3)
Illumination. Temporary signs may be illuminated in accord with
this chapter.
(4)
Sign types. Temporary signs shall be limited to nonprojecting
wall signs, attached ground signs, or portable and wheeled signs.
B.
Temporary business signs. Temporary business signs in association
with an approved use identifying a special, unique, or limited activity,
service, product, or sale of limited duration shall be subject to
the following:
(1)
Number. There shall not be more than two permits for temporary
business signs issued for the same premises within one calendar year.
Each temporary business sign permit may be erected and maintained
for a period not to exceed 21 days prior to the activity, service,
project, or sale, and shall be removed within seven days of the termination
of the activity, service, project, or sale. Or, alternatively, a temporary
business sign permit may be applied for a maximum of five times during
one calendar year for the same premises; each permit shall be issued
for a maximum of seven days. It is expressly stated that temporary
business sign permits shall be issued under one method or the alternative
and that the methods may not be used jointly or in combination during
any one calendar year.
(2)
Area. Temporary business signs shall not exceed 16 square feet
in area.
(3)
Location. Temporary business signs shall be located only upon
the premises upon which the special, unique, or limited activity,
service product, or sale is to occur. Such signs may be located in
any required setback, but shall not extend over any lot line or within
15 feet of any point of vehicular access to a public roadway.
C.
Temporary development signs. Temporary development signs in association
with an approved use identifying the parties involved in the development
to occur or occurring on the premises on which the sign is placed
shall be subject to the following:
(1)
Number. There shall not be more than one temporary, development
sign for each project or development, except that where a project
or development abuts two or more streets, additional such signs, one
oriented to each abutting street shall be permitted.
(2)
Area. Temporary development signs shall not exceed 16 exceed
square feet in area.
(3)
Location. Temporary development signs shall be located only
upon the premises upon which development either is about to occur,
or is occurring. Such signs may be located in any required setback,
but shall not extend over any lot line or within 15 feet of any point
of vehicular access from a public roadway.
(4)
Height. Temporary development signs shall not exceed a height of 15 feet as determined in accord with the definition of computation of height in § 400-109.
(5)
Special conditions. Temporary development signs shall be permitted
only as accessory to an approved building permit for a project or
development. Temporary development signs may be erected and maintained
for a period not earlier than 60 days prior to the commencement of
development of the project or development and must be removed prior
to an occupancy permit being issued or if no occupancy permit is required,
the sign shall be removed upon project completion.
D.
Temporary event signs (including banners). Temporary event signs
announcing a campaign, drive, activity, or event of a civic, philanthropic,
educational, or religious organization for noncommercial purposes
shall be subject to the following:
(1)
Number, area, height, and location. The permitted number, area,
height, location, and construction of temporary event signs shall
be determined by the Zoning Officer with consideration given to the
public intended purpose. In any event, no sign shall exceed 16 square
feet in area.
(2)
Timing. Temporary event signs may be erected and maintained
for a period not to exceed 30 days prior to the date of which the
campaign, drive, activity, or event advertised is scheduled to occur
and shall be removed within seven days of the termination of such
campaign, drive, activity, or event.
(3)
Limit on number of permits. No more than two permits for temporary
event signs shall be issued for the same premises within one calendar
year.
E.
Temporary political signs. Temporary political signs announcing political
candidates seeking office, political parties, and/or political and
public issues contained on a ballot shall be subject to the following:
[Amended 7-5-2023 by Ord. No. 150-2023]
(1)
Clear sight; hazards. No sign shall violate the clear sight requirements of § 400-16E or otherwise be erected in such a manner that would constitute a public hazard.
(2)
Private property outside right-of-way. The provisions of § 400-111N shall apply to political signs erected on private property outside a public right-of-way.
(3)
Public rights-of-way. Political signs erected within a public
right-of-way shall comply with the following:
(a)
Timing. The signs shall not be posted more than 30 days in advance
of the election to which the signs pertain and shall be removed within
seven days following the election for which the signs were posted.
(b)
Road setback. No sign shall be located less than five feet from
the edge of the shoulder or curb line of any public road.
(c)
Size; height. No sign shall exceed 16 square feet for each exposed face nor eight feet in height as determined in accordance with the definition of computation of height in § 400-109.
