The purposes of this article are to provide for and regulate
the types, dimensions, and other features of signs in Folcroft Borough,
to recognize the commercial communication needs of the business community,
to protect the public from damage or injury attributable to distractions
and obstructions from improperly designed or located signs, to safeguard
property values, and to assure that signs are consistent and harmonious
in relation to the scale, appearance, and character of buildings and
areas where they are located.
A.
Any sign hereafter erected shall conform to the provisions of this
article and any other ordinance or regulations of the Borough relating
thereto. Any sign not specifically authorized by the provisions of
this article shall not be erected in the Borough.
C.
Application for such permits shall be made in writing to the Borough in accordance with § 600-97.
D.
The Zoning Officer or the Building Code Official is hereby authorized
to revoke any permit issued by the Borough upon failure of the holder
thereof to comply with any provision of this article.
A.
The size of any sign shall be determined in accordance with the provisions
of this article and the following:
(1)
When a sign consists of letters, numbers, and/or logos and not a
lettered board and such sign is erected on or attached to a building
wall, pole, or other similar surface or support, the size of such
sign shall be measured by the geometric shape formed by the extreme
outside edge of the largest letters, numbers, or logos contained in
the sign.
(2)
When a sign consists of a lettered board and such sign is erected
on or attached to a building wall, pole, or other similar surface
or support, the size of such sign shall be determined by calculating
the area of the lettered board.
B.
The sign area for a sign with more than one face shall be computed
by adding together the area of all sign faces visible from any one
point. When two identical sign faces of the same sign structure are
placed back to back so that both faces cannot be viewed from any point
at the same time, and when such sign faces are not more than 42 inches
apart, the sign area shall be computed by the measurement of one of
these faces.
A.
Prohibited signs. It is unlawful to erect or maintain the following
signs:
(1)
Flashing, blinking, spinning, animated, inflatable, aerial, or lighted
moving signs, including automatic color-changing and rotating lamps
and other moving objects that call attention to the sign. The use
of rotating searchlights for advertising is allowed, after obtaining
a permit from the Borough.
(2)
Signs that display vulgar, indecent, or obscene advertising matter.
(3)
Advertising cloth or banner or signs of any similar character suspended
or hung on any property.
(4)
Wall bulletins or any other signs painted directly on the facade
of a building or other structure.
(5)
Curb or sidewalk signs or signs painted, attached, or suspended from
any outdoor bench, chair, or similar structure.
(6)
Swinging and hanging signs.
(7)
Signs pasted, tied, pulled, or otherwise attached to a vehicle that
refer to a business or activity unrelated to the purpose or activity
for which the vehicle is used.
(8)
Signs placed, inscribed, or supported upon the roof line or any structure
that extends above the roof line of any building.
(9)
Signs that state or imply that the property on which they are placed
is used for purposes or activities not permitted by this chapter.
(10)
Neon signs.
B.
Standards and restrictions. The following standards and restrictions
shall apply to all permitted signs:
(1)
General.
(a)
No sign shall be located, arranged, or placed in a position
where it will cause danger to traffic or will interfere with traffic
through glare; block required sight lines for streets, sidewalks,
or driveways; or cause confusion with a traffic control device by
reason of color, location, shape, or other characteristics.
(b)
Where not inconsistent with this article, all signs constructed
or erected under the provisions of this article shall comply with
the standards set forth in the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code
most recently adopted by the Borough.[1]
(c)
Except for official/traffic, directional, and incidental signs,
no sign shall be erected within the right-of-way lines of any public
street except in the GB General Business District, nor shall any such
sign be closer than six feet to the right-of-way line of a public
street, unless specifically authorized by other ordinances and regulations
of the Borough of Folcroft or other governmental bodies or agencies
having jurisdiction or regulatory authority in the matter.
(d)
No illuminated sign shall be lighted on days when the business
or permitted use is not open for business.
(e)
All signs must be constructed of durable materials and shall
be solidly and firmly attached and/or anchored to its supports or
framework.
(f)
All permanent signs over four square feet in size shall be constructed
by a professional sign company.
(g)
Every sign must be kept in good condition and repair. Any sign
that becomes dilapidated or abandoned shall be removed by or at the
expense of the landowner or lessee of the property on which it is
located.
(h)
Where applicable, the signage requirements of the Pennsylvania
Department of Transportation shall be followed.
(i)
Except for official signs, incidental signs, directional signs,
way-finding signs, or billboards, all permanent signs shall be located
on the property to which the text or message applies.
