[Ord. 761, 8/26/1985, § 1700; as amended by Ord.
937, 11/27/2000]
This section shall be known as the "Sign Ordinance of the Borough of Hatboro." In expansion of the "Declaration of Legislative Intent" contained in § 27-103 of this chapter and the "Community Development Objectives" contained in § 27-105 of this chapter, It is recognized that signs perform important functions in identifying residences and businesses. However, the control of signs is necessary to promote the health, safety, and general welfare by lessening hazards to pedestrian and vehicular traffic; by preserving property values; by preventing unsightly and detrimental development which has a blighting influence upon residential, business, and industrial uses; by preventing signs from reaching such excessive size that they obscure one another to the detriment of all concerned; and, in certain instances, by limiting the length of time a sign may be erected on a property and providing for its removal.
[Ord. 761, 8/26/1985, § 1701; as amended by Ord.
940, 9/17/2001]
The following terms as used herein shall mean:
The area of a sign shall be construed to include all lettering,
wording, and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background,
whether open or enclosed, on which they are displayed, but not including
any supporting framework and bracing which are incidental to the display.
Where a sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached
to a building wall or structure, the area shall be considered to be
that of the smallest rectangle or other regular geometric shape which
encompasses all of the letters and symbols.
In computing square foot area of a double-faced sign, only one
side shall be counted, provided that both sides are identical. If
the interior angle formed by the two double faces of the double-faced
sign is greater that 45°, then both sides of such sign shall be
considered in calculating the sign area.
An internally illuminated portion of a permanent monument
sign in which plasma technology, LED technology, or other electronic
technology is utilized to convey a message or announcement regarding
the use(s) on the property where the sign is located. Changeable-text
electronic message boards shall be no greater than 10 square feet,
and the content shall comply with the following requirements:
[Added by Ord. 1033, 5/23/2016]
Other than text, no other images or symbols of any kind shall
be permitted. In addition, no signs or message boards shall be permitted
to move, scroll, flash, revolve, rotate, oscillate, fade or display
animated text or video.
Notwithstanding any other regulations to the contrary, the copy
on a changeable-text electronic message board may change at a rate
not greater than once per hour. Each change shall be instantaneous.
All text and the messaging background shall remain static.
The color of changeable text and the messaging background shall
be uniform and constant. The electronic messaging background shall
be dark-colored and shall not be white or light-colored.
No signs or message boards shall emit any audio or verbal announcement
or noises of any kind.
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DIRECT ILLUMINATION — A sign designed to give forth artificial
light directly (or through translucent material) from a source of
light within the sign, including, but not limited to, neon and exposed
lamp signs.
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INDIRECT ILLUMINATION — A sign illuminated by an outside
light source, including, but not limited to, spotlights and fluorescent
tubes.
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FLASHING ILLUMINATION — An illuminated sign on which the
artificial light is not maintained stationary and constant in intensity
and color at all times when in use.
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FESTOON LIGHTING — A group of incandescent light bulbs
hung or strung overhead or on a building or structure, or light bulbs
not shaded or hooded or otherwise screened to prevent the direct rays
of the light from shining on and adjacent property or right-of-way.
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NONILLUMINATED SIGN — A sign which is not illuminated
by any type of artificial light source.
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Any sign as defined above which has been erected or placed
with the intention that it remain in place for more than 30 days.
The determination shall be made as to the structure or device itself
and not the content of the message which may or may not be changeable.
Any permanent or temporary structure or part thereof, or
any device attached, painted, or represented directly or indirectly
on a structure or other surface that shall display or include any
letter, artwork, insignia, flag, banner, or representation used as,
or which is designed to attract the eye or bring attention of the
public. The word "sign" as used herein shall include signs which are
affixed to the inside of windows and glass doors and are intended
to be seen from a street or public thoroughfare. No other indoor sign
shall be deemed a sign within these regulations.
