[Amended 9-19-1989 by Ord. No. 194; 9-1-1992 by Ord. No. 219; 6-1-1993 by Ord. No. 227; 12-16-1997 by Ord.
No. 268; 1-19-1999 by Ord. No. 272; 5-16-2000 by Ord. No. 288; 3-6-2007 by Ord. No. 337; 11-18-2008 by Ord. No. 345; 1-17-2017 by Ord. No. 380]
The purposes of the sign regulations are:
A.
To provide uniform standards for signs within the Township and specific
standards for signs in each zoning district.
B.
To establish procedures for the review and approval of sign permit
applications.
C.
To regulate the location, size, construction, erection, alteration,
use, and maintenance of signs.
D.
To promote the use of well-crafted signs in harmony with the architectural
and residential character of the Township.
A.
In all zoning districts within the jurisdiction of this chapter,
signs may be used, erected, maintained, altered, relocated, removed
or demolished only in compliance with the provisions of this article
and any and all ordinances and regulations of the Township relating
to the use, erection, maintenance, alteration, moving or removal of
signs or similar devices.
B.
All plans and applications for subdivision and land developments
shall include on the plans information describing all signs proposed
for the subdivision and/or land development. The plans shall indicate
the size, location, style, materials, proposed text, lighting, and
colors for all signs, to demonstrate that the requirements of the
Township's sign regulations as set forth in this chapter have been
satisfied.
The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this
article, have the meanings given
A permanent sign which has not identified or advertised a
current business, service, owner, product, or activity for a period
of at least 365 days; a sign which is damaged, in disrepair, or vandalized
and not repaired within 90 days; a sign which contains an outdated
message for a period exceeding 30 days.
A change in the size, shape, or type of an existing sign.
Copy or color change of an existing sign is not an alteration. Changing
or replacing a sign face or panel is not an alteration, providing
there is no increase in the size of the sign face or panel.
The movement or the optical illusion of movement of any part
of the sign structure, design or pictorial segment, including the
movement of any illumination or the flashing or varying of light intensity;
the automatic changing of all or any part of the facing of a sign;
the movement of a sign set in motion by the atmosphere. Time and temperature
devices shall be considered animated signs.
A person or entity who applies for a sign permit in accordance
with the provisions of this article.
A sign with its copy on a shelter made of any nonrigid material,
such as fabric or flexible plastic that is supported by or stretched
over a frame and attached to an exterior wall of a building or other
structure.
A sign with its copy on nonrigid material such as cloth,
plastic, fabric or paper with no supporting framework. Banners are
temporary in nature and do not include flags such as the flag of the
United States, the Pennsylvania state flag, and/or other local governmental
flags.
See "Off-Premise Sign" and "Outdoor Advertising Sign."
That portion of any exterior elevation of a building extending
vertically from grade to the top of a parapet wall or eaves and horizontally
across the entire width of the building elevation.
A sign that is applied or affixed to a building.
A sign on a rigid multi-sided structure attached to a building
or on any other freestanding structure that may have a roof with support
but no walls.
The ability of sign copy to be changed manually by placement
of individual letters and symbols, digitally, or electronically. Digital
or electronic changeable copy signs are also referred to as "electronic
message centers" and are regulated by § 175-110H.
The graphic content or message of a sign.
Any sign that is designed and erected for the purpose of
providing direction and/or orientation for pedestrian or vehicular
traffic.
A sign with two faces, back to back.
An electrically activated changeable copy sign whose variable
message and/or graphic presentation capability can be electronically
or digitally programmed.
Emergency warning signs erected by a government agency, a
public utility company, or a contractor doing authorized or permitted
work within the public right-of-way.
A source of indirect illumination located away from the sign,
but which is itself not visible to persons viewing the sign from any
street, sidewalk or adjacent property.
See "wall sign."
A measure of illuminance, the amount of light falling onto
a surface. One lumen of light, shining evenly across one square foot
of surface, illuminates that surface to one foot-candle (sometimes
also written footcandle or foot candle).
The general term for any sign which is supported by structures
or supports that are placed on, or anchored in, the ground and that
is independent and detached from any building or other structure.
Freestanding signs can be considered monument signs or pole signs.
A sign, generally informational, that has a purpose secondary
to the use of the lot on which it is located, such as "no parking,"
"entrance," "telephone," "no trespassing" and other similar directives,
and window signs giving store hours or the names of credit institutions.
No sign with a commercial message legible from a position off the
lot on which the sign is located shall be considered incidental.
A source of illumination entirely within the sign which makes
the content of the sign visible at night by means of the light being
transmitted through a translucent material but wherein the source
of illumination is not visible.
