[Ord. 843, 6/19/2007, § 701]
1. 
Purposes. This Part is intended to promote and maintain overall community aesthetic quality; establish reasonable time, place and manner of regulations for the exercise of free speech, without regulating content (excepting obscenity that is prohibited by state law or language that incites violence); promote traffic safety by avoiding distractions and sight distance obstructions; and protect property values and ensure compatibility with the character of neighboring uses.
2. 
Permit Required. A zoning permit shall be required for all signs except for: (A) signs meeting the requirements of § 27-703 and (B) nonilluminated window signs constructed of paper, cardboard or similar materials and that are not of a permanent nature. Only types, sizes and heights of signs that are specifically permitted by this chapter within the applicable district shall be allowed.
3. 
Changes on 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. 843, 6/19/2007, § 702]
1. 
Sign Definitions. The following definitions shall also be used in determining whether signs meet the measurement and type requirements of this Part:
ABANDONED SIGN
A sign which identifies something that is no longer a bona fide business, lessor, service, owner or product, or advertises an event or activity that is not longer occurring, and/or for which no legal owner can be found. This term shall also include a structural support for a sign if the sign has been removed.
AWNING
A nonilluminated sign painted on or attached to a fabric or vinyl cover on a rigid frame. All or part of the allowed wall sign area may be placed on an awning.
BUILDING FACE
The vertical area of a particular side of a building, but not including the area of any slanted roof.
FLAG
Fabric, banner or bunting containing distinctive colors, patterns or symbols, including a flag that is a symbol of a nation or political subdivision or other entity.
FREESTANDING SIGN
A sign which is self-supporting upon the ground or which is primarily supported by poles attached to the ground and not primarily supported by a building.
HEIGHT OF SIGN
The vertical distance measured from the average ground level surrounding a sign to the highest point of the sign and its supporting structure. Religious symbols, when not accompanied by lettering, shall not be restricted by the sign heights of this Part when attached to a tower or spire of a place of worship.
ILLUMINATED SIGN, INTERNALLY
A sign illuminated by light from within the sign rather than a source adjacent to or outside of the sign. A sign within a display case with lights only shining onto the front of the sign shall be considered to be "externally" illuminated.
MARQUEE SIGN
A sign that is attached to a permanent overhang over a sidewalk that extends from the face of a building, and which meets the minimum clearance over a sidewalk established by the construction code. All or part of the allowed wall sign area may be placed on a marquee, provided any new marquee shall meet this chapter and the construction codes.
MONUMENT SIGN
A type of freestanding sign which has a maximum total height of eight feet and which has a solid bottom attached to the ground, as opposed to be supported by a pole.
NONCONFORMING SIGN
A sign which was lawful when it was installed, but which would not meet current sign regulations of this chapter.
OFF-PREMISES SIGN
See Part 2.
ON-PREMISES SIGN
A sign that is not an off-premises sign, such as a sign that advertises a business or service offered on the premises.
POLITICAL SIGN
A sign that advertises a candidate for election or an opinion on a current political issue.
PORTABLE SIGN
A sign that is not permanently affixed to the ground or to a building, and which is not listed by this Part as an allowed temporary sign, and which is attached to a chassis, wheels or legs that allow it to be towed or carried from one location to another.
PROJECTING SIGN
A sign that is attached to a building and that extends perpendicular from the building and which meets requirements of the construction code for secure construction and minimum clearance over a sidewalk, and which does not extend over a street.
REAL ESTATE SIGN
A temporary sign advertising the availability of land or building space for sale, lease or auction.
SIGN
See Part 2.
WALL SIGN
A sign primarily supported by or painted on a wall of a building. A wall sign may also be displayed upon an awning or canopy, provided other requirements of this chapter are met.
WINDOW SIGN
A sign which is readily visible and can be at least partially read from an exterior lot line and which is attached to a window or transparent door or that can be read through a window or transparent door.
[Ord. 843, 6/19/2007, § 703]
1. 
The following signs shall be permitted by right within all zoning districts within the following regulations, and shall not be required to have a permit under this Part.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The Sign Regulations Table is included as an attachment to this chapter.
2. 
In addition, the following types of signs are not regulated by this chapter:
A. 
Historic sign memorializes an important historic place, event or person and that is specifically authorized by the Borough or a county, state or federal agency.
B. 
Holiday decorations commemorates a holiday recognized by the Borough, county, state or federal government and that does not include advertising.
C. 
Not readable sign not readable from any public street or any exterior lot line.
D. 
Official sign erected by the state, county, Borough or other legally constituted governmental body, or specifically authorized by Borough ordinance or resolution, and which exists for public purposes.
E. 
Required sign only includes information required to be posted outdoors by a government agency or the Borough.
F. 
Right-of-way sign posted within the existing right-of-way of a public street and officially authorized by the Borough or PennDOT including, but not limited to, decorative banners hung from street lights that are authorized by the Borough.
[Ord. 843, 6/19/2007, § 704]
1. 