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AWNING SIGN — A device placed over a store front, door
or window and used for shade or protection from weather and to advertise
the attached business. An awning may or may not be retractable.
[Added by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013] | |
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BILBOARD — A sign that directs attention to a business,
commodity, service, or entertainment conducted, sold, or offered at
a location other than the premises on which the billboard is located.
[Added by Ord. 1011, 5/21/2012; and by Ord. 1012, 7/9/2012] | |
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DIRECTIONAL SIGN — On-premises, incidental signs designed
to guide or direct pedestrians or vehicular traffic. Directional signs
shall not exceed four square feet in sign area, shall not exceed four
feet in height measured from the average ground level of the lot to
the top of the sign, and only four freestanding directional signs
shall be permitted on any one lot. The square footage of directional
signs shall not be counted toward the total square footage of signage
permitted on the property.
[Added by Ord. 1033, 5/23/2016] | |
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FREESTANDING SIGN — A self supporting sign resting on
or supported by means of poles or standards, or any other type of
structure or erected for the purpose of supporting a sign, either
on the ground or on the roof of a building.
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HISTORIC MARKER — Signs, markers, monuments or memorial
tablets erected by duly authorized public or nonprofit organizations,
which may be erected in any zoning district with the approval of Borough
Council.
[Added by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013] | |
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MOVABLE SIGN — A sign which is not fixed to a permanent
supporting structure or building and is displayed on either a temporary
or long term basis.
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NONSTATIONARY SIGN — A sign which by means of some mechanical
device changes its position constantly or at regular intervals by
rotating around an axis or shifting in horizontal or vertical alignment.
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PARALLEL SIGN — A sign mounted parallel to a building
wall, lower upright portion of a mansard roof or other decorative
roof, or other vertical building surface. Parallel signs shall not
extend beyond the edge of any building wall or other building surface
to which they are mounted, and shall not project more than 10 inches
from the building wall or building surface to which it is affixed.
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PROJECTING SIGN — A sign mounted perpendicular to a building
wall, upright surface of a mansard roof or other decorative roof,
or other vertical building surface. The leading edge of a projecting
sign shall not extend more than three feet from the wall or surface
to which the sign is affixed, nor in any way shall the projecting
sign interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Projecting
signs may not be internally illuminated.
[Amended by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013] | |
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VEHICULAR SIGN — A vehicle to which a sign is affixed
or painted and which is used or parked in such a manner that the carrying
of such sign or signs is no longer incidental to the vehicle's
primary purpose, but becomes a primary purpose in itself.
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WINDOW/DOOR SIGNS — Signs in the windows/doors of businesses
that advertise products and services. The message may be changed.
Window/door signs may not obscure more than 20% of the window/door
and count toward the total allowable sign square footage on the lot.
[Added by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013] |
[Ord. 761, 8/26/1985, § 1702]
1.
Any sign required by law; or, any sign erected by a duly constituted
governmental body, including but not limited to street and traffic
signs and signs displayed strictly for the convenience, safety, and
direction of the public, including signs which identify restrooms,
telephone booths, parking area entrances and exits, loading zones,
and the like, shall be permitted in all zoning districts.
2.
No sign shall be erected or placed in the Borough of Hatboro which
shall interfere with traffic through glare, through blocking of reasonable
sight lines for streets, sidewalks, and driveways, through confusion
with traffic control devices by reason of color, location, shape,
or other characteristic.
3.
Signs erected by a duly constituted governmental body, including
traffic signs and similar regulatory notices, shall be allowed within
the right-of-way. No other sign shall be permitted within rights-of-way
without the approval of the Borough Council.
[Amended by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013]
4.
No sign shall overhang any walkway or public right-of-way, except
as provided elsewhere in this Part. No projecting sign shall be permitted
to rotate or swing.
5.
All permanent signs permitted by this Part shall be constructed of
durable materials and shall be kept in good condition and repair.
