[Ord. No. 477, 5/11/2021]
1. The intent of this Part 10 is to provide for the use of signs as
a means of identification while maintaining and enhancing the physical
environment, aesthetic character, and public safety of the community.
The purpose of this Part 10 is:
A. To require zoning approval for signs in all zoning districts subject
to the standards and requirements of this Part 10.
B. To prohibit signs not expressly permitted by this Part 10.
C. To guide public safety, area development, and preservation of lot
values and the general welfare of the Township.
D. To aid in traffic control and traffic safety; lessen congestion of
land and air space; guard against concentrations of signs which distract
and endanger traffic safety and traffic flow; establish reasonable
standards for nonresidential and other advertising through the use
of signs in order to maintain and encourage business activity and
economic development; avoid uncontrolled proliferation of signs; recognize
the rights of the public in roads, streets, highways, and the areas
adjacent to those roads, streets, and highways; preserve the wholesome
and attractive character of the Township; and to recognize that the
general welfare includes a community plan that shall be beautiful
as well as healthy, spacious as well as clean, and well balanced in
its growth and development.
2. Illegal Signs. The Zoning Officer shall deem illegal any sign erected
in the Township that is not a permitted sign as defined by this section
or is erected without a necessary permit.
3. Exempt Signs. The following signs shall be exempt from the regulations
of this section of this chapter:
A. Signs erected by a governmental agency, including street signs, official
traffic signs, welcome signage, and official notices.
B. Signs authorized by the Township to be located on Township facilities
and in public rights-of-way.
[Ord. No. 477, 5/11/2021]
For the purpose of this section, all signs shall be classified by the definitions provided in §
27-202 of this chapter.
[Ord. No. 477, 5/11/2021]
Signs. In all zoning districts, signs shall be categorized according
to the types and classes described below and shall comply with the
requirements for those types and classes described in this section.
1. Types. Permanent signs are categorized by use, function, or purpose
into the following types:
A. Development/residential plan identification.
[Amended by Ord. No. 513, 11/14/2023]
(1) Residential Development Identification Sign. The sign shall contain
no commercial message and, if a ground sign, shall be located at the
principal entrance or entrances of a development.
B. Business/occupation identification.
D. Directional (on-premises).
2. Classes. Permanent signs that are permitted within the Township are
classified by physical attributes into the following categories:
C. Pole Sign.
[Amended by Ord. No. 513, 11/14/2023]
G. Changeable copy.
(1)
A sign with changeable copy shall be permanently affixed to
the ground or principal structure of a lot. Signs, if lighted, shall
be lit from the top or from a ground source. Backlighting shall not
be an acceptable form of lighting.
(2)
No electronic scrolling images or metallic movement shall be
incorporated into a changeable copy sign.
[Ord. No. 477, 5/11/2021]
The following types of signs are considered minor and are permitted
for all land uses and within all zoning districts of the Township:
1. Notification.
A. Signs bearing legal and/or lot notices such as "no trespassing,"
"private property," "no turnaround," "safety zone," "no hunting" and
similar messages, and signs posted by a governmental agency for traffic
control or the safety of the general public.
B. In all zoning districts, the number, location, and size of legal
notification signs erected by public agencies shall be in accordance
with the laws of the commonwealth. In all zoning districts, legal
notification signs posted on a private lot by landowner and/or developers
such as "no trespassing," "no hunting," and the like shall be limited
to a surface area not exceeding two square feet. The placement and
maximum notification signs permitted along road frontages shall be
one sign for every 100 feet of road frontage.
2. Memorial/Historical Plaques. Commemorative plaques placed by a recognized
agency of the Township, county, state, or federal government.
3. Governmental Signs. Signs erected by a governmental agency, including
street signs and official traffic signs.
4. Secondary Signs. In all zoning districts, the number, location, and
size of secondary signs shall be in accordance with the following
provisions:
A. A secondary sign shall be permitted to be posted on the lot's principal
structure so long its placement is secondary to the function of the
structure on which it is located.
B. The maximum area of secondary signage on any given structure shall
not exceed 10% or 10 square feet, whichever is lesser, of the surface
of the structure on which the sign is located.
C. Secondary signs, if lighted, shall be lit from the top or from a
ground source. Backlighting shall not be an acceptable form of lighting.
