A.
Purposes. This article is intended to promote and maintain overall
community aesthetic quality; establish reasonable time, place and
manner of regulations for the exercise of free speech, without regulating
content (excepting obscenity that is prohibited by state law or language
that incites violence); promote traffic safety by avoiding distractions
and sight distance obstructions; and protect property values and ensure
compatibility with the character of neighboring uses.
B.
Permit required. A zoning permit shall be required for all signs except for: a) signs meeting the requirements of § 319-51, and b) nonilluminated temporary window signs. Only types, sizes and heights of signs that are specifically permitted by this article within the applicable district shall be allowed.
C.
Changes on signs. Any lawfully existing sign (including nonconforming signs) may be painted or repaired or changed in logo or message or replaced with a new sign face without needing a zoning permit, provided that the changes do not increase the sign area or height or otherwise result in noncompliance or an increased nonconformity with this chapter. See also § 319-60 concerning nonconforming signs. A conversion of a sign into a digital sign shall need a zoning permit.
D.
Fees. Through a resolution by Borough Council, the Borough may establish
permit fees and license fees for various types of signs.
The following signs shall be permitted by right within all Zoning
Districts within the following regulations, and shall not be required
to have a permit under this article.
|
Type and Definition of Signs not Requiring Permits
|
Maximum Number of Signs Per Lot
|
Maximum Sign Area Per Sign* On a Residential Lot**
(square feet)
|
Maximum Sign Area Per Sign* On Nonresidential Lots**
(square feet)
|
Other Requirements
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Agricultural sales or Christmas tree sign: advertises the seasonal sale of agricultural products or Christmas
trees
|
2
|
Total of 12 square feet per lot
|
Total of 50 square feet per lot
|
Shall only be posted while such products are actively offered
for sale
|
|
Charitable event sign: advertises a special
event held a maximum total of 10 days in any calendar year that primarily
is held to benefit a legitimate tax-exempt nonprofit organization,
place of worship, school, or charity
|
2
|
Total of 12 square feet per lot
|
Total of 50 square feet per lot
|
Shall be placed a maximum of 30 days prior to event and removed
a maximum of 7 days after event
|
|
Contractor's sign: advertises a building
tradesperson, engineer or architect who is actively conducting significant
work on a particular lot that is not such person's place of business,
or a bank or agency that is financing an on-site construction project
|
1 per contractor
|
12 per sign
|
20 per sign (or 1 sign of 60 square feet maximum may be used
if the sign is shared by multiple entities)
|
Shall only be permitted while such work is actively and clearly
underway and a maximum of 30 days afterward; shall not be illuminated
|
|
Directional sign: provides information
indicating traffic direction, entry or exit, loading or service area,
directions to apartment numbers or parking courts in a development,
fire lanes, parking or closely similar information regarding the same
lot as the sign is on, and that does not include advertising
|
No maximum
|
4, in addition to signs painted on pavement
|
4, in addition to signs painted on pavement
|
Such signs within a residential development shall not be internally
illuminated. See also § 319-54A(4) below concerning signs
not readable from a lot line or street
|
|
Flag: a pennant made of fabric or materials
with a similar appearance that is hung in such a way to flow in the
wind and that contains an advertising message; see also "special sale
signs" below
|
1
|
Total of 12 square feet per lot
|
Total of 50 square feet per lot
|
Flags of governments or flags that simply include colors, or
art or patterns that do not contain an advertising message are not
regulated by this chapter
|
|
Garage sale sign: advertises an occasional
garage sale/porch sale or auction
|
2 per event
|
2 square feet per sign
|
2 square feet per sign
|
Shall be placed no more than 3 days before the event, and be
removed within 24 hours after the event; shall not be attached to
trees, street sign posts, streetlight poles or utility poles
|
|
Home-based business or accessory day-care sign: advertises a permitted home occupation or an accessory day-care
use. The number and size provisions for identification signs shall
apply
| ||||
|
Identification sign: only identifies
the name and/or occupation of the resident or establishment, and/or
the name, street address and/or use of a lot
|
1 per street frontage
|
2
|
8
|
Maximum total height of 8 feet above the ground if freestanding;
shall not be internally illuminated in a residential district
|
|
Open house sign: advertises the temporary
and periodic open house of a property for sale or rent
|
2 per event
|
Total maximum of 12 square feet per lot
|
Total maximum of 50 square feet per lot
|
Shall be placed maximum of 5 days before open house begins,
and be removed maximum of 24 hours after open house ends; such sign
shall not be posted more than 6 consecutive days
|
|
Political or issue sign: advertises a
person or party seeking political office or an opinion on a referendum,
political cause or matter of public concern
Political signs shall not be posted in public parks or on property
owned by the Borough or within a public street right-of-way, except
as may be allowed on election day outside of a polling location
|
Maximum of 2 sign faces per issue or candidate per lot
|
Total maximum of 12 square feet per issue or candidate per lot
|
Total maximum of 50 square feet per issue or candidate per lot
|
Shall be removed a maximum of 7 days after an election, vote
or referendum if the sign pertains to such a matter. Political signs
shall not be placed on property without the prior consent of the owner.
