A.
Accessory building(s), structure(s), and/or use(s) as part of principal
buildings. Any accessory building(s), structure(s) and/or use(s) attached
to a principal building shall be considered part of the principal
building, and the total structure shall comply with the yard requirements
for the principal building regardless of the technique of connecting
the principal and accessory building(s), structure(s) and/or use(s).
B.
Accessory building(s), structure(s) and/or use(s) not to be constructed
prior to principal buildings. No building permit shall be issued for
the construction of an accessory building(s), structure(s) and/or
use(s) prior to the issuance of a building permit for the construction
of the main building upon the same premises. If construction of the
main building does not precede or coincide with the construction of
the accessory building(s), structure(s) and/or use(s), the Code Enforcement
Officer shall revoke the building permit for the accessory building(s),
structure(s) and/or use(s) until construction of the main building
has proceeded substantially toward completion.
C.
Distance between adjacent buildings. The minimum distance between an accessory building(s), structure(s) and/or use(s) and any other building(s) on the same lot shall be as prescribed in Article IV and in accompanying tables.
D.
Height and area of accessory building(s), structure(s) and/or use(s). The height and area of accessory building(s), structure(s) and/or use(s) shall be as prescribed in Article IV and in accompanying tables.
E.
Location. An accessory building(s), structure(s) and/or use(s) may be erected in side and rear yard only, except as otherwise provided herein, and shall be set back from side and rear lot lines as prescribed in Article IV and in accompanying tables, except that if erected on a corner lot, the accessory building(s) structure(s) and/or use(s) shall be set back from the secondary front yard to comply with the setback line applying to a principal building for that side street. Parking lots and residential driveways are permitted in front yards.
F.
Tractor-trailers, cargo boxes or other vehicles or structures meant
to be transportable shall not be permitted to be used as accessory
buildings or structures for storage or for any other purpose in any
residential zoning district. In commercial zoning districts, tractor-trailers,
cargo boxes or other vehicles or structures meant to be transportable
shall be permitted as an accessory building(s) or structure(s) for
storage or for any other purpose and shall be located in the rear
of the principal building only. Where a commercial zoning district
abuts a residential zoning district, any such tractor-trailers, cargo
boxes and other vehicles or structures meant to be transportable must
be screened from the abutting residential district by means of a planted
buffer and/or screening fence that cannot be seen through and that
provides a visual screen for the abutting properties.
Where outside storage and display is permitted in any zoning
district, it shall be an accessory use that is necessary and incidental
to the principal use on the property. No outside storage or display
shall be permitted or established unless a principal use and all necessary
improvements, structures and buildings for the principal use have
been approved and constructed.
Within any district allowing attached dwellings, construction
containing attached dwellings shall not take place unless the following
minimum standards are met, in addition to the requirements specified
for the HR, HR-TH and AQ Districts.
A.
Each dwelling unit and complex of dwelling units shall have a compatible
architectural theme with variations in design to provide attractiveness
to the development, including consideration of landscaping techniques,
building orientation to the site and other structures, topography,
natural features, individual features and individual dwelling unit
design.
B.
A certification by the appropriate utility(ies) shall be required
confirming the adequacy and availability of water and sanitary sewer
facilities to service the proposed development. Prior to the issuance
of a certificate of occupancy, all dwelling units shall be connected
to public water and sanitary sewer facilities if available, approved
and functioning in compliance with Falls Township's controlling ordinances
and with the rules and regulations of the appropriate utility(ies)
and, if applicable, approval of the Bucks County Health Department.
C.
All parking facilities shall be on the same site as the building
and located within 150 feet of the nearest entrance of the building
they are intended to serve, as measured along driveways and walkways.
D.
An attached dwelling building may consist of any configuration that
meets the prescribed area and yard requirements and does not exceed
the following overall or component building lengths:
E.
In addition to any storage area contained inside individual attached
dwelling units, there shall be provided in the case of apartments
160 cubic feet of inside storage area for each dwelling unit where
personal belongings and effects may be stored without constituting
a fire hazard and where the said belongings and effects may be kept
locked and separated from the belongings of other occupants. In addition
to the above, apartments shall further provide a minimum common inside
storage area for each building of 80 cubic feet per dwelling unit,
located convenient to the outside ground level, for bicycles, perambulators
and similar types of equipment.
F.
Sufficient area and equipment shall be made available within each
building for the laundering and drying of laundry of occupants of
each building.
G.
Each building or group of buildings shall contain a television antenna
system adequate to serve all dwelling units within the building or
buildings. In lieu of a television antenna, the building may be connected
to a television cable if available.
H.
The apartment owner shall appoint a representative who shall reside
or maintain an office within the Township and shall be empowered by
the owner to take all necessary actions to assure that all provisions
of this chapter are met at all times. The owner shall provide at least
one representative who shall reside on the premises.
Nothing in this chapter shall require any change in the plans,
construction, size or designated use of any building, structure or
part thereof for which any building permit has been granted before
the enactment of this chapter, provided that construction from such
plans shall have been started within 60 days after enactment of this
chapter and shall be continually and diligently pursued to completion;
otherwise said permit shall be void.
A.
In all nonindustrial areas, or in any area which borders a nonindustrial
area, no fence shall be erected of barbed wire, topped with metal
spikes, electrified or constructed of any material or in any manner
which may be dangerous to persons or animals. Electric fences are
permitted by conditional use in industrial areas.
B.
No fences or walls may be constructed in the clear sight triangle
at street intersections or any portion of the street right-of-way
or in a public easement.
C.
On any lot in residential districts and on residential properties,
no wall, fence or hedgerow may be erected or altered that will be
over six feet in height, except for evergreen plantings only along
the secondary front yard of reverse frontage lots which may exceed
six feet. On any lot in nonresidential districts, no wall, fence or
hedgerow may be erected or altered that will be over eight feet in
height. No fence, wall or hedgerow used as a barrier along or near
the property boundary shall be located in the front yard except as
follows:
(1)
On reverse frontage lots, where there is a street to the front and
the rear of the property, a fence, wall or hedgerow which otherwise
meets the requirement of this section may be erected in the secondary
front yard.
(2)
On a corner lot with frontage along two streets to the front and
the side of the property, a fence that is not a visual barrier, i.e.,
an open chain link fence or split rail fence, may be constructed in
the secondary front yard (or side yard). This fence may not be constructed
in the clear sight triangle. The fence in the secondary front yard
shall not be altered or erected to be over four feet in height. A
wall, hedgerow or solid fence may not be constructed in the secondary
front yard.
All lots being filled shall be filled with clean fill and/or
topsoil to allow complete surface draining of the lot into local storm
sewer systems or natural drainage rights-of-way. No construction shall
be permitted which creates or aggravates water stagnation or a drainage
problem on another property or on a street right-of-way.
Buffer areas are, in addition to other yards required by this
chapter, required along lot and street lines of all tracts, other
than those of lots and subdivision tracts designed for single-family
detached dwellings, where said property lines or the center line of
adjacent streets abut residential uses or residential district lines.
Each permitted use shall provide and maintain attractively landscaped
grounds and suitable screening in order to safeguard the character
of adjacent districts. Buffer areas shall be in addition to applicable
setbacks and shall be measured horizontally and be either perpendicular
to straight lot and street lines or radial to curved lot and street
lines. Buffer areas shall be maintained and kept clear of all debris,
rubbish, weeds and tall grass. No structure, stormwater management
facility, activity, storage of materials or parking of vehicles shall
be permitted in the buffer area, and all buffer areas shall be maintained
with grass or ground cover and screened with clustered plantings of
trees, shrubs or other plant materials meeting the following requirements:
A.
Plant materials used in screen planting shall be at least six feet
in height when planted. The plant materials shall be of a species
common to the area, be of nursery stock and shall be free of insects
and disease.
B.
Buffer areas shall be permanently maintained, and plant material
which does not live shall be replaced within one year or one growing
season.
C.
The screen planting shall be so designed that at maturity, the plant
material will be no closer than three feet from any street or property
line and shall not interfere with sight distance requirements.
D.
The buffer area shall be the first yard measured from the property
line and shall not be broken except for approved access areas, and
driveways shall be permitted only to cross buffer yards, not to lie
within buffer yards.
E.
Minimum width of buffer yards.
(1)
Industrial uses or districts against all other uses or districts:
50 feet.
(2)
Commercial and office uses or districts against all other uses
or districts: 25 feet.
(3)
Multiple-family residential developments or mobile home parks against all other districts or uses: As set forth in § 209-16.1E(1).
(4)
Institutional uses or districts against all other uses or districts:
20 feet.
F.
Screening of dumpsters. All dumpsters and trash storage areas shall
be screened by use of plants or fences so that they are not visible
from the street or from neighboring properties.
G.
Buffer yards required along Delaware Canal. Properties abutting the
Delaware Canal shall maintain a buffer yard which shall be 25 feet
in width from the edge of the canal, measured perpendicular to the
canal, in which no buildings, accessory buildings, structures or fences
over four feet in height shall be permitted. Canal buffer yards need
not be planted with screen plantings but shall remain open and unobstructed.
A.
Studies to determine the impact of development shall be submitted
where any application for a change in zoning is required for approval.
B.
A "change of zoning" and/or "curative amendments" generally means
a deviation from the previously planned growth pattern of the Township.
Such changes invariably have an impact on the community, on the environment
or on taxes. A detailed statement of these impacts is therefore to
be submitted pursuant to this article. Such statement shall contain
the following:
(1)
Environmental impact, including any anticipated or proposed change
in existing environment standards, as well as the predicted impact
on wildlife habitats, scenic areas, and the general amenity for the
community.
(2)
Transportation impact. Analysis of existing road capacities adjacent
to the site and from the site to bounds of the Township. All hazardous
or congested areas, existing or to be created, shall be identified.
Recommended improvements and their costs shall be listed.
(3)
Services impact. Define demand for public services, sewer, water,
police, and schools. All capacities of existing facilities shall be
identified and compared with demands that would be generated if the
proposal were implemented.
All parking areas and walkways thereto and appurtenant passageways
and driveways serving commercial, public, institutional, office, industrial,
apartment or other similar uses having common off-street parking and/or
loading areas shall be illuminated adequately from 1/2 hour after
sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise. The lighting plan shall conform
to the requirements in the Falls Township Subdivision and Land Development
Ordinance.[1]
The lawful use of land, buildings, signs or structures existing
at the date of the adoption of this chapter may be continued although
such use does not conform to the regulations specified by this chapter
for the zone in which such land, buildings structures are located.
However, no building, structure or use shall be enlarged, extended,
constructed, reconstructed, substituted, relocated, erected, converted
to another use or structurally altered in excess of more than 50%
of the area occupied by such building except in conformity with the
regulations of this chapter for the district in which such buildings,
structures or uses are located. This expansion of buildings or structures
will be permitted only if the nonconforming use has not been previously
expanded up to 50% after it became a nonconforming use, and if previously
expanded less than 50% after it became a nonconforming use, it may
be expanded to a total of 50% of the original nonconforming building,
structure or use. Land on which a nonconforming use or structure is
located shall not be reduced in size, nor shall any lot already nonconforming
be made more nonconforming, and no nonconforming use shall be extended
to displace a conforming use. All nonconforming uses, structures and
lots shall conform to all requirements of this section.
A.
Abandonment or discontinuance. Any nonconforming use not in operation
or unoccupied for a period of 12 consecutive months shall be subject
to a presumption that the use has been abandoned.
B.
Conversion to permitted use. Any nonconforming structure or use which
has been changed to a conforming structure or use shall not be changed
back again into a nonconforming structure or use.
C.
Restoration. Any nonconforming structure or use which has been condemned
or destroyed by fire, explosion, flood, windstorm or other act of
God shall be examined by the Township Code Enforcement Officer. If
the damage is greater than 75% of the structure, the Zoning Officer
may order the structure completely destroyed, with the exception that
a new building may be erected no larger than the previous foundation
would permit. In the event of a damaged or condemned structure where
the damage or value of restoration is less than 75%, the nonconforming
structure or use may be rebuilt and used for the same nonconforming
use, provided that it does not exceed the height, area and volume
of the original structure and the reconstruction shall commence within
one year from the date the building was damaged or condemned and shall
be carried on without interruption. The total value of the structure
shall be used on the current cost of replacing the remaining usable
elements of the structure. The cost of replacing the portion that
was damaged or requires rebuilding shall be computed as a percentage
of the current value of the structure as outlined above.
D.
Repairs and maintenance. Such repairs and maintenance work as required
to keep a structure in sound condition may be made to a nonconforming
structure or a structure containing a nonconforming use.
E.
Sale. Any nonconforming use, structure or lot may change ownership
and continue to function as the same nonconforming use, structure
or lot, provided that the other provisions of this section are met.
A.