All construction and electrical wiring shall conform to all applicable
codes and ordinances. Freestanding permanent signs erected on the
ground shall have all electrical and mechanical accessories safely
enclosed, and all such equipment whenever possible shall be concealed
by appropriate architectural design or landscaping.
6.
Awning
Signs. Awning depth may not exceed four feet, nor may awnings extend
into the pedestrian walkway more than three feet. The lowest point
of any awning must be a minimum of 96 inches above the pedestrian
walkway. Awnings shall not extend over any vehicular right-of-way.
[Added by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013[1]]
7.
No person shall erect or place any sign to identify, advertise or
otherwise direct attention to a commodity, political activity, public
event, industry, home occupation, or other similar activity which
is sold, offered, or conducted elsewhere than on the lot on which
the sign is located, unless permitted as a billboard.
[Amended by Ord. 1011, 5/21/2012; and by Ord. 1012, 7/9/2012]
8.
Signs erected to advertise the sale or development of the premises
on which they are erected, when erected by a builder, contractor,
developer, or other person interested in such sale or development,
may be erected and maintained; provided, that:
A.
The area of any sign shall not exceed 15 feet.
B.
Not more than one sign shall be permitted upon any lot, unless the
lot fronts on more than one street or highway right-of-way line, in
which event one sign may be erected facing each street or highway.
C.
Any such sign must be removed within 30 days after final sale of
the property.
9.
If any permanent sign should become dilapidated to the extent that
it becomes a safety hazard or an unsightly blight, the Zoning Officer
shall notify the owner or lessees of the dilapidated condition of
the sign, and give the owner 24 hours to 30 days to repair or remove
the sign. The time allowed shall be determined by the Zoning Officer
based on the immediacy of the danger posed to life or property. If
the sign is not removed or repaired within the time allowed by the
Zoning Officer, he may have the sign removed at the expense of the
owner or lessee of the property on which the sign is located.
10.
Permanent directly illuminated or indirectly illuminated signs that
identify any permitted institutional use in any zoning district shall
be permitted. Such permitted signs shall include church, school, or
similar institution bulletin boards. Signs shall be permitted on each
street or highway frontage.
11.
Signs existing at the time of adoption of this chapter, which do
not conform to the requirements of this Part shall be considered nonconforming
signs. Once removed for repair, replacement, or any other reason,
for a period in excess of 30 days, a nonconforming sign shall not
be replaced unless with a conforming sign.
12.
Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this chapter to
the contrary, no electronic or reader-board-type signs shall be permitted,
but for billboards as defined and permitted herein.
[Added by Ord. 1011, 5/21/2012; and by Ord. 1012, 7/9/2012]
13.
Total
Sign Area Allowable in a Nonresidential District. The total sign area
allowable for all signs, excluding billboards, on any one lot in a
nonresidential district shall be limited to two square feet for each
linear foot of primary frontage. When a lot in a nonresidential district
has frontage on two or more streets, the total allowable sign area
may be increased by 1 1/2 times the total allowable area calculated
for the primary frontage. No single sign, excluding billboards, in
a nonresidential district shall exceed 25 square feet.
[Added by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013]
[Ord. 761, 8/26/1985, § 1703]
1.
No temporary sign shall exceed 12 square feet in area. If there are
other existing permanent signs on the premises, the total allowable
sign area permitted by this Part may be increased by 25% for temporary
signs.
2.
No temporary sign may be illuminated.
3.
Temporary signs announcing events sponsored by civic or other nonprofit
organizations and which do not exceed four square feet in area are
not included in the calculation of permitted square foot sign area
in any district.
4.
Banners which announce a community event or promote the community
in general, and which do not exceed 100 square feet in area, may be
permitted to span major thoroughfares in the Retail Commercial District
as long as the banner does not impede the normal flow of traffic.
Such banners may be permitted to be displayed as long as they remain
intact in good physical condition.
6.
All temporary signs must be removed within 30 days of their erection
except as follows:
A.