Any sign attached to a covered structure projecting from
and supported by a building with independent roof and drainage provisions
and which is erected over a doorway or doorways as protection against
the weather.
Any vehicle or trailer which has attached thereto or thereon
any sign or advertising device for the basic purpose of providing
advertisement of products or directing people to a business or activity
located on the same or nearby property or any other premises. These
shall not include business logos, identification or advertising on
vehicles primarily used for other business purposes.
A freestanding sign, permanently affixed to the ground at
its base, supported entirely by a base structure, and not mounted
on a pole or attached to any part of a building. Also known as a ground
sign.
Any sign which is not allowed under this article, but which,
when first constructed before this article was in effect and for which
a sign permit was issued, was legally allowed.
See "outdoor advertising sign."
A permanent sign erected, maintained or used in the outdoor
environment for the purpose of the display of commercial or noncommercial
messages not appurtenant to the use of, products sold on, or the sale
or lease of, the property on which it is displayed. May also be referenced
as an off-premise sign or billboard.
The extension of a building facade above the line of the
structural roof.
A freestanding sign that is permanently supported in a fixed
location by a structure of one or more poles, posts, uprights, or
braces from the ground and not supported by a building or base structure.
A sign which is supported by an exterior wall of a building
or other structure and which is constructed and displayed perpendicular
to the face of the building or other structure so that both sides
of the sign are visible.
A sign which is erected, constructed, and maintained on or
above the eve of the roof of a building.
A movable, temporary sign consisting of two faces, connected
and hinged at the top.
Any device visible from a public place whose essential purpose
and design is to convey either commercial or non-commercial messages
by means of graphic presentation of alphabetic or pictorial symbols
or representations. The term "sign" shall not include any flag or
badge or insignia of the United States, State of Pennsylvania, Bucks
County, Doylestown Township, or official historic plaques of any governmental
jurisdiction or agency.
The total area of the face of a sign including all lettering, wording, accompanying designs and symbols, together with a background, whether or not open or enclosed, on which they are displayed, but not including any supporting framework and bracing which are incidental to the display itself. In the case of individual letters or symbols attached to or painted on a surface, building, wall, or window, the area shall be considered to be the smallest rectangle or other geometric shape which encompasses all letters and symbols. See § 175-109G.
A banner suspended above a public sidewalk and attached to
a single street pole. These signs shall not contain any commercial
advertisement.
A sign not intended or designed for permanent display. Temporary
signs are intended to be removed after the purpose has been served.
A sign that is in any manner affixed to an exterior wall
of a building or structure and that projects not more than 18 inches
from the building or structure wall, including signs affixed to architectural
projections from a building provided the copy area of such signs remains
on a parallel plane to the face of the building facade or to the face
of the architectural projection to which it is affixed.
A sign that is applied, painted, or affixed to a window,
or placed inside a window, facing the outside of the building, and
visible from the outside.
The following signs are prohibited:
A.
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 in the zoning district on which the property to which
the sign relates is located. This provision does not apply to off-premise,
outdoor advertising signs.
B.
Any sign which flashes, rotates, spins, revolves or oscillates (with
the exception of barber poles).
C.
Any sign which emits smoke, visible vapors or particles, sound or
odor.
E.
No sign shall contain neon or other gases or powders in exposed tubes
where the tubes are visible, except for signs located within windows.
F.
Mobile billboards, if they are parked in such a manner that their
primary purpose is for advertising.
G.
Roof signs.
H.
Any sign which interferes with an official highway sign.
I.
Any sign which imitates or attempts to imitate an official traffic
sign, signal or device.
J.
Off-premises outdoor advertising signs shall be permitted only in
the Off-Premises Outdoor Advertising Sign Overlay District.
K.
Signs or any guide, stay or attachment thereto erected, placed, painted,
or maintained by any person, with the exception of Doylestown Township,
on rock, fences or trees or electric light, power, telephone or telegraph,
or other pole on any street in the Township, nor affixed to or on
any trail in the Township.
A sign permit shall not be required prior to the erection, structural repair, alteration, moving, removal or demolition of any exempt signs in any zoning district in the municipality. Exempt signs shall conform to the regulations of § 175-109. No exempt sign shall be illuminated, except as provided for herein. Exempt signs are as follows:
A.
Official highway route number signs, street name signs, emergency
signs, and other official traffic signs which are in the interest
of public safety or the regulation of traffic.
B.
Trespassing signs; signs indicating the private nature of a road,
driveway or premises; and signs prohibiting or otherwise controlling
fishing or hunting upon a particular premises, provided that the area
of one side of any such sign shall not exceed two square feet and
shall be spaced at intervals of not less than 100 feet of street or
property line frontage.
