[Amended 11-15-2007 by Ord. No. 275; 12-3-2007 by Ord. No. 276; 12-7-2009 by Ord. No. 292; 8-4-2014 by Ord. No. 309; 8-4-2014 by Ord. No. 310; 12-17-2015 by Ord. No. 323]
The Township recognizes that signs perform an important function
in identifying and promoting properties, businesses, services, residences,
events, and other matters of public interest. It is the intent of
this article to regulate all signs within the Township to ensure that
they are appropriate for their respective uses, in keeping with the
appearance of the affected property and surrounding environment, and
protective of the public health, safety, and general welfare by:
A.
Setting standards and providing uniform, scientifically based controls
that permit reasonable use of signs and preserve the character of
the Township.
B.
Prohibiting the erection of signs in such numbers, sizes, designs,
illumination, and locations as may create a hazard to pedestrians
and motorists.
C.
Avoiding excessive conflicts from large or multiple signs, so that
permitted signs provide adequate identification and direction while
minimizing clutter, unsightliness, and confusion.
D.
Establishing a process for the review and approval of sign permit
applications.
E.
Encouraging sign design that upholds the visual environment and aesthetic
quality that the Township seeks to promote and conforms to the architectural
context of the surrounding buildings, while enhancing economic vitality.
Words and terms used in this article shall have the following
meanings. Unless expressly stated otherwise, any pertinent word or
term not part of this listing but vital to the interpretation of this
article shall be construed to have its legal definition or, in the
absence of a legal definition, its meaning as commonly accepted by
practitioners, including civil engineers, surveyors, architects, landscape
architects, and planners.
A sign which has not identified or advertised a current business,
service, owner, product, or activity for a period of at least 180
days in the case of off-premises signs, or at least 360 days in the
case of on-premises signs.
A sign that designates the street number and/or street name
for identification purposes, as designated by the United States Postal
Service (also known as: "nameplate sign").
A sign depicting action, motion, or light or color changes
through electrical or mechanical means.
A cloth, plastic, or other nonstructural covering that projects
from a wall for the purpose of shielding a doorway or window. An awning
is either permanently attached to a building or can be raised or retracted
to a position against the building when not in use.
Any sign painted on, or applied to, an awning.
A lighter-than-air, gas-filled balloon, tethered in a fixed
location, which contains an advertisement message on its surface or
attached to the balloon in any manner.
Any cloth, bunting, plastic, paper, or similar nonrigid material
attached to any structure, staff, pole, rope, wire, or framing which
is anchored on two or more edges or at all four corners. Banners are
temporary in nature and do not include flags.
Any source of electric light, whether portable or fixed,
the primary purpose of which is to cast a concentrated beam of light
generally skyward as a means of attracting attention to its location
rather than to illuminate any particular sign, structure, or other
object.
The maximum linear width of a building, measured in a single
straight line parallel, or essentially parallel, with the abutting
public street or parking lot.
A structure, other than an awning, made of fabric, metal,
or other material that is supported by columns or posts affixed to
the ground and may also be connected to a building.
Any sign that is part of, or attached to, a canopy.
A sign, or portion thereof, on which the copy or symbols
change, either automatically through electrical or electronic means
or manually through placement of letters or symbols on a panel mounted
in or on a track system. The two types of changeable-copy signs are
"manual changeable-copy signs" and "electronic changeable-copy signs,"
which include: message center signs, digital displays, and trivision
boards.
A sign consisting of fabricated or formed three-dimensional
letters, individually applied to a wall, which may accommodate a light
source.
The distance above the walkway, or other surface if specified,
to the bottom edge of a sign. This term can also refer to a horizontal
distance between two objects.
The portion of a sign message made up of internally illuminated
components capable of changing the message periodically. Digital displays
may include but are not limited to LCD, LED, or plasma displays.
Signs designed to provide direction to pedestrian and vehicular
traffic into and out of, or within, a site.
The lower border of the roof where it joins with the facade.
A type of illumination comprised of either:
Any sign printed or painted on cloth, plastic, canvas, or
other like material, with distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols,
attached to a pole or staff and anchored along only one edge or supported
or anchored at only two corners.
A sign whose artificial illumination is not kept constant
in intensity at all times when in use and which exhibits changes in
light, color, direction, or animation. This definition does not include
electronic message center signs or digital displays that meet the
requirements set forth herein.
A unit of incident light (on a surface) stated in lumens
per square foot and measurable with an illuminance meter, a.k.a. footcandle
or light meter. One footcandle is equal to one lumen per square foot.
A unit of emitted light (from a surface) stated in lumens
per square foot and measurable with an illuminance meter, a.k.a. footcandle
or light meter. One foot-lambert is equal to one lumen per square
foot.
A sign supported by structures or supports that are placed
on, or anchored in, the ground and that is independent and detached
from any building or other structure. The following are subtypes of
freestanding signs:
GROUND SIGNA sign permanently affixed to the ground at its base, supported entirely by a base structure, and not mounted on a pole or attached to any part of a building (also known as "monument sign").
POLE SIGNA freestanding sign that is permanently supported in a fixed location by a structure of one or more poles, posts, uprights, or braces from the ground and not supported by a building or a base structure.
A freestanding, open-air structure constructed for the purpose
of shielding service station islands from the elements.
Any sign that is part of, or attached to, the vertical sides
of the gas station canopy roof structure. For the purposes of this
article, gas station canopy signs shall be considered wall signs.
Any sign for the control of traffic or for identification
purposes, street signs, warning signs, railroad crossing signs, and
signs of public service companies indicating danger or construction,
which are erected by or at the order of a public officer, employee
or agent thereof in the discharge of official duties.
A district or zone designated by a local, state, or federal
government, within which buildings, structures, and/or appurtenances
are deemed important because of their association with history or
because of their unique architectural style and scale.
Signs or displays including lighting which are a nonpermanent
installation celebrating national, state, and local holidays, religious
or cultural holidays, or other holiday seasons (also known as "seasonal
decorations").
A sign which designates a home-based business, as permitted
in this chapter.
A sign with electrical equipment installed for illumination,
either internally illuminated through its sign face by a light source
contained inside the sign or externally illuminated by a light source
aimed at its surface.
A source of any artificial or reflected light, either directly
from a source of light incorporated in, or indirectly from, an artificial
source.
EXTERNAL ILLUMINATIONArtificial light, located away from the sign, which lights the sign, the source of which may or may not be visible to persons viewing the sign from any street, sidewalk, or adjacent property.
INTERNAL ILLUMINATIONA light source that is concealed or contained within the sign and becomes visible in darkness through a translucent surface. Message center signs, digital displays, and signs incorporating neon lighting shall not be considered internal illumination for the purposes of this article.
HALO ILLUMINATIONA sign using a three-dimensional message, logo, etc., which is lit in such a way as to produce a halo effect (also known as "back-lit illumination").
A sign that displays general site information, instructions,
directives, or restrictions that are primarily oriented to pedestrians
and motor vehicle operators who have entered a property from a public
street. These signs shall be informational only and shall not contain
a commercial message.
Signs displayed in the window, displaying information such
as the business' hours of operation, credit institutions accepted,
commercial and civic affiliations, and similar information. These
signs shall be informational only and shall not contain a commercial
message.
A sign that is an air-inflated object, which may be of various
shapes, made of flexible fabric, resting on the ground or structure
and equipped with a portable blower motor that provides a constant
flow of air into the device.
An electronic or animated sign that reacts to the behavior
or electronic signals of motor vehicle drivers.
The physical attributes of a sign that allow for an observer's
differentiation of its letters, words, numbers, or graphics.
Light emitted by a lighting installation, which extends beyond
the boundaries of the property on which the installation is sited.
A nonpermanent sign that is displayed on private property
for more than 30 days but is not intended to be displayed for an indefinite
period.
An objective measurement of the brightness of illumination,
including illumination emitted by an electronic sign, measured in
candelas per square meter (cd/m2) or nits.
A sign or portion thereof on which the copy or symbols are
changed manually through placement or drawing of letters or symbols
on a sign face.
A permanent structure, other than a roof or canopy, attached
to, supported by, and projecting from a building and providing protection
from the elements.
Any sign attached to a marquee for the purpose of identifying
a use or product. If attached to a theater, performing arts center,
cinema, or other similar use, it may also advertise films or productions.
A sign having parts that physically move rather than merely
appear to move as might be found in a digital display. The physical
movement may be activated electronically or by another means but shall
not include wind-activated movement such as used for banners or flags.
Mechanical-movement signs do not include digital signs that have changeable,
programmable displays.
