The purpose of the provisions established under Article XI of this chapter is to establish specific regulations pertaining to signs for all land uses, zoning districts and conditions within Muhlenberg Township. The objectives of these provisions are as follows: to promote and maintain overall community beautification; establish reasonable time, place and manner regulations on the exercise of free speech; promote traffic safety; and promote appropriate and efficient use of land.
The regulations concerning signs, as established under Article XI of this chapter, shall be subject to the interpretation of the Muhlenberg Township Zoning Officer or other qualified professional, as designated by the Board of Commissioners. Should a dispute arise concerning the interpretation of these regulations, the person aggrieved by the interpretation may file an appeal with the Zoning Hearing Board. In all cases, the burden of proof and submission of technical evidence shall be the responsibility of the person appealing the interpretation of the Zoning Officer or other qualified professional, as designated by the Board of Commissioners.
Permits. Unless
otherwise specified by this chapter of the Code, a permit shall be
required for all signs within Muhlenberg Township in accordance with
the following procedures:
Three complete
permit applications shall be submitted to erect, install, replace,
remove and maintain signs, as required by the provisions of this article.
The application shall include the required permit fee.
The permit
application shall contain all information necessary for the Zoning
Officer to determine whether the proposed sign conforms with the requirements
of this chapter. At a minimum, the following information shall be
included:
The exact
size, dimensions and location of the sign to be placed on the lot
or building, together with its type, construction, materials to be
used, and the manner of installation.
No sign
permit shall be issued except in conformity with the regulations of
this article, except upon order of the Zoning Hearing Board granted
pursuant to the procedures established for the issuance of a variance.
Construction.
All signs, except temporary signs, shall be constructed of durable
material and kept in good condition and repair. Any sign which is
allowed to become dilapidated may, after 30 days from notification,
be removed by the Muhlenberg Township at the expense of the owner
or lessee of the property on which it is located.
Location and
placement. All signs shall be located and placed in compliance with
the provisions of this article. In addition to these provisions, the
following requirements shall apply:
Unless otherwise
specified, no portion of any freestanding sign shall be located within
five feet of the street right-of-way line or within 20 feet of a property
line.
All traffic
control signs, directional signs, traffic signals or other similar
signs which are located within a street right-of-way shall be permitted
by Muhlenberg Township and/or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
Area. The areas of all signs which are permitted within Muhlenberg Township are specified under § 355-120 of this chapter. The following specific provisions shall apply to the area of a sign:
The area
of a sign shall be construed to include all lettering, wording and
accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background, whether
open or enclosed, on which they are displayed, but not including any
supporting framework and bracing which are incidental to the display
itself.
The area
of a sign painted upon or applied to a building shall be considered
to include all lettering, wording and accompanying designs or symbols
together with any backing associated with the sign.
Where the
sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to or painted
on a surface, building, wall or window, the area shall be considered
to be that of the smallest rectangle or other shape which encompasses
all of the letters and symbols.
In computing
the square foot area of a double-faced sign, only one side of the
sign shall be considered, provided that both faces are identical inside
the frame of the sign. In cases where the signs are not parallel or
if an interior angle is created to provide visibility, both sides
of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
Where the
provisions for sign area specified under this article do not apply,
the Zoning Officer in conjunction with the Zoning Hearing Board may
consider a reasonable resolution or remedy.
Height. The height of all signs which are permitted within Muhlenberg Township are specified under § 355-120 of the chapter. The following specific provisions shall apply to the height of a sign.
No sign
that is a part of or is supported by a building shall be erected upon
the roof of such building, nor shall such sign extend above the height
of the building.
Where the
provisions for sign height specified under this article do not apply,
the Zoning Officer in conjunction with the Zoning Hearing Board may
consider a reasonable resolution or remedy.
Clearance, visibility
and sight distance. The following minimum requirements shall apply
to the ground clearance, visibility and sight distance for all permitted
signs within Muhlenberg Township.
Unless otherwise
specified by this chapter, all freestanding signs which are located
within 20 feet of a street right-of-way line shall have at least five
feet of clear space between such sign and the average ground elevation.
However, the necessary support structures may extend through such
open space.