C.
Incidental signs, such as those advertising the availability of rest
rooms, or public conveniences or those applied to a windowpane giving
store hours or the name(s) of credit or charge institutions, provided
that such signs do not advertise any commercial establishment, activity,
organization, product, goods or services. Any sign covered by this
subsection shall not exceed two square feet.
D.
Governmental flag or insignia such as the flag of the United States,
the Pennsylvania state flag, and/or other local governmental flags.
E.
Legal notice.
F.
Cornerstone; historical plaque or sign affixed to the surface of
a building wall and not exceeding two square feet.
G.
Governmental signs, including safety signs, signs indicating points
of interest, signs identifying official governmental buildings or
facilities. Signs identifying governmental buildings, police stations
or other Township facilities may be illuminated by exterior lights
focused on the sign.
H.
Directional signs, provided they do not contain any commercial messaging.
Such sign shall not exceed four square feet in area and shall have
a maximum height of five feet. Directional signs shall be nonilluminated.
A sign permit shall be secured from the Zoning Officer prior to the use, erection, structural repair, alteration, relocation, removal or demolition of any sign unless listed as exempt as per § 175-108. The following regulations shall be observed for all signs in all zoning districts in the Township:
A.
Signs which advertise, promote or draw attention to any product, article of business, service or activity sold, occurring or located at or in the place or premises where such sign is located shall be allowed by permit in the Township, except where specifically exempt from such requirements. Off-premises, outdoor advertising signs are permitted only in accordance with the Article XIXB.
B.
Any sign located along the right-of-way of a state or federal highway
shall comply with any more restrictive requirements of the state and
federal government relating thereto.
C.
Location of signs.
(1)
No sign shall be placed in such a position as to endanger traffic
by obscuring the view or by confusion with official street signs or
signals because of position, color or reflective surface.
(2)
Except in the case where a local right-of-way abuts a structure,
only street pole banner signs, traffic signs and similar regulatory
notices of a duly constituted governmental body are permitted within
a street right-of-way.
(3)
No sign shall be erected or maintained nearer to a street line
or lot line than a distance equaling the height of the top of the
sign, or 10 feet, whichever is greater, except in the case where the
sign is temporary, a local right-of-way abuts a structure, the sign
is a street pole banner, or the sign is that of a governmental authority.
(4)
A sign shall not project over a public walkway, except for street
pole banners and where a local right-of-way abuts a structure or for
signs of a governmental entity. For those exceptions where a sign
is permitted, the lowest edge of such sign shall be at least eight
feet above the sidewalk elevation.
(5)
No sign shall be located within two feet of any multi-use trail
within the Township.
(6)
If a sign is located on a public or private sidewalk, a minimum
of four feet of unobstructed sidewalk clearance must be maintained
between the sign and any building or other obstruction.
D.
Sign height. Sign height for all freestanding signs shall be measured
as the distance from the highest portion of the sign to the mean finished
grade of the street closest to the sign. In the case where a sign
is located greater than 100 feet from a public street, height shall
be measured to the mean grade at the base of the sign.
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Figure 1
Example of Sign Height
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Figure 2
Example of Sign Height
 |
(1)
Clearance for freestanding and projecting signs shall be measured
as the smallest vertical distance between finished grade and the lowest
point of the sign, including any framework or other structural elements.
(2)
All signs must be contained within the building height restriction
of the zoning district, with the exception of off-premise outdoor
advertising signs.
E.
All signs must be constructed with durable materials, must conform with the requirements of the PA UCC, and must be kept in good condition and repair. Any sign which is allowed to become dilapidated may be removed by the Township in accordance with the regulations contained in § 175-111.5.
F.
Illumination of signs.
(1)
Light sources to illuminate signs shall neither be visible from
any street right-of-way nor cause glare hazardous or distracting to
pedestrian, vehicle drivers, or adjacent properties.
(2)
No more than 0.2 foot-candle of light shall be detectable at
the boundary of any abutting property.
(3)
With the exception of electronic message center signs, signs
on non-residential properties may be illuminated from 5:00 a.m. until
11:00 p.m. or 1/2 hour past close of business of the facility being
used or advertised, whichever is later.
(4)
Illumination types:
(a)
External illumination, where permitted, is allowed only as a
steady, stationary light source, shielded and directed solely at the
sign. The light source must be static in color and concealed by a
translucent cover.
(b)
Internal illuminations, including back-lighting, must be static
in intensity, and color. No portion of the light source should be
visible.
G.
Area of a sign.
