The regulations contained in this article shall apply to all
signs in all zoning districts.
Signs in all zoning districts shall be categorized according
to the types and classes described below and shall comply with the
requirements for those types and classes described in this section.
A.
Classes. Signs are classified by physical attributes into the following
categories:
(1)
Freestanding. A sign supported on a foundation or by one or more
uprights, poles or braces permanently affixed to the ground and not
attached to any building.
(a)
Pole sign. A freestanding sign that is supported by one or more
poles, uprights or braces and that has a minimum clearance between
the bottom edge of the sign and the adjacent ground level, as specified
by this chapter.
(b)
Ground sign. A freestanding sign that is affixed to the ground
by means of a permanent foundation and that provides a maximum clearance
of 18 inches between the bottom edge of the sign and the adjacent
ground level.
(2)
Wall. A sign attached to and erected parallel to the face of an outside
wall of a building, projecting outward no more than six inches from
the wall of the building.
(3)
Arcade sign. A sign suspended beneath a ceiling of an arcade, a roof
or marquee containing only the name of a business for the purpose
of assisting pedestrian traffic traveling under the arcade, roof or
marquee to identify the location of establishments within a shopping
center or similar building.
(4)
Bulletin. A type of changeable copy sign constructed to allow letters
or symbols to be changed periodically such as those used by churches
and schools to announce events.
(5)
Roof sign. A sign erected and maintained upon or above the roof of
any building that projects no more than six feet above the roof.
(6)
Overhanging. A sign, other than a wall sign or arcade sign, affixed
to a building or wall whose leading edge extends beyond such building
or wall more than six inches, including awnings, marquees or similar
structures used for business identification.
(7)
Billboard. Any off-premises sign with a changeable advertising face
that advertises an establishment, person, activity, product or service
that is unrelated to or unavailable on the premises on which the sign
is located.
(8)
Changeable copy. A sign that is designed so that characters, letters
or illustrations can be changed or rearranged without altering the
face or surface of the sign.
(9)
Indirectly illuminated. A sign that is lighted by means of lamps
or lighting devices external to, and reflected on, the sign, which
lighting is stationary and constant in intensity and color at all
times and that is shielded so that the illumination is concentrated
on the face of the sign and there is no spillover of illumination
or glare beyond the face of the sign.
(10)
Internally illuminated. A sign that is lighted by means of lamps
or lighting devices internal to the sign, which lighting is either
behind the face of the sign or is an integral part of the sign structure
and the advertising effect.
B.
Types. Signs are categorized by use, function or purpose into the
following types:
(1)
Residential identification sign. A sign containing only the name
and address of the occupant of the premises.
(2)
Home occupation identification sign. A sign containing only the name
and address of the occupant of the premises and their occupation.
No logos or other advertising shall be permitted.
(3)
Residential plan identification sign. A permanent wall or freestanding
ground sign containing only the name and address of a plan of subdivision
or a multifamily building or development.
(4)
Real estate sign. A temporary sign advertising the sale or rental
of the premises. The signs may also bear the words "sold," "sale pending"
or "rented" across their face.
(5)
Development sign. A temporary sign erected during the period of construction
and/or development of a property by the contractor and developer or
their agent.
(6)
Construction sign. A temporary sign announcing the name of contractors,
mechanics or artisans engaged in performing work on the premises.
(7)
Notification sign. A sign bearing legal and/or property notices such
as: "no trespassing," "private property," "no turnaround," "safety
zone," "no hunting" and similar messages and signs posted by a governmental
agency for traffic control or the safety of the general public.
(8)
Off-premises directional sign. A sign, other than a billboard, that
directs the public to an establishment, activity, person, product
or service that is not sold, produced or available on the property
on which the sign is located.
(9)
On-premises directional sign. A sign that directs and/or instructs
vehicular or pedestrian traffic relative to parking areas, proper
exits, loading areas, entrance points and similar information on the
premises on which it is located.
(10)
Political sign. A temporary sign that indicates the name, cause
or affiliation of anyone seeking public office or that refers to an
issue concerning which a public election is scheduled to be held.
(11)
Business identification sign. A sign that contains the name,
address and goods, services, facilities or events available on the
premises.
