[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022[1]]
Any sign erected, altered, or maintained after the effective
date of this chapter shall conform to the following regulations.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
a.Â
Signs help identify and promote properties, businesses, services,
residences, events, and other matters of interest to the public. Signs
also direct vehicular and pedestrian traffic, warn people of dangers,
and serve as gateways and identification for historic districts, business
districts, institutions, residential developments, and recreational
areas. Well-designed and appropriately located signs can be an asset
to a community. Signs vary widely in terms of function, size, location,
and structural type, and this chapter regulates these physical characteristics
of signs.
b.Â
The intent of this chapter is to regulate signs within State College
Borough (Borough) to ensure that they are appropriate for their respective
uses, in keeping with the appearance of the affected property and
surrounding environment, and protective of the public health, safety,
and general welfare by:
(1)Â
Setting standards and providing uniform controls that permit
reasonable use of signs while also preserving the character of the
Borough.
(2)Â
Prohibiting the erection of signs in such numbers, sizes, designs,
illumination, and locations that may create a hazard to pedestrians
and motorists.
(3)Â
Permitting signs that provide adequate identification and direction
while minimizing clutter and confusion.
(4)Â
Encouraging designs that build on the image and visual environment
the Borough seeks to promote, including consistency with the Borough's
Design Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring, and Reconstructing
Historic Buildings.
(5)Â
Establishing a process for the review and approval of sign permit
applications.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
Words and terms used in this chapter shall have the meanings
provided herein. Unless expressly stated otherwise, any pertinent
word or term not part of this listing but vital to the interpretation
of this chapter shall be construed to have its legal definition, or
in absence of a legal definition, its meaning as commonly accepted
by practitioners, including civil engineers, surveyors, architects,
landscape architects, and planners.
A sign that has not identified or advertised an active business,
service, owner, product, or activity for a period of at least 30 days
in the case off-premises signs, or at least 60 days in the case of
on-premises signs. "Out of Business" signs or those directing people
to a new business location are not included, provided they meet the
definition of a temporary sign.
A sign that designates a street address number and/or a street
name for identification purposes.
A sign exhibiting action, motion, flashing, or varied light
intensity or color changes through electrical or mechanical means.
A cloth, plastic, or other nonstructural covering installed
on a frame that projects from a wall for the purpose of shielding
a doorway or window. An awning is either permanently attached to a
building or can be raised or retracted to a position against the building
when not in use.
Any sign that is part of or attached to an awning.
A lighter-than-air, gas-filled balloon, tethered in a fixed
location, which contains an advertisement message on its surface or
attached to the balloon in any manner.
Any cloth, bunting, plastic, paper, or similar non-rigid
material attached to any structure, staff, pole, rope, wire, or framing
which is anchored on two or more edges or at all four corners.
Any source of electric light, whether portable or fixed,
wherein the primary purpose is to cast a concentrated beam of light
as a means of attracting attention to its location, rather than to
illuminate any particular sign, structure, or other object.
A structure other than an awning made of fabric, metal, or
other material that is supported by columns or posts affixed to the
ground and may also be connected to a building.
Any sign that is part of or attached to a canopy.
A sign, or portion thereof, on which the copy or symbols
change either automatically through electronic means, or manually
through placement of letters or symbols on a panel mounted in or on
a track system on the face of the sign. Changeable copy signs include
but are not limited to message center signs and digital displays.
A sign consisting of fabricated or formed three-dimensional
letters, individually applied to a wall with or without a raceway,
and which may accommodate a light source.
The vertical distance between the ground and the bottom edge
of a sign. This term can also refer to a horizontal distance between
two objects.
A device, such as a television, capable of displaying a continuously
moving or changing electronic display. Digital displays utilize technology,
including but not limited to LCD, LED, or plasma displays. A continuous
digital display is not restricted to a minimum duration for each image
or message.
A device capable of changing a static electronic message
periodically, but not continuously. Digital displays utilize technology,
including but not limited to LCD, LED, or plasma displays. A digital
display is considered periodic when it is restricted to a fixed minimum
amount of time each message displays on the screen.
A sign designed to provide direction to pedestrians, bicyclists,
or motorists on or off the premises on which it is installed.
Signs expressing support for a particular candidate in an
upcoming election.
A type of illumination comprised of either: (a) a group of
light bulbs hung or strung overhead or on a building or other structure,
or (b) light bulbs not shaded or hooded or otherwise screened to prevent
direct rays of light from shining on adjacent properties or rights-of-way.
Any sign printed or painted on cloth, plastic, canvas, or
other like material with distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols
attached to a pole or staff and anchored along only one edge or supported
or anchored at only two corners.
A unit of incident light on a surface that is stated in lumens
per square foot and measurable with an illuminance meter. One footcandle
is equal to one lumen per square foot.
