[Ord. 2002-06, 11/11/2002, § 1601]
Any sign hereafter erected or maintained in East Fallowfield
Township shall conform to the provisions contained herein.
[Ord. 2002-06, 11/11/2002, § 1602]
1.
The following provisions shall apply to permitted signs in all districts:
A.
Sign Location.
(1)
No sign shall be erected or maintained so as to prevent free
ingress or egress from any door, window, or fire escape.
(2)
No sign shall be erected at the intersection of streets so as to obstruct free and clear vision, and if located within the direct line of vision of any traffic sign or signal, such sign shall not have red, green, or amber illumination. In no case shall a sign be located within the clear sight triangle, as defined by the Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22].
(3)
No sign, other than signs authorized by this Part, shall be
erected within the right-of-way of any public street public sidewalk,
or shall be closer to a street line then 10 feet, except for single
dwelling real estate signs, which may be set closer for proper view
from the street line.
B.
Sign Illumination. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter,
any permitted sign, building, or structure in any district may be
illuminated; provided, that there shall be no illumination of a flashing,
intermittent, or moving type; and, further provided, that floodlighting
shall be so shielded and aimed that the source of light shall not
be visible from any point off the lot on which the sign, building,
or structure being illuminated is erected, and, so that only the sign,
building, or structure is directly illuminated thereby.
C.
Sign Area. For the purposes of this chapter, the area of a sign shall
be calculated as follows:
(1)
The area of the sign shall include the entire area within a
single continuous perimeter enclosing the outer limits of such sign.
The sign area shall not include any structural elements lying outside
the limits of such sign and not forming an integral part of the display.
(2)
In the case of an open sign made up of individual letters, attached
to or painted on a building, wall, window, canopy, or awning, the
sign area shall be that of the smallest rectangle or other geometric
shape which encompasses all of the letters and symbols.
(3)
In computing the area of a double-faced sign, only one face
shall be considered, provided that both faces are identical in area.
In "V" type structures, if the interior angle of the sign faces exceeds
45°, both faces shall be considered in computing the sign area.
D.
Sign Height. The height of a sign shall be measured from the existing
ground elevation at the base of the sign to the highest point of the
sign structure. In the case where there is a sidewalk, the height
shall be measured from the elevation of the sidewalk.
E.
Vehicular Signs. A sign on a vehicle denoting a business-related
activity shall be considered a business sign and shall be subject
to the following regulations:
(1)
Vehicles containing a business sign and parked in a residential
district shall be concealed (garaged) from public view or in a parking
space screened from view from the street, or unless such vehicle is
moved on a regular basis (i.e., at least three times per week) and
except wherein the vehicle owner or repairman is actually engaged
in authorized repairs or construction at that location.
F.
No sign, except where exempted by these regulations, shall be erected
without the issuance of a sign permit by the Zoning Officer.
[Ord. 2002-06, 11/11/2002, § 1603]
1.
No permit need be obtained before erecting any of the following signs in any district. (See also § 27-1605, Subsection 1B, "Temporary Signs not Requiring a Permit.") Exempt signs shall, however, conform to all other applicable regulations of this chapter or other codes or ordinances:
A.
Official highway route number signs, street name signs, directional,
or other official federal, state, county, or Township signs.
B.
Directional information or public service signs, such as those advertising
availability of restrooms, telephone, or similar public conveniences,
and signs advertising meeting times and places of nonprofit service
or charitable clubs or organizations, may be erected and maintained,
provided that such signs do not significantly advertise any commercial
establishment, activity, organization, product, goods, or services,
except those of public utilities. Directional and information signs
provided for the safety and/or convenience of the public within commercial
establishments may be erected. Signs erected under this provision
shall not exceed four square feet in area.
C.
Trespassing signs or signs indicating the private nature of a road,
driveway, or premises, signs prohibiting or otherwise controlling
hunting or fishing upon particular premises, and signs indicating
ownership of a property, provided sign area does not exceed three
square feet.
D.
Signs displaying name and address of the occupant of the premises,
provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed one square
foot and not more than one such sign shall be erected for each property
held in single and separate ownership, unless such property fronts
on more than one street, in which case one sign may be erected on
each street frontage.
E.
Governmental flags or insignias not exceeding 80 square feet.
F.
Legal notices.
G.
Window signs indicating the store hours or names of credit institutions,
provided that the total area of such sign or signs does not exceed
two square feet.
H.