(d)
Support. Each sign shall be erected on its own support and shall
not be attached to any of the following: trees, vegetation, utility
poles, fences, guiderails, other signs or sign posts, or other structures.
F.
Temporary real estate signs. Temporary real estate signs advertising
the sale, lease, or rent of the premises upon which such sign is located
shall be subject to the following:
(1)
Number. There shall be not more than one temporary real estate
sign for each 1,000 feet of lot road frontage for each road on which
the lot fronts.
(2)
Area. Temporary real estate signs in R-1, R-2 and R-3 Districts
shall not exceed 16 square feet in area for each exposed face and
32 for each exposed face in all other districts.
(3)
Location. Temporary real estate signs shall be located only
upon the premises for sale, lease, or rent. Such signs may be located
in any required setback, but shall not extend over any lot line or
within 15 feet of any point of vehicular access to a public roadway.
(4)
Height. Temporary real estate signs shall not exceed a height of 15 feet as determined in accord with the definition of computation of height in § 400-109.
(5)
Special conditions. Temporary real estate signs shall be removed
within seven days of the sale or lease of the premises upon which
the sign is located.
(6)
Property not fronting on public road. One sign advertising the
sale or rental of property not fronting on a Township or state road
may be erected at the intersection of a public road and a private
road to direct interested parties to the property. The following standards
shall apply:
(a)
Not more than one sign may be erected at each intersection which
shall serve to advertise any and all property that is for sale on
the private road.
(b)
Such signs shall not be permitted at the intersection of two
public roads.
(c)
The area of each sign shall not exceed two square feet in area,
not more than two colors, including background, shall be used, and
the sign shall be square or rectangular in shape.
(d)
The sign text shall be limited to house for sale, property for
sale, business for sale, house for rent, property for rent, or business
for rent; and no business name or logo, nor any real estate agent
name, shall be displayed on the sign.
(e)
Such sign shall not be illuminated.
(f)
Permission must be obtained from the owner of the property upon
which the sign is erected.
(g)
Such signs shall be removed within 14 days after the sale, rental,
or lease.
G.
Temporary contractor or subcontractor signs. Temporary contractor
or subcontractor signs for the sole purpose of designating the contractor(s)
and subcontractor(s) engaged in the development of a property shall
be subject to the following:
(1)
Number. There shall be not more than one temporary contractor
or subcontractor sign for each contractor or subcontractor working
on the premises.
(2)
Area. Temporary contractor or subcontractor signs shall not
exceed six square feet in area.
(3)
Location. Temporary contractor or subcontractor signs shall
be located only upon the premises where the contractor or subcontractor
is working. Such signs may be located in any required setback, but
shall not extend over any lot line or within 15 feet of any point
of vehicular access to a public roadway.
(4)
Height. Temporary contractor or subcontractor signs shall not exceed four feet in height as determined in accord with the definition of computation of height in § 400-109.
(5)
Special conditions. Temporary contractor or subcontractor signs
shall be removed immediately upon completion of the contractor's or
subcontractor's work.
H.
Temporary yard or garage sale, open house, or auction signs. Temporary
yard sale or garage sale signs advertising the sale of items and the
sale's location shall be subject to the following:
(1)
Number. There shall not be more than 10 temporary yard or garage
sale signs for each location of a sale.
(2)
Area. In all zoning districts no temporary yard or garage sale
signs shall exceed four square feet in size.
(3)
Location. Temporary yard and garage sale signs may not be located
within the street or road right-of-way. No sign may be placed on a
utility or Township-owned pole or structure. Any temporary yard or
garage sale signs shall be self-supported and shall not create a public
hazard.
(4)
Height. Temporary yard or garage sale signs shall not exceed
30 inches in height.
(5)
Timing. Temporary yard or garage sale signs may be erected no
sooner than three days before the sale and must be removed no later
than three days after the sale. No temporary yard or garage sale signs
shall remain erected for a period longer than six days.
For all residential uses, only the following signs are permitted
and then only if accessory and incidental to a permitted residential
use.
A.
Building name and address signs. Name and address signs of buildings
containing six or more residential units indicating only the name
of the building, the name of the development in which it is located,
the management thereof, and/or address of the premises, shall be subject
to the following:
(1)
Type. Building name and address signs may be either wall signs
or ground signs.