(1)
The area of a sign shall be construed to include all lettering,
wording and accompanying design and symbols, together with a background,
whether or not open or enclosed, on which they are displayed, but
not including any supporting framework and bracing which are incidental
to the display itself.
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Figure 3
Example of Sign Area
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(2)
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached
to or painted on a surface, building, wall or window, the area shall
be considered to be the smallest rectangle or other geometric shape
which encompasses all the letters and symbols.
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Figure 4
Example of Sign Area — Individual Letters of Symbols
 |
(3)
In computing the size of a double-faced sign, only one sign face shall be considered, provided that both faces are identical, except where the interior angle formed by the two sides is greater than 45°, in which case both sides shall be counted as part of the sign area. Outdoor advertising signs shall be in compliance with Article XIXB.
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Figure 5
Example of Sign Area — For Double Faced Signs
 |
H.
Unless otherwise specifically permitted by this article, only one
sign per permitted type shall be placed on any one premises, unless
such premises fronts on more than one street, in which case one of
each permitted sign type may be placed on each street frontage. Temporary
signs do not count toward the number of signs allowed on a property,
provided they meet the requirements of this article. Further, each
sign will require a permit except where specifically exempted by this
article.
The following regulations shall apply to all signs. All general sign regulations (§ 175-109) are applicable as well as any additional requirements within the specified zoning district in which the sign is located.
A.
Building (mounted) signs shall include the following:
(1)
Wall signs. No portion of a wall sign shall be mounted less
than eight feet above the finished grade or extend out more than 12
inches from the building wall on which it is affixed. If the wall
sign projects less than four inches from the building wall on which
it is affixed, the eight-foot height requirement need not be met.
(2)
Canopy or awning signs.
(a)
A canopy or awning without lettering or other advertising shall
not be regulated as a sign.
(b)
Canopy or awning signs must be centered within or over architectural
elements such as windows or doors.
(c)
No awning or canopy sign shall be wider than the building wall
or tenant space it identifies.
(d)
Sign Placement.
[1]
Letters or numerals shall be located only on the front and side
vertical faces of the awning or canopy.
[2]
Logos or emblems are permitted on the top or angled portion
of the awning or canopy up to a maximum of three square feet. No more
than one emblem or logo is permitted on any one awning or canopy.
(e)
Sign height. The lowest edge of the canopy or awning sign shall
be at least eight feet above the finished grade.
(f)
No ground-floor awning or canopy may project into a street right-of-way.
(g)
Awnings or canopies above the ground floor may be fixed, provided
they do not project more than four feet from the face of the building.
(h)
Multi-tenant buildings. If the awning or canopy sign is mounted
on a multi-tenant building, all awning or canopy signs shall be similar
in terms of height, projection, and style across all tenants in the
building.
(3)
Projecting signs.
(a)
No portion of a projecting sign shall project more than four
feet from the face of the building.
(b)
The outermost portion of a projecting sign shall not project
into the right-of-way or no closer than five feet from a curb line
or shoulder of a public street, whichever is greater.
(c)
Sign height. The lowest edge of a projecting sign shall be at
least eight feet above the finished grade.
(4)
Window signs. Incidental window signs displaying pertinent business
information such as the business' hours of operation and credit cards
accepted, shall be excluded from area calculations for window signs.
(5)
Marquee signs.
(a)
Such signs shall be located only above the principal public
entrance of a building facing a public street or parking lot.
(b)
No marquee shall be wider than the entrance it serves, plus
two feet on each side thereof.
(c)
No marquee shall extend into the right-of-way or closer to the
curb than three feet, whichever is greater.
B.
Freestanding signs.
(1)
The clearance or lowest edge of any freestanding pole sign shall
be either less than four feet or greater than eight feet above the
ground.
(2)
Freestanding monument signs shall be supported and permanently
placed by embedding, anchoring, or connecting the sign in such a manner
as to incorporate it into the landscape or architectural design scheme.
(3)
Sign placement.
(a)
All freestanding signs shall be set back 10 feet from the right-of-way
or the height of the sign, whichever is greater, except for official
traffic signs and government/regulatory signs.
(b)
No freestanding sign may occupy an area designated for parking,
loading, walkways, driveways, fire lane, easement, cartway of the
right-of-way or other areas required to remain unobstructed.
(4)
Freestanding signs may have changeable copy. However, if the copy is digital or electronic, the regulations for electronic message center in § 175-110C, pertain.
(5)
Freestanding signs shall include the street number and/or address
of the property for which it advertises, at a minimum lettering height
of four inches.
C.
Electronic message center sign.