No ground or freestanding sign shall be located within the clear sight triangle of a street intersection. The provisions for establishing the clear sight triangle are specified under § 355-96 of this chapter.
Projection.
An on-premises projecting sign which is mounted upon a building so
that its principal face is a right angle or perpendicular to the wall
of the building may be permitted, subject to the following provisions:
The minimum
height of a projecting sign shall be at least eight feet from the
average ground elevation and no higher than 20 feet above the average
ground elevation.
The maximum
area of all projecting signs shall be 20 square feet, as measured
on a single side of the projecting sign. Double-faced projecting signs
may be permitted for the same use.
Maximum number of signs. The maximum number of on-premises signs for a use on a single lot or property is specified under § 355-120 of this chapter. Where multiple uses are contained on a single property, a freestanding sign may be permitted, provided it conforms with the provisions of this chapter of the Code.
Signs may
be illuminated by direct and nonglaring lighting, provided that such
lighting is shielded so no direct light will shine on abutting properties
or obstruct the vision of motorist or pedestrians within a street
right-of-way.
The use
of intermittent, flashing or animated lighting within 50 feet of a
street right-of-way line and 200 feet from the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4
and R-5 Zoning Districts shall be prohibited.
The use
of illuminated signs within the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5 Zoning
Districts shall be prohibited unless the illuminated sign is specifically
related to emergency management uses, medical facilities, municipal
uses, institutional uses, and other similar uses considered appropriate
by the Zoning Officer.
Double-faced
signs. Any permitted sign may be constructed and installed as double-faced,
provided that it has two parallel surfaces that are opposite and matching
in size and shape and are not over 16 inches apart. All such signs
shall be considered as one sign and only one face shall be used to
calculate the total size of the sign. Should the two surfaces deviate
from being parallel or should they differ in size or shape, the sign
shall be considered as two signs.
Supplementary
sign regulations for all zoning districts. The following supplementary
sign regulations shall apply to all zoning districts within Muhlenberg
Township:
Real estate
signs for the selling, renting or leasing of residential properties
shall be permitted, subject to the following conditions: the area
of the sign shall not exceed six square feet; the total number of
signs shall be limited to one sign per property; the sign shall be
located at least 10 feet from the street right-of-way line; and the
sign shall be removed within seven days after final transaction is
completed.
Real estate
signs for the selling, renting or leasing of nonresidential properties
shall be permitted, subject to the following conditions: the area
of the sign shall not exceed 32 square feet; the spacing of such signs
shall be at least 300 feet apart on the same lot or property; the
sign shall be located at least 10 feet from the street right-of-way
line; and the sign shall be removed within seven days after the final
transaction is completed.
Property
control or restriction signs shall be permitted, subject to the following
conditions: the area of the sign shall not exceed two square feet;
the spacing of such signs shall be at least 100 feet apart on the
same lot or property; and the sign does not contain any personal message
which is considered irrelevant to controlling or restricting the use
of a property or lot.
Temporary
signs may be permitted, provided they are not considered permanent
and they comply with the provisions established under this chapter
of the Code.
Special
event or promotional signs may be permitted, provided they are not
considered permanent and they comply with the provisions established
under this chapter of the Code.
Special
use signs may be permitted, provided they are not considered permanent
and they comply with the provisions established under this chapter
of the Code.
Traffic control
and directional signs. Unless otherwise permitted by Muhlenberg Township
or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, all traffic control
signs and directional signs shall conform with the following requirements:
Traffic
control and directional signs located within the street right-of-way
shall be subject to the review and approval of Muhlenberg Township
and/or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The location,
size, type, height, spacing and quantity of the sign(s) shall be stipulated
on the permit, as issued by Muhlenberg Township and/or the Pennsylvania
Department of Transportation.
Traffic control and directional signs located outside the street right-of-way within a lot or on private property shall be subject to review and approval of Muhlenberg Township. All such signs shall be located at least two feet from the street right-of-way and 10 feet from all other property lines. The maximum number of signs as well as the maximum height and size of each sign are specified under § 355-120 of this chapter of the Code.
Political signs. Political signs, being signs erected in conjunction with a political election, naming a candidate or slate of candidates for a primary or general election or referencing a position in support of or opposition to an issue placed in referendum, shall be installed so as to comply with all other terms of this chapter and Chapter 260, Political Campaign Matter, of the Code.