(j)
Freestanding signs, canopy signs, and awning signs shall have
a clearance of not less than eight feet between the ground and the
bottom of the sign.
(k)
Where a business ceases to operate and vacates the premises,
the owner/operator must remove all signs and sign structures within
one year after ceasing business operations. However, the sign structure
may remain if the owner or occupant can demonstrate that a subsequent
owner or occupant will utilize a sign or sign structure.
(2)
Freestanding signs.
(a)
The bottom or lowest edge of any freestanding sign shall be
no closer to the ground than eight feet, or six feet in residential
districts. No more than two feet above the ground level can be devoted
to and maintained for plantings. If such plantings are installed,
they shall be maintained at the maximum height of two feet and shall
be free of weeds, debris, and other undesirable material.
(b)
All single-post freestanding signs shall be made of metal, except
for those used in residential districts, which may be made of pressure-treated
timbers. All such posts shall be embedded in the ground at least three
feet six inches unless otherwise directed by the Zoning Officer.
(c)
Freestanding signs will be permitted in residential areas only
when set back a minimum distance of six feet behind the front property
line, and no portion of such sign shall be less than six feet behind
the front property line.
(d)
Freestanding signs in residential districts shall be illuminated
only by concealed or indirect lighting.
(e)
There shall be a distance of not less than 100 feet between
freestanding signs along the same road frontage.
(3)
Ground signs.
(a)
The top edge of a ground sign shall be a maximum of six feet
above ground level.
(b)
Ground 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.
(d)
Illumination shall be by concealed or indirect lighting.
(4)
Window signs. A maximum of 20% of the total window area may be used
for permanent signs that are etched, painted, or permanently affixed
to the window.
(5)
Temporary signs.
(b)
Temporary signs shall be placed so as not to obstruct vehicular
or pedestrian traffic or create a safety hazard.
(c)
Such signs shall not obstruct access to or from any door, window,
fire escape, or ventilating equipment, nor be attached to any standpipe
or fire escape.
(d)
Temporary signs shall be removed immediately upon expiration
of the permit.
(e)
The size of these signs shall not exceed 1/3 square foot of
sign area for each linear foot of building width.
(f)
Temporary commercial advertising signs shall not be attached
to fences.
The following signs are exempt from the need to secure a permit
but are subject to all other applicable provisions of this article:
A.
Public notice, warning, or official/traffic sign required by a federal,
state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance.
B.
Any sign inside a building not attached to a window or door that
is not legible from a distance of more than three feet beyond the
lot line of the property on which such sign is located.
C.
Building markers that only include building name, date of construction,
or historical data on an historical site, provided that there is only
one per building with a maximum area of six square feet.
D.
Flags of the United States, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, foreign
nations having diplomatic relations with the United States, or any
other flag adopted or sanctioned by an elected legislative body of
competent jurisdiction, provided that such flag does not exceed 60
square feet in area and shall be flown from a pole not more than 40
feet in height.
E.
Decorative flags, not exceeding 12 square feet.
F.
Incidental signs containing no commercial message of any kind, provided
that such signs do not exceed eight square feet.
G.
Temporary window signs advertising the sale or price change of goods,
provided that such signs do not exceed 50% of total window coverage
and are arranged in such a manner as to not obstruct the view of goods
and business activity being conducted inside.
H.
Signs advertising the sale or rental of the premises or lot upon
which they are erected, provided that there is not more than one such
sign per street frontage. Such sign shall be neither illuminated nor
exceed eight square feet in residential districts and 32 square feet
in nonresidential districts. All such signs shall be removed on or
before the date of settlement.
I.
Signs advertising the development of the premises where they are
erected. Such signs shall not exceed 16 square feet in residential
districts and 40 square feet in nonresidential districts. All such
signs shall be removed on or before the date of settlement.
J.
Nameplate signs on private residences, provided that they do not
exceed 144 square inches.
K.
Decorations for a recognized, officially designated holiday, provided
that they do not create a traffic or fire hazard.
L.
Yard sale or garage sale signs, provided that they do not exceed
two square feet and are removed within 24 hours after such sales.
M.
Signs announcing educational, charitable, civic, religious, or similar
campaigns or events, provided that such signs are erected for a period
not to exceed 30 days or more than four times in any calendar year
for a maximum annual total of 120 days. Such signs shall not exceed
eight square feet.
N.
Changeable copy signs for churches, schools, and other uses which
by their nature require changeable copy signs, provided that only
one such sign shall be permitted. However, in the case of a corner
property, one additional sign is permitted on the side of the property.
