[Amended 11-18-2008 by Ord. No. 377; 5-12-2009 by Ord. No. 377A]
A. Regulation of the location, size, placement and certain features of signs is necessary to enable the public to locate goods, services and facilities in the Borough without difficulty and confusion and to encourage the general attractiveness of the community. Accordingly, it is the intent of this Article
XV to establish regulations which govern the display of signs and which will:
(1)
Promote and protect the public health, safety, comfort, morals
and convenience.
(2)
Enhance the economy, business and industry by promoting the
reasonable, orderly and effective display of signs, thereby encouraging
communication with the public.
(3)
Restrict signs and lights which overload the public's capacity
to receive information or which increase the probability of traffic
congestion and accidents by distracting attention or obscuring vision.
(4)
Reduce conflict among signs and lights between public and private
environmental systems.
(5)
Promote signs which are compatible with their surroundings or
appropriate to the type of activity to which they pertain and are
expressive of the identity of the proprietors and other persons displaying
signs.
B. No sign of any kind shall be erected, altered or used in the Borough
of Chalfont Historic Overlay District except for advertising that
informs the public of a service, business, occupation or profession
carried on, in or about the property on which the sign appears.
C. All signs erected, altered or used within the Borough of Chalfont
Historic Overlay District shall obtain a certificate of appropriateness
from the Borough of Chalfont Council.
[Amended 11-18-2008 by Ord. No. 377; 5-12-2009 by Ord. No. 377A]
The following words and phrases, when used in this Article
XV, shall have the meanings given in this article. (See Figure 12 for examples of sign types.)
ADVERTISING SIGN
Includes but is not necessarily limited to the type of business,
products, brand names and items manufactured or sold.
FIGURE 12.
|
ATTRACTION BOARD
A fixed or portable sign with changeable lettering, limited
to a maximum of 15 square feet.
BILLBOARD
A large panel in excess of 60 square feet, designed to display
outdoor advertising; an off-premises sign that advertises or otherwise
directs attention to a commodity, business, industry, home occupation,
activity or event which is sold, offered or conducted. This includes
the sign and any associated supporting structure, whether permanent,
temporary or movable.
DIRECTORY SIGN
A sign that provides for the overall identification of a
complex and that lists the formal business titles of the occupants.
GROUND SIGN
A sign, other than a pole sign, where the entire bottom is
in contact with or is less than six feet from the ground and is independent
of any other structure.
ILLUMINATED SIGN
A sign that provides artificial light directly through any
transparent or translucent material from a source of light connected
with such sign or a sign illuminated by a light focused upon or chiefly
directed at the surface of the sign.
INFORMATION MEDIA DISPLAY (IMD)
A.
ELECTRONIC DISPLAY SCREEN (EDS)A sign or portion of a sign that displays an electronic image or video, which may or may not contain text. This definition includes television screens, plasma screens, digital screens, flat screens, LED screens, video boards, and holographic displays, or any display of similar nature which utilizes LCD or similar technology.
B.
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER (EMC)Any sign, or portion of a sign, that uses changing lights to form a message or messages in text or pictures, from wherein that sequence of messages and the rate of change is electronically programmed and can be modified by electronic processes or similar technology.
C.
No information media display (IMD) shall be permitted within
the Borough of Chalfont Historic Overlay District.
NOVELTY SIGN
Any sign, or portion of a sign, that is in the shape of an
object (i.e., tire, automobile, food product, etc.).
OFF-PREMISES ADVERTISING SIGN
A sign which contains a message unrelated to a business or
profession conducted upon the premises where such sign is located
or which is unrelated to a commodity, service or entertainment sold
or offered upon the premises where such sign is located.
POLE SIGN
A sign that is mounted on a freestanding pole or other support
so that the bottom edge of the sign face is six feet or more above
grade.
PORTABLE SIGN
A sign that is not permanent, affixed to a building structure
or to the ground.
PREMISES
The area occupied by a business or businesses or other public
enterprise.
PROJECTING SIGN
A sign which projects from and is supported by a wall of
a building.
READERBOARD SIGN
Any sign, or portion of a sign, that uses manually changed
text to form a message or messages.
ROOF SIGN
A sign that is mounted on the roof of a building, that is
wholly dependent upon a building for support and that projects above
the top walk or edge of a building with a flat roof, the eave line
of a building with a gambrel, gable or hip roof or the deck line of
a building with a mansard roof.
SIGN
Any structure, device, light or natural object, including
the ground itself, or any part thereof, or any device attached thereto
or painted or represented thereon, which shall be used to identify,
advertise or attract attention to any object, project, place, activity,
person, institution, organization, firm, group, commodity, profession,
enterprise, industry or business or which shall display or include
any letter, word, model, number, banner, flag, pennant, insignia,
device or representation used as an announcement, direction or advertisement
and which is intended to be seen from off the premises or from a parking
lot. The word "sign" shall include but not be limited to signs which
are inside of buildings and are intended to be seen from roadways
or parking lots through windows and/or glass doors. No other indoor
sign shall be deemed a "sign" within this article.