Real estate sale or rental signs and artisan signs may be displayed
for a period not to exceed 15 days after lease of premises, settlement
of real estate sale or completion of work by the artisan.
B.
Political campaign signs on private property may be erected no more
than 90 days prior to Election Day and must be removed within 10 days
after the Election Day.
C.
Any other sign as specifically provided for in this Part.
7.
Any person wishing to erect or post a temporary sign on private property
within the public right-of-way must obtain a permit from the Zoning
Officer. Such permit shall be issued without charge upon applicant's
posting of funds in escrow as shall be determined from time to time
by resolution of Borough Council, and the registering of the proposed
signs with the Zoning Officer.
A.
Failure to remove temporary signs on private property within the
public right-of-way within 30 days of their erection shall cause their
removal by the Borough of Hatboro, and the cost of removal shall be
deducted from the escrow funds. Such remedy shall be in addition to
any other remedies or provisions provided by this chapter. Removal
of the signs by the Borough of Hatboro and charge to the person or
persons responsible shall in no way absolve the person or persons
responsible from prosecution under the terms of this chapter.
[Ord. 761, 8/26/1985, § 1704; as amended by Ord.
937, 11/27/2000; by Ord. 940, 9/17/2001; by Ord. 967, 5/22/2006, § 8;
and by Ord. 1005, 5/23/2011]
1.
In addition to the foregoing regulations concerning signs in the
Borough of Hatboro, the following additional regulations shall apply
to all signs within the specific zoning district.
A.
FP Floodplain Conservation District. No permanent or temporary sign
may be erected in any floodplain without prior approval of Borough
Council, except:
(1)
Permanent nonilluminated signs indicating private ownership
of property or prohibiting trespassing, provided that such sign area
shall not exceed two square feet per sign, such signs shall not be
nearer than 25 feet from any right-of-way or property line, and the
sign height shall not exceed six feet. The number of signs of this
type allowed on any single lot shall be unlimited, but all signs must
be at least 25 feet apart.
(2)
Signs erected by government or any government agency.
B.
R-1 and R-2 Residential Districts. The following types of signs,
and no others, shall be permitted in the R-1 and R-2 Residential Districts.
All permitted permanent and temporary signs shall comply with the
general regulations of this Part, and shall be subject to the following
additional restrictions:
(1)
Temporary or permanent nonilluminated signs indicating private
ownership of property or prohibiting trespassing, provided that such
sign area shall not exceed two square feet per sign. Signs shall not
be nearer, than 25 feet from any right-of-way or property line, and
the height shall not exceed six feet. The number of signs of this
type allowed on any single lot shall be unlimited but all signs must
be at least 25 feet apart.
(2)
Nonilluminated permanent parallel signs indicating the name
and/or address of the occupant provided such sign area shall not exceed
two square feet. There shall be no more than one such sign per dwelling
unit. No such sign shall be erected above the first floor ceiling
level of the primary building on the lot.
C.
R-3 and R-4 Residential Districts. The following types of signs,
and no others, shall be permitted in the R-3 and R-4 Residential Districts.
All permitted permanent and temporary signs shall comply with the
general regulations of this Part, and shall be subject to the following
additional restrictions:
(1)
Temporary or permanent nonilluminated signs indicating private
ownership of property or prohibiting trespassing, provided that such
sign area shall not exceed two square feet per sign. Signs shall not
be nearer than 25 feet from any right-of-way or property line, and
the height shall not exceed six feet. The number of signs of this
type allowed on any single lot shall be unlimited but all signs must
be at least 25 feet apart.
(2)
One permanent parallel sign or one permanent freestanding sign
erected on the ground per lot to identify a permitted use of the premises,
the name of the complex, or the name of the apartment building or
condominium. No sign shall exceed 15 square feet in area. The top
of a sign affixed to a building shall not be located higher than 12
feet measured from the first or main floor level. The top of a freestanding
sign shall not exceed six feet in height from the ground on which
the sign is erected.
(3)
A special exception is required to illuminate a permitted sign.