(2)
Number. There shall not be more than one name and address sign
for each building, except that where a building abuts two or more
streets, one additional sign oriented to each abutting street shall
be permitted.
(3)
Area. Building name and address signs shall not exceed 16 square
feet in area for exposed face.
(4)
Location. Building name and address signs shall not be located
closer than 1/2 the minimum setback required for the zoning district
in which the sign is to be erected or within 15 feet of any point
of vehicular access to a public roadway. The location and arrangement
of all building name and address signs shall be subject to the review
and approval of the Zoning Officer.
B.
Residential development road entrance signs. Residential development
road entrance signs for developments with two or more buildings with
a total of five or more dwelling units indicating only the name of
the development, including single-family, two-family, and multifamily
developments and mobile home parks, the management or developer thereof,
and/or the address or location of the development shall be subject
to the following:
(1)
Type. The residential development road entrance signs shall
be ground signs.
(2)
Number. There shall not be more than two residential development
road entrance signs for each point of vehicular access to a development.
(3)
Area. Residential development road entrance signs shall not
exceed 32 square feet in area.
(4)
Location. Residential development road entrance signs may be
located in any required setback, but shall not extend over any lot
line or within 15 feet of any point of vehicular access from a public
roadway. The location and arrangement of all residential development
signs shall be subject to the review and approval of the Zoning Officer.
(5)
Height. Residential development road entrance signs shall not exceed a height of seven feet for ground signs as determined in accord with the definition of computation of height in § 400-109.
(6)
Sign faces. Residential development road entrance signs may
be double-faced only when one such sign is used at a road entrance.
For all commercial, manufacturing, industrial, public and semipublic
uses, referred to as "business" in this section, only the following
signs are permitted, and then only if accessory and incidental to
a permitted use, and such signs shall be subject to the requirements
of this section and any other special provisions contained in this
chapter:
A.
Individual business identification signs. The provisions of this Subsection A shall apply to parcels upon which an individual business is located.
[Amended 7-5-2023 by Ord. No. 150-2023]
(1)
Building wall signs.
(a)
Number and location. One wall sign may be installed on the facade containing the main entrance to the business, one wall sign on a building facade visible from a public street, and one wall sign on a building facade facing an interior driveway of a nonresidential development, lot, or site. [See § 400-111B(3) for direction and instructional signs not exceeding eight square feet.]
(b)
Sign area. The surface area of a wall sign shall not exceed
10% of the area of the building facade, including doors and windows,
to which the sign is to be affixed or 200 square feet, whichever is
smaller.
(c)
Sign length. The length of a wall sign shall not exceed the
lesser of 50 feet or 60% of the width of the facade to which the wall
sign is affixed.
(2)
Freestanding business identification signs. (See § 400-116 for permitted electronic signs.) Freestanding business identification signs shall be subject to the following:
(a)
Number. There shall not be more than one freestanding business
identification sign for each public street frontage with an approved
vehicle access to the lot.
(b)
Area. The surface area of one freestanding business identification
sign per lot shall not exceed 80 square feet. All other permitted
freestanding business identification signs on a lot shall not exceed
40 square feet in area.
(c)
Location. A freestanding business identification sign shall
maintain the requisite side and rear setbacks and shall not extend
within 15 feet of any point of vehicular access to a public roadway.
B.
Shopping center and multiple occupant business identification signs. The provisions of this Subsection B shall apply to developments in which two or more businesses are housed in one or more principal structures.
(1)
Building wall signs for buildings with separate exterior entrances. The standards in this Subsection B(1) shall apply to buildings with multiple separate and divided areas between tenants with each having a separate exterior entrance.
(a)
Number and location. A wall sign for each divided area shall
be permitted. Each such sign shall be affixed to the portion of the
facade occupied by the applicable tenant.
(b)
Individual sign area. The surface area of a wall sign shall
not exceed 10% of the area of the building facade, including doors
and windows, to which the sign is to be affixed or 200 square feet,
whichever is smaller.
(c)
Sign length. The length of a wall sign shall not exceed the
lesser of 50 feet or 60% of the width of the facade to which the wall
sign is affixed. The width of the facade shall be the portion of the
facade used by each divided area determined by the intersection of
exterior or interior walls, as applicable, of each divided area with
the facade used by each divided area.