(12)
Temporary special event display. A banner, flag, pennant or
similar display constructed of durable material and affixed to the
wall of a building erected for a period not exceeding 30 days whose
sole purpose is to advertise a special event.
(13)
Window display. A sign or group of signs affixed to the inside
of a display window in a commercial establishment that advertises
a product or service available on the premises or that announces or
promotes a special sale or special event.
The following regulations shall apply to signs in all zoning
districts:
A.
Restricted signs. The following signs shall not be permitted in any
zoning district:
(1)
A-frame or sandwich board signs;
(2)
Portable or wheeled signs, other than temporary special event displays
authorized by this chapter;
(3)
Banners and pennants, other than temporary special event displays
authorized by this chapter;
(4)
Inflatable structures of any kind, other than temporary special event
displays authorized by this chapter;
(5)
Moving or flashing signs, except for that portion of a permitted
sign that indicates time or temperature;
(6)
Roof signs;
(7)
Signs on trees, utility poles or official traffic control devices
or signs;
(8)
Signs that imitate traffic control devices;
(9)
Signs painted on walls or chimneys of a building or on fences or
walls;
(10)
Strings of lights, flashers, flags, pennants or other display
paraphernalia except those displays specifically authorized by this
article;
(11)
Signs on or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers that are parked
on a public right-of-way, public property or private property, other
than temporarily for overnight storage on the site of a business or
for maintenance, repair, loading, unloading or rendering a service
at any location, that are visible from the public right-of-way and
where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct people
to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property.
B.
Exempt signs. The following signs shall be exempt from these regulations:
(1)
Political signs;
(2)
Residential identification signs, as defined herein;
(3)
Holiday decorations displayed for recognized federal or state holidays,
provided they do not interfere with traffic safety or do not, in any
other way, become a public hazard;
(4)
Memorial/historical plaques, as defined herein;
(5)
Window displays, as defined herein, provided they shall not exceed
20% of the gross surface area of all windows in an establishment;
C.
Lots with multiple street frontage. In all zoning districts, lots
fronting on more than one street shall be permitted to have one sign
which is authorized per lot on each street frontage.
D.
Temporary signs. In all zoning districts where authorized by § 320-93, real estate, construction and development signs shall be considered temporary signs that shall be removed within 30 days of the completion of sales or construction. Temporary special event displays shall be regulated by § 320-93E.
E.
Notification signs. In all zoning districts, the number, location
and size of legal notification signs erected by public agencies shall
be in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth. In all zoning
districts, legal notification signs posted on private property by
property owners such as "no trespassing," "no hunting" and the like
shall be limited to a surface area not exceeding two square feet.
The placement and maximum number of signs permitted along road frontages
shall be one sign for every 30 feet of road frontage.
F.
Visibility. No sign shall be located in such a position that it will cause a hazard by obstructing visibility for traffic on a street or obscuring a traffic signal or other traffic control device. No sign, other than official traffic signs and off-premises directional signs, shall hang over or be erected within the right-of-way of any street. No sign shall be located within the clear sight triangle defined by § 320-73D.
G.
Illumination. Illumination, when authorized by this chapter, shall
be directed upon the sign face and not towards adjoining properties
or streets. Flashing or oscillating signs shall not be permitted.
Lighting shall be stationary and constant in intensity and color at
all times. The intensity of any source of illumination of any sign,
whether indirect or internal, shall be controlled so as to not create
glare and to be compatible with the intensity of ambient light and
illumination on surrounding properties.
H.
Maintenance and inspection. All signs must be constructed of a durable
material and maintained in good condition. Any sign found to be in
an unsafe condition upon inspection shall be declared to be a public
nuisance and the Zoning Officer shall give notice to the owner in
writing to repair or remove the sign within 10 days. Upon failure
of the owner to comply, the Township shall remove the sign at the
owner's expense.
I.
Removal of signs. Whenever any business is discontinued or vacated,
all signs relating to the discontinued or vacated business shall be
removed within 30 days of the vacation or discontinuance of the business.
Upon failure of the owner to comply, the Township shall remove the
sign at the owner's expense.
J.