A sign affixed to posts or similar supports that are placed
on, or anchored into, the ground, and that is independent and detached
from any building. A pole sign is a type of freestanding sign.
The maximum linear width of a building, or an individual
premises within, as measured in a single straight line parallel to
the abutting public street or alley along the designated front yard
of the property. If the premises has multiple frontages, the applicant
may utilize the longest single frontage dimension when calculating
allowable sign area.
A freestanding, open-air structure designed to shield fueling
station islands from the elements. Fueling station canopies include
those covering fossil fuel pumps, as well as other commercially available
vehicular power sources, including but not limited to electric vehicle
charging stations.
Any sign that is part of, or attached to, the vertical sides
of a fueling station canopy roof structure. For the purposes of this
chapter, fueling station canopy signs shall be considered wall signs.
Any official sign for the control of traffic or for identification
purposes, not including businesses or residences. Such signs include,
but are not limited to, street signs, warning signs, or railroad crossing
signs.
A 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. A monument sign is a type of ground sign.
A three-dimensional sign which is backlit to produce a halo
effect.
Signs or displays including lighting which are a nonpermanent
installation celebrating national, state, and local holidays, religious
or cultural holidays, or other holiday seasons.
Artificial light, located away from the sign, which lights
the sign, the source of which may or may not be visible to persons
viewing the sign from any street, sidewalk, or adjacent property.
A light source that is concealed or contained within the
sign and becomes visible in darkness through a translucent surface.
Message center signs and digital displays shall not be considered
internal illuminated signs for the purposes of this chapter.
A sign with no commercial advertising that displays general
site information, instructions, directives, or restrictions that are
primarily oriented to pedestrians, cyclists, and motor vehicle operators
who have entered a property from a public street. A directional sign
is a type of incidental sign.
Signs in a window displaying information such as the business's
hours of operation, credit institutions accepted, commercial and civic
affiliations, and similar information. These signs shall be informational
only and shall not contain commercial advertising.
Any sign erected within the interior of a commercial premises
that is placed at least three feet inward from the storefront windows.
[Added by Ord. No. 2209, 9/11/2023]
A sign that is an air-inflated object, which may be of various
shapes, made of flexible fabric, resting on the ground or structure
and equipped with a portable blower motor that provides a constant
flow of air into the device.
An electronic or animated sign that reacts to the behavior
of pedestrians or the electronic signals of motor vehicle drivers.
Light emitted by a lighting installation, which extends beyond
the boundaries of the property on which the installation is sited.
An objective measurement of the brightness of illumination,
including illumination emitted by an electronic sign, measured in
footcandles.
A permanent structure, other than a roof or canopy, attached
to, supported by, and projecting from a building and providing protection
from the elements.
Any sign attached to a marquee for the purpose of identifying
a use or product. If attached to a theater, performing arts center,
cinema, or other similar use, it may also advertise films or productions.
A sign having parts that physically move while the sign is
in operation. Signs such as banners or flags that exhibit naturally
occurring wind-activated movement are not considered mechanical movement
signs.
A memorial plaque or tablet, including grave markers or other
remembrances of persons or events.
A permanent sign for displaying the bill of fare available
at a restaurant, or other use serving food or beverages.
A type of internally illuminated, changeable copy sign that
consists of electronically changing alphanumeric text often used for
gas price display signs and athletic scoreboards.
A type of ground sign having a low profile that shall be
mounted on a base that is solid from the ground to the bottom of the
sign.
A sign displaying the names, logos, or graphics of multiple
businesses or other nonresidential occupants located within a building
or shopping complex containing multiple tenants that utilize one or
more shared entrances to the site.
A large image or design on a building or other structure,
including, but not limited to, painted art. Murals do not contain
any commercial advertising elements and they are not regulated as
signs.
A sign that was legally erected and maintained at the effective
date of this chapter, or amendment thereto, that does not comply with
the current sign regulations.
An outdoor sign with a commercial message that directs attention
to a specific premises that is not the premises upon which the sign
is located. Off-premises signs may include directional signs, but
are only regulated under § 15-108 if they contain commercial
words, logos, graphics, etc.
A sign identifying, advertising, or otherwise directing attention
to a business, person, organization, activity, event, place, service,
or product that is located on the same premises where that business,
person, organization, activity, event, place, service, or product
is principally located, manufactured, or sold.
A triangular or irregular piece of fabric or other material,
commonly attached in strings or strands, or supported on small poles
intended to flap in the wind.
A sign attached or affixed to a building, window, or structure,
or to the ground in a manner that enables the sign to resist environmental
loads, such as wind, and that precludes ready removal or movement
of the sign and whose intended use appears to be indefinite.
An on-premises sign that expresses an opinion, interest,
position, or other noncommercial message. Personal expression signs
include election signage.
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 a base structure.