The size of such signs shall not exceed 16 square feet.
O.
Directional signs.
P.
Freestanding signs of an official nature identifying a civic event.
Q.
Signs, letters, posters, and advertisements which are tacked, pasted,
tied, or otherwise affixed to poles, posts, buildings, fences, bus
shelters, or other structures located on public property or within
public street lines. These signs shall be removed within 10 days of
the event's end.
R.
A-frame, sandwich board, or similar temporary signs.
The following signs, as described under each zoning district or group of districts, are permitted, provided that they meet the conditions in § 600-91 and a sign permit has been obtained in accordance with § 600-97:
A.
Signs in residential districts. The following types of signs that
require a permit and no others shall be permitted in the R-1, R-2,
and R-3 Residential Districts:
(1)
Identification signs for apartment buildings or complexes, residential
developments, churches/religious uses, and similar permitted uses
other than individual dwellings, provided that:
(2)
Signs identifying nonresidential uses permitted as valid nonconforming
uses, provided that they meet the same requirements as A(1) above.
(4)
Signs in residential districts shall be harmonious with other signage,
as well as consistent with the appearance of housing types and permitted
uses in each respective district.
(5)
Signs identifying any home office or no-impact home-based business
shall be freestanding, wall, or ground signs only. These signs shall
be no larger than two square feet in size. The lowest edge of a freestanding
sign shall not be more than six feet above the ground.
B.
Signs in the MC Municipal Center District. The following types of
signs that require a permit and no others shall be permitted in the
MC Municipal Center District, subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Wall, awning, freestanding, and ground signs.
(2)
Wall signs that identify the primary use of a principal building
shall not exceed one square foot for each foot of building width.
(3)
There shall not be more than one wall sign for each street frontage.
However, should the frontage be greater than 100 feet, two signs may
be permitted. In this case, a special exception shall be required.
(4)
In cases where multiple tenants or uses are in one building, a wall
sign shall be permitted for each use, provided that the sign area
does not exceed 10 square feet.
(6)
Freestanding or ground signs identifying the permitted uses in the
MC District shall be permitted only along exterior roads.
(7)
Only one freestanding or ground sign that shall not exceed 25 square
feet shall be allowed along each exterior road.
(8)
Any illuminated sign shall be lit using internal or external white
light only.
(9)
Signs in the MC District shall reflect and be consistent with the
character and appearance of buildings.
C.
Signs in the RS Retail Service and GB General Business Districts.
The following signs that require a permit and no others shall be permitted
in the RS Retail Service and GB General Business Districts, subject
to the following requirements:
(1)
Any sign permitted in a residential district with the requirements in that district, as noted in § 600-93A.
(2)
Wall, awning, window, freestanding, and ground signs.
(3)
There shall not be more than one wall sign for each frontage. However,
for buildings that have a front width of 100 feet or more, two wall
signs shall be permitted at that frontage. In this case, a special
exception shall be required.
(4)
The size of wall signs in the GB District shall not exceed one square
foot of sign area for each linear foot of building width.
(5)
The size of wall signs in the RS District shall not exceed 3/4 square
foot of sign area for each linear foot of building width.
(6)
On corner lots, signs fronting on side streets along the long side
of a building shall not exceed 1/2 square foot of sign area for each
linear foot of building width. However, where the side street is an
arterial street, the size of the wall sign shall be the same as on
the front street.
(8)
The awning or canopy on which a canopy or awning sign is depicted
or placed shall not extend more than five feet from the front wall
of the building.
(9)
Where there is a business or professional office on the second floor,
one additional wall sign not greater than eight square feet shall
be permitted. Such signs shall be located on the second story.
(10)
Wall or window signs identifying apartment space above the first
floor shall be permitted in addition to the principal wall sign permitted.
Such additional wall or window sign shall not exceed six square feet.
(11)
Freestanding or ground signs that advertise a business shall
not exceed 20 square feet in the GB District and 15 square feet in
the RS District.
(12)
Any illuminated sign shall be lit by any means other than neon.
D.
Signs in the LIB Light Industrial/Business Park and LIB-A Light Industrial/Business
Park-A Districts. The following signs that require a permit and no
others shall be permitted in the LIB Light Industrial/Business Park
and LIB-A Light Industrial/Business Park-A Districts, subject to the
following requirements:
(1)
Wall, awning, freestanding, and ground signs.