Driveways. Nothing shall prohibit driveways for dwelling units from
being considered one or two off-street parking spaces, except that
no parking will be permitted on the curbline, the sidewalk area or
the planting strip between the curbline and sidewalk area. In addition,
each driveway parking space (nine feet by 18 feet) must be contained
within an area of the driveway that is a minimum of five feet away
from the building wall and a minimum of three feet away from the sidewalk,
street curbline, or street edge.
B.
Landscaping.
(1)
Except for detached dwelling units, a clustered planting of dense
plant material not less than four feet in height and 10 feet in width
shall be provided and maintained between the off-street parking areas
and any lot line or street line, except where a building intervenes
or where the distance between such area and the lot line or the street
line is greater than 150 feet.
(2)
All loading areas which are adjacent to residential or commercial
districts or uses shall be landscaped and screened with clustered
plantings with dense plant material between the area of the parked
vehicles or loading platforms and any public street or adjacent residential
districts or uses. Such screening shall be by a fence, wall, planting
or combination of all three, shall not be less than six feet in height
and shall be permanently maintained.
C.
Lighting. Lighting used to illuminate off-street parking areas shall be arranged to reflect the light away from residential premises and streets and be in accordance with § 209-40. All parking facilities, with the exception of residential driveways, spaces shall be lighted.
E.
Access. Access points from any one nonresidential lot, crossing the
street line, shall be limited to a maximum of two along the frontage
of any single street. The center lines of any separate access points
shall be spaced at least 65 feet apart, and such access points shall
handle no more than four lanes of traffic. Continuous open driveways
in excess of 30 feet at the street line shall be prohibited, except
that for nonresidential uses, this dimension shall be measured at
the straight portion of the driveway prior to the radii rather than
the street line. However, this dimension shall not be measured at
a point more than 55 feet from the street line. Curbing shall be depressed
at the driveway connected with the street at the access point.
F.
Location of parking and loading.
(1)
Required off-street parking and loading spaces shall be located on
the same lot or premises as the use served, regardless of the number
of spaces, except that:
(a)
Shared parking may be permitted as follows:
[1]
To service more than one lot in Planned Industrial Park Districts,
provided that no parking space shall be located more than 500 feet
from the nearest employees' entrance and any building served by the
spaces and that no street designated as a collector road, arterial
road or expressway is located between the parking area and any building
served by the parking area.
(b)
No parking of vehicles shall be permitted in fire lanes, drive
aisles, sidewalks, buffer areas or turning areas or in front of driveways.
(2)
The parking of commercial vehicles, trucks or buses whose registered
gross weight is equal to or greater than 14,000 pounds is prohibited
in residential districts at all times. For purposes of this chapter,
the term "commercial vehicle" shall not include recreational vehicles,
campers and similar vehicles not intended for commercial use. The
overnight parking of school buses in residential districts is prohibited.
G.
Type of facility. Parking spaces may be on, above or below the surface
of the ground. When parking spaces are provided within a garage or
other structure, said structure shall adhere to the proper accessory
or principal building setbacks, as applicable. The provision of parking
spaces shall also include adequate driveway and necessary turning
areas for handling the vehicles for which provision is made. Parking
areas shall be designated to permit each motor vehicle to proceed
to and from the parking space provided for it without requiring the
moving of any other motor vehicle, except for single-family dwellings.
H.
Minimum off-street parking.
(1)
Single-family detached houses and manufactured homes: two adjacent,
side-by-side spaces.
(2)
Attached dwellings and HR-TH District.
(a)
Attached dwellings.
[1]
For each efficiency and one-bedroom unit, there shall be provided
1.75 spaces.
[2]
For each two-bedroom unit or larger, there shall be provided
two spaces.
[3]
For each recreation area, there shall be a minimum of five spaces
for each 1/2 acre of recreation area.
[4]
In each development, there shall be provided for guests one
space for each one dwelling unit or fraction thereof.
(b)
Special parking requirements for HR-TH High-Density Townhouse
Residential District:
[1]
Each dwelling unit shall provide for a minimum of two parking
spaces, each of which shall be at least nine feet by 18 feet.
[2]
Except for driveways, all parking spaces shall be a minimum
of 20 feet from the townhouse building.
[3]
Placement of spaces shall be staggered so that cells of 10 spaces
do not directly oppose.
(3)
Home occupations shall provide a minimum of one space per 100 square
feet of gross floor area or fraction thereof devoted to the home occupation.
In addition to the spaces otherwise required, home occupations shall
provide a minimum of 1.5 space for each employee, including the resident.
(4)
Churches and similar places for religious worship shall provide one
space for every five permanent seats. (One seat shall be considered
22 inches in calculating the capacity of pews or benches.) Where fixed
seats are not provided, one space shall be provided for every 50 square
feet of gross floor area devoted to worship, plus one space for each
employee on the premises at any given time.
(5)
School. Two spaces per employee for grades kindergarten through 10th
grades, and 2 1/2 spaces per employee for grades 11, 12 or higher,
in addition to space required for school bus loading, unloading and
storage.
(6)
Convalescent homes (also known as nursing homes) and hospitals shall
provide 1 1/2 spaces for each patient bed plus one space per
employee on the two major shifts plus one space for each staff doctor
and each visiting doctor.
(7)
Clubs and lodges and public entertainment facilities, auditoriums
and similar uses: there shall be provided one space for every 50 feet
of floor area, intended to be used by patrons, guests, members, clients
or customers, plus one space per employee on the premises at any one
time.
(8)
General office: one space for every 170 square feet of gross floor
area.
(a)
For corporate centers, office parks and commercial parks having
a total building floor area in excess of 300,000 square feet, one
space for each 300 square feet of gross floor area are required.
(9)
Banks and savings institutions: one space for each 170 square feet
of gross floor area.
(a)
For banks with a drive-in window, lane stacking for at least
six vehicles will be provided off any public thoroughfare in addition
to any other parking requirements.
(10)
Bar/tavern: one space per every 50 square feet of gross floor
area, plus one space per employee on the largest shift.
(11)
Retail sales of goods and services, one space per 180 square
feet of gross floor area or fraction thereof, plus one space per employee.
(12)
Shopping center: one space per 180 square feet of gross floor
area or fraction thereof, plus one space per employee.
(13)
Restaurant: one space for every three seats for patron use or
one space per 50 square feet of gross floor area, whichever is greater;
plus one space per employee on the largest shift.
(14)
Commercial theater: one space for every two seats.
(15)
Hotel and motel: one space per bedroom and three additional
spaces for each 50 bedrooms or fraction thereof, plus one space per
employee.
(16)
Motor vehicle fueling station. One space for each 300 square
feet of gross floor area or four spaces for each service bay, whichever
requires the greater number of spaces, plus one space for each employee.
Off-street parking spaces shall not be a part of, nor interfere with,
accessways to fueling pumps.
(17)
Motor vehicle repair garage. One space for each 100 square feet
of gross floor area, or four spaces for each service bay, whichever
requires the greater number of spaces, plus one Space for each employee.
(18)
Garden center: six spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor
area or fraction thereof in buildings or 15 parking spaces, whichever
is greater.
(19)
Bowling alley: four spaces per bowling lane, plus one space
per employee.
(20)
Automobile sales: 10 spaces for customers, separated from vehicular
display not used by customers. There shall further be one parking
space per employee on the premises.
(21)
Car wash: three access lanes for each mechanized car wash entrance,
with each lane having a minimum capacity for 12 vehicles, and one
separate space for each waxing, upholstery cleaning or similar specialized
service area and one space for every employee. There shall be one
space for each vacuum. All vehicle entrances shall be from the rear
of the building.
(a)
For self-service car washes, there shall be one lane for each
bay, enough space for five stacked cars per lane, and one parking
space per employee.
(22)
Industrial. The occupant of the parcel shall provide parking
areas in accordance with the following standards:
(a)
Parking areas shall be paved with a dust-free all-weather surface.
(b)
The occupant of the parcel shall determine the size of the parking
area by the use, at its election, of one of the following methods:
[1]
Number of personnel: 1.25 spaces for each employee on the major
shift, two spaces for each managerial personnel and one additional
parking space for each business-related vehicle located on the premises.
[2]
Amount of building floor area: one space for each 500 square
feet of manufacturing area, plus one space for each 400 square feet
of office area.
(23)
Library/museum/visitor center/historic building. One space per
five seats or one space for each 250 square feet of gross floor area
where no seats are provided, plus one space per employee.
(24)
Community center/senior center. One space for each four seats
provided for patron use or at least one space for each 200 square
feet of gross floor area intended to be used for service to customers,
patrons, clients, guests, or members, plus one additional space for
each employee.
(25)
Medical/dental/veterinarian office or clinic. One per 150 square
feet of gross floor area, plus one space for each doctor and each
full-time employee.
(26)
Fast-food restaurant. One space for every 50 square feet of
gross floor area or one space for every two seats, whichever requires
the greater number of spaces, plus one space for each employee on
the largest shift. For fast-food restaurant with a drive-in window,
lane stacking for at least six vehicles shall be provided off any
public thoroughfare in addition to any other parking requirements.
(27)
Gym/fitness center/athletic facility. One space for every three
persons of total capacity or at least one space for every 150 square
feet of gross floor area, whichever requires the greater number of
spaces, plus one space for each employee on the largest shift.
(28)
Target/shooting range. One space for every three persons of
total capacity or at least one space for every 150 square feet of
gross floor area, whichever requires the greater number of spaces,
plus one space for each employee on the largest shift.
(29)
Marina. Two spaces per boat slip plus one space for each employee
on the largest shift.
(30)
Adult business. One space for each 50 square feet of gross floor
area used or intended to be used for service to customers, patrons,
clients, guests or members, or one for each four seats provided for
patron use, whichever requires the greater number of spaces, plus
one additional space for each full-time employee.
(31)
Emergency services. One space for each on-duty member plus,
where a community room is provided, one space for each 100 square
feet of gross floor area.
(32)
Truck terminal. One space for each employee, or one space for
every 500 square feet of gross floor area, whichever requires the
greater number of spaces, plus one space for each company vehicle
normally stored on the premises.
(33)
Fuel storage and distribution. One space per employee on the
largest shift, plus one space for each company vehicle normally stored
on the premises.
(34)
Junk yard. One space for each employee on the largest shift,
plus one space for each company vehicle normally stored on the premises.
(35)
Food/beverage stand. One space per employee and 15 spaces for
customers/visitors.
(36)
College/university. One space per faculty member and employee
plus two spaces for each three classroom, laboratory or auditorium
seats.
(37)
Funeral home/mortuary. One space for each 50 square feet of
gross floor area used or intended to be used in the operation of the
establishment, or one space for each four seats provided for patron
use, whichever requires the greater number of spaces, plus one space
for each employee on the largest shift.
(38)
Commercial school. One space per faculty member and employee,
plus one space for every two nonresident students, at total enrollment.
(39)
Medical marijuana dispensary: one space per 200 square feet
of gross floor area.
(40)
Medical marijuana grower/processor: one space per 500 square
feet of gross floor area.
(41)
Brewery, microbrewery, micro-winery, distillery, brew pub: one
space for every three seats for patron use or one space per 50 square
feet of gross floor area, whichever is greater, plus one space per
employee on the largest shift.
(42)
Sober living environment: Off-street parking requirements for
a home occupation, above, plus: one additional space for each nonresident
staff person; and one additional space for every additional two residents
over the initial five residents, unless satisfactory proof is submitted
to the Township that such individuals are incapable or not permitted
to operate a motor vehicle during the period of residency at the facility.
I.
Minimum off-street loading. All properties shall provide a designated
space/area for loading and unloading of materials in locations which
are removed from streets and highways, in addition to the parking
spaces required above.
J.
Reduction of nonresidential parking requirements. In order to prevent
the establishment of a greater number of parking spaces than is actually
required to serve the needs of nonresidential uses, the Board of Supervisors,
after consulting with the Planning Commission and Township Engineer,
may permit a conditional reduction of parking space if the following
conditions are satisfied:
(1)
The design of the parking lot, as indicated on the land development
plan, must designate sufficient space to meet the parking requirements
of this chapter. The plan shall also illustrate the layout for the
total number of parking spaces.
(2)
The conditional reduction shall provide for the establishment of
no less than 80% of the required number of parking spaces as specified
in this chapter. This initial phase of the parking provision shall
be clearly indicated on the plan.
(3)
The balance of the parking area conditionally reserved shall not
include areas for required buffer yards, setbacks or areas which would
otherwise be unsuitable for parking spaces due to the physical characteristics
of the land or other requirements of this chapter. This parking area
which is reserved shall be considered open space should it be determined
the additional parking spaces are not required. The developer shall
provide a landscaping plan for the reserved area with the land development
plan.
(4)
The developer shall enter into a written agreement with the Board
of Supervisors that, after one year following the issuing of the last
occupancy permit, the additional parking spaces shall be provided
at the developer's or owner's expense should it be determined the
required number of parking spaces is necessary to satisfy the need
of the particular land development.
