[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
This Part recognizes that signs perform an important function
by identifying residences and businesses and that minimum control
of signs is necessary to promote the health, safety and general welfare
by lessening hazards to pedestrian and vehicular traffic, by preventing
signs from reaching such excessive size that they obscure one another
to the detriment of all concerned, and by securing certain fundamentals
of design for the Township.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
Permit Required. A zoning permit shall be required for all signs allowed in any zoning district except for signs listed in § 27-2209, Exempt Signs. All signs shall comply with the regulations of this chapter.
2.
Temporary Permit Required. A temporary zoning permit will be required
for any sign erected and maintained by a developer on a tract of ground.
Permits will be valid for six months, but may be renewed one time
by the Zoning Officer. Such a sign shall not exceed 32 square feet
in area and shall comply with § 27-1703.5, and all applicable
provisions of this Part, to the extent not inconsistent with this
section.
3.
Official Signs. Official signs utilized by governmental entities
in the furtherance of their legitimate governmental functions are
specifically exempt from the requirement of this Part.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
Signs legally existing at the time of enactment of this chapter
and which do not conform to the requirements of this chapter shall
be considered nonconforming signs. Any nonconforming sign which is
damaged in excess of 25% of its cost of replacement or is removed
shall be replaced only with a conforming sign. Legal nonconforming
signs may be repainted or repaired (including lighting) provided such
repainted or repaired sign does not exceed the dimensions of the existing
sign. Wording may also be changed.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
Every sign permitted in this section must be constructed of durable
materials and must be kept in good condition and repair. Any sign
which is allowed to become dilapidated may be repaired or removed
by the Township at the expense of the owner or lessee of the property
on which it is located, after consultation with the Township Solicitor.
2.
Individually cut or channel letters are required on all signs in
all districts. Cabinet wall and freestanding signs are prohibited
in all commercial and industrial districts and in the East Texas Village
(ETV-1, ETV-2 and ETV-3) Districts.
3.
Business logos are permitted, when combined with the business names,
but shall not occupy more than 25% of the sign copy area and shall
be made an integral part of the sign design and requirements.
4.
Wall signs may have individual, illuminated channel letters or solid,
individual, illuminated channel letters, or solid individual letters
that are backlit (halo-lit). External and indirect lighting consistent
with the Lighting Ordinance is permitted in lieu of individually illuminated
letters.
5.
All freestanding signs, including monument signs, if illuminated,
must be a router and pushed through face type design or individual
channel letters mounted to a face structure or body in which only
the letters may be lit. The sign must also contain address numbers
placed in position to be plainly legible and visible from the street
or road fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with the
background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numeral or alphabet letters.
Numbers shall be a minimum of six inches in height.
6.
Any type of sign regulated in this section that is abandoned and
not advertising or announcing an active use or business, etc., for
a period of more than three months shall be deemed not in compliance
with this chapter and require adherence with all provisions of this
Part for any future sign permit. This may include the replacement
of existing signs with new signs, replacement or modification of lighting,
etc., to the satisfaction of the Township.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
The location for signs shall be governed by the following location
requirements:
A.
No sign except official signs, name plate signs, public service signs
(i.e., telephone), and directional signs shall be erected within two
feet of, or project over, an existing street right-of-way.
B.
Freestanding business signs shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet
from the existing street right-of-way.
D.
No sign except advertising, official, political or public service
signs shall be erected on a property to which it does not relate.
E.
No sign shall be placed on any tree, public utility pole, official
sign, rocks or other natural features.
F.
All signs erected in any zoning district except C-Commercial District
shall comply with the side yard requirements for the district. A freestanding
sign may be erected one foot from the side property line in the C-Commercial
District if the abutting use is a commercial use. If not, the side
yard requirement must be respected.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
Signs may be Illuminated by Direct or Indirect Lighting. The lighting
shall be arranged so that the source of any direct lighting is not
visible off the lot and that only the sign is directly illuminated
by the light. Lighting shall be shielded so no light will shine directly
onto abutting properties or in the normal line of vision of the public
using the streets.
2.