A sign designed to be transported or moved and not permanently
attached to the ground, a building, or other structure.
For the purposes of this chapter, a "premises" shall mean
a single property, as identified by its unique street address. In
the case of multitenant nonresidential buildings, each business or
organization within the building shall be considered a single premises,
unless the business or organization has been assigned multiple addresses,
in which case it shall be considered a single premises. Residential
structures with more than one dwelling unit shall be considered a
single premises, and the multifamily residential portion of any mixed-use
building is also considered a single premises.
A sign indicating a driveway that is privately owned and
maintained.
A building-mounted, double-sided sign with the two faces
generally perpendicular to the building wall, not to include signs
located on a canopy, awning, or marquee. (Also known as a blade sign.)
A temporary sign indicating a property currently for rent
or sale.
[Added by Ord. No. 2209, 9/11/2023]
A sign containing any material or device which has the effect
of intensifying reflected light.
A sign erected upon, against, or over the roof of a building.
A portable, temporary sign consisting of two faces connected
and hinged at the top. (Also known as an A-frame sign.)
A structure contained within an athletic venue that is typically
used to display information pertaining to athletic contests or other
events held within the venue. Scoreboards must contain scorekeeping
elements; however, signage may be affixed to or integrated within
the surface of the scoreboard that faces inward toward the venue.
In addition, scoreboards may integrate continuously moving or changing
video or graphic displays to show gameplay and/or commercial or noncommercial
messages during an event held within the venue.
Any device, structure, fixture, painting, emblem, or visual
that uses words, graphics, colors, illumination, symbols, numbers,
letters, or any combination thereof to communicate a message. Signs
do not include murals.
The total dimensions of a sign face, or portion thereof,
used to display information, messages, advertising, logos, or symbols
as measured using the standards specified in § 15-106e.
Sign area does not include supporting framework or trim, provided
these elements do not contain lettering, designs, logos, or symbols.
The part of the sign that is used to display the message.
The distance from the ground to the top of a sign as measured
using the standards specified in § 15-106f.
A sign attached to a tree, pole, stake, or other object without
the permission of the property owner.
The exterior facade of a building accessible to the public
and containing the primary entrance to the premises.
A display made of lightweight, flexible materials, consisting
of long, narrow, wavy strips hung individually or in a series, typically
designed to move in the wind.
A banner suspended above a public sidewalk and attached to
a single street pole.
Poles, posts, frames, brackets, or other supports holding
one or more signs in place.
A nonpermanent sign that can be displayed for no more than
30 consecutive days at one time.
An outdoor unit with a slatted face that allows three different
copy messages to revolve at intermittent intervals.
An internally illuminated sign comprised of a tube that uses
neon, LED, or other visible light-emanating technology, and which
is bent to form letters, symbols, or other graphics.
An exterior building-mounted sign, or an externally visible
sign located within the window of any premises, which is located above
the ground floor level to identify a tenant located above the ground
floor of any building.
A sign displayed on a vending machine that includes the name,
logo, or images of the products being sold.
A building-mounted sign that is attached to, displayed on,
or painted on an exterior wall in a manner parallel with the wall
surface. A sign installed on a false or mansard roof is also considered
a wall sign. Channel letter signs are a type of wall sign.
A sign regulating the use of the premises where it is located,
including but not limited to trespassing, hunting, or solicitation.
A sign that is affixed to a window or placed inside a premises
within three feet of a window, and which is easily seen from the outside.
Customary window displays of merchandise sold on the premises are
not considered signs.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
The following sign types are prohibited in all zoning districts:
a.Â
Abandoned signs.
b.Â
Snipe signs.
c.Â
Mechanical movement signs, including Trivision boards.
d.Â
Animated signs, except message center signs and digital displays,
where permitted.
e.Â
Pennants and streamers.
f.Â
Inflatable or balloon signs, except for balloons used in temporary,
noncommercial situations.
g.Â
Reflective signs or signs containing mirrors.
h.Â
Interactive signs.
i.Â
Signs incorporating beacon or festoon lighting.
j.Â
Banners suspended across a public roadway or private driveway without
the permission of the property owner(s), or the public entity with
jurisdiction over the roadway.
k.Â
Roof signs.
l.Â
Signs that exhibit statements, words, or pictures of obscene or pornographic
subjects.
m.Â
Any sign that promotes illegal activity.
n.Â
Any signs that resemble, interfere with, or obstruct official traffic
lights, signs, or signals.
o.Â
Signs that prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window,
or fire escape, or that prevent free access from one part of a roof
to another part.
p.Â
Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors, particulate matter, sound,
or odor or contain open flames.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
The following signs shall be allowed without a sign permit and
shall not be included in the determination of the type, number, or
area of permanent signs allowed by this chapter.
a.Â
Government/regulatory signs.
b.Â
Holiday decorations.
c.Â
Personal expression signs up to three square feet in area per side.
