The following are the major parts of this article:
A.Â
Definitions. Identifies the types of signs and other relevant and
supporting information regarding the sign ordinance.
B.Â
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.
C.Â
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.
D.Â
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.
E.Â
Exempt and prohibited signs. Identifies signs that are either exempt
from the provisions of the ordinance or are prohibited from use.
F.Â
Construction and maintenance. Provides minimum standards for construction
and maintenance. All signs would be required to meet Township building
codes.
G.Â
Removal of unsafe, unlawful or abandoned signs. Provides standards
for removal of these types of signs. Applies to all signs in the Township.
H.Â
Permits and applications. Provides the administrative process for
applying for and receiving a permit from the Township to erect a sign.
I.Â
Nonconforming signs. Identifies nonconforming signs and establishes
the standards for handling these signs.
J.Â
Regulations for specific sign types. Establishes the standards for
permanent signs and temporary signs.
A.Â
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.
B.Â
Purposes of this article.
(1)Â
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)Â
To regulate the size, location, illumination, alteration, and
maintenance of signs and reduce hazards to pedestrian and vehicular
traffic.
(3)Â
To prohibit the construction of and require the removal of signs
which are hazardous or create blight.
(4)Â
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)Â
To establish a process for the review and approval of sign permit
applications.
A.Â
BANNER
BUILDING SQUARE FOOTAGE
CANOPY, SERVICE STATION DISPENSING FUEL
CHANGEABLE COPY OR MESSAGE BOARD
COPY
FRONTAGE, PRIMARY
GRADE
HIGHWAY, ARTERIAL
HIGHWAY, INTERSTATE
ILLUMINATION
MARQUEE STRUCTURE
PARAPET
PARCEL
PLANNED CENTER
PREMISES
PROPERTY TOTAL SIGN AREA LIMIT
ROOFLINE
SETBACK FOR A SIGN
SIGHT DISTANCE TRIANGLE
SIGN
SIGN, ABANDONED
SIGN, ADDRESS
SIGN, ANIMATED
SIGN, AREA
SIGN, AUTO SALES
SIGN, AWNING
SIGN, BALLOON
SIGN, BILLBOARD
SIGN, BUILDING
SIGN, BUSINESS
SIGN, CANOPY
SIGN, CANOPY, SERVICE STATION DISPENSING FUEL
SIGN, CONSTRUCTION/CONTRACTOR IDENTIFICATION
SIGN, DIRECTIONAL
SIGN, DIRECTORY
SIGN, DOUBLE-SIDED
SIGN, FLASHING
SIGN, FREESTANDING
SIGN, GOVERNMENT
SIGN, GRAND OPENING/GOING OUT OF BUSINESS
SIGN, GROUND
SIGN, HEIGHT
SIGN, HOLIDAY
SIGN, IDENTIFICATION
SIGN, INCIDENTAL
SIGN, INSTITUTIONAL
SIGN, INSTRUCTIONAL
SIGN, LED
SIGN, LIGHTED
SIGN, LOGO
SIGN, MARQUEE
SIGN, NEIGHBORHOOD/COMMUNITY IDENTIFICATION
SIGN, NEON
SIGN, OFF-PREMISES
SIGN, ON-PREMISES
SIGN, PERMANENT
SIGN, PLANNED CENTER
SIGN, POLITICAL
SIGN, PORTABLE
SIGN, POSTER
SIGN, PROJECTING
SIGN, PUBLIC INTEREST
SIGN, REAL ESTATE
SIGN, REAL ESTATE SUBDIVISION OR DEVELOPMENT
SIGN, ROOF
SIGN, SANDWICH
SIGN, SPECIAL EVENT
SIGN, TEMPORARY
SIGN, UNLAWFUL
SIGN, V-SHAPED
SIGN, VEHICULAR
SIGN, WALL
SIGN, WINDOW
STREET OR HIGHWAY FRONTAGE
TRANSLUCENT
WINDOW
The following words are defined with the following definitions:
[Amended 11-20-2007 by Ord. No. 07-01]
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.
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.
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.
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.
The arrangement of letters, numerals, symbols, logos, colors,
textures, shapes and design embellishments that may be readily discerned
from the supporting structure.
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).
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.
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.
A limited access highway that is designated by the state
as an interstate highway.
The constant supply of light, that allows a sign to be visible
in dim or dark conditions.
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.
That portion of a building wall or false front that extends
above the roofline.
A lot, or contiguous group of lots in single ownership or
under single control and usually considered a unit for purposes of
development.
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.
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.
The largest amount of total signage (square footage) allowed
on a property in a designated zoning district.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A sign that displays the street number of a principle building
or structure.
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.
For the purpose of this chapter, the sign area shall be as calculated in § 203-705C.
A grouping of signs which provide legible signage for auto
sales commercial facilities, while moderating visual competition.
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.
A temporary type of sign constructed of cloth, plastic, or
vinyl filled with air or other suitable gas and affixed to an appropriate
anchor.