A memorial plaque or tablet, including grave markers or other
remembrances of persons or events, which is not used for a commercial
message.
A permanent sign for displaying the bill of fare available
at a restaurant or other use serving food or beverages.
A type of illuminated, changeable-copy sign that consists
of electronically changing alphanumeric text, often used for gas price
display signs and athletic scoreboards.
The spreading of one message across more than one sign structure.
A freestanding sign used to advertise businesses that occupy
a shopping center or complex with multiple tenants.
A large picture/image (including but not limited to painted
art) which is painted, constructed, or affixed directly onto a vertical
building wall, which may or may not contain text, logos, and/or symbols.
A sign illuminated by a neon tube, or other visible light-emanating
gas tube, that is bent to form letters, symbols, or other graphics.
A unit of measurement of brightness, or luminance. One nit
is equal to one candela per square meter (cd/m2).
A sign that was legally erected and maintained at the effective
date of this article, or amendment thereto, that does not currently
comply with sign regulations of the district in which it is located.
Official highway route number signs, street name signs, directional
signs and other traffic signs erected and maintained on public highways
and roads in the interest of public safety or for the regulation of
traffic.
An outdoor sign whose message directs attention to a specific
business, product, service, event or activity, or other commercial
or noncommercial activity, or contains a noncommercial message about
something that is not sold, produced, manufactured, furnished, or
conducted on the premises upon which the sign is located (also known
as a "third-party sign," "billboard," or "outdoor advertising").
A sign whose message and design relate to an individual business,
profession, product, service, event, point of view, or other commercial
or noncommercial activity sold, offered, or conducted on the same
property where the sign is located.
A triangular or irregular piece of fabric or other material,
commonly attached in strings or strands, or supported on small poles,
intended to flap in the wind.
A sign attached or affixed to a building, window, or structure,
or to the ground in a manner that enables the sign to resist environmental
loads, such as wind, and that precludes ready removal or movement
of the sign and whose intended use appears to be indefinite.
An on-premises sign that expresses an opinion, interest,
position, or other noncommercial message.
A sign indicating a street or drive which is not publicly
owned and maintained and is used only for access by the occupants
of the development and their guests.
A building-mounted, double-sided sign with the two faces
generally perpendicular to the building wall, not to include signs
located on a canopy, awning, or marquee (also known as "blade sign").
A sign erected or required by government agencies or utilities,
including traffic, utility, safety, railroad crossing, and identification
signs for public facilities.
A sign containing any material or device, including mirrors
or reflective paint, which has the effect of intensifying reflected
light.
A sign which revolves in a circular motion, rather than remaining
stationary on its supporting structure.
A building-mounted sign erected upon, against, or over the
roof of a building.
A type of freestanding, portable sign consisting of two faces
connected and hinged at the top and whose message is targeted to pedestrians
(also known as "A-frame sign").
A sign contained within an athletic venue and intended solely
to provide information to the attendees of an athletic event.
An on-premises sign regulating the use of the premises, such
as a "no trespassing," "no hunting," or "no soliciting" sign (also
known as "warning sign").
The description of a luminaire from which no direct glare
is visible at normal viewing angles, by virtue of its being properly
aimed, oriented, and located and properly fitted with such devices
as shields, barn doors, baffles, louvers, skirts, or visors.
Any device, structure, fixture, painting, emblem, or visual
that uses words, graphics, colors, illumination, symbols, numbers,
or letters for the purpose of communicating a message. The definition
of "sign" includes the sign faces as well as any sign supporting structure.
The total dimensions of a sign surface used to display information, messages, advertising, logos, or symbols. See § 250-196C for standards for measuring sign area.
The part of the sign that is or can be used for the sign
area. The sign area could be smaller than the sign face.
The vertical dimension of a sign as measured using the standards in § 250-196D.
Poles, posts, walls, frames, brackets, or other supports
holding a sign in place.
A sign tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued, or otherwise
attached to trees, poles, stakes, fences, public benches, streetlights,
or other objects, or placed on any public property or in the public
right-of-way or on any private property without the permission of
the property owner (also known as "bandit sign").
The exterior facade of a building housing a commercial use
visible from a street, sidewalk, or other pedestrianway accessible
to the public and containing the primary entrance to the commercial
establishment.
A display made of lightweight, flexible materials, consisting
of long, narrow, wavy strips hung individually or in a series, with
or without a logo or advertising message printed or painted on them,
and typically designed to move in the wind.
The side or sides of a lot abutting on a public street or
right-of-way.
A banner suspended above a public sidewalk and attached to
a single street pole. These signs shall not contain any commercial
advertising.
A type of nonpermanent sign that is located on private property
that can be displayed for no more than 30 consecutive days at one
time.
An outdoor unit with a slatted face that allows three different
copy messages to revolve at intermittent intervals.
A sign affixed to a vehicle in such a manner that the sign
is used primarily as a stationary advertisement for the business on
which the vehicle sits or is otherwise not incidental to the vehicle's
primary purpose.
A sign displayed on a vending machine indicating the name
of the product being sold and/or the price of such product.
A building-mounted sign which is either attached to, displayed
on, or painted on an exterior wall in a manner parallel with the wall
surface. A sign installed on a false or mansard roof is also considered
a wall sign (also known as: "fascia sign," "parallel wall sign," or
"band sign").
Any sign that is applied, painted, or affixed to a window,
or placed inside a window, within three feet of the glass, facing
the outside of the building, and easily seen from the outside. Customary
displays of merchandise or objects and material without lettering
behind a store window are not considered signs.
The following signs are unlawful and prohibited:
A.
Abandoned signs.
B.
Snipe signs. Signs shall only be attached to utility poles in conformance
with state and utility regulations and the requirements of this article.
C.
Vehicular signs. This regulation does not include the use of business
logos, identification or advertising on vehicles primarily and actively
used for business purposes and/or personal transportation.
D.
Mechanical movement signs, including revolving signs.
E.
Pennant strings and streamers.
F.
Animated signs, flashing signs, or signs that scroll or flash text
or graphics.
G.
Inflatable devices or balloon signs, with the exception of balloons
used in temporary, noncommercial situations.
H.
Any signs that imitate, resemble, interfere with, or obstruct official
traffic lights, signs, or signals.
I.
Signs which obstruct free ingress or egress from any door, window,
or fire escape, or that prevent free access from one part of a roof
to any other part. No sign other than a safety sign shall be attached
to a standpipe or fire escape.
J.
Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors, particulate matter, sound,
or odor or contain open flames.
K.
Reflective signs or signs containing mirrors.
L.
Interactive signs.
M.
Signs incorporating beacon or festoon lighting.
N.
Any banner or sign of any type suspended across a public street,
without the permission of the owner of the property and road.
O.
Roof signs.
P.
Signs erected without the permission of the property owner, with
the exception of those authorized or required by local, state, or
federal government.
Q.
Any sign containing information which states or implies that a property
may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of
this chapter.
R.
Signs that exhibit statements, words, or pictures of obscene or pornographic
subjects as determined by the Township.
S.
Any sign that promotes illegal activity.
The following signs shall be allowed anywhere within the Township
without a sign permit and shall not be included in the determination
of the type, number, or area of permanent signs allowed within a zoning
district, provided such signs comply with the regulations in this
section, if any:
A.
Official traffic signs.
B.
Government/regulatory signs.
C.
Any sign located inside a building, or other enclosed facility, which
is not meant to be viewed from the outside and is located greater
than three feet from any window.
D.
Holiday and seasonal decorations.
E.
Personal expression signs of any sign type, including flags, provided
that they do not exceed six square feet in area per side or four feet
in height, are noncommercial in nature, and are not illuminated.
F.
Address signs: up to two signs stating the address, number and/or
name of the occupants of the premises and which do not include any
commercial advertising, including logos.
G.
Public signs: signs erected or required by government agencies or
utilities, including traffic, utility, safety, railroad crossing,
and identification or directional signs for public facilities.
H.
Signs or emblems of a religious, civil, philanthropic, historical,
or educational organization that do not exceed four square feet in
area.
I.
Private drive signs: one sign per driveway entrance, not to exceed
two square feet in area.
J.
Security and warning signs. These limitations shall not apply to
the posting of conventional "no trespassing" signs in accordance with
state law.
K.
Flags.
(1)
Location. Flags and flagpoles shall not be located within any
right-of-way.
(2)
Height. Flags shall have a maximum height of 20 feet.
(3)
Number: no more than two flags per lot in residential districts;
no more than three flags per lot in all other districts.
(4)
Size. Maximum flag size is 24 square feet in residential districts;
35 square feet in all other districts.