Signs or emblems of a religious, civic, philanthropic, historical,
or educational organization not exceeding four square feet in area.
I.
Vending machine signs bearing the brand name of the product being
sold or price of such product.
J.
Memorial signs or historical tablets, provided that such sign or
tablet does not exceed four square feet.
K.
Signs which are a permanent architectural feature of a building or
structure, such as a cornerstone, or identifying letters carved into
or embossed on a building, provided that the letters are not made
of a reflective material nor contrast in color with the building.
L.
Revolving barbershop pole sign, provided that it does not exceed
36 inches in height, as measured from the ground.
M.
Signs advertising the variety of crop growing in a field. Such signs
shall be removed after the growing season.
[Ord. 2002-06, 11/11/2002, § 1604]
1.
The following signs are unlawful and prohibited:
A.
A flashing, rotating, animated, or revolving sign, with the exception
of barbershop poles, a searchlight or hot air or gas filled balloons
used as a means of drawing attention to a business or other use.
B.
A sign suspended between poles and lighted by a series of lights.
D.
Any sign erected, painted, or drawn on a tree or rock or other natural
feature.
E.
Signs shall only be attached to utility poles in conformance with
state and utility regulations and the requirements of this chapter.
F.
No sign which emits smoke, visible vapors or particles, sound, or
odor shall be permitted.
H.
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.
I.
Any sign which uses the words "stop," "look," "danger," or any other
word or character which attempts or appears to attempt to direct the
movement of traffic or which interferes with or resembles any official
traffic sign, signal, or device within 75 feet of a public right-of-way
or within 200 feet of a traffic control device, whichever is greater.
J.
Except for traffic control signals, red or green lights which may
be mistaken for official traffic lights are prohibited within 75 feet
of a public right-of-way or within 200 feet of a traffic control device,
whichever is greater.
L.
Roof signs as defined by this chapter.
[Ord. 2002-06, 11/11/2002, § 1605]
1.
In addition to other applicable regulations, the following regulations
for temporary signs shall be observed in all districts:
A.
General Provisions.
(1)
Temporary signs shall be placed so as not to obstruct access
to or from any door, window, fire escape, or ventilating equipment,
nor be attached to any stand-pipe or fire escape.
(2)
Such signs shall be placed so as not to obstruct vehicular or
pedestrian traffic or create a safety hazard.
(3)
Unless specified otherwise, temporary signs shall be removed
within three days after completion of the event, situation, or circumstance
for which it is used.
B.
Temporary Signs not Requiring a Permit. The following temporary signs
shall not require a permit if erected in compliance with the following
regulations:
(1)
Temporary signs of contractors and artisans, erected and maintained
on the premises during the period of their work, one such sign per
trade, each having an area of not more than six square feet.
(2)
Temporary year or garage sale signs, provided they do not exceed
four square feet in area, are erected no more than two days before
the first day of the sale, and are removed within two days after the
sale. No more than three temporary off-premises signs shall be permitted
and permission shall be obtained from the landowner or utility to
post such signs.
(3)
A sign, bunting, or pennants announcing the opening of a new
business or industry, provided they are removed within seven days
of the opening day or first day of business.
(4)
Temporary window sign announcing a drive or event of civic,
philanthropic, educational, or religious organization, less than four
square feet, placed in a store or office window. Temporary signs for
such events shall be removed within three days after the event. Permission
shall be obtained from the landowner or utility to post said temporary
signs.
(5)
Real estate signs shall be permitted, subject to the following
standards:
(a)
Real estate signs shall not exceed six square feet in area in
residential districts and 24 square feet in area in all other districts.
(b)
Corner lots may have one such sign for each street frontage.
(c)
Such signs shall be located on the property for which they are
advertising.
(d)
Such signs shall be removed within five days after a final settlement
or rental agreement has been reached.
(6)
Construction/development signs shall be permitted, subject to
the following standards:
(a)
Construction/development signs shall not exceed 12 square feet
in area in residential districts and 24 square feet in area in all
other districts.
(b)
Corner lots may have one such sign for each street frontage.
(c)
Such signs shall be located on the property to which they relate.
(d)
Such signs shall be removed when 90% of the properties have
been developed or 18 months after the erection of the sign whichever
comes first.
(7)
Political signs shall be permitted as temporary signs, provided
that:
(a)
Signs shall not exceed four square feet in area, except at a
polling place, in which case no sign shall exceed 24 square feet in
area.