(4)
Freestanding roof signs shall not be permitted.
(5)
Freestanding signs located in any required yard area shall require
a zoning variance.
D.
O Office District. The following types of signs, and no others, shall
be permitted in the O Office District. All permitted permanent and
temporary signs shall comply with the general regulations of this
Part, and shall be subject to the following additional restrictions:
[Amended by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013]
(1)
Temporary or permanent nonilluminated signs indicating private
ownership of property or prohibiting trespassing, provided that such
sign area shall not exceed two square feet per sign. Signs shall not
be nearer than 25 feet from any right-of-way or property line, and
the height shall not exceed six feet. The number of signs of this
type allowed on any single lot shall be unlimited but all signs must
be at least 25 feet apart.
(2)
One permanent parallel sign or one permanent freestanding sign
erected on the ground per lot. The sign shall identify the name and
address of the building, or the name and address of the occupant and/or
the type of permitted occupation or business use of the premises.
Such sign may be directly or indirectly illuminated. A parallel sign
may not extend above the top of the wall on which it is located. A
freestanding sign erected on the ground shall not exceed 20 feet in
height measured from the ground to the topmost part of the sign structure.
(3)
One nonilluminated sign to identify building number or name,
or identify occupant of office suite. Such signs shall not exceed
four square feet per sign.
(4)
The total sign area permitted for all permitted signs erected
on any one lot shall be two square feet for each linear foot of street
line on the primary frontage, except where a lot abuts two or more
street lines, in which case the total sign area shall be computed
at 1 1/2 times the total sign area permitted for the primary
frontage. No single permitted sign shall exceed 25 square feet.
E.
RC-1 and RC-2 Commercial Districts. The following types of signs,
and no others, shall be permitted in the RC-1 and RC-2 Commercial
Districts. All permitted permanent and temporary signs shall comply
with the general regulations of this Part, and shall be subject to
the following additional restrictions:
(1)
Temporary or permanent nonilluminated signs indicating private
ownership of property or prohibiting trespassing, provided that such
sign area shall not exceed two square feet per sign. Signs shall not
be nearer than 25 feet from any right-of-way or property line, and
the height shall not exceed six feet. The number of signs of this
type allowed on any single lot shall be unlimited but all signs must
be at least 25 feet apart.
(2)
Any permitted sign allowed in the Residential or Office District
shall be permitted in the RC-1 and RC-2 Commercial Districts subject
to modifications and expanded regulations in this subsection.
(3)
The total sign area allowable for all permitted signs erected
on any one lot shall be two square feet for each linear foot of primary
frontage. When a lot has frontage on two or more streets the total
allowable sign area may be increased by 1 1/2 times the total
allowable area calculated for the primary frontage. No single permitted
sign shall exceed 25 square feet.
[Amended by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013]
(4)
All permitted permanent signs in Retail Commercial Districts
may be directly or indirectly illuminated.
(5)
Permanent freestanding signs shall not exceed 14 feet in height.
Those signs which measure no greater than 10 feet in height measured
from the average ground level of the lot to the top of the sign shall
not exceed 32 square feet in sign area. Those signs that exceed 10
feet in height shall measure no greater than 25 square feet in sign
area. No more than one permanent freestanding sign shall be permitted
on any one lot.
[Amended by Ord. 1033, 5/23/2016]
(6)
Permanent freestanding signs erected on the roof of a building
shall not exceed 12 feet in height, measured from the point on the
roof where the sign or structure supporting the sign is affixed to
the roof to the topmost part of the sign structure. The sign shall
not exceed 50% of the total allowable sign area for the lot. Roof
signs shall not project beyond the wall of the building on which they
are mounted or obstruct emergency access to the roof area. Not more
than one freestanding roof sign shall be permitted on any building,
and not more than one freestanding sign of any type shall be permitted
on any one lot.