(2)
Building wall signs for buildings with a main entrance. The standards in this Subsection B(2) shall apply to buildings containing multiple tenants with a main entrance to the building designed for entry and exit of the majority of tenants and visitors (that is, where separate exterior entrances for each divided area are not provided). Multiple wall signs may be installed as follows:
(a)
Number and location.
[Amended 7-5-2023 by Ord. No. 150-2023]
[1]
Wall signs may be erected on the facade containing the main
entrance to the business, a building facade visible from a public
street, and/or a building facade facing an interior driveway of a
nonresidential development, lot, or site.
[2]
The number of wall signs on an eligible facade shall be limited
to one for each tenant.
(b)
Individual sign area. The surface area of a wall sign shall
not exceed 10% of the area of the building facade, including doors
and windows, to which the sign is to be affixed or 200 square feet,
whichever is smaller.
(c)
Aggregate sign area. The maximum aggregate sign area for all
wall signs on each facade of a business building shall be determined
as follows:
|
Facade Area
|
Maximum Aggregate Wall Sign Area
| |
|---|---|---|
|
0 to 5,000 square feet
|
The lesser of 5% of the facade area (including window and door
areas) or 250 square feet
| |
|
5,001 square feet or greater
|
The lesser of 3% of the facade area (including window and door
areas) or 500 square feet
|
(d)
Sign length. The length of a wall sign shall not exceed the
lesser of 50 feet or 60% of the width of the facade to which the wall
sign is affixed.
(3)
Freestanding business identification signs. (See § 400-116 for permitted electronic signs.) Freestanding business identifications signs may be ground signs or monument signs used solely for the identification of the development and shall be subject to the following:
(a)
Number. There shall not be more than one freestanding business
identification sign for each development.
(b)
Area. The surface area of a freestanding business identification
sign shall not exceed a maximum area of one square foot for each 1.5
feet of front frontage of the lot, or 200 square feet, whichever is
less.
(c)
Location. A freestanding business identification sign shall
maintain side and rear setbacks, and shall not extend within 15 feet
of any point of vehicular access to a public roadway.
(d)
Height. A freestanding business identification sign shall not exceed a height of 25 feet as determined in accord with the definition of computation of height in § 400-109.
(e)
Individual occupant identification. The freestanding business
identification sign shall not contain the name of any individual business
occupant of the premises unless such tenant or occupant occupies 30%
or more of the total development. Each freestanding business identification
sign may include affixed directly to it a directory indicating only
the names of the business occupants of the development in which the
sign is to be located. The directory shall include the names of all
business tenants/occupants on one sign and shall not be comprised
of individual signs. The area of a directory sign shall not exceed
10 square feet in area for each occupant in the development.
C.
Business subdivision road entrance signs. Business subdivision road
entrance signs for developments with two or more commercial, manufacturing,
industrial, public and semipublic buildings, referred to as "business"
in this section, indicating only the name of the development, shall
be subject to the following:
(1)
Type. The business subdivision road entrance signs shall be
ground signs.
(2)
Number. There shall not be more than two business subdivision
road entrance signs for each point of vehicular access to a development.
(3)
Area. The surface area of business subdivision road entrance
signs shall not exceed 24 square feet in area.
(4)
Location. Business subdivision road entrance signs may be located
in any required setback, but shall not extend over any lot line or
within 15 feet of any point of vehicular access from a public roadway.
The location and arrangement of all residential development signs
shall be subject to the review and approval of the Zoning Officer.
(5)
Height. Business subdivision road entrance signs shall not exceed a height of five feet as determined in accord with the definition of computation of height in § 400-109.
(6)
Sign faces. Business subdivision road entrance signs may be
double-faced only when one such sign is used at a road entrance.
D.
Exterior automatic teller machine (ATM) signs. Exterior ATM signs
shall be permitted in association with an approved commercial use
subject to the following:
(1)
Location. Such sign shall be located on the face of the machine
and may only identify the individual business name, logo, time, and
principal services offered at the ATM.
(2)
Area. The area of any such sign shall not exceed 10 square feet.
The bezel and architectural border of an ATM sign shall not be included
in the sign area unless they contain sign characters, logos, or other
sign graphics. The area of any ATM signs not visible beyond the boundaries
of the property shall not be deducted from the sum total area permitted
for the use. Wording, symbols, and graphics which instruct persons
on the use of the ATM shall not be considered part of the sign area
unless they are visible beyond the boundaries of the property and
attract the attention of the public.