(2)
Not more than one wall sign shall be permitted for each establishment
frontage. However, for businesses that have a front width of 100 feet
or more, two wall signs shall be permitted at that frontage. In this
case, a special exception shall be required.
(3)
Wall signs identifying individual businesses that occupy an entire
principal building shall not exceed 1/2 square foot of sign area for
each linear foot of frontage of the establishment.
(4)
Wall signs identifying individual establishments that occupy a portion
of an entire principal building on a tract shall not exceed 1/2 square
foot of sign area for each linear foot of frontage of the business
or establishment.
(5)
Wall signs shall not be placed within one foot of the edge of the
front wall of the building.
(7)
One freestanding or ground sign identifying the entire light industrial/business
park shall be permitted at each principal exterior road. The size
of such freestanding or ground sign shall not exceed 60 square feet;
provided, however, that if there are two entrances on a principal
exterior road to the park, both may be marked by freestanding/ground
signs so long as the total square footage of both signs does not exceed
60 square feet and the signs are not placed within 100 feet of each
other.
(8)
Individual buildings within the business park may be identified on
the same sign structure as that listing the name of the light industrial/business
park.
(9)
Freestanding signs or ground signs identifying the building and/or
individual businesses on a tract shall be permitted within the respective
tract or lot. Such signs shall be placed behind the right-of-way line.
Only one such freestanding or ground sign shall be permitted for each
entrance to the tract of land on which a building is located, if such
entrances are from different roads. The size of such interior, freestanding,
or ground sign(s) shall not exceed 40 square feet; provided, however,
that if there are two entrances to a tract of land on which a building
is located, a freestanding/ground sign may mark both, so long as the
total square footage of the signs does not exceed 40 square feet.
(10)
All signs within a business in an industrial park in the LIB
and LIB-A Districts shall be consistent in design and appearance with
the other signs in the same park and, to the extent possible, shall
be in harmony with the signs on adjoining lots or parks.
E.
Signs in the OSR Open Space/Refuge District. The following signs
that require a permit and no others shall be permitted in the OSR
Open Space/Refuge District, subject to the following requirements:
(1)
Wall, freestanding, and ground signs.
(2)
Not more than one wall sign shall be permitted for each building
frontage.
(3)
Such wall signs shall not exceed 1/2 square foot of sign area for
each linear foot of building frontage.
(4)
Freestanding or ground signs shall not exceed 12 square feet.
(5)
All signs in the OSR District shall be harmonious and consistent
with the natural features of the area and any new buildings that may
be erected.
F.
Signs in the TOD Transit-Oriented Development Overlay District. The
following signs that require a permit and no others shall be permitted
in the TOD Transit-Oriented Development District, subject to the following
requirements:
(1)
Permitted signs shall include only wall, canopy, freestanding, and
ground signs.
(2)
Wall signs identifying individual nonresidential establishments may
be placed on not more than two sides of a principal building.
(3)
The size of such wall signs identifying an individual nonresidential
establishment shall not exceed 1/2 square foot of sign area for each
foot of establishment frontage.
(4)
Wall signs identifying individual residential developments shall
not exceed 1/2 square foot of sign area for each linear foot of establishment
frontage.
(5)
Wall or window signs identifying apartment space and residential
establishments above the first floor shall be permitted in addition
to the principal wall sign permitted. Such additional wall or window
signs shall not exceed six square feet.
(7)
Not more than one freestanding or ground sign identifying an overall
TOD shall be placed along each exterior roadway frontage.
(8)
The size of such freestanding or ground sign shall not exceed 50
square feet; however, signs identifying individual establishments
may be placed on the freestanding sign structure. These signs identifying
the establishments shall be not larger than 10 square feet each. This
area for the individual establishments shall be in addition to the
size allotted for identifying the development.
(9)
Freestanding or ground signs identifying uses contained within the
TOD shall be permitted along interior roads. Such signs shall be placed
behind the right-of-way line. Only one such freestanding or ground
sign shall be permitted for each respective building within the TOD.
(10)
The size of such interior freestanding or ground sign(s) shall
not exceed 30 square feet.
(11)
Signs in the TOD District shall be harmonious with other signage,
as well as consistent with the appearance of housing types, permitted
uses, and group development allowed in the district.
A.
Billboards shall be permitted along Chester Pike in the GB General
Business District only.
B.
No billboard shall be erected within 200 feet of another billboard.
C.
The maximum size of billboards shall be 100 square feet.
D.
The minimum distance from a street right-of-way shall be 30 feet.