(5)
With recommendations of a traffic engineer, the Township Engineer
and the Planning Commission, the Board of Supervisors shall determine
if the additional spaces shall be provided by the developer or if
the area shall remain as open space. Any cost for the above shall
be borne by the developer.
(6)
Land which has been determined and designated by the Board of Supervisors
to remain as open space rather than as required parking shall be so
designated on the land development plan and shall not be used to provide
parking spaces for any addition or expansion but shall remain as open
space.
An application for a permit shall provide documentation that
the intended use will comply with the performance standards enumerated
below. In the case of a structure being built where the future use
is not known, a building permit may be issued with the condition that
no certificate of occupancy will be issued until such time as the
documentation is submitted with respect to the particular occupant.
A new application and a new certificate of occupancy shall be required
in the event of a change of any occupancy or use of any structure,
and in the event any use fails to meet the performance standards after
the certificate of occupancy is issued, the Zoning Officer may, after
proper notice, revoke the certificate and the use shall terminate.
A.
Dust. No use shall generate total suspended particles or other air
pollutant in excess of any Pennsylvania or federal standards. No use
shall generate more than five milligrams per cubic meter of total
suspended particles (particulate) measured at the property line.
B.
Fumes and gases. No use shall generate fumes and gases or other air
pollutant in excess of any Pennsylvania or federal standards.
C.
Electricity. Electric or electronic equipment shall be shielded in
accordance with FCC standards so there is no interference with any
properly operating radio or television receiver at the lot line or
beyond the operator's dwelling unit in the case of multiple family
dwellings as the result of the operation of such equipment.
D.
Glare. No use shall produce a light intensity greater than zero footcandle
measured at the property line.
E.
Heat. No use shall be permitted which would cause the temperature
to rise or fall in any part of ponds, streams or other watercourses
at the property line.
F.
Noise.
(1)
Other than the operation of motor vehicles or other transportation
facilities, operations involved in the construction or demolition
of structures, emergency alarm signals, or time signals, the sound
level of any operation shall not exceed the decibel levels as stated
below.
(2)
Sound-pressure levels shall be measured at the property line upon
which the emission occurs. The maximum permissible sound-pressure
levels for smooth and continuous noise shall be as follows. (All of
the decibel levels stated below shall apply in each case.)
|
Center Frequency Cycles Per Second
|
Maximum Permitted Sound Pressure Level
(decibels)
|
|---|---|
|
31.5
|
65
|
|
63
|
63
|
|
125
|
62
|
|
250
|
57
|
|
500
|
51
|
|
1,000
|
46
|
|
2,000
|
37
|
|
4,000
|
26
|
|
8,000
|
17
|
(3)
If the noise is not smooth and continuous or is radiated between
10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., one or more of the corrections below shall
be added to or subtracted from each of the decibel levels given above.
|
Type of Operation or Character of Noise
|
Corrections in Decibels
|
|---|---|
|
Noise occurs between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
|
-3
|
|
Noise occurs less than 5% of any one-hour period
|
+5
|
|
Noise is of a periodic character or is of an impulsive character
(In case of impulsive noise, the correction shall apply only to the
average pressure during an impulse, and the impulse peaks shall not
exceed the basic standards given above.)
|
-5
|
G.
Vibration. Any use or portion thereof creating earth-shaking vibration
shall be set back a minimum of 300 feet from the property line. All
such operations shall be controlled so as to prevent transmission
beyond the lot lines of earth-shaking vibrations.
H.
Radiation. Radiation shall be measured by counting alpha, beta and
gamma radiation with a radiation counter. No use shall cause an increase
in the radiation background levels for this area of Pennsylvania,
which is 0.01 to 0.03 milliroentgens per hour.
I.
Storage and waste disposal. No materials or wastes shall be deposited
upon a lot in such form or manner that they may be transferred off
the lot by natural causes or forces, nor shall any substance which
can contaminate a stream, watercourse or underground aquifer desirable
as a source of water supply or recreation or which will destroy aquatic
life be allowed to enter any stream, watercourse or underground aquifer.
All materials or wastes which might cause fumes or dust or which constitute
a fire or explosion hazard or which may be edible or otherwise attractive
to rodents or insects shall be stored indoors and enclosed in appropriate
containers adequate to eliminate such hazards.
A.
No person shall construct or alter a driveway which opens upon a
Township road except in full accordance with the terms of this chapter.
B.
A driveway may provide vehicular access to a Township road for not
more than three lots.
C.
Portions of driveways, subject to the terms of this chapter, which
lie within the ultimate right-of-way lines of a Township road and
which lie without such ultimate right-of-way lines but within 20 feet
of the roadway pavement shall be constructed as follows:
(1)
Grade. The maximum allowable grade for driveways shall be 8%, as indicated in Chapter 191 of the Falls Township Code.
(2)
Material. Driveways shall be concrete, masonry paver units,
or bituminous concrete.
(3)
Width. Driveways shall have a maximum width of 20 feet.
(4)
Driveways shall be kept a minimum of two feet from the property
line, unless preexisting, to maintain the designed flow of stormwater,
and prevent excess accumulation of stormwater on the property.
D.
Unobstructed sight distance. No permit shall be issued for any driveway
and no driveway shall be constructed where the sight distance thereon
from a point 15 feet from the edge of the cartway of the Township
road, upon which the driveway opens, is less than 100 feet in either
direction with respect to the view of oncoming traffic on such Township
road.
E.
One driveway. All single-family detached dwelling units shall have
one paved driveway with one opening to a public road. If the property
has access to two roads, the driveway shall be to the road with the
lowest road designation.
F.
Apron. On roads having concrete sidewalks and/or curbs, the driveway
apron shall be reinforced concrete with a minimum depth of six inches
and constructed in accordance with the Falls Township Design Standards.
G.
Sidewalk. The sidewalk between the driveway apron and the driveway
shall be reinforced concrete with a minimum depth of six inches and
constructed in accordance with the Falls Township Design Standards.
H.
Plant strip. The planting strip between the sidewalk and the curb
shall not be paved and nothing shall be placed on such strips except
those customarily on strips, such as mailboxes, grass and plants.
I.
Depressed curb. Depressed curbs in residential areas are intended
to only be used for handicapped ramps or driveways.
J.
Driveways shall be constructed in such a manner as to not divert
stormwater onto any other property.
Structures other than recreational buildings, water treatment
plants, sewage treatment plants, wharves, piers, fences, railroads,
roads, marinas and marine terminal facilities, including necessary
equipment and accessory structures for the above, shall not be located
within 100 feet of the mean high-tide line of the Delaware River.
All other areas within the one-hundred-foot setback area which are
not occupied by the above permitted uses shall be retained in their
natural state.
A.
Applicability. Any sign erected, altered, or maintained after the effective date of this section shall conform to the following regulations and the restrictions set forth in § 209-25I of this chapter.
B.
Purpose and intent. Signs perform an important function in identifying
and promoting properties, businesses, services, residences, events,
and other matters of interest to the public. The intent of this section
is to regulate all signs within the 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, and general welfare by:
(1)
Setting standards and providing uniform, scientifically based controls
that permit reasonable use of signs and preserve the character of
the Township;
(2)
Prohibiting the erection of signs in such numbers, sizes, designs,
illumination, and locations as may create a hazard to pedestrians
and motorists;
(3)
Avoiding excessive conflicts from large or multiple signs, so that
permitted signs provide adequate identification and direction while
minimizing clutter, unsightliness, and confusion;
(4)
Establishing a process for the review and approval of sign permit
applications; and
(5)
Ensuring sign design that builds on the visual environment the Township
seeks to promote.
C.
ABANDONED SIGN
ADDRESS SIGN
ANIMATED SIGN
AWNING
AWNING SIGN
BALLOON SIGN
BANNER
BEACON LIGHTING
BUILDING FRONTAGE
CANOPY
CANOPY SIGN
CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN
CHANNEL LETTER SIGN
CLEARANCE
DIGITAL DISPLAY
DIRECTIONAL SIGN
FESTOON LIGHTING
FLAG
FLASHING SIGN
FOOTCANDLE
FOOTLAMBERT
FREESTANDING SIGN
(1)
(2)
GOVERNMENT/REGULATORY SIGN
HISTORIC DISTRICT
HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
ILLUMINATED SIGN
ILLUMINATION
(1)
(2)
(3)
INCIDENTAL SIGN
INCIDENTAL WINDOW SIGN
INFLATABLE SIGN
INTERACTIVE SIGN
LEGIBILITY
LIGHT TRESPASS
LIMITED DURATION SIGN
LUMINANCE
MANUAL CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN
MARQUEE
MARQUEE SIGN
MECHANICAL MOVEMENT SIGN
MEMORIAL SIGN
MENU SIGN
MESSAGE CENTER SIGN
MESSAGE SEQUENCING
MOTOR VEHICLE FUELING STATION CANOPY
MOTOR VEHICLE FUELING STATION CANOPY SIGN
MULTITENANT SIGN
MURAL (or MURAL SIGN)
NEON SIGN
NONCONFORMING SIGN
OFF-PREMISES SIGN
OFFICIAL TRAFFIC SIGN
ON-PREMISES SIGN
PENNANT
PERMANENT SIGN
PERSONAL EXPRESSION SIGN
PORTABLE SIGN
PRIVATE DRIVE SIGN
PROJECTING SIGN
PUBLIC SIGN
REFLECTIVE SIGN
REVOLVING SIGN
ROOF SIGN
SANDWICH BOARD SIGN
SCOREBOARD
SECURITY SIGN
SHIELDED
SIGN
SIGN AREA
SIGN FACE
SIGN HEIGHT
SIGN SUPPORTING STRUCTURE
SNIPE SIGN
STOREFRONT
STREAMERS
STREET FRONTAGE
STREET POLE BANNER
TEMPORARY SIGN
TRIVISION BOARD
VEHICULAR SIGN
VENDING MACHINE SIGN
WALL SIGN
WINDOW SIGN
Definitions. Words and terms used in this section shall have the
meanings given in this section. Unless expressly stated otherwise,
any pertinent word or term not part of his listing but vital to the
interpretations of this section 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 which has not identified or advertised a current business,
service, owner, product or activity for a period of at least 180 days,
in the case of off-premises signs, or at least 360 days in the case
of on-premises signs.
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").
A sign depicting action, motion, or light or color changes
through electrical or mechanical means.
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.
Any sign painted on, or applied 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 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.
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.
The maximum linear width of a building measured in a single
straight line parallel, or essentially parallel, with the abutting
public street or parking lot.
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 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, digital displays, and tri-vision boards.
A sign consisting of fabricated or formed three-dimensional
letters, individually applied to a wall, which may accommodate a light
source.
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.
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 displays.
A sign designed to provide direction to pedestrian and vehicular
traffic into and out of or within a site.
A type of illumination composed of either: (a) a group of
incandescent 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 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 centers signs or digital displays that meet the
requirement set forth herein.
A unit of incident light (on a surface) stated in lumens
per square foot and measurable with an illuminance meter, a.k.a. footcandle
or light meter. One footcandle is equal to one lumen per square foot.
A unit of emitted light (from a surface) stated in lumens
per square foot and measurable with an illuminance meter, a.k.a. footcandle
or light meter. One footlambert is equal to one lumen per square foot.
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:
[Amended 6-18-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-02]
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.")
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.
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.
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.
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.")
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.
A source of any artificial or reflected light, either directly
from a source of light incorporated in, or indirectly from an artificial
source.
EXTERNAL ILLUMINATIONArtificial 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.
INTERNAL ILLUMINATIONA 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 section.
HALO ILLUMINATIONA sign using a three-dimensional message, logo, etc., which is lit in such a way as to produce a halo effect. (Also known as "back-lit illumination.")
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.
A sign displayed in a window displaying information such
as the hours of operation of a business, credit institutions accepted,
commercial and civic affiliations, and similar information. This sign
shall be informational only and shall not contain a commercial message.
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
or electronic signals of motor vehicle drivers.
The physical attributes of a sign that allow for an observer's
differentiation of its letters, words, numbers, or graphics.
Light emitted by a lighting installation which extends beyond
the boundaries of the property on which the installation is located.
A nonpermanent sign that is displayed on private property
for more than 30 days, but not intended to be displayed for an indefinite
period.
An objective measurement of the brightness of illumination,
including illumination emitted by an electronic sign, measured in
candles per square foot (cd/ft2).
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.
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 rather than merely
appear 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 movements signs do not include digital signs
that have changeable, programmable displays.
A memorial plaque or tablet, including grave markers or other
remembrances of persons or events, which is not used for a commercial
message.
A permanent sign for displaying the bill of fare available
at a restaurant, or other use serving food or beverages.
A type of illuminated, changeable copy sign that consists
of electronically changing alphanumeric text often used for gas price
display signs and athletic scoreboards.