(b)
Signs shall be removed within seven days after the election
or referendum.
(c)
Any site or building on which the sign was erected shall be
restored to its original or better condition upon removal of the sign.
C.
Temporary Signs Requiring a Permit. The following temporary signs
require a permit and shall be erected in compliance with the following
regulations:
(1)
Temporary signs announcing special events or the temporary lawful
sale of products, goods, and/or services, such as the sale of Christmas
trees, shall be permitted, provided that:
(b)
Signs shall comply with all pertinent regulations applicable
to permanent type signs. Sign permits shall be issued only when the
use proposed is permitted by the underlying zoning district.
(c)
No such sign shall be posted earlier than three weeks before
the occurrence of the event to which it relates.
(d)
Signs shall be removed upon expiration of the permit or within
one week after the date of the special event or the last day of sales,
whichever comes first.
(e)
Any site or building on which the sign was erected shall be
restored to its original or better condition upon expiration of the
permit.
(f)
Community Special Event Signs. Where such signs are in the form
of banners proposed to be suspended across public roads, the following
standards shall apply in addition to those noted above:
1)
The sign shall not exceed three feet high by 30 feet wide and
the bottom edge of the sign shall be at least 15 feet above the road
surface.
2)
The Township shall be notified prior to the erection of such
signs.
3)
Where the proposed banner spans a state road, the applicant
shall also comply with PennDOT's procedural requirements for
the placement of signs or banners across state highways. Evidence
of such compliance shall be supplied to the Township.
(2)
Portable signs shall be allowed only for temporary display and
shall be subject to the following provisions:
(a)
Portable signs shall only be permitted in districts where commercial
uses are permitted as a principal use. Portable signs shall comply
with all pertinent regulations, applicable to permanent type signs
permitted in the underlying district, including maximum area and height
requirements for ground signs.
(b)
Permits shall be issued for a one-month period for portable
signs. Permits for portable signs shall be issued no more than twice
in any one calendar year.
(c)
No more than one portable sign shall be allowed per premises.
(d)
Application for a portable sign permit shall be made to the
Township Zoning Officer accompanied by the required permit fee and
an escrow deposit, as established by the Township fee schedule, as
a guarantee that the portable signs shall be removed at the end of
the authorized period. If not removed within 10 days of the permit
expiration date, the Township shall remove the sign and keep the sum
necessary from the escrow amount to cover the expense incurred in
removal.
[Ord. 2002-06, 11/11/2002, § 1606]
1.
In addition to the exempt signs in § 27-1603 and the applicable temporary signs in § 27-1605, the following signs may be erected in the RA, R-1, R-2, R-3, and MHP Districts subject to the following standards:
A.
Residential accessory, home occupation, or name plate signs, provided
that:
B.
Real estate signs, provided that:
(1)
No such sign shall exceed a surface area of 9 square feet.
(2)
No more than one such sign shall be permitted on premises unless
said premises fronts two or more streets, whereupon one sign may be
placed on each street frontage.
(3)
No such sign shall be illuminated.
(4)
All signs shall be moved within seven days of transaction.
C.
Signs intended for permitted nonresidential uses, provided that:
(1)
No such sign shall exceed a surface area of 20 square feet.
(2)
No more than one such sign shall be permitted on premises for
each 200 feet of frontage, with a maximum of two signs, unless said
premises fronts two or more streets, whereupon a maximum of two signs
may be placed on the frontage of the street of primary access, as
above; and one sign may be placed on each, other street frontage.
(3)
Such sign shall be illuminated by indirect lighting only.
D.
Temporary professional signs, provided that:
F.
Portable signs, when in accordance with the following provisions:
G.
Banners.
(1)
The hanging of banners is the sole responsibility of the applicant.
(2)
A permit is required from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
for banners over state roads.
(3)
No banner may hang lower than 15 feet over a street.
(4)
No more than two banners may be displayed over a particular
street or way.
(5)
No banner shall restrict views or impede vehicular circulation.
(6)
Banners may not be hung more than 14 days prior to the date
of the event being advertised, and must be removed no later than seven
days after the conclusion of the event being advertised.
H.
Identification of development signs, provided that:
(1)
No such sign shall exceed a surface area of 20 square feet.
(2)
The manner in which such sign is supported and displayed does
not create a visual or safety hazard to vehicular traffic and is considered
by the Zoning Officer at the time of application for sign permit to
be compatible to the character of the community.