If a political sign does not meet these requirements, then it shall
be regulated as an off-premises sign.
|
|
Public services sign: advertises the
availability of restrooms, telephone or other similar public convenience;
shall meet the same requirements as a directional sign
| ||||
|
Real estate sign: advertises the availability
of property on which the sign is located for sale, rent or lease
|
1 per street the lot abuts
|
8
|
50
|
Shall only be placed on the property while it is actively for
sale, lease or rent, and shall be removed a maximum of 14 days after
settlement or start of lease
|
|
Service organization/place of worship sign: an off-premises sign providing information about an incorporated
charitable or public service organization or place of worship
|
2
|
12
|
50
|
Maximum of 2 such signs per such organization or place of worship
|
|
Special sale sign: temporary banners,
flags and other signs that advertise a special sales event at a lawful
principal commercial business. A portable sign may be used under this
provision
|
5 per nonresidential lot
|
Not permitted
|
Total of 50 square feet for all such banners, flags and other
temporary signs
|
Shall be displayed a maximum total of 30 days per year (such
as 6 times of 5 days each). Such signs shall not flash, be internally
illuminated, or obstruct safe sight distances
|
|
Time and temperature sign: with a sole
purpose to announce the current time and temperature, and which may
also include any nonprofit public service messages
|
1
|
Not permitted
|
50
|
The sign shall not flash
|
|
Trespassing sign: indicating that a road
is private, that trespassing is prohibited on a lot, or controlling
certain activities such as hunting and fishing on the lot; shall meet
the same size regulations as a directional sign
|
|
NOTES:
| |
|
"sf" = square feet; "Max." = Maximum.
| |
|
*
|
The maximum sign areas stated in this chapter apply to each
of up to two sides of each allowed sign. A sign shall not have more
than two sides. The maximum sign areas are measured in square feet.
|
|
**
|
For the purposes of this section, a "nonresidential lot" shall
mean a lot that is occupied by a principal nonresidential use or that
is within a commercial or industrial zoning district. All other lots
shall be considered to be residential lots.
|
A.
In addition, the following types of signs are not regulated by this
chapter:
(2)
Historic sign: sign that memorializes an important historic place,
event or person and that is specifically authorized by the Borough
or a county, state or federal agency.
(3)
Holiday decorations: signs and displays that commemorate a holiday
recognized by the Borough, county, state or federal government or
an individual's own religious holiday, that do not include advertising,
and that are posted a maximum total of 90 days per calendar year.
(4)
Not readable sign: sign that is not readable from any public street
or any exterior lot line.
(5)
Official sign: sign erected by the state, county, Borough or other
legally constituted governmental body, or specifically authorized
by Borough ordinance, motion or resolution, and which exists for public
purposes.
(6)
Required sign: sign that only includes information required to be
posted outdoors by a government agency or the Borough.
(7)
Right-of-way sign: sign posted within the existing right-of-way of
a public street and officially authorized by the Borough, the county
or PennDOT, including but not limited to decorative banners hung from
streetlights that are authorized by the Borough.
A.
The following are the on-premises signs permitted on a lot within the specified districts and within the following regulations, in addition to other signs specifically allowed by this article. See definitions of the types of signs in Article XV.
|
Zoning District or Type of Use
|
Total Maximum Height of Freestanding Signs
|
Total Maximum Area of Wall Signs***
|
Total Maximum Area of Window Signs****
|
Total Maximum Area and Number of Freestanding Signs
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CD, LPD, RLD, RMD and RHD Districts: with signs
in this table limited to allowed principal nonresidential uses (such
as places of worship)
For home occupation signs, see § 319-51
|
8 feet
|
24 square feet on each side of a principal building for a school
or place of worship; 10 square feet on each side of a principal building
for other nonresidential principal uses
|
Nonilluminated window signs are not regulated. Other window
signs shall be considered wall signs
|
1 sign on each street the lot abuts, each with a maximum sign
area of 40 square feet for a school or place of worship; 10 square
feet per street frontage for other nonresidential principal uses.