See definition in § 203-714.
A sign which gives the name of the building itself as opposed
to the name of occupants or activities carried on therein.
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.
A sign attached to, painted, or printed onto a canopy. This
is a type of wall sign.
A sign attached to, painted, or printed onto a canopy of
a service station dispensing fuel.
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]
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.
A sign on which the names and locations of occupants or the
use of a building or property is identified.
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.
A sign that uses an intermittent or flashing light source
or moving reflective material to attract attention.
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.
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.
A temporary sign advertising the opening or closure of a
store or business.
A type of freestanding sign that has a height of less than
10 feet.
The vertical distance from the grade at the base of the sign
support to the uppermost portion of the sign structure.
A temporary sign, which is representative of a historic holiday
or religious celebration, which contains advertising copy, slogans,
trademarks, or logos.
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.
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.
A sign which may contain the name, address, and hours of
the institution. It may also contain a message area.
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.
A light-emitting-diode sign.
A sign illuminated by light cast upon the sign from an external
or internal light source.
A sign used by PennDOT on limited access highways to direct
motorists to nearby businesses and services.
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.
A sign which identifies a neighborhood or community only
and is located at the boundary of same.
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.
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.
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.
A sign which is affixed to a ground or a building by enduring
means, and is not readily relocatable.
Signs advertising the name and tenants of an integrated development
such as a planned shopping center, office, or industrial park.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A sign erected or maintained in whole or in part upon or
over the roof or parapet of a building.
A temporary sign which is not secured to the ground or any
structure and forms an inverted "V."
A temporary sign for special events of corporate, religious,
charitable, civic, fraternal, or similar nonprofit or not-for-profit
organizations.
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.
A sign which violates this article and is not lawfully nonconforming.
A sign containing two opposing faces which are not parallel.
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.
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.
A sign which is located on the inside or outside of a window
or door and is readable from outside of the building.
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.
Allowing light to pass, but diffusing it so that objects
on the other side cannot be easily distinguished.
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.
A.Â
Sign location.
(1)Â
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)Â
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)Â
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)Â
For signs placed below road grade, minor variations in height,
up to 25% may be made by the Zoning Officer.
B.Â
Sign illumination.
(1)Â
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)Â
Illumination and wiring of all electric signs shall comply with
the Township Electrical Code.
C.Â
Calculating sign area. For the purposes of this chapter, the area
of a sign shall be calculated as follows:
(4)Â
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)Â
If sign faces are not parallel (i.e., V-shaped signs), both
faces shall be considered in computing the sign area.
D.Â
Billboard signs (off-site or off-premises).
(1)Â
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)Â
Billboards shall be permitted only in the LI and GI Zoning Districts.
(3)Â
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)Â
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)Â
No billboard shall be permitted whenever residentially zoned
property would be between the sign and the roadway toward which it
is oriented.
(6)Â
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)Â
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)Â
No billboard shall be erected or maintained upon or above the
roof of any building.
(9)Â
No billboard shall be placed on a lot where it obscures or shades
the windows or doorways of any adjacent building.
(10)Â
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)Â
Only one billboard shall be permitted per tax parcel.
(12)Â
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)Â
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)Â
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.
E.Â
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.
A.Â
Signs in residential districts.
(1)Â
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.
B.Â
Signs in Commercial Districts (other than V and ON Districts).
(1)Â
The maximum area for signs in commercial districts shall be governed by the tables provided in § 203-714.
(2)Â
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)Â
Residential uses: Any sign permitted in residential districts for the applicable uses, as set forth in § 203-706A.
(b)Â
Nonresidential uses: For all nonresidential uses, the following
sign or signs may be erected in accordance with the provisions of
this chapter:
[1]Â
Auto sales freestanding signs (in districts where such uses
are allowed).
[2]Â
Canopy, service station dispensing fuel (in districts where
auto service stations are allowed).
[3]Â
Freestanding (includes ground signs).
[4]Â
Identification.
[5]Â
Instructional.
[6]Â
Planned center.
[7]Â
Projecting.
[8]Â
Public interest.
[9]Â
Wall (which may include an awning sign/canopy sign/marquee sign).
[10]Â
Grand opening/going-out-of-business sign.
[11]Â
Holiday/special event sign.
[12]Â
Sandwich sign.
C.Â
Signs in industrial districts.
(1)Â
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)Â
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)Â
Residential uses: Any sign permitted in residential districts for the applicable uses, as set forth in § 203-706A.
(b)Â
Nonresidential uses: For all nonresidential uses, the following
sign or signs may be erected in accordance with the provisions of
this chapter:
[1]Â
Canopy, service station dispensing fuel (in district where such
use is allowed).
[2]Â
Freestanding (includes ground signs).
[3]Â
Billboard signs.
[4]Â
Identification.
[5]Â
Instructional.
[6]Â
Public interest.