E.
No billboard shall be placed in a location where it will obscure
the vision of motorists and thereby create a safety hazard.
F.
The height of any billboard shall not exceed 50 feet.
G.
Billboards shall be illuminated with external base lighting only.
I.
Where a billboard contains no message for a period of 60 consecutive
days, the Zoning Officer shall forward a notice to the owner of the
sign advising the owner of the unused status of the structure. The
owner shall be required to remove the sign and sign structure, provided
that no advertising message is placed thereon within 180 days from
the original notice.
Signs that are nonconforming or that identify nonconforming
uses shall be governed by the following requirements:
A.
A sign which is nonconforming at the effective date of this chapter may be continued although such sign does not conform with the provisions of this chapter, but the size of any such nonconforming sign shall not be enlarged, except as permitted in § 600-153.
B.
A nonconforming sign may be changed to or replaced by another nonconforming
sign, provided that the degree of nonconformity is not greater than
that of the original sign. Whenever a nonconforming sign has been
changed to a more restricted nonconforming sign, such sign shall not
thereafter be changed to a less restricted nonconforming sign.
C.
When the name of an establishment is changed, any nonconforming sign
at such establishment must be removed, and any new sign must conform
to the provisions of this chapter.
D.
A nonconforming sign which has been damaged more than 50% of its
value or has been removed or discontinued for 90 days shall not be
repaired, rebuilt, or replaced except as a conforming sign.
E.
If a nonconforming use of a building ceases or is discontinued for a continuous period of one year or more and such nonconforming use is deemed to be abandoned as per § 600-156 of this chapter, any nonconforming sign on the premises shall also be considered abandoned, and any subsequent signs erected or maintained on the premises shall be in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.
A.
Temporary, movable freestanding signs, banners, pennants, and similar
types of signs shall be abated, removed, or brought into compliance
within 90 days after enactment of this chapter.
B.
Signs painted on walks, fences, or benches shall be removed, abated,
or brought into compliance within one year after enactment of this
chapter.
C.
Wall and projecting signs shall be removed, abated, or brought into
compliance within five years after the enactment of this chapter.
A.
Except as otherwise provided in § 600-92 relating to exempt signs, no sign shall be erected in the Borough until a permit therefor has been obtained in the following manner:
(1)
Applications in writing for proposed signs shall be submitted to
the Zoning Officer (ZO) by the person/entity desiring the permit.
The ZO shall then have the option of referring the permit request
to the Planning Commission for its evaluation as to whether the proposed
sign complies with the purposes of the district where the sign is
located and the most recently adopted community development objectives
for Folcroft Borough. The ZO or Planning Commission may offer suggestions
to modify the proposed sign so that it is in accordance with the goals
for the district in question as well as those as noted in the community
development objectives.
(2)
The application submitted to the ZO shall give full particulars regarding
the size, shape, material, and supports of the sign, as well as a
sketch or sketches showing the location of the sign on the building
or lot, the distance from the curbline, and the height of the sign.
The application shall be sufficiently specific to enable the ZO to
determine if the sign complies with this chapter as well as any other
ordinance or regulation of the Borough relating thereto. A fee as
Borough Council may establish from time to time by resolution shall
accompany such application.
B.
Whenever any sign or sign face is replaced by another sign, enlarged in any manner, or altered, dismantled, damaged, or otherwise destroyed, a permit shall be required as provided in Subsection A above before the sign is replaced, enlarged, altered, or repaired.
C.
If the ZO or Building Code Official shall find that any sign or other
advertising structure regulated herein is unsafe or insecure or is
a menace to the public or has been constructed or erected or is being
maintained in violation of the provisions of this chapter, he shall
give written notice thereof to the permittee. If the permittee fails
to remove or alter the structure so as to comply with the standards
set forth herein within 10 days after such notice, such sign or other
advertising structure may be removed or altered to comply by the ZO
at the expense of the permittee or owner of the property upon which
it is located. The ZO shall refuse to issue a permit to any permittee
or owner who refuses to pay costs so assessed. The ZO may cause any
sign or other advertising structure that causes immediate peril to
persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.
D.
The ZO may cause a routine inspection of all signs in the Borough
to be made at least once every three years and at any other times
when he deems such inspection necessary. At intervals determined by
Council, the ZO or Building Code Official shall conduct a thorough
inspection of signs to determine the signs' conformity with the provisions
of this article. All fees for sign permits shall be paid by the individual
requesting the permit and shall be determined by Borough Council.