Exception: Election signs are not subject to the area limit specified
herein.
d.Â
Flags without commercial advertising.
(1)Â
Height. Flags and flagpoles shall have a maximum height of 35
feet as calculated per § 15-106f.
(2)Â
Number. No more than two flags are allowed per lot in residential
districts, and no more than three flags per lot in all other districts.
(3)Â
Size. Maximum flag size is 24 square feet in residential districts,
and 35 square feet in all other districts.
(4)Â
Flags up to three square feet in area that contain noncommercial
messages are considered personal expression signs.
e.Â
Signs or emblems of religious, civil, philanthropic, historical,
or educational organizations that do not to exceed 15 square feet
in area per side.
f.Â
Address signs: up to two per premises.
g.Â
Private drive signs: one sign per driveway entrance, not to exceed
two square feet in area per side.
h.Â
Warning signs posted in accordance with Pennsylvania Title 18, § 3503,
Criminal trespass.
i.Â
Vending machine signs.
j.Â
Message center signs for the display of fuel prices at commercial
fueling stations, not to exceed 15 square feet in area per side.
k.Â
Memorial signs up to three square feet in area.
l.Â
Incidental signs.
m.Â
Incidental window signs up to a combined total of three square feet
in area per premises.
n.Â
Directional signs, up to four square feet in area.
o.Â
Temporary signs.
p.Â
Signs that are not clearly visible from a public street, sidewalk,
or other public right-of-way.
q.Â
Indoor
signs.
[Added by Ord. No. 2209, 9/11/2023]
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
The following regulations apply to all signs, regardless of
zoning district.
a.Â
In addition to the general regulations provided herein, additional
standards by zoning district are provided in Table 1. In cases of
conflict between this section and Table 1, the stricter standards
shall govern.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Table 1 is included as an attachment to this chapter.
b.Â
Sign Location.
(1)Â
No sign shall be placed in a manner that may endanger pedestrians,
bicyclists, or motorists by obscuring the view or interfering with
official street signs or signals.
(2)Â
No sign may occupy a safe sight triangle, as defined by the
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway
Administration.
(3)Â
Signs and supporting structures shall not interfere with surface
and underground utility and communications lines or equipment.
c.Â
Sign Materials and Construction.
(1)Â
Signs shall be constructed of durable materials, use noncorrosive
fasteners or adhesives, and shall be maintained in safe condition
and good repair at all times.
(2)Â
Temporary signs and banners must be securely fastened to the
structure or the ground to prevent a safety hazard, made of durable
materials and shall be well maintained. Temporary signs that create
a safety hazard or are frayed, torn, broken, or no longer legible
will be deemed unmaintained and required to be removed.
d.Â
Number of Signs.
(1)Â
Overall Limit on Number. A maximum of five signs may be erected
or maintained on any premises at any one time, except when a premises
is located on a corner lot and has public entrances on two or more
public ways, or where a building has both a front and rear public
entrance, one additional sign may be erected.
(2)Â
A double-sided sign shall count as one sign.
e.Â
Sign Area.
(1)Â
Overall Limit on Sign Area. Each premises is allowed a maximum
of two square feet of sign area per linear foot of the longest frontage
per premises, limited to a maximum of 200 square feet for any individual
premises.
(2)Â
Sign area includes all lettering, designs, logos, and symbols
on the sign face(s), but does not include supporting framework or
trim, provided these elements do not contain lettering, designs, logos,
or symbols.
(3)Â
Sign area shall be measured by the smallest rectangle, square,
circle, or oval that encompasses the letters, designs, logos and/or
symbols on the sign face(s).
(a)Â
Irregular-shaped sign area may be calculated using a combination
of encompassing shapes, provided the calculations are clearly illustrated
in the sign drawings.
(b)Â
All visible faces of a double-sided sign shall be counted in
the sign area calculation.
(c)Â
If elements of a sign are movable or flexible, such as a flag
or banner, the measurement is taken when the elements are fully extended
and parallel to the plane of view.
f.Â
Sign Height.
(1)Â
Overall limit on height: maximum of 35 feet.
(2)Â
Sign height shall be measured as the distance from the mean
surface of the grade below, or from the mean surface elevation of
the adjacent public street or sidewalk to the highest portion of the
sign or any part thereof, including any framework or other structural
elements.
(3)Â
Vertical clearance for freestanding and projecting signs shall
be measured as the smallest vertical distance between the surface
below and the lowest point of the sign, including any framework or
other structural elements.
g.Â
Sign Spacing.
(1)Â
The spacing between sign structures shall be measured as a straight-line
distance between the closest edges of each sign.
h.Â
Sign Illumination.