D. A maximum of one secondary sign shall be permitted on a single lot.
To protect the general safety of the public and to minimize motorist
distractions, secondary signs shall be spaced a minimum of 300 feet
from one another.
E. No metallic streamers, flashing illumination, changeable copy, or
similar visual components shall be utilized as part of secondary signs.
F. Any business posting a secondary sign shall demonstrate in writing
to the Township that the property owner, Township, and/or PennDOT
on which the structure is located has granted permission for the posting
of said secondary sign.
[Ord. No. 477, 5/11/2021]
The following classes of temporary signs are permitted for all
land uses and within all zoning districts of the Township.
1. Classes of Temporary Signs.
E. Temporary event or temporary display.
2. Conditions for Use of Temporary Signs.
A. Real Estate Sign. One nonilluminated temporary real estate sign shall
be permitted on each lot, provided the surface area of the sign shall
not exceed six square feet. The real estate sign shall not exceed
12 square feet in surface area when located in on a lot with any residential
use and shall not exceed 32 square feet on any other lot. Such sign
shall be removed within 30 days of the sale or rental of the lot on
which it is located.
B. Development Sign. One nonilluminated temporary development sign shall
be permitted on each lot, provided the surface area of the sign shall
not exceed 32 square feet in surface area. The development sign shall
not exceed six feet in height when located on a lot with any residential
use and shall not exceed 10 feet in height on any other lot. Such
sign shall be removed within 30 days of the sale or rental of the
last lot or completion of the proposed construction in the development.
C. Construction Sign. Two nonilluminated temporary construction signs
announcing the names of contractors, mechanics, or artisans engaged
in performing work on the premises shall be permitted on a lot, provided
that:
(1)
Each sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in area.
(2)
The signs shall be removed within 30 days of the completion
of the work.
(3)
The establishment wishing to display such signs shall contact
the Township Zoning Officer prior to displaying, to give notice of
the intent and the period during which the sign will be displayed.
D. Political Signs. Nonilluminated temporary political signs erected
during a political campaign shall not be permitted in public ROWs,
provided that they are not of a type restricted by this Part 10. A
political sign shall not be erected more than 45 days prior to the
election in which the candidate is pursuing office and shall be removed
within five days after the election for which it was erected. Political
signs are excluded from public spaces and ROWs.
E. Temporary Event Sign.
(1)
One nonilluminated temporary event sign, as defined by this
Part 10, shall be permitted to be erected on the face of the lot's
principal structure, provided that the area of the signs shall not
exceed 40 square feet, and provided that the sign is displayed for
a period no longer than 30 days and is removed within five days following
the event that it is erected to promote.
(2)
Portable signs shall not be permitted as temporary event signs.
(3)
Temporary event signs shall be nonilluminated.
(4)
If the landowner and/or developer fail(s) to remove the temporary sign by beginning of the 36th day from which the permit had been issued, the landowner and/or developer shall be subject to the provisions of §
27-1508.
(5)
Landowners and/or developers found violating the provisions
set forth within this section will forfeit their right to be issued
a temporary sign permit for a period of one year commencing from the
date said violation is found to have occurred.
[Ord. No. 477, 5/11/2021]
The following signs shall not be permitted within the Township:
1. "A-frame" or sandwich board signs.
2. Portable or wheeled signs.
4. Balloons, arrays, and the like.
5. Flags other than governmental.
6. Banners and pennants, other than temporary event or displays authorized
by this Part 10.
7. Framed banners, such as banners in a wooden box surrounded by plexiglass.
8. Moving or flashing signs otherwise not authorized by this Part 10.
9. Signs on trees, utility poles, or official traffic control devices
or signs.
10. Signs that imitate traffic control devices.
11. Signs painted on walls or chimneys of a building or on fences or
walls.
12. Signs on or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers which are parked
on a public ROW, public lot or private lot, other than temporarily
for overnight storage on the sight of a business or for maintenance,
repair, loading, unloading, or rendering a service at any location,
which are visible from the public ROW and where the apparent purpose
is to advertise a product or direct people to a business or activity
located on the same or nearby lot.