(5)
Flags containing commercial messages may be used as permitted
freestanding or projecting signs; and if so used, the area of the
flag shall be included in, and limited by, the computation of allowable
area for signs on the property.
L.
Legal notices.
M.
Vending machine signs.
N.
Memorial signs, including public monuments, plaques, or historical identification signs erected by the Township, up to two square feet in area. Freestanding memorial signs shall have a maximum height of four feet. External illumination is permitted in accordance with the provisions in § 250-196F.
O.
Signs which are a permanent architectural feature of a building or
structure, existing at the time of adoption of this article.
P.
Signs advertising the variety of crop growing in a field. Such signs
shall be removed after the growing season.
Q.
Incidental signs, including incidental window signs.
A.
Sign location.
(1)
No sign, except official traffic signs or those erected by the
Township, is permitted within or above the cartway of a street's right-of-way.
(2)
No sign shall be erected or maintained within 15 feet of the
edge of any existing cartway or roadway curb or within five feet of
any existing parking lot curb.
(3)
No sign shall be placed in such a position as to endanger pedestrians,
bicyclists, or traffic on a street by obscuring the view or by interfering
with official street signs or signals by virtue of position or color.
(4)
No sign may occupy a sight triangle, as defined in § 215-58 of the Township's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.
(5)
Signs and their supporting structures shall maintain clearance
and noninterference with all surface and underground utility and communications
lines or equipment.
B.
Sign materials and construction. Every sign shall be constructed
of durable materials, using noncorrosive fastenings; shall be structurally
safe and erected or installed in strict accordance with the Pennsylvania
Uniform Construction Code; and shall be maintained in safe condition
and good repair at all times so that all sign information is clearly
legible.
C.
Sign area.
(1)
The area of a sign shall mean the area of all lettering, wording,
and accompanying designs, logos, and symbols, together with the background
on which they are displayed. The area of a sign shall not include
any supporting framework, bracing or trim which is incidental to the
display, provided that it does not contain any lettering, wording,
or symbols.
(2)
Where the sign consists of individual letters, designs, or symbols
attached to a building, awning, wall, window, or freestanding structure,
the area shall be that of the smallest rectangle which encompasses
all of the letters, designs, and symbols.
(3)
Signs may be double-sided, subject to the following standards:
(a)
On-premises signs.
[1]
Only one side shall be considered when determining the sign
area, provided that the faces are equal in size, the interior angle
formed by the faces is less than 45°, and the two faces are not
more than 18 inches apart.
[2]
Where the faces are not equal in size, but the interior angle
formed by the faces is less than 45° and the two faces are not
more than 18 inches apart, the larger sign face shall be used as the
basis for calculating sign area.
[3]
When the interior angle formed by the faces is greater than
45°, or the faces are greater than 18 inches apart, all sides
of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
(b)
Off-premises signs.
[1]
Only one side shall be considered when determining the sign
area, provided that the faces are equal in size, the interior angle
formed by the faces is less than 45°, and the two faces are not
more than five feet apart.
[2]
Where the faces are not equal in size, but the interior angle
formed by the faces is less than 45° and the two faces are not
more than five feet apart, the larger sign face shall be used as the
basis for calculating sign area.
[3]
When the interior angle formed by the faces is greater than
45°, or the faces are greater than five feet apart, all sides
of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
(4)
Portions of signs that consist of one or more three-dimensional
or irregularly shaped objects shall have a sign area of the sum of
two adjacent vertical sign faces of the smallest cube encompassing
the sign or object.
(5)
If elements of a sign are movable or flexible, such as a flag
or banner, the sign area measurement is taken when the elements are
fully extended and parallel to the plane of view.
D.
Sign height.
(1)
Sign height shall be measured as the distance from the highest
portion of the sign to the mean finished grade of the street closest
to the sign. In the case of a sign located greater than 100 feet from
a public street, height shall be measured to the mean grade at the
base of the sign.
(2)
Clearance for freestanding and projecting signs shall be measured
as the smallest vertical distance between finished grade and the lowest
point of the sign, including any framework or other structural elements.
E.
Sign spacing. The spacing between sign structures shall be measured
as a straight-line distance between the closest edges of each sign.
F.
Sign illumination.
(1)
Signs may be illuminated, unless otherwise specified herein,
consistent with the following standards:
(a)
Location. The summary table below [§ 250-196F(7)] provides detailed information about what types of illumination are permitted in each zoning district.
(b)
Light sources to illuminate signs shall neither be visible from
any street right-of-way nor cause glare hazardous or distracting to
pedestrians, vehicle drivers, or adjacent properties.
(c)
No more than 0.2 footcandle of light shall be detectable at
the boundary of any abutting property.
(d)
Hours of operation.
(e)
Brightness. Message center signs and digital displays are subject
to the following brightness limits:
[1]
During daylight hours between sunrise and sunset, luminance
shall be no greater than 5,000 nits.
[2]
At all other times, luminance shall be no greater than 250 nits.
[3]
Each sign must have a light-sensing device that will automatically
adjust the brightness of the display as the natural ambient light
conditions change, to comply with the limits set here within.
(f)
Message duration. The length of time each message may be displayed
on a message center sign, digital display, or trivision board sign
is based upon the visibility and speed limit unique to individual
signs and adjacent road conditions. The following method should be
used to calculate message duration for message center signs, digital
displays, or trivision board signs:
[1]
Determine the greatest distance from which the sign becomes
visible on the road the sign is primarily intended to serve. If a
sign is intended to be seen by more than one roadway, the road with
the lower posted speed limit shall be used for determining message
duration.
[2]
Multiply the road's posted speed limit (MPH) by 5,280, and then
divide by 3,600 to obtain the speed limit in feet per second.
[3]
Divide the visibility distance by the speed limit (feet per
second).
[4]
Add an additional 10% (1.1) of this number to the total.
[5]
The resulting amount of time is the minimum permitted message
duration, except where this value is less than eight seconds, in which
case the minimum message duration shall be no less than eight seconds.
(2)
Types of illumination. Where permitted, illumination may be:
(a)
External. Externally illuminated signs, where permitted, are
subject to the following regulations:
(b)
Internal. Internally illuminated signs, where permitted, are
subject to the following regulations:
[1]
Internal illumination, including neon lighting, must be static
in intensity and color.
[2]
Message center signs are permitted in accordance with the regulations contained in § 250-196F(3).
[3]
Digital displays are permitted in accordance with the regulations contained in § 250-196F(4).
(3)
Message center signs. Message center signs are subject to the
following regulations, in addition to all other illumination requirements
established in this section:
(a)
Sign type. Message center signs are permitted in the form of
freestanding, monument, and wall signs, both on-premises and off-premises,
in accordance with the regulations herein.
(b)
Height. A message center sign shall have the same height limits
as other permitted signs of the same type and location.
(c)
Area.
[1]
When used as an on-premises sign, message center signs shall
not exceed 50% of the sign area for any one sign and shall not exceed
more than 30% of the total area for all signs permitted on a property.
[2]
When used as an off-premises sign, message center signs may
be used for the full permitted sign area.
(d)
Maximum number. Where permitted, one message center sign is
permitted per street frontage, up to a maximum of two message center
signs per property.
(e)
Message display.
[1]
No message center sign may contain text which flashes, pulsates,
moves, or scrolls. Each complete message must fit on one screen.
[2]
The content of a message center sign must transition by changing
instantly (e.g., no fade-out or fade-in).
[3]
Default design. The sign shall contain a default design which
shall freeze the sign message in one position if a malfunction should
occur.
(f)
Conversion of a permitted non-message-center sign to a message center sign requires the issuance of a permit pursuant to § 250-199.1, Permits and applications.
(g)
The addition of any message center sign to a nonconforming sign
is prohibited.
(h)
Public service announcements. The owner of every message center
sign is encouraged to coordinate with the local authorities to display,
when appropriate, emergency information important to the traveling
public, including, but not limited to, AMBER Alerts™ or alerts
concerning terrorist attacks or natural disasters. Emergency information
messages should remain in the advertising rotation according to the
protocols of the agency that issues the information.
(4)
Digital displays. Digital displays are subject to the following
regulations in addition to all other requirements established in this
section:
(a)
Sign type. Digital displays are permitted in the form of freestanding,
monument, and wall signs, both on-premises and off-premises, in accordance
with the regulations herein.
(b)
Height. A digital display shall have the same height limits
as for other permitted signs of the same type and location.
(d)
Maximum number per property. Where permitted, one digital display
sign is permitted per property.
(e)
Message display.