E.
Business directional signs. The intent of this section is to allow
commercial, manufacturing, industrial, public and semipublic uses,
referred to as business in this section, located in the Township and
which do not front on State Route 196 or State Route 611, but are
located along an intersecting public road, to erect signs in C-1,
C-2, C-3, I and I-A Districts to direct the public to the business.
(1)
Number.
(a)
There shall not be more than one directional sign for each business
parcel of land eligible for such sign at each intersection of direction
change with not more than three signs in total.
(b)
In the case of multi-businesses on the same parcel, each business
shall not be eligible for signs; instead, the directional signs shall
refer to the parcel as a whole.
(c)
Not more than one sign support shall be permitted on any parcel
at an intersection, and all directional signs on that parcel shall
be attached to that support.
(2)
Area. The surface area of each sign shall not exceed six square
feet in area.
(3)
Height. A directional sign shall not exceed a height of 10 feet, as determined in accord with the definition of computation of height in § 400-109.
(4)
Sign information. The information on the sign shall be limited
to the business name, logo, telephone number and directional information.
(5)
Property owner permission. The person making application for
the erection of a business directional sign shall provide a written
statement of permission signed by the owner of the property upon which
the sign is proposed.
(6)
Permit. A permit shall be required for the placement of the
directional signs and shall establish the number and location of all
the signs.
F.
Retail fuel sales signs. (See § 400-116 for permitted electronic signs.) Fuel types and amounts advertised at retail fuel sales establishments shall be incorporated into the freestanding business identification sign(s) permitted by § 400-§ 1. 114A(2) and shall be counted as part of the total sign area.
[Amended 7-5-2023 by Ord. No. 150-2023]
|
Number of Products Advertised
|
1 or 2
|
3
|
4
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Maximum letter height (inches)
|
24
|
15
|
12
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G.
Changeable panel signs. (See § 400-116 for permitted electronic signs.) One changeable panel sign board may be erected on the lot containing one or more commercial, manufacturing, industrial, public or semipublic use, referred to as business in this section, subject to the following:
(1)
Type. The changeable panel sign shall be a ground sign or may
be attached to the same support of the permitted business identification
ground sign.
(2)
Number. One changeable panel sign may be erected on the business
parcel identifying special, unique, limited activities, services,
products, or sale of limited duration occurring on the premises on
which the changeable panel sign is located.
(3)
Area. The area of a changeable panel sign shall not exceed 10
square feet in area.
(4)
Location. A changeable panel sign shall maintain side and rear
setbacks, and shall not extend within 15 feet of any point of vehicular
access to a public roadway.
(5)
Height. If the changeable panel sign is separate from the main freestanding sign, the changeable panel sign exceed a height of 10 feet as determined in accord with the definition of computation of height in § 400-109. The changeable panel sign shall be separated by a minimum of 12 inches from the main ground pole sign.
(See § 400-116 for permitted electronic signs.) The intent of this section is to limit the number, size and location of off-premises advertising signs and billboards to reduce visual clutter, prevent the distraction of drivers, and maintain the character of the community. Off-premises advertising signs and billboards may be erected and maintained only in accord with the requirements of this section, and all other applicable requirements of this chapter, and applications for such signs shall be considered conditional uses.
A.
Location; principal use.
(1)
Location. Off-premises advertising signs and billboards shall
be located only adjacent to Interstate 380, SR 611 or SR 940 in C-1,
C-2, C-3 and I Districts.
(2)
Principal use. Off-premises advertising signs and billboards
shall be considered principal uses and shall not be permitted on a
lot with any other principal use.
B.
Illumination. Off-premises advertising sign or billboard may be illuminated,
but flashing lights or devices and animation shall be prohibited.
C.
Setbacks. The applicable zone district side and rear setbacks for
principal structures shall be maintained for off-premises advertising
signs and billboards and the front setback shall be 15 feet.
D.
Height of signs. The height of the sign shall be determined in accord with the definition of computation of height in § 400-109.
(1)
Interstate 380. On properties along Interstate 380, off-premises
advertising signs and billboards shall not project higher than 30
feet above ground level or the grade of the nearest adjacent roadway,
whichever is higher.