TEMPORARY SIGN
A sign or advertising display constructed of fabric, plastic,
plywood or other light material and designed or intended to be displayed
for a short period of time.
THREE-DIMENSIONAL SIGN
A sign wherein the lettering, logos or design projects more
than three inches from the face of the sign or a sign with a sign
box of more than 12 inches.
WALL SIGN
A sign which is attached directly to or painted upon a building
or wall or window, also known as a "facade sign."
WINDOW SIGN
A sign attached to, placed upon, or painted on the interior
or exterior of a window or door of a building, which is intended for
viewing from the exterior of such building.
[Amended 11-18-2008 by Ord. No. 377; 5-12-2009 by Ord. No. 377A]
The following regulations shall be observed in all districts
within the Borough:
A. General.
(1)
No sign may be erected in the Borough of Chalfont unless it
is specifically permitted by this article.
(2)
All signs not specifically permitted are prohibited.
B. Sign area and height computation.
(1)
Sign area. The area of a sign face (which is also the sign area
of a wall sign or other sign with only one face) shall be computed
by means of the smallest square, circle, rectangle, triangle or combination
thereof that will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, representation,
emblem or other display, together with any material or color forming
an integral part of the display or used to differentiate the sign
from the backdrop or structure on which it is placed, but not including
any supporting framework, bracing or decorative fence or wall which
otherwise meets zoning ordinance regulations and is clearly incidental
to the display itself. The sign area maximum standards in this article
refer to total area of a sign, which includes all faces of a sign.
(See Figure 13.)
FIGURE 13.
|
(2)
Sign height.
(a)
The height of a sign shall be computed as the distance from
the base of the sign at normal grade to the top of the highest attached
component of the sign. Normal grade shall be construed to be the lower
of:
[1]
Existing grade prior to the construction; or
[2]
The newly established grade after construction, exclusive of
any filling, berming, mounding or excavating solely for the purpose
of locating the sign.
(b)
In the case where the normal grade cannot be reasonably determined,
sign height shall be computed on the assumption that the elevation
of the normal grade at the base of the sign is equal to the elevation
of the nearest point of the crown of a public street or the grade
of the land at the principal entrance to the structure on the lot,
whichever is lower.
(3)
Placement of signs. In no case, except for official traffic
and street signs, shall any sign be erected so that it:
(a)
Lies within the clear sight triangle.
(b)
Obscures a motorist's view of traffic signals, stop signs or
other warning devices as viewed from any distance of 500 feet along
established thoroughfares.
(c)
Obscures a motorist's view of the roadway or intersections ahead
as viewed from a distance of 500 feet along established thoroughfares.
(d)
Limits a pedestrian's view of vehicle traffic to less than 500
feet while he stands inside the curbline at an intersection or other
established crossing point.
(e)
Lies within a distance of 10 feet from a property line, provided
that "no trespassing" signs and "no hunting" signs shall be exempt
from the ten-foot setback.
(f)
Lies within a parking space, parking aisle or fire lane.
(g)
Blocks the movement of pedestrians traveling on public thoroughfares.
(h)
Blocks the entrance, exit, fire escape or fire lane to a building.
(i)
Is affixed by any means to any electric or light pole, facility,
or structure of the Borough.
(4)
Signs permitted.
(a)
Signs listed in this subsection are permitted in all zoning
districts and shall not require a sign permit, and they shall not
be counted when calculating the number of signs on a premises. However,
such signs shall conform to the general regulations for signs enumerated
in the remainder of this section.
(b)
The following signs are permitted in all districts:
[1]
A sign showing the name and address of the resident, but not
to include any commercial advertising or not more than two square
feet in sign area.
[2]
A "no trespassing" sign or other such signs regulating the use
of a property, such as "no hunting," "no fishing," etc., of no more
than two square feet in sign area in residential zoning districts
and five square feet in all Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts
BC, CC, VOC, R-2, R-3 and R-4.
[3]
Real estate signs, not to exceed nine square feet in residential
zoning districts and 32 square feet in commercial and industrial districts,
which advertise the sale, rental or lease of the premises upon which
they are located. Such signs shall be removed within 10 days after
the premises advertised has been sold, rented or leased.
[4]
Bulletin boards for public, charitable or religious institutions,
when located on the premises thereof, and with a sign area of no more
than 25 square feet if single-faced, nor more than 50 square feet
if double-faced, and if used exclusively for noncommercial announcements.
[5]
Signs regulating on-premises traffic, parking or other functional
subdivision, such as lavatory facilities, telephone, and signs denoting
other sections of a building such as "lubrication," "office," etc.,
when less than three square feet in area and bearing no commercial
advertising.
[6]
Signs erected by a governmental body or under the direction
of such a body and bearing no commercial advertising, such as traffic
signs, railroad crossing signs, safety signs, signs identifying public
schools and playgrounds and the like.