[1]
Any digital display containing animation, streaming video, or
text or images which flash, pulsate, move, or scroll is prohibited.
Each complete message must fit on one screen.
[2]
One message/display may be brighter than another, but each individual
message/display must be static in intensity.
[3]
The content of a digital display must transition by changing
instantly, with no transition graphics (e.g., no fade-out or fade-in).
[4]
Default design. The sign shall contain a default design which
shall freeze the sign message in one position if a malfunction should
occur.
(f)
Conversion of a permitted nondigital display sign to a digital display sign requires the issuance of a permit pursuant to § 250-199.1, Permits and applications.
(g)
The addition of any digital display to a nonconforming sign
is prohibited.
(h)
Public service announcements. The owner of every digital sign
is encouraged to coordinate with the local authorities to display,
when appropriate, emergency information important to the traveling
public, including, but not limited to, AMBER Alerts™ or alerts
concerning terrorist attacks or natural disasters. Emergency information
messages should remain in the advertising rotation according to the
protocols of the agency that issues the information.
(5)
Electrical standards.
(a)
Permits for illuminated signs will not be issued without an
approved electrical permit, if required. Applications for electrical
permits shall be filed at the same time as the sign permit application.
(b)
All work shall be completed in full compliance with the Township's
Electrical Code as set forth in the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction
Code.
(c)
The electrical supply to all exterior signs, whether to the
sign itself or to lighting fixtures positioned to illuminate the sign,
shall be provided by means of concealed electrical cables. Electrical
supply to freestanding signs shall be provided by means of underground
cables.
(d)
The owner of any illuminated sign shall arrange for a certification
showing compliance with the brightness standards set forth herein
by an independent contractor and provide the certification documentation
to the Township as a condition precedent to the issuance of a sign
permit.
(6)
Glare control. Glare control shall be achieved primarily through
the use of such means as cutoff fixtures, shields, and baffles, and
appropriate application of fixture mounting height, wattage, aiming
angle, and fixture placement. Vegetation screens shall not be employed
to serve as the primary means for controlling glare.
(7)
Illumination standards by district.
|
Illumination Type
| |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Zoning Districts
|
Internal
|
External
|
Message Center Sign
|
Digital Display
| |
|
Residential zoning districts
(R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, MHP)
See § 250-198A for additional sign standards.
|
N
|
Y
|
N^
|
N
| |
|
Village commercial zoning districts (SV)
See § 250-198B for additional sign standards.
|
N
|
Y
|
N^
|
N
| |
|
Neighborhood/limited commercial zoning districts
(NC, LC, LCO, CO)
See § 250-198C for additional sign standards.
|
Y
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
| |
|
General commercial/industrial zoning districts
(LI, HI, SC, Q)
See § 250-198D for additional sign standards.
|
Y
|
Y
|
Y
|
Y
| |
|
Mixed-use/gateway/interchange zoning districts
(G-IN, IN, GMU, GRO, PMD)
See § 250-198E for additional sign standards.
|
Y
|
Y
|
Y
|
Y
| |
|
NOTES:
| |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Y
|
=
|
Illumination type is permitted in that zoning district, subject to standards in § 250-196F.
| |
|
N
|
=
|
Illumination type is not permitted in that zoning district.
| |
|
^
|
=
|
Excludes scoreboards located in a park, recreational, or open
space facility.
| |
A.
On-premises signs.
(1)
Wall signs.
(a)
No portion of a wall sign shall be mounted less than eight feet
above the finished grade or extend out more than 12 inches from the
building wall on which it is affixed. If the wall sign projects less
than three inches from the building wall on which it is affixed, the
eight-foot height requirement need not be met.
(2)
Canopy or awning signs.
(a)
A canopy or awning without lettering or other advertising shall
not be regulated as a sign.
(b)
Canopy or awning signs must be centered within or over architectural
elements such as windows or doors.
(c)
No awning or canopy sign shall be wider than the building wall
or tenant space it identifies.
(d)
Sign placement.
[1]
Letters or numerals shall be located only on the front and side
vertical faces of the awning or canopy.
[2]
Logos or emblems are permitted on the top or angled portion
of the awning or canopy up to a maximum of three square feet. No more
than one emblem or logo is permitted on any one awning or canopy.
(e)
Sign height.
[1]
The lowest edge of the canopy or awning sign shall be at least
eight feet above the finished grade.
[2]
Any ground-floor awning projecting into a street right-of-way
must be retractable.
[3]
Awnings above the ground floor may be fixed, provided they do
not project more than four feet from the face of the building.
(f)
Multitenant buildings. If the awning or canopy sign is mounted
on a multitenant building, all awning or canopy signs shall be similar
in terms of height, projection, and style across all tenants in the
building.
(3)
Projecting signs.
(a)
No portion of a projecting sign shall project more than four
feet from the face of the building.
(b)
The outermost portion of a projecting sign shall project no
closer than five feet from a curbline or shoulder of a public street.
(c)
Sign height. The lowest edge of a projecting sign shall be at
least eight feet above the finished grade.
(4)
Window signs.
(a)
Incidental window signs displaying pertinent business information,
such as the business' hours of operation and credit cards accepted,
shall be excluded from area calculations for window signs.
(5)
(6)
Freestanding signs.
(a)
The lowest edge of any freestanding pole sign shall be either
less than four feet or greater than seven feet above the ground.
(b)
Freestanding ground signs shall be supported and permanently
placed by embedding, anchoring, or connecting the sign in such a manner
as to incorporate it into the landscape or architectural design scheme.
(c)
Sign placement.
[1]
All freestanding signs shall be set back five feet from the
right-of-way, except for official traffic signs and government/regulatory
signs.
[2]
No freestanding sign may occupy an area designated for parking,
loading, walkways, driveways, fire lane, easement, cartway of the
right-of-way or other areas required to remain unobstructed.
(7)
Manual changeable-copy signs. Manual changeable-copy signs are
permitted only when integrated into a freestanding, marquee, wall,
or sandwich-board sign.
B.
Off-premises signs.
(1)
Locations permitted. Off-premises signs are permitted in the
following locations:
(a)
IN Interchange District.
(2)
Sign size. Each off-premises sign shall have a maximum area
of 150 square feet per sign face.
(4)
Sign placement. Off-premises signs shall be:
(a)
Set back from the ultimate right-of-way a distance equal to
the height of the off-premises sign, or 15 feet, whichever is greater.
(b)
Located no closer than 25 feet from any property line.
(c)
Located no closer than 50 feet from any building, structure,
or on-premises sign located on the same property.
(d)
Located no closer than 1,500 feet from another off-premises
sign on either side of the road, measured linearly.
(e)
Located no closer than 500 feet from any intersection or interchange
(on/off-ramp).
(f)
Located no closer than 1,000 feet from any property line abutting
a public park, playground, religious institution, cemetery, school,
or residential district.
(g)
Not attached to the external wall or otherwise affixed to any
part of any building and shall not extend over any public property
or right-of-way.
(h)
Not located on sewer rights-of-way or water, electric, or petroleum
pipelines.
(i)
Not located on a bridge.
(5)
Number of signs per lot. There shall be no more than one off-premises
sign structure per lot. Vertically or horizontally stacked signs shall
not be permitted.
(6)
Construction and maintenance.
(a)
All plans for off-premises signs shall be certified by a licensed
engineer registered in Pennsylvania.
(b)
All off-premises advertising signs shall be constructed in accordance
with industry-wide standards established by the Outdoor Advertising
Association of America and the Institute of Outdoor Advertising, or
their successor organizations. All off-premises advertising signs
shall be structurally sound and maintained in good condition and in
compliance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.
(c)
The rear face of a single-face, off-premises advertising sign
shall be painted and maintained with a single neutral color as approved
by the Township.
(d)
Every three years, the owner of the billboard shall have a structural
inspection made of the billboard by a licensed engineer registered
in Pennsylvania and shall provide to the Township a certificate certifying
that the billboard is structurally sound.
(7)
Identification of sign owner. All off-premises signs shall be
identified on the structure with the name, address, and phone number
of the owner of such sign.
(8)
Landscaping.
(a)
Landscaping shall be provided at the base of all off-premises
signs. Trees and shrubbery, including evergreen and flowering trees,
of sufficient size and quantity shall be used to achieve the purpose
of this section.
(b)
Trees greater than four inches in diameter removed for construction
of the sign shall be replaced on site at a ratio of one replacement
tree for each removed tree using native species no less than three
inches in diameter.
(9)
Additional regulations. All off-premises signs shall comply
with any and all applicable zoning regulations of the Township and
any and all municipal, state and/or federal regulations. In the event
any other applicable regulation is in conflict with the provisions
of this section, the more-strict regulation shall apply.