Permits required. No permit shall be required for the following types of signs as described in § 320-91B above: notification, real estate, political and construction signs and off-premises directional signs erected by a governmental agency. Permits shall be required for all other signs authorized by §§ 320-93 through 320-95. The Zoning Officer shall issue the required permits upon submission of an application that complies with all applicable provisions of this chapter and payment of the required fee established from time to time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
K.
Expiration of permits. Any permit issued by the Zoning Officer for
erection, alteration, replacement or relocation of any sign shall
expire automatically within six months of the date of issuance if
work authorized by the permit has not been initiated and diligently
pursued.
L.
Sign location. Except for billboards, political signs and off-premises
directional signs, as defined herein, where authorized by this chapter,
all signs shall be located on the premises that they are intended
to serve.
The following signs are authorized in all zoning districts:
A.
Bulletin sign. One bulletin sign that is nonilluminated or indirectly
or internally illuminated and that does not exceed 24 square feet
in surface area, shall be permitted in connection with any church,
school, library or similar public or semipublic building.
B.
Real estate sign. One nonilluminated temporary real estate sign shall
be permitted on each lot provided the sign shall not exceed six feet
in height. The real estate sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in
surface area when located in any residential zoning district and shall
not exceed 32 square feet in any other zoning district. Such sign
shall be removed within 30 days of the sale or rental of the property
on which it is located.
C.
Development sign. One nonilluminated temporary development sign shall
be permitted on each lot provided the surface area of the sign shall
not exceed 32 square feet in surface area. The development sign shall
not exceed six feet in height when located in any residential zoning
district and shall not exceed 10 feet in height in any other zoning
district. Such sign shall be removed within 30 days of the sale or
rental of the last lot or completion of the proposed construction
in the development.
D.
Construction sign. One nonilluminated temporary construction sign
announcing the names of contractors, mechanics or artisans engaged
in performing work on the premises shall be permitted on a lot, provided
the sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in surface area and shall
be removed within 30 days of the completion of the work.
E.
Temporary special event display. One nonilluminated temporary special
event display sign, as defined by this chapter, shall be permitted
to be erected on the face of a public building, church or building
housing a nonprofit organization, provided that the surface area of
the signs shall not exceed 40 square feet and provided the sign is
displayed for a period no longer than 30 days and is removed within
five days following the event that it is erected to promote.
F.
Home occupation identification sign. One nonilluminated home occupation
identification sign shall be permitted for an approved home occupation,
provided that the surface area of the sign does not exceed one square
foot and the sign shall contain only the name, address and occupation
of the resident and shall not contain any logo or other advertising.
G.
Off-premises directional signs.
(1)
A maximum of four off-premises directional signs shall be permitted
to be erected along an arterial or collector street, as defined by
this chapter by any agency or business other than a governmental agency,
except that home occupations shall not be permitted to have any off-premises
directional signs.
(2)
The off-premises directional signs shall be located within 100 feet
of an intersection of an arterial or collector street with any other
arterial or collector street and the maximum number of signs located
at any intersection shall be four signs.
(3)
The off-premises directional signs shall be nonilluminated and shall
not exceed six square feet in surface area. Such signs shall be permitted
in the public right-of-way only if permission is granted by the owner
of the right-of-way. Evidence of permission from the landowner shall
be required for signs that are proposed to be erected on property
owned by an owner other than the owner of the building or use the
sign is intended to serve. Signs located outside the public right-of-way
shall be located no more than 10 feet from the edge of the right-of-way
or no more than 15 feet from the edge of the cartway, if the right-of-way
is not contiguous with the front lot line.
H.
On-premises directional signs.
(1)
On any lot that contains two or more multifamily or nonresidential
buildings and/or on any lot that provides more than 100 parking spaces,
on-premises directional signs shall be permitted, provided that the
surface area of any one sign shall not exceed four square feet.
(2)
On lots with areas less than one acre, a maximum of four nonilluminated
or indirectly illuminated on-premises directional signs shall be permitted.
On lots with areas of one acre or more, a maximum of six nonilluminated
or indirectly illuminated on-premises signs shall be permitted on
the first acre. For each additional acre or fraction thereof over
one acre, two additional on-premises directional signs shall be permitted.