(7)
Permanent parallel and permanent projecting signs shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of § 27-1902 of this Part. Permanent projecting signs shall not project more than 18 inches into any required yard area or over any pedestrian right-of-way.
[Amended by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013; and by Ord. 1033, 5/23/2016]
(8)
Awnings, canopies, or marquees may be permitted to extend over
any pedestrian walkway or into any required yard or over any vehicular
traffic driveway or into any parking lot. The awning, canopy or marquee
shall be at least 10 feet above the surface of any pedestrian walkway
and at least 14 feet above the surface of any driveway over which
it is extended and shall not impede normal pedestrian or vehicular
traffic.
[Amended by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013; and by Ord. 1033, 5/23/2016]
(9)
Movable signs shall not be permitted in any required yard area
or in any public right-of-way except that nonilluminated movable signs,
less than six square feet per side which are designed to advertise
sales, daily specials, or menus shall be permitted on public sidewalks,
provided that the sign is displayed only during the hours the business
is open and is completely removed from the sidewalk when the business
is closed. The sign must be on the sidewalk in front of the business
for which the advertisement is intended. Signs shall not be permitted
to obstruct pedestrian traffic (48 inches of unobstructed path) and
shall be maintained in good repair so as not to present a safety hazard
to pedestrians. All permitted movable sign area shall be included
when calculating the total permissible sign area for any lot.
[Amended by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013]
(10)
No sign of any type shall be permitted to be affixed in any fashion to any utility pole, street light standard, tree or any pole, post, or other structure within the public right-of-way in the Commercial Districts, except those signs required by law or erected by a duly constituted governmental body in accordance with § 27-1903, Subsection 1, of this Part.
(11)
Window/door signs as per this section.
[Added by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013]
(12)
A changeable-text electronic message board shall be permitted.
[Added by Ord. 1033, 5/23/2016]
F.
HB-Highway Business District. The following types of signs, and no
others, shall be permitted in the HB — Highway Business District.
All permitted permanent and temporary signs shall comply with the
general regulations of this Part, and shall be subject to the following
additional restrictions:
(1)
Temporary or permanent nonilluminated signs indicating private
ownership of property or prohibiting trespassing, provided that such
sign area shall not exceed two square feet per sign. Signs shall not
be nearer than 25 feet from any right-of-way or property line, and
the height shall not exceed six feet. The number of signs of this
type allowed on any single lot shall be unlimited but all signs must
be at least 25 feet apart.
(2)
Any permitted sign or use as allowed in the Retail Commercial
Districts shall be permitted in the HB-Highway Business District except
freestanding roof signs. All permitted signs shall be subject to modifications
and expanded regulations of this subsection.
(3)
Festoon lighting and nonstationary permanent signs may be permitted
in the HB-Highway Business District by special exception granted by
the Zoning Hearing Board, after review by the Borough Planning Commission.
[Amended by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013]
(4)
A vehicular sign may be permitted by special exception granted
by the Zoning Hearing Board, after approval by the Borough Planning
Commission, provided that such sign shall not be illuminated and must
be affixed to an operable vehicle with current state inspection sticker.
Only one such sign per lot shall be permitted and the sign must be
located in designated parking areas. Vehicular signs must not remain
in the same position for more than 60 days.
(5)
One freestanding sign per lot may be erected on the ground in
a required yard area provided that the sign is at least 15 feet from
any right-of-way or property line. If the lot abuts a Residential
District, the sign may not be less than 25 feet from the property
line.
(6)
The total sign area allowable for all permitted signs erected
on any one lot shall be two square feet for each linear foot of primary
frontage. When a lot has frontage on two or more streets, the total
allowable sign area may be increased by 1 1/2 times the total
allowable area calculated for the primary frontage. No single permitted
sign shall exceed 25 square feet.
[Added by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013]
(7)
Window/door signs as per this section.
[Added by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013]
(8)
A changeable-text electronic message board shall be permitted.
[Added by Ord. 1033, 5/23/2016]
G.
