In expansion of the legislative intent contained in Article
I, §
350-4, of this chapter, and the community development objectives contained in Article
I, §
350-5, of this chapter, it is hereby declared to be the primary purpose of this article to recognize that signs perform an important function in identifying properties, businesses, services, residences, events, and other matters of interest to the public and, as such, to regulate all signs within Upper Pottsgrove Township 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, morals and general welfare by:
A. Prohibiting the erection of signs in such numbers, sizes, designs,
illumination, and locations as may create a hazard to pedestrians
and motorists.
B. Setting standards and providing uniform, scientifically based controls
that permit reasonable use of signs and preserve the character of
the Township.
C. Avoiding excessive conflicts from large or multiple signs, so that
permitted signs provide adequate identification and direction while
minimizing clutter, unsightliness, and confusion.
D. Encouraging signs that are attractively designed in order to enhance
the economic value as well as the visual character of the Township.
E. Prohibiting the erection of signs that do not meet the above criteria
and which are incompatible with the agricultural landscape and historic
and rural character of Upper Pottsgrove Township.
F. Establishing a process for the review and approval of sign permit
applications.
As used in this article, the following terms have the meanings
indicated, unless otherwise expressly stated:
ABANDONED SIGN
A sign which has not identified or advertised a current business,
service, owner, product, or activity for a period of at least 180
days for off-premises signs, or at least 360 days for on-premises
signs.
ADDRESS SIGN
A sign that designates the street number and/or street name
for identification purposes, as designated by the United States Postal
Service (also known as "nameplate sign").
ANIMATED SIGN
A sign depicting action, motion, or light or color changes
through electrical or mechanical means.
AWNING
A cloth, plastic, or other nonstructural covering 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.
AWNING SIGN
A sign painted on, printed on, or applied to an awning.
BALLOON SIGN
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.
BANNER
Any cloth, bunting, plastic, paper, or similar nonrigid material
attached to any structure, staff, pole, rope, wire, or framing which
is anchored on two or more edges or at all four corners. Banners are
temporary in nature and do not include flags.
BEACON LIGHTING
Any source of electric light, whether portable or fixed,
the primary purpose of which is to cast a concentrated beam of light
generally skyward as a means of attracting attention to its location
rather than to illuminate any particular sign, structure, or other
object.
BUILDING FRONTAGE
The maximum linear width of a building measured in a single
straight light parallel, or essentially parallel, with the abutting
a street or parking lot.
CANOPY
A multisided overhead structure or architectural projection
supported by attachments to a building on one or more sides and either
cantilevered from such building or also supported by columns at additional
points.
CANOPY SIGN
Any sign that is part of, or attached to, a canopy.
CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN
A sign or portion thereof on which the copy or symbols change
either automatically through electrical or electronic means, or manually
through placement of letters or symbols on a panel mounted in or on
a track system. The two types of changeable copy signs are manual
changeable copy signs and electronic changeable copy signs, which
include message center signs and digital displays.
CHANNEL LETTER SIGN
A sign consisting of fabricated or formed three-dimensional
letters, individually applied to a wall, which may accommodate a light
source.
CLEARANCE
The distance above the walkway, or other surface if specified,
to the bottom edge of a sign. This term can also refer to a horizontal
distance between two objects.
DIGITAL DISPLAY
The portion of a sign message made up of internally illuminated
components capable of changing the message periodically. Digital displays
may include but are not limited to LCD, LED, or plasma screens.
DIRECTIONAL SIGN
A sign designed to provide direction to pedestrian and/or
vehicular traffic into and out of a site, or providing direction to
individual amenities or buildings within a site.
FESTOON LIGHTING
A type of illumination composed of a group of light bulbs
hung or strung overhead or on a building or other structure.
FLAG
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. For the purposes of this article,
this definition shall include "feather flags" and "flutter flags."
FLASHING SIGN
A sign whose artificial illumination is not kept constant
in intensity at all times when in use and which exhibits changes in
light, color, direction, or animation. This definition does not include
electronic message center signs or digital displays that meet the
requirements set forth herein.
FREESTANDING SIGN
A sign supported by structures or supports that are placed
on, or anchored in, the ground; and that is independent and detached
from any building or other structure. The following are subtypes of
freestanding signs:
GROUND SIGN — 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 (also known as "monument
sign").
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POLE SIGN — 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.
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FUELING STATION CANOPY
A freestanding, open-air structure constructed for the purpose
of shielding service station islands and users from the elements.