(10)
Application/plan requirements. Plans submitted for off-premises
advertising signs shall show the following:
(a)
The location of the proposed sign on the lot with the required
sign setbacks from the property line and ultimate right-of-way.
(b)
The location and species of existing trees.
(c)
The distance to the nearest existing off-premises advertising
sign.
(d)
The distance to the nearest right-of-way, property line, building,
structure, on-premises sign, off-premises sign, intersection, interchange,
safety rest area, bridge, residential district, or institutional use,
sewer rights-of-way, and water, electric or petroleum pipelines.
(e)
Site plan containing all of the applicable requirements set
forth in the Township's Zoning Code, as amended.
(f)
Certification under the seal by a licensed engineer that the
off-premises sign, as proposed, is designed in accordance with all
federal, state, and local laws, codes, and professional standards.
(11)
Illumination and changeable copy.
(a)
Off-premises signs may incorporate manual changeable-copy signs.
(b)
Off-premises signs may be illuminated, provided that:
(d)
Off-premises signs may incorporate trivision boards.
[1]
The length of time each message of the trivision board may be displayed before changing is based upon the visibility and posted speed limit unique to individual signs and adjacent road conditions. The message duration for trivision boards shall be calculated using the method described in § 250-196F(1)(f), Message duration.
(12)
Safety. In applying for special exception relief, the applicant
bears the burden of proof to establish that the proposed off-premises
sign will not create a public health or safety hazard in the matter
and location that it is proposed and in the manner by which it is
to be operated.
C.
Limited-duration signs.
(1)
General provisions. Limited-duration signs that comply with
the requirements in this subsection shall not be included in the determination
of the type, number, or area of signs allowed on a property. Unless
otherwise stated below, the requirements listed below shall apply
to both commercial and noncommercial signs.
(3)
Size and number.
(a)
Residential zoning districts. The following standards shall
apply to limited-duration signs located in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4,
and MHP Residential Zoning Districts:
[1]
Large limited-duration sign. One large limited-duration sign,
up to 16 square feet in area and eight feet in height, is permitted
per property, provided the property is at least five acres in size.
[2]
Small limited-duration sign. One small limited-duration sign,
up to six square feet in area and four feet in height, is permitted
per property.
(b)
Nonresidential zoning districts. The following standards shall
apply to limited-duration signs located in all other zoning districts:
[1]
Large limited-duration signs. One large limited-duration sign,
up to 16 square feet in area and eight feet in height, is permitted
per property. If a property is at least five acres in size and/or
has at least 10,000 square feet of floor area, one additional large
limited-duration sign may be permitted per property, provided there
is a minimum spacing of 200 feet from all other large limited-duration
signs.
[2]
Small limited-duration signs. One small limited-duration sign,
up to six square feet in area and six feet in height, is permitted
per property. If a property is at least five acres in size and/or
has at least 10,000 square feet of floor area, one additional small
sign may be permitted per property.
(4)
Permit requirements.
(a)
A permit for a limited-duration sign is issued for one year
and may be renewed annually.
(b)
One sign is allowed per permit. An applicant may request up
to two permits per address but is subject to the size and number requirements
set forth in this section.
(c)
An application for a limited-duration sign permit must include:
[1]
A description of the sign indicating the number, size, shape,
dimensions, and colors of the sign and the expected length of time
the sign will be displayed;
[2]
A schematic drawing of the site showing the proposed location
of the sign in relation to nearby buildings and streets; and
[3]
The number of signs on the site.
(5)
Installation and maintenance.
(a)
All limited-duration signs must be installed such that, in the
opinion of the Township Zoning Officer, they do not create a safety
hazard.
(b)
All limited-duration signs must be made of durable materials
and shall be well-maintained.
(c)
Limited-duration signs that are frayed, torn, broken, or that
are no longer legible will be deemed unmaintained and required to
be removed.
(6)
Illumination. Illumination of any limited-duration sign is prohibited.
(7)
Summary Table for Limited-Duration Signs.
|
Residential Zoning Districts
(R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, MHP)
|
Nonresidential Zoning Districts
(All Other Zoning Districts)
| ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Maximum Number
|
Large limited-duration signs: 1 per property (if lot is > 5 acres)
Small limited-duration signs: 1 per property
|
Large limited-duration signs: 1 per property (plus 1 additional
if lot is > 5 acres and/or has > 10,000 square feet of floor area)
Small limited-duration signs: 1 per property (plus 1 additional
if lot is > 5 acres and/or has > 10,000 square feet of floor area)
| |
|
Maximum Area (square feet)
|
Large limited-duration signs: 16
Small limited-duration signs: 6
|
Large limited-duration signs: 16
Small limited-duration signs: 6
| |
|
Maximum Height (feet)
|
Large limited-duration signs: 8
Small limited-duration signs: 4
|
Large limited-duration signs: 8
Small limited-duration signs: 6
|
D.
Temporary signs.
(1)
General provisions. Temporary signs that are located on private
property and comply with all of the requirements of this subsection
are exempt from standard permit requirements and shall not be included
in the determination of the type, number, or area of signs allowed
on a property. Unless otherwise stated below, the requirements listed
below shall apply to both commercial and noncommercial signs.
(3)
Size and number.
(a)
Residential zoning districts. The following standards shall
apply to temporary signs located in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and MHP
Residential Zoning Districts:
[1]
Large temporary signs. One large temporary sign, up to 16 square
feet in area and eight feet in height, is permitted per property,
provided the property is at least five acres in size.
[2]
Small temporary signs. One small temporary sign, up to six square
feet in area and four feet in height, is permitted per property.
[3]
Banner signs. One banner sign, up to 32 square feet in area
and 24 feet in height, is permitted per property, provided the property
is at least five acres in size.
(b)
Nonresidential zoning districts. The following standards shall
apply to temporary signs located in all other zoning districts:
[1]
Large temporary signs. One large temporary sign, up to 16 square
feet in area and eight feet in height, is permitted per property.
[2]
Small temporary signs. One small temporary sign, up to six square
feet in area and six feet in height, is permitted per property.
[3]
Banner signs. One banner, up to 32 square feet in area and 24
feet in height, is permitted per property.
(4)
Duration and removal.
(a)
Temporary signs may be displayed up to a maximum of 30 consecutive
days, two times per calendar year.
(b)
The Township or the property owner may confiscate temporary
signs installed in violation of this article. Neither the Township
nor the property owner is responsible for notifying sign owners of
confiscation of an illegal temporary sign.
(5)
Permission. The party posting the temporary sign is solely responsible
for obtaining the permission of the property owner before posting
their temporary sign.
(6)
Municipal notification. Temporary signs are exempt from the
standard permit requirements, but the date of erection of a temporary
sign must be written in indelible ink on the lower right-hand corner
of the sign.
(7)
Installation and maintenance.
(a)
All temporary signs must be installed such that, in the opinion
of the Township Zoning Officer, they do not create a safety hazard.
(b)
All temporary signs must be made of durable materials and shall
be well-maintained.
(c)
Temporary signs that are frayed, torn, broken, or that are no
longer legible will be deemed unmaintained and required to be removed.
(8)
Illumination. Illumination of any temporary sign is prohibited.
(9)
Summary Table for Temporary Signs.
|
Residential Zoning Districts
(R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, MHP)
|
Nonresidential Zoning Districts
(All Other Zoning Districts)
| ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Maximum Number
|
Large temporary signs: 1 per property (only if lot is > 5 acres)
Small temporary signs: 1 per property
Banners: 1 per property (only if lot is >5 acres)
|
Large temporary signs: 1 per property
Small temporary signs: 1 per property
Banners: 1 per property
| |
|
Maximum Area (square feet)
|
Large temporary signs: 16
Small temporary signs: 6
Banners: 32
|
Large temporary signs: 16
Small temporary signs: 6
Banners: 32
| |
|
Maximum Height (feet)
|
Large temporary signs: 8
Small temporary signs: 4
Banners: 24
|
Large temporary signs: 8
Small temporary signs: 6
Banners: 24
|
E.
Sandwich-board signs.
(1)
General provisions. Sandwich-board signs that comply with the
requirements in this subsection shall not be included in the determination
of the type, number, or area of signs allowed on a property.
(a)
Number. One sandwich-board sign is permitted per establishment.
For the purposes of this subsection, a parking garage or parking lot
shall be considered an establishment.
(b)
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of seven square feet
per sign face.
(c)
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height of 3.5 feet.
(d)
Illumination. Illumination of any sandwich-board sign is prohibited.