(1)Â
Signs may be illuminated, unless otherwise specified herein,
consistent with the following standards:
(a)Â
Location. Table 1: Sign Standards by District identifies the
types of illumination permitted in each zoning district.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Table 1 is included as an attachment to this chapter.
(b)Â
Light Trespass. To limit light trespass onto adjacent properties or public rights-of-way, all illuminated signs must follow the Borough's standards for maximum maintained illuminance at the property line as provided in § 19-2713, Table 1, Outdoor Area Lighting Standards, of Chapter XIX, Zoning and Land Development.
(c)Â
Brightness. All illuminated signs must comply with § 19-2706g, Outdoor Sign Lighting Requirements, of Chapter XIX, Zoning and Land Development.
(d)Â
All illuminated signs must be static in intensity and color,
except digital displays.
(e)Â
All signs that include internal illumination, message centers,
and digital displays are subject to the additional permitting requirements
specified in § 15-117, Permits for Signs.
(2)Â
Message center signs and digital displays, where permitted,
are regulated as follows:
(a)Â
Sign Type. Message center and digital display signs are permitted
in the form of freestanding, ground, and wall signs.
(b)Â
Message Duration and Display.
(i)Â
Message Centers and Periodic Digital Displays.
1)Â
The minimum length of time each message may be displayed
is eight seconds.
2)Â
No device may emit content which flashes, pulsates,
moves, or scrolls. Each complete message must fit on one screen.
3)Â
The content must transition by changing instantly
(e.g., no fade-out or fade-in).
4)Â
The device shall contain a default message or image
which shall freeze in one position if a malfunction should occur.
(c)Â
Height. Message center and digital display signs shall have
the same height limits as other permitted signs of the same type in
the same zoning district.
(d)Â
Area: as provided in this section and Table 1.[3]
[3]
Editor's Note: Table 1 is included as an attachment to this chapter.
(e)Â
Maximum Number.
(i)Â
Message Centers and Periodic Digital Displays. Where permitted,
one message center sign or one periodic digital display is permitted
per frontage. On corner premises, a maximum of two signs may be installed.
This may consist of two message centers, two periodic digital displays,
or one of each type. These signs are counted toward the permitted
total for the premises.
(ii)Â
Continuous Digital Displays. Where permitted,
a maximum of two continuous digital displays are permitted in a single
athletic venue. When the device(s) are not visible from outside the
venue, there is no limit.
(f)Â
Conversion of a nonconforming sign, or portion thereof, to a
digital display or message center sign is prohibited.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
a.Â
Wall Signs.
(1)Â
No wall sign may extend laterally beyond the edges of the premises
it identifies.
(2)Â
No portion of a wall sign shall be mounted less than eight feet
above the surface below (vertical clearance), or extend out more than
12 inches from the surface it is affixed to. The height minimum does
not apply if the sign projects less than three inches from the surface
it is affixed to.
b.Â
Projecting Signs.
(1)Â
No portion of a projecting sign may extend more than four feet
from the face or corner of the building it is mounted to, and the
outermost portion of the sign shall be no closer than two feet from
a curbline or shoulder of a public street.
(2)Â
Sign Height. The lowest edge of a projecting sign shall be at
least eight feet above the surface below.
c.Â
Freestanding and Ground Signs.
(1)Â
Sign Placement.
(a)Â
Signs shall be set back a minimum of five feet from the property
line.
(b)Â
No sign may occupy an area designated for parking, loading,
walkways, driveways, fire lanes, easements, public rights-of-way,
or other areas required to remain unobstructed by other deed restrictions
or zoning requirements.
d.Â
Awnings, Canopies, and Marquees.
(1)Â
Awning, canopy, and marquee signs are subject to additional
permitting requirements as specified in § 15-117, Permits
for Signs.
(2)Â
No awning, canopy, or marquee may extend laterally beyond the
edges of the premises it identifies.
(3)Â
Height. The lowest part of any canopy, awning, or marquee shall
be a minimum of eight feet above the surface below.
(4)Â
Projection. When overhanging a public sidewalk, awnings, canopies,
and marquees shall not project from the building wall more than 2/3
the width of the sidewalk as measured from the building. Stanchions
or columns that support canopies shall be located no less than two
feet inward from the curbline of the public street.
(5)Â
Multitenant Buildings. Awning or canopy signs shall be similar
in terms of height, projection, and style for all tenants of the building.
e.Â
Window Signs.
(1)Â
As permitted by Table 1: Sign Standards by District.[1] Incidental window signs, as defined in this chapter, shall
be excluded from area calculations for window signs.
[1]
Editor's Note: Table 1 is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
b.Â
Review Requirements. The following requirements apply to all off-premises
signs, except directional signs with no commercial advertising:
(1)Â
Application. Anyone wishing to install an off-premises sign
shall submit a sign permit application to the Planning Department
in accordance with the requirements of § 15-117, Permits
for Signs.