The spreading of one message across more than one sign structure.
A freestanding, open-air structure constructed for the purpose
of shielding service station islands from the elements.
Any sign that is part of, or attached to, the vertical sides
of the gas station canopy roof structure. For the purposes of this
section, gas station canopy signs shall be considered wall signs.
A freestanding sign used to advertise businesses that occupy
a shopping center or complex with multiple tenants.
A large picture/image (including but not limited to painted
art) which is painted, constructed, or affixed directly onto a vertical
building wall, which may or may not contain text, logos, and/or symbols.
A sign illuminated by a neon tube, or other visible light-emitting
gas tube, that is bent to form letters, symbols, or other graphics.
A sign that was legally erected and maintained at the effective
date of this section, or amendment thereto, that does not currently
comply with sign regulations of the district in which it is located.
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 is not sold, produced, manufactured, furnished, or conducted
on the premises upon which the sign is located. (Also known as a third-party
sign, billboard, or outdoor advertising.)
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.
A sign whose message and design relate to an individual business,
profession, product, service, event, point of view, or other commercial
or noncommercial activity sold, offered, or conducted on the same
premises where the sign is located.
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 movements
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.
A sign designed to be transported or moved and not permanently
attached to the ground, a building, or other structure.
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.
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.")
A sign erected or required by government agencies or utilities,
including traffic, utility, safety, railroad crossing, and identification
signs for public facilities.
A sign containing any material or device which has the effect
of intensifying reflected light.
A sign which revolves in a circular motion, rather than remaining
stationary on its supporting structure.
A building-mounted sign erected upon, against, or over the
roof of a building.
A type of freestanding, portable, temporary sign consisting
of two faces connected and hinged at the top and whose message is
targeted to pedestrians. (Also known as "A-frame sign.")
A sign contained within an athletic venue and intended solely
to provide information to the attendees of an athletic event.
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.")
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.
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.
The total dimensions of a sign surface used to display information,
messages, advertising, logos, or symbols.
The part of the sign that is or can be used for the sign
area. The sign area may be smaller than the sign face.
The vertical dimension of a sign as measured using the standards
set forth in this chapter.
Poles, posts, walls, frames, brackets, or other supports
holding a sign in place.
A sign tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued, or otherwise
attached to trees, poles, stakes, fences, public benches, streetlights,
or other objects, 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.")
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.
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.
The side or sides of a lot abutting on a public street or
right-of-way.
A banner suspended above a public sidewalk and attached to
a single street pole. These signs shall not contain any commercial
advertising.
A type of nonpermanent sign that is located on private property
that may 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.
A sign affixed to a vehicle in such a manner that the sign
is used primarily as a stationary advertisement for the business on
which the vehicle site or is otherwise not incidental to the vehicle's
primary purpose.
A sign displayed on a vending machine indicating the name
of the product being sold and/or the price of such product.
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.")
Any 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
being a store window are not considered signs.
D.
Prohibited signs.
(1)
Abandoned signs.
(2)
Snipe signs. Signs shall only be attached to utility poles in conformance
with state and utility regulations and the requirements of this chapter.
(3)
Vehicular signs. This regulation does not prohibit the use of business
logos, identification or advertising on vehicles primarily and actively
used for business purposes and/or personal transportation.
(4)
Mechanical movement signs, including revolving signs.
(5)
Pennant strings and streamers.
(6)
Animated signs, flashing signs, or signs that scroll or flash text
or graphics.
(7)
Inflatable devices or balloon signs, with the exception of balloons
used in temporary, noncommercial situations.
(8)
Any sign that imitates, resembles, interferes with, or obstructs
official traffic lights, signs, or signals.
(9)
A sign that prevents free ingress or egress from any door, window,
fire escape, 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.
(10)
A sign which emits smoke, visible vapors, particulate matter,
sound, odor or contains open flames.
(11)
Reflective signs or signs containing mirrors.
(12)
Interactive signs.
(13)
Signs incorporating beacon or festoon lighting.
(14)
Any banner or sign of any type suspended across a public street,
with the permission of the owner of the property and the street.
(15)
Roof signs.
(16)
Signs erected without the permission of the property owner,
with the exception of those authorized or required by local, state
or federal government.
(17)
Any sign containing information which states or implies that
a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions
of this chapter.
(18)
A sign that exhibits statements, words, or pictures of obscene
or pornographic subjects as determined by Falls Township.
(19)
Any sign that promotes illegal activity.
E.
Signs exempt from permit requirements. 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.
(1)
Official traffic signs.
(2)
Government/regulatory signs.
(3)
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 a window.
(4)
Holiday and seasonal decorations.
(5)
Personal expression signs of any sign type, including flags, provided
that such signs do not exceed three square feet in area per side,
an noncommercial in nature, and are not illuminated.
(6)
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.
[Amended 6-18-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-02]
(7)
Public signs: Signs erected or required by government agencies or
utilities, including traffic, utility, safety, railroad crossing,
and identification or directional signs for public facilities.
(8)
Signs or emblems of a religious, civil, philanthropic, historical
or educational organization that do not exceed four square feet in
area.
(9)
Private drive signs: One sign per driveway entrance, not to exceed
two square feet in area.
(10)
Security and warning signs: These limitations shall not apply
to the posting of conventional "no trespassing" signs in accordance
with state law.
(11)
Flags:
(a)
Location. Flags and flagpoles shall not be located within any
right-of-way.
(b)
Height. Flags shall have a maximum height of 30 feet.
(c)
Number. No more than two flags per lot in residential districts;
no more than three flags per lot in all other districts.
(d)
Size. Maximum flag size is 24 square feet in residential districts,
35 square feet in all other districts.
(e)
Flags containing commercial messages may be used as permitted
freestanding or projecting signs, and, if so used, the area of the
flag shall be included in, and limited by, the computation of allowable
area for signs on the premises.
(12)
Legal notices.
(13)
Vending machine signs.
(14)
Memorial signs, public monument or historical identification
signs erected by Falls Township, including plaque signs up to three
square feet in area.
(15)
Signs that are a permanent architectural feature of a building
or structure, existing at the time of adoption of this section.
(16)
Signs advertising the variety of crop growing in a field. Such
signs shall be removed after the growing season.
(17)
Incidental signs, including incidental window signs.
(19)
Art and murals, provided such signs do not contain any commercial
messaging.
F.
General regulations.
(1)
Sign location.
(a)
No sign shall be placed in such a position as to endanger pedestrians,
bicyclists, or traffic on a street by obscuring the view or by interfering
with official street signs or signals by virtue of position or color.
(b)
No sign may occupy a sight triangle.
(c)
Signs and their supporting structures shall maintain clearance
and noninterference with all surface and underground utility and communications
lines or equipment.
(2)
Sign materials and construction. Every sign shall be constructed
of durable materials, using noncorrosive fastenings, shall be structurally
safe and erected or installed in strict accordance with the Pennsylvania
Uniform Construction Code, and shall be maintained in safe condition
and good repair at all times so that all sign information is clearly
legible.
(3)
Sign area.
(a)
On-premises signs.
[1]
Only one side shall be considered when determining the sign
area, provided that the faces are equal in size, the interior angle
formed by the faces is less than 45°, and the two faces are not
more than 18 inches apart.
[2]
Where the faces are not equal in size, but the interior angle
formed by the faces is less than 45° and the two faces are not
more than 18 inches apart, the larger sign face shall be used as the
basis for calculating sign area.
[3]
When the interior angle formed by the faces is greater than
45°, or the faces are greater than 18 inches apart, all sides
of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
(b)
Off-premises signs.
[1]
Only one side shall be considered when determining the sign
area, provided that the faces are equal in size, the interior angle
formed by the faces is less than 45°, and the two faces are not
more than five feet apart.
[2]
Where the faces are not equal in size, but the interior angle
formed by the faces is less than 45° and the two faces are not
more than five feet apart, the larger sign face shall be used as the
basis for calculating sign area.
[3]
When the interior angle formed by the faces is greater than
45°, or the faces are greater than five feet apart, all sides
of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
[4]
Signs that consist of, or have attached to them, one or more
three-dimensional or irregularly shaped objects shall have a sign
area of the sum of two adjacent vertical sign faces of the smallest
cube encompassing the sign or object.
[5]
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.
[6]
The permitted maximum area for all signs is determined by the
sign type and the zoning district in which the sign is located.
(4)
Sign height.
(a)
Sign height shall be measured as the distance from the highest
portion of the sign to the mean finished grade of the street closest
to the sign. In the case of a sign located greater than 100 feet from
a public street, height shall be measured to the mean grade at the
base of the sign.
(b)
Clearance for freestanding and projecting signs shall be measured
as the smallest vertical distance between finished grade and the lowest
point of the sign, including any framework or other structural elements.
(c)
The permitted maximum height for all sign is determined by the
sign type and the zoning district in which the sign is located.
(5)
Sign spacing. The spacing between sign structures shall be measured
as a straightline distance between the closest edges of each sign.
(6)
Sign illumination.
(a)
Signs may be illuminated, unless otherwise specified herein,
consistent with the following standards:
[1]
Light sources to illuminate signs shall neither be visible from
any street right-of-way nor cause glare hazardous or distracting to
pedestrians, vehicle drivers, or adjacent properties.
[2]
No more than 0.2 footcandle of light shall be detectable at
the boundary of any abutting property.
[3]
Hours of operation:
[4]
Brightness. Message center signs and digital displays are subject
to the following brightness limits:
[a]
During daylight hours between sunrise and sunset,
luminance shall be no greater than 5,000 nits.
[b]
At all other times, luminance shall be no greater
than 200 nits.
[c]
Each sign must have a light sensing device that
will automatically adjust the brightness of the display as the natural
ambient light conditions change, in order to comply with the limit
set herein.
[5]
Message duration. The length of time each message may be displayed
on a message center sign, digital display, or tri-vision board sign
is based upon the visibility and speed limit unique to individual
signs and adjacent road conditions. The following method should be
used to calculate message duration for message center signs, digital
displays, or tri-vision board signs:
[a]
Determine the greatest distance from which the
sign becomes visible on the road the sign is primarily intended to
serve. If a sign is intended to be seen by more than one roadway,
the road with the lower posted speed limit shall be used for determining
message duration.
[b]
Multiply the road's posted speed limit (MPH) by
5,280, and then divide by 3,600 to obtain the speed limit in feet/second.
[Amended 6-18-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-02]
[c]
Divide the visibility distance by the speed limit
(feet/second).
[d]
Add an additional 10% of this number to the total.
[e]
The resulting amount of time is the minimum permitted
message duration, except where this value is less than eight seconds,
in which event the minimum message duration shall be no less than
eight seconds.
(b)
Types of illumination. Where permitted, illumination may be:
[1]
External. Externally illuminated signs, where permitted, are
subject to the following regulations:
[2]
Internal. Internally illuminated signs, where permitted, are
subject to the following regulations:
[3]
Message center signs are subject to the following regulations,
in addition to all other illumination requirements established in
this section:
(c)
Message center signs are subject to the following regulations,
in addition to all other illumination requirements established in
this section.
[1]
Sign type: Message center signs are permitted in the form of
freestanding, monument, and wall signs, both on-premises and off-premises,
in accordance with the regulations established in this chapter.
[2]
Height: A message center sign shall have the same height limits
as other permitted signs of the same type and location.
[3]
Area:
[a]
When used as an on-premises sign, message center
signs shall not exceed 50% of the sign area for any one sign, and
shall not exceed more than 30% of the total area for all signs permitted
on the property.
[b]
When used as an off-premises sign, message center
signs may be used for full permitted sign area.
[4]
Maximum number: Where permitted, one message center sign is
permitted per street frontage, up to a maximum of two message center
signs per property.
[5]
Message display:
[a]
No message center sign may contain text which flashes,
pulsates, moves, or scrolls. Each complete message must fit on one
screen.
[b]
The content of a message center sign must transition
by changing instantly (e.g., no fade-out or fade-in).
[c]
Default design: The sign shall contain a default
design which shall freeze the sign message in one position if a malfunction
should occur.
[6]
Conversion of a non-message center sign to a message center
sign requires the issuance of a permit pursuant to this chapter.
[7]
The addition of any message center sign to a nonconforming sign
is prohibited.
[8]
Public service announcements: The owner of every message center
sign shall coordinate with local authorities to display, when appropriate,
emergency information important to the traveling public including,
but not limited to, Amber Alerts or alerts concerning terrorist attacks
or natural disasters. Emergency information messages shall remain
in the advertising rotation according to protocols of the agency that
issues the information.
(d)
Digital display signs are subject to the following regulations
in addition to all other requirements established in this chapter.
[1]
Sign type: Digital displays are permitted in the form of freestanding,
monument, and wall signs, both on-premises and off-premises, in accordance
with the regulations established in this chapter.
[2]
Height: A digital display shall have the same height limits
as for other permitted signs of the same type and location.
[4]
Maximum number per property: Where permitted, one digital display
sign is permitted per property.
[5]
Message display:
[a]
Any digital display containing animation, streaming
video, or text or images which flash, pulsate, move or scroll is prohibited.
Each complete message must fit on one screen.
[b]
One message/display may be brighter than another,
but each individual message/display must be static in intensity.
[c]
The content of a digital display must transition
by changing instantly, with no transition graphics (e.g., no fade-out
or fade-in).
[d]
Default design: The sign shall contain a default
design which shall freeze the sign message in one position if a malfunction
should occur.
[6]
Conversion of a non-message center sign to a message center
sign requires the issuance of a permit pursuant to this chapter.
[7]
The addition of any digital display to a nonconforming sign
is prohibited.
[8]
Public service announcements: The owner of every digital sign
shall coordinate with local authorities to display, when appropriate,
emergency information important to the traveling public including,
but not limited to, Amber Alerts or alerts concerning terrorist attacks
or natural disasters. Emergency information messages shall remain
in the advertising rotation according to protocols of the agency that
issues the information.
(e)
Electrical standards.
[1]
Permits for illuminated signs will not be issued without an
approved electrical permit, if required. Applications for electrical
permits shall be filed at the same time as the sign permit application.
[2]
All work shall be completed in full compliance with the Township
Electrical Code as set forth in the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction
Code.
[3]
The electrical supply to all exterior signs, whether to the
sign itself or to lighting fixtures positioned to illuminate the sign,
shall be provided by means of concealed electrical cables. Electrical
supply to freestanding signs shall be provided by means of underground
cables.
[4]
The owner of any off-premises sign shall arrange for a certification
showing compliance with the brightness standards set forth herein
by an independent contractor and provide the certification documentation
to the Township as a condition precedent to the issuance of a sign
permit.
(f)
Glare control: Glare control shall be achieved primarily through
the use of such means as cutoff fixtures, shields, and baffles, and
appropriate application of fixture mounting height, wattage, aiming
angle, and fixture placement. Vegetation screens shall not be employed
to serve as the primary means for controlling glare.
G.
Regulations by sign: on-premises signs.
[Amended 6-18-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-02]
(1)
Wall signs.
(a)
No portion of a wall sign shall be mounted less than eight feet
above the finished grade or extend out more than 12 inches from the
building wall on which it is affixed. If the wall sign projects less
than three inches from the building wall on which it is affixed, the
eight-foot height requirement need not be met.
(2)
Canopy or awning signs.
(a)
A canopy or awning without lettering or other advertising shall
not be regulated as a sign.
(b)
Canopy or awning signs must be centered within or over architectural
elements such as windows or doors.
(c)
No awning or canopy sign shall be wider that the building wall
or tenant space it identifies.
(d)
Sign placement.
[1]
Letters or numerals shall be located only on the front and side
vertical faces of the awning or canopy.
[2]
Logos or emblems are permitted on the top or angled portion
of the awning or canopy up to a maximum of three square feet. No more
than one emblem or logo is permitted on any one awning or canopy.
(e)
Sign height.
[1]
The lowest edge of the canopy or awning sign shall be at least
eight feet above the finished grade.
(f)
Any ground-floor awning projecting into a street right-of-way
must be retractable.
(g)
Awnings above the ground floor may be fixed, provided they do
not project more than four feet from the face of the building.
(h)
Multitenant buildings. If the awning or canopy sign is mounted
on a multitenant building, all awning or canopy signs shall be similar
in terms of height, projection, and style across all tenants in the
building.
(3)
Projecting signs.
(a)
No portion of a projecting signs shall project no closer than
four feet from the face of the building.
(b)
The outermost portion of a projecting sign shall project no
closer than five feet from a curbline or shoulder of a public street.
(c)
Sign height. The lowest edge of a projecting sign shall be at
least eight feet above the finished grade.
(4)
Window signs.
(a)
Incidental window signs displaying pertinent business information,
such as the business' hours of operation and credit cards accepted,
shall be excluded from area calculations for window signs.
(5)
(6)
Freestanding signs.
(a)
The lowest edge of any freestanding pole sign shall be neither
less than four feet nor greater than seven feet above the ground.
[Amended 6-18-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-02]
(b)
Freestanding ground signs shall be supported and permanently
placed by embedding, anchoring or connecting the sign in such a manner
as to incorporate it into the landscape or architectural design scheme.
(c)
Sign placement.
[1]
All freestanding signs shall be set back five feet from the
right-of-way, except for official traffic signs and government/regulatory
signs.
[2]
No freestanding sign may occupy an area designated for parking,
loading, walkways, driveways, fire lane, easement, cartway of the
right-of-way or other areas required to remain unobstructed.
(7)
Manual changeable copy signs: Manual changeable copy signs are permitted
only when integrated into a freestanding, marquee, wall, or portable
sign.
H.
Regulations by sign type: off-premises signs.
[Amended 6-18-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-02]
(2)
Sign size: An off-premises advertising sign is subject to the following
size restrictions according to the posted speed limit of the road
which the off-premises sign faces.
|
Posted Speed Limit
(MPH)
| |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
< 35
|
36-45
|
46-55
|
56-65
|
Limited Access
| |
|
Maximum Sign Area (square feet)
|
60
|
100
|
150
|
200
|
300
|
(4)
Spacing: Off-premises signs shall be:
(a)
Set back from the ultimate right-of-way a distance equal to
the height of the off-premises sign or 15 feet, whichever is greater.
(b)
Located no closer than 25 feet from any property line.
(c)
Located no closer than 50 feet from any building, structure,
or on-premises sign located on the same property.
(d)
Located no closer than 1,000 feet from another off-premises
sign on either side of the road measured linearly.
(e)
Located no closer than 500 feet from any intersection or interchange
(on/off-ramp).
(f)
Located no closer than 500 feet from any property line abutting
a public park, playground, religious institution, cemetery, school,
or residential district.
(g)
Not attached to the external wall or otherwise affixed to any
part of any building and shall not extend over any public property
or right-of-way.
(h)
Not located on sewer right-of-way, or water, electric, or petroleum
pipelines.
(i)
Not located on a bridge.
(5)
Number of signs per lot: There shall be no more than one off-premises
sign per lot. Vertically or horizontally stacked signs shall not be
permitted.
(6)
Content: Off-premises signs shall not display any message or graphic
of an obscene or pornographic nature as determined by the Township.
(7)
Double-sided off-premises signs: Signs may be single- or double-sided,
in accordance with this chapter.
(8)
Message sequencing: Message sequencing is prohibited.
(9)
Construction and maintenance:
(a)
All plans for off-premises signs shall be certified by a licensed
engineer registered in Pennsylvania.
(b)
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.
(c)
The rear face of a single-face, off-premises advertising sign
shall be painted and maintained with a single neutral color as approved
by the Township.
(d)
Every three years, the owner of the billboard shall have structural
inspection made of the billboard by a licensed engineer registered
in Pennsylvania and shall provide to the Township a certificate that
the billboard is structurally sound.
(10)
Identification of sign owner: All off-premises signs shall be
identified on the structure with the name, address, and phone number
of the owner of such sign.
(11)
Landscaping.
(a)
Landscaping shall be provided at the base of all off-premises
signs. Trees and shrubbery, including evergreen and flowering trees,
of sufficient size and quantity shall be used to achieve the purpose
of this section.
(b)
Trees greater than four inches in diameter removed for construction
of the sign shall be replaced on-site at a ratio of one replacement
tree for each removed tree using native species no less than three
inches in diameter.
(12)
Additional regulations. All off-premises signs shall comply
with any and all applicable zoning regulations of the Township, and
any and all municipal, state and/or federal regulations. In the event
any other applicable regulation is in conflict with the provisions
of this subsection, the more strict regulation shall apply.
(13)
Application/plan requirements. Plans submitted for off-premises
advertising signs shall show the following:
(a)
The location of the proposed sign on the lot with the required
sign setbacks from the property line and ultimate right-of-way.
(b)
The location and species of existing trees.
(c)
The distance to the nearest existing off-premises advertising
sign.
(d)
The distance to the nearest right-of-way, property line, building,
structure, on-premises sign, off-premises sign, intersection, interchange,
safety rest area, bridge, residential district, or institutional use,
sewer rights-of-way, and water, electric, or petroleum pipelines.
(e)
Site plan containing all of the applicable requirements set
forth in this chapter.
(f)
Certification under the seal by a licensed engineer that the
off-premises sign, as proposed, is designed in accordance with all
federal, state, and local laws, codes, and professional standards.
(14)
Illumination and changeable copy of off-premises signs.
(a)
Off-premises signs may incorporate manual changeable copy signs.
(b)
Off-premises signs may be illuminated, provided that:
[1]
Light is restricted from shining onto other properties located
within the Township and that such lighting shall not take place between
12:00 midnight and sunrise.
[2]
Lighting fixtures shall be placed above the sign and aimed downward,
rather than at the bottom of the sign aimed upward toward the sky.
All lighting fixtures shall be aimed and controlled so as to place
their light output only on the face of the sign and not projected
past the sign.
(d)
Off-premises signs may incorporate tri-vision boards.
[1]
The length of time each message of the tri-vision board may be displayed before changing is based upon the visibility and posted speed limit unique to individual signs and adjacent road conditions. The message duration for tri-vision boards shall be calculated using the method described in Subsection F(6)(a)[5], Message duration.
(15)
Safety. In applying for special exception relief, the applicant
bears the burden of proof to establish that the proposed off-premises
sign will not create a public health or safety hazard in the manner
and location that it is proposed and in the manner by which it is
to be operated.
I.
Regulations by sign type: limited duration signs.
(1)
Nonresidential districts:
(a)
Large limited duration signs: One large limited duration sign
is permitted per property in all nonresidential districts. If a property
is greater than five acres in size and has at least 400 feet of street
frontage or has more than 10,000 square feet of floor area, one additional
large limited duration sign may be permitted so long as there is a
minimum spacing of 200 feet between the two large limited duration
signs.
(b)
Small limited duration signs: In addition to the large limited
duration sign(s) outlined above, one small limited duration sign is
permitted per property in all nonresidential districts. If a property
is greater than five acres in size and has at least 400 feet of street
frontage or has more than 10,000 square feet of floor area, one additional
small limited duration sign may be permitted.
(2)
Residential districts:
(a)
Large limited duration sign: One large limited duration sign
is permitted per property as long as the property is greater than
five acres in size and has at least 400 feet of street frontage or
has more than 10,000 square feet of floor area.
(b)
Small limited duration sign: One small limited duration sign
is permitted per property.
(3)
Permit requirements.
(a)
A permit for a limited duration sign is issued for one year
and may be renewed annually.
(b)
One sign is allowed per permit. An applicant may request up
to two permits per address, but is subject to the size and number
requirements set forth in this chapter.
(c)
An application for a limited duration sign permit must include:
[1]
A description of the sign indicating the number, size, shape,
dimensions, and colors of the sign, and the expected length of time
the sign will be displayed;
[2]
A schematic drawing of the site showing the proposed location
of the sign in relation to nearby buildings and streets;
[3]
The number of signs on the site.
(4)
Installation and maintenance.
(a)
All limited duration signs must be installed such that, in the
opinion of the Director of Building and Planning, they do not create
a safety hazard.
(b)
All limited duration signs must be made of durable materials
and shall be well-maintained.
(c)
Limited duration signs that are frayed, torn, broken, or that
are no longer legible will be deemed unmaintained and required to
be removed.
(5)
Summary Table for Limited Duration Signs.
|
Limited Duration Signs
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Nonresidential Districts
|
Residential Districts
| |
|
Large limited duration signs (maximum area 16 square feet)
|
Number: 1 per property; 2 if property is 5+ acres with 400+
feet of street frontage or has > 10,000 square feet of floor area
Height: Maximum 8 feet
|
Number: 1 per property if property is 5+ acres with 400+ feet
of street frontage or has < 10,000 square feet of floor area
Height: Maximum 8 feet
|
|
Small limited duration signs (maximum area 6 square feet)
|
Number: 1 per property; 2 if property is 5+ acres with 400+
feet of street frontage or has < 10,000 square feet of floor area
Height: Maximum 6 feet
|
Number: 1 per property
Height: Maximum 6 feet
|
J.
Regulations by sign type: temporary signs.
(1)
Temporary signs, as defined in this chapter, located on private property,
are exempt from standard permit requirements. Temporary signs that
comply with the requirements in this subsection shall not be included
in the determination of the type, number, or area of signs allowed
on the property.
(2)
Unless otherwise stated below, the requirements listed below shall
apply to both commercial and noncommercial signs.
(3)
Size and number.