FUELING STATION CANOPY SIGN
Any sign that is part of, or attached to, the vertical sides
of the fueling station canopy roof structure. For the purposes of
this article, gas station canopy signs shall be considered wall signs.
GOVERNMENT/REGULATORY SIGN
Any sign for the control of traffic or for identification
purposes, street signs, warning signs, railroad crossing signs, and
signs of public service companies indicating danger or construction,
which are erected by or at the order of a public officer, employee,
or agent thereof, in the discharge of official duties.
HISTORIC DISTRICT
A district or zone designated by a local, state, or federal
government, within which buildings, structures, and/or appurtenances
are deemed important because of their association with history, or
because of their unique architectural style and scale.
HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
Signs or displays, including lighting, which are a nonpermanent
installation celebrating national, state, and local holidays, religious
or cultural holidays, or other holiday seasons (also known as "seasonal
decorations").
ILLUMINATED SIGN
A sign with electrical equipment installed for illumination,
either internally illuminated through its sign face by a light source
contained inside the sign, or externally illuminated by a light source
aimed at its surface.
ILLUMINATION
A source of any artificial or reflected light, either directly
from a source of light incorporated in, or directly from, an artificial
source.
EXTERNAL ILLUMINATION — 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.
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INTERNAL ILLUMINATION — A light source that is concealed
or contained within the sign and becomes visible in darkness through
a translucent surface. Message center signs, digital displays, and
signs incorporating neon lighting shall not be considered internal
illumination for the purposes of this article.
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INCIDENTAL SIGN
A sign that displays general site information, instructions,
directives, or restrictions that are primarily oriented to pedestrians
and motor vehicle operators who have entered a property from a public
street. These signs shall not contain any commercial advertising.
INCIDENTAL WINDOW SIGN
Signs displayed in the 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 a commercial
message.
INFLATABLE SIGN
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.
INTERACTIVE SIGN
An electronic or animated sign that reacts to the behavior
or electronic signals of motor vehicle drivers.
LEGIBILITY
The physical attributes of a sign that allow for an observer's
differentiation of its letters, words, numbers, or graphics.
LIMITED DURATION SIGN
A nonpermanent sign that is displayed on private property
for more than 30 days, but is not intended to be displayed for an
indefinite period of time.
MANUAL CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN
A sign or portion thereof on which the copy or symbols are
changed manually through placement or drawing of letters or symbols
on a sign face.
MARQUEE
A permanent structure, other than a roof or canopy, attached
to, supported by, and projecting from a building and providing protection
from the elements.
MARQUEE SIGN
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.
MECHANICAL MOVEMENT SIGN
A sign having parts that physically move rather than merely
appearing to move as might be found in a digital display. The physical
movement may be activated electronically or by another means, but
shall not include wind-activated movement such as used for banners
or flags. Mechanical movement signs do not include digital signs that
have changeable, programmable displays.
MEMORIAL SIGN
A memorial plaque or tablet, including grave markers or other
remembrances of persons or events, which is not used for a commercial
message.
MESSAGE CENTER SIGN
A type of illuminated, changeable copy sign that consists
of electronically changing alphanumeric text often used for gas price
display signs and athletic scoreboards.
MURAL
Artwork applied to the wall of a building which covers all
or most of the wall and depicts an artistic scene or event of natural,
social, cultural or historic significance.
NEON SIGN
A sign illuminated by a neon tube, or other visible light-emanating
gas tube, that is bent to form letters, symbols, or other graphics.
NONCONFORMING SIGN
A sign that was legally erected and maintained prior to the
effective date of this article, or any subsequent amendment hereto,
that does not currently comply with the provisions of this article.
OBSCENE SIGN
Any sign or symbol which displays or contains obscene matter.
The matter shall be considered obscene if:
A.
The average person, applying contemporary community standards,
would find that the sign or symbol, taken as a whole, appeals to prurient
interests;
B.
The sign or symbol depicts or describes, in a patently offensive
way, sexual conduct specifically defined by applicable state or federal
law; and/or
C.
The sign or symbol, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary,
artistic, political or scientific value.
OFF-PREMISES SIGN
An outdoor sign whose message directs attention to a specific
business, product, service, event or activity, or other commercial
or noncommercial activity, or contains a noncommercial message about
something that is sold, produced, manufactured, furnished, or conducted
elsewhere than on the premises upon which the sign is located (also
known as "billboard").
OFFICIAL TRAFFIC SIGN
Official highway route number signs, street name signs, directional
signs, and other traffic signs erected and maintained on public highways
and roads in the interest of public safety or for the regulation of
traffic.