(2)Â
Review. Upon receiving a complete application, the off-premises
sign proposal will be placed on the agendas of the next available
Design Review Board (DRB) and Planning Commission (PC) meetings for
advisory recommendations.
(3)Â
Site Plan. The application shall include a site plan prepared
by a registered professional that includes the following information:
(a)Â
The location of the proposed sign and the required distances
in accordance with placement and horizontal clearance requirements
of this section.
(b)Â
Boundary lines and dimensions.
(c)Â
Property size, ownership, tax parcel identification number,
and address.
(d)Â
Existing contours and any proposed contours, drawn at a minimum
two-foot interval.
(e)Â
Natural and man-made features on or immediately adjacent to
the site, including but not limited to structures, roadways, walkways,
utilities, and water bodies.
(f)Â
The location, diameter, and species of trees planned to be removed.
c.Â
Sign Area. Off-premises advertising signs are subject to the following
size restrictions according to the posted speed limit of the road
which the off-premises sign faces. If the sign faces multiple roadways,
the more restrictive standard shall be used.
e.Â
Placement and Horizontal Clearance. Off-premises signs shall be:
(1)Â
Set back from the right-of-way of any public street a distance
equal to the height of the off-premises sign or 15 feet, whichever
is greater.
(2)Â
Located no closer than 15 feet from any property line.
(3)Â
Located no closer than 50 feet from any building, structure,
or on-premises sign located on the same property.
(4)Â
Located no closer than 500 feet from another off-premises sign
on either side of the road measured linearly.
(5)Â
Not located within any utility easements.
(6)Â
Not located on a bridge.
f.Â
Number of Signs per Lot. There shall be no more than one off-premises
sign per lot, except when the premises is located on a corner lot
with public entrances on two or more public ways, one additional off-premises
sign may be erected.
g.Â
Double-Sided Off-Premises Signs. Signs may be single or double-sided,
as regulated by § 15-106.
h.Â
Construction and Maintenance.
(1)Â
All plans for off-premises signs shall be certified by a registered
professional.
(2)Â
All off-premises advertising signs shall be constructed in accordance
with industry-wide standards established by the Outdoor Advertising
Association of America and the Institute of Outdoor Advertising, or
their successor organizations. All off-premises advertising signs
shall be structurally sound and maintained in good condition and in
compliance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.
(3)Â
The back side of a single-face, off-premises advertising sign
shall be painted and maintained with a single neutral color as approved
by the Borough.
i.Â
Identification of Sign Owner. Owners of off-premises signs shall
display their name, company, address, and phone number on the sign
or its supporting structure.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
a.Â
Temporary signs that meet the requirements of this subsection shall
not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area
of permanent signs allowed on a property, and do not require permits.
(1)Â
This section does not apply to portable signs, which are regulated
by § 15-110.
b.Â
Duration. Temporary signs may be displayed up 30 consecutive days,
two times per calendar year. This does not include temporary signs
for active construction sites that are likely to exceed 30 days in
duration; however, such signs must be removed immediately at the conclusion
of construction, or the issuance of the certificate of occupancy,
whichever occurs first. Real estate signs may remain in place in excess
of 30 days but must be removed once the rental space is fully leased,
or the for-sale property is sold.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2209, 9/11/2023]
c.Â
Permission. The party posting the temporary sign(s) is solely responsible
for obtaining the permission of the property owner before posting
the sign(s). Temporary signs installed without the consent of the
property owner(s) shall be considered a violation of this chapter.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
a.Â
Portable signs that meet the requirements of this section shall not
be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of permanent
signs allowed on a property, and do not require permits.
b.Â
Duration. There is no limit to the number of days that portable signs
located within public sidewalks or rights-of-way can be utilized;
however, all portable signs must be removed and taken in each day
at the close of business.
c.Â
Placement.
(1)Â
Portable signs shall be weighted, secured, or strategically
placed to avoid being carried away by high winds.
(2)Â
If a portable sign is located within a public sidewalk, plaza,
or other public use area, it must be placed in a manner that does
not cause a safety hazard or obstruct the use of the area by pedestrians.
Failure to maintain the portable sign(s) in such a manner may constitute
a violation.
d.Â
Number, Area, and Height.
(1)Â
Number. One portable sign is permitted per business or other
nonresidential premises, except that corner premises or those with
public entrances on two or more streets may have up to two portable
signs.
(2)Â
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of seven square feet
per sign face.
(3)Â
Height. Sandwich board signs shall have a maximum height of
3.5 feet. All other portable signs have a maximum height limit of
six feet.
e.Â
Illumination. Illumination of portable signs is prohibited.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
a.Â
Street pole banners are regulated by the State College Borough Public
Works and Administrative Departments.
(1)Â
Prior to installation of any street pole banners, the applicant
shall provide drawings or renderings showing the design and dimensions
of the banner(s), and a map showing the installation location(s) to
the Borough Public Works Department for review.