Removal of signs.
On-premises signs and off-premises signs that are no longer utilized
for the original intent or use shall be removed from the site or changed
to accommodate a new sign for the new use within 30 days of occupancy
by the new use. All replacement signs shall conform with the provisions
specified under this chapter of the Code. Upon the removal of any
sign, whether temporary or permanent, such removal shall include all
associated support, including the posts, poles, brackets, arms, trailers
and other support mechanisms.
The matrix chart
on the following pages[1] summarizes the categorical sign requirements by type,
quantity, height, area, location and permit procedures for each use
within Muhlenberg Township. The provisions specified within this matrix
chart shall be subject to the interpretation of the Muhlenberg Township
Zoning Officer or other qualified professional, as designated by the
Board of Commissioners.
Should a dispute
arise concerning the interpretation of these regulations, the person
aggrieved by the interpretation may file an appeal with the Zoning
Hearing Board. In all cases, the burden of proof and submission of
technical evidence shall be the responsibility of the person appealing
the interpretation of the Zoning Officer or other qualified professional,
as designated by the Board of Commissioners.
An individual
nameplate or street address sign may be posted on a residential lot,
provided it does not exceed four square feet in area and is located
outside of the street right-of-way and two feet from all other property
lines.
Property control
and restrictions signs, including "no trespassing," "no hunting,"
"no solicitation," and other similar signs, may be permitted, subject
to the following conditions: the area of the sign shall not exceed
two square feet; the spacing of such signs shall be at least 100 feet
apart on the same lot or property; and the sign does not contain any
personal message which is considered irrelevant to controlling or
restricting the use of a property or lot.
Home occupation
signs, displaying the name and address of the occupant or the profession
or activity of the occupant of a dwelling, subject to the following
conditions: only one such sign shall be erected for each permitted
use or dwelling; the area of such sign shall not exceed four square
feet; and provided that such sign shall be fixed flat on the main
wall of such building or may be erected in the front yard, but not
within two feet of the right-of-way or five feet from any other property
line.
Residential
development containing a total of 20 or more residential units may
provide a sign for the purposes of identifying the name of the development,
subject to the following criteria:
The sign shall be located at least five feet from the street right-of-way line, 20 feet from all other property lines and shall not be located within the clear sight triangle, as established under § 355-96 of this chapter. The final location of such signs shall be approved by the Zoning Officer prior to the issuance of a sign permit.
Prior to
the issuance of a sign permit, the applicant shall provide sufficient
evidence to the Zoning Officer that adequate measures have been taken
to ensure proper maintenance of the sign and any accompanying landscaping,
and that the sign will be durably constructed as to require minimal
maintenance.
The illumination
of such signs may be permitted, provided that low-intensity lighting
is utilized which is less than 100 watts and is located in a manner
so that glare or reflection is not greater than 0.1 footcandle at
the street right-of-way line.
Directional
signs may be permitted, provided they are utilized within the interior
of a residential development, are limited to one directional sign
per street, and do not exceed four square feet in size.
The maximum number of on-premises signs for a nonresidential use within the C-1 and SA-1 Zoning Districts shall be limited to the following: one ground or freestanding sign; six wall or parallel signs, which shall not exceed 20% of the front of the building and shall not exceed 100 cumulative square feet; one projecting sign; four directional signs per acre; and two accessory signs. The matrix chart provided under § 355-120 of this chapter of the Code summarizes the categorical sign requirements by type, quantity, height, area, location and permit procedures for each use within Muhlenberg Township.[1]
The maximum number of on-premises signs for a nonresidential use within the C-2, C-3, I-1 and I-2 Zoning Districts shall be limited to the following: one ground or freestanding sign; eight wall or parallel signs, which shall not exceed 20% of the front of the building and shall not exceed 300 cumulative square feet; one projecting sign; four directional signs per acre; and two accessory signs. The matrix chart provided under § 355-120 of this chapter of the Code summarizes the categorical sign requirements by type, quantity, height, area, location and permit procedures for each use within Muhlenberg Township.