(1)
Electronic message center signs are permitted in the form of
freestanding and wall signs or incorporated as a portion of a freestanding
or wall sign. If used as a wall sign they shall be included in the
total permitted sign area. Electronic message centers are permitted
instead of and shall not be permitted in addition to a freestanding
or wall sign on a property.
(2)
Only one message center sign is permitted per property, regardless
of the number of street frontages.
(3)
Audio speakers and/or any form of pyrotechnics are prohibited.
(4)
Any portion of the message must have a minimum duration of 10
seconds and must be a static display. Messages may change immediately
or fade in and out only. No portion of the message may flash, scroll,
twirl, twinkle, oscillate, rotate, blink, change color, or in any
manner imitate movement.
(5)
Time and temperature shall be included as a separate message(s).
(6)
The illumination and/or intensity of the display shall be controlled
so as to not create glare, hazards or nuisances. The brightness of
the digital sign shall not exceed 0.3 foot-candles of light above
the normal ambient light levels. Such signs shall be equipped with
automatic dimming technology which automatically adjusts the sign's
brightness based on ambient light conditions.
(a)
The luminance specification shall be determined by a foot-candle
metering device held at a height of five feet and aimed towards the
sign from a distance of 65 feet.
(b)
The metering device should be at a location perpendicular to
the sign's center (as seen in plan view) as this angle has the highest
luminance.
(c)
This check shall include the measurement of an all white image
displayed by the sign to evaluate the worst case condition.
(d)
If the difference in luminance between the sign-on and the sign-off
conditions is 0.3 foot-candle or less, then the sign luminance is
in compliance.
(7)
All signs must be equipped with a properly functioning default
mechanism that will stop the sign and return to a solid black display
should a malfunction occur.
(8)
Applicant shall be required to coordinate/permit message access
for local, regional, state and national emergency services during
emergency situations. Emergency messages are not required to conform
to message standards listed herein.
D.
Street pole banners. Street pole banners that comply with the regulations
of this section shall not be included in the determination of the
type, number or area of signs allowed on a property.
(1)
Illuminations of any street pole banner is prohibited.
(2)
Area. Each street pole banner shall have a maximum area of 12.5
square feet and a maximum width of up to three feet.
(3)
Number. Up to two street pole banners are permitted per street
pole.
(4)
Height.
(a)
When the street pole banner's edge is less than 18 inches from
the curb, the lowest edge of the street pole banner shall be 14 feet
above the finished grade.
(b)
When the street pole banner's edge is greater than 18 inches
from the curb, the lowest edge of the street pole banner shall be
at least eight feet above the finished grade.
(5)
Location.
(a)
No street pole banner shall extend beyond the curbline.
(b)
Street pole banners shall maintain a minimum of three feet vertical
clearance below any luminaries located on the pole measured from where
the ballast connects to the pole.
(c)
Street pole banners shall not interfere with the visibility
of signals or signs.
(d)
No street pole banner shall be located on a pole that has traffic
or pedestrian control signals.
(7)
Permit requirements. Applications for permits must contain the
following:
(a)
A diagram or map of the specific poles to be used for street
pole banner installation and the streets on which the poles are located.
(b)
A proof of the street pole banner design, including banner's
dimensions.
(c)
If brackets are to be installed, specification for the brackets
installation system.
(d)
Written consent from the owner of the pole to be used for a
street pole banner that such sign is permitted to be installed.
E.
Temporary construction sign in conjunction with use H-5, Temporary structures, vehicles and uses during construction (Refer to § 175-16H(5)). Such signs that comply with the regulations of this section shall not be included in the determination of the type, number or area of signs allowed on a property.
(1)
One temporary construction sign is permitted per property, unless
the property has frontage on more than one street, in which case two
temporary construction signs shall be permitted, one on each frontage.
(2)
Area.
(a)
For properties less than two acres, the maximum area for temporary
constructions signs shall be six square feet.
(b)
Properties larger than two acres shall be permitted a temporary
construction sign with a maximum area of 16 square feet.
(c)
If the property exceeds five acres in size, the area may be
increased to 24 square feet.
(3)
Sign height. Each temporary construction sign shall be limited
to eight feet in height.
(4)
Sign shall be nonilluminated.
The following types of signs and no others shall be permitted, contingent upon the securing of a sign permit, except where permits are specifically exempted by this article. All general sign regulations (§ 175-109) and sign-type regulations (§ 175-110) are also applicable.
B.
Signs specific to residential uses shall be permitted subject to
the following regulations.
(2)
Temporary sign(s).
(a)
Number: one sign per street frontage for single-family detached
dwellings and one sign per dwelling unit for all other residential
uses.