[7]
Memorial signs or tablets and signs denoting the date of the
erection of buildings or signs deemed to be historical in nature.
[8]
The flag, pennant or insignia of any government or of any religious,
charitable or fraternal organization, provided that the flag, pennant
or insignia is posted to identify the organization and not to advertise
an event or activity sponsored by the organization.
[9]
Signs denoting auctions, garage or yard sales or special events
of charitable or public service groups. Such signs shall be limited
to a maximum size of five square feet in area in Residential Zoning
Districts R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 and 25 square feet in Commercial Zoning
Districts BC, CC and VOC and shall be removed as soon as the event
or activity advertised thereon has taken place.
[10] Signs identifying places of worship, when located
on the premises thereof. Such signs shall be limited to a maximum
area of 25 square feet.
[11] Decals affixed to windows or door glass panes
which indicate membership in a business group or which denote credit
cards accepted by the establishment and which depict the hours of
operation. Such decals shall not exceed 24 square inches and, when
displayed, shall be affixed to the lower corners of such panes.
[12] Signs which are temporary in nature and which
relate to specific community activities such as "Welcome 4H" or "Congratulations
Seniors." A sign for each activity shall be permitted for each public
entrance to the premises. Such signs shall be removed as soon as the
event or activity thereon has taken place.
[13] Temporary signs advertising political parties
or candidates for election may be erected and maintained, provided
that:
[a] Such signs erected on private property shall be
the responsibility of the property owner as to erection and removal.
Signs must be removed within five days after the election, or the
property owner shall be subject to applicable enforcement action.
[b] The size of any sign is not in excess of five square
feet in residential districts and 25 square feet in commercial and
industrial districts.
[14] Signs regulated by a governmental agency may not
exceed the minimum requirements of that agency.
[15] Directional signage associated with an approved
commercial parking area.
(5)
Signs prohibited. Signs which are prohibited in Subsection
B(5)(a) and
(b), identified below, shall be removed or brought into conformity with the provisions of this article within 90 days after this article is adopted. The following signs shall not be permitted, erected or maintained in any district, notwithstanding anything else contained in this article or elsewhere:
(a)
Signs which incorporate in any manner any flashing or moving
illumination or with illumination which varies in intensity or which
varies in color, and signs which have any visible moving parts, visible
revolving parts or visible mechanical movement of any description
or other apparent visible movement achieved by electrical pulsations
or by actions of normal wind currents, except when not visible from
motor vehicles traveling on public roadways. Hanging signs which simply
swing in the wind, clocks, time-and-temperature signs and barber poles
are permitted if they comply with all provisions of this article.
(b)
Any sign which incorporates light sources which cast light on
the sign, unless the light source is shielded by opaque material so
that the lamps are not visible from off the property on which the
sign is located.
(c)
Any sign or sign structure which constitutes a hazard to public
property.
(d)
Any sign which obstructs free ingress or egress from a fire
escape, door, window or other required exitway.
(e)
Signs which make use of words such as "stop," "look," "one-way,"
"yield" or any similar words, phrases, symbols, lights or characters
in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.
(f)
Any obsolete sign which no longer advertises a bona fide business
conducted or product sold at that location must be removed within
14 days of the date that the business or product advertised is no
longer conducted or sold at the location.
(g)
Signs painted on, attached to or supported by a tree, stone, cliff or other natural object, except signs permitted in Subsection
B(4)(b)[6].
(h)
String lights which convey a message, either through words or
by depicting a logo, which are unshielded from the surrounding properties.
(i)
Searchlights, pennants, spinners, banners and streamers, except
for occasions such as grand openings and then only with the permission
of the Zoning Officer. Use shall be limited to a twenty-day period.
(j)
Signs attached to utility poles, light fixtures and all off-premises
signs.
(l)
All roof signs are prohibited.
(m)
Exterior and/or freestanding neon signs or similar illuminated
signs are prohibited.
(n)
Any sign which depicts material relating to the term "specified anatomical areas" or "specified sexual activities," as defined in §
440-15E.
(6)
Limit on content of sign on premises. The largest sign on a
premises shall not advertise any particular article of merchandise
unless it is the principal product sold or manufactured on the premises.
(7)
Safety and maintenance.
(a)
Every sign and all parts thereof, including framework, supports,
background, anchors and wiring systems, shall be constructed and maintained
in compliance with all codes and ordinances of the Borough of Chalfont.
In the absence of an electrical code, the National Electrical Code
shall be used as the standard for wiring all sign systems.
(b)
All signs and parts thereof shall be kept in a good state of
repair and maintenance.
[Amended 11-18-2008 by Ord. No. 377; 5-12-2009 by Ord. No. 377A]
A. Projecting signs. In addition to the general provisions of this article,
the following regulations shall apply to all projecting signs:
(1)
Number. A premises may erect and maintain only one projecting
sign.
(2)
Area.
(a)
No single face of any projecting sign shall exceed 15 square
feet in sign area.