LI and HI Industrial Districts. The following types of signs, and no others, except as set forth in § 27-1905, Subsection 1H, shall be permitted in the LI and HI Industrial Districts. All permitted permanent and temporary signs shall comply with the general regulations of this Part and shall be subject to the following additional restrictions:
[Amended by Ord. 1011, 5/21/2012; and by Ord. 1012, 7/9/2012]
(1)
Temporary or permanent nonilluminated signs indicating private
ownership of property or prohibiting trespassing, provided that such
sign area shall not exceed two square feet per sign. Signs shall not
be nearer than 25 feet from any right-of-way or property line, and
the height shall not exceed six feet. The number of signs of this
type allowed on any single lot shall be unlimited but all signs must
be at least 25 feet apart.
(2)
Any permitted sign as allowed in the Highway Business District
shall be permitted in the Industrial Districts.
(3)
Any permitted sign or use as allowed in the R-3 and R-4 Residential
Districts shall be permitted in a mixed use development.
[Amended by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013]
(4)
The total sign area allowable for all permitted signs erected
on any one lot shall be two square feet for each linear foot of primary
frontage. When a lot has frontage on two or more streets, the total
allowable sign area may be increased by 1 1/2 times the total
allowable area calculated for the primary frontage. No single permitted
sign shall exceed 25 square feet.
[Added by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013]
(5)
A changeable-text electronic message board shall be permitted.
[Added by Ord. 1033, 5/23/2016]
H.
LI Limited Industrial District. Billboards shall be permitted in
the LI Limited Industrial District, subject to the following specific
standards and regulations, which shall take precedence over any other
standards and regulations for signs which are in conflict with the
following:
[Added by Ord. 1011, 5/21/2012; and by Ord. 1012, 7/9/2012]
(1)
In addition to uses permitted, billboards, along with their
required support structures, shall be permitted on properties having
at least one acre in size which shall provide frontage along South
Warminster Road or East County Line Road and shall meet all of the
following criteria. Only freestanding billboard sign structures shall
be permitted. Such billboard structures shall be permitted to have
one sign face visible from any direction, and in no event shall there
be more than two sign faces. No individual sign face shall exceed
a maximum of 75 square feet per face.
(2)
Height. The maximum overall height of a billboard sign structure
shall not exceed 25 feet, measured from the elevation of the center
line of the grade of the road directly in front of the billboard sign
to the highest portion of the sign structure.
(3)
Yard Setbacks.
(a)
No billboard sign structure or any part thereof shall be erected
or maintained within 25 feet of any ultimate right-of-way of a public
street or road or the side or rear lot line of an individual property.
(b)
No billboard sign structure or any part thereof shall be erected
or maintained within 200 feet of the perimeter of an R-1, R-2, R-3,
R-4 or residentially used property in the Borough.
(4)
No billboard sign structure shall be erected or maintained within
500 feet of any other billboard sign structure.
(5)
The image, copy, or message of a billboard shall not change
more frequently than once per 30 seconds. The change of an image,
message, copy, color or brilliance of a billboard shall be instantaneous.
All changeable copy on a billboard shall change uniformly and completely.
Once changed, the copy of any part of the billboard shall not change
again in less than 30 seconds.
(a)
No image shall be transferred by any means beyond the perimeter
of the billboard sign face.
(b)
Billboards having internal illuminance shall have a pixel pitch
or equivalent resolution of not greater than 12 millimeters. The light
source shall be equipped to automatically adjust brilliance levels
based on ambient light conditions. White or light color backgrounds
shall not exceed 50% of the surface area of the sign face of the billboard.
(c)
No sign image shall be interactive or display interactive messages
or three-dimensional images, nor shall any sign or any part of a billboard
structure produce sound of any kind.
(d)
No billboard sign shall flash, scroll, fade, revolve, move,
or have intermittent lighting or movable characters or animated parts.
(e)
Billboards having floodlighting shall be so shielded that the
source of the light shall not be visible from any point off the lot
on which the sign is erected and so that only the sign is directly
illuminated thereby.