The following are the on-premises signs permitted on a lot within the specified districts and within the following regulations, in addition to "exempt signs" and "temporary signs" permitted in all districts by other provisions of this Part. See definitions of the types of signs in § 27-711.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The Table of On-Premises Signs is included as an attachment to this chapter.
2. 
Maximum Height of Wall Signs. The maximum height of wall signs shall be equal to the top of the roof along the wall to which they are attached. However, sign may be attached to a "parapet roof that vertically extends up to 10 feet above the structural roof, provided the parapet roof appears to be an architectural extension of the building.
3. 
Portable Signs (Including "Signs on Mobile Stands") and Other Temporary Signs.
A. 
Purpose. These standards recognize portable signs as a particular type of sign that has the characteristics of a temporary sign but that has been inappropriately used as a permanent sign. This section is based on the policy that if a use desires to regularly display a sign for regularly changing messages, that it erect a permanent sign within all of the requirements of this chapter.
B. 
Portable signs are prohibited in all districts, except as a temporary charitable event sign permitted by § 27-703.
C. 
Businesses are encouraged to provide an area on a permanent sign that displays changeable messages, as opposed to using a separate sign for such purpose.
4. 
Signs on Freestanding Walls. A freestanding sign may be attached to a decorative masonry or stone wall with a maximum height of six feet and a maximum length of 12 feet, without being regulated by the wall setback regulations of this chapter and with the wall itself not counting towards the maximum sign area. Such walls may be placed in a yard, provided they do not obstruct safe sight distances.
5. 
Major Development Sign. One two-sided sign or two one-sided signs shall be allowed at up to two exterior street entrances to a subdivision or land development of 20 or more dwelling units or more than five principal business uses. Such sign area shall be 32 square feet and shall be attached to a wall that meets § 27-704, Subsection 4.
[Ord. 843, 6/19/2007, § 705]
1. 
The following prohibitions on signs shall apply in all zoning districts:
A. 
Any moving object used to attract attention to a commercial use is prohibited. However, certain flags and banners may be allowed as provided in § 27-703.
B. 
Flashing, blinking, twinkling, animated scrolling or moving signs of any type are prohibited. Signs may change their message from time to time provided that each message is visible for a minimum of 10 seconds, except as follows: (1) time and temperature signs may change more frequently, (2) electronically changing message signs shall be prohibited in the HD Historic Overlay District, and (3) a sign with a sign area greater than 50 square feet shall not change its message more frequently than once every minute.
(1) 
In addition, flashing lights visible from a street shall not be used to attract attention to a business. This restriction specifically includes window signs, but does not prohibit Christmas lighting or displays, within § 27-703.
C. 
Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors or particles, sound or odor are prohibited.
D. 
Signs which contain information that states that a lot may be used for a purpose not permitted under this chapter are prohibited.
E. 
Signs that are of such form, shape or color that they resemble an official traffic sign, signal or device or that have any characteristics which are likely to confuse or distract the operator of a motor vehicle on a public street (such as prominent use of the words "danger") are prohibited.
F. 
Signs or displays visible from a lot line that include words or images that are obscene or pornographic are prohibited.
G. 
Balloons of greater than 50 cubic feet that are tethered to the ground or a structure for periods of over a day and that are primarily intended for advertising purposes are prohibited.
H. 
Floodlights and outdoor lasers for advertising purposes are prohibited.
I. 
To avoid distractions to motorists, neon lighting of more than 10 square feet per lot shall be prohibited as part of signs and if attached to the outside of a building. Neon shall not be used to line the outside of a building.
[Ord. 843, 6/19/2007, § 706]
1. 
Purposes. Off-premises signs are controlled by this chapter for the following purposes, to: ensure that a physical environment is maintained that is attractive to desirable types of development, especially light industrial and office parks; prevent visual pollution in the Borough and protect property values, especially in consideration of the fact that most commercial areas of the Borough are within close proximity to existing residences; prevent glare on adjacent property and streets; avoid the creation of additional visual distractions to motorists, especially along busy arterial streets that involve complex turning movements and numerous traffic hazards; recognize the numerous alternative forms of free speech available in the Borough, including existing nonconforming off-premises signs, on-premises signs and temporary signs and printed and electronic media; carry out the purposes listed in § 27-701.
2. 
Nonconforming Off-Premises Signs. This section is not intended to require the removal of an existing lawfully-placed off-premises sign that is in structurally sound condition.
3. 
PennDOT Sign. Signs erected and maintained by PennDOT are permitted by right in all districts.
4. 
Permitted Off-Premises Signs. Except for other types of signs that are specifically allowed by this section to be off-premises, an off-premises sign is only permitted if it meets the following requirements:
A. 
District. An off-premises sign is only permitted in the I-C District.
B. 
Location. An off-premises sign shall be setback a minimum of 25 feet from all lot lines and street rights-of-way.
C. 
Maximum Total Sign Area on Each of Two Sides. 200 square feet.