13. Signs that, by reason of size, location, content, coloring, or manner
of illumination, obstruct the vision of drivers or obstruct or detract
from the visibility or effectiveness of any traffic sign or control
device on public streets and roads.
14. Any sign that obstructs free ingress to or egress from a fire escape,
door, window, or other required exit way.
15. Signs that make use of words as "stop," "look," "one way," "danger,"
"yield," or any similar words, phrases, symbols, lights, or characters
in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.
16. Misleading Information. No sign shall be created which states or
implies that a lot may be used for any purpose not permitted under
the provisions of this Part 10.
[Ord. No. 477, 5/11/2021]
1. Lots with Multiple Street Frontage. In all zoning districts, lots
fronting on more than one street shall be permitted to have one sign
of authorized sign types as defined by Table 15, Table 16, or Table
17 for each street frontage.
2. Visibility. No sign shall be located in such a position that it will
cause a hazard by obstructing visibility for traffic on a street or
obscuring a traffic signal or other traffic control device. No sign,
other than official traffic signs, shall hang over or be erected within
the ROW of any street.
3. Illumination. Illumination, when authorized by this Part 10, shall
be directed upon the sign face and not towards adjoining lots or streets.
Flashing or oscillating signs shall not be permitted. Lighting shall
be stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times. The
intensity of any source of illumination of any sign, whether indirect
or internal, shall be controlled so as to not create glare and to
be compatible with the intensity of ambient light and illumination
on surrounding lots.
4. Maintenance and Inspection. All signs must be constructed of a durable material, maintained in good condition and otherwise comply with the Township Property Maintenance Code (Chapter
5, Code Enforcement, Part
2).
5. Removal of Signs.
A. Whenever any business, activity, or product on a lot is discontinued,
vacated, or no longer sold, all signs relating to the discontinued
or vacated business shall be removed within 30 days of the vacation
or discontinuance of the business or activity.
B. If the landowner and/or developer fails to remove the sign by the end of the 36th day, the landowner and/or developer shall be subject to the provisions of §
27-1009. If the landowner and/or developer fail(s) to remove the temporary sign by beginning of the 46th day from which the permit had been issued, the Township shall be permitted to remove the sign at the owner's expense.
6. Permits. No permit shall be required for the following types of signs as described above: notification, real estate, political, directional, and construction signs erected by a governmental agency. Permits shall be required for all other signs authorized by §
27-1009. The Zoning Officer shall issue the required permits upon submission of an application that complies with all applicable provisions of this Part
10 and payment of the required fee established from time to time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
7. Expiration of Permits. Any permit issued by the Zoning Officer for
erection, alteration, replacement, or relocation of any sign shall
expire automatically within six months of the date of issuance if
work authorized by the permit has not been initiated and diligently
pursued.
8. Sign Location. Noncommercial signs including but not limited to signs
announcing or advocating candidates for political office or ballot
questions are permitted on private property within the Township and
with the property owner's permission. Signs shall not be placed, carried,
or worn by vehicles or people.
9. With the exception of North Fayette Township, no place, name, or
location name is permitted on a sign.
[Ord. No. 477, 5/11/2021]
Use Categories. Land uses defined in Table 1 and Table 2 for permitted uses, conditional uses, and uses by special exception shall be classified within one of the following use categories. A complete listing of authorized land uses per use category is included within the Part
3 of this chapter. Use categories include:
1. Commercial/office/industrial. See Table 15.
2. Residential. See Table 16.
3. Miscellaneous. See Table 17.
Table 15: Commercial, Office, and Industrial Sign Regulations [Amended by Ord. No. 513, 11/14/2023]
|
---|
Sign Type
|
Number of Signs
(maximum)
|
Maximum Size
|
Maximum Height
|
Restrictions
|
---|
Development Plan Identification
|
Ground
|
1 per development
|
60 square feet
|
6 feet
|
Ground or wall sign (not both), wall sign may be affixed to
decorative wall, internally illuminated sign prohibited
|
Wall
|
1 per development
|
24 square feet
|
N/A
|
Ground or wall sign (not both), wall sign may be affixed to
decorative wall, internally illuminated sign prohibited
|
Pole
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Ground or wall sign (not both), wall sign may be affixed to
decorative wall, internally illuminated sign prohibited
|
Business/Occupation Identification
|
Ground
|
1 per lot
|
Without pole sign on lot: 1 square foot/linear foot of front
wall building width (120 square feet max)
With pole sign on lot: 0.5 square foot/linear foot of front
wall building width (60 square feet max)
|
6 feet
|
10 feet from property line or ROW, requirements for vehicular
visibility: 500 feet/30 feet (arterial/collector) 250 feet/25 feet
(local) 200 feet/25 feet (service)
|
Pole
|
1 per lot
|
Without ground sign on lot: 60 square feet (1 business); 80
square feet (more than 1 business)
With ground sign on lot: 32 square feet (1 business); 64 square
feet (more than 1 business)
|
20 feet at top, 6 feet minimum at bottom
|
10 feet from property line or ROW, no portion of sign over ROW,
5 feet minimum for any sign dimension
|
Wall (option 1)
|
1 per business in building
|
2 square feet/linear feet of frontage
|
Below roofline
|
6-inch max projection from wall
|
Wall (option 2)
|
2 per business
|
1 square foot/linear foot of frontage. This does not apply to
lots with more than 1 street frontage.
|
Below roofline
|
6-inch max projection from wall
|
Projecting or arcade
|
1 per business
|
8 square feet
|
N/A
|
For shopping centers/office complexes with roofed pedestrian
accessway, marquee or exterior arcade
|
Building Identification
|
Ground or wall
|
1
|
20 square feet
|
Below roofline
|
Multi-tenant building only
|
Directional (On-Premises)
|
Ground
|
4 per lot (if lot less than 1 acre)
6 per first acre (if lot greater than 1 acre)
2 additional per lot
|
4 square feet per sign
|
4 feet
|
—
|
Display
|
Changeable copy ground
|
1 per lot
|
32 square feet
|
6 feet
|
Permanently affixed to authorized grant/pole sign on the lot
|
Bulletin
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Window
|
Less than 50 feet frontage = 3;
50 to 100 feet frontage = 5;
Greater than 100 feet frontage = 7
|
15 square feet each
|
N/A
|
For commercial buildings only
|
Table 16: Residential Sign Regulations
|
---|
Residential Signage
|
---|
Sign Type
|
Number of Signs
(max)
|
Maximum Size
|
Restrictions
|
---|
Development Plan Identification
|
Ground
|
1 per entrance
|
24 square feet
|
Ground or wall sign (not both), wall sign may be affixed to
decorative wall, internally illuminated signs prohibited
|
Wall
|
1 per development
|
24 square feet
|
Ground or wall sign (not both), wall sign may be affixed to
decorative wall, internally illuminated signs prohibited
|
Pole
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Ground or wall sign (not both), wall sign may be affixed to
decorative wall, internally illuminated signs prohibited
|
Business/Occupation Identification
|
Ground
|
1 per lot
|
12 square feet
|
For businesses other than home occupations and no-impact home-based
businesses, maximum height of 4 feet
|
Pole
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Wall
|
1 per dwelling unit
|
1 square feet
|
For home occupation
|
Projecting or arcade
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Building Identification
|
Ground or wall
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Directional (On-Premises)
|
Ground
|
4 per lot if lot less than 1 acre); 6 per first acre if lot
greater than 1 acre; and 2 additional (per each additional lot acre
or portion of an acre)
|
4 square feet (per sign)
|
For lots with 2 or more multifamily buildings and/or 100 or
more parking spaces
|
Display
|
Changeable copy
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Ground
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Bulletin
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Window
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Table 17: Miscellaneous Sign Size Regulations
|
---|
Sign Type
|
Number of Signs
(max)
|
Maximum Size
|
Restrictions
|
---|
Development Plan Identification
|
Ground
|
1 per lot
|
40 square feet
|
8 feet in height
|
Wall
|
1 per lot
|
40 square feet
|
Below roofline
|
Business/Occupation Identification
|
Ground
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Wall
|
1 per dwelling unit
|
12 square feet
|
Below roofline
|
Projecting or arcade
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Building Identification
|
Ground or wall
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Directional (On-Premises)
|
Ground
|
4 per lot if lot less than 1 acre; 6 per first acre if lot greater
than 1 acre; and 2 additional per each additional lot acre or portion
of an acre
|
4 square feet (per sign)
|
For lots with 2 or more nonresidential buildings and/or 100
or more parking spaces
|
Display
|
Changeable copy
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Ground
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Bulletin
|
1
|
24 square feet
|
For public/semi-public building
|
Window
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
4. The following
sample images can be used as an appendix to show visual representation
of signs.
[Added by Ord. No. 513, 11/14/2023]
[Ord. No. 477, 5/11/2021]
1. All proposed development shall be required to submit a sign package
to the Township for its approval prior to any sign permits being issued
to businesses. This provision shall apply to new construction after
the effective date of this Part 10 and to the proposal of new signs
or changes in signs of an existing use. "Sign package" shall mean
a detailed description, including, but not limited to, type, size,
and location of all signs for each unit within the complex/center,
as well as the ground sign. The Zoning Officer shall review all sign
packages for completeness. Any application determined to be incomplete
shall be returned to the applicant with a description of missing and/or
incomplete items.
2. A sign permit shall be required in order to erect, install, relocate,
modify or change any sign within the Township unless otherwise indicated
in this section. "Modify," as it is used herein, shall mean a cabinet
or face replacement because of a change in the nature of the business
or a change in the name and ownership of a business, or replacement
of supporting structures.
3. The application for a permit shall be signed by the landowner and/or
developer of the lot. The tenant of the lot, if not the landowner
and/or developer, shall be permitted to sign the permit application
if he can present notarized evidence that the tenant has permission
to act on the landowner's and/or developer's behalf.
4. Failure to conform to the conditions of a sign permit, including
any conditions and/or stipulations attached thereto shall render such
permit void.
5. Fees for sign permits shall be required and payable in such sums
as the North Fayette Board of Supervisors may from time to time establish
by resolution.
6. No sign permit shall be valid or effective after six months from
the date of issuance thereof and shall thereafter be void unless the
sign is in place as of the expiration date.
7. To obtain a sign permit, a sign permit application must be completed
and include the following information:
A. A drawing prepared to scale of the proposed sign showing all sign
dimensions including the height of the sign, grade level of base of
sign, sign materials, and colors.
B. Lot plan showing proposed locations of sign.
C. Any building elevations showing proposed location of sign.
D. The sources of sign illumination and applicable details of the fixture
and screening.
8. Sign Installation. All signs shall be installed in accordance with
good engineering practice which shall be the responsibility of the
sign owner.
9. Sign Maintenance.
A. Every permitted sign must be constructed of durable material and kept in good condition and repair and otherwise comply with the Township Property Maintenance Code (Chapter
5, Code Enforcement, Part
2). If the durability and/or condition of said sign is not improved within the time period defined by the Zoning Officer, the sign shall be removed by the Township at the expense of the owner or person in possession of the lot on which the sign is located. The Zoning Officer will notify the responsible party with a certified letter prior to any removal action being taken by the Township.
B. Any damaged sign shall be repaired within 60 days.
C. Any sign which has been damaged to such extent that it may pose an
imminent hazard to passersby, as determined by the Zoning Officer,
shall be repaired or removed immediately.
D. Any internally illuminated sign cabinets or sign panels which have
been damaged shall remain nonilluminated until repaired.
E. Nonconforming signs shall only be repaired in accordance with Part
14.
F. Failure to comply with these sign maintenance requirements shall
constitute a violation of this Part 10.
10. Size.
A. The square footage of the sign shall refer to the area of the sign
facing; including any border or framing or decorative attachments,
but not including some architectural or landscaping element which
otherwise meets zoning regulations and is clearly incidental to the
sign itself. Size of individually mounted letters or logos shall be
measured as the area enclosed by the smallest single rectangle or
square which will enclose all sign copy and logos. Ground signs mounted
as individual letters and/or graphics against a wall or fence incorporated
in the landscaping of a building shall be measured from the outermost
length and height dimensions of the sign.
B. The height of any decorative base or architectural or landscape feature
erected to support or ornament the sign shall be measured at average
grade as part of the sign height. Maximum sign height shall be measured
from the existing or proposed average ground level to the top of the
sign structure, provided the ground level is not deliberately elevated
to increase the height of the sign.
C. Ground signs installed perpendicular to a street may be double-faced
with the allowable square footage on each face. Double-faced signs
that are erected at an angle to each other will be subject to the
interpretation of the Zoning Officer as to whether they are intended
as two signs or for all intents and purposes only constitute one sign
for N/S, E/W orientation on the serving street.
D. Wall signs shall not exceed the width of the front of the building
on which it is located and shall not protrude more than six inches
from the facade on which the sign is mounted.
E. In no case shall a wall, projecting, or awning sign exceed the height
of building allowed in the zoning district.
F. Gasoline service stations shall be allotted 10 additional square
feet to display price per gallon figures divided as they select between
logo and prices on the one ground sign permitted on the lot.
G. Existing multi-tenant developments shall be permitted one permanent
message board or an electronic variable message sign of 36 square
feet in lieu of any temporary signs permitted by said land use. The
additional sign area shall be either incorporated below the existing
pole sign or installed as a ground-based sign subject to the regulations
of minor permanent signs. A lot that has been granted a variance on
sign size will not be eligible for this additional sign. New multi-tenant
developments shall be required to incorporate this type of sign into
their maximum ground sign allotment or concede all future use of temporary
signs.
H. Automobile dealers are permitted one "used car" ground sign not to
exceed 12 feet in height and 10 square feet in area; or the 10 additional
square feet can be incorporated into the existing sign to advertise
used cars, divided as the sign owner selects.
I. Sign copy mounted or painted on an illuminated surface (including
awnings) or illuminated architectural element of a building shall
be measured as the entire illuminated surface or architectural element
which contains sign copy. A nonilluminated sign placed on an awning
shall be measured as if placed on any other architectural element.
11. Lighting and Movement.
A. Signs which incorporate in any manner any flashing or moving illumination,
or illumination which varies in intensity and signs which have visible
movement achieved by electric pulsations or by actions of normal wind
currents shall comply within the regulations of this subsection unless
otherwise noted. This regulation shall also apply to waving banners,
fluttering appurtenances and balloons or other special devices. Banners
used as temporary signs are permitted as long as they are secured
and not waving or fluttering and comply with maximum size permitted.
National, state or municipal flags shall not be considered a banner.
(1)
Externally illuminated, building-mounted signs may be illuminated
by either ground-mounted lights or building-mounted light bars. In
either situation, the light source shall be totally screened from
view.
(2)
Externally illuminated freestanding signs shall be illuminated
by ground-mounted lights, with the light source being totally screened
from view.
(3)
Digital Signs.
(a)
All digital signs shall have installed ambient light monitors
and shall at all times allow such monitor to automatically adjust
the brightness level of the digital sign based on ambient light conditions
so as to minimize and keep consistent sign brightness.
(b)
The maximum brightness level for such signs shall not exceed
5,000 NITS when measured at the sign's face between dawn and dusk,
as those times are determined by the National Weather Service.
(c)
The maximum brightness level for such signs shall not exceed
300 NITS when measured at the sign's face between dusk and dawn, as
those times are determined by the National Weather Service.
(d)
No permit shall be issued for the installation of a digital
sign unless the applicant has submitted a written certification from
the sign manufacturer certifying that the light intensity of the sign
has not been preset to exceed the illumination levels established
herein and that the intensity level is protected from end-user manipulation
by password-protected software or similar security measures.
(e)
All digital signs shall contain a default mechanism that will
cause the sign to revert immediately to a black screen in instances
of malfunction.
(f)
Each message or image shall remain static and unchanged for
a period of no less than 15 seconds.
(g)
No message or image shall be permitted to blink, flash, or move.
(h)
No message shall display any characters with a height of less
than nine inches.
(i)
No message shall display more than 12 individual words.
(j)
Each message or image shall be complete without continuation
of content to the next display or to another sign.
(k)
Each message or image shall be followed by a transition period
in which the display reverts to a black screen for a minimum period
of three seconds.
(l)
No digital sign shall emit any sound or audio message.
B. Neon
or LED Building Lighting. Neon or LED lighting of a building perimeter
is permitted so long as the neon or LED lights are completely shielded
from direct view and the lighting does flash or blink and does not
create a glare in any parking lot (private or public) or street. All
lighting shall be so arranged as to shine down, cut off, or otherwise
reflect the light away from adjoining premises and public rights-of-way.
[Added by Ord. No. 513, 11/14/2023]
12. Signage placement.
A. No sign shall be placed, erected, or located so that:
(1)
It is pasted, stapled, or otherwise attached to public utility
poles or trees within the street ROW line.
(2)
It is on a public lot or public ROW, unless erected by a governmental
body, or unless required to be so located by order of a governmental
body.
(3)
It is painted on, attached to, or supported by a tree, stone,
cliff, or other natural objects.
(4)
It is displayed on a vehicle parked and visible from a public
right-of-way, unless the vehicle is used for the normal day-to-day
operation of a business on the premises. The intent of this provision
is to prohibit the use of a sign on a vehicle to circumvent sign limits
on a lot.
B. Signage for ground signs shall be set back 16 feet from the paved
cartway of any street in the B-2 Zoning District and in all other
zoning districts shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from the paved
cartway of any street.
C. Sign font and logos shall not be legible from the rear of the sign.
D. Signage shall not be lettered or painted directly upon the wall or
any other part of the building except for windows.
E. Building signs in nonresidential zoning districts shall be placed
on the front face of the building only, except in instances where
the entrance door to the business is on the side or the rear of the
building. However, no signs in nonresidential zoning districts may
face an immediately adjacent residential zoning district.
F. Illuminated window signs shall include lit signs placed inside a
window facing the exterior of the building. A permit shall be required
only for illuminated window signs.
(1)
Illuminated window signs shall not be placed above the ground
floor of the building and/or more than 10 feet above grade level of
the building.
(2)
Illuminated window signs shall not exceed a size of 16 square
feet. Anything exceeding this size shall be deemed the building sign
to which the business is entitled. Any combination of illuminated
window signs grouped in an area not to exceed 16 square feet will
be permitted.
13. Sign Landscaping.
[Amended by Ord. No. 513, 11/14/2023]
A. Ground Sign. For each visible sign face, the landowner and/or developer
shall provide landscaping equivalent to 1.5 square feet for each square
foot of sign area. Landscaping shall consist of a combination of deciduous
and evergreen ornamental grasses, ground cover and/or small shrubs.
Turf grass shall not be considered as landscaping for ground signs.
Ground signs must extend to the ground. There shall be no open space
permitted between the bottom of the sign and ground. Ground signs
with open space below shall be considered pole signs.
B. Pole Sign. In addition to the authorized wall signs, one freestanding
pole sign shall be permitted, per lot, regardless of the number of
businesses on the lot and regardless of the number of street frontages
of that lot; provided that:
(1)
Pole signs shall only be permitted in the MU (only those portions
located within the Streetscape Enhancement Overlay District), B-1,
B-2, I-1, and I-2 Districts, unless otherwise provided in this chapter.
(2)
Landscaping shall be planted at the base of each pole sign.
The developer shall provide landscaping equivalent to 1.5 square feet
for each square foot of sign area. Landscaping shall consist of a
combination of deciduous and evergreen ornamental grasses, ground
cover and/or small shrubs. Turf grass shall not be considered as landscaping
for ground signs.
(3)
The pole sign shall be internally illuminated.
(4)
No portion of any pole sign shall project over any public right-of-way,
nor shall it be located within the clear sight triangle of any street
intersection. The location of the sign shall be designed to not interfere
with vehicular traffic visibility entering or exiting the lot or traveling
on any street.
(5)
Where the lot abuts a residential property in any zoning district,
the setback from the lot line of that property shall not be less than
50 feet.
(6)
The pole sign shall contain no more than two sign faces, one
per side.
14. Liability. The provisions of this section shall not be construed
as relieving or limiting in any way the responsibility or liability
of any person, firm, or corporation, erecting or owning any sign,
or resulting from the negligence or willful acts of such person, firm,
or corporation, its agents, employees, or workmen, in the construction,
maintenance, repair, or removal of any sign erected in accordance
with a permit issued hereunder. Nor shall issuance of such permit
be construed as imposing on the Township or its offices or employees,
any responsibility or liability by reasons of approval of any sign's
structural integrity, construction methods, materials, electrical
or mechanical devices, or other components which shall be the sole
responsibility of the person, firm, or corporation erecting, owning,
repairing or removing such sign.