(2)Â
Proposals for street pole banners are reviewed on a case-by-case
basis to prevent adverse impacts to the public health, safety, and
welfare.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
Signs in the R1, R2, R3, R3B, R3H, and R4 Districts are regulated
by this section, and all other relevant provisions of this chapter.
a.Â
Home Occupations. Operators of home occupations, or no-impact home-based businesses, as defined and regulated by Chapter XIX, Zoning and Land Development, and the PA Municipalities Planning Code, are permitted to install signage as follows:
b.Â
All Other Uses. Sign requirements for all other permitted uses are
specified in Table 1.[1]
(1)Â
In no case shall signs be installed on the premises of single-family
or duplex dwellings, except as provided herein for home occupations,
or exempted by § 15-105 of this chapter.
[1]
Editor's Note: Table 1 is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
Signs in the UV, CP1, CP2, CP3, MP, RO, ROA, and PO Districts
are regulated by this section, and all other relevant provisions of
this chapter. In cases of conflict, the stricter standards shall govern.
a.Â
Athletic Venues.
(1)Â
Signs located on the interior of the site used to identify various
use areas, facility boundaries, on-site traffic direction, trail use
information, or hours and rules for the use of the grounds, etc.,
are exempt from sign permit requirements.
(2)Â
Signs visible from outside the venue.
(a)Â
Signs on any outside wall or fence of an athletic venue, or
other locations that are clearly visible from any public right-of-way,
must comply with the provisions of this chapter, including permits.
(b)Â
Scoreboards visible outside of the athletic venue may contain
commercial signage up to a maximum area of 15% of the front face of
the scoreboard. No signage is permitted on the rear face of any scoreboard.
(c)Â
Continuous digital displays utilized during an event held within
an athletic venue are considered temporary and are considered part
of the scoreboard structure.
b.Â
Motor vehicle oriented businesses (MVOB), as defined in Chapter XIX, Zoning and Land Development, may have a maximum of two menu signs advertising items for sale to users of the drive-through lane only, when one exists. This is in addition to the maximum number of signs permitted by § 15-106, General Regulations.
c.Â
All Other Uses. Sign requirements for all other permitted uses are
specified in Table 1.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Table 1 is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
Signs in the C and CID Districts are regulated by this section,
and all other relevant provisions of this chapter. In cases of conflict,
the stricter standards shall govern.
a.Â
Motor vehicle oriented businesses (MVOB), as defined in Chapter XIX, Zoning and Land Development, may have a maximum of two menu signs advertising items for sale to users of the drive-through lane only, when one exists. This is in addition to the maximum number of signs permitted by § 15-106, General Regulations.
b.Â
All Other Uses. Sign requirements for all other permitted uses are
specified in Table 1.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Table 1 is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
Signs in the P, PA, and PK Districts are regulated by this section,
and all other relevant provisions of this chapter. In cases of conflict,
the stricter standards shall govern.
a.Â
These regulations do not apply to signs within the UPD Zoning District. Signs in the UPD are regulated by § 19-1210 of Chapter XIX, Zoning and Land Development.
b.Â
Parks and Open Space.
(1)Â
Signs located on the interior of the site used to identify various
use areas, facility boundaries, on-site traffic direction, trail use
information, or hours and rules for the use of the grounds, etc.,
are exempt from permit requirements.
c.Â
Athletic Venues.
(1)Â
Signs located on the interior of the site used to identify various
use areas, facility boundaries, on-site traffic direction, trail use
information, or hours and rules for the use of the grounds, etc.,
are exempt from sign permit requirements.
(2)Â
Signs visible from outside the venue.
(a)Â
Signs on any outside wall or fence of an athletic venue, or
other locations that are clearly visible from any public right-of-way,
must comply with the provisions of this chapter, including permits.
(b)Â
Scoreboards visible outside of the athletic venue may contain
commercial signage up to a maximum area of 15% of the front face of
the scoreboard. No signage is permitted on the rear face of any scoreboard.
(c)Â
Continuous digital displays utilized during an event held within
an athletic venue are considered temporary and are considered part
of the scoreboard structure.
d.Â
All Other Uses. Sign requirements for all other permitted uses are
specified in Table 1.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Table 1 is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
a.Â
Unsafe or Unlawful Signs.
(1)Â
Upon receipt of a complaint of an unsafe or unlawful sign, the
Borough will investigate the complaint, and, if determined valid,
will notify the property owner. Any sign that is in danger of falling
or collapsing, or one that is unlawfully installed, must be removed,
replaced, or fixed.
(2)Â
The Borough may remove or cause to be removed the sign at the
expense of the owner in the event the owner has not complied with
the notice(s) from the Borough. In the event of immediate danger,
the Borough may remove the sign immediately upon notification of the
owner, person, or firm maintaining the sign.
b.Â
Abandoned Signs.