A freestanding or ground sign may be permitted for all nonresidential uses and developments, subject to the provisions specified under § 355-120 of this chapter of the Code. In addition to those requirements, the following provisions shall apply:
An office
park, business park, medical research park and industrial park may
have one freestanding or ground sign for each street on which the
development has more than 300 feet of frontage. The total area of
each sign shall not exceed 200 cumulative square feet and shall meet
the following criteria:
A freestanding
sign shall be located at least five feet from the street right-of-way
line and 30 feet from all other property lines. The height of a freestanding
sign shall be no less than five feet and no more than 30 feet, as
measured from the average ground elevation.
A ground
sign shall be located at least 10 feet from the street right-of-way
line and 30 feet from all other property lines. The maximum height
of a ground sign shall be no more than eight feet, as measured from
the average ground elevation. Any wall or fence structure which supports
such signs may not exceed eight feet in height or a maximum of 150
square feet and shall be constructed of weather-resistant wood, vinyl
or decorative masonry.
The freestanding
or ground sign may identify the name of the development as well as
any individual permitted uses contained within the development, provided
it is constructed as a single component with the ability to be changed
at any time.
A mini mall
containing multiple nonresidential uses with less than 30,000 square
feet of cumulative floor area may contain one freestanding sign for
the development, which shall be located at least five feet from the
street right-of-way line and 30 feet from all other property lines.
The height of all such freestanding signs shall be no less than five
feet and no more than 30 feet, as measured from the average ground
elevation. The total area of each sign shall not exceed 100 cumulative
square feet.
A shopping
center or shopping mall containing multiple nonresidential uses with
more than 30,000 square feet of cumulative floor area may contain
one freestanding or ground sign for each street on which the development
has more than 300 feet of frontage. The total area of each sign shall
not exceed 300 cumulative square feet and shall meet the following
criteria:
A freestanding
sign shall be located at least five feet from the street right-of-way
line and 30 feet from all other property lines. The height of a freestanding
sign shall be no less than 10 feet and no more than 30 feet, as measured
from the average ground elevation.
A ground
sign shall be located at least 10 feet from the street right-of-way
line and 30 feet from all other property lines. The maximum height
of a ground sign shall be no more than eight feet, as measured from
the average ground elevation. Any wall or fence structure which supports
such signs may not exceed eight feet in height or a maximum of 150
square feet and shall be constructed of weather-resistant wood, vinyl
or decorative masonry.
The freestanding
or ground sign may identify the name of the development as well as
any individual permitted uses contained within the development, provided
it is constructed as a single component with the ability to be changed
at any time.
All other individual nonresidential uses may have one freestanding or ground sign, subject to the provisions specified under § 355-120 of this chapter of the Code.
A municipal,
governmental, recreational or institutional use may have one freestanding
or ground sign for the purposes of displaying the name of the use
and its activities or services, provided that the total area of any
such sign shall not exceed 50 square feet and not more than one sign
for each street on which the use has more than 300 feet of frontage.
All other pertinent sign requirements for municipal, governmental,
recreational or institutional uses, as specified and defined under
this chapter of the Code, shall apply.
An agricultural use, as further defined and outlined under § 355-79 of this chapter of the Code, may have one freestanding or ground sign for the purposes of displaying the name of the use and its activities or services, provided that the total area of any such sign shall not exceed 80 square feet. All other pertinent sign requirements for agricultural uses, as specified under § 355-120 of this chapter of the Code, shall apply.
Category
1 billboards. These off-premises advertising signs or billboards shall
not exceed 250 square feet and may be placed along Route 222 Business
and Route 61 within the C-2, C-3, I-1 and I-2 Zoning Districts. The
spacing of Category 1 billboards shall be at least 700 linear feet
apart from all other off-premises advertising sign or billboard on
the same side of the road.
Category
2 billboards. These off-premises advertising signs or billboards shall
not exceed 680 square feet and may be placed along Route 222 Bypass
and Route 12 within the C-2, C-3, I-1 and I-2 Zoning Districts. The
spacing of Category 2 billboards shall be at least 1,500 linear feet
apart from all other off-premises advertising signs or billboards
on the same side of the road.
All Category
1 billboards and Category 2 billboards shall be located to comply
with the following requirements for setback, separation distance,
height and arrangement:
All such
off-premises advertising signs or billboards shall be located at least
10 feet from the street right-of-way line and no further than 100
feet from the street right-of-way line, as measured on the same side
of the street on which the off-premises advertising sign or billboard
is located.
All such
off-premises advertising signs or billboards shall be located at least
300 feet from the center of the nearest street intersection or interchange.
The height
of all such off-premises advertising signs or billboards shall be
no less than 10 feet to the bottom edge of the sign and no more than
40 feet to the top edge of the sign, as measured from the average
ground elevation.
When two
off-premises advertising signs or billboards are orientated in a back-to-back
arrangement, they shall be parallel and directly opposite from each
other and shall not be spaced by more that 15 feet. The size and shape
of the signs should not deviate from each other and they shall utilize
the same support structure.
When two
off-premises advertising signs or billboards are oriented in a V-type
arrangement, they shall be at least 15 feet apart at the closest point,
and the interior angles shall not be greater than 45°. The size
and shape of the signs should not deviate from each other, and they
shall utilize the same support structure.
All off-premises
advertising sign or billboard shall be designed, located and constructed
in accordance with all local and state codes. As part of this requirement,
all permit applications shall include signed and sealed plans from
a licensed engineer within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Unless otherwise
permitted by the Muhlenberg Township Engineer and Zoning Officer,
all off-premises advertising signs or billboards shall be constructed
and erected on a steel unipole or steel I-beams meeting the minimum
standards established by the Outdoor Advertising Association of America
and the Institute of Outdoor Advertising.
The support
structures for all off-premises advertising signs or billboards shall
be constructed and erected on permanent footings, as determined by
the licensed engineer responsible for the permit application.
No off-premises
advertising sign or billboard shall be constructed and erected which
specifically resembles an official marker, logo and/or insignia of
an organization unless the applicant, sign company or landowner receives
authorization from such organization.
The off-premises
advertising sign or billboard shall be maintained and inspected by
the applicant of the permit on a regular basis but shall not exceed
a period of time of more than 30 days. As part of this requirement,
the applicant shall inspect the following: the support structure to
determine if is sound and in good repair; the lighting to determine
if it operating sufficiently; the display area to determine if is
in good condition and free of graffiti; the area within the lease
area to determine if it is clear of overgrown vegetation, debris,
trash and other unsightly materials; and all other items that should
be inspected periodically, as determined appropriate by the Zoning
Officer.
All off-premises
advertising signs or billboards may be illuminated, provided that
such illumination is directed towards the sign and shielded so as
to prevent the illumination from being directed towards the street
or adjacent properties.
Off-premises
advertising signs or billboards may incorporate features to provide
electronic message displays, such as the time, date, temperature,
weather and similar information, provided it does not disrupt or distract
the operator of a motor vehicle.
Off-premises
advertising signs or billboards may incorporate a timed or electronic
display change, where the display of the sign may change to another
sign within a specified period of time. All such signs may be considered,
provided the message does not change more than six times per minute
and it does not disrupt or distract the operator of a motor vehicle.
The applicant
shall submit a written agreement with the permit application indicating
that the owner of the property has agreed to lease the property to
the commercial sign or advertising company and has approved the proposed
display or message contained on the off-premises advertising sign
or billboard.
Three complete
permit applications shall be submitted to Muhlenberg Township, as
required by the provisions of this chapter. The permit application
shall include the required permit fee.
The permit
application shall contain the following information: three copies
of the plans and diagrams drawn accurately to scale depicting the
dimensions of the lot, cartway, right-of-way, location of the sign;
the exact size, dimensions and location of the off-premises sign or
billboard to be placed on the lot or building, together with its type,
construction, materials to be used, support structures, and the manner
of installation; and any other useful information which may be required
of the applicant by the Muhlenberg Township Engineer or Zoning Officer.
The completed
permit application, plans and support diagrams shall be signed and
sealed by a licensed engineer within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
In addition
to the provisions established herewith, the applicant and property
owner for all Category 1 billboards and Category 2 billboards shall
comply with all other pertinent provisions, as established within
the Muhlenberg Township Code.