(3)
No more than one such sign shall be permitted on the premises
of the development, unless said premises has two or more entrances,
whereupon one sign may be placed at each entrance.
(4)
Such sign shall be illuminated by indirect lighting only, attached
to the sign.
[Ord. 2002-06, 11/11/2002, § 1607; as amended by
Ord. 2003-01, 2/27/2003, § 5]
1.
In addition to the exempt signs in § 27-1603 and the applicable temporary signs in § 27-1605, the following signs may be erected in the PF, MU, and O-I Districts, subject to the following conditions:
A.
All signs, as permitted in § 27-1606, provided that such signs relate to a use permitted in the district in which the sign is located.
B.
Business, commercial, or industrial signs, provided that:
(1)
The total surface area of all signs facing any one street frontage
of any single premises shall not exceed 1/2 square foot per foot of
lineal building frontage, and in no case may exceed 25 square feet.
(2)
No more than one sign will be permitted for each establishment,
unless said establishment fronts two or more streets, whereupon one
sign may be placed on each street frontage.
(3)
The total surface area of one side of any freestanding sign
shall not exceed 25 square feet.
(4)
No more than one sign will be permitted for the purpose of announcing
a commercial center, unless such center fronts two or more streets,
whereupon one sign maybe placed on each street frontage.
(5)
Where three or more establishments are contiguous to one another,
no sign shall exceed 15 square feet per establishment.
(6)
Freestanding business signs may be located no closer to a side
or rear property boundary line or street right-of-way than whichever
is greater.
(7)
No freestanding sign shall exceed 12 feet in height when measured
from the ground level to the top of the sign and have a minimum distance
of six feet measured from ground level to the bottom of the sign,
except that a portable sign shall not exceed four feet in height.
C.
Directional signs, provided that:
(1)
No such sign shall have a surface greater than three square
feet.
(2)
No establishment shall erect more than two directional signs
within East Fallowfield Township.
(3)
No more than two such signs will be permitted at any intersection.
(4)
No such sign shall be erected without approval, in writing,
of the owner of the property on which the sign is erected.
D.
Wall-mounted business signs, provided that:
(1)
A wall-mounted shall be permitted on any wall of a building
or structure incident to a permitted use.
(2)
Wall-mounted signs shall be installed parallel to the supporting
wall and project no more than 10 inches overall from the face of such
wall.
(3)
The maximum display area of a sign mounted on any wall of a
building or structure shall not exceed one square foot for each lineal
foot of building frontage on which the sign is mounted, provided that:
(a)
The total display area of such sign shall not exceed 20% of
the total area of the wall on which the sign is mounted.
(b)
The total display area of all signs mounted on the sides and/or
rear of a structure shall not exceed the area of the sign mounted
on the front wall.
(c)
The total display area for all signs shall not exceed 50 square
feet.
(4)
No wall-mounted signs shall extend above the roofline or cornice
of tiny building.
(5)
For integrated multiple uses on a single lot or within a single
building, each use will be permitted one wall-mounted sign for identification
and/or merchandising purposes, provided such signs shall comply with
the regulations stated herein.
E.
Projecting business signs, provided that:
(1)
One projecting business identification sign shall be permitted
for each building or structure incident to a permitted use, except
wherein wall-mounted signs are used for identification and/or merchandising
purposes.
(2)
For integrated, multiple uses on a single lot or within a single
building, each use will be permitted one projecting sign; except wherein
wall-mounted signs are used.
(3)
The display area of a projecting sign shall be a maximum of
6 square feet and extend more than two feet from the building surface.
(4)
No part of the projecting sign shall be less than eight feet,
nor more than 12 feet above the ground or walking level.
F.
The following signs may be erected in the VC Village Commercial District:
(1)
Residential Uses. Residential uses within the VC Village Commercial
District shall comply with the Residential District sign requirements
contained herein.
(2)
Commercial Uses. For all commercial uses, signs may be erected
in accordance with either clause (a) or (b) as outlined below:
(a)
One freestanding sign up to 10 square feet, plus one of the
following:
1)
One wall sign mounted flush on the wall up to eight square feet.
2)
One wall sign, when part of the architectural design of the
building, consisting of individual letters or symbols, not to exceed
15% of wall area.
3)
One window sign consisting of individual letters or symbols
not to exceed 30% of total glass area of the building front.
(b)
One projecting sign projecting not more than five feet from
the wall up to eight square feet in size, plus one of the following:
1)
One wall sign mounted flush on the wall up to eight square feet.