See also entrance signs for major residential developments in § 319-52F below
|
|
HCD, LIC and GIC Districts: for principal nonresidential
uses
|
18 feet, except 10 feet in GIC
|
2 square feet of sign area for each linear foot of building
length, on the building side on which such signs are attached
|
Nonilluminated window signs are not regulated, provided they
do not cover more than 25% of all areas of windows and doors. Other
window signs shall be considered wall signs
|
1 sign per street that the lot abuts, each with a maximum area
of 40 square feet
See note* below for multiple uses
A retail gas station shall be allowed an additional 30 square
feet of sign area
For drive-throughs, see note**
|
|
NCD, CBD and any other districts not listed in this table: for principal nonresidential uses
|
15 feet, except 8 feet in CBD
|
2 square feet of sign area for each linear foot of building
length on the building side on which such signs are attached
See note ***** below for projecting signs
|
Nonilluminated window signs are not regulated, provided they
do not cover more than 25% of all areas of windows and doors. Other
window signs shall be considered wall signs
|
1 sign per street that the lot abuts, each with a maximum area
of 40 square feet, except 16 feet in CBD
A directory sign shall also be allowed if there is more than
1 establishment on the lot, which shall have a maximum height of 6
feet and a maximum sign area of 25 square feet
Sandwich board sign: 1 additional 10 square feet per side portable
folding sign is allowed per lot in a location that does not obstruct
5 feet of width for pedestrian and wheelchair access, and which is
kept inside when the business is not open
|
|
NCD2 District: for principal nonresidential uses
|
15
|
2 square feet of sign area for each linear foot of building
length on the building side on which such signs are attached
See note ***** below for projecting signs
|
Nonilluminated window signs are not regulated, provided they
do not cover more than 25% of all areas of windows and doors. Other
window signs shall be considered wall signs
|
1 sign per street that the lot abuts, per acre of lot area.
If a lot includes 5 or more acres, then 1 additional freestanding
sign shall be allowed with a maximum area of 75 square feet. A directory
sign shall also be allowed if there is more than 1 establishment on
the lot, which shall have a maximum height of 10 feet and a maximum
sign area of 25 square feet
|
|
NOTES:
| |
|
*
|
If a lot includes two or more distinct principal nonresidential
uses, the maximum freestanding sign area may be increased by 10 square
feet for each principal nonresidential use beyond the first nonresidential
use. For example, in the HCD District, if a lot includes three such
uses, the maximum freestanding sign area shall be 40 plus 20 equals
60 square feet.
|
|
**
|
An allowed restaurant drive-through use may also include two
menu boards with a maximum height of 10 feet and a maximum sign area
of 60 square feet per side, provided the signs are not designed to
be readable from beyond the property line.
|
|
***
|
An awning or canopy sign shall be regulated as a wall sign,
provided it does not extend more than three feet into a street right-of-way.
If an awning or canopy is approved by the Borough to extend further
into a right-of-way, it shall have a maximum total sign area of four
square feet.
|
|
****
|
Signs on mostly clear doors shall be considered to be window
signs. Areas of doors that are mostly clear shall be considered to
be part of the total window area.
|
|
*****
|
In addition, a projecting sign with a maximum sign area of 12
square feet on each of two sides may: a) project perpendicular to
a building up to four feet outward; and b) may also project over part
of a sidewalk if it maintains an eight feet minimum clearance over
the ground. Such sign shall not be internally illuminated. A minimum
of one such projecting sign shall be allowed per principal business
establishment.
|
B.
Examples of sign types.
(1)
The sign below is an example of a projecting sign that is attached
to a building.
 |
(2)
The sign below is an example of a sandwich board sign that is placed
on a sidewalk.
 |
(3)
The sign below is an example of a freestanding sign that is not internally
illuminated.
 |
(4)
The sign below is an example of a freestanding sign that is internally
illuminated.
 |
C.
Maximum height of wall signs. The maximum height of wall signs shall
be equal to the top of the roof along the wall to which they are attached.
However, sign may be attached to a parapet roof that vertically extends
up to 10 feet above the structural roof, provided the parapet roof
appears to be an architectural extension of the building.
D.
Portable signs (including signs on mobile stands) and other temporary
signs.
(1)
Purpose. These standards recognize portable signs as a particular
type of sign that has the characteristics of a temporary sign but
that has been inappropriately used as a permanent sign. This section
is based on the policy that if a use desires to regularly display
a sign for regularly changing messages, that it erect a permanent
sign within all of the requirements of this chapter.