All illuminated signs, both digital and nondigital, may be illuminated
from 5:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m., or until 1/2 hour past the close
of the business of the facility being identified or advertised, whichever
is later. A business or facility that is open 24 hours a day is not
required to turn off their signage. (See LED requirements.)
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
Monument signs shall be allowed as a freestanding sign, subject to
the following conditions:
A.
Signs such as changeable or LED signs are permitted only within a
monument sign. Monument signs may also have static permanent traditional
sign area instead.
B.
Monument signs shall only be permitted in the commercial districts,
Commercial-Spring Creek, Industrial, Highway Enterprise, Highway Industrial-Spring
Creek and Office, Research, Light Industrial Center (ORLIC) Districts
and shall meet the requirements of § 27-2210.1.L unless
otherwise noted in this section.
C.
Monument signs are permitted by special exception for all schools
and places of worship.
D.
The permitted area of a monument sign with changeable or LED sign area shall not exceed 32 square feet and shall have a maximum height of six feet and shall meet the applicable setback requirements of a freestanding sign found in § 27-2205.
E.
The permitted area of a monument sign for a residential subdivision or residential development entrance or gateway in any zoning district shall not exceed 32 square feet and shall have a maximum height of six feet and shall meet the applicable setback requirements of a freestanding sign found in § 27-2205.
F.
The monument sign shall be constructed from brick, stucco, stone
or other related material and shall be designed to be architecturally
compatible with the structures and/or buildings in the area and shall
contain a landscaped island, formed around the sign and kept free
of weeds, debris and trash.
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G.
Time-and-temperature signs along with uses which engage in the sale
of gasoline or fuel dispensing that advertise the sale price of their
product are exempt from Subsection 1.A.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
The following type signs are exempt from zoning permit requirements
provided they do not create a traffic or fire hazard and shall comply
with § 27-1703.5, are removed within 90 days, and conform
to the sign requirements of this section.
A.
Up to two auction, yard or garage sale signs per event provided each
does not exceed four square feet in area and are removed within 48
hours after the sale.
B.
Signs giving notice of the sale or rental of the property on which
the sign is located provided they do not exceed 30 square feet in
area, except that a maximum of six square feet shall apply to lots
of less than three acres in a SR, S or U District. Such signs shall
be removed within seven days after execution of an agreement of sale
or rental.
C.
No signs shall be placed or displayed on Township property, nor any
property or pole for which permission has not been received from the
owner.
D.
Unless otherwise specified, temporary signs shall not exceed 40 square
feet and shall be erected no more than 30 days before the event. Such
signs shall be removed within seven days after completion of said
work or event.
E.
Signs supporting civic, charitable, philanthropic, or nonprofit groups
and organizations provided each does not exceed four square feet in
area. Signs must be located outside the legal right-of-way of all
roads and streets.
F.
Signs giving notice of events or activities being held by civic,
charitable, philanthropic, or nonprofit groups and organizations provided
each does not exceed four square feet in area. Such signs shall be
erected no more than two weeks prior to the commencement of the event
or activity being advertised and removed within 48 hours after the
completion of the event or activity being advertised. Signs must be
located outside the legal right-of-way of all roads and streets.
G.
Signs advertising or providing notice of a contractor's activity
may be posted only on the property at which the work is being performed.
These signs shall not be located in the right-of-way of any street
or road and must be removed when the construction or other activity
is complete.
H.
Temporary political signs may be displayed as permitted by Township
ordinance or otherwise permitted by law.
2.
Signs on mobile stands are defined as a special type of temporary
sign, with additional requirements listed in § 27-2216.2.
These signs are prohibited in all districts except commercial and
industrial,
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
The following types of signs are exempt from zoning permit requirements, as defined by § 27-2202, provided they comply with all applicable provisions of this Part, to the extent not inconsistent with this section.
A.
Official signs, utilized by governmental agencies in the furtherance
of legitimate governmental functions and including signs and banners
erected by a governmental body or under the direction of such body.
B.
Banners attached to light standards identifying a specific place
or facility but may not contain advertising and shall not exceed four
square feet.
C.
Identification signs not to exceed two square feet.
D.
Directional signs not to exceed four square feet.
E.
Memorial or historic markers when approved by the Planning Commission
or the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
F.
Public service signs such as those advertising availability of restrooms,
telephone, meeting times of service organizations or other similar
public conveniences not to exceed two square feet.
H.
Trespassing signs or signs indicating the private nature of a road,
driveway or premises and signs prohibiting or controlling hunting
and fishing upon the premises not to exceed two square feet.
I.
Signs physically carried by a person, which are not regulated in
any way by this chapter.
J.
Home Occupation Signs. These signs are exempt from the permit requirements
if they have a maximum total area of two square feet and are limited
to one per lot or use, whichever is lesser.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts:
A.
Banners, spinners, flags, pennants or any moving object used for
commercial advertising purpose whether containing a message or not.
B.
Flashing, blinking, animated or moving signs of any type, except
those portions of signs which indicate time and temperature changes.
This section specifically regulates window signs and signs on mobile
stands. This shall not prohibit Christmas lighting or displays in
season.
C.
Signs placed, inscribed or supported upon the roof or upon any structure
which extends above the eaves of the roof of any building.
D.
Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors or particles, sound or odor.
E.
Signs which contain information that states or implies that a property
may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of
this chapter in the zoning district in which the property to which
the sign relates is located.
F.
Signs that are of such character, form, shape or color that they
imitate or resemble any official traffic sign, signal or device, or
that have any characteristics which are likely to confuse or distract
the operator of a motor vehicle on a public street.
G.
The outlining of the rooflines, doors, windows or wall edges by illuminated
tubing or strings of lights for advertising purposes.
H.
Signs that use reflective materials to give the appearance of flashing
or blinking.
I.
Signs or displays that include words or images described in the definition
of adult bookstore.
J.
Balloons of greater than three feet in diameter that are tethered
to the ground or balloons primarily intended for advertising purposes.
K.
Any sign on a mobile stand other than as provided for by § 27-2208.2.
L.
Signs, screens or displays which display words, images, graphics,
designs or other visual information (or portions thereof) that change
or appear to change more frequently than once each three minutes are
prohibited in all districts and such signs, screens or displays shall
show no appearance of flashing or sudden bursts of light or sound,
and no appearance of animation, movement or flow of the words, images,
graphics, designs or other information displayed.
M.
Vehicular Signs. Vehicles which contain advertising and are parked
in locations such as parking lots and vehicles that are located in
all nonresidential zoning districts.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
When Allowed. Signs and/or structures described in this section may
be allowed for residential subdivisions approved for 10 or more dwelling
units or planned office, commercial or industrial developments. The
location and design of such signs shall be included in the zoning
permit application for the sign.
2.
Size and Number. Signs described in this section may have a maximum
sign face area of 30 square feet and a maximum height of eight feet.
These signs and/or structures may be located at up to three of the
major entrances to the development from exterior streets. This sign
area may be an addition to other sign area limits of this chapter.
3.
Durability. Such signs shall be designed to be of a durable nature
requiring little maintenance.
4.
Message. Such signs may only include the overall name of the development
and any logo.
5.
Landscaping. It is the intent of this section that such signs be
attractively landscaped, with plants and shrubs requiring seasonal
maintenance.
7.
Maintenance. The developer shall provide the Township with a maintenance
agreement satisfactory to the Lower Macungie Township Board Commissioners
insuring perpetual maintenance of such sign or insuring that such
sign will be removed by the developer when the development is completed.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
The following regulations shall be used in computing the area of
signs:
A.
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.
B.
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 regular
shape, including the sign background, which encompasses all of the
letters and symbols.
C.
No Sign May Exceed Two Faces. In computing square foot area of a
double-face sign, only one side shall be considered, provided both
faces are identical in size. If the interior angle formed by the two
faces of the double-faced sign is greater than 45°, then both
sides of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
Height of signs shall conform to attachment Exhibit B: Sign Height
Table.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
2.
The following types of signs, and no others, may be permitted in
all A, R, SR, S and U Districts for uses permitted by condition or
by special exception, other than home occupations or accessory uses:
A.
One wall sign per structure not to exceed 10% of the total area of
the building face on which it is visible, or 30 square feet, whichever
is less.
B.
One freestanding sign not to exceed 24 square feet in area. No more
than one freestanding sign per road frontage, provided the sign has
decorative masonry, brick, stucco, stone or other related material
on both sides and top. The sign shall be architecturally compatible
with the structures or building on the property and shall contain
a landscaped island formed around the sign and kept free of weeds,
debris and trash.
(1)
Any of these signs that are to be associated with a proposed
conditional or special exception use shall be reviewed and either
be approved or denied at the same time that the conditional or special
exception use is being reviewed. A condition of approval of any sign
in these residential districts under this section shall be that it
is compatible with adjacent land uses. The location and design of
such sign shall be included in the application for conditional or
special exception use.
3.
Signs on mobile stands are specifically prohibited.
4.
Home occupations, see § 27-2209.1.J.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
The following types of signs are permitted in all VO-Village Overlay,
WC-Wescosville Commercial and East Texas Village (ETV-1, ETV-2 and
ETV-3) Districts.
D.
Signs in accordance with the following regulations:
(1)
Wall or Window Signs. One or more signs shall be permitted with
a total area of one square foot per two feet of linear building frontage,
with a total area not to exceed 10% of the total area of the building
face on which the sign is located.
(2)
On-Premises Freestanding Sign. One square foot of sign for one
foot of linear road frontage along one adjacent public street (excluding
alleys), and not to exceed 25 square feet, provided that the sign
has decorative masonry, brick, stucco, stone or other related material
on both sides and top. The sign shall be designed to be architecturally
compatible with the structures or building on the property or in the
center and shall contain a landscaped island formed around the sign
and kept free of weeds, debris and trash. In the WC Zone, the sign
may be up to 50 square feet.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
The following types of signs are permitted in the Commercial and
C-SC-Commercial-Spring Creek Districts:
C.
Signs in accordance with the following regulations:
(1)
Wall or Window Signs. One or more signs shall be permitted with
a total area of one square foot per two feet of linear building frontage,
with a total area not to exceed 10% of the total area of the building
face on which the sign is located.
(2)
On-Premises Freestanding Sign. One square foot of sign for one
foot of linear road frontage along one adjacent public street (excluding
alleys), and not to exceed 80 square feet, provided that the sign
has decorative masonry, brick, stucco, stone or other related material
on both sides and top. The sign shall be designated to be architecturally
compatible with the structures or building on the property or in the
center and shall contain a landscaped island formed around the sign
and kept free of weeds, debris and trash.
2.
Signs on Mobile Stands.
A.
Intent. These standards recognize a sign on a mobile stand as a particular
type of sign that has the characteristics of a temporary sign, but
that is inappropriately used as a permanent sign. This section is
based on the policy that if a use desires to display a sign for changing
messages, that it erect a permanent sign within all of the requirements
of this chapter.
B.
Standards for signs on mobile stands (see § 27-2208).
(1)
Signs on mobile stands shall be permitted only in the C District.
(2)
Only one mobile sign shall be permitted per lot.
(3)
Permit. The display of signs on mobile stands shall require
a zoning permit to ensure their use only as a temporary sign and shall
not be placed for a period of more than 20 days, two times per calendar
year.
(4)
No sign on a mobile stand shall be placed so that it causes
a hazard to traffic; nor shall it be placed within an existing or
future street right-of-way; nor shall it violate the provisions of
§ 27-1703.5.
(5)
No sign on a mobile stand shall include a flashing or blinking
light.
C.
Applicability. The standards of this section shall apply to all signs
on mobile stands that are placed for display to the public after this
chapter goes into effect. These standards shall also apply to all
signs on mobile stands that currently exist in the Township for which
a permit under § 27-2208.2 has not been granted within 90
days after the enactment of this chapter.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
The following types of signs are permitted in all I-Industrial, HC-Highway
Commercial, HE-Highway Enterprise, HI-SC-Highway Industrial Spring
Creek, and ORLIC Districts:
D.
Wall or Window Signs. One or more signs shall be permitted with a
total area of one square foot per two feet of linear building frontage,
with a total area not to exceed 10% of the total area of the building
face on which the sign is located.
E.
On-Premises Freestanding Sign. One square foot of sign for one foot
of linear road frontage along one adjacent public street (excluding
alleys), and not to exceed 150 square feet, provided that the sign
has decorative masonry, brick, stucco, stone or other related material
on both sides and top. The sign shall be architecturally compatible
with the structures or building on the property or in the center and
shall contain a landscaped island formed around the sign and shall
be kept free of weeds, debris and trash.
2.
The following type of signs is permitted only in the HE-Highway Enterprise
District:
A.
Billboard. Subject to all other terms applicable to billboards, one
such sign with a total area not to exceed 360 square feet may be placed
on a lot in single and separate ownership except that another billboard
of the same or smaller display area may be erected on each street
frontage of any single and separate lot of record which streets are
among the following: highways or arterial streets, as defined in this
chapter.
3.
Signs on mobile stands are specifically prohibited.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
Any of the signs in §§ 27-2206 through and including 27-2219 that are to be associated with a proposed conditional or special exception use shall be reviewed and either be approved or denied at the same time that the conditional or special exception use is being reviewed. A condition of such approval shall be compatibility with adjacent land uses.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
See, also § 27-2406.1.C, "Advertising Signs (Including
Billboards)."
A.
Advertising signs are only permitted by conditional use and only
in the HE District.
B.
Billboards shall only be permitted as principal uses and shall be
the only principal use upon the lot.
C.
Advertising signs shall be limited to two display faces per structure.
The maximum sign display area is 360 square feet per display face
for a total maximum display area of 720 square feet.
D.
An advertising sign structure may contain only one sign or advertisement
per display face.
E.
There shall be a minimum distance of 500 feet between advertising
signs.
F.
Advertising signs shall not be permitted within 100 feet of an A,
R, SR, S, or U District.
G.
Advertising signs shall not be permitted within 100 feet of any residential
use, no matter in which district it is located.
H.
Advertising signs shall be set back a minimum of 50 feet from any
existing street right-of-way line.
I.
The top of an advertising sign shall not be higher than 35 feet above
ground level. The bottom shall be a minimum of seven feet above ground
level.
J.
All advertising signs shall conform to the International Code Council
building, electrical and other applicable codes.
K.
Mobile or transportable advertising signs are prohibited in all zoning
districts.
L.
Advertising signs may only be illuminated using internal lights or
external light fixtures that are installed and/or aimed so that they
do not project their output at neighboring residences, adjacent uses,
skyward, or onto a roadway. All artificially lit signs shall be located,
designed, fitted, and maintained so as not to present a hazard to
drivers or pedestrians by impairing their ability to safely traverse
(i.e., blinding or disabling glare), and so as not to create a nuisance
by projecting or reflecting objectionable light onto a neighboring
use or property. All lights shall be controlled by automatic timers
and shall not be on between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m.
of the following day.
M.
No revolving or electronic advertising signs, including, but not
limited to, flashing signs, signs with intermittent illumination,
signs with moving parts, or signs with mechanically or electronically
changing messages or images, shall be permitted.
N.
All Advertising Signs shall be Maintained in Good Condition. The
structural components of the sign shall be maintained to ensure their
integrity and to prevent the possible collapse of the sign. Any damage
to the structural components shall be repaired within 24 hours. The
face of the sign shall be blank or shall show the full advertisement.
Signs having ripped, defaced, or partial advertisements shall be immediately
repaired by having the advertisement restored to its original condition,
removed, or covered.
O.
Each advertising sign subject to this section shall also be subject
to the other provisions of this chapter pertaining to advertising
signs, which provisions are incorporated herein by reference.
P.
Advertising signs (including billboards) which display words, images,
graphics, designs or other visual information (or portion thereof)
that changes or appears to change more frequently than once each two
minutes are not permitted and shall show no appearance of flashing
or sudden bursts of light and no animation, movement or flow of words,
images, graphics, designs or other information displayed.