(6)
Maintenance. Every billboard sign and support structure shall
be constructed of durable materials and kept in good condition and
repaired at all times.
[Added by Ord. 1011, 5/21/2012;[1] and by Ord. 1012, 7/9/2012]
1.
Where permitted, the illumination of signs shall be subject to the
codes adopted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and to the following
regulations:
A.
The image, copy or message of a sign shall not change more frequently
than once per 30 seconds. The change of an image, message, copy, color
or brilliance of a sign shall be instantaneous. All changeable copy
shall change uniformly and completely. Once changed, the copy of any
part of the sign shall not change again in less than 30 seconds.
B.
No image shall be transferred by any means beyond the perimeter of
the sign face. No sign image shall be interactive or display interactive
messages or three-dimensional images, nor shall any sign or portion
of a billboard structure produce sound of any kind. No sign shall
flash, scroll, fade, revolve, move, or have intermittent lighting
or movable characters or animated parts.
C.
A sign which is animated by means of flashing, scintillating, blinking
or traveling lights or any other means not providing constant illumination
shall be deemed to be a flashing sign and shall not be permitted.
Illuminated revolving barber poles shall be permitted in conjunction
with the permitted use of a barbershop in any district.
D.
Floodlighting shall be so shielded that the source of the light shall
not be visible from any point off the lot on which the sign is erected
and so that only the sign is directly illuminated thereby.
[Ord. 761, 8/26/1985, § 1705]
1.
After the effective date of this chapter no person shall erect or
maintain a permanent sign without a permit issued by the Borough of
Hatboro. Application for a permit shall be made to the Borough Zoning
Officer on the form provided by the Borough. All applications shall
be accompanied by a fee as determined from time to time by resolution
of Borough Council. Temporary signs shall not require a permit, except
temporary signs erected on private property in the public right-of-way.
A.
If the proposed sign conforms to all requirements of this Part, the
Zoning Officer shall approve the application and issue a permit to
the applicant to erect the sign. If the permitted sign is not erected
within six months from the date the permit is issued, the permit shall
expire. However, if the permitted sign is erected within six months,
the permit shall be renewable on an annual basis.
B.
If the proposed sign does not conform to the requirements of this
Part, the Zoning Officer shall return the application to the applicant
with notation of the nonconformance. The applicant may then take action
to bring the proposed sign into conformance and re-file the application
within three months of the original date of filing of the application
with no additional fee.
C.
If the applicant has received a special exception or variance from
the Zoning Hearing Board, written proof of such exception or variance
must be submitted with the application. Regardless of action by Zoning
Hearing Board, no sign may be erected before a permit has been issued
by the Zoning Officer.
D.
Application to erect temporary signs on private property in a public
right-of-way shall be accompanied by the required escrow funds. All
funds held in escrow to insure the timely removal of all posted signs,
less any amount expended by the Borough of Hatboro to remove any such
signs which have exceeded the permitted thirty-day limit.
E.
All signs erected by churches, schools, similar institutions, and
nonprofit charitable organizations shall be exempt from payment of
fees under this Part, but applications must be filed. All signs must
conform to all requirements of this Part and a permit must be issued
before any sign may be erected.
F.
Applications and permits are not required for signs, erected by a
duly constituted governmental body.
G.
All permits for all permanent signs are renewable upon payment of
an annual sign inspection fee to the Borough of Hatboro. Inspection
fee rates shall be set from time to time by Resolution of Borough
Council and shall be due and payable as established by Borough Council.
It shall be the responsibility of the sign owner or lessee to notify
the Borough Zoning Officer in writing whenever a permanent sign has
been dismantled. Otherwise the annual inspection fee shall be due.
[Ord. 761, 8/26/1985, § 1706]
1.
Responsibility. The persons responsible for compliance with the provisions
of this Part regarding permanent and temporary signs shall be as follows:
