Township of Lower Paxton, PA Signs

General sign regulations. Provides information such as the maximum sign area, sign location, sign illumination, method of calculating the area of a sign, sign height, as well as providing standards for off-site billboards and address signs. These regulations apply to all signs permitted in the sign ordinance.

Sign by district. Signs by district illustrates the signs that are permitted in various general zoning districts. Also see § 203-714, Regulations for specific sign types.

Special district requirements. Provides for special overlay districts where signs are subject to special controls. Illustrates signs that are prohibited and special controls for materials, lighting and color.

Exempt and prohibited signs. Identifies signs that are either exempt from the provisions of the ordinance or are prohibited from use.

Construction and maintenance. Provides minimum standards for construction and maintenance. All signs would be required to meet Township building codes.

Removal of unsafe, unlawful or abandoned signs. Provides standards for removal of these types of signs. Applies to all signs in the Township.

Permits and applications. Provides the administrative process for applying for and receiving a permit from the Township to erect a sign.

Nonconforming signs. Identifies nonconforming signs and establishes the standards for handling these signs.

Regulations for specific sign types. Establishes the standards for permanent signs and temporary signs.

§ 203-702 How to use the sign regulations.

To install a new sign, replace or add to an existing sign or apply for temporary signage, a zoning permit is required, under § 203-711, except for signs that are exempt from needing a permit under § 203-708.

ALL signs are defined, regulated and illustrated by sign type in § 203-714. That section addresses the following:

(1)

Number of signs permitted.

(2)

Which zoning districts the signed are permitted.

(3)

Total sign area permitted.

(4)

Sign height.

(5)

Sign area.

(6)

Setback requirements.

See also the following sections of this article:

(1)

Special districts (Linglestown Road and Locust Lane).

(2)

Exempt signs.

(3)

Prohibited signs.

(4)

Construction and required maintenance of signs.

(5)

Nonconforming signs.

§ 203-703 Applicability and purposes.

Any sign hereafter erected, altered, or maintained shall conform with the provisions of this article and any other applicable articles, ordinances, or regulations of the Township of Lower Paxton.

Purposes of this article.

(1)

To provide for the regulation of signs as a proper exercise of the police power and to protect the public health, safety, and welfare in accordance with the following objectives.

(2)

To regulate the size, location, illumination, alteration, and maintenance of signs and reduce hazards to pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

(3)

To prohibit the construction of and require the removal of signs which are hazardous or create blight.

(4)

To provide opportunities for a variety of sign types and encourage sign designs which meet local resident and business needs in a manner which is compatible with the locality, enhances the economic value and visual character of the properties, and contributes to rather than detracts from the character of the Township.

(5)

To establish a process for the review and approval of sign permit applications.

§ 203-704 Definitions.

The following words are defined with the following definitions:

[Amended 11-20-2007 by Ord. No. 07-01]

BANNER

A sign intended to be hung either with or without a frame, possessing characters, letters, illustrations, or ornamentations applied to plastic or fabric of any kind excluding flags and emblems of political, professional, religious, educational, or corporate organizations.

BUILDING SQUARE FOOTAGE

The square footage of a building is based on the measurement within the surrounding exterior walls of the structure exclusive of vent shafts and courts multiplied by stories above grade. A basement will be included if the finished first floor is more than six feet above grade, six feet above finished ground level for more than 50% of the total building perimeter and if the floor is more than 12 feet above finished ground level at any point.

CANOPY, SERVICE STATION DISPENSING FUEL

A structure made of metal, aluminum, or other material intended to be free standing or affixed to a building that serves as an overhang intended to shield persons from the elements while using the service station.

CHANGEABLE COPY OR MESSAGE BOARD

A sign on which message copy can be changed through use of attachable letters, numerals, symbols and other graphics or by electronic switching of lamps, LED, illuminating tubes or another electronic or electrical method.

COPY

The arrangement of letters, numerals, symbols, logos, colors, textures, shapes and design embellishments that may be readily discerned from the supporting structure.

FRONTAGE, PRIMARY

That portion of the lot or lots that abut a public street line used for ingress and egress fronting on the street with the higher average daily traffic count (ADT).

GRADE

The elevation of the surface of the ground at the base of the sign. Grade shall not include landscaping or ornamental mounding. Grade shall be exclusive of any filling, berming, mounding or excavating solely for the purpose of locating the sign. In cases in which the grade cannot reasonably be determined, for signs based above road grade, the grade at the base of the sign shall be equal to the elevation of the nearest point of the crown of a public street or the grade of the land at the principal entrance to the principal structure on the lot, whichever is lower.

HIGHWAY, ARTERIAL

A major street or highway with fast or heavy traffic volumes of considerable continuity and used primarily as a traffic artery for intercommunication among large areas.

HIGHWAY, INTERSTATE

A limited access highway that is designated by the state as an interstate highway.

ILLUMINATION

The constant supply of light, that allows a sign to be visible in dim or dark conditions.

MARQUEE STRUCTURE

A permanent roof-like structure, supported by a wall of a building, but having no relationship to the roof structure, generally designed and constructed for protection against weather.

PARAPET

That portion of a building wall or false front that extends above the roofline.

PARCEL

A lot, or contiguous group of lots in single ownership or under single control and usually considered a unit for purposes of development.

PLANNED CENTER

An integrated development under one ownership that offers the convenience, goods and personal services consisting of a minimum of 10,000 square feet of building space and two tenants designed in a configuration that permits easy access and ample parking.

PREMISES

A parcel of real property with a separate and distinct number and designation shown on a recorded plat, record of survey, parcel map, subdivision map, or a parcel legally created or established pursuant to applicable zoning.

PROPERTY TOTAL SIGN AREA LIMIT

The largest amount of total signage (square footage) allowed on a property in a designated zoning district.

ROOFLINE

The highest point of a flat roof and mansard roof and the highest point of a pitched roof, excluding any cupolas, chimneys or other minor projections.

SETBACK FOR A SIGN

The shortest horizontal distance from the property line or right-of-way to the nearest point (leading edge) of the sign or its supporting member whichever is nearest to the property line or right-of-way.

SIGHT DISTANCE TRIANGLE

This is an area beginning at the point of the intersection of the right-of-way center lines of two streets, and traveling away 75 feet from said point along the center line of each street, with a line connecting the two seventy-five-foot lines.

SIGN

Any object, display or structure, or part thereof, which is used to advertise, identify, display, direct, or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, design symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination, or projected images. The term "sign" does not include the flag or emblem of any nation, organization of nations, state, political subdivision thereof, or any fraternal, religious or civic organization; works of art which in no way identify a product or business; scoreboards located on athletic fields; or religious symbols.

SIGN, ABANDONED

A sign erected on, or related to, the use of a property which becomes vacant and unoccupied for a period of not less than six months or any sign which relates to a time, event, or purpose which has passed.

SIGN, ADDRESS

A sign that displays the street number of a principle building or structure.

SIGN, ANIMATED

A sign which contains wind or mechanically operated moving parts or which flashes or simulates motion by the use of electric lights, but not including wind-actuated elements such as flags, banners, or pennants.

SIGN, AREA

For the purpose of this chapter, the sign area shall be as calculated in § 203-705C.

SIGN, AUTO SALES

A grouping of signs which provide legible signage for auto sales commercial facilities, while moderating visual competition.

SIGN, AWNING

A sign attached to, painted, or printed onto a roof-like cover of the fixed, hinged, roll, or folding type which is attached to a building. This shall be considered a type of wall sign.

SIGN, BALLOON

A temporary type of sign constructed of cloth, plastic, or vinyl filled with air or other suitable gas and affixed to an appropriate anchor.

SIGN, BILLBOARD

See definition in § 203-714.

SIGN, BUILDING

A sign which gives the name of the building itself as opposed to the name of occupants or activities carried on therein.

SIGN, BUSINESS

A sign directing attention to a business, commodity, or service conducted, sold, or offered upon the same premises as those upon which the sign is maintained. This includes signs which identify or advertise home occupations or signs affixed to vehicles denoting a business related activity.

SIGN, CANOPY

A sign attached to, painted, or printed onto a canopy. This is a type of wall sign.

SIGN, CANOPY, SERVICE STATION DISPENSING FUEL

A sign attached to, painted, or printed onto a canopy of a service station dispensing fuel.

SIGN, CONSTRUCTION/CONTRACTOR IDENTIFICATION

A temporary sign placed at a construction site identifying or announcing the project or the name of the architect, engineer, contractor, financing institution, or others involved in the development of the project. A construction/contractors sign shall have a maximum sign area of 16 square feet. If one sign lists multiple contractors, then 16 square feet of sign area shall be allowed per contractor.

[Amended 11-20-2007 by Ord. No. 07-01]

SIGN, DIRECTIONAL

A sign fronting on a road containing any one or more of the following: only the name of the principal use, directional arrow and mileage to the principal use. Such principal use shall not be visible to the motorist at the location at which the sign is placed.

SIGN, DIRECTORY

A sign on which the names and locations of occupants or the use of a building or property is identified.

SIGN, DOUBLE-SIDED

A sign with two parallel and opposite facing sides which are attached to and supported by the same structure. Such signs shall be designed and placed such that only one side of the sign is visible from any given direction of traffic flow.

SIGN, FLASHING

A sign that uses an intermittent or flashing light source or moving reflective material to attract attention.

SIGN, FREESTANDING

A detached sign erected and maintained on a freestanding frame, mast, or pole and not attached to any building but not including ground-mounted signs.

SIGN, GOVERNMENT

Any temporary or permanent sign erected and maintained for any government purposes other than signs placed on the premises of a publicly owned building, structure or other land use. Examples of government signs include speed limit signs, city limit signs, street name signs, and traffic signs. Conversely a sign placed on a public building such as library, school or public safety building, which identifies said building, shall not be considered a government sign.

SIGN, GRAND OPENING/GOING OUT OF BUSINESS

A temporary sign advertising the opening or closure of a store or business.

SIGN, GROUND

A type of freestanding sign that has a height of less than 10 feet.

SIGN, HEIGHT

The vertical distance from the grade at the base of the sign support to the uppermost portion of the sign structure.

SIGN, HOLIDAY

A temporary sign, which is representative of a historic holiday or religious celebration, which contains advertising copy, slogans, trademarks, or logos.

SIGN, IDENTIFICATION

A sign which displays only the name, address, and/or crest, or insignia, trademark, major home occupation or profession of an occupant or the name of any building on the premises.

SIGN, INCIDENTAL

A sign used in conjunction with equipment or other functional elements for a use or operation. These shall include, but not be limited to, drive-through window menu boards, and signs on automatic teller machines, gas pumps, vending machines, or newspaper delivery boxes.

SIGN, INSTITUTIONAL

A sign which may contain the name, address, and hours of the institution. It may also contain a message area.

SIGN, INSTRUCTIONAL

An on-premises sign designed to guide vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic by using such words as "Entrance," Exit," "Parking," "One-Way," or similar directional instruction, but not including any advertising message. The name(s) or logo(s) of the business or use to which the sign is giving direction may also be included on the sign.

SIGN, LED

A light-emitting-diode sign.

SIGN, LIGHTED

A sign illuminated by light cast upon the sign from an external or internal light source.

SIGN, LOGO

A sign used by PennDOT on limited access highways to direct motorists to nearby businesses and services.

SIGN, MARQUEE

Any sign attached to a marquee for the purpose of identifying a movie theater or similar place of entertainment and which has changeable copy. This is a type of wall sign.

SIGN, NEIGHBORHOOD/COMMUNITY IDENTIFICATION

A sign which identifies a neighborhood or community only and is located at the boundary of same.

SIGN, NEON

A sign consisting of exposed/visible glass tubes filled with neon or luminous gases, which ionizes and glows when an electric current is sent through it.

SIGN, OFF-PREMISES

A sign that draws attention to or communicates information about a business, service, commodity, that exists or is conducted, sold, offered, maintained, or provided at a location other than the premises where the sign is located.

SIGN, ON-PREMISES

A sign that draws attention to or communicates information about a business, service, commodity, accommodation, attraction, or other enterprise or activity that exists or is conducted, sold, offered, maintained, or provided on the premises where the sign is located.

SIGN, PERMANENT

A sign which is affixed to a ground or a building by enduring means, and is not readily relocatable.

SIGN, PLANNED CENTER

Signs advertising the name and tenants of an integrated development such as a planned shopping center, office, or industrial park.

SIGN, POLITICAL

A temporary sign that advertises a candidate or candidates for public elective office(s), a political party, or promotes a position on a pubic or ballot issue.

SIGN, PORTABLE

A sign which is designed to be relocated and is not permanently affixed to the ground, building or other structure, including by not limited to trailer or vehicle mounted signs.

SIGN, POSTER

A sign constructed of paper, cardboard, or other similar material which advertises a special event that is intended to be displayed for a limited period of time.

SIGN, PROJECTING

A sign affixed to a wall or other vertical surface at a 90° angle and extends no more than four feet beyond the building wall, structure or parts thereof.

SIGN, PUBLIC INTEREST

A sign on private property that displays information pertinent to the safety or legal responsibilities of the general public such as "Warning," "No Hunting," and "No Trespassing" signs.

SIGN, REAL ESTATE

A temporary type of sign pertaining only to the lease, sale or rental of the land(s) or building(s) upon which such signs are displayed.

SIGN, REAL ESTATE SUBDIVISION OR DEVELOPMENT

A sign which identifies a subdivision and/or development project, its name, character, developers, architects, engineers, planners, contractors, realty agents or other individuals involved. Such signs may include directions.

SIGN, ROOF

A sign erected or maintained in whole or in part upon or over the roof or parapet of a building.

SIGN, SANDWICH

A temporary sign which is not secured to the ground or any structure and forms an inverted "V."

SIGN, SPECIAL EVENT

A temporary sign for special events of corporate, religious, charitable, civic, fraternal, or similar nonprofit or not-for-profit organizations.

SIGN, TEMPORARY

A sign intended for short-term use, such as political signs, holiday and special event signs, grand opening/going-out-of-business signs, construction/contractor identification signs, and sandwich signs.

SIGN, UNLAWFUL

A sign which violates this article and is not lawfully nonconforming.

SIGN, V-SHAPED

A sign containing two opposing faces which are not parallel.

SIGN, VEHICULAR

Signs on parked vehicles visible from the public right-of-way where the primary purpose of the vehicle is to advertise a product or to direct people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property and the vehicle is not essential or integral to the normal day-to-day operations of said business. For the purposes of this chapter, vehicular signs shall not include business logos, identification or advertising on vehicles primarily used for other transportation purposes.

SIGN, WALL

Any sign directly attached to an exterior wall of a building or dependent upon a building for its support with its exposed face parallel or approximately parallel to the plane of the building or structure on which it is placed. An awning sign, canopy sign, or marquee sign shall also be considered a type of wall sign. Signs directly painted on walls shall also be considered wall signs.

SIGN, WINDOW

A sign which is located on the inside or outside of a window or door and is readable from outside of the building.

STREET OR HIGHWAY FRONTAGE

The distance along any one side of any public street or highway, measured along the right-of-way line or parallel to the normal right-of-way line where the right-of-way line is not fixed.

TRANSLUCENT

Allowing light to pass, but diffusing it so that objects on the other side cannot be easily distinguished.

WINDOW

An opening in the wall of a building for admission of light, usually closed by casements or sashes containing transparent material such as glass. May be able to be opened and closed for the admission of air.

§ 203-705 General sign regulations.

Sign location.

(1)

No sign shall be erected or maintained so as to prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window, or fire escape. No sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.

(2)

No permanent sign of any type will be permitted within the sight distance triangle as defined by this article. The sight distance triangle is defined beginning at the point of the intersection of the right-of-way center lines of two streets, and traveling away 75 feet from said point along the center line of each street, with a line connecting the two seventy-five-foot lines as illustrated below:

(3)

Unless specifically authorized by other provisions of this chapter, no sign shall be erected within the legal right-of-way of any public street or public sidewalk, or shall be closer to a street right-of-way line closer than 10 feet.

(4)

For signs placed below road grade, minor variations in height, up to 25% may be made by the Zoning Officer.

Sign illumination.

(1)

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, any permitted sign, building, or structure in any district may be illuminated, provided there shall be no illumination of a flashing, intermittent or moving type. Illumination shall be shielded and directed so that the source of light shall not be visible from any point off the lot on which the sign, building or structure being illuminated is erected, and so that only the sign, building or structure is directly illuminated thereby.

(2)

Illumination and wiring of all electric signs shall comply with the Township Electrical Code.

Calculating sign area. For the purposes of this chapter, the area of a sign shall be calculated as follows:

(1)

In the case of flat or two-dimensional signs, the sign area is equal to the entire area of the sign face. (See illustrations below.)

(2)

In the case of three-dimensional figures, logos, symbols, or other non-planar signs, the sign area is equal to one-half of the sum of the areas of the four vertical sides of the smallest polyhedron that will encompass the sign copy.

(3)

In the case of an open sign made up of individual letters, attached to or painted on a building, wall, window, canopy, or awning, the sign area is equal to the sum of the areas of the two smallest adjoining rectangles which encompass all of the letters and symbols.

(4)

In computing the sign area of a double-sided sign, only one face shall be considered, provided that both faces are identical in area. Each face must be parallel and back to back.

(5)

If sign faces are not parallel (i.e., V-shaped signs), both faces shall be considered in computing the sign area.

Billboard signs (off-site or off-premises).

(1)

Any billboard sign erected after the effective date of this chapter shall comply with the following standards and the requirements for billboards in § 203-714.

(2)

Billboards shall be permitted only in the LI and GI Zoning Districts.

(3)

No billboard shall be located in such a position that it obstructs or obscures the view of vehicular or pedestrian traffic in such a manner as to endanger the safe movement thereof.

(4)

No billboard shall be erected within a 500-foot circumference of the nearest property line of any of the following: residential district or a public park.

(5)

No billboard shall be permitted whenever residentially zoned property would be between the sign and the roadway toward which it is oriented.

(6)

No part, foundation or support of any billboard shall be placed on, in or over any private property without the written consent of the property owner.

(7)

No part, foundation, or support of any billboard shall be placed on, in, or over any public property, including public rights-of-way, or any utility or drainage easement, or upon telephone or utility poles, or natural features such as trees and rocks.

(8)

No billboard shall be erected or maintained upon or above the roof of any building.

(9)

No billboard shall be placed on a lot where it obscures or shades the windows or doorways of any adjacent building.

(10)

Spacing: No two billboards located upon, or oriented towards traffic traveling upon, the same side of a public street or road with four or more lanes shall be spaced less than 1,000 feet apart. This distance shall be measured along a straight line between the two nearest points of the signs. The minimum spacing requirement shall not apply to two panels viewed from different directions that share a common support structure, nor shall any billboard be located within a 1,000-foot radius of any other billboard even though the two billboards are on different streets.

(11)

Only one billboard shall be permitted per tax parcel.

(12)

No billboard along an interstate highway shall exceed 672 square feet in total surface display area per face. Billboards that are not facing an interstate highway shall not exceed 300 square feet per face. The maximum number of faces on a billboard shall be two, provided that not more than one face is visible at one time.

[Amended 11-20-2007 by Ord. No. 07-01]

(13)

No billboard shall be permitted which, because of its size, shape, or location, obscures or obstructs the view of vehicular or pedestrian traffic or shall be confused with any authorized traffic control sign, signal, or device.

(14)

Height: No billboard shall exceed 40 feet in height. This distance shall be measured from the ground level at the base of the billboard's support system to the highest point of the billboard.

(15)

See also prohibitions in § 203-709B.

Address signs. Each structure shall have a street number clearly identifying the address on a public street. Address signs in nonresidential zoning districts shall not exceed four square feet. Address signs in residential zoning districts shall not exceed one square foot.

§ 203-706 Signs by district.

Signs in residential districts.

(1)

The maximum area for signs in residential districts shall be governed by the individual signs permitted. See also § 203-714, Regulations for specific sign types.

(2)

In addition to the exempt signs in § 203-708 below and the applicable temporary signs in § 203-714, the following signs may be erected in the residential districts:

(a)

Identification sign.

(b)

Instructional sign.

(c)

Public interest sign.

(d)

Real estate sign.

(e)

Neighborhood community identification sign.

(f)

Political sign.

Signs in Commercial Districts (other than V and ON Districts).

(1)

The maximum area for signs in commercial districts shall be governed by the tables provided in § 203-714.

(2)

In addition to the exempt signs § 203-708 below and the applicable temporary signs in § 203-714, the following signs may be erected in the commercial districts:

(a)

Residential uses: Any sign permitted in residential districts for the applicable uses, as set forth in § 203-706A.

(b)

Nonresidential uses: For all nonresidential uses, the following sign or signs may be erected in accordance with the provisions of this chapter:

[1]

Auto sales freestanding signs (in districts where such uses are allowed).

[2]

Canopy, service station dispensing fuel (in districts where auto service stations are allowed).

[3]

Freestanding (includes ground signs).

Identification.

Instructional.

Planned center.

Projecting.

Public interest.

Wall (which may include an awning sign/canopy sign/marquee sign).

[10]

Grand opening/going-out-of-business sign.

[11]

Holiday/special event sign.

[12]

Sandwich sign.

Signs in industrial districts.

(1)

The maximum area for signs shall be governed by the tables provided in § 203-714.

[Amended 11-20-2007 by Ord. No. 07-01]

(2)

In addition to the exempt signs in § 203-708 and the applicable temporary signs in § 203-714, the following signs may be erected in industrial districts:

(a)

Residential uses: Any sign permitted in residential districts for the applicable uses, as set forth in § 203-706A.

(b)

Nonresidential uses: For all nonresidential uses, the following sign or signs may be erected in accordance with the provisions of this chapter:

[1]

Canopy, service station dispensing fuel (in district where such use is allowed).

[2]

Freestanding (includes ground signs).

Billboard signs.

Identification.

Instructional.

Public interest.

Wall (which may include an awning sign/canopy sign/marquee sign).

[8]

Holiday/special event sign.

[9]

Planned center sign.

Signs in the V Village, IN Institutional and ON Office Neighborhood Districts.

(1)

The maximum area for signs shall be governed by the tables provided in § 203-714.

[Amended 11-20-2007 by Ord. No. 07-01]

(2)

In addition to the exempt signs in § 203-708 and the applicable temporary signs in § 203-714, the following signs may be erected in the V, IN and ON Districts:

(a)

Residential uses: Any sign permitted in residential districts for the applicable uses, as set forth in § 203-706A.

(b)

Nonresidential uses: For all nonresidential uses, the following sign or signs may be erected in accordance with the provisions of this chapter:

Ground.

Identification.

Instructional.

Neighborhood community identification.

Projecting.

Public interest.

Real estate.

Wall (which may include an awning sign/canopy sign/marquee sign, except where prohibited under § 203-707C).

[9]

Awning/canopy/marquee sign.

[10]

Holiday/special event sign.

[11]

Sandwich sign.

[12]

Window sign.

(3)

In addition, building identification and directional signs shall be allowed on a hospital campus, with a maximum sign area of 16 square feet and a maximum height of six feet. Such signs shall not be internally illuminated.

§ 203-707 Special district requirements.

Linglestown Road Overlay District. This overlay district shall include all properties which have frontage along Linglestown Road between the western and eastern municipal boundary line.

Locust Lane Overlay District. This overlay district shall include all properties which have frontage along Locust Lane, between the western municipal boundary line and Nyes Road.

The following signs are prohibited in the Linglestown Road and Locust Lane Overlay Districts, regardless of the zoning district in which a property is located:

[Amended 11-20-2007 by Ord. No. 07-01]

(1)

Billboard.

(2)

Freestanding sign with a total height above the ground exceeding 10 feet.

(3)

Marquee sign.

(4)

Banner sign, balloons, animated signs.

(5)

Off-premises advertising sign.

(6)

Changeable copy or message board.

Materials, illumination, color.

(1)

Signs shall be illuminated only by white, stationary external light or back lighted by an interior stationary light without causing glare for motorists, pedestrians, or neighboring properties.

(2)

The use of exposed neon or LED lighting within signs or on the exterior of a structure shall be prohibited. Neon or LED lighting shall be permitted when used to backlight a translucent panel.

§ 203-708 Exempt signs.

No sign permit shall be required in order to erect any of the following signs in any district ("exempt signs"). Exempt signs shall conform to all other applicable signage regulations.

Official highway route number signs, street name signs, directional, or other official government (federal, state, county, or Township) signs.

Signs located in the interior of a building (except window signs).

Signs or emblems of a religious, civil, philanthropic, historical or educational organization not exceeding four square feet in area. Temporary signs for civic events, etc., must be removed within three days after the event. Permission shall be obtained from the landowner or utility to post said temporary signs.

Directional information or public service signs, such as those advertising availability of restrooms, telephone or similar public conveniences, and signs advertising meeting times and places of nonprofit, service or charitable clubs or organizations, may be erected and maintained, provided that such signs do not advertise any commercial establishment, activity, organization, product, goods, or services and which do not exceed four square feet in sign area.

Trespassing signs or signs indicating the private nature of a road, driveway or premises, signs prohibiting or otherwise controlling hunting or fishing upon particular premises, and signs indicating ownership of a property, provided the sign area does not exceed one square foot.

Flags or insignias of the United States or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Temporary legal notices, which notices shall be removed after the purpose of the notice is completed.

Signs integrated onto a vending machine bearing the brand name of the product being sold or price of such product.

Memorial signs or historical markers and/or tablets provided that such sign or tablet does not exceed four square feet.

Signs which are a permanent architectural feature of a building or structure, such as a cornerstone, or identifying letters carved into or embossed on a building, provided that the letters are not made of a reflective material nor contrast in color with the building.

Signs advertising the variety of crop growing in a field. Such signs shall be removed after the growing season.

Holiday signs and decorations that do not include advertising copy, slogans, trademarks or logos.

Allowed signs of less than two square feet each.

Allowed garage sale signs. See § 203-403.

Allowed real estate sales of six or less square feet.

Allowed temporary political signs as provided in § 203-714.

§ 203-709 Prohibited signs.

The following signs are unlawful and prohibited:

A sign that is mounted on, affixed to, painted or in any other way appears on a roof of a building or structure.

Flashing, rotating, moving, scrolling, or revolving signs are prohibited, with the exception of barbershop poles, rotating billboard message panels, and video billboards. A sign with an electronically or mechanically changeable message shall not change more than once per minute, except for time and temperature signs. See limits on brightness of lights in § 203-507.

A sign suspended between poles and lighted by a series of lights.

A sign suspended between poles consisting of either pennants or spinners.

Any sign erected, painted, or drawn on a tree or rock or other natural feature.

Signs shall only be attached to utility poles in conformance with state and utility regulations and the requirements of this chapter.

Any banner sign, except as otherwise permitted.

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.

Any sign which uses the words "stop," "look," "danger," or any other word or character which attempts or appears to attempt to direct the movement of traffic or which interferes with or resembles any official traffic sign, signal, or device and which is located within 75 feet of a public right-of-way or within 200 feet of a traffic control device, whichever is greater.

Except for traffic control signals, red or green lights are prohibited within 75 feet of a public right-of-way or within 200 feet of a traffic control device, whichever is greater. This shall not regulate routine types of seasonal lighting during November through January, provided the lighting does not resemble traffic control devices.

[Amended 11-20-2007 by Ord. No. 07-01]

A truck, trailer or other vehicle, moving or non-moving, not used for normal day-to-day operations of a business, or not regularly moved for business related purposes, shall be prohibited from use as a sign.

Any balloon sign, except as otherwise permitted.

Any portable signs, except as otherwise permitted.

No sign shall have a rotating sign face or a video sign face or be designed to be animated by the wind or mechanical devices.

§ 203-710 Construction and maintenance.

All signs permitted by this chapter shall be constructed of durable materials and kept in good condition and repair.

All signs requiring the use of electricity shall be manufactured in accordance with the National Electrical Code.

Floodlighting used to illuminate signs shall be aimed as required to ensure light does not spill off the sign.

§ 203-711 Removal of unsafe, unlawful, or abandoned signs.

Unsafe or unlawful signs.

(1)

Upon written notice by the Township, the owner, person, or firm maintaining a sign must remove said sign when it:

(a)

Becomes unsafe, is in danger of falling, or it becomes so deteriorated that it no longer serves a useful purpose of communication;

(b)

Is deemed by the Township to be a nuisance;

(c)

Is deemed by the Township to be unsafe;

(d)

Is unlawfully erected in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter.

Abandoned signs. Abandoned signs, as defined by this chapter, shall be removed by the landowner or person controlling the property within 90 days of abandonment.

§ 203-712 Sign permits and applications.

Zoning permits.

(1)

A zoning permit must be obtained from the Township prior to the erection or alteration of any sign, unless specifically exempted in this article.

(2)

Exemptions from the necessity of securing a permit shall not relieve the owner of the exempted sign from responsibility for its construction and installation in a safe manner and in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

(3)

The following changes to a sign shall not require a permit:

(a)

Changing of only the advertising message;

(b)

Regular maintenance of the sign, including electrical, repainting, cleaning of a sign;

(c)

The repair of an existing, lawful sign.

Application information.

(1)

Before a sign permit is granted, a sign permit application with the following information shall be submitted in duplicate:

(a)

Dimensions of the lot (including any right-of-way lines) and/or building upon which the sign is proposed to be erected.

(b)

The proposed sign location with respect to the property lines and building location.

(c)

A description of the size, shape, color, material, supports, anchoring, weight, and height of the sign, as well as intensity of illumination.

(d)

Sketch elevation of the sign, drawn to scale, indicating the proposed size, dimensions, shape, materials, supports, anchoring, and height of the sign.

(e)

Any other lawful information which may be required of the applicant by the Zoning Officer.

(2)

All sign permit applications shall be signed by the owner of the property upon which the sign is to be erected.

(3)

All sign permit applications shall be accompanied by the required fee as set forth in the fee schedule for signs established by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.

(4)

Incomplete applications shall be rejected.

Processing and approval of permit.

(1)

The Zoning Officer shall process applications for zoning sign permits within 15 business days from the date of the filing of the complete application with the required fee.

(2)

In determining the appropriateness of the proposed sign, the Zoning Officer shall determine whether the sign meets all restrictions, requirements, guidelines, standards, and sign area limitations of this chapter.

(3)

The Zoning Officer shall inspect and approve the installation of the sign and shall make periodic inspections to determine conformity of signs to these regulations.

(4)

Zoning permits for signs are valid for a period of 90 days from the date of issuance for construction purposes. Should the applicant fail to install the sign within the ninety-day period, the zoning permit becomes null and void.

§ 203-713 Nonconforming signs.

Any lawful sign which is not in compliance with the requirements of this article as of its effective date of adoption shall be considered nonconforming. All such signs shall be permitted to remain as long as they are in use, are structurally sound, and have not been deemed abandoned under the terms of this article.

Lawful permanent nonconforming signs may be altered by changing the face or copy of the sign. In no case shall a nonconforming sign be changed to make it more nonconforming in sign area, height, setback or other measure compared to the sign it is replacing. Minor structural changes to the sign framework or support structure are permitted to insure the safety of the sign. However, major changes such as the replacement of the entire support structure shall require that the sign be placed in conformance with this article. New embellishments to the structure or the sign framework are not permitted on nonconforming signs.

Signs shall be allowed for nonconforming uses according to those sign types allowed for the zoning district in which such use would be a permitted or conditional use and containing the most restrictive sign ordinance. Such signs shall meet all requirements of this article.

Signs which cannot meet minimum setback requirements because of the location of an existing building, or which would be obscured by the location of a nonconforming building may be mounted on such building providing it is the principal building. Signs shall be mounted flat on the wall or fascia. No sign shall be allowed on any nonconforming accessory building.

§ 203-714 Regulations for specific sign types.

Provisions for the following types of signs are included on the following pages:

Permanent signs:

Auto sales freestanding sign

Awning/canopy/marquee sign

Billboard

Canopy, service station sign

Freestanding sign (including ground signs)

Identification sign

Instructional sign

Neighborhood community identification sign

Planned center signs

Projecting sign

Public interest sign

Real estate, residential and commercial: rent or sale sign

Wall sign (which may include an awning/canopy/marquee sign)

Window sign

Temporary signs:

Construction/contractor identification sign

Grand opening/going out of business sign

Holiday sign/special event sign

Political sign

Sandwich sign

Sign Regulations	Lower Paxton Township	Permanent Signs
Type of Sign: Auto Sales Freestanding Signs
Definition: Auto Sales Freestanding Signs. A grouping of signs which provide legible signage for auto- sales uses. These signs shall be in place of freestanding signs that would otherwise be allowed.
Regulations: District(s) Permitted: Commercial districts where auto-related uses are allowed Total Sign Area: 1 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of public road or street frontage, provided there is compliance with the other requirements of this article Permit Required: Yes Fee Required: Yes Number Permitted: varies - see below Setback: 5 feet minimum from the right-of-way line Illumination: Yes Insurance/Hold Harmless Required: Yes
Freestanding Signs: Height: 20 feet above grade, this may be increased to 30 feet if the sign is located along an interstate highway Area: 40 square feet, this may be increased by 20 square feet if located along an interstate highway Spacing: Signs must be a minimum of 100 feet apart One freestanding sign shall be permitted for each new vehicle manufacturer franchise that involves sales on lot One freestanding sign shall be permitted for a used car sales lot
Wall Signs: The "wall sign" provisions of this article shall apply
Flags and Banners: Flags and banners will be considered permanent signs for this type of facility The maximum size of a flag or banner shall be 18 square feet with the dimensions of 3 feet by 6 feet Flags and banners shall be placed at intervals of 20 feet or greater from one another
Preferred Sign Types: Wall, freestanding, ground and permanent changeable message signs are the preferred type of sign for this use. These signs are intended to be legible from a distance, therefore the degree of contrast between the background and the letter color is important.

Sign Regulations	Lower Paxton Township	Permanent Signs
Type of Sign: Awning/Canopy/Marquee
Definition: Sign, Awning. A sign attached to, painted, or printed onto a roof-like cover of the fixed, hinged, roll, or folding type Sign, Canopy. A sign attached to, painted or printed onto a canopy Sign, Marquee. Any sign attached to a marquee for the purpose of identifying a movie theater or similar place of entertainment and which has changeable copy.
Regulations: Shall be regulated as a type of "wall sign." See wall signs in this § 203-714.