[7]Â
Wall (which may include an awning sign/canopy sign/marquee sign).
[8]Â
Holiday/special event sign.
[9]Â
Planned center sign.
D.Â
Signs in the V Village, IN Institutional and ON Office Neighborhood
Districts.
(1)Â
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)Â
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)Â
Residential uses: Any sign permitted in residential districts for the applicable uses, as set forth in § 203-706A.
(b)Â
Nonresidential uses: For all nonresidential uses, the following
sign or signs may be erected in accordance with the provisions of
this chapter:
[1]Â
Ground.
[2]Â
Identification.
[3]Â
Instructional.
[4]Â
Neighborhood community identification.
[5]Â
Projecting.
[6]Â
Public interest.
[7]Â
Real estate.
[8]Â
Wall (which may include an awning sign/canopy sign/marquee sign, except where prohibited under § 203-707C).
[9]Â
Awning/canopy/marquee sign.
[10]Â
Holiday/special event sign.
[11]Â
Sandwich sign.
[12]Â
Window sign.
(3)Â
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.
A.Â
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.
B.Â
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.
C.Â
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]
D.Â
Materials, illumination, color.
(1)Â
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)Â
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.
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.
A.Â
Official highway route number signs, street name signs, directional,
or other official government (federal, state, county, or Township)
signs.
B.Â
Signs located in the interior of a building (except window signs).
C.Â
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.
D.Â
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.
E.Â
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.
F.Â
Flags or insignias of the United States or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
G.Â
Temporary legal notices, which notices shall be removed after the
purpose of the notice is completed.
H.Â
Signs integrated onto a vending machine bearing the brand name of
the product being sold or price of such product.
I.Â
Memorial signs or historical markers and/or tablets provided that
such sign or tablet does not exceed four square feet.
J.Â
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.
K.Â
Signs advertising the variety of crop growing in a field. Such signs
shall be removed after the growing season.
L.Â
Holiday signs and decorations that do not include advertising copy,
slogans, trademarks or logos.
M.Â
Allowed signs of less than two square feet each.
O.Â
Allowed real estate sales of six or less square feet.
The following signs are unlawful and prohibited:
A.Â
A sign that is mounted on, affixed to, painted or in any other way
appears on a roof of a building or structure.
B.Â
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.
C.Â
A sign suspended between poles and lighted by a series of lights.
D.Â
A sign suspended between poles consisting of either pennants or spinners.
E.Â
Any sign erected, painted, or drawn on a tree or rock or other natural
feature.
F.Â
Signs shall only be attached to utility poles in conformance with
state and utility regulations and the requirements of this chapter.
G.Â
Any banner sign, except as otherwise permitted.
H.Â
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.
I.Â
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.
J.Â
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]
K.Â
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.
L.Â
Any balloon sign, except as otherwise permitted.
M.Â
Any portable signs, except as otherwise permitted.
N.Â
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.
A.Â
All signs permitted by this chapter shall be constructed of durable
materials and kept in good condition and repair.
B.Â
All signs requiring the use of electricity shall be manufactured
in accordance with the National Electrical Code.
C.Â
Floodlighting used to illuminate signs shall be aimed as required
to ensure light does not spill off the sign.
A.Â
Unsafe or unlawful signs.
(1)Â
Upon written notice by the Township, the owner, person, or firm
maintaining a sign must remove said sign when it:
(a)Â
Becomes unsafe, is in danger of falling, or it becomes so deteriorated
that it no longer serves a useful purpose of communication;
(b)Â
Is deemed by the Township to be a nuisance;
(c)Â
Is deemed by the Township to be unsafe;
(d)Â
Is unlawfully erected in violation of any of the provisions
of this chapter.
B.Â
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.
A.Â
Zoning permits.
(1)Â
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)Â
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.
B.Â
Application information.
(1)Â
Before a sign permit is granted, a sign permit application with
the following information shall be submitted in duplicate:
(a)Â
Dimensions of the lot (including any right-of-way lines) and/or
building upon which the sign is proposed to be erected.
(b)Â
The proposed sign location with respect to the property lines
and building location.
(c)Â
A description of the size, shape, color, material, supports,
anchoring, weight, and height of the sign, as well as intensity of
illumination.
(d)Â
Sketch elevation of the sign, drawn to scale, indicating the
proposed size, dimensions, shape, materials, supports, anchoring,
and height of the sign.
(e)Â
Any other lawful information which may be required of the applicant
by the Zoning Officer.
(2)Â
All sign permit applications shall be signed by the owner of
the property upon which the sign is to be erected.
(3)Â
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)Â
Incomplete applications shall be rejected.
C.Â
Processing and approval of permit.
(1)Â
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)Â
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)Â
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)Â
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.
A.Â
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.
B.Â
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.
C.Â
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.
D.Â
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.
Provisions for the following types of signs are included on
the following pages:
A.Â
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
|
B.Â
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
|
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
|
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
|