(b)
No projecting sign shall have a vertical dimension greater than
six feet.
(3)
Location. No projecting sign shall project more than five feet
beyond the building line in the direction of the street.
(4)
Height. No portion of any projecting sign shall be less than
10 feet above grade level.
(5)
Miscellaneous.
(a)
The Borough may impose, as a condition of the issuance of a
permit for a projecting sign, such requirements as to the material,
manner of construction and method of erection as are reasonably necessary
to assure the health, safety, welfare, and convenience of the public.
(b)
No information media display sign (IMD) shall be permitted in
association with a projecting sign.
(c)
Lighting shall be effectively shielded to prevent light and/or
glare from interfering with traffic or causing a nuisance to neighboring
properties.
(d)
Projecting signs shall only advertise goods and services provided
by the property owner and/or tenant(s) of the property on which the
sign is located.
(6)
Within the Borough of Chalfont Historic Overlay District. No
projecting sign shall be located within the Borough of Chalfont Historic
District without the issuance of a certificate of appropriateness
from the Borough of Chalfont.
B. Wall signs. In addition to the general provisions of this article,
the following regulations shall apply to all wall signs:
(1)
Number. A premises may erect and maintain one wall sign.
(2)
Area. No wall sign shall exceed 60 square feet in sign area.
(3)
Location.
(a)
No wall sign shall extend above the top of the wall upon which
it is placed.
(b)
No wall sign nor any part thereof shall project more than 12
inches from the wall upon which it is mounted.
(c)
External lighting may be provided with reflectors, a minimum
of 10 feet above the surface of the sidewalk, equipped with wire mesh
guards; and no part may extend more than two feet from the wall of
the building.
(d)
No wall sign shall extend beyond the left and right extremities
of the wall to which it is attached.
(e)
Lighting shall be effectively shielded to prevent light and/or
glare from interfering with traffic or causing a nuisance to neighboring
properties.
(4)
Miscellaneous.
(a)
The Borough may impose, as a condition of the issuance of a
permit for a projecting sign, such requirements as to the material,
manner of construction and method of erection as are reasonably necessary
to assure the health, safety, welfare, and convenience of the public.
(b)
No information media display sign (IMD) shall be permitted in
association with a wall sign.
(c)
Wall signs shall only advertise goods and services provided
by the property owner and/or tenant(s) of the property on which the
sign is located.
(5)
Within the Borough of Chalfont Historic Overlay District. No
wall sign shall be located within the Borough of Chalfont Historic
District without the issuance of a certificate of appropriateness
from the Borough of Chalfont.
C. Ground signs. In addition to the general provisions of this article,
the following regulations shall apply to all ground signs. Every ground
sign and all parts, braces and supports thereof shall be located entirely
within the property lines and shall not project over adjoining lands;
however, ground signs may be permitted between the property line and
the building setback lines, except where otherwise prohibited by this
article.
(1)
Number. A premises may erect and maintain only one ground sign.
(2)
Area.
(a)
No single face of any ground sign shall be larger than 60 square
feet in sign area nor in excess of 10 feet in any dimension of the
sign face.
(b)
No individual business, tenant or other enterprise within a
shopping center or property/facility that has a number of occupants
and/or tenants may erect or maintain a ground sign.
(3)
Location.
(a)
Ground signs shall be located a minimum of five feet beyond
the legal right-of-way of any street.
(b)
A ground sign shall not be located within any clear sight area
for any street and/or driveway.
(4)
Height. No portion of any ground sign shall be in excess of
eight feet above grade level.
(5)
Miscellaneous.
(a)
The Borough may impose, as a condition of the issuance of a
permit for a ground sign, such requirements as to the material, manner
of construction and method of erection as are reasonably necessary
to assure the health, safety, welfare, and convenience of the public.
(b)
Illumination of ground signs shall be external and shall be
shielded.
(c)
Lighting shall be effectively shielded to prevent light and/or
glare from interfering with traffic or causing a nuisance to neighboring
properties.
(d)
Ground signs shall only advertise goods and services provided
by the property owner and/or tenant(s) of the property on which the
sign is located.
(6)
Within the Borough of Chalfont Historic Overlay District.
(a)
No single face of any ground sign shall be larger than 32 square
feet in sign area nor in excess of eight feet in any dimension of
the sign face.
(b)
No ground sign shall be located within the Borough of Chalfont
Historic District without the issuance of a certificate of appropriateness
from the Borough of Chalfont.
(c)
No portion of any ground sign shall be in excess of six feet
above grade level.
(d)
Information media display signs (IMD) shall not be permitted
in association with a ground sign located within the Borough of Chalfont
Historic District.
(e)
Readerboard signs shall not be permitted in association with
a ground sign located within the Borough of Chalfont Historic District.
(7)
Ground signs utilizing an information media display (IMD) shall
be permitted, subject to the following regulations, in addition to
the above requirements:
(a)
An electronic display screen (EDS) shall be permitted subject
to the following regulations:
[1]
The electronic display screen shall not be in excess of 75%
of the sign face.