Sign Regulations	Lower Paxton Township	Permanent Signs
Type of Sign: Billboard Sign (also known as an off-site sign)
Definition: Sign, Billboard. A sign other than a directional sign which directs attention to or communicates information about a business, commodity, service or event that exists or is conducted, sold, offered, maintained or provided at a location other than the premises where the sign is located.
Regulations: See additional regulations in § 203-705 District(s) Permitted: LI and GI Location: No billboard shall be located within 1,000 feet of any street intersection Height: No billboard shall exceed 40 feet in height Maximum Area: 672 square feet in total surface display area per face along interstate highways and 300 square feet per face in other locations Permit Required: Yes Fee Required: Yes Spacing: See § 203-705 Setback: 40 feet from any road or street right-of-way line. Also must conform with the front, side and rear yard setback requirements of the district in which they are located. Illumination: Yes Insurance/Hold Harmless Required: Yes

Sign Regulations	Lower Paxton Township	Permanent Signs
Type of Sign: Canopy, Service Station
Definition: Sign, Canopy, Service Station. A sign attached to, painted, or printed onto a structure made of metal, aluminum, or other material intended to be free standing or affixed to a building that serves as an overhang intended to shield persons from the elements while using the service station.
Regulations: District(s) Permitted: Districts where auto service stations are allowed Height: Encompassed within the vertical surface area of the canopy to which attached Area: 25 square feet per side Permit Required: Yes Fee Required: Yes Number Permitted: 1 per canopy side, on up to 3 sides Setback: Right-of-way line Illumination: External or internal illumination restricted to only those areas with descriptive letters Insurance/Hold Harmless Required: Yes

Sign Regulations	Lower Paxton Township	Permanent Signs
Type of Sign: Freestanding
Definition: Sign, Freestanding. A detached sign erected and maintained on a freestanding frame, mast, or pole and not attached to any building. A ground sign is a type of freestanding sign that has a height of less than 10 feet.
Regulations: District(s) Permitted: IN, Commercial and Industrial Districts Maximum Area = 40 square feet, except 50 square feet for a sign for 2 commercial establishments on the lot, 75 square feet for a sign for 3 to 5 commercial establishments on the lot, 100 square feet for a sign for 6 or more commercial establishments on a lot A bonus of 10%, of the entire sign area, will be permitted if provisions are made to provide for "for rent" or "lease" panels on the sign for vacancies within the complex. NOTE - No additional lease or rent sign would be allowed. Maximum Height = 20 feet in the CG District along Route 22, Union Deposit Road or interstate highways, 10 feet in all other cases Permit Required: Yes Fee Required: Yes Number Permitted: 1 per lot per public street frontage Setback: 5 feet from right-of-way line Illumination: Yes Insurance/Hold Harmless Required: Yes NOTE: Sign base/support structure shall NOT be included in sign area or contain signage.

Sign Regulations	Lower Paxton Township	Temporary Signs
Type of Sign: Grand Opening/Going Out of Business
Definition: Sign, Grand Opening/Going Out of Business. A temporary sign advertising the opening or closure of a store or business.
Regulations: District(s) Permitted: All zones Height: 20 feet above grade Area: 50 square feet (balloons and banners are permitted) Permit Required: Yes Fee Required: Escrow deposit Number Permitted: 1 Setback: 5 feet from right-of-way line Illumination: Yes Period of Display: 4 weeks before event and 1 week after event. Limit to one per business lifetime Insurance/Hold Harmless Required: No

Sign Regulations	Lower Paxton Township	Temporary Signs
Type of Sign: Holiday/Special Event
Definition: Sign, Holiday. A temporary sign which is representative of a historic holiday or religious celebration, which contains advertising copy, slogans, trademarks, or logos. Sign, Special Event. A temporary sign for special events of corporate, religious, charitable, civic, fraternal or similar nonprofit or not-for-profit organizations.
Regulations: District(s) Permitted: All Height: 20 feet Area: 50 square feet maximum for all signs of this type Permit Required: Yes Fee Required: Escrow deposit Number Permitted: 1 Setback: 5 feet from right-of-way Illumination: Yes Period of Display: 4 weeks before event and 1 week after event, not to exceed 4 times per year Insurance/Hold Harmless Required: No

Sign Regulations	Lower Paxton Township	Permanent Signs
Type of Sign: Identification Sign
Definition: Sign, Identification. A sign which displays only the name, address, and/or crest, or insignia, trademark, home occupation or profession of an occupant or the name of any building on the premises.
Regulations: District(s) Permitted: All Height: Top of wall to which attached, or 4 feet in height if mounted on a post Area: 4 square feet Permit Required: No Fee Required: No Number Permitted: 1 per building Setback: Wall surface, or 5 feet from right-of-way line if mounted on a post Illumination: No Insurance/Hold Harmless Required: No

Sign Regulations	Lower Paxton Township	Permanent Signs
Type of Sign: Instructional
Definition: Sign, Instructional. An on-premises sign designed to guide vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic by using such words as "Entrance," "Exit," "Parking," "One-Way" or similar directional instruction, but not including any advertising message. The name or logo of the business or use to which the sign is giving direction may also be included on the sign
Regulations: District(s) Permitted: All Height: 4 feet Area: 8 square feet Permit Required: Yes Fee Required: Yes Number Permitted: 4 per parcel Setback: Right-of-way line Illumination: Yes Insurance/Hold Harmless Required: Yes

Sign Regulations	Lower Paxton Township	Permanent Signs
Type of Sign: Neighborhood Community Identification
Definition: Sign, Neighborhood Community Identification. A sign which identifies a neighborhood or community only and is located at the boundary of same.
Regulations: District(s) Permitted: Residential districts only Height: 8 feet Area: 32 square feet Permit Required: Yes Fee Required: Yes Number Permitted: 2 at each entrance Setback: 10 feet from right-of-way line if sign is greater than 16 square feet, otherwise, right-of-way line Illumination: No Insurance/Hold Harmless Required: No

Sign Regulations		Lower Paxton Township	Permanent Signs
Type of Sign: Planned Center Signs
Definition:
Sign, Planned Center. Signs advertising the name and tenants of an integrated development such as a planned shopping center, office, or industrial park.
Regulations: District(s) Permitted: Commercial and industrial districts, other than ON and V Districts Permit Required: Yes Fee Required: Yes Illumination: Yes Insurance/Hold Harmless Required: Yes Minimum Requirements for a Planned Center: 10,000 square feet of building space and 2 tenants Ground Signs: Area: 1 square foot for each 4 feet of frontage contained within the planned center. In no case shall a planned center sign exceed a maximum size of 100 square feet Number Permitted: 1 planned center sign per frontage of the planned center shall be permitted Setback: 10 feet from right-of-way line Height: Consistent with freestanding sign requirements Wall Signs: Maximum Area for single-tenant buildings: 32 square feet Maximum Area for multi-tenant buildings:
Suite/Tenant Size	Allowable sign area
0-5,000 square feet	32 square feet
5,001-10,000 square feet	60 square feet
Over 10,001 square feet	10% of the vertical building wall face to which the sign is attached
The number of wall signs for multi-tenant buildings is 1 per tenant; for single-tenant buildings 2. Wall signs may not project above the highest point of the wall on which they are attached. Signs may be attached to roof-like architectural projections from building walls, but not directly onto a roof. Directional Signs: Height: Top of wall to which attached, or 4 feet in height if mounted on a post Area: 4 square feet Permit or Fee Required: No Number Permitted: N/A Setback: Wall surface, or 3 feet from right-of-way line if mounted on a post

Sign Regulations	Lower Paxton Township	Temporary Signs
Type of Sign: Political Sign
Definition: Sign, Political. A temporary sign that advertises a candidate or candidates for public elective office(s), a political party, or promotes a position on a public or ballot issue.
Regulations: The regulations of this table shall not apply to political signs at a polling place on the day of an election District(s) Permitted: All Height: 5 feet in a residential district, 8 feet in other districts Sign Area: 16 square feet per candidate or issue, per street frontage Permit Required: Yes, for signs posted longer than 90 days Fee Required: An escrow deposit may be required to ensure removal of signs. Any fee for such deposit shall be set by resolution Number Permitted: 2 per candidate or issue per street frontage. Each sign may have 2 sign faces Setback: 2 feet from right-of-way. No sign shall interfere with traffic sight distance Illumination: No Period of Display: Must be removed within 2 weeks after election if the sign pertains to an election Political signs may also be used in place of allowed wall or freestanding signs in commercial or industrial districts

Sign Regulations	Lower Paxton Township	Permanent Signs
Type of Sign: Projecting
Definition: Sign, Projecting. A sign affixed to a wall or other vertical surface at a 90° angle and extends no more than 4 feet beyond the building wall, structure or parts thereof.
Regulations: District(s) Permitted: Commercial districts Height: Not to exceed the height of the wall to which attached Area: 9 square feet Additional Restrictions: The sign shall not project beyond 4 feet of the building face. The bottom of the sign shall have an 8-foot pedestrian clearance from ground level. Permit Required: Yes Fee Required: Yes Number Permitted: 1 per road or street frontage Setback: Right-of-way line Illumination: No, external illumination only Insurance/Hold Harmless Required: Yes

Sign Regulations	Lower Paxton Township	Permanent Signs
Type of Sign: Public Interest
Definition: Sign, Public Interest. A sign on private property that displays information pertinent to the safety or legal responsibilities of the general public such as "Warning," "No Hunting" and "No Trespassing" signs
Regulations: District(s) Permitted: All Height: 6 feet Area: 1 square foot Permit Required: No Fee Required: No Number Permitted: 1 per 100 feet of property line Setback: Right-of-way line Illumination: No Insurance/Hold Harmless Required: No

Sign Regulations		Lower Paxton Township		Permanent Signs
Type of Sign: Real Estate, Residential and Commercial: Rent or Sale
Definition: Sign, Real Estate. A type of sign pertaining only to the lease, sale or rental of the land(s) or building(s) upon which such signs are displayed.
Regulations: District(s) Permitted: All Height and Area:
Parcel Size		Max. Area	Max. Ht.	Setback
Single-family residential Others		4 square feet	5 feet	None
	Less than 1 acre	9 square feet	6 feet	None
	1.01 to 10 acres	12 square feet	6 feet	10 feet
	More than 10 acres	24 square feet	8 feet	10 feet
Permit Required: Not for residential signs, required for all other real estate signs Fee Required: No Number Permitted: 1 nonilluminated sign per street frontage Setback: Right-of-way line Illumination: No Real Estate signs shall be removed 10 days after the lease, sale or rental of the property or building has been accomplished

Sign Regulations	Lower Paxton Township	Temporary Signs
Type of Sign: Sandwich
Definition: Sign, Sandwich. A temporary sign which is not secured to the ground or any structure and forms an inverted "V."
Regulations: District(s) Permitted: Commercial districts Height: 4 feet Area: 12 square feet maximum per side; 24 square feet maximum Permit Required: Yes Fee Required: No Number Permitted: 1 Setback: Right-of-way line Illumination: No Period of Display: Moved inside whenever the use is not open to the public Insurance/Hold Harmless Required: No

Sign Regulations	Lower Paxton Township	Permanent Signs
Type of Sign: Wall
Definition: Sign, Wall. Any sign directly attached to an exterior wall of a building or dependent upon a building for its support with its exposed face parallel or approximately parallel to the plane of the building or structure on which it is placed. Signs directly painted on walls shall be considered wall signs. An awning sign, canopy sign or marquee sign (as defined by § 203-704 and as described on a previous chart) shall be considered a type of wall sign.
Regulations: District(s) Permitted: Industrial and commercial districts Height: Top of wall to which attached Maximum Area: 10% of the vertical building wall face to which the sign is attached Wall signs shall be allowed on up to 2 sides of a building Permit Required: Yes Fee Required: Yes Number Permitted: 2 per establishment per side of a building Setback: Wall surface, except that an awning sign, canopy sign or marquee sign may extend up to 4 feet from a building wall, provided it does not intrude into a street right-of-way Illumination: Yes Insurance/Hold Harmless Required: Yes

Sign Regulations	Lower Paxton Township	Permanent Signs
Type of Sign: Window
Definition: Sign, Window. A sign which is located on the inside or outside of a window and which is readable from outside of the building
Regulations: District(s) Permitted: Commercial and industrial districts Height: Top of window Area: 30% of total glass area of windows on a building Permit Required: Yes Fee Required: Yes Setback: Outside or inside surface of the window Illumination: A maximum sign area of 4 square feet shall apply for an internally illuminated window sign Neon lighting is permitted except in the Locust Lane and Linglestown Road Overlay Districts Insurance/Hold Harmless Required: No