(e)
Hours of display.
[1]
Signs shall not be displayed on any premises before 6:00 a.m.
and shall be removed each day at or before 10:00 p.m. However, all
sandwich-board signs must be taken in during hours of nonoperation
of the business being advertised.
[2]
All sandwich-board signs must be taken in during inclement weather.
(2)
Sign placement.
(a)
If a sign is located on a public or private sidewalk, a minimum
of 36 inches of unobstructed sidewalk clearance must be maintained
between the sign and any building or other obstruction.
(b)
The sign must be located on the premises, and within 12 feet
of the primary public entrance, of the establishment it advertises.
For the purposes of this subsection, a public entrance includes a
vehicular entrance into a parking garage or parking lot.
(c)
Sandwich-board signs shall be weighted, temporarily secured,
or strategically placed so as to avoid being carried away by high
winds.
F.
Street pole banners.
(1)
General provisions. Street pole banner signs that comply with
the requirements in this subsection shall not be included in the determination
of the type, number, or area of signs allowed on a property.
(a)
Illumination. Illumination of any street pole banner is prohibited.
(b)
Area. Each street pole banner shall have a maximum area of 12.5
square feet and a maximum width of three feet. Up to two street pole
banners are permitted per street pole.
(c)
Height.
[1]
When the street pole banner's outermost edge is less than 18
inches from the curb, the lowest edge of the street pole banner shall
be at least 14 feet above the finished grade.
[2]
When the street pole banner's outermost edge is greater than
18 inches from the curb, the lowest edge of the street pole banner
shall be at least eight feet above the finished grade.
(d)
Location.
[1]
No street pole banner shall extend beyond the curbline.
[2]
Street pole banners shall maintain a minimum of a three-foot
vertical clearance below any luminaries located on the pole, measured
from where the ballasts connect to the poles.
[3]
Street pole banners shall not interfere with the visibility
of traffic signals or signs.
[4]
No street pole banner shall be located on a pole that has traffic
or pedestrian control signals.
(2)
Permit requirements.
(a)
A permit for a street pole banner is issued for one year and
may be renewed annually.
(b)
An application for a street pole banner permit must include
the following:
[1]
A diagram or map of the specific poles to be used for street
pole banner installation and the streets on which the poles are located.
[2]
A proof of the street pole banner design, including the banner's
dimensions.
[3]
If brackets are to be installed, submit specifications for the
bracket installation system.
A.
Signs in residential zoning districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, MHP). In addition to the exempt signs described in § 250-195, the following numbers and types of signs may be erected in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and MHP Residential Zoning Districts, subject to the conditions specified herein and in § 250-197:
(3)
Residential uses.
(a)
(b)
Residential developments and apartment buildings.
[1]
Freestanding signs. One freestanding sign shall be permitted
per street entrance to a residential development or apartment building
containing more than 10 dwelling units, subject to the following regulations:
[2]
Awning/canopy signs. One awning or canopy sign shall be permitted
per building entrance to an apartment building containing more than
10 dwelling units, subject to the following regulations:
(4)
Parks, recreation, and open space uses.
(a)
Freestanding signs. One freestanding sign shall be permitted
per street access to a park, recreation, or open space facility, subject
to the following regulations:
(b)
Scoreboards. In addition to the freestanding signs permitted in § 250-198A(4)(a), one freestanding scoreboard shall be permitted per playing field, subject to the following regulations:
(c)
Interior signs. Signs located on the interior of the site used
to identify various use areas, facility boundaries, on-site traffic
direction, trail use information, the hours and rules for the use
of the grounds, etc., are exempt from permit requirements, subject
to the following regulations:
(5)
All other nonresidential uses.
(a)
Freestanding signs. One freestanding sign shall be permitted
per street frontage, up to a maximum of two signs per lot, subject
to the following regulations:
(b)
Awning/canopy signs. One awning or canopy sign shall be permitted
per building entrance to an apartment building containing more than
10 dwelling units, subject to the following regulations:
(c)
Wall and projecting signs. One wall or projecting sign shall
be permitted per nonresidential tenant per building frontage, up to
a maximum of two signs per nonresidential tenant, subject to the following
regulations:
(6)
Summary Table for Signs in Residential Zoning Districts (R-1,
R-2, R-3, R-4, MHP).
|
Freestanding
|
Awning/ Canopy
|
Wall/Projecting
|
Window
| ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Maximum Number
|
Home-based businesses: 1 per lot
|
Apartment buildings: 1 per building entrance
|
Home-based businesses: 1 per lot
|
N/A
| |
|
Residential developments/ apartment buildings: 1 per street
entrance
| |||||
|
Parks /recreation/open space uses:
|
Nonresidential uses: 1 per building entrance
|
Nonresidential uses: 1 per building frontage, up to 2
| |||
|
Entrance signs: 1 per street entrance
| |||||
|
Scoreboards: 1 per playing field Interior signs: N/A
| |||||
|
Nonresidential uses: 1 per street frontage, up to 2
| |||||
|
Maximum Area
(square feet)
|
Home-based businesses: 6
|
Apartment buildings: 20
|
Home-based businesses: 2
|
Nonresidential uses: 15% of the total window area
| |
|
Residential developments/ apartment buildings: 15
|
Nonresidential uses: 20
|
Nonresidential uses: 20
| |||
|
Parks/ recreation/open space uses:
| |||||
|
Entrance signs: 24
| |||||
|
Scoreboards: 200
| |||||
|
Interior signs: 10
| |||||
|
Nonresidential uses: 32
| |||||
|
Maximum
Height (feet)
|
Home-based businesses: 6
|
The eave line or the bottom of the second-story windowsill,
whichever is lower
|
N/A
| ||
|
Residential developments/ apartment buildings: 4
| |||||
|
Parks/ recreation/open space uses:
| |||||
|
Entrance signs: 10
| |||||
|
Scoreboards: 20
| |||||
|
Interior signs: 8
| |||||
|
Nonresidential uses: 6
| |||||
B.
Signs in village commercial zoning districts (SV). In addition to the exempt signs described in § 250-195, the following numbers and types of signs may be erected in the SV Sanatoga Village Zoning Overlay District, subject to the conditions specified herein and in § 250-197:
(5)
Signs associated with a residential use or parcel shall comply with the standards in § 250-198A.
(6)
All nonresidential uses.
(a)
Freestanding signs.
[1]
Number. One freestanding sign shall be permitted per street
frontage, up to a maximum of two signs per lot, subject to the following
regulations:
[a]
For permitted gas stations, one additional freestanding
sign per street frontage shall be permitted for the advertising of
gas prices and identification of the gas station only, up to two additional
signs per property.
[b]
For permitted drive-through establishments, one
additional freestanding sign shall be permitted for the advertising
of items or services available to users of the drive-through lane
only.
[2]
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 20 square feet
per sign face, plus an additional five square feet per tenant, up
to a maximum of 40 square feet.
[3]
Height. Each sign shall have a maximum height of 10 feet.
(b)
Building signs. The total area of all wall, awning/canopy, and
projecting signs for a nonresidential use shall be limited to 1.5
square feet per one linear foot of building frontage that faces a
public street or parking lot, subject to the maximum size limitations
based on sign type.
[1]
Wall signs. One wall sign shall be permitted per tenant per
street frontage, up to two wall signs per tenant, subject to the following
regulations. Where a property has entrances facing both a street and
a parking lot, a second sign is permitted to face the parking lot.
[2]
Awning/canopy signs.
[3]
Projecting signs. One projecting sign shall be permitted per
ground-floor establishment, plus one projecting sign per building
entrance serving one or more commercial tenants without a ground-floor
entrance.
(c)
Window signs. Window signs shall be permitted for nonresidential
uses, subject to the following regulations:
(7)
Recommended materials. Wood, brick, stone, or metal are recommended
materials that are well-suited for signs in the Sanatoga Village Zoning
Overlay District. Additional information about the historic, aesthetic,
and social value of the Sanatoga Village Zoning Overlay District can
be found in the "Sanatoga Crossroads - High Street Corridor Design
Guidelines."