(a)
Nonresidential districts:
[1]
Large temporary signs: One large temporary sign is permitted
per property in all nonresidential districts. If a property is greater
than five acres in size and has at least 400 feet of street frontage
or has more than 10,000 square feet of floor area, one additional
large temporary sign may be permitted, provided there is a minimum
spacing of 200 feet between the two large temporary signs.
[2]
Small temporary signs: In addition to the large temporary sign(s)
outlined above, one small temporary sign is permitted per property
in all nonresidential districts. If a property is greater than five
acres in size and has at least 400 feet of street frontage or has
> 10,000 square feet of floor area, one additional small sign may
be permitted provided there is a minimum spacing of 200 feet between
both sets of small temporary signs.
(b)
Residential districts:
[1]
Large temporary signs: One large temporary sign is permitted
per residential property provided the property is greater than five
acres in size and has at least 400 feet of street frontage or has
more than 10,000 square feet of floor area.
[2]
Small temporary signs: One small temporary sign is permitted
per residential property.
(4)
Duration and removal.
(a)
Temporary signs may be displayed up to a maximum of 30 consecutive
days, two times per year.
(b)
The Township or the property owner may confiscate signs installed
in violation of this chapter. Neither Township nor the property owner
is responsible for notifying sign owners of confiscation of an illegal
sign.
(5)
Permission: The party posting the temporary sign is solely responsible
for obtaining the permission of the property owner before posting
a temporary sign.
(6)
Township notification: Temporary signs are exempt from the standard
permit requirements but the date of erection of a temporary sign must
be written in indelible ink on the lower right hand corner of the
sign.
(7)
Installation and maintenance.
(a)
All temporary signs must be installed such that, in the opinion
of the Township Director of Building and Planning, they do not create
a safety hazard.
(b)
All temporary signs must be made of durable materials and shall
be well-maintained.
(c)
Temporary signs that are frayed, torn, broken, or that are no
longer legible will be deemed unmaintained and shall be required to
be removed.
(8)
Illumination: Illumination of any temporary sign is prohibited.
(9)
Summary Table for Temporary Signs.
|
Temporary Signs
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Nonresidential Districts
|
Residential Districts
| |
|
Large temporary signs (maximum area 32 square feet for banner,
16 square feet for all other signs)
|
Number: 1 per property; 2 if property is 5+ acres with 400+
feet of street frontage or has > 10,000 square feet of floor area
Height:
Ground: Maximum 8 feet
Banner: Maximum 24 feet
|
Number: 1 per property if property is 5+ acres with 400+ feet
of street frontage or has > 10,000 square feet of floor area
Height:
Ground: Maximum 8 feet
Banner: Maximum 24 feet
|
|
Small temporary signs (maximum area 6 square feet)
|
Number: 1 per property: 2 if property is 5+ acres with 400+
feet of street frontage or has > 10,000 square feet of floor area
Height: Maximum 6 feet
|
Number: 1 per property
Height: Maximum 6 feet
|
K.
Regulations by sign type: portable signs.
(1)
General provisions.
(a)
Illumination: Illumination of any portable sign is prohibited.
(b)
Hours of display:
[1]
Portable signs shall not be displayed on any premises before
6:00 a.m. and shall be removed each day at or before 10:00 p.m. However,
all portable signs must be taken in during hours of nonoperation of
the business being advertised.
[2]
All portable signs must be taken in during inclement weather.
(2)
Sandwich board or A-frame signs: Sandwich board signs that comply
with the requirements in this subsection shall not be included in
the determination of the type, number, or area of signs allowed on
a property.
(a)
Number: One sandwich board sign is permitted per establishment.
For the purposes of this subsection, a parking garage or parking lot
shall be considered an establishment.
(b)
Area: Each sign shall have a maximum area of seven square feet
per sign face.
(c)
Height: Signs shall have a maximum height of 3.5 feet.
(d)
Sign placement.
[1]
If a sign is located on a public or private sidewalk, a minimum
of 36 inches of unobstructed sidewalk clearance must be maintained
between the sign and any building or other obstruction.
[2]
The sign must be located on the premises, and within 12 feet
of the primary public entrance, of the establishment it advertises.
For the purpose of this subsection, a public entrance includes a vehicular
entrance into a parking garage or parking lot.
[3]
Portable signs shall be weighted, temporarily secured, or strategically
placed so as to avoid being carried away by high winds.
L.
Regulations by sign type: street pole banners.
(1)
General provisions. Street pole banner signs that comply with the
requirements of this subsection shall not be included in the determination
of the type, number, or area of signs allowed on a property.
(a)
Illumination: Illumination of any street pole banner is prohibited.
(b)
Area: Each street pole banner shall have a maximum area of 12.5
square feet and a maximum width of three feet. Up to two street pole
banners are permitted per street pole.
(c)
Height:
[1]
When the street pole banner's edge is less than 18 inches from
the curb, the lowest edge of the street pole banner shall be at least
14 feet above the finished grade.
[2]
When the street pole banner's edge is greater than 18 inches
from the curb, the lowest edge of the street pole banner shall be
at least eight feet above the finished grade.
(d)
Location:
[1]
No street pole banner shall extend beyond the curbline.
[2]
Street pole banners shall maintain a minimum of three-foot vertical
clearance below any luminaries located on the pole measured from where
the ballasts connect to the poles.
[3]
Street pole banners shall not interfere with the visibility
of traffic signals or signs.
[4]
No street pole banner shall be located on a pole that has traffic
or pedestrian control signals.
(2)
Permit requirements.
(a)
A permit for a street pole banner shall be issued for one year
and may be renewed annually.
(b)
An application for a street pole banner permit must include
the following:
[1]
A diagram or map of the specific poles to be used for street
pole banner installation and the streets on which the poles are to
be located.
[2]
A proof of the street pole banner design, including the banner's
dimensions.
[3]
If brackets are to be installed, submit specifications for the
bracket installation system.
M.
Signs in agricultural and open space districts. In addition to the exempt signs described in Subsection E, Signs exempt from permit requirements, the following numbers and types of signs may be erected in the Farming and Mining District and the Open Space Preservation District, subject to the following conditions:
(1)
Any limited duration sign as defined and regulated in this chapter.
(2)
Any temporary sign as defined and regulated in this chapter.
(3)
Signs associated with a residential use or parcel within an agricultural district shall comply with Subsection N hereof, Signs in residential districts.
(4)
Parks and open space:
(a)
(b)
Signs located on the interior of the site used to identify various
use areas, facility boundaries, on-site traffic direction, trail use
information, the hours and rules for the use of the grounds, etc.,
are exempt from permit requirements subject to the following:
(c)
Signs for recreation and sporting facilities shall be allowed
provided that the following criteria are met:
[1]
Signs on the interior walls or fence of an open stadium or field
shall be no greater than 24 square feet in size and shall be designed
to be viewed from the inside of the stadium only, and shall not be
illuminated.
[2]
One freestanding scoreboard, not to exceed 200 square feet in
area and 20 feet in height, is permitted per playing field.
[a]
Commercial messages shall not exceed 30% of the
front face of the scoreboard.
[b]
The face of all scoreboards, including any attached
commercial signs and panels, shall be permanently oriented toward
the recreation and spectator area.
[d]
Digital display (not to exceed 30% of the total
scoreboard area).
(5)
Freestanding signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted subject
to the following regulations:
(a)
Number: One sign at each street access, up to a maximum of two
signs per lot.
(b)
Area: Each sign shall have a maximum area of 32 square feet
per sign face.
(c)
Height: Each sign shall have a maximum height of six feet.
(d)
Illumination: The signs permitted in this subsection shall not
be illuminated.
(6)
Wall and projecting signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted
subject to the following regulations:
(a)
Number: One sign per tenant per building frontage up to a maximum
of two signs per tenant.
(b)
Area: Each sign shall have a maximum area of 20 square feet
per sign face.
(c)
Height: Each sign shall have a maximum height equal to the eaveline
or the bottom of the second story window sill, whichever is lower.
(d)
Illumination: The signs permitted in this subsection shall not
be illuminated.
(8)
Off-premises signs are subject to the regulations found in Subsection H, Regulations by sign type: off-premises signs.
(9)
Summary Table for Signs in Agricultural and Open Space Districts.
|
Agricultural and Open Space Districts
| |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Wall and Projecting
|
Window
|
Freestanding
| |
|
Maximum Number
|
Nonresidential uses: 1 per tenant per building frontage, up
to a maximum of 2 signs per tenant
|
N/A
|
Parks and open space: 1 per street access plus 1 freestanding
scoreboard per playing field
Nonresidential uses: 1 per street access up to a maximum of
2 signs per lot
|
|
Maximum area (square feet)
|
Parks and open space: Signs on the interior walls or fence of
an open stadium: 24
Nonresidential uses: 20
|
Nonresidential uses: 15% of total window area
|
Parks and open space: 24 (entrance), 200 (scoreboard), 10 (signs
interior to the site)
Nonresidential uses: 32
|
|
Maximum height
|
Nonresidential uses: The eaveline or the bottom of the second
story window sill, whichever is lower
|
N/A
|
Parks and open space: 10 feet (entrance), 20 feet (scoreboard),
8 feet (signs interior to site); nonresidential uses: 6 feet
|
N.
Signs in residential districts. In addition to the exempt signs described in Subsection E, Signs exempt from permit requirements, the following numbers and types of signs may be erected in the residential districts, as defined in this chapter, subject to the conditions specified herein:
(1)
Any limited duration sign as defined and regulated in this chapter.
(2)
Any temporary sign as defined and regulated in this chapter.
(3)
(4)
Freestanding signs for residential developments or apartment buildings
containing more than 10 units shall be permitted subject to the following
regulations:
(5)
Summary Table for Signs in Residential Districts.
|
Residential Districts
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Wall and Projecting
|
Freestanding
| |
|
Maximum number
|
Home occupations: 1 per lot
|
Home occupations: 1 per lot
Residential developments: 1 per lot
|
|
Maximum area (square feet)
|
Home occupations: 2
|
Home occupations: 6
Residential developments: 15
|
|
Maximum height
|
The eaveline or the bottom of the second story window sill,
whichever is lower
|
Home occupations: 6 feet
Residential developments: 8 feet
|
O.
Signs in institutional districts. In addition to the exempt signs in Subsection E, Signs exempt from permit regulations, the following numbers and types of signs may be erected for institutional uses, including schools, religious institutions, municipal buildings, hospitals, clubs, or permitted uses of a similar nature, subject to the conditions specified herein:
(1)
Any limited duration sign as defined and regulated in this chapter.
(2)
Any temporary sign as defined and regulated in this chapter.
(3)
Any portable sign as defined and regulated in this chapter.
(4)
Signs associated with a park or open space use in an institutional district shall comply with Subsection M(4).
(5)
Signs associated with a residential use or parcel within an institutional district shall comply with Subsection N, Signs in residential districts.
(6)
Freestanding signs for institutional uses, other than parks and open
space, shall be permitted subject to the following regulations:
(7)
Freestanding signs located on the interior of the site used to identify
facilities, on-site traffic direction, hours of operation, and other
information are exempt from permit requirements, subject to the following:
(8)
Building signs, including wall signs, awning or canopy signs, projecting
signs, and window signs, are permitted for institutional uses. The
total maximum sign area of all building signs shall be based on the
lot size of the property and wall area of the building, as follows:
(9)
Upper-level building identification signs shall be permitted subject
to the following regulations:
(a)
Number: Two signs per building.
(b)
Area: Each sign shall have a maximum area of 200 square feet.
(c)
Height: Signs shall have a maximum height of 10 feet and shall
not extend vertically beyond the eaveline.
(d)
Location: Signs shall be limited to buildings at least three
stories in height and shall be located only on the top floor of such
buildings.
(10)
Summary Table for Signs in Institutional Districts.
|
Institutional Districts
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Wall, Awning/Canopy, Projecting and Window
|
Freestanding
|
Building Identification
| ||
|
Maximum number
|
N/A
|
1 per street access, up to 2 per lot
|
2 per building
| |
|
Maximum area
|
Lots < 2 acres
|
5% of the total wall face area of walls that directly face a
public street or parking lot. No single wall sign shall exceed 24
square feet
|
24 square feet
|
200 square feet
|
|
Maximum area
|
Lots > 2 and < 5 acres
|
6% of the total wall face area of walls that directly face a
public street or parking lot. No single wall sign shall exceed 36
square feet
|
40 square feet
|
200 square feet
|
|
Maximum area
|
Lots > 5 acres
|
7% of the total wall face area of walls that directly face a
public street or parking lot. No single wall sign shall exceed 60
square feet
|
60 square feet
|
200 square feet
|
|
Maximum height
|
The eaveline
|
10 feet
|
The eaveline
| |
P.
Signs in Neighborhood Commercial District. In addition to the exempt signs described in Subsection E, Signs exempt from permit requirements, the following numbers and types of signs may be erected in the Neighborhood Commercial District, subject to the conditions specified herein:
(1)
Any sign permitted in residential districts, for the appropriate
uses, as defined and regulated in this chapter.