(2)
SR 611 or SR 940. On properties adjacent to SR 940 or SR 611,
off-premises advertising signs and billboards shall not project higher
than 20 feet above ground level or the grade of the nearest adjacent
roadway, whichever is higher.
(3)
Ground clearance. All such structures shall have an open space
of not less than four feet between its lower edge and the ground.
E.
Maximum area.
F.
Spacing of off-premises advertising signs and billboards:
(1)
Separation distance. No off-premises advertising sign or billboard
shall be permitted within 500 feet of another off-premises advertising
sign or billboard, measured in all directions. The separation distance
shall be measured between the closest points of the two signs in question.
(2)
Dwellings. No off-premises advertising sign or billboard shall
be permitted within 100 feet of any dwelling and 50 feet from any
residential property line in the Township or any adjoining municipality.
The separation distance shall be measured between the closest points
of the proposed sign and the dwelling or residential lot in question.
(3)
Public facilities. No off-premises advertising sign or billboard
shall be permitted within 500 feet of any park, recreational area,
trail system, public or parochial school, municipal building, library,
church, hospital, or similar institutional use. The separation distance
shall be measured between the closest points of the proposed sign
and the parcel of land on which the building or use in question is
located.
(4)
Public street intersection. No off-premises advertising sign
or billboard shall be erected within 150 feet of the public street
intersection. The separation distance shall be measured between the
closest point of the proposed sign and the nearest intersection of
the right-of-way lines of the streets in question.
(5)
Street angle. No off-premises advertising sign or billboard
shall be constructed at an angle of less than 45° to the right-of-way
upon which it faces.
G.
Engineering certification. Any applications for an off-premises advertising
sign or billboard shall be accompanied by certification under seal
by a professional engineer registered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
that the sign as proposed will not present a structural safety hazard.
[Amended 3-18-2014 by Ord. No. 119-2014]
Electronic message signs shall be permitted only in accord with
this section.
A.
Types of signs.
(1)
In the C-1 Convenience Commercial, C-2 Office Park, I Industrial
and I-A Industrial Airport Districts, the following types of signs,
as otherwise permitted by this chapter, may be in the form of an electronic
message sign:
[Amended 7-5-2023 by Ord.
No. 150-2023]
(b)
Individual freestanding business identification sign [§ 400-114A(2)].
(c)
Shopping center and multiple occupant business freestanding identification sign [§ 400-114B(3)].
B.
Standards. In addition to the other applicable requirements of this
chapter, electronic message signs shall comply with the following:
[Amended 7-5-2023 by Ord. No. 150-2023]
(1)
One sign. Only one electronic message sign shall be permitted
per lot. If the sign structure has two sign faces, each sign face
may be an electronic message sign.
(2)
Size. The electronic message sign shall not exceed 80% of the
maximum allowable size of a nonelectronic message sign of the same
type.
(3)
Message display.
(a)
Motion. Electronic message sign motion shall be limited to the
transition from one message to another. The image shall be static,
with no animation, streaming video, flashing, scrolling, fading, or
other illusions of motion.
(b)
Transition. Transitions for electronic message signs shall change
without any of the following: fading in or out; scrolling; blinking;
sudden bursts of light or sound; and/or, the appearance of graphics
or animation. The content shall not change more than once every 15
seconds.
(c)
Continuation. The images and messages displayed shall be complete
on display without continuation in content to the next image or message
or to any other sign.
(d)
Projection. Images or messages projected onto buildings or other
objects shall be prohibited.
(e)
No red, green or yellow lights shall be permitted such that
the display looks like a traffic signal.
(4)
Luminance. Electronic message signs shall not display light
of such intensity or brilliance to cause glare, hazard or impair the
vision of the motorist, or interfere with the effectiveness of an
official traffic sign, device or signal.
(a)
Maximum. Electronic message signs shall have a maximum luminance
of 5,000 nits when measured from the sign face at its maximum brightness
during daylight hours. During the nighttime, such signs shall be limited
to a maximum luminance of 150 nits when measured from the sign face
at its maximum brightness.
[1]
LUMINANCE
NIT
Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall
have the meaning indicated:
A measure of the brightness of a surface which is emitting
or reflecting light. The unit of measurement is candelas per square
meter or nits (1 nit = 1 cd/m2).