[2]
In order to not distract traffic, the message timing shall not
be less than one message per minute.
(b)
An electronic message center (EMC) shall be permitted subject
to the following regulations:
[1]
The electronic message center shall not exceed 32 square feet.
[2]
In order to not distract traffic, the message timing shall not
be less than one message per minute.
(8)
Ground signs utilizing a readerboard sign shall be permitted
subject to the following regulations, in addition to the above requirements:
(a)
The area shall not be in excess of 50% of the sign face.
D. Pole signs. In addition to the general provisions of this article,
the following regulations shall apply to all pole signs. Every pole
sign and all parts, braces and supports thereof shall be located entirely
within the property lines and shall not project over adjoining lands;
however, pole signs may be permitted between the property line and
the building setback lines, except where otherwise prohibited by this
article.
(1)
Number. A premises may erect and maintain one pole sign.
(2)
Area.
(a)
No single face of any ground sign shall be larger than 60 square
feet in sign area nor in excess of 10 feet in any dimension of the
sign face.
(b)
No individual business, tenant or other enterprise within a
shopping center or property/facility that has a number of occupants
and/or tenants may erect or maintain a pole sign.
(3)
Location.
(a)
Pole signs shall be located a minimum of five feet beyond the
legal right-of-way of any street.
(b)
A pole sign shall not be located within any clear sight area
for any street and/or driveway.
(4)
Height. No portion of any pole sign shall be in excess of 15
feet above grade level.
(5)
Miscellaneous.
(a)
The Borough may impose, as a condition of the issuance of a
permit for a pole sign, such requirements as to the material, manner
of construction and method of erection as are reasonably necessary
to assure the health, safety, welfare, and convenience of the public.
(b)
Illumination of pole signs shall be internal or external.
(c)
Lighting shall be effectively shielded to prevent light and/or
glare from interfering with traffic or causing a nuisance to neighboring
properties.
(d)
Pole signs shall only advertise goods and services provided
by the property owner and/or tenant(s) of the property on which the
sign is located.
(6)
Within the Borough of Chalfont Historic Overlay District. Pole
signs shall not be permitted within the Borough of Chalfont Historic
District.
(7)
Pole signs utilizing an information media display (IMD) shall
be permitted subject to the following regulations, in addition to
the above requirements:
(a)
An electronic display screen (EDS) shall be permitted subject
to the following regulations:
[1]
The electronic display screen shall not be in excess of 75%
of the sign face.
[2]
In order to not distract traffic, the message timing shall not
be less than one message per minute.
(b)
An electronic message center (EMC) shall be permitted subject
to the following regulations:
[1]
The electronic message center shall not exceed 32 square feet.
[2]
In order to not distract traffic, the message timing shall not
be less than one message per minute.
(8)
Pole signs utilizing a readerboard sign shall be permitted subject
to the following regulations, in addition to the above requirements:
The readerboard sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.
E. Temporary signs. In addition to the general provisions of this article,
the following regulations shall apply to all temporary signs:
(1)
No person shall erect, construct, repair, alter or relocate
within the Borough of Chalfont any temporary sign, except real estate
and temporary construction signs, without first obtaining a permit
from the Borough of Chalfont.
(2)
Temporary signs shall be limited to nonprojecting wall signs,
ground signs without permanent posts, or portable and wheeled signs.
Any portable sign (i.e., roll-out signs, A-frame signs, portable readerboard
signs with or without wheels, etc.) shall be classified as a temporary
sign.
(3)
Temporary business signs identifying a special, unique or limited
activity, service, product or sale of limited duration shall be subject
to the following:
(a)
Number. There shall not be more than four sign permits for temporary
business signs issued for the same premises within one calendar year.
Each temporary business sign permitted may be erected and maintained
for a period not to exceed 30 days and shall be removed within three
days after termination of the activity, service, project, or sale.
(b)
Area.
[1]
Residential areas. In residential areas, temporary business
signs shall not exceed two square feet in gross surface area for each
exposed face, not to exceed an aggregate gross surface area of four
square feet.
[2]
Nonresidential areas. In nonresidential areas, temporary business
signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in gross surface area for each
exposed face, not to exceed an aggregate gross surface area of 64
square feet.
(c)
Location.
[1]
Temporary business signs shall be located only upon the lot
on which the special, unique or limited activity, service, product,
or sale is to occur. Such signs may be located within any required
yard setback but shall not extend over any lot line or be located
within 15 feet of any point of vehicular access from a lot to a public
roadway, provided that the sign does not violate this chapter.
[2]
Any portable sign shall be stored inside a structure when the
business is closed.
(d)
Height.
[1]
Residential areas. In residential areas, temporary business
signs shall not project higher than seven feet, as measured from the
base of the sign.
[2]
Nonresidential areas. In nonresidential areas, temporary business
signs shall not project higher than 15 feet, as measured from the
base of the sign.