(2)
Any portable sign as defined and regulated in this chapter.
(3)
Any street pole banner as defined and regulated in this chapter.
(4)
The total area of all wall, awning/canopy, and projecting signs shall
be limited to two square feet per one linear foot of building frontage
that faces a public street or parking lot, subject to maximum size
limitations based on sign type.
(5)
Wall signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted subject to
the following regulations:
(a)
Number: One sign per tenant per street frontage, up to a maximum
of two signs per tenant. Where a property has entrances facing both
a street and a parking lot, an additional sign is permitted to face
the parking lot.
(b)
Area: No single wall sign shall exceed 24 square feet in area.
(c)
Height: Each sign shall have a maximum height equal to the eaveline
or the bottom of the second story window sill, whichever is lower.
(6)
Awning or canopy signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted
subject to the following regulations:
(a)
Height: Signs shall have a maximum height equal to the eaveline
or the bottom of the second story window sill, whichever is lower.
(7)
Projecting signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted subject
to the following regulations:
(a)
Number: One sign per ground floor establishment, plus one sign
per building entrance serving one or more commercial tenants without
a ground floor entrance.
(b)
Area: Each sign shall have a maximum area of 12 square feet
per sign face.
(c)
Height. Each sign shall have a maximum height equal to the eaveline
or the bottom of the second story window sill, whichever is lower.
(8)
Window signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted subject to
the following regulations:
(a)
Area: A maximum of 15% of the total window area of any single
storefront may be used for permanent signs that are etched, painted,
or otherwise permanently affixed to the window. A maximum of 25% of
the total window area of any single storefront may be covered by a
combination of permanent and temporary window signs.
(9)
Marquee signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted subject
to the following regulations:
(10)
Summary Table for Signs in Neighborhood Commercial District.
|
Neighborhood Commercial District
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Wall and Awning/Canopy
|
Projecting
|
Window
|
Marquee
| |
|
Maximum number
|
Wall: 1 per street frontage (up to 2 per tenant)
Awning/canopy: N/A
|
1 per ground floor establishment, plus 1 per building entrance
serving tenants without a ground floor entrance
|
N/A
|
1 per building
|
|
Maximum area (total)
|
2 square feet per linear foot of building frontage facing a
public street or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations
based on sign type
|
2 square feet per linear foot of building frontage facing a
public street or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations
based on sign type
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
Maximum area (individual)
|
Wall: 24 square feet
Awning/canopy: N/A
|
12 square feet
|
15% of total window area (permanent signs); 25% total window
area (all signs)
|
150 square feet
|
|
Maximum height
|
The eaveline or the bottom of the second story window sill,
whichever is lower
|
The eaveline or the bottom of the second story window sill,
whichever is lower
|
N/A
|
The eaveline
|
Q.
Signs in general commercial and industrial districts. Except as noted
below, the following numbers and types of signs may be erected in
any industrial district or commercial district, as such districts
are defined in this chapter, subject to the conditions specified herein.
(1)
Any sign permitted in residential districts, for the appropriate uses, as defined and regulated in Subsection N of this section.
(2)
Any portable sign as defined and regulated in this chapter.
(3)
Any street pole banner as defined and regulated in this chapter.
(4)
The total area of all wall, awning/canopy, and projecting signs for
nonresidential uses shall be limited to 1.5 square feet per one linear
foot of building frontage that faces a public street or parking lot,
subject to maximum size limitations based on sign type.
(5)
Wall signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted subject to
the following regulations:
(a)
Number: One sign per tenant per street frontage up to a maximum
of two signs per tenant. Where a store has entrances facing both a
street and a parking lot, a second sign is permitted to face the parking
lot.
(b)
Area: Each wall sign shall have a maximum area of 32 square
feet per sign face.
(c)
Height: Wall signs shall have a maximum height equal to the
eaveline.
(6)
Awning or canopy signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted
subject to the following regulations:
(7)
Projecting signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted subject
to the following regulations:
(a)
Number: One sign per ground floor establishment, plus one sign
per building entrance serving one or more commercial tenants without
a ground floor entrance.
(b)
Area: Each projecting sign shall have a maximum area of 20 square
feet per sign face.
(c)
Height: Each projecting sign shall have a maximum height equal
to the eaveline.
(8)
Window signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted subject to
the following regulations:
(a)
Area: A maximum of 25% of the total window area of any single
storefront may be used for permanent signs that are etched, painted,
or permanently affixed to the window. A maximum of 35% of the total
window area of any single storefront may be covered by a combination
of permanent and temporary window signs.
(9)
Marquee signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted subject
to the following regulations:
(10)
In addition to building signs, freestanding signs for nonresidential
uses shall be permitted subject to the following regulations:
(a)
Number: One sign per street frontage, up to two signs per property
held in single and separate ownership.
[1]
For permitted motor vehicle fueling stations, one additional
sign per street frontage shall be permitted for the advertising of
fuel prices and identification of the fueling station only, up to
two additional signs per property.
[2]
For permitted drive-through establishments, one additional freestanding
sign shall be permitted for the advertising of items for sale to users
of the drive-through lane only.
(b)
Area: Each freestanding sign shall have a maximum area of 50
square feet plus an additional 10 square feet per tenant up to a maximum
of 100 square feet.
(c)
Height: Freestanding signs shall have a maximum height of 20
feet.
(11)
Upper-level building identification signs shall be permitted
subject to the following regulations:
(a)
Number: One sign per building.
(b)
Area: Each sign shall have a maximum area of 200 square feet.
(c)
Height: Signs shall have a maximum height of 10 feet and shall
not extend vertically beyond the eaveline.
(d)
Location: Signs shall be limited to buildings at least three
stories in height and shall be located only on the top floor of such
buildings.
(12)
Off-premises signs shall be permitted, subject to the regulations detailed in Subsection H, Regulations by sign type: off-premises signs.
(13)
Summary Table for Signs in Commercial and Industrial Districts.
|
General Commercial and Industrial Districts
| ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Wall and Awning/Canopy
|
Projecting
|
Window
|
Marquee
|
Freestanding
|
Upper-level building identification
| |
|
Maximum number
|
Wall: 1 per tenant per street frontage (up to 2 per tenant)
Awning/canopy: N/A
|
1 per ground floor establishment, plus 1 per building entrance
serving tenants without a ground floor entrance
|
N/A
|
1 per building
|
1 per street frontage, up to 2 per lot (additional signs allowed
for gas stations and drive-through establishments
|
1 per building (> 3 stories high)
|
|
Maximum area (total)
|
1.5 square feet per linear foot of building frontage facing
a public street or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations
based on sign type
|
1.5 square feet per linear foot of building frontage facing
a public street or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations
based on sign type
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
Maximum area (individual)
|
Wall: 32 square feet
Awning/canopy: N/A
|
20 square feet
|
25% total window area (permanent signs); 35% (all signs)
|
200 square feet
|
50 square feet plus an additional 10 square feet per tenant
up to 100 square feet
|
200 square feet
|
|
Maximum height
|
The eaveline
|
The eaveline
|
N/A
|
The eaveline
|
20 feet
|
The eaveline
|
R.
Special regulations for signs in historic districts. In addition
to all other requirements of this chapter, the following regulations
shall be applicable to any sign placed in a designated historic district:
(1)
No sign shall be erected or altered until an application has been
reviewed and approved by the Historic Preservation Commission and
after the Board of Supervisors has issued a certificate of appropriateness:
(2)
Installation of a sign in an historic district shall not damage or
require removal of historic materials and shall be done in a manner
such that signs may be removed without harm to the masonry or architectural
detailing.
(4)
Permit requirements:
(a)
All applications for a certificate of appropriateness must contain
the following information:
[1]
A current color photograph of the property.
[2]
An illustration of the building facade showing the proposed
sign.
[3]
A scaled drawing showing the sign itself and including the size,
materials, colors, lighting, lettering, and method of attachment Material
samples may be required.
[4]
For ground signs, a site plan indicating the location of the
sign.
[5]
The type of illumination.
S.
Removal of unsafe, unlawful, or abandoned signs.
(1)
Unsafe or unlawful signs.
(a)
Upon written notice by the Township, the owner, person, or firm
maintaining a sign shall remove the sign when it becomes unsafe, is
in danger of falling, or becomes so deteriorated that the sign no
longer serves a useful purpose of communication, or it is determined
by the Township to be a nuisance, or it is deemed unsafe by the Township,
or it is unlawfully erected in violation of any of the provisions
of this chapter.
(b)
The Township may remove or cause to be removed the sign at the
expense of the owner and/or lessee in the event that the owner of
the person or firm obligated to maintain the sign has not complied
with the terms of the written notice from the Township within 30 days
of the date of the notice. In the event of immediate danger, the Township
may remove the sign immediately upon the issuance of written notice
to the owner, person or firm maintaining the sign.
(2)
Abandoned signs.
(a)
It shall be responsibility of the owner of any property upon
which an abandoned sign is located to remove such sign within 180
days of the sign becoming abandoned, as defined in this chapter. Removal
of an abandoned sign shall include the removal of the entire sign
including the sign face, supporting structure, and structural trim.
(b)
In the event that the owner of the property on which an abandoned
sign is located fails to remove such sign within the time frame specified
in this section, the Township may remove such sign. Any expense directly
incurred in the removal of the abandoned sign shall be charged to
the owner of the property. In the event the expense is not paid within
30 days of issuance of an invoice by the Township, the Township may
file a lien upon the property for the purpose of recovering all reasonable
costs associated with removal of the abandoned sign.
T.
Permits and applications.
(1)
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to erect, alter, repair, or relocate any sign within the Township without first obtaining a sign permit, unless the sign is specifically exempt from the permit requirements as outlined in Subsection E, Signs exempt from permit requirements.
(2)
In order to apply for a sign permit, the applicant must provide the
following information, in writing, to the Township:
(a)
Name of applicant and location of property.
(b)
Name, address, and telephone number of the property owner, and
the original signature of the property owner or duly authorized agent
for the owner.
(c)
Contact person and contact information.
(d)
Description of the activities occurring on the site where the
sign will be installed.
(e)
Description of any existing signage that will remain on the
property.
(f)
Identification of the type of sign(s) to be erected by the applicant.
(g)
Site plan depicting the location(s) of proposed signage and
existing remaining signage.
(h)
Two copies of a plan drawn to scale depicting:
[1]
Lot dimensions, building frontage, and existing cartways, rights-of-way
and driveways.
[2]
The design of each sign face and sign structure, including dimensions,
total area, sign height, depth, color scheme, structural details,
materials, lighting scheme and proposed location.
[3]
Building elevations, existing and proposed facades, parapet
walls, eaveline and the location and size of all proposed and existing
permanent signage.
[4]
Current photographs showing existing signs on the premises and
certifying the date on which such photographs were taken.
(i)
If the sign is located in an historic district, confirmation
that an application has been submitted to the Historic Preservation
Commission.
(j)
A permit fee, to be established from time to time by resolution
of the Board of Supervisors, shall be paid.
(3)
The Township Zoning Officer shall have 10 business days from the
receipt of a complete sign permit application to review said application.
(4)
A permit shall be issued on or before the end of the ten-business-day
review period if the application for a new sign or renewal complies
with the regulations contained herein.
(5)
If the Township Zoning Officer does not issue a determination within
the ten-business-day review period, the sign permit shall be deemed
approved.
(6)
An application for a sign permit may be denied by the Township Zoning
Officer within the ten-business-day review period if the application
fails to comply with the standards contained herein. The Township
Zoning Officer shall inform the applicant by written notice, delivered
by certified mail, of the reasons for denying the application for
a sign permit.
(7)
Upon denial of an application for a sign permit, the applicant shall
have 30 days, from the date of the Township's written notice of denial,
to revise and resubmit the application for review. In the alternative,
the applicant may appeal the denial of the permit application in accordance
with the provisions of the Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10101
et seq.
(8)
With the exception of lighting permits for digital signs, sign permits
shall not expire, provided that permitted signs are not abandoned
or destroyed. In the event that substantial repair or replacement
of a permitted sign becomes necessary (that is, required repairs are
estimated to cost more than 50% of the replacement cost of the damaged
sign), the permittee shall be required to submit an application for
a new sign permit, and shall submit an additional fee, if required
by the Township's fee schedule.
U.
Nonconforming signs.
(1)
Signs legally in existence at the time of the adoption of this chapter,
which do not conform to the requirements of this chapter, shall be
considered nonconforming signs.
(2)
All permanent signs and sign structures shall be brought into conformance
with the sign regulations set forth in this chapter when and if any
of the following occurs:
(a)
The sign is removed, relocated, or significantly altered. Significant
alterations include changes in the size or dimension of the sign.