The following signs shall be permitted in all R-1, R-2 and R-3
Zoning Districts:
A.
Residential plan identification sign. One nonilluminated or indirectly
illuminated permanent wall or freestanding ground residential plan
identification sign containing only the street address and/or name
of a residential subdivision plan or multifamily building or development
that shall not exceed 24 square feet in surface area. A sign identifying
the name of a residential subdivision may be affixed to a freestanding
decorative wall, rather than to a building wall, provided that the
decorative wall meets all applicable ordinance requirements and does
not obstruct visibility for traffic entering or leaving the plan.
B.
Convenience commercial uses in the R-3 District.
(1)
Each
business establishment shall be permitted to have one wall sign that
may be illuminated or nonilluminated. The maximum surface area of
the wall sign shall not exceed 24 square feet in area. In place of
a wall sign, a business establishment shall be permitted to have one
overhanging sign that may be illuminated or nonilluminated, provided
the surface area of the sign shall not exceed six square feet and
the sign shall be erected no higher than the top elevation of the
first floor of the building.
(2)
In
addition to the wall sign or overhanging sign, one freestanding ground
sign shall be permitted on the lot regardless of the number of businesses
on the lot. The maximum surface area of the ground sign shall not
exceed 24 square feet. The ground sign may be illuminated or nonilluminated.
The ground sign shall be located at least 10 feet from any property
line or street right-of-way. The maximum height of the ground sign
shall not exceed four feet.
C.
Other business identification signs. One nonilluminated or indirectly
illuminated wall or freestanding ground identification sign shall
be permitted for any business use that is a legal nonconforming use
or that is authorized as a conditional use or use by special exception
in a residential zoning district, provided the surface area of the
sign shall not exceed 12 square feet.
The following signs shall be permitted in all business districts:
A.
Temporary special event display. Temporary special event displays,
as defined by this chapter, shall be permitted provided that:
(1)
No more than two signs or banners shall be permitted on any establishment
at any one time;
(2)
The temporary special event display signs shall be securely attached
to the building or to the supporting structure of a freestanding pole
business identification sign;
(3)
Temporary special event display signs shall be displayed for a period
not exceeding 30 days, either consecutively or cumulatively, in any
twelve-month period;
(4)
The aggregate surface area of all temporary special event display
signs shall not exceed 40 square feet per establishment. In the event
that there is more than one establishment on a site, the maximum aggregate
surface area of all temporary special event display signs on the site
at any one time shall not exceed 100 square feet;
(5)
Portable signs shall not be considered temporary special event display
signs; and
(6)
Temporary special event display signs shall be nonilluminated.
B.
Changeable copy signs. In addition to the authorized business identification
signs, one nonilluminated or internally illuminated changeable copy
sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the number of businesses
on the lot, that shall not exceed 30 square feet in area and that
shall be permanently affixed to the wall of the building or to the
supporting structure of an authorized freestanding sign on the lot.
C.
Business identification signs.
(1)
Wall signs. Each business establishment shall be permitted to have
wall signs that may be illuminated or nonilluminated. The aggregate
area of all wall signs shall not exceed two square feet for each lineal
foot of width of the front wall of the building, or portion of the
building, occupied by the business or a maximum of 100 square feet,
whichever is less. The wall identification sign shall not be located
on the roof nor extend above the height of the building.
(2)
Ground signs. In addition to the wall signs, one freestanding ground
sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the number of businesses
on the lot, provided that:
(a)
No freestanding pole sign exists or is proposed to be erected
on the lot.
(b)
The maximum surface area of the ground sign shall not exceed
24 square feet in the B-1 District.
(c)
The height and location of the sign shall be designed so as
to not interfere with visibility for vehicular traffic entering or
leaving the lot or traveling on any street and in no case shall the
total height exceed six feet.
(d)
Ground signs shall be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated
only. Internally illuminated ground signs shall not be permitted.
(e)
All freestanding ground signs shall be located at least 10 feet
from any property line, except where property abuts on a public right-of-way,
the ground sign shall be set back at least 10 feet from the right-of-way
or at least 15 feet from the edge of the cartway if the right-of-way
is not contiguous with the front lot line.