(e)
Miscellaneous. The Borough of Chalfont may impose, as a condition
of the issuance of a permit for temporary signs, such requirements
as to the material, manner of construction and method of erection
of a sign as are reasonably necessary to assure the health, safety,
welfare, and convenience of the public.
(f)
Within the Borough of Chalfont Historic District. Temporary
business signs within the Borough of Chalfont Historic District shall
be sized in accordance with the residential requirements identified
within this section.
F. Billboards. In addition to the general provisions of this article,
the following regulations shall apply to all billboards. All billboards
shall meet all state and federal regulations. Billboards shall be
permitted as a conditional use within the LI Light Industrial Zoning
District. The conditional use shall be permitted subject to the following
regulations:
(1)
Number.
(a)
No more than one billboard shall be permitted on any one property.
(b)
A maximum of two sides are permitted per billboard.
(2)
Area. The sign area shall not exceed 250 square feet per sign.
(3)
Location.
(a)
No billboard shall be located within 500 feet of any portion
of the Borough of Chalfont Historic Overlay District.
(b)
Billboards located adjacent to a public and/or private roadway
shall be located a minimum of 50 feet from the ultimate right-of-way
for the roadway.
(c)
No billboard shall interfere with a seventy-five-foot line of
sight at any intersection.
(d)
No billboard shall be located within 250 feet of any residential
zoning district, including those of a neighboring municipality.
(e)
Billboards shall be separated by a minimum of 1,500 feet.
(4)
Height. The highest portion of the billboard shall not exceed
35 feet from the lowest grade elevation at the base of the supporting
structure.
(5)
Miscellaneous.
(a)
The Borough of Chalfont may impose, as a condition of the issuance
of a permit, such requirements as to the material, manner of construction
and method of erection of a sign as are reasonably necessary to assure
the health, safety, welfare, and convenience of the public.
(b)
Billboard sign face material shall be vinyl wrap or a material
of equivalent durability.
(c)
Lighting shall be effectively shielded to prevent light and/or
glare from interfering with traffic or causing a nuisance to neighboring
properties.
(d)
Flashing, intermittent or moving light or lights and electronic
message centers (EMC) shall be prohibited.
(e)
Billboards shall not be illuminated between the hours of 1:00
a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
(f)
The base of each billboard shall be landscaped and maintained
with a screening buffer as directed by the Borough.
(g)
Billboards shall not utilize a readerboard sign.
(6)
Within the Borough of Chalfont Historic District. No billboards
shall be located within the Borough of Chalfont Historic Overlay District.
(7)
Billboards utilizing an information media display (IMD) shall
be permitted subject to the following regulations, in addition to
the above requirements:
(a)
An electronic display screen (EDS) shall be permitted subject
to the following regulations:
[1]
The electronic display screen shall not be in excess of 75%
of the sign face.
[2]
In order to not distract traffic, the message timing shall not
be less than one message per minute.
(b)
An electronic message center (EMC) shall be permitted subject
to the following regulations:
[1]
The electronic message center shall not exceed 32 square feet.
[2]
In order to not distract traffic, the message timing shall not
be less than one message per minute.
G. Real estate development signs. In addition to general provisions
of this article, the following regulations shall apply to all real
estate development signs. The use of real estate development signs
shall be limited to those developers or owners having for sale a minimum
of six lots in one subdivision.
(1)
Number. There shall be only one such sign per subdivision/land
development provided. In the event that the subdivision/land development
shall have ingress/egress to more than one public street, the subdivision/land
development may have one sign for each entrance onto a public street.
(2)
Area. The maximum sign area of any real estate development sign
shall be 32 square feet. No part of such sign shall be more than eight
feet in any dimension.
(3)
Location.
(a)
Such signs must be located on the premises which are for sale.
(b)
Such signs shall conform to relevant setback line requirements.
(4)
Height. The maximum height of each sign shall be 15 feet.
(5)
Miscellaneous.
(a)
Real estate development signs may advertise only the subdivision
in which the sign is located and not the sale of lots elsewhere nor
the realtor's, developer's, or landowner's business in general. The
content of such signs shall be limited to the name of the development,
the developer's name and the telephone number of the developer and
his sales agents.
(b)
Such signs shall be removed within seven days after 100% of
the lots in the subdivision have been sold or leased.
(c)
Artificial illumination of such signs is prohibited.
(d)
Real estate development signs shall not utilize a readerboard
sign and/or an information media display.
(6)
Within the Borough of Chalfont Historic District. No real estate
development sign or permanent residential development sign shall be
located within the Borough of Chalfont Historic District without the
issuance of a certificate of appropriateness from the Borough of Chalfont.
(7)
Permanent residential development signs. Permanent residential
development signs at major entrances designed to identify a residential
subdivision and containing no commercial advertising shall have a
maximum area of 32 square feet. There shall be no more than one sign
at each major entrance.