Changes to the sign copy or the replacement of a sign face on a nonconforming
sign shall not be considered a significant alteration.
(b)
If more than 50% of the sign area is damaged, it shall be repaired
to conform to this chapter.
(c)
An alteration in the structure of a sign support.
(d)
A change in the mechanical facilities or type of illumination.
(e)
A change in the material of the sign face.
(f)
An application for subdivision or land development of the property
on which the nonconforming sign is located, requiring Township review
and approval, is submitted.
(g)
The property on which the nonconforming sign is located undergoes
a change of land use requiring the issuance of either a use and occupancy
permit or a change of use and occupancy permit by the Township.
(3)
To determine the legal status of existing signs in each of the cases
listed in this subsection, the applicant shall submit the following
information to the Township Zoning Officer:
(4)
Prior to the occurrence of any event specified in Subsection U(2) above, nonconforming signs may be repainted or repaired up to 50% of the replacement cost of the sign, the sign copy may be changed, and sign faces may be replaced provided that none of the aforesaid actions increases the dimensions of the existing sign, and does not in any way increase the extent of the sign's nonconformity.
(5)
Nonconforming signs shall be exempt from the provisions of Subsection U(2), above, under the following conditions:
(a)
The nonconforming sign possesses documented historic value.
(b)
The nonconforming sign is of a unique nature or type by virtue
of its architectural value or design, as determined by the National
Park Service, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, or
the Township's Historic Preservation Commission.
(c)
When a nonconforming sign is required to be moved due to improvements
to the public right-of-way.
(6)
All nonconforming temporary signs, portable signs, and banners must
be permanently removed within 90 days of the effective date of this
chapter, unless specific approval is granted as provided for herein.
V.
Signs on the premises of legally nonconforming uses.
(1)
Signs on the premises of legally nonconforming uses (such as an office
in a residential district) may remain until the existing use of the
premises is discontinued.
(2)
If a sign wears out or is damaged (including rust, faded colors,
discoloration, holes, or missing parts or informational items), or
is changed for any other reason, the number, size, and area of all
signs relating to the premises shall not be increased beyond the characteristics
of the sign or signs that existed on the premises at the time of adoption
of this chapter.
A.
No private residential swimming pool, hot tub or spa shall be constructed
or installed on any lot unless the lot contains a residence building.
All pools, hot tubs and spas shall be located in rear and side yard
areas only, and the pool and all associated construction, such as
decks, mechanical equipment, paving and coping, shall be located a
minimum of six feet from any side or rear property line and a minimum
of 10 feet from any street property line.
B.
All swimming pools, hot tubs and spas shall occupy no more than 75%
of the rear yard area in which it is located.
C.
All swimming pools, hot tubs and spas must conform to the current
Township Building Code.
D.
Setbacks from electric power lines shall be in accordance with all
applicable Township swimming pool, building and electrical codes.
E.
Pools shall be located a minimum of 10 feet measured from the water's edge to any portion of the principal structure; and 10 feet from any accessory buildings or structures. Aboveground swimming pools may be adjacent to open raised decks; such decks may not be elevated more than one foot above the swimming pool's elevation. These requirements of this Subsection E are not applicable to hot tubs and spas.
Within any district allowing townhouses, no townhouse development shall take place unless the following minimum standards are met in addition to the requirements specified in Article IV for the HR District and until the site plan has been reviewed by the Planning Commission and approved by the Board of Supervisors:
A.
Any overall structure of attached townhouses shall provide that no
more than two adjacent dwelling units have the same setback.
B.
All dwelling units shall be connected to public water and sanitary
sewer facilities, approved and functioning in compliance with Falls
Township's controlling ordinances and with the rules and regulations
of the appropriate utility(ies).
C.
All parking facilities shall be on the same site as the building
and located within 150 feet of the nearest entrance of the dwelling
unit they are intended to serve. Parking spaces shall be provided
in areas designed specifically for parking.
D.
No townhouse dwelling unit shall be less than 16 feet wide.
E.
All buildings shall be in accordance with the specifications in the
current Uniform Construction Code, as amended.
F.
Television dishes/antenna are permitted but are limited to one dish/antennas
per one dwelling unit.
G.
All gas and electric meters must be provided for onsite plans which
are subject to approval during the land development process. All meters
must be protected from vehicular impact.
A.
No open space provided around any principal building for the purposes
of complying with the front, side, rear or other yard provisions of
this chapter shall be considered as providing the yard provisions
for another principal building.
A.
Wind energy systems.
(1)
Nonresidential wind energy system.
(a)
A nonresidential wind energy system is a device which converts
wind energy to mechanical or electrical energy and which is permitted
as an accessory use and structure in nonresidential districts only,
in accordance with the following regulations:
[1]
Wind system shall be permitted as an accessory
use only.
[2]
Uses for which the wind system is a permitted accessory
use are agricultural uses and industrial uses.
[3]
No wind system shall be permitted in any open space
area that has been set aside, either as part of a development or preserved
through a Township, county, state, federal, or conservancy preservation
program.
[4]
A wind energy system may be a freestanding pole
structure or may be attached to another structure or building.
[5]
Every proposed wind system, whether freestanding
or attached to another structure, shall be designed and engineered
to provide for safe operation. Detailed engineering plans, prepared
by a licensed professional engineer, for all proposed wind systems
shall be submitted with applications for approval. If an attached
system is proposed, these engineering studies shall demonstrate to
the satisfaction of the Township that the wind system shall not compromise
the structural integrity of the building to which it is attached.
[6]
Maximum height: the maximum height of any wind
system is 75 feet. This height shall include the pole or mounting
structure and the blade when extended to its highest position. The
pole or mounting device shall not exceed 60 feet.
[7]
All wind systems shall be set back a minimum of
2.5 times the height of the structure, including the blade as extended
to its highest position, from any lot line, aboveground utility line
or pole.
[8]
All facilities shall meet the applicable electrical
codes and shall be performed by a licensed electrical contractor.
[9]
Nuisance standards: all wind systems shall be designed
to avoid any adverse impacts on surrounding properties. No lights
shall be permitted on the wind system. All applications shall contain
information on the proposed color, orientation, design of the system,
and any electrical interference effects.
[10]
Access control. Access to the system shall be
controlled by a fence with a height of eight feet with locking portal.
The ground-level equipment and structures shall be adequately buffered
from adjacent properties and street rights-of-way with landscaping
or fencing.
[11]
A minimum of one sign shall be posted near ground
level or on the tower structure warning of high voltage. The electric
and utility lines to and from a wind system shall be underground.
(2)
Residential wind energy system. A residential wind energy system is a device which converts wind energy to mechanical or electrical energy and which is limited to use on residential lots. Each residential wind energy system shall generate energy exclusively for the underlying residential use, shall be permitted only as an attachment to an existing building and not as a stand-alone structure, shall have a maximum height equivalent to the maximum building height permitted in the zoning district in which it is located, shall be subject to a minimum setback of 1.5 times the height of the wind energy system, and shall be subject to the safety standards set forth in Subsection A(1), above, for nonresidential wind energy systems.
[Added 8-16-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-12]
A.
All
outdoor dining areas in all zoning districts shall comply with the
provisions of this section in addition to the provisions of the zoning
district in which the use is located.
B.
Outdoor
dining areas shall be accessory to a restaurant, bar/tavern, nightclub,
lounge or other similar principal permitted use that has indoor seating,
if permitted pursuant to the regulations of the underlying zoning
district.
C.
At all
times, outdoor dining areas shall comply with any and all regulations
of any authority having jurisdiction over such establishment, including
but not limited to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and the Bucks
County Board of Health. It is the merchant or business owner's sole
responsibility to ensure compliance with same and, if needed, secure
any permission necessary from any agency having jurisdiction over
the operations, including but not limited to the Pennsylvania Liquor
Control Board and the Bucks County Board of Health, related to outdoor
service or consumption of food, beverages or any other product.
D.
Areas
for outdoor dining shall not interfere with any means of ingress or
egress to a building, or with any emergency or safety exits.
E.
Where
the dining area extends into a public sidewalk, the following shall
apply:
(1)
A minimum sidewalk width, exclusive of the outdoor dining area, of
six feet shall be maintained free and clear at all times for pedestrians
(unless a greater width is required by the building and/or accessibility
code).
(2)
This minimum six-foot area shall not include the outdoor dining area
and shall be free of surface obstacles and obstructions including,
but not limited to, signs, hydrants, streetlights, parking meters,
and street trees.
(3)
The applicant shall supply a pedestrian circulation plan that demonstrates
compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, including at
least one handicapped accessible ramp.
(4)
A minimum of eight feet must separate the outdoor dining area from
any parking area, unless separated by an interior parking lot drive
aisle. A minimum of eight feet must separate the outdoor dining area
from any road, alleyway or street.
F.
Areas
for outdoor dining shall not be placed in or otherwise interfere with
public rights-of-way, streets, alleyways, driveways, drive aisles
or parking areas for the principal use or any other use. The applicant
must provide adequate parking for the principal use in addition to
the outdoor dining use.
G.
Pedestrian
barriers. Outdoor dining areas may be enclosed and must be separated
from the pedestrian or travel way. When the outdoor dining area is
located adjacent to a pedestrian area, or in proximity to an area
used by vehicles such as a parking lot, alleyway, driveway, drive
aisle or street, barriers as described herein are required. The following
minimum standards shall apply if the establishment chooses or is required
to use a barrier:
(1)
Pedestrian barriers shall have sufficient weight to prevent them
from being tipped or knocked over.
(2)
If the pedestrian barrier is to be permanent, the method of attachment
shall be subject to approval by the Township. No barrier shall be
permanently attached to a public sidewalk or an area located within
the right-of-way.
(3)
Pedestrian barriers shall be at least 36 inches high.
(4)
All outdoor dining areas shall maintain a minimum six-foot pedestrian
pathway.
(5)
Where pedestrian access to an outdoor dining area is not through
a food establishment, the required opening shall not be less than
44 inches in width.
(6)
Pedestrian barriers shall not have legs or supports that protrude
into a sidewalk more than two inches.
(7)
Prohibited barriers:
(a)
Fabric inserts (whether natural or synthetic fabric) of any size
shall not be permitted to be used as part of a barrier.
(b)
The use of chain link, cyclone fencing, chicken wire or similar appurtenances
is prohibited. Materials not specifically manufactured for fencing
or pedestrian control (including, but not limited to, buckets, food
containers, tires, tree stumps, vehicle parts, pallets, etc.) as components
of a barrier.
H.
Roof
coverings. Any establishment with outdoor seating may choose to have
a roof or awning over its outdoor dining area. If an establishment
chooses to include a roof covering for its outdoor dining area, the
following shall apply:
(1)
Flame-resistant material shall be used.
(2)
If awnings are used, they shall be a minimum of six feet eight inches
in height above the sidewalk or patio surface.
(3)
Permanent or temporary roofs are permitted, but are subject to all
Township permitting requirements.
(4)
Tents are permitted, but are subject to all Township permitting requirements.
I.
Signs. No signs advertising outdoor dining shall be permitted, unless approved pursuant to § 209-45 of this chapter.
J.
The
number of outdoor dining seats shall be limited to a maximum of 25%
of the total number of indoor seats in the associated principal use.
However, at no point shall more than 50 outdoor dining seats be provided
as an accessory to the principal use.
K.
Hours
of operation shall be from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. All seating of patrons
shall provide for the dining area to close at the required hour.
L.
Setbacks.
(1)
Outdoor dining areas shall comply with all setback requirements of
the underlying zoning district. If the setback requirements are met,
outdoor dining shall be permitted in the front, side or rear yards
of the principal building.
(2)
All outdoor dining areas must be located a minimum of 500 feet from
a residential zoning district, residential property or dwelling unit.
M.
Outdoor
dining areas shall be located on a permanent surface. Temporary flooring
shall not be used.
N.
The
sale of alcoholic beverages shall be incidental to the sale and consumption
of food. Outside bar service and/or walk-up bar service for the sole
purpose of the consumption of alcohol without the consumption of food
is prohibited. The sale of alcoholic beverages in an outdoor dining
area is subject to approval from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.
O.
Storage
of materials. At the conclusion of any outdoor dining season, all
portable equipment (e.g., barriers, furniture, roof coverings, etc.)
shall be stored within the facility used by the principal use in a
location that does not interfere with the operation of the principal
use, or shall be stored off-site.
P.
Noise. Outdoor dining shall be subject to Chapter 155 of the Township's Code of Ordinances, relating to noise. No amplified music or sound is permitted. All activities, including the playing of music or other forms of entertainment, shall comply with the noise limitations of the Township ordinances and any other regulatory agencies having jurisdiction, as applicable.
Q.
All
outdoor events, including any concert, performance, entertainment,
and/or private event shall require advance approval from the Township
and the submission and approval of a special events permit. Multiple
events for one establishment may be included in one special events
permit application.