2)
One wall sign, when part of the architectural design of the
building, consisting of individual letters or symbols, not to exceed
15% of wall area.
3)
One window sign consisting of individual letters or symbols
not to exceed 30% of total glass area of the building front.
(c)
If a building fronts upon more than one street, one additional
sign in conformity with either clause (b)1), 2), or 3) above may be
permitted on each street frontage.
(d)
No portion of projecting signs shall be less 10 feet above the
finished grade nor more than 20 feet above finished grade.
(e)
The maximum height of freestanding signs shall be eight feet
above the finished grade.
(f)
Where multiple uses are within a single structure, the size
of the permitted freestanding sign may be increased by two square
feet for each additional use, up to a maximum total sign area of 16
square feet. The height of such signs may be increased to a maximum
of 12 feet.
(g)
Portable signs shall not be permitted in the VC Village Commercial
District.
(3)
Sign Design Guidelines. The following sign design guidelines
indicate the preferred sign characteristics for the VC Village Commercial
District. The guidelines should be consulted for additional provisions
relevant to the use of signs in this district.
(a)
Wood or metal is preferred sign material. The use of plastic
signs is discouraged.
(b)
External lighting, or back lighting in the case of window signs,
is the preferred method of illumination. Internally lit signs are
discouraged.
(c)
The overuse of signs should be avoided; temporary advertising
signs in windows should be kept to a minimum and remain in place no
longer than necessary.
(d)
Simplicity of design and a limited color scheme of no more than
two or three colors are encouraged. Signs should consist of natural
materials and blend with the building or structure they represent.
The sign message should be simple and readable.
(e)
Wall signs designed as an integral part of the facade of commercial
buildings (generally located above the door in the lintel) are encouraged.
Signs should be proportional in scale to the building and to the wall
space on which they are mounted.
(f)
Wall or projecting signs are preferred where there is a small
front yard setback. Freestanding signs are considered most appropriate
for buildings originally designed as residential dwellings or where
larger front yard setbacks are present.
[Added by Ord. No. 2019-02, 2/26/2019]
1.
Intent. The intent of this section is to provide appropriate regulations
for both billboards (containing off-site advertising) and electronic
message signs (containing only on-site messages), and to:
A.
Support the First Amendment rights of advertisers to promote legal
products and services while retaining the sense of community and protecting
the character of the Township;
B.
Ensure that billboards and electronic advertising is provided for
in the Township and located safely and appropriately where it can
be viewed by the traveling public with the least distraction and degradation
to the public safety;
C.
Provide billboards and electronic advertising in a manner demonstrated
to be compatible with the historic, natural and rural character of
the Township in terms of size, location, visual prominence from areas
other than the adjacent highway, and materials and finishes used in
construction;
D.
To prevent billboards and electronic advertising from having a negative
impact on neighborhoods (particularly residentially zoned or used
properties) in terms of visual blight, light pollution, or decreased
property value;
E.
To prevent billboards and electronic advertising from having a negative
impact on designated historic sites or structures in terms of visual
blight, light pollution, or decreased property value;
F.
To advance the mission of the International Dark-Sky Association
and maintain the Township's nighttime environment by reducing
light pollution through lighting practices that provide:
(1)
Energy savings resulting in economic and environmental benefits;
(2)
Superb nighttime ambience and quality of life;
(3)
Conservation of nocturnal wildlife and ecosystems;
(4)
Safeguarding of scientific and educational opportunities such
as astronomy;
(5)
Preservation of cultural heritage and inspiration for the arts;
(6)
Increased visibility, safety, and security at night by reducing
glare; and
(7)
Protection of human health.
2.
BILLBOARD
BILLBOARD STRUCTURE
CHANGE INTERVAL
DISPLAY FACE
ELECTRONIC BILLBOARD
ELECTRONIC SIGN
MESSAGE SEQUENCING
ON-SITE SIGN
TRANSITION INTERVAL
Definitions. As used in this Section, the following terms shall have
the meanings indicated:
A form of a ground sign or freestanding sign which advertises
goods, materials or services not offered on the same premises as that
upon which the sign is located.
The framework, supports, display face(s) and electrical components
of the billboard.
The "Change Interval" is defined as the time period in which
the display of an electronic sign/billboard must remain static and
during which the display may not transition to display another advertisement.