H. On-premises signs for professionals (when associated with an H1 accessory
home occupation use). On-premises signs for a professional, such as
a doctor of medicine, dentist, osteopath, chiropractor, lawyer, accountant,
architect, engineer or minister, located in a residential zoning district,
shall be limited to four square feet and shall contain no commercial
advertising.
[Amended 11-18-2008 by Ord. No. 377; 5-12-2009 by Ord. No. 377A]
The following regulations shall be applicable to the specific
uses listed below. All other regulations of this article shall apply,
provided that where a regulation in this section is inconsistent with
a regulation found elsewhere in this article, the specific regulation
of this section shall apply.
A. Agricultural, institutional and industrial uses A2, A3, B11, C1,
C3, C5, C7, C8, G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6, G7, G9 (not gas stations and/or
automobile service stations) and G10 shall be permitted the following
signs:
(1)
Single occupant.
(a)
One ground sign or pole sign and one wall sign or projecting
sign.
(2)
Multiple occupancies.
(a)
One ground sign or pole sign serving as a directory sign may
be used with an individual listing for each occupant/tenant.
(b)
One wall sign or projecting sign shall be permitted for each
occupant/tenant with an individual entrance into the facility. Wall
signs and projecting signs shall be coordinated so that the proposed
signs shall be of the same size, shape, general design, color, and
material so as to create uniformity among the series of signs.
B. Office uses D1, D2 and D3 shall be permitted the following signs:
(1)
Single occupant.
(a)
One ground sign or pole sign and one wall sign or projecting
sign.
(2)
Multiple occupancies.
(a)
One ground sign or pole sign serving as a directory sign may
be used with an individual listing for each occupant/tenant.
(b)
One wall sign or projecting sign may be permitted for each occupant
with an individual entrance into the facility. Wall signs and projecting
signs shall be coordinated so that the proposed signs shall be of
the same size, shape, general design, color, and material so as to
create uniformity among the series of signs.
C. Retail and consumer service uses E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6, E7, E8,
E9, E10, E11, E12, E14, E15, E16, E17, E18, E19, E20, E21, E22, E23
and E24 shall be permitted the following signs:
(1)
Single occupant.
(a)
One ground sign or pole sign and one wall sign or projecting
sign.
(b)
Window signage not to exceed 15 square feet.
(2)
Multiple occupancies.
(a)
One ground sign or pole sign serving as a directory sign may
be used with an individual listing for each occupant/tenant.
(b)
One wall sign or projecting sign may be permitted for each occupant/tenant
with an individual entrance into the facility. Wall signs and projecting
signs shall be coordinated so that the proposed signs shall be of
the same size, shape, general design, color and material so as to
create uniformity among the series of signs.
(c)
Window signage may be permitted for each occupant/tenant not
to exceed 15 square feet.
D. Retail and consumer service use E13 shall be permitted the following
signs:
(1)
Identification sign.
(a)
Each gasoline service station shall be entitled to one ground
sign or pole sign. Such sign may be located in any required yard area
but shall not extend over any lot line or within 15 feet of any point
of vehicular access from a zoning lot to a public roadway. The sign
must comply with all general location requirements of this section.
(b)
Each sign shall not exceed 15 feet in height.
(2)
Service bay identification signs. Service bay identification
signs providing direction or instruction to persons using the facility
and containing no advertising material of any kind shall be subject
to the following:
(a)
Type. All service bay identification signs shall be wall signs.
(b)
Number. There shall not be more than one service bay identification
sign per each service bay located on the premises.
(c)
Area. The gross surface area of the service bay identification
sign shall not exceed 10 square feet.
(d)
Location. A service bay identification sign may be located on
the outermost wall of any principal building adjacent to a service
bay entrance but shall not project more than 16 inches from the wall
to which the sign is to be affixed.
(e)
Height. A service bay identification sign shall not project
higher than the parapet line of the wall to which the sign is to be
affixed or 20 feet, as measured from the base of the building to which
the sign is to be affixed, whichever is lower.
(3)
Service island identification signs. Service island identification
signs indicating the type of service offered, the price of the gasoline
and other relevant information or direction to persons using the facility
but containing no advertising material (except the identification
of the type of gasoline) of any kind shall be subject to the following:
(a)
Type. All service island identification signs shall be placed
or attached directly to the pump.
(b)
Number. There shall not be more than one service island identification
sign for each service pump island located on the premises.
(c)
Area. The gross surface of a service island identification sign
shall not exceed five square feet per pump island. This area of limitation
does not include regulatory signs which must be posted on the pump
pursuant to law.
E. Service uses F2 and F3 shall be permitted the following signs:
(1)
One ground sign or pole sign.
F. Accessory uses H1, H1A, H1B, H1C, H1D, H1G and H10 shall be permitted
the following signs:
(1)
One on-premises sign for professionals.