A unit of measure of luminance, based on candelas per meter
squared.
(b)
Dimmer control. All electronic message signs shall be equipped
with both a dimmer control and a photocell that automatically adjusts
the display's luminance according to natural ambient light conditions.
(c)
Light trespass. Electronic message signs shall comply with the
light and glare requirements of § 27-49I. The maximum light
trespass limit at the boundary line of R-1, R-2, R-3, SP and W-C Districts
and permanent open space shall be 0.1 footcandle, and 1.0 footcandle
at the boundary line of C-1, C-2, I and I-A Districts.
(d)
Measurement. Surface luminance measurements shall be made directly
with a calibrated luminance meter in accord with manufacturer's
specifications. Readings shall be taken from the area from which the
sign will be visible, usually the road, and which is closest to being
directly in front of the sign where the luminosity output is most
focused. This reading shall be the measurement of an all-white image
display to evaluate the worst-case scenario. With an all-white display,
a maximum of 200 nits shall be permitted during nighttime.
(e)
Certification. Prior to issuance of a sign permit, the applicant
shall provide written certification from the sign manufacturer that
the sign luminance has been factory preset to not exceed 5,000 nits
and that the intensity has been protected from end-user manipulation
by password-protected software.
(5)
Height. The electronic message sign shall not exceed the maximum
allowable height of a nonelectronic message sign of the same type.
(6)
Structural support. No more than one digital sign or billboard
may be installed on a single structural support; that is, signs shall
not be stacked vertically or horizontally.
(7)
Automatic shutoff. The controls for the sign shall include fail-safe
programming to freeze the static image or turn off the sign in the
case of a malfunction to prevent a violation of ordinance provisions.
(8)
Emergency messages. The applicant shall be required to coordinate
and permit message access from local, regional, state and national
emergency services during emergency situations and such messages shall
not be required to conform to the message standards in this section.
(9)
No messages shall be displayed that are intended to be and/or
that result in a dangerous distraction to drivers.
(10)
The sign shall utilize a non-glare face combined with flat-colored
borders to minimize reflection of the sun or vehicle headlights. The
sign shall have dark backgrounds and light letters, rather than light
backgrounds and dark letters, to help reduce glare.
(11)
No electronic message sign shall be located within 500 feet
of any lot containing a residential use and/or any lot located within
a residential zoning district.
(12)
No two electronic message signs shall be spaced less than 300
feet apart.
[Amended 3-18-2014 by Ord. No. 119-2014]
A.
Legal, nonconforming signs. Any sign lawfully existing or under construction
on the effective date of this chapter which does not conform to one
or more of the provisions of this chapter may be continued in operation
and maintained as a legal nonconforming use.
B.
Maintenance and repair of legal nonconforming signs.
(1)
Area. The total area of any nonconforming sign shall not be
increased.
(2)
Removal and reconstruction. The removal and reconstruction of a nonconforming sign shall only be permitted in accord with the requirements of § 400-99E applicable to other nonconforming structures.
(3)
Damage or destruction. A nonconforming sign which is damaged or destroyed may be rebuilt in a nonconforming fashion only in accord with § 400-99A applicable to other nonconforming structures.
(4)
Improvements and maintenance. Nonconforming signs may be repainted,
repaired or modernized, provided such improvements do not increase
the dimensions, height or position of the existing nonconforming sign
or change the sign, message or business being advertised.
[Amended 3-18-2014 by Ord. No. 119-2014]
A.
Abandoned signs.
(1)
Removal. Any sign, whether existing on or erected after the
effective date of this chapter, which advertises a business or use
no longer being conducted or a product or service no longer being
offered for sale in or from the premises on which the sign is located,
shall be presumed to be abandoned and shall be removed within 18 months
upon the cessation of such business or use or sale of such product
or service by the owner, agent, or person having the beneficial interest
in the building or premises on which such sign is located.
B.
Nuisance signs.
(1)
Violation. The maintenance of any sign which is unsafe or insecure
or is a nuisance shall be considered a violation of this chapter.
(3)
Immediate peril. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, the
Zoning Officer 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 premises on which
such sign is located, whenever the Zoning Officer determines that
such sign is an immediate peril to persons or property.