D. 
Spacing. Any off-premises sign shall be separated by a minimum of 1,000 feet from any other off-premises sign with a sign area greater than 20 square feet, including signs on either side of a street and including existing signs in other municipalities. No lot shall include more than one off-premises sign, except as allowed in Subsection 4F below.
E. 
Maximum Height. Thirty-five feet above the elevation of the adjacent street, measured at the street center line.
F. 
Attached. No off-premises sign or sign face shall be attached in any way to any other off-premises sign, except that a sign of 200 square feet may have two sign faces of 200 square feet each provided the angle between the signs does not exceed 45°.
G. 
Control of Lighting and Glare. See standards in § 27-507. Lights shall be directed so they do not shine into the eyes of motorists nor residents of homes. Lighting shall be directed downwards towards the sign area and shall be turned off between the hours of midnight and 6:00 a.m.
H. 
Setbacks. No off-premises sign greater than 20 square feet in sign area shall be located within 250 feet from any of the following: (1) an existing dwelling, (2) a residential district, or (3) the C-D or C-P District.
I. 
Condition. The sign shall be maintained in a good and safe condition, particularly to avoid hazards in high winds. The area around the sign shall be kept free of debris. If the message of a sign is no longer intact, it shall be replaced with a solid color or a "for lease" sign.
[Ord. 843, 6/19/2007, § 707]
1. 
Setbacks.
A. 
All freestanding signs shall be setback a minimum of five feet from the existing street right-of-way, except in the C-D and C-P Districts. Signs shall not be located within the existing street right-of-way, except for allowed projecting signs and sandwich board signs.
B. 
A freestanding illuminated sign for a commercial or industrial business shall not be located within five feet from an abutting lot line of principal dwelling in a residential district.
C. 
These setbacks shall not apply to official signs, nameplate signs, public service signs and directional signs.
2. 
Sight Clearance. No sign shall be so located that it interferes with the sight clearance requirements of § 27-803.
3. 
Off-Premises. No signs except permitted off-premises, official, political or public service signs shall be erected on a property to which it does not relate. A major development sign may be located on one lot in a subdivision to advertise uses throughout the subdivision.
4. 
Permission of Owner. No sign shall be posted on any property or sign pole or public utility pole, unless permission has been received by the owner.
5. 
Utility Poles. No sign shall be attached to a utility pole using metal fasteners, except by a utility or government agency.
6. 
Construction of Signs. Every permanent sign permitted in this section shall be constructed of durable materials and shall be kept in good condition and repair. The Zoning Officer shall by written notice require a property owner or lessee to repair or remove a dilapidated or unsafe sign within a specified period of time. If such order is not complied with, the Borough may repair or remove such sign at the expense of such owner or lessee.
7. 
Wiring of Signs. Signs shall be prohibited that involve electrical cords laying across parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except on a residential property for seasonal lighting.
[Ord. 843, 6/19/2007, § 708]
Any vehicle, trailer or structure to which a sign is affixed in such a manner that the carrying of such sign(s) no longer is incidental to the primary purpose of the vehicle, trailer or structure but instead becomes a primary purpose in itself shall be considered a freestanding sign and shall be subject to all of the requirements for freestanding signs in the district in which such vehicle, trailer or structure is located.
[Ord. 843, 6/19/2007, § 709]
Signs advertising a use no longer in existence (other than a sign relating to a building that is clearly temporarily vacant and being offered to new tenants or for purchase) shall be removed within 180 days of the cessation of such use.
[Ord. 843, 6/19/2007, § 710]
1. 
Measurement of Sign Area.
A. 
Sign area shall include all lettering, wording and accompanying designs and symbols, together with related background areas on which they are displayed. One "freestanding sign" may include several signs that are all attached to one structure, with the total "sign area" being the area of a common geometric form that could encompass all signs.
B. 
The sign area shall not include any structural supports that do not include a message.
C. 
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to or painted directly on a building or window, other than an illuminated background that is a part of the sign, the sign area shall be the smallest rectangle that includes all of the letters and symbols.
D. 
The maximum sign area of sign shall be for each of two sides of a sign, provided that only one side of a sign is readable from any location.
E. 
Unless otherwise specified, all square footages in regards to signs are maximum sizes.
[Ord. 843, 6/19/2007, § 711]
See "light and glare control" in Part 5.
[Ord. 843, 6/19/2007, § 712]
1. 
Signs legally existing at the time of enactment of this chapter and which do not conform to the requirements of this chapter shall be considered nonconforming signs.
2. 
An existing lawful nonconforming sign that was lawful when it was initially placed may be replaced with a new sign, provided the new sign is not more nonconforming in any manner than the previous sign. A nonconforming sign shall not be expanded in a manner that does not conform to this chapter.
3. 
Unlawful Signs. If a sign was placed without a required permit by the Borough, and does not comply with this chapter, it shall not be considered lawful, and shall be required to be removed. See the enforcement notice requirements in Part 1.