(b)
Area: maximum area of four square feet.
(c)
Height: maximum height of six feet.
(d)
Sign shall be nonilluminated.
(e)
Such sign shall be permitted to be displayed up to 30 days,
not more than four times per calendar year.
C.
Residential developments containing more than 10 units:
D.
Permitted nonresidential uses shall be permitted a maximum of one
sign per street frontage.
(1)
Permanent sign(s).
(a)
Area: each sign shall have a maximum area of 36 square feet
per sign face.
(b)
May be either nonilluminated, or externally illuminated with
shielded, downward facing lights. Signs for religious, educational,
recreational or institutional uses may be internally illuminated.
(c)
Changeable copy signs and electronic message signs are permitted.
A maximum of one is permitted per property.
(d)
Height: signs shall have a maximum height of six feet.
E.
Temporary construction signs in accordance with § 175-110E.
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Residential Districts — R1, R1a, R2, R2a,
R2b, and R4
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Single-Family Detached
|
All Other Residential Uses
|
Permitted Nonresidential Uses
|
Residential Developments (more than 10 units)
| ||||||
|
Temporary
|
Permanent
|
Temporary
|
Permanent
|
Temporary
|
Permanent
|
Temporary
|
Permanent
| ||
|
Maximum Area
|
4 sq. ft.
|
3 sq. ft.
|
4 sq. ft. dwelling unit
|
2 sq. ft. dwelling unit
|
12 sq. ft.
|
36 sq. ft.
|
15 sq. ft.
|
15 sq. ft.
| |
|
Maximum Number
|
1 per street frontage
|
1 per street frontage
|
1 per dwelling
|
1 per street frontage
|
1 per street frontage
|
1 per street frontage
|
1 per street frontage
|
1 per street frontage
| |
|
Duration
|
30 days, not more than 4 times per year
|
—
|
30 days, not more than 4 times per year
|
—
|
30 days, not more than 4 times per year
|
—
|
30 days, not more than 4 times per year
|
—
| |
|
Maximum Height
|
6 ft.
|
6 ft.
|
6 ft.
|
6 ft.
|
6 ft.
|
6 ft.
|
8 ft.
|
8 ft.
| |
The following types of signs and no others shall be permitted,
contingent upon the securing of a sign permit, except where permits
are specifically exempted by this article:
B.
Freestanding signs shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1)
Permanent sign(s).
(a)
Number: one sign per street access.
(b)
Area: each sign shall have a maximum area of 40 square feet
per sign face.
(c)
Height: signs shall have a maximum height of 20 feet.
(d)
Illumination: Signs may be internally or externally illuminated.
Externally illuminated lights must be shielded and downward facing.
(2)
Temporary sign(s).
(a)
Number: one sign per street access.
(b)
Area: each sign shall have a maximum area of 24 square feet.
(c)
Height: signs shall have a maximum height of 20 feet.
(d)
Sign shall be nonilluminated.
(e)
Such sign shall be permitted to be displayed up to 30 days,
not more than four times per calendar year.
C.
Building signs, including wall signs, canopy signs, projecting signs,
and window signs, are permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1)
Permanent sign(s).
(a)
Number: no more than a total of three building signs per principal
building. Not more than one of the signs may be a projecting sign
and such projecting sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(b)
Area: the total area of all building signs shall not exceed
15% of the exterior area of the building wall onto which it is mounted
(including window and door area and cornices) of the principal building.
(c)
In addition to the area calculation above, window signs shall
not exceed 25% of the total window area.
(2)
Temporary sign(s).
(a)
Number: one temporary sign per property is permitted. Two temporary
signs are permitted if the property has more than 10,000 square feet
of gross floor area.
(b)
Area: each sign shall have a maximum area of 16 square feet.
(c)
Height: signs shall have a maximum height of 20 feet.
(d)
Sign shall be nonilluminated.
(e)
Such sign shall be permitted to be displayed up to 30 days,
not more than four times per calendar year.
D.
Electronic message center signs in accordance with § 175-110C or changeable copy signs may be substituted or incorporated as a freestanding or wall sign but no more than one electronic message sign may be utilized on any one property.
F.