(3)
Businesses are encouraged to provide an area on a permanent sign
that displays changeable messages, as opposed to using a separate
sign for such purpose.
E.
Signs on freestanding walls. An allowed freestanding sign face may
be attached to a decorative masonry or stone wall with a maximum height
of eight feet and a maximum length of 12 feet, without being regulated
by the wall setback regulations of this chapter and without the entire
wall counting as sign area. Such walls may be placed in a yard, provided
they do not obstruct safe sight distances.
F.
Major development sign. One two-sided sign or two one-sided signs shall be allowed at up to two exterior street entrances to a subdivision or land development of 10 or more dwelling units or more than five principal business uses. Such sign area shall be a maximum of 20 square feet in a residential district and 40 square feet in a nonresidential district, and may be attached to a wall that meets Subsection E above. Such signs shall not be illuminated in a residential district, shall not be internally illuminated in a commercial or industrial district, and shall have a maximum total height of eight feet above the ground. Such sign shall be surrounded by low maintenance landscaping, including shrubs.
(1)
The sign below is an example of a major development sign that is
not illuminated.
 |
G.
Landscaping around a new freestanding sign. When a new freestanding
sign is proposed with a sign area of 20 square feet or greater, other
than a replacement of an existing sign, a landscaped area shall be
provided around the sign. Such landscaped area shall be equal or greater
in length than the horizontal length of the sign, and shall have a
minimum width of five feet. Such landscaped area shall be comprised
of vegetative ground cover, which may include shrubs, and it may be
crossed by a sidewalk. Curbing or a similar barrier should be used
as needed to prevent vehicles from hitting the sign.
A.
The following prohibitions on signs shall apply in all zoning districts:
(1)
Any moving object used to attract attention to a commercial use is prohibited. However, certain flags and banners may be allowed as provided in § 319-51.
(2)
Flashing, blinking, twinkling, animated, scrolling, rotating or moving
signs of any type are prohibited. A sign shall not display electronically
moving images.
(3)
Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors or particles, sound or odor
are prohibited.
(4)
Signs which contain information that states that a lot may be used
for a purpose not permitted under this chapter are prohibited.
(5)
Signs that are of such form, shape or color that they resemble an
official traffic control 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 (such as prominent use of the word "danger") are
prohibited.
(6)
Signs or displays visible from a lot line that include words or images
that are obscene or pornographic are prohibited.
(7)
Balloons of greater than 50 cubic feet that are tethered to the ground
or a structure for periods of over a day and that are primarily intended
for advertising purposes are prohibited.
(8)
Floodlights and outdoor lasers for advertising purposes are prohibited.
B.
Digital signs. Signs may change their message from time to time provided
that each message is visible for a minimum of 20 seconds, except as
follows: a) time and temperature signs may change more frequently;
and b) if there is an electronically changing sign area of greater
than 50 square feet, the sign shall not change its message more frequently
than once every 30 seconds. This provision on sign timing shall not
regulate signs that are not readable from a public street and that
are not readable from any dwelling.
A.
Purposes. Off-premises signs are controlled by this chapter for the following purposes, to ensure that a physical environment is maintained that is attractive to desirable types of development; prevent visual pollution in the Borough and protect property values, especially in consideration of the fact that most commercial areas of the Borough are within close proximity to existing residences; prevent glare on adjacent property and streets; avoid the creation of additional visual distractions to motorists, especially along busy arterial streets that involve complex turning movements and numerous traffic hazards; recognize the numerous alternative forms of free speech available in the Borough, including existing nonconforming off-premises signs, on-premises signs and temporary signs and printed and electronic media; carry out the purposes listed in § 319-70.
B.
Nonconforming off-premises signs. This section is not intended to
require the removal of an existing lawfully placed off-premises sign
that is in structurally sound condition.
C.
Official signs. Signs erected and maintained by PennDOT or the Ephrata
Borough are permitted by right in all districts. Such signs may include
official directional signs to destinations.
D.
Permitted off-premises signs. Except for other types of signs that
are specifically allowed by this section to be off premises, an off-premises
sign is only permitted if it meets the following requirements:
(1)
District: An off-premises sign is only permitted in the GIC District.
(2)
Location: An off-premises sign shall be set back a minimum of 25
feet from all lot lines and street rights-of-way.
(3)
Maximum total sign area, on each of two sides: 300 square feet. The
two sides shall be arranged so that only one side is readable at one
time.