ON-PREMISES SIGN
A sign whose message and design relate to an individual business,
profession, product, service, event, point of view, or other commercial
or noncommercial activity which is sold, offered, or conducted on
the premises upon which the sign is located.
PENNANT SIGN
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.
PERMANENT SIGN
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.
PERSONAL EXPRESSION SIGN
An on-premises sign that expresses an opinion, interest,
position, or other noncommercial message.
PORTABLE SIGN
Any sign designed to be moved easily and not permanently
affixed to the ground or to a structure or building. Portable signs
include sandwich board signs and vehicular signs.
PRIVATE DRIVE SIGN
A sign indicating a street or drive which is not publicly
owned and maintained and used only for access by the occupants of
the development and their guests.
PROJECTED LIGHT SIGN
A sign created by projecting an image on a surface using
lighting that is stationary and constant in intensity and color at
all times and which may use stencils, photographic images, or other
visual media or technology to project the image.
PROJECTING SIGN
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 "blade sign").
PUBLIC SIGN
A sign erected or required by government agencies or utilities,
including traffic, utility, safety, railroad crossing, and identification
signs for public facilities.
REFLECTIVE SIGN
A sign containing any material or device, including paint,
which has the effect of intensifying reflected light.
REVOLVING SIGN
A sign which revolves in a circular motion rather than remaining
stationary on its supporting structure.
ROOF SIGN
A building-mounted sign erected upon, against, or over the
roof of a building.
SANDWICH BOARD SIGN
A type of freestanding, portable sign consisting of two faces
whose message is targeted at pedestrians (also known as a "curb sign,"
"sidewalk sign" or "A-frame sign").
SCOREBOARD
A sign contained within an athletic venue and intended solely
to provide information to the attendees of an athletic event.
SECURITY SIGN
An on-premises sign regulating the use of the premises, such
as a "no trespassing," "no hunting," or "no soliciting" sign (also
known as "warning sign").
SHIELDED
The description of a luminaire from which no direct glare
is visible at normal viewing angles, by virtue of its being properly
aimed, oriented, and located and properly fitted with such devices
as shields, barn doors, baffles, louvers, skirts, or visors.
SIGN
Any device, structure, fixture, painting, emblem, or visual
that uses words, graphics, colors, illumination, symbols, numbers,
or letters for the purpose of communicating a message. "Sign" includes
the sign faces as well as any sign-supporting structure.
SIGN AREA
The total dimensions of a sign surface used to display information, messages, advertising, logos, or symbols. See §
350-137C for standards for measuring sign area.
SIGN FACE
The part of the sign that is, or can be, used for the sign
area. The sign area can be smaller than the sign face.
SNIPE SIGN
A sign tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued, or otherwise
affixed to a tree, pole, stake, fence, public bench, streetlight,
or other object, or placed on any public property or in the public
right-of-way or on any private property without the permission of
the property owner (also known as "bandit sign").
STOREFRONT
The exterior facade of a building housing a commercial use
visible from a street, sidewalk, or other pedestrian way accessible
to the public and containing the primary entrance to the commercial
establishment.
STREAMERS
A display made of lightweight, flexible materials, consisting
of long, narrow, wavy strips hung individually or in a series, with
or without a logo or advertising message printed or painted on them
and typically designed to move in the wind.
STREET FRONTAGE
The side or sides of a lot abutting on a public street or
right-of-way.
STREET POLE BANNER
A banner suspended above a public sidewalk and attached to
a single street pole. These signs shall not contain any commercial
advertising.
TEMPORARY SIGN
A type of nonpermanent sign that is located on private property
that can be displayed no more than 30 consecutive days, not more than
two times per calendar year.
UNDER-CANOPY SIGN
A sign which is mounted entirely under a canopy or the roof
of a covered walkway or pedestrian arcade.
VEHICULAR SIGN
Any vehicle to which a sign is affixed in such a manner that
the carrying of such sign or signs is used primarily as stationary
advertisement for the business on which the vehicle sits or is otherwise
not incidental to the vehicle's primary purpose. Vehicular signs are
considered to be portable signs.
VENDING MACHINE SIGN
A sign displayed on a vending machine indicating the name
of the product being sold and/or the price of such product.
WALL SIGN
A building-mounted sign which is either 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 (also known as: "fascia sign," "parallel wall sign," or
"band sign").