Temporary construction signs in accordance with § 175-110E.
|
Institutional Districts — I and I-2
| |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
All Uses — Freestanding Sign(s)
|
All Uses — Building Sign(s)
| ||||
|
Temporary
|
Permanent
|
Temporary
|
Permanent
| ||
|
Maximum area
|
24 sq. ft.
|
40 sq. ft.
|
16 sq. ft.
|
15% of the exterior area of the building wall onto which it
is mounted (including window and door area and cornices) of the principal
building
| |
|
Maximum number
|
1 per street access
|
1 per street access
|
1 per property up to 2 if property has greater than 10,000 sq.
ft. of floor area
|
No more than a total of 3 building signs per principal building
| |
|
Duration
|
30 days, not more than 4 times per year
|
—
|
30 days, not more than 4 times per year
|
—
| |
|
Maximum height
|
20 feet
|
20 feet
|
The lowest edge of a building sign shall be at least 8 feet
above the finished grade, and shall not extend beyond the height of
the building.
|
The lowest edge of a building sign shall be at least 8 feet
above the finished grade, and shall not extend beyond the height of
the building.
| |
The following types of signs and no others shall be permitted,
contingent upon the securing of a sign permit, except where permits
are specifically exempted by this article:
B.
Building signs shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1)
Permanent sign(s).
(a)
The total area of all building signs for non-residential uses
shall be limited to 1.5 square feet per linear foot of building frontage
that faces a public street or parking lot, subject to maximum size
limitations. Where the nonresidential use is a multitenant establishment,
the area of the signs for each establishment is limited to 1.5 square
feet per linear foot of building frontage of each individual establishment
and is subject to the same maximum size limitations.
(b)
Number: one sign per tenant per street frontage, up to a maximum
of two signs per tenant.
(c)
Height: signs shall have a maximum height equal to the eave
line.
(2)
Temporary sign(s).
(a)
Number: one temporary sign per property is permitted. Two temporary
signs are permitted if the property has more than 10,000 square feet
of gross floor area.
(b)
Area: each sign shall have a maximum area of 16 square feet
per sign face.
(c)
Height: the lowest edge of a building sign shall be at least
eight feet above the finished grade, and shall not extend beyond the
height of the building.
(d)
Sign shall be nonilluminated.
(e)
Such sign shall be permitted to be displayed up to 30 days,
not more than four times per calendar year.
C.
Freestanding signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted subject to the following regulations (excluding multi-tenant shopping center use, see § 175-111.2F).
D.
Electronic message center signs in accordance with § 175-110C. may be substituted for or incorporated as a freestanding or wall sign but no more than one electronic message sign may be utilized on any one property.
F.
Signs for multi-tenant shopping centers with frontage on regional
arterial streets:
(1)
Number: one permanent freestanding sign shall be permitted (to
be shared by all users of the shopping center) along each street frontage
abutting the property. One temporary freestanding sign shall be permitted
per tenant.
(2)
Height: the height of a sign with frontage on a regional arterial
is permitted to be 30 feet for permanent signs and 20 feet for temporary
signs.
(3)
Area: the area of a sign with frontage on a regional arterial
street is 250 square feet on any one face for permanent signs and
16 square feet for temporary signs.
(4)
Illumination: permanent signs may be internally illuminated.
Temporary signs shall be nonilluminated.
G.
Temporary construction signs in accordance with § 175-110E.
|
Commercial and Industrial Districts1 -C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, Q, and LI
| |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Shopping Center Use - Freestanding Sign(s)
|
All Other Nonresidential Uses - Freestanding
Sign(s)
|
Shopping Center Use - Building Sign(s)
|
All Other Nonresidential Uses - Building Sign(s)
| ||||||
|
Temporary
|
Permanent
|
Temporary
|
Permanent
|
Temporary
|
Permanent
|
Temporary
|
Permanent
| ||
|
Maximum area
|
16 sq. ft.
|
250 sq. ft.
|
32 sq. ft.
|
150 sq. ft.
|
16 sq. ft.
|
1.5 sq. ft. per linear foot of building frontage of
each individual establish- ment and is subject to maximum size limitations
|
16 sq. ft.
|
1.5 sq. ft. per linear foot of building frontage that
faces a public street or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations
| |
|
Maximum number
|
1 per tenant
|
1 per street frontage
|
1 per property
|
1 per street frontage
|
1 per property (up to 2 if property has greater than
10,000 sq. ft. of floor area)
|
1 per tenant per street frontage (up to 2 per tenant)
|
1 per property (up to 2 if property has greater than
10,000 sq. ft. of floor area)
|
1 per tenant per street frontage (up to 2 per tenant)
| |
|
Duration
|
30 days, not more than 4 times per year
|
—
|
30 days, not more than 4 times per year
|
—
|
30 days, not more than 4 times per year
|
—
|
30 days, not more than 4 times per year
|
—
| |
|
Maximum height
|
20 feet
|
30 feet
|
20 feet
|
20 feet
|
The lowest edge of a building sign shall be at least
8 feet above the finished grade, and shall not extend beyond the height
of the building.
|
The eave line
|
The lowest edge of a building sign shall be at least
8 feet above the finished grade, and shall not extend beyond the height
of the building.
|
The eave line
| |
|
1
|
Any residential use(s) within the above mentioned zoning districts shall be permitted to have sign(s) in accordance with the requirements of sign(s) permitted in residential districts for such use (refer to § 175-111).
|
The following types of signs and no others shall be permitted,
contingent upon the securing of a sign permit, except where permits
are specifically exempted by this article:
B.