(1)Â
It shall be the responsibility of the owner of any property
upon which an abandoned sign is located to remove the sign, any supporting
structures, structural trim, and any other related appurtenances within
six months of it becoming abandoned as defined in this chapter.
(2)Â
If the owner fails to complete the removal within six months,
the Borough will provide notification and may remove such sign at
the owner's expense. If the owner fails to pay the removal costs,
the Borough may file a lien upon the property for the purpose of recovering
all reasonable costs associated with the removal of the sign.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
a.Â
It shall be unlawful to erect, replace, or relocate any sign in the
Borough without first obtaining a sign permit, unless exempted by
§ 15-105, Signs Exempt from Permitting Requirements.
b.Â
To apply for a sign permit, the applicant must provide the following
to the Borough:
(1)Â
A completed sign permit application (available from the Planning
Department).
(2)Â
Plans, drawings, or photographs showing the design, dimensions,
and location(s) of the sign(s) on the property. The Planning Department
may request supplemental information if the application is deficient.
(3)Â
A sign permit fee, to be established from time to time by resolution
of State College Borough. The applicant will be notified of the fee(s)
upon initial review of the application.
|
All fees are due prior to issuance of the permit(s).
|
|
If the proposal includes any type of internally illuminated
sign, or any awnings, canopies, or marquees, additional permitting
is required. All applications for such signs, and additional review
fees when required, must be submitted to the State College Borough
Planning Department prior to submitting to Centre Region Code.
|
|
Permits Required
|
All Signs
|
Internally Illuminated Signs
|
Awnings, Canopies, Marquees
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sign Permit
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
|
Zoning/Building Permit
|
x
|
x1
| |
|
Awning Permit
|
x1
|
|
Notes:
| |
|
1
|
For awnings, additional permitting is only required when replacing
the awning structure. Installation of new fabric or other material
that covers the structure only requires a sign permit.
|
(4)Â
Applications for internally illuminated signs must include a
plan prepared by a design professional that shows the results of the
lighting design to demonstrate compliance with the standards of § 19-2709a(8).
c.Â
All approved signs must be installed within one year of permit issuance;
otherwise a new permit will be required.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
a.Â
Intent. The intent of this section is to allow certain provisions
of this chapter to be modified by the Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB);
however, nothing in this section is intended to permit the erection
or maintenance of signs which are prohibited by § 15-104,
Prohibited Signs.
b.Â
Variances. Requests for variances shall be heard by the ZHB in accordance
with the PA Municipalities Planning Code, State College Borough Zoning
Ordinance, and in accordance with the provisions of this section.
c.Â
Hearing. If any party wishes to install or maintain a sign or signs
other than as permitted by this chapter, that party shall be entitled
to a variance hearing before the ZHB, upon submission of the required
forms and fees for a hearing.
d.Â
Design Review Board. Prior to the hearing, the variance request shall
be reviewed by the Design Review Board (DRB). The DRB review is advisory
in nature, and the authority to grant variances remains solely with
the ZHB. Any comments and recommendations from the DRB will be submitted
to the ZHB during the hearing.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
a.Â
Signs legally in existence at the time of adoption of this chapter
which do not conform to the requirements of this chapter shall be
considered nonconforming signs.
b.Â
All permanent signs and sign structures shall be brought into conformance
with the sign regulations when any of the following occurs:
(1)Â
The sign is removed, relocated, or significantly altered. Significant
alterations include changes in the size or dimensions of the sign
or a change in location on the property.
(2)Â
If more than 50% of the sign area is damaged.
(3)Â
Replacement or an alteration to the sign support(s).
(4)Â
Conversion from a nonilluminated to an illuminated sign.
c.Â
Replacement of a nonconforming sign with a conforming sign requires
a permit pursuant to § 15-117.
d.Â
Prior to the events listed above, nonconforming signs may be repainted,
the copy may be changed, or face(s) may be replaced, provided that
these actions do not increase the dimensions of the existing sign
or increase the extent of the nonconformity in any way.
e.Â
Nonconforming signs shall be exempt from the provisions of § 15-119b
under the following conditions:
(1)Â
The nonconforming sign possesses documented historic or architectural
value or unique design as recognized by the Pennsylvania Historical
and Museum Commission, local historical commission, National Park
Service, or other similar organizations.
(2)Â
When a nonconforming sign is required to be moved because of
public right-of-way improvements.
f.Â
Signs on the premises of legally nonconforming uses (such as an office
in a residential area) may remain until the existing use of the premises
is changed or abandoned.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
The installation or maintenance of a sign without an approved sign permit, as required by this chapter, constitutes a zoning violation. Enforcement will be conducted in accordance with Chapter XIX, Zoning and Land Development.