(3)
Pole signs. In addition to the authorized wall signs, one freestanding
pole sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the number of
businesses on the lot, provided that:
(a)
No freestanding ground sign exists or is proposed to be erected
on the lot.
(b)
The pole sign shall be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated
or internally illuminated.
(c)
The maximum height of the top of the pole sign shall be 20 feet.
(d)
The minimum height of the bottom edge of the sign shall be eight
feet.
(e)
The maximum surface area of the freestanding pole sign shall
not exceed 40 square feet if there is only one business on the lot
and shall not exceed 64 square feet if there is more than one business
on the lot. Neither dimension of such sign shall be less than five
feet.
(f)
No portion of any sign shall project over any public right-of-way
nor shall it be located within the clear sight triangle of any street
intersection.
(g)
All freestanding pole signs shall be set back at least 10 feet
from every property line, except where property abuts on a public
right-of-way, the sign shall be set back at least 10 feet from the
right-of-way or at least 15 feet from the edge of the cartway if the
right-of-way is not contiguous with the front lot line.
(4)
Arcade signs. In shopping centers or office complexes that have pedestrian
access ways covered by a roof, marquee or exterior arcade, one arcade
sign, as defined herein, shall be permitted for each business in the
building, provided that the maximum surface area of each sign shall
not exceed eight square feet.
Billboards shall not be permitted in any "R" zoning district.
Billboards shall be permitted only as conditional uses on property
located in the B-1 District following recommendation by the Planning
Commission and a public hearing by the Board of Supervisors, provided
all of the following requirements are met:
A.
Location. Billboards may be authorized as a conditional use only
in the B-1 District, provided all of the following requirements are
met:
(1)
Billboards shall not be erected within 500 feet of the boundary line
of any "R" zoning district or within 500 feet of any public or private
school, church or cemetery, said 500 feet being measured along the
radius of a circle from the center-most point of the billboard structure
extending in all directions.
(2)
On interstate and limited access highways, billboards shall not be
erected within 500 feet of an interchange or safety rest area measured
along the interstate or limited access highway from the beginning
or ending of the pavement widening at the exit from or entrance to
the main-traveled way.
(3)
Billboards shall maintain a lateral minimum spacing between any existing
or proposed billboard structure of 1,000 feet. Required spacing shall
be measured along both sides of the same roadway frontage from the
center-most point of the billboard structure along a line extending
from the center-most point of the billboard that is parallel to the
center line of the roadway to which the billboard is oriented.
(4)
No billboard shall be located closer than 10 feet to any public street
right-of-way.
(5)
The minimum side and rear yard requirements applying to a principal
structure as set forth within the zoning district in which the billboard
is to be located shall apply to each billboard structure.
(6)
No billboard shall be erected in such a manner as to block the view
from the road or street, of any existing business identification sign,
residential or nonresidential structure, or limit or reduce the light
and ventilation requirements.
(7)
No billboard shall be constructed within the clear sight triangle
of the public street or road on which it is situated and shall not
in any case obstruct or impede traffic safety.
(8)
No sign shall be erected over any sidewalk or public right-of-way.
(9)
Billboards shall not be part of a roof or wall nor shall they be
mounted on the roof, wall or other part of a building or any other
structure.
B.
Size and height. A billboard shall have a maximum allowable gross
surface area of 250 square feet per sign face. This gross surface
area shall be permitted, provided all of the following additional
requirements are met:
(1)
A billboard shall have no more than two sign faces per billboard
structure that may be placed back to back or in a V-shaped configuration
having an interior angle of 90° or less.
(2)
The dimensions of the gross surface area of the billboard's sign
face shall not exceed 10 feet in total height or 25 feet in total
length, provided the total allowable gross surface area for the sign
face is not exceeded.
(3)
A billboard structure shall have a maximum height above the curb
of the roadway from which it is intended to be viewed of 40 feet.
C.
Construction methods. Billboards shall be constructed in accordance
with applicable provisions of the Township Building Code and shall
meet all of the following additional requirements:
(1)
A billboard structure shall have a maximum of one vertical support
being a maximum of three feet in diameter or width and without additional
bracing or vertical supports.