The face of a billboard, including copy, insignia, background,
border and trim. The measurement shall be determined by the smallest
rectangle inclusive of all letters and images. The structural support
shall be excluded from the area calculations if it is not used to
directly express or convey a commercial or noncommercial message.
A billboard capable of displaying text, graphics, symbols,
or images that can be electronically or mechanically changed by remote
or automatic means; or with content that may be changed by electronic
process through the use of light or lights, including, but not limited
to, light emitting diodes (LED), liquid crystal display and plasma
image display.
An on-site sign capable of displaying text, graphics, symbols,
or images that can be electronically or mechanically changed by remote
or automatic means; or with content that may be changed by electronic
process through the use of light or lights, including, but not limited
to, light emitting diodes (LED), liquid crystal display and plasma
image display.
A single message or advertisement for a product, event, commodity,
or service that is divided into segments and presented over two or
more successive display phases of a sign, or across two or more individual
signs.
A sign that is not an off-site sign (i.e., which advertises
goods, materials or services offered on the same premises as that
upon which the sign is located).
The "Transition Interval" is defined as the time period in
which the display of an electronic sign/billboard transitions to another
display.
3.
Criteria for Billboards. Billboards shall be permitted by special exception only, subject to the applicant establishing compliance with the following criteria, together with all applicable criteria in Article XIX and the criteria set forth in Zoning Ordinance § 27-1607.1:
A.
Billboards may only be erected and maintained in the MU Zoning District,
limited to those properties with frontage on state roadways.
B.
Size. The display face of a billboard shall not exceed 50 square
feet in area, unless the applicant can establish before the Zoning
Hearing Board during the special exception hearing that the content
of the billboard could not be read from any point along the road frontage
and that the permitted size is not adequate for the conveyance of
any advertising messages to passing motorists. If the applicant is
able to establish the above, then the billboard shall not be permitted
to exceed 300 square feet in area, but in any event shall be no larger
than is necessary to be read and conveyed to passing motorists. If
present, nondisplay physical borders around the display image shall
not exceed six inches on a side.
C.
Billboard to billboard setback. Billboards shall be set back a minimum
of 300 feet from any other billboard.
D.
Setbacks; road right-of-way. Billboards shall be set back from the
right-of-way a minimum of 20 feet; a distance equivalent to 1.1 times
the height of the billboard; or the minimum front building setback
set forth in the underlying Zoning District; whichever is greater.
No part of a billboard shall be set back more than 60 feet from the
nearest street right-of-way.
E.
Setback from street intersections. All billboards must be set back
at least 500 feet from all street intersections, measured from the
point of intersection of the center lines of the intersecting streets.
F.
Setback from residential dwelling unit. Except as governed by a greater
setback required herein, all billboards must be set back a minimum
of 150 feet from the boundary of the R1, R2, R3, R4 and AP Zoning
Districts and from the boundary of any property on which a residential
dwelling unit is situated. Moreover, the applicant must establish
that the billboard will be screened such that the face of the billboard
will not be visible from an existing residential dwelling unit. With
respect to such setback as applied from any existing residential dwelling
unit, the 150-foot setback may be reduced if the owner of such dwelling
unit agrees in writing to the placement of such sign as memorialized
by an easement filed with the Chester County Recorder of Deeds.
G.
Public health, safety and welfare. The applicant shall bear the burden
of establishing that the proposed billboard will not create a public
health, welfare or safety concern.
H.
Billboard design. The billboard structure shall be designed as an
architecturally decorative feature or shall be screened with vegetation.
In no case shall the supporting structure be designed to increase
the apparent size of the billboard or to otherwise increase its visual
prominence.
I.
Structural engineer. The applicant shall be required to submit an
attestation from a structural engineer, registered in Pennsylvania,
to certify that the proposed billboard is properly constructed pursuant
to all applicable codes, to certify the viability of the construction
of the foundation and erection of the structure for the proposed billboard.
The applicant shall further submit a report from an engineer to set
forth the wind tolerances of the proposed billboard.
J.
Landscape plan. The applicant shall submit a plan prepared by a landscape
architect showing landscaping proposed to be installed to screen and
buffer the billboard. Existing vegetation on and around the proposed
Billboard shall be preserved to the greatest extent possible. All
proposed landscaping shall comply with the requirements of the Township's
Zoning Ordinance[1] and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.[2] Applicants shall submit a visual survey from mutually
agreed upon vantage points in order to support the proposed landscaping
plan's mitigation of visual impacts.