Temporary
signs announcing a campaign, drive or event of a civic, municipal,
philanthropic, educational, institutional, religious or similar organization,
provided the following criteria apply: the sign shall not exceed 12
square feet in area; no more than four signs shall be permitted; the
sign may be erected for a period not to exceed 30 days in any calendar
year; the sign shall be removed within seven days after the commencement
of the campaign, drive or event.
Temporary
signs for a yard sale or garage sale, provided the following conditions
shall apply: the sign shall not exceed four square feet in area; no
more than four signs shall be permitted; the sign may be erected for
a period not to exceed 30 days in any calendar year; the sign shall
be removed within two days after the yard sale or garage sale.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
Temporary
signs for contractors, developers, architects, engineers, builders,
financiers and artisans may be permitted on the premises where the
work is being performed, provided that the following criteria apply:
the sign shall not exceed 12 square feet; the sign shall not be illuminated;
no more than one sign shall be permitted for each street on which
the project area or development has more than 300 feet of frontage;
the sign shall not exceed 20 feet in height, and provided that all
such signs shall be removed within seven days upon completion of the
work.
Real estate
signs for the selling, renting or leasing of residential properties
shall be permitted, subject to the following conditions: the area
of the sign shall not exceed six square feet; the total number of
signs shall be limited to one sign per property; the sign shall be
located at least 10 feet from the street right-of-way line; and the
sign shall be removed within seven days after final transaction is
completed.
Real estate
signs for the selling, renting or leasing of nonresidential properties
shall be permitted, subject to the following conditions: the area
of the sign shall not exceed 32 square feet; the spacing of such signs
shall be at least 300 feet apart on the same lot or property; the
sign shall be located at least 10 feet from the street right-of-way
line; and the sign shall be removed within seven days after final
transaction is completed.
Political
signs, being signs erected in conjunction with a political election,
naming a candidate or slate of candidates for a primary or general
election or referencing a position in support of or opposition to
an issue placed in referendum, shall be installed so as to comply
with all other terms of this chapter.
Business
and advertising signs located within a sports facility or venue, subject
to the following criteria: the signs shall be located within the permitted
sports facility or venue, such as a football stadium, Little League
baseball field or similar playing field owned or operated by a not-for-profit
organization or entity organized to promote youth sports teams; the
nonprofit organization or entity is recognized and authorized in writing
as such by the appropriate state and federal agencies; no more than
one sign measuring a maximum of 24 square feet in area shall be permitted
for each 500 square feet of playing field or ground-floor stadium
area; all such signs shall be made of wood, plastic or metal; and
all such signs may be located only on walls, fences, and scoreboards
but shall not be mounted on light poles, roofs or other freestanding
surfaces.
The following
provisions shall apply to special event or seasonal signs for an existing
nonresidential use, including signs, banners, flags, balloons, floodlights
and other similar promotional features:
The maximum
size of a special event sign shall be 24 square feet. In the case
of more than one sign, the combined area of all signs shall be no
more than 24 square feet.
No portion
of a ground-mounted sign used to advertise a special event shall exceed
the height of 32 inches. Any banner or wall sign used to advertise
a special event shall not extend above the roofline of the building
upon which the sign is displayed.
A special
event sign shall be fastened securely. Ground signs shall be anchored
with a metal pipe or other secure support. Hanging signs shall be
secured and not allowed to flap or sag.
The sign
shall not obstruct the vision or sight distance of the operator of
any vehicle or interfere with normal pedestrian movements. In no case
shall the sign be located closer than two feet from the street right-of-way
line. A plot plan showing the location of any special event sign must
accompany each permit application.
No such
sign shall remain in place or otherwise be displayed for more than
30 days per event or season, and no person shall exhibit any such
sign for more than a total of 120 days during any calendar year.
The use
of banners, flags, balloons, floodlights and other permitted promotional
features may be utilized, provided they comply with the following
provisions: they shall not be utilized on the property for more than
30 consecutive days or more than 120 cumulative days in any calendar
year; they shall be located at least 20 feet from the street right-of-way
line and 30 feet from the property line; only the balloons shall exceed
the height of the roofline; and they shall not disrupt vehicular or
pedestrian traffic along any public street right-of-way.