Signs specific to residential uses shall be permitted subject to
the following regulations.
(2)
Temporary sign(s).
(a)
Number: one sign per street frontage for single-family detached
dwellings and one sign per dwelling unit for all other residential
uses.
(b)
Area: maximum area of four square feet.
(c)
Height: maximum height of six feet.
(d)
Sign shall be nonilluminated.
(e)
Such sign shall be permitted to be displayed up to 30 days,
not more than four times per calendar year.
C.
Signs specific to nonresidential uses shall be permitted subject
to the following regulations.
(1)
Permanent sign(s).
(a)
Number: one sign per street frontage.
(b)
Area: maximum area of 64 square feet.
(c)
Height: building signs shall have a maximum height equal to
the eave line. Freestanding signs shall have a maximum height of 20
feet.
(d)
Signs may be externally illuminated with shielded, downward
facing lights.
(2)
Temporary sign(s).
(a)
Number: one sign per 200 feet of street frontage.
(b)
Area: maximum area of 12 square feet.
(c)
Height: building signs shall have a maximum height equal to
the eave line. Freestanding signs shall have a maximum height of 20
feet.
(d)
Sign shall be nonilluminated.
(e)
Such sign shall be permitted to be displayed up to 30 days,
not more than four times per calendar year.
D.
Temporary construction signs in accordance with § 175-11E.
|
Commercial Retirement and Village Center Districts
— CR and VC
| |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Single-Family Detached
|
All Other Residential Uses
|
Nonresidential Uses
| |||||
|
Temporary
|
Permanent
|
Temporary
|
Permanent
|
Temporary
|
Permanent
| ||
|
Maximum area
|
4 sq. ft.
|
3 sq. ft.
|
4 sq. ft. per dwelling unit
|
2 sq. ft. per dwelling unit
|
12 sq. ft.
|
64 sq. ft.
| |
|
Maximum number
|
1 per street frontage
|
1 per street frontage
|
1 per dwelling
|
1 per street frontage
|
1 per 200 feet of street frontage
|
1 per street frontage
| |
|
Duration
|
30 days, not more than 4 times per year
|
—
|
30 days, not more than 4 times per year
|
—
|
30 days, not more than 4 times per year
|
—
| |
|
Maximum height
|
6 ft.
|
6 ft.
|
6 ft.
|
6 ft.
|
Building sign - the eave line; freestanding sign —
20 feet
|
Building sign - the eave line; freestanding sign —
20 feet
| |
Any sign existing at the time of passage of this chapter that
does not conform in use, location, height or size with the regulations
contained herein shall be considered nonconforming and may continue
in such use, in its present location, until the sign is considered
abandoned or replacement or rebuilding of the sign becomes necessary,
at which time a zoning permit will be required and the sign brought
into conformity with this chapter.
The following provisions shall apply in all districts:
A.
Unsafe or unlawful signs.
(1)
Upon written notice by Doylestown Township, the owner, person,
or firm maintaining a sign shall remove any sign which meets one or
more of the following:
(2)
Doylestown Township may remove or cause to be removed, the sign,
at the expense of the owner and/or lessee in the event the owner or
the person or firm maintaining the sign has not complied with the
terms of the notice. Permanent signs shall be removed or remedied
within 30 days of the date of the notice. Temporary signs shall be
removed within five business days of the date of the notice. In the
event of immediate danger, the Township may remove the sign immediately
upon issuance of notice.
B.
Abandoned signs.
(1)
It shall be the responsibility of the owner of any property
upon which an abandoned sign is located to remove such sign within
90 days of the sign becoming abandoned as defined in this article.
Removal of an abandoned sign shall include the removal of the entire
sign including the sign face, supporting structure, and structural
trim.
(2)
Where the owner of the property on which an abandoned sign is
located fails to remove such sign in 90 days, Doylestown Township
may remove such sign. Any expense directly incurred in the removal
of such sign shall be charged to the owner of the property. Where
the owner fails to pay, Doylestown Township may file a lien upon the
property for the purpose of recovering all reasonable costs associated
with removal of the sign.
