[Ord. No. 353, 6/19/1991, § 1100; as amended by
Ord. No. 466, 9/30/2008, § 1100]
1.
It is the intent of this Part to:
A.
Recognize that signs perform an important function in identifying
businesses, services, residences, events, and other items of public
interest.
B.
Encourage signs which are attractively designed in order to enhance
the visual character and property values of the Borough, while encouraging
the redevelopment of an attractive, economically vital Core Commercial
District.
C.
Control the size, number, location, and illumination of signs to
reduce potential hazards to motorists and pedestrians caused by glare
or obstruction of visibility; to reduce visual clutter which results
from competition among signs, and to prevent unsightly signage which
has a detrimental effect on residential and commercial areas.
D.
Set standards to ensure that signs are compatible with the size and
scale of surrounding buildings and appropriate to the type of activity
to which they pertain in the districts in which they are permitted.
[Ord. No. 353, 6/19/1991, § 1101; as amended by
Ord. No. 466, 9/30/2008, § 1102]
In all zoning districts within the Borough, after the effective
date of this chapter, signs may be erected, altered, maintained, or
moved, only in accord with the provisions of this chapter. This section
does not apply to notices posted by Order of Court or other public
notices required to be posted by any law.
[Ord. No. 353, 6/19/1991, § 1102; as amended by
Ord. No. 362, 4/15/1992; by Ord. No. 430, 7/17/2002, § VIII.A,
.B, .C; and by Ord. No. 466, 9/30/2008, § 1103]
1.
Sign types are as follow:
A.
Animated or Moving Sign. A sign with action or motion, including
the appearance of movement, graphics or words, flashing, or changing
due to holographic effects, or color changes requiring electrical
energy, light emitting diodes (LED) displays or electronic elements,
but not including wind actuated elements such as flags, banners or
specialty items. No signs in the Borough may include video, streaming
video or moving pictures.
B.
Awning Sign. A sign that is mounted or painted on, or attached to,
an awning with no internal or background illumination. Such sign shall
not be backlit in any way, and lettering shall be limited to the vertical
portion of the awning.
C.
Banner Sign. Any temporary sign intended to be hung either with or
without frames, possessing characters, letters, illustration or ornamentations
applied to fabric or similar material that is applied to a pole or
building. National flags, state or municipal flags, or those containing
decorative illustrations shall not be considered a banner for the
purposes of this Part unless its use or purpose is that of advertising
a business.
D.
Bench Sign. A sign located on any part of the surface of a bench
or seat placed on or adjacent to a public right-of-way.
E.
Billboard Sign. A freestanding, off-premises, commercial outdoor
advertising sign.
F.
Business Sign. An on-premises sign which advertises or otherwise
directs attention to a business, commodity, service, industry or other
activity which is sold, offered or conducted, other than incidentally,
on the premises upon which the sign is located, or to which it is
affixed.
G.
Bus Shelter Sign. A sign or signage incorporated into the design
and construction of a plexiglass or other shelter for persons waiting
for public transit, to advertise an unrelated business or product,
and not including schedules or information related to transit.
H.
Changeable Copy Sign. A sign designed so that characters, letters
panels or illustrations can be and are changed or rearranged manually
without altering the face or the surface of the sign, no more frequently
than once per day.
I.
Construction Sign or Development Sign. Any temporary sign giving
the name or names of principal contractors, architects, and lending
institutions responsible for construction on the site where the sign
is placed together with other information included thereon with such
sign to be limited to the duration of construction.
J.
Contractor Sign. A sign advertising the name and identity of a contractor
currently working on the premises to which it is temporarily attached.
K.
Directional Sign. An on- or off-premises, incidental sign designed
to guide or direct pedestrians or vehicular traffic. Such signs shall
not include logos, insignia, commercial symbols, etc.
L.
Directory Sign. A sign on which the names, uses and locations of
a single building are given. This shall include office buildings and
church directories.
M.
Freestanding Sign. A self-supporting sign resting on or supported
by means of poles or standards in the ground.
N.
Group Sign. A business sign for use by multiple properties or buildings
which identifies names, uses and locations on a single sign.
O.
Identification Sign. A sign which identifies only the name and address
of a single occupant.
P.
Illuminated Sign. A sign in which a source of light is used in order
to make the message readable. This shall include internally and externally
lighted signs.
Q.
Marquee Sign. Any sign attached to, or constructed in, a roof-like
structure or awning projecting over an entranceway.
R.
Monument Sign. A free standing sign support primarily by an internal
structural framework or solid support framework designed to be integrated
into a landscaped area.
S.
Nameplate Sign. A nonbusiness sign which announces only the name
and/or address of the occupants of a residence.
T.
Nonstationary Sign. A sign which, by means of some mechanical device,
or wind or solar or electric power, changes its position constantly
or at regular intervals by rotating around an axis, or shifting in
horizontal or vertical alignment.
U.
Off-Premises Sign. A sign which advertises, or otherwise directs
attention to, an activity not on the same lot.
V.
On-Premises Sign. A sign which advertises, or otherwise directs attention
to, an activity on the same lot.
W.
Parallel Sign. A sign painted or mounted parallel to a wall or other
vertical building surface, but not extending beyond the edge of any
wall, roof line or other surface to which it is mounted not projecting
more than 12 inches from its mounting surface.
X.
Projecting Sign. Any temporary sign mounted perpendicular to a wall
or other vertical building surface.
Y.
Restaurant and Menu Sign. A sign used to display food and beverage
offerings at the restaurant.
Z.
Real Estate Sign. Any sign which is used to offer for sale, lease
or rent the property upon which the sign is placed.
AA.
Revolving Sign. A sign which revolves 360°.
BB.
Roof Sign. A sign erected upon or above a roof or parapet wall
of a building, and which is wholly or partly supported by said building.
CC.
Snipe Sign. Sign of any material whatsoever that is attached
in any way to a utility pole, tree or any similar object located or
situated on public property within the public right of way, except
as specifically authorized by Borough Council.
DD.
Street Banner Sign. Any off-premises temporary banner sign which
is stretched across and hung over a public right-of-way.
EE.
Temporary or Special Event Sign. A sign which is intended to
advertise special events, sales, general elections, community or civic
projects, construction projects and real estate for sale or lease
on a temporary basis. A sign of this type may include wind activated
flags or banners, plastic, floating or inflatable elements.
FF.
Time and Temperature Sign. A display containing numerals flashing
alternately to show only the temperature and time.
GG.
Trailer Sign. Any sign which is erected upon a structure having
wheels, rollers, or similar devices facilitating movement and is capable
of being moved from one location or another.
HH.
Under Marquee Sign. A lighted, or unlighted, display attached
to the underside of a marquee protruding over a public or private
sidewalk or right-of-way.
II.
Vehicular Sign. Any vehicle to which a sign is affixed in such
a manner that the carrying of such sign, or signs, no longer is incidental
to the vehicle's primary purpose, but becomes a primary purpose in
itself, shall be considered a freestanding sign, and as such, shall
be subject to the provisions regarding freestanding signs in the district
in which the vehicles is located.
JJ.
Wall or Fascia Signs. Any parallel sign which in any manner
is painted, etched, incorporated into or affixed to any exterior wall
of the building or structure and which does not project more than
12 inches from the building or structure. No such sign shall exceed
the height of the roof line, or extend beyond the wall.
KK.
Window or Door Sign. A sign which is fastened to or placed on
the inside area of a window or a door window or within 12 inches of
a window which advertises or otherwise directs attention to an activity
conducted on the same lot or premises and which can be seen from outside.
LL.
Sandwich Board Sign. A freestanding, temporary, one- or two-sided
sign that advertises the menu and/or specials at an eating place.
[Ord. No. 466, 9/30/2008, § 1104]
1.
Prohibited Signs. The following types of signs shall be prohibited
throughout the Borough:
A.
Any signs not specifically permitted herein, including, but not limited
to, snipe signs affixed to trees, fences, utility poles, or upon rocks
or other natural features, with the exception of "No Trespassing"
or similar warning signs.
B.
Vehicular or trailer signs; all other temporary signs except as provided under § 27-1105, Subsection 1.D.
C.
Revolving signs, nonstationary signs, blinking, flashing, changing intensity lighting, strobe lights, search lights, beacons, changeable copy signs, animated signs or beacons, or signs with flashing, intermittent, animated, or revolving illumination, with the exception of animated or changeable copy signs as stated in § 27-1106.
D.
Signs with illumination that is more intense than is necessary to
read the sign.
E.
Off-premises signs except as specifically permitted elsewhere in
this Ordinance.
F.
Banner signs except as permitted elsewhere in this ordinance.
G.
Trailer signs and portable signs. Signs that are transported on wheels
or on the back of flatbed trucks and which are not attached to the
ground or a building.
2.
Placement of Signs. All signs shall be placed with regard to public
safety and shall be governed by the following regulations:
A.
All permitted signs shall be placed within the front or side yard
of the property, outside of the right-of-way of any street. All free-standing
signs shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from the curbline or
outer edge of the shoulder.
B.
No signs shall be placed within the right-of-way of any street or
on any public property except with the express permission of the Borough
Council.
C.
No sign shall be erected or maintained so as to prevent free ingress
and egress to or from any door, window, or fire escape.
3.
Sign Illumination.
A.
Signs may be illuminated, unless otherwise specified herein, only
to the extent necessary to allow them to be seen and read at night
at a distance not to exceed 500 feet for signs of 20 square feet or
more in area; and 100 feet for signs less than 20 square feet in area.
4.
Computations. The following principles shall control the computation
of sign area and sign height.
A.
Computation of Area of Individual Signs. The area of a sign face
(which is also the entire sign area of a wall sign or sign with only
one face) shall be computed by means of the smallest square, circle,
rectangle, triangle, or combination thereof that will encompass the
extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem, or other display,
together with any material or color forming an integral part of the
background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the
backdrop or structure against which it is placed, but not including
any supporting framework, bracing, or decorative fence or wall on
a monument sign or when such fence or wall otherwise meets zoning
code regulations and is clearly incidental to the display itself.
B.
Computations of Area of Multifaced Signs. The sign area for a sign
with more than one face shall be computed by adding together the area
of all sign faces separated by a 30° angle. When two identical
sign faces are placed back to back, so that both faces cannot be viewed
from any point at the same time, the sign area shall be computed by
the measurement of one of the faces.
C.
Computation of Height. The height of a sign shall be computed as
the distance from the base of the sign at normal grade to the top
of the highest attached component of the sign. Normal grade shall
be construed to be the lower of (1) existing grade prior to construction
or (2) the newly established grade after construction, exclusive of
any filling, berming, mounding, or excavating solely for the purposes
of locating the sign. In cases in which the normal grade cannot reasonably
be determined, sign height shall be computed on the assumption that
the elevation of the normal grade at the base of the sign is equal
to the elevation of the nearest point of the crown of a public street
or the grade of the land at the principal entrance to the principal
structure on the zone lot, whichever is lower.
[Ord. No. 466, 9/30/2008, § 1105]
1.
The following signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts, subject
to the following:
A.
Name Plates and Identification Signs.
(1)
One nameplate sign per residence, indicating the name, address,
profession or activity of the occupant, not to exceed two square feet
in area. If a nameplate sign includes more than three and less than
10 dwelling units, one identification sign for the property shall
be permitted with a sign area of six square feet.
(2)
For multifamily apartment complexes containing more than 10
units, one identification sign per street frontage, not exceeding
15 square feet in area and indicating only the name and address of
the building and the name of the management may be displayed. Where
more than one building is present on a property, each building may
have one identifying sign not to exceed six square feet in area.
B.
Institutional Signs. The following signs are permitted for institutional
use:
(1)
One identification sign, changeable copy, or bulletin board
per street frontage of a school, church, hospital, sanitarium, or
other institutional use, pertaining to the activities of that institution,
and not exceeding 24 square feet in area.
(2)
Each building is permitted one identification sign, not to exceed
10 square feet in area.
C.
Trespassing signs and signs indicating private ownership of roadways
or other property, not to exceed one square foot in area, to be spaced
at intervals of no less than 75 feet of street frontage.
D.
Temporary Signs.
(1)
Real Estate Signs. All real estate, construction or development
signs shall be removed within 10 days from the date the property is
no longer available for sale or rent, or in the case of multiple properties,
multitenant or multifamily projects or properties, when 90% of the
units or floor area are no longer available for sale or rent.
(2)
Contractor's Signs.
(a)
One sign is allowed per contractor or subcontractor.
(b)
The size of such signs shall not exceed four square feet; freestanding
signs shall not exceed six feet in height.
(c)
All contractor or subcontractor signs may be consolidated into one sign or incorporated within a construction or development sign as a freestanding sign under § 27-1106.
(d)
All contractor's signs shall be nonilluminated.
(e)
Each contractor's sign shall be removed within 10 days after
the contractor has completed work on the property.
(3)
Open House Signs (on- or off-premises).
(a)
No more than one nonilluminated open house sign shall be permitted
on the property for sale.
(b)
A maximum of three off-premises directional signs shall be permitted
for each home or group of homes in a subdivision.
(c)
Signs shall not exceed four square feet in area; free-standing
signs shall not exceed six feet in height.
(d)
Off-premises directional signs must have permission in advance
from the property owner where the sign is to be placed.
(e)
Open house signs shall be removed within five days following
the open house event.
(4)
Political Signs (on- or off-premises).
(a)
Signs shall be nonilluminated.
(b)
The total sign area permitted on any lot or parcel shall not
exceed six square feet in area; free-standing signs shall not exceed
six feet in height.
(c)
The signs shall not be erected or displayed earlier than 30
days prior to the election, and shall be removed within seven days
after the said election.
(d)
The signs shall not be erected without permission of the property
owner.
(5)
Special Event Signs (on- and off-premises). Temporary nonilluminated
signs directing persons to temporary exhibits, shows, events, grand
openings, sales, etc., may be erected subject to the following requirements:
(a)
The total sign area permitted on any lot or parcel shall not
exceed 12 square feet.
(b)
The total area for an on-premises banner shall not exceed 30
square feet, and such banners must be affixed to a building or awning.
(c)
Larger banners, not to exceed 100 square feet in size, advertising
public or quasi-public events, may be suspended across streets with
permission of the Borough Council.
(d)
Free-standing signs shall not exceed a height of six feet.
(e)
A maximum of two off-premises directional signs for any special
event shall be permitted, provided that permission has been obtained
from the property owner where the sign is to be placed.
(f)
Signs shall not be posted more than 14 days before the event
to which the sign relates, and must be removed within 30 days after
installation or erection, or seven days after the event, whichever
is sooner.
E.
Bus Shelter Signs. Bus shelter signs shall be permitted in all districts
by conditional use for good cause shown. The Borough Council shall
consider:
(1)
The benefit of the signage to the passengers of the public transit
system.
(2)
The location and placement of the sign and bus shelter.
(3)
The compatibility of a signage and bus shelter with the neighborhood
and nearby property owners.
(4)
The safety of pedestrians and motorists in the vicinity.
[Ord. No. 466, 9/30/2008, § 1106]
1.
In addition to signs permitted in all districts under § 27-1105, the following signs are permitted in the C, CC, R-3 and I Districts, according to the standards below: Awning, banner, bench, business, illuminated signs, marquee, parallel, projecting signs, wall, window, door, and roof signs.
A.
Sign Formula. In addition to the sign types permitted under § 27-1105, each property in the C, CC, I, and R-3 Districts is permitted a total maximum sign area and number of signs based on the following formula:
(1)
Sign Area. Maximum total sign area per street frontage shall
equal one square foot of sign area per lineal foot of building frontage,
up to a maximum of 60 square feet.
(2)
Number of Signs. The maximum sign area permitted per street
frontage may be divided among any two of the following sign types,
according to the special area and height requirements for each type:
(3)
Additional signs on benches, windows and awnings shall be permitted
subject to the area and location requirements below, and shall not
be counted toward the total sign area per street frontage.
(4)
The maximum sign area permitted per street frontage may only
be displayed on that frontage.
(5)
Restaurant menu signs shall not be counted toward total sign
areas if moved inside each day at the close of business.
(6)
In addition to the number specified above, other directional
or informational signs, and any other sign required by law, shall
be permitted, provided each sign does not exceed four square feet
in size. Examples of such signs are "parking," "entrance," or "state
inspection" signs.
B.
Wall Sign and Parallel Sign Requirements.
(1)
Sign area for street frontage may not exceed 15% of the building
face area on that frontage, up to a maximum of 40 square feet.
(2)
Wall signs may not be located so as to project above the cornice
of the building, and should be compatible with the architecture of
the building. No wall sign shall obscure architectural features of
the building.
C.
Free Standing and Monument Sign Requirements.
(1)
If it is necessary to relocate a sign located within a street
right-of-way because of road improvements, such relocation shall be
the responsibility of the property owner.
(2)
Freestanding signs are not permitted on lots with a lot width
of less than 50 feet at the street line.
(3)
Freestanding signs shall not exceed eight feet in height, measured
from the ground level to the top of the sign face.
(4)
The sign area of freestanding signs shall not exceed 35 square
feet.
(5)
Landscaping Requirement.
(a)
The applicant shall provide one square foot of landscaped area
for each square foot of sign area with the exception of signs located
on areas of a lawn at least 200 square feet in size. Landscaping shall
be located at or near the base of the sign when practicable; otherwise,
location of landscaping shall be subject to the approval of the Zoning
Officer.
(b)
Landscaped area shall be counted toward any green area requirements
of the zoning district.
(d)
The Zoning Officer may waive the requirement of landscaping
where the applicant proves that the required landscaping is not feasible
due to the physical constraints of the site.
D.
Projecting Sign Requirements.
(1)
Sign area of the projecting sign shall not exceed 25 square
feet, where permitted, except in the CC Core Commercial District where
it shall not exceed 16 square feet.
(2)
A sign may not extend more than four feet from the wall of the
building.
(3)
Signs located over a sidewalk or pedestrian walkway shall have
a minimum of eight feet of clearance from the walkway to the bottom
edge of the sign, and shall not interfere with pedestrian or vehicular
traffic.
(4)
The height of the top edge of the sign board shall not exceed
the height of the wall from which the sign projects, if attached to
a single story building, or the height of the sill or bottom of any
second story window, if attached to a multistory building. The distance
from the building wall to the sign board shall not exceed six inches.
The height of the lettering, numbers, or graphics shall not exceed
eight inches. Where permitted, projecting signs are limited to first
floor businesses only and are not permitted in conjunction with awning
or parallel signs for the same business.
(5)
A projecting sign may extend a maximum of six feet into the
public right-of-way in the CC District, provided such sign shall not
extend within two feet of the curbline.
(6)
A projecting sign shall not be internally illuminated and the
sign face shall have an appearance similar to wood.
E.
Window Sign Requirements. Sign area shall not exceed 25% of the area
of the window.
F.
Awning Sign Requirements.
(1)
Signs shall be located only on the vertical end panels or skirts
of the awning.
(2)
Sign area shall not exceed 25% of the area of the end panel
or skirt, or 15 square feet, whichever is less.
(3)
Signs located over a sidewalk or a pedestrian walkway shall
have a minimum of eight feet of clearance from the walkway to the
bottom edge of the sign.
H.
Animated Sign Requirements.
(1)
Animated or moving signs are permitted by conditional use only
and only in the Core Commercial District if the copy is changed more
frequently than once per day.
(2)
Animated signs may not include video, streaming video or moving
pictures, and shall reduce the intensity of light emitted by the sign
by 75% between 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m.
(3)
Where permitted in the Core Commercial District, animated signs
may change no more frequently than once every 60 seconds, except for
time and temperature signs which may change once every five seconds.
The maximum size on which a portion of the sign is animated or changeable
shall not exceed 40 square feet. The animated portion of the sign
may be no more than 50% of the permitted sign area for a lot. No scrolling
copy is permitted.
(4)
In considering an application for conditional use, the Borough
Council shall consider:
I.
Gasoline Station Signs. In addition to the total permitted sign area
specified in Subsection 1.A, above, gasoline and/or filling stations
shall be permitted one additional freestanding sign per property for
purposes of advertising current fuel prices only, not to exceed 16
square feet in size. Such signs shall be set back a minimum of 25
feet from the nearest access driveway.
J.
Billboard or Commercial Outdoor Advertising Signs. Permitted only
in the Industrial Zone, only one commercial outdoor advertising sign
may be erected per premises fronting onto a public right-of-way, provided
that:
(1)
The sign must comply with PennDOT regulations.
(2)
Orientation. Such sign shall be directed only towards and be
visible from Union or Market Streets.
(3)
Yard Setbacks.
(a)
Right-of-Way. No outdoor advertising sign or any part thereof
shall be erected or maintained within 25 feet of the future (ultimate)
right-of-way of a public street.
(b)
Side or Rear Yards. No outdoor advertising sign or any part
thereof shall be erected or maintained within 50 feet of any side
or rear property line.
(c)
Other Signs. No outdoor advertising sign or any part thereof
shall be erected or maintained within 500 feet of any other such sign
or freestanding sign.
(d)
Residential Dwellings. No outdoor advertising sign or any part
thereof shall be erected or maintained within 100 feet of any residential
dwelling.
(4)
Landscaping. The following minimum landscaping shall be planted
adjacent to each such sign at the heights specified herein:
(a)
Five five-foot to six-foot high evergreen trees planted at the
base or within a forty-foot radius on the sides and rear of the base
of the sign.
(b)
Four eight-foot to ten-foot high flowering trees planted at
the base or within a forty-foot radius on the sides of the base of
the sign.
(c)
One three-foot to four-foot high shrub per three lineal feet
of frontage or 40 shrubs, whichever is greater, to be planted in front
of the sign.
(5)
Area, Height and Construction.
(a)
No outdoor advertising sign shall be permitted to exceed a maximum
area of 100 square feet, including border but excluding supports and
trim which is not incidental to the copy content or intent of the
display itself. A sign having two sides back-to-back or a V-shaped
sign with a horizontal angle not greater than 90°, is permitted
one on each side or a total maximum area of 200 square feet.
(b)
No outdoor advertising sign shall exceed 20 feet in height above
the elevation of the highway directly adjacent to the proposed sign.
K.
Sign Area Bonus. If a freestanding sign or wall sign has the appearance
of relief-cut wood, and if Zoning Officer (based upon review and recommendation
by Borough Council) determines that the proposed sign would have an
attractive appearance consistent with the historic character of the
Borough, then the Zoning Officer may authorize an increase in the
maximum sign area for such sign of 20% beyond what would otherwise
be allowed. All such signs shall be maintained in good condition.
[Ord. No. 466, 9/30/2008, § 1107]
1.
No sign requiring a permit shall be erected, constructed, or altered
without receiving a sign permit from the Borough Zoning Officer.
2.
The following sign types do not require a permit:
A.
Street signs, traffic signs, other government signs.
B.
Legal notices.
C.
Public monument, plaque, historical marker.
D.
Public service and information signs advertising the availability
of public rest rooms, telephones, or similar public conveniences,
but not including bus shelter signs.
E.
Name plates and identification signs for private residences, not
exceeding two square feet in area.
F.
Contractor's signs and temporary real estate signs (except construction
or development signs), open house signs, artisan's signs, political
signs, private property signs, trespassing signs, or other incidental
signs not exceeding the size limitations of this Part.
G.
Other temporary signs advertising sale of vehicles, yard sales, and
so on, not exceeding two square feet in area.
H.
Temporary advertising signs posted in the interior of stores.
I.
Signs that are an integral part of vending machines.
3.
An application for a sign permit shall be submitted to the Borough
on such forms as prescribed by the Zoning Officer. Such application
shall include:
A.
Name and address of applicant.
B.
Name of owner of the premises whereon the sign is to be erected,
constructed, or altered.
C.
Name of person or firm engaged to erect, construct, or alter such
sign.
D.
Zoning district.
E.