(4)
Spacing: Any off-premises sign of more than 50 square feet of sign
area shall be separated by a minimum of 500 feet from any other off-premises
sign with a sign area greater than 50 square feet, including signs
on either side of a street and including existing signs in other municipalities.
(5)
Maximum height: 40 feet above the elevation of the street or highway
that the sign face is directed towards, measured at the street center
line. The bottom of such sign shall be elevated a minimum of 10 feet
above the ground and be designed to be resistant to climbing by unauthorized
persons.
(7)
Setbacks: An off-premises sign of greater than 50 square feet in
sign area shall not be located within: a) 200 feet from the lot line
of an existing principal dwelling or a residential district; or b)
within 1,500 feet of a building listed on the National Register of
Historic Places.
(8)
Condition: The sign shall be maintained in a good and safe condition,
particularly to avoid hazards in high winds. The area around the sign
shall be kept free of debris. If the message of a sign is no longer
intact, it shall be replaced with a solid color or a "for lease" sign.
(9)
This chapter shall not regulate the placement of tourist-oriented
directional signs, provided the signs are posted along a public street
right-of-way in a manner allowed under PennDOT regulations for such
signs or that are approved by the Borough along a Borough street.
(Note: These are typically blue signs that direct motorists to various
major destinations.)
A.
B.
Sight clearance. No sign shall be located in a way that interferes with the sight clearance requirements of § 319-63.
C.
Off premises. No signs except permitted off premises; official, political
or public service signs shall be erected on a property to which it
does not relate.
D.
Permission of owner. No sign shall be posted on any property unless
permission has been received by the owner or entity leasing the property.
E.
Signs on trees, utility poles and street signs. No sign shall be
attached to a utility pole or street sign post, except by a utility
or government agency. A sign shall not be attached to a tree, except
allowed temporary signs may be attached with string.
F.
Construction of signs. Every sign permitted in this section (other
than temporary and window signs) shall be constructed of durable materials
and shall be kept in good condition and repair. The Zoning Officer
shall by written notice require a property owner or lessee to repair
or remove a dilapidated or unsafe sign within a specified period of
time. If such order is not complied with, the Borough may repair or
remove such sign at the expense of such owner or lessee.
G.
Wiring of signs. Signs shall be prohibited that involve electrical
cords laying across parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except for
temporary Christmas season lighting.
H.
Banners and overhanging signs. Borough Council may approve the hanging
of decorative banners within the street right-of-way (such as from
utility poles or streetlights) and may approve a sign overhanging
across a street to advertise a community event or festival. One approval
may cover multiple years for an event that is held annually. Approval
from PennDOT may also be needed if a state road is involved.
Any vehicle, trailer or structure to which a sign is affixed
in such a manner that the carrying of such sign(s) no longer is incidental
to the primary purpose of the vehicle, trailer or structure but instead
becomes a primary purpose in itself shall be considered a freestanding
sign and shall be subject to all of the requirements for freestanding
signs in the district in which such vehicle, trailer or structure
is located.
Signs advertising a use no longer in existence (other than a
sign relating to a building that is clearly temporarily vacant and
being offered to new tenants or for purchase) shall be removed within
180 days of the cessation of such use.
A.
Sign area shall include all lettering, wording and accompanying designs
and symbols, together with related background areas on which they
are displayed. One "freestanding sign" may include several signs that
are all attached to one structure, with the total sign area being
the combined area of all signs on that side of the sign. The sign
area shall not include any structural support poles or monument-style
areas below the sign message.
B.
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached
to or painted directly on a building or window, other than an illuminated
background that is a part of the sign, the sign area shall be the
smallest one or two rectangle(s) or triangle(s) that includes all
of the letters and symbols.
C.
The maximum sign area of sign shall be for each of two sides of a
sign, provided that only one side of a sign is readable from any location.
Unless otherwise specified, all square footages in regards to signs
are maximum sizes.
See "light and glare control" in § 319-43.
A.
Signs legally existing at the time of enactment of this chapter and
which do not conform to the requirements of the chapter shall be considered
nonconforming signs.
B.
An existing lawful nonconforming sign that was lawful when it was
initially placed may be replaced with a new sign, provided the new
sign is not more nonconforming in any manner than the previous sign.
A nonconforming sign shall not be expanded in a manner that does not
conform to this chapter.
C.
Unlawful signs. If a sign was placed without a required permit by
the Borough, and does not comply with this chapter, it shall not be
considered lawful, and shall be required to be removed.