A special
event sign permit shall be required for each sign used to advertise
any special event during any calendar year. The property owner, or
lessee with the owner's permission, may make one permit application
establishing all dates, times and the duration of each separate special
event sign proposed to be displayed during a calendar year, or may
make separate applications for each such event, providing the total
does not exceed 120 cumulative days during any calendar year. The
permit applicant shall pay the fee established by resolution of the
Board of Commissioners. The special event sign permit shall be subject
to the review and approval of the Muhlenberg Township Zoning Officer.
The following
provisions shall apply to grand opening and promotional signs for
a new nonresidential use, including signs, banners, flags, balloons,
floodlights and other similar promotional features:
The use
of promotional signs and features shall be limited to the first 30
days after the initial occupancy permit is issued for the nonresidential
use.
The maximum
area of a promotional sign shall be limited to two signs, which shall
not exceed 24 square feet per sign. The promotional signs shall be
located at least 10 feet from the street right-of-way line and 20
feet from all other property lines.
All promotional
banners, flags, balloons, floodlights and other permitted promotional
features shall be located at least 20 feet from the street right-of-way
line and 30 feet from the property line.
The promotional
signs, banners, flags, balloons, floodlights and other similar promotional
features shall not disrupt vehicular or pedestrian traffic along any
public street right-of-way.
The following
provisions shall apply to banners which are hung and displayed across
public street rights-of-way to promote community events, including
civic, municipal, charitable, philanthropic, educational, institutional,
religious or events of similar organizations:
The applicant
must complete and submit a banner permit to the office of the Muhlenberg
Township Manager or Zoning Officer at least 45 days prior to the desired
date of hanging a banner over a public street or way. Upon approval
by the Board of Commissioners, the banner(s) may be hung and displayed
as set forth by the provisions established within this section of
the chapter.
The hanging
of banners must be in complete conformance with the application, as
submitted to Muhlenberg Township and as finally approved by the Board
of Commissioners.
Banners
may not be hung more than 25 days prior to the date of the event being
advertised and must be removed no later than five days after the conclusion
of the event being advertised.
Banners
which are not removed within five days after the advertised event
has concluded shall be removed by Muhlenberg Township, and the applicant
shall be liable for the actual cost of removal.
Banners
hung across streets and other rights-of-way without proper approval
or authorization shall be removed by Muhlenberg Township, and the
responsible person(s) shall be liable for the cost of removal.
Signs existing
at the date of enactment of this chapter of the Code which do not
conform to the requirements of this chapter shall be considered nonconforming
signs and subject to the following provisions:
Any sign
which is considered nonconforming based upon its location, height,
clearance, visibility, projection, quantity and illumination shall
only be replaced with a conforming sign.
Nonconforming
signs may be repaired and/or repainted, provided that the modifications
do not exceed the dimensions of the existing sign or create any further
nonconformities.
A sign shall
be considered to be abandoned if the following conditions apply: a
sign erected on a property for a specific use which becomes vacant
and unoccupied for a period of one year or more; any sign which was
previously erected for a prior occupant or business; or any sign which
relates to a time, event or purpose which is considered a past event.
The following provisions shall apply to signs which are considered
"abandoned signs" within Muhlenberg Township:
An abandoned
sign shall be removed by the landowner or person controlling the property
within 10 days of the abandonment as described by this section of
the chapter.
Upon the removal
of any nonconforming sign or abandoned sign, whether temporary or
permanent, such removal shall include all associated structures associated
with the sign, including but not limited to posts, poles, brackets,
arms, trailers and supports.
Unless otherwise
specified by this chapter, the following signs shall be considered
as prohibited signs, which shall not be permitted within Muhlenberg
Township:
Flashing,
blinking, twinkling, animated or lighted moving signs of any type,
except those portions of signs that indicate time-and-temperature
changes.
Any sign
exceeding the provisions for location, placement, type, area, height,
clearance, visibility, sight distance, projection, quantity and illumination,
as specified within the Muhlenberg Township Code.
The Zoning Officer
shall have the duties of determining if a sign is compliant or prohibited.
Should a dispute arise concerning the interpretation of these regulations,
the person aggrieved by the interpretation may file an appeal with
the Zoning Hearing Board. In all cases, the burden of proof and submission
of technical evidence shall be the responsibility of the person appealing
the interpretation of the Zoning Officer or other qualified professional,
as designated by the Board of Commissioners.