Type of sign proposed, construction material of sign.
F.
Approximate value of sign.
4.
An application for a sign permit shall be accompanied by a site plan
drawn to scale and including the following:
A.
The proposed location of the sign in relation to the boundaries of
the lot.
B.
Dimension of the sign and, where applicable, dimension of the wall
surface to which it is to be attached.
C.
Proposed location of the sign in relation to the face of the building,
in front of which or on which it is to be erected.
D.
Linear feet of building frontage for each building face where a sign
is to be erected.
E.
An elevation drawing of the proposed sign, showing all dimensions,
caption, color, and design.
G.
Location and size of existing signs on property.
5.
The Zoning Officer shall, within 30 days of the date of application,
either approve or deny the application, or refer it back to the applicant
for additional required information.
6.
Fee. All sign permit applications shall be accompanied by a fee and
escrow amount if required, as required by the Borough in accordance
with a fee schedule adopted and amended from time to time by resolution
duly adopted by the Borough Council.
[Ord. No. 466, 9/30/2008, § 1108]
1.
Signs legally existing at the time of enactment of this chapter and
which do not conform to the requirements of the chapter shall be considered
nonconforming signs.
2.
After obtaining a permit, an existing lawful nonconforming sign may
be voluntarily replaced with a new sign, provided the new sign does
not increase the nonconformity in any manner. However, if a nonconforming
sign is ordered removed because of lack of maintenance and repair
or is destroyed or suffers damage over 25% of its value, the sign
shall only be replaced with a conforming sign.
3.
Changes to Signs. Any lawfully existing sign (including nonconforming
signs) may be painted or repaired or changed in logo or message without
a new permit under this chapter provided that the changes do not increase
the sign area or otherwise result in noncompliance or an increased
nonconformity with this chapter.
[Ord. No. 466, 9/30/2008, § 1109]
1.
All signs constructed or placed within the Borough must comply with all current building codes adopted by the Borough except to the extent such signs are nonconforming under § 27-1108.
A.
Inspections. The Code Enforcement Officer shall make inspections
periodically for each sign displayed in the Borough to ensure compliance
with the provisions of this Part.
B.
Maintenance. All signs and components thereof shall be kept in good
repair and in safe, neat, clean and attractive condition.
C.
Removal of Sign. Any sign which is defaced; has internal illumination
exposed; or whose face, frame and/or supports are chipped, peeling
or otherwise damaged shall be deemed in disrepair. The Code Enforcement
Officer shall give 30 days' written notice for the removal of any
sign erected or maintained in violation of this Part. Upon failure
to comply with this notice, the Code Enforcement Officer shall remove
or cause to be removed the sign with the cost of such action charged
to the property owner and proceed with enforcement as provided by
law. The Code Enforcement Officer and/or building inspectors without
notice may remove temporary signs erected or maintained in violation
of this Part. The Code Enforcement Officer and/or building inspectors
shall be allowed to remove any sign that presents an immediate threat
to the safety of the general public and there is no attempt by the
owner(s) to correct the situation. Any removal of such signs shall
be at the expense of the property owner.
D.
Obsolete and Abandoned Signs.
(1)
Discontinue or Abandonment. Whenever the normal business activity
of an occupant using a premises to which a preexisting sign is attached
or related thereto has been discontinued for a period of 60 days or
longer, such discontinuance shall be considered an abandonment of
said sign. All electricity for the sign shall be turned off immediately.
After a period of 120 days, the property owner shall be responsible
for removing, altering or replacing the sign face with a blank sign
face. No sign may be permitted to be maintained in a dilapidated or
unsightly condition.
(2)
Obsolete or abandoned signs which are defaced; have internal
illumination exposed; or whose frame and/or supports are chipped,
peeling or otherwise damaged are prohibited and shall be removed by
the owner of the property, building, or site upon which such sign
structure is erected within 30 days after written notification from
the Code Enforcement Officer.
(3)
In the event of noncompliance with the aforesaid terms and provisions,
the Code Enforcement Officer may proceed to remove the sign with the
cost charged to the property owner or enforce the provisions of this
Part as provided by law.