WINDOW SIGN
A sign that is applied, painted, or affixed to a window,
or placed inside a window, within three feet of the glass, facing
the outside of the building, and easily seen from the outside. Customary
displays of merchandise or objects and material without lettering
behind a store window are not considered signs.
It shall be unlawful, upon or after the effective date of this
article or any amendment thereto, for any person, firm or corporation
to erect any of the following signs within Upper Pottsgrove Township:
C. Vehicular signs. This regulation does not include the use of business
logos, identification or advertising on vehicles primarily and actively
used for business purposes and/or personal transportation.
D. Mechanical movement signs, including revolving signs.
E. Pennant strings and streamers.
F. Animated signs, flashing signs, or signs that scroll or flash text
or graphics.
G. Inflatable devices or balloon signs, with the exception of balloons
used in temporary, noncommercial situations.
H. Any sign that imitates, resembles, interferes with, or obstructs
official traffic lights, signs, or signals.
I. Any sign that prevents free ingress or egress from any door, window,
fire escape or other exitway, or that prevents free access from one
part of a roof to any other part. No sign other than a safety sign
shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
J. Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors, particulate matter, sound,
or odor, or contain open flames.
K. Reflective signs or signs containing mirrors.
M. Signs incorporating beacon or festoon lighting.
N. Any banner or sign of any type suspended across a public street,
without the permission of the owner of the property and roadway.
P. Signs erected without the permission of the property owner or authorized
agent, with the exception of those authorized or required by local,
state, or federal government.
Q. Any sign containing information which states or implies that a property
may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of
the Township Zoning Ordinance.
R. Signs that exhibit statements, words or pictures of obscene or pornographic
subjects as determined by the Township.
S. Any sign that promotes illegal activity.
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 within a zoning district, provided
such signs comply with the regulations in this section, if any.
B. Government/regulatory signs.
E. Signs inside a building or other enclosed facility which are not
meant to be viewed from the outside and are located greater than three
feet from the window.
F. Holiday and seasonal decorations.
G. Personal expression signs of any sign type, including flags, provided
that they do not exceed six square feet in area per side, are noncommercial
in nature, and are not illuminated.
H. Address signs: up to two signs stating address, number and/or name
of occupants of the premises and do not include any commercial advertising
or other identification.
(1)
Residential districts: signs not to exceed two square feet in
area.
(2)
Nonresidential districts: signs not to exceed five square feet
in area.
I. Signs or emblems of a religious, civil, philanthropic, historical,
or educational organization that do not exceed four square feet in
area.
J. Private drive signs: one sign per driveway entrance, not to exceed
two square feet in area.
K. Security and warning signs. These limitations shall not apply to
the posting of conventional "no trespassing" signs in accordance with
state law.
(1)
Residential districts: signs not to exceed two square feet in
area.
(2)
Nonresidential districts: maximum of one large sign per property,
not to exceed five square feet in area. All other posted security
and warning signs may not exceed two square feet in area.
L. Flags.
(1)
Location. Flags and flagpoles shall not be located within any
right-of-way.
(2)
Height. Flags shall have a maximum height of 30 feet.
(3)
Number: no more than two flags per lot in residential districts,
no more than three flags per lot in all other districts.
(4)
Size. Maximum flag size is 24 square feet in residential districts,
35 square feet in all other districts.
(5)
Flags containing commercial messages may be used as permitted
freestanding or projecting signs. If so used, the area of the flag
shall be included in, and limited by, the computation of allowable
area for signs on the property.
(6)
Flags up to six square feet in area located on private property and containing noncommercial messages are considered personal expression signs and are regulated in accordance with §
350-136F.
M. Vending machine signs, provided that the machine is not placed in
the front yard of a property.
N. Memorial signs, public monument, plaque or historic identification
marker erected by a government agency.
O. Signs which are a permanent architectural feature of a building or
structure, existing at the time of adoption of this article.
P. Signs advertising the variety of crops growing in a field. Such signs
shall be removed after the growing season.
Q. Incidental signs, including incidental window signs, provided that
the aggregate area of incidental signs on a property does not exceed
three square feet. Incidental sign area in excess of three square
feet, where permitted, shall be included.
R. Directional signs, provided they do not contain any commercial messaging.
(1)
Area. No single directional sign shall exceed four square feet
in area.
(2)
Height. Directional signs shall have a maximum height of five
feet.
(3)
Illumination. Directional signs shall be nonilluminated.
S. Art and murals, provided such signs do not contain any commercial
messaging.
T. Temporary signs, in accordance with §
350-138C.
U. Street pole banner signs, in accordance with §
350-138E.