[Amended 11-18-2008 by Ord. No. 377; 5-12-2009 by Ord. No. 377A]
A nonconforming sign shall be any sign legally in existence
at the time of passage of this chapter that does not conform in use,
location, height or size to the regulations of the zoning district
in which the sign is located. All nonconforming signs shall be bound
by the regulations of this section.
A. A nonconforming sign must be removed within 14 days, or made to conform
to this article in every respect, whenever:
(1)
It is not firmly attached to the ground or some other object
and can be easily moved.
(2)
It becomes so deteriorated that it no longer serves a useful
purpose for communications and is a nuisance, as determined by the
Borough.
(3)
It is removed or damaged due to deterioration of more than 60%, including structural framing and bracing. Repairs due to acts of God, arson, etc., which are made promptly shall be regulated by Subsection
B hereunder.
B. In the event that a nonconforming sign is removed for repainting
or repair, the owner shall notify the Borough, in writing, and post
an escrow with the Borough in the amount indicated within the Fee
Schedule for the Borough. The escrow shall be returned to the owner if the sign,
when erected again, is, in the opinion of the Zoning Officer, substantially
the same as the nonconforming sign in size, location, design, and
content.
C. A building which has a nonconforming front yard may affix a sign
to the front of the building even if the front of the building is
closer than 10 feet to the roadway or sidewalk. The sign affixed to
the front of the building shall not be a roof sign or a projecting
sign.
[Amended 11-18-2008 by Ord. No. 377; 5-12-2009 by Ord. No. 377A]
A. The Zoning Officer of the Borough of Chalfont and/or any other officer
so designated by the Borough Council to assist the Zoning Officer
shall be given the powers to enforce the provisions of this article.
The term "Zoning Officer," when used in this section, shall include
any officer designated by the Borough Council to assist the Zoning
Officer in the enforcement and administration of these regulations.
B. Duties of the Zoning Officer.
(1)
The Zoning Officer shall examine all applications for permits
to erect signs and shall issue permits for all signs which conform
to the requirements of this article. The Zoning Officer shall record
and file all applications, conduct an annual inspection of all signs
and make such reports as the Borough may require.
(2)
If the Zoning Officer shall find that any sign has been constructed,
structurally altered, or erected or is being maintained in violation
of the provisions of this article, he/she shall promptly notify the
owner or lessor thereof, in writing. If the owner or lessor fails
to remove or alter the sign so as to comply with the provisions of
this article within 30 days of the mailing or delivery of written
notice, the Zoning Officer shall cause a violation notice to be filed
with the Magisterial District Judge.
C. If the Zoning Officer shall find any sign which is an immediate peril
to persons or property, he shall be empowered to order it to be removed
immediately. If the Zoning Officer cannot locate the owner or lessor
to have the sign removed immediately, he shall cause the sign to be
removed, and the costs of such removal shall be borne by the owner
or lessor and shall constitute a lien upon the premises.
[Amended 11-18-2008 by Ord. No. 377; 5-12-2009 by Ord. No. 377A]
A. General provisions for all signs.
(1)
No sign shall hereafter be erected, structurally altered or
moved until a permit has been obtained therefor from the Zoning Officer.
Such permit shall be issued only when the Zoning Officer is satisfied
that such sign will comply with all of the applicable provisions of
this article.
(2)
Any person desiring such a permit shall file an application
on a form which shall contain the following:
(a)
The name, address, and telephone number of the applicant.
(b)
A plan showing the location of the building, structure or lot
to which the sign is to be attached or erected and showing the position
of the sign in relation to nearby buildings and thoroughfares. Such
plan must be to scale.
(c)
A plan showing the design of the sign, materials to be used,
color, lighting, lettering, method of construction, and means of attachment
to the building or the ground. Such plans must be to scale.
(d)
The name of the person, firm, corporation, or association erecting,
altering, or moving said sign.
(e)
The written consent of the owner of the land on which the sign
is to be erected, altered, or relocated.
(f)
Any electrical or building permit required and issued for said
sign under Borough ordinances.
(g)
Any other information as the Zoning Officer shall require in
order to show full compliance with this article and all other applicable
laws of the Borough.
(3)
After permission to erect, alter, or move a sign has been obtained
and said sign has been constructed, painted, and replaced as specified
in the permit application, the owner of the sign shall notify the
Zoning Officer, who shall inspect the sign. If the sign is as specified
in the permit application and does not violate any provisions of this
article or other applicable ordinances, the permit shall be validated
by the signature of the Zoning Officer.
B. Fee schedule. Every applicant, before being granted a permit hereunder,
shall pay to the Borough of Chalfont a fee for each sign regulated
by this article in accordance with the Borough Fee Schedule.
C. Exemption from fees.
(1)
The following signs shall be exempt from fees:
(a)
Any sign which existed at the time this article was adopted
and on which a previous fee had been paid. Such signs must, however,
be permitted.
[Amended 11-18-2008 by Ord. No. 377; 5-12-2009 by Ord. No. 377A]
Violations of this article shall be considered violations of
this chapter, and penalties shall be the same.