K.
Electrical service. All billboards shall be serviced by underground
electrical wiring.
L.
Access. Billboards shall be properly and adequately secured to prevent
unauthorized access, with such features as a locked ladder way.
4.
Criteria for electronic signs/billboards. The following criteria
shall apply to electronic signs, which shall only be permitted upon
the applicant establishing the following criteria:
A.
Electronic signs shall be permitted: 1) for any use authorized by the Zoning Ordinance in the PF Zoning District as an accessory to a use permitted under § 27-802; and 2) by special exception in the MU Zoning District. Within the MU Zoning District, electronic billboards may only be erected and maintained on those properties with frontage on state roadways and subject to the criteria set forth in Subsection 3 above.
B.
Electronic signs and electronic billboards may not contain any: fading;
flashing; modulating; scrolling; moving lights; text or graphics;
any full-motion video; or any visible change during the change interval
period.
C.
Change interval: No more than three sign changes are permitted per
day for electronic signs and electronic billboards.
D.
Transition interval: Electronic signs and electronic billboards must
provide a maximum transition interval of one second.
E.
Electronic sign and electronic billboard lighting shall be automatically
extinguished so as to not operate before 7:00 a.m. or after 10:00
p.m.
F.
Illumination shall be automatically controlled so that at no point
on the electronic sign or electronic billboard shall the luminance
exceed 100 cd/m2 with a full-white board
face after sunset.
G.
The electronic sign or electronic billboard shall contain a default
mechanism that will freeze the sign display in one position if a malfunction
occurs, or shut down and show "full black" on the display.
H.
Electronic signs shall not exceed 12 feet in height. Electronic billboards
shall not exceed 20 feet in height.
I.
Message sequencing shall be prohibited.
J.
No electronic sign or electronic billboard shall shine or reflect
light into adjacent residences.
K.
Electronic signs and electronic billboards must be oriented so that
they are perpendicular to the adjacent roadway.
L.
Setbacks; road right-of-way. Electronic signs and electronic billboards
shall be set back from the right-of-way a minimum of 15 feet or a
distance equivalen to 1.1 times their height; whichever is greater.
No part of an electronic sign or electronic billboard shall be set
back more than 60 feet from the nearest street right-of-way.
M.
Electronic signs and electronic billboards shall be subject to all
applicable rear and side yard building setbacks. No portion of any
sign shall project over a lot line and in no case shall be within
a setback area from the rear or side yards equivalent to a distance
of 1.1 times the height of the sign.
N.
A sign permit applicant must obtain all necessary outside agency
approvals prior to erection of a sign, including, but not limited
to, approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, as
may be required. The applicant is required to provide the Township
with any such agency approvals prior to the issuance of a permit for
a sign. PennDOT and any outside agency approval shall not constitute
Township approval.
O.
The owner and/or operator of any billboard, electronic sign or electronic
billboard shall provide (and maintain with) the Township with their
current address and contact information.
[Ord. 2002-06, 11/11/2002, § 1608]
1.
All signs permitted by this chapter shall be constructed of durable
materials and kept in good condition and repair.
2.
All signs requiring the use of electricity shall be manufactured
in accordance with Underwriter Laboratories specifications.
3.
Floodlighting used to illuminate signs shall be aimed as required
to ensure light does not spill off the sign.
[Ord. 2002-06, 11/11/2002, § 1609]
1.
Unsafe or Unlawful Signs.
A.
Upon written notice by the Township, the owner, person, or firm maintaining
a sign must remove said sign when it:
B.
The Township may remove on cause to be removed said sign at the expense
of the owner or lessee in the event the owner or the person or firm
maintaining said sign has not complied with the terms of said notice
within 14 days of the date of the notice. However, in the event of
immediate danger, the Township may remove said sign immediately upon
the issuance of said notice to the owner, person, or firm maintaining
said sign.
2.
Abandoned Signs.
A.
Abandoned signs, as defined by this chapter, shall be removed by
the landowner or person controlling the property within 14 days of
the abandonment.
B.
The Township may remove or cause to be removed said sign at the expense
of the owner or lessee in the event the owner or the person or firm
maintaining said sign has not complied with the terms of said notice
within 30 days of the notice.
[Ord. 2002-06, 11/11/2002, § 1610]
[Ord. 2002-06, 11/11/2002, § 1611]
Nonconforming signs shall be subject to the requirements of § 27-2006 of this chapter.