(2)
A billboard sign face shall be independently supported and have vertical
supports of metal that are galvanized or constructed of approved corrosive-resistant,
noncombustible materials. Structures constructed with galvanized metal
shall be painted.
(3)
The one vertical support shall be capable of enabling the entire
sign face to be able to withstand a minimum 100 mile per hour wind
load. Structural design computations shall be made and certified by
a registered engineer and shall be submitted to the Township with
the application for conditional use.
(4)
The base shall be installed using a foundation and footings approved
by the Township Engineer for the type of construction proposed.
(5)
The entire base of the billboard structure parallel to the sign face
shall be permanently landscaped with suitable shrubbery and/or bushes
of minimum height of three feet placed in such manner as to screen
the foundation of the structure.
(6)
Landscaping shall be maintained by the sign owner in an attractive
and healthy manner in accordance with accepted conservation practices.
(7)
No bare cuts shall be permitted on a hillside.
(8)
All cuts or fills shall be permanently seeded or planted.
(9)
A billboard with display lighting shall be constructed so that it
does not glare upon adjoining property and shall not exceed a maximum
footcandle of 1.5 upon the adjoining property.
(10)
Display lighting shall not operate between 12:00 midnight and
5:00 a.m., prevailing local time.
(11)
No billboard structure, sign face or display lighting shall
move, flash or emit noise. No display lighting shall cause distractions,
confusion, nuisance or hazard to traffic, aircraft or other properties.
(12)
The use of colored lighting shall not be permitted.
D.
Maintenance.
(1)
A billboard structure shall be entirely painted every three years,
unless constructed of an approved corrosive-resistant material.
(2)
Every 10 years, the owner of the billboard shall have a structural
inspection made of the billboard by a qualified Pennsylvania-registered
engineer and shall provide to the Township a certificate from the
engineer certifying that the billboard is structurally sound.
(3)
Annual inspections of the billboard may be conducted by the Township
to determine compliance with this chapter.
(4)
Billboards found to be in violation of this chapter shall be brought
into compliance or removed within 30 days upon proper notification
by the Township.
(5)
Billboards using removable paper or other materials shall be maintained
in such condition as to eliminate loose or frayed material protruding
or hanging from the structure. All paper and other waste materials
shall be removed from the site and disposed of properly whenever any
sign face is changed.
E.
Liability insurance. The applicant for a sign permit to erect a billboard
shall provide a certificate of insurance for public liability and
property damage that holds the Township harmless. The amount of insurance
to be maintained shall be determined and adjusted from time to time
by resolution of the Board of Supervisors. The insurance certificate
shall contain a clause stating that the insurance shall not be canceled
or reduced without first giving 10 days' notice to the Township.
F.
Permits.
(1)
Prior to submission of an application for a sign permit, the applicant
for a billboard shall obtain and submit with the application, approvals
from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), when applicable.
(2)
Approval of the conditional use shall be valid for six months from
the date of action by the Board of Supervisors granting the conditional
use. If the applicant fails to obtain a sign permit for the approved
billboard within the six-month period, approval of the conditional
use shall expire automatically, without written notice to the applicant.
(3)
The issuance of a sign permit for a billboard that has been granted
approval of a conditional use shall be conditioned upon the approval
of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) for billboards
along state highways. If the applicant fails to submit evidence of
the required approval by PennDOT within 30 days of the issuance of
the conditional sign permit, the sign permit shall be revoked by the
Township Zoning Officer who shall provide written notice to the applicant.
(4)
The applicant may reapply for the required sign permit, upon submission
of evidence of PennDOT approval, without payment of any additional
sign permit fee, provided the application is filed within the six-month
period during which the conditional use approval is valid.
G.
Application fees. Said application shall be accompanied by an application
fee in an amount equal to that set from time to time by resolution
of the Board of Supervisors.
H.
Nonconforming billboards.
(1)
Any billboard that does not conform to the requirements of this section
shall not be enlarged or moved unless the billboard complies with
all provisions of this section.
(2)
Any billboard that is damaged or destroyed by more than 51% of its
replacement value at the time of damage or destruction shall be reconstructed
only in compliance with all provisions of this section.
