[Ord. 125, 7/18/2007, § 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. 125, 7/18/2007, § 702]
1. 
Signs legally existing at the time of enactment of this chapter and which do not conform to the requirements of the chapter shall be considered nonconforming signs.
2. 
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 Township, 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.
[Ord. 125, 7/18/2007, § 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 table of signs not requiring permits 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 Township or a county, state or federal agency.
B. 
Holiday Decorations. Commemorates a holiday recognized by the Township, 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, Township or other legally constituted governmental body, or specifically authorized by Township 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 Township.
F. 
Right-of-Way Sign. Posted within the existing right-of-way of a public street and officially authorized by the Township or PennDOT.
[Ord. 125, 7/18/2007, § 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.[1] See definitions of the types of signs in § 27-711.
[1]
Editor's Note: The table providing regulations for 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, signs 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. 
Definition of a "Portable Sign." A freestanding sign that is attached to a chassis or legs that allows it to be towed or carried from one location to another and that is not permanently attached to the ground.
C. 
Portable signs are prohibited in all districts, except as a temporary charitable event sign permitted by § 27-703.
D. 
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. 
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.
5. 
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.
[Ord. 125, 7/18/2007, § 705]
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. 125, 7/18/2007, § 706]
1. 
The following shall regulate the location of signs:
A. 
Setbacks.
(1) 
All signs shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from the existing street right-of-way, and shall not be located within the existing street right-of-way. However, a "directional sign" showing entrances and exits may be located without a ten-foot setback.
(2) 
A freestanding illuminated sign for a commercial or industrial business shall not be located within 10 feet from an abutting lot line of principally residential lot.
(3) 
These setbacks shall not apply to official signs, nameplate signs, public service signs and directional signs.
B. 
Sight Clearance. No sign shall be so located that it interferes with the sight clearance requirements of § 27-803.
C. 
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.
D. 
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.
E. 
Utility Poles. No sign shall be attached to a utility pole using metal fasteners, except by a utility or government agency.
[Ord. 125, 7/18/2007, § 707]
See "light and glare control" in Part 5.
[Ord. 125, 7/18/2007, § 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. 125, 7/18/2007, § 709]
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 at least 10 seconds, except: (1) if the sign includes a sign area of more than 100 square feet, the sign message shall not change more than once per 30 seconds, and (2) time and temperature signs may change more frequently.
(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.
[Ord. 125, 7/18/2007, § 710]
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 Township may repair or remove such sign at the expense of such owner or lessee.
[Ord. 125, 7/18/2007, § 711]
1. 
Sign Definitions. The following definitions shall be used in determining whether signs meet the measurement and type requirements of this Part:
A. 
Building Face. The vertical area of a particular side of a building, but not including the area of any slanted roof.
B. 
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.
C. 
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.
D. 
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.
E. 
Off-Premises Sign. See Part 2.
F. 
Sign. See Part 2.
G. 
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.
H. 
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.
2. 
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. 125, 7/18/2007, § 712]
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 Township and protect property values, especially in consideration of the fact that most commercial areas of the Township 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 Township, 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 meet the following requirements:
A. 
District. An off-premises sign is only permitted in the EX-1 District.
B. 
Location. An off-premises sign shall be set back a minimum of 25 feet from all lot lines and street rights-of-way.
C. 
Maximum Total Sign Area on Each of Two Sides. Two hundred square feet. Such size may be composed of two or more sign faces provided the maximum total sign area is met.
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 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. Any lights shall be attached to the top of a sign and point downward. See also § 27-709, Subsection 1B(1).
H. 
Residences. No off-premises sign greater than 20 square feet in sign area shall be located within 300 feet from an existing dwelling.
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. 125, 7/18/2007, § 713]
1. 
Residential Development Sign. If a subdivision or land development is approved to include over 20 dwelling units, then a major residential development sign shall be permitted at each entrance to the project from exterior public streets. Such sign may have two sign faces on one structure, or one sign face on each structure on each side of the entrance.
A. 
Each such sign shall have a maximum sign area of 30 square feet. Such signs shall have a maximum total height of six feet. The sign may be attached to a stone or decorative masonry wall or fence constructed of weather-resistant wood or materials with a similar appearance. In such case, the wall or fence shall have a maximum total height of six feet and a maximum length of 12 feet.
2. 
The applicant shall prove to the Zoning Officer that the signs will be of durable construction that requires little maintenance. Such sign shall not be illuminated. Attractive low-maintenance landscaping shall surround the sign.