(8)
Summary Table for Signs in Village Commercial Zoning Districts
(SV).
|
Freestanding
|
Wall and Awning/Canopy
|
Projecting
|
Window
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Maximum Number
|
1 per street frontage, up to 2 per lot (additional signs allowed
for gas stations and drive-through establishments; see § 250-198-B(6)(a)
|
Wall: 1 per tenant per street frontage, up to 2 per tenant
Awning/ canopy: N/A [see § 250-197A(1)]
|
1 per ground-floor establishment, plus 1 per building entrance
serving tenants without a ground-floor entrance
|
N/A
|
|
Maximum Area (Total)
(square feet)
|
N/A
|
1.5 per linear foot of building frontage facing a public street
or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations based on sign
type
|
15% of total window area
| |
|
Maximum Area (Individual)
(square feet)
|
20, plus 5 per additional tenant, up to 40
|
Wall: 20
Awning/ canopy: N/A [see § 250-197A(1)]
|
10
|
N/A
|
|
Maximum Height
(feet)
|
10
|
The eave line or the bottom of the second-story windowsill,
whichever is lower
|
N/A
| |
C.
Signs in neighborhood commercial and limited commercial zoning districts (NC, LC, LCO, CO). In addition to the exempt signs described in § 250-195, the following numbers and types of signs may be erected in the NC, LC, LCO, and CO Neighborhood Commercial and Limited Commercial Zoning Districts, subject to the conditions specified herein and in § 250-197:
(5)
Signs associated with a residential use or parcel shall comply with the standards in § 250-198A.
(6)
All nonresidential uses.
(a)
Freestanding signs.
[1]
Number. One freestanding sign shall be permitted per street
frontage, up to a maximum of two signs per lot, subject to the following
regulations:
[a]
For permitted gas stations, one additional freestanding
sign per street frontage shall be permitted for the advertising of
gas prices and identification of the gas station only, up to two additional
signs per property.
[b]
For permitted drive-through establishments, one
additional freestanding sign shall be permitted for the advertising
of items or services available to users of the drive-through lane
only.
[2]
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 20 square feet
per sign face, plus an additional five square feet per tenant, up
to a maximum of 40 square feet.
[3]
Height. Each sign shall have a maximum height of 10 feet.
(b)
Building signs. The total area of all wall, awning/canopy, and
projecting signs for a nonresidential use shall be limited to 1.5
square feet per one linear foot of building frontage that faces a
public street or parking lot, subject to the maximum size limitations
based on sign type.
[1]
Wall signs. One wall sign shall be permitted per tenant per
street frontage, up to two wall signs per tenant, subject to the following
regulations. Where a property has entrances facing both a street and
a parking lot, a second sign is permitted to face the parking lot.
[2]
Awning/canopy signs.
[3]
Projecting signs. One projecting sign shall be permitted per
ground-floor establishment, plus one projecting sign per building
entrance serving one or more commercial tenants without a ground-floor
entrance.
(c)
Window signs. Window signs shall be permitted for nonresidential
uses, subject to the following regulations:
(7)
Summary table for Signs in Neighborhood Commercial and Limited
Commercial Zoning Districts (NC, LC, LCO, CO).
|
Freestanding
|
Wall and Awning/Canopy
|
Projecting
|
Window
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Maximum Number
|
1 per street frontage, up to 2 per lot
(Additional signs allowed for gas stations and drive-through establishments; see § 250-198C(6)(a)
|
Wall: 1 per tenant per street frontage, up to 2 per tenant
Awning/canopy: N/A [see § 250-197A(1)]
|
1 per ground-floor establishment, plus 1 per building entrance
serving tenants without a ground-floor entrance
|
N/A
|
|
Maximum Area (Total)
(square feet)
|
N/A
|
1.5 per linear foot of building frontage facing a public street
or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations based on sign
type
|
20% of total window area
| |
|
Maximum Area (Individual)
(square feet)
|
20, plus 5 per additional tenant, up to 40
|
Wall: 30
Awning/canopy: N/A [see § 250-197A(1)]
|
12
|
N/A
|
|
Maximum Height
(feet)
|
10
|
The eave line or the bottom of the second-story windowsill,
whichever is lower
|
N/A
| |
D.
Signs in general commercial and industrial zoning districts (LI, HI, SC, Q). In addition to the exempt signs described in § 250-195, the following numbers and types of signs may be erected in the LI, HI, SC, and Q General Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts, subject to the conditions specified herein and in § 250-197:
(5)
Signs associated with a residential use or parcel shall comply with the standards in § 250-198A.
(6)
All nonresidential uses.
(a)
Freestanding signs.
[1]
Number. One freestanding sign shall be permitted per street
frontage, up to a maximum of two signs per lot, subject to the following
regulations:
[a]
For permitted gas stations, one additional freestanding
sign per street frontage shall be permitted for the advertising of
gas prices and identification of the gas station only, up to two additional
signs per property.
[b]
For permitted drive-through establishments, one
additional freestanding sign shall be permitted for the advertising
of items or services available to users of the drive-through lane
only.
[2]
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 50 square feet
per sign face, plus an additional 10 square feet per tenant, up to
a maximum of 100 square feet.
[3]
Height. Each sign shall have a maximum height of 14 feet.
(b)
Building signs. The total area of all wall, awning/canopy, and
projecting signs for a nonresidential use shall be limited to two
square feet per one linear foot of building frontage that faces a
public street or parking lot, subject to the maximum size limitations
based on sign type.
[1]
Wall signs. One wall sign shall be permitted per tenant per
street frontage, up to two wall signs per tenant, subject to the following
regulations. Where a property has entrances facing both a street and
a parking lot, a second sign is permitted to face the parking lot.
[a]
Area. Total sign area of all wall signs shall not
exceed 20% of the total exterior wall area for all walls that directly
face a public street or public parking lot. No single wall sign shall
exceed 400 square feet in area.
[b]
Height. Each sign shall have a maximum height equal
to the eave line, or the bottom of the second-story windowsill, whichever
is lower.
[2]
Awning/canopy signs.
[3]
Projecting signs. One projecting sign shall be permitted per
ground-floor establishment, plus one projecting sign per building
entrance serving one or more commercial tenants without a ground-floor
entrance.
(c)
Window signs. Window signs shall be permitted for nonresidential
uses, subject to the following regulations:
(7)
Summary Table for Signs in General Commercial and Industrial
Zoning Districts (LI, HI, SC, Q).
|
Freestanding
|
Wall and Awning/ Canopy
|
Projecting
|
Window
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Maximum Number
|
1 per street frontage, up to 2 per lot
|
Wall: 1 per tenant per street frontage, up to 2 per tenant
Awning/canopy: N/A [see § 250-197A(1)]
|
1 per ground-floor establishment, plus 1 per building entrance
serving tenants without a ground-floor entrance
|
N/A
|
|
Maximum Area (Total)
(square feet)
|
N/A
|
2 per linear foot of building frontage facing a public street
or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations based on sign
type
|
20% of total window area
| |
|
Maximum Area (Individual)
(square feet)
|
50, plus 10 per additional tenant, up to 100
|
Wall: 400 (total maximum 20% of wall area)
Awning/Canopy: N/A [see § 250-197A(1)]
|
20
|
N/A
|
|
Maximum Height
(feet)
|
14
|
The eave line or the bottom of the second-story windowsill,
whichever is lower
|
N/A
| |
E.
Signs in mixed-use, gateway, and interchange zoning districts (G-IN, IN, GMU, GRO, PMD). In addition to the exempt signs described in § 250-195, the following numbers and types of signs may be erected in the G-IN, IN, GMU, GRO, and PMD Mixed-Use, Gateway, and Interchange Zoning Districts, subject to the conditions specified herein and in § 250-197:
(5)
Any off-premises sign shall be permitted only in the IN Interchange Zoning District, as defined and regulated in § 250-197B.
(6)
Signs associated with a residential use or parcel shall comply with the standards in § 250-198A.
(7)
All nonresidential uses.
(a)
Freestanding signs.
[1]
Number. One freestanding sign shall be permitted per street
frontage, up to a maximum of two signs per lot, subject to the following
regulations:
[a]
For permitted gas stations, one additional freestanding
sign per street frontage shall be permitted for the advertising of
gas prices and identification of the gas station only, up to two additional
signs per property.
[b]
For permitted drive-through establishments, one
additional freestanding sign shall be permitted for the advertising
of items or services available to users of the drive-through lane
only.
[2]
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 50 square feet
per sign face, plus an additional 10 square feet per tenant, up to
a maximum of 100 square feet.
[3]
Height. Each sign shall have a maximum height of 14 feet.
(b)
Building signs. The total area of all wall, awning/canopy, and
projecting signs for a nonresidential use shall be limited to two
square feet per one linear foot of building frontage that faces a
public street or parking lot, subject to the maximum size limitations
based on sign type.
[1]
Wall signs. One wall sign shall be permitted per tenant per
street frontage, up to two wall signs per tenant, subject to the following
regulations. Where a property has entrances facing both a street and
a parking lot, a second sign is permitted to face the parking lot.
[a]
Area. Total sign area of all wall signs shall not
exceed 20% of the total exterior wall area for all walls that directly
face a public street or public parking lot. No single wall sign shall
exceed 400 square feet in area.
[b]
Height. Each sign shall have a maximum height equal
to the eave line, or the bottom of the second-story windowsill, whichever
is lower.
[2]
Awning/canopy signs.
[3]
Projecting signs. One projecting sign shall be permitted per
ground-floor establishment, plus one projecting sign per building
entrance serving one or more commercial tenants without a ground-floor
entrance.
(c)
Window signs. Window signs shall be permitted for nonresidential
uses, subject to the following regulations:
(8)
Summary Table for Signs in Mixed-Use, Gateway, and Interchange
Zoning Districts (G-IN, IN, GMU, GRO, PMD).
|
Freestanding
|
Wall and Awning/ Canopy
|
Projecting
|
Window
|
Marquee
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Maximum Number
|
1 per street frontage, up to 2 per lot
|
Wall: 1 per tenant per street frontage, up to 2 per tenant
Awning/canopy: N/A [see § 250-197A(1)]
|
1 per ground-floor establishment, plus 1 per building entrance
serving tenants without a ground-floor entrance
|
N/A
|
1 per building
|
|
Maximum Area (Total)
(square feet)
|
N/A
|
2 per linear foot of building frontage facing a public street
or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations based on sign
type
|
20% of total window area
|
N/A
| |
|
Maximum Area (Individual)
(square feet)
|
50, plus 10 per additional tenant, up to 100
|
Wall: 400 (total maximum 20% of wall area)
Awning/canopy: N/A [see § 250-197A(1)]
|
20
|
N/A
|
200
|
|
Maximum Height
(feet)
|
14
|
The eave line or the bottom of the second-story windowsill,
whichever is lower
|
N/A
|
The eave line
| |
A.
Unsafe or unlawful signs.
(1)
Upon written notice by the Township, the owner, person, or firm
maintaining a sign shall remove the sign when it becomes unsafe, is
in danger of falling, or it becomes so deteriorated that it no longer
serves a useful purpose of communication, or it is determined by the
Township to be a nuisance, or it is deemed unsafe by the Township,
or it is unlawfully erected in violation of any of the provisions
of this article.
(2)
The Township may remove or cause to be removed the sign at the
expense of the owner and/or lessee in the event that the owner or
the person or firm maintaining the sign has not complied with the
terms of the notice within 30 days of the date of the notice. In the
event of immediate danger, the municipality may remove the sign immediately
upon the issuance of notice to the owner, person, or firm maintaining
the sign.
B.
Abandoned signs.
(1)
It shall be the responsibility of the owner of any property
upon which an abandoned sign is located to remove such sign within
180 days of the sign becoming abandoned, as defined in this section.
Removal of an abandoned sign shall include the removal of the entire
sign, including the sign face, supporting structure, and structural
trim.
(2)
Where the owner of the property on which an abandoned sign is
located fails to remove such sign within 180 days, the Township may
remove such sign. Any expense directly incurred in the removal of
such sign shall be charged to the owner of the property. Where the
owner fails to pay, the Township may file a lien upon the property
for the purpose of recovering all reasonable costs associated with
the removal of the sign.
A.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to erect, alter, repair, or relocate any sign within the Township without first obtaining a sign permit, unless the sign is specifically exempt from the permit requirements as outlined in § 250-195.
B.
In order to apply for a sign permit, the applicant must provide the
following information, in writing, to the Township:
(1)
Name of organization and location.
(2)
Name, address, and telephone number of the property owner, and
the signature of the property owner or duly authorized agent for the
owner.
(3)
Contact person and contact information.
(4)
Description of the activities occurring on the site where the
sign will be installed.
(5)
Description of any existing signage that will remain on the
site.
(6)
Identification of the type of sign(s) to be erected by the applicant.
(7)
Site plan depicting the locations of proposed signage and existing
remaining signage.
(8)
Two copies of a plan, drawn to scale, depicting:
(a)
Lot dimensions, building frontage, and existing cartways, rights-of-way
and driveways.
(b)
The design of each sign face and sign structure, including dimensions,
total area, sign height, depth, color scheme, structural details,
materials, lighting scheme and proposed location.
(c)
Building elevations, existing and proposed facades, parapet
walls, eave line and the location and size of all proposed and existing
permanent signage.
(d)
Current photographs showing existing signs on the premises and
certifying the date on which photographs were taken.
(9)
A permit fee, to be established from time to time by resolution
of the Township, shall be paid.
C.
The Township shall review all permit applications in compliance with
the time limits and standards provided in the current building code,
as amended.
D.
With the exception of lighting permits for digital signs, these permits
shall not expire, provided that such signs are not abandoned or destroyed.
In the instance that substantial repair or replacement becomes necessary
(i.e., repairs that cost more than 50% of the replacement cost of
the damaged sign), the organization must apply for a new sign permit
and pay an additional fee, if required.
E.
All illuminated signs shall require certification in order to demonstrate continued compliance with the brightness requirements set forth in § 250-196F. This certification must be renewed every three years. This will allow the Township to adjust standards as needed based on changing technology and evaluation of impacts. The Township reserves the right to assess the brightness of any sign at any time to ensure compliance with illumination requirements.
A.
Signs legally in existence at the time of the adoption of this article,
which do not conform to the requirements of this article, shall be
considered nonconforming signs.
B.
All permanent signs and sign structures shall be brought into conformance
with the sign regulations when and if the following occurs:
(1)
The sign is removed, relocated, or significantly altered. Significant
alterations include changes in the size or dimension of the sign.
Changes to the sign copy or the replacement of a sign face on a nonconforming
sign shall not be considered a significant alteration.
(2)
If more than 50% of the sign area is damaged, it shall be repaired
to conform to this article.
(3)
An alteration in the structure of a sign support.
(4)
A change in the mechanical facilities or type of illumination.
(5)
A change in the material of the sign face.
(6)
The property on which the nonconforming sign is located submits
a subdivision or land development application requiring municipal
review and approval.
(7)
The property on which the nonconforming sign is located undergoes
a change of land use requiring the issuance of either a use and occupancy
permit or a change of use and occupancy permit by the Township.
C.
To determine the legal status of existing signs in each of the cases listed in § 250-199.1B, the applicant shall submit the following information to the Township Zoning Officer:
(1)
Type(s) of existing sign(s) located on the property.
(2)
The area and height of all signs.
(3)
For freestanding signs, the distance between the curbline or
shoulder and the nearest portion of the sign.
(4)
Type of sign illumination.
(5)
The material of which the sign is constructed.
(6)
The building frontage.
(7)
If an off-premises sign, the applicant shall also submit the plan requirements listed in § 250-197B(12).
D.
Prior to the events listed in § 250-199.2B, nonconforming signs may be repainted or repaired up to 50% of the replacement cost of the sign, the sign copy may be changed, and sign faces may be replaced, provided that these actions do not increase the dimensions of the existing sign and do not in any way increase the extent of the sign's nonconformity.
E.
Nonconforming signs shall be exempt from the provisions of § 250-199.2B under the following conditions:
(1)
The nonconforming sign possesses documented historic value.
(2)
The nonconforming sign is of a unique nature or type by virtue
of its architectural value or design, as determined by the National
Park Service, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, or local
historical commission.
(3)
When a nonconforming sign is required to be moved because of
public right-of-way improvements.
F.
All nonconforming temporary signs, sandwich-board signs, and banners
must be permanently removed within 90 days of the effective date of
this article, unless specific approval is granted as provided for
herein.
A.
Signs on the premises of legally nonconforming uses (such as an office
in a residential area) may remain until the existing use of the premises
is discontinued.
B.
If a sign wears out or is damaged (including rust, faded colors,
discoloration, holes, or missing parts or informational items), or
is changed for any other reason, the number, size, and area of all
signs relating to the premises shall not be increased beyond the characteristics
of the sign or signs that existed on that property at the time this
article was adopted.
The volunteer fire companies located within Lower Pottsgrove
Township shall be exempt from the provisions of this article, subject
to review and approval by the Board of Commissioners.
Notwithstanding any provision of this article to the contrary,
to the extent that this article allows a sign containing commercial
copy, it shall allow a noncommercial sign to the same extent. The
noncommercial message may occupy the entire sign area or any portion
thereof and may substitute for or be combined with the commercial
message. The sign message may be changed from commercial to noncommercial,
or from one noncommercial message to another, as frequently as desired
by the sign's owner, provided that the sign is not prohibited and
the sign continues to comply with all requirements of this article.
