[Amended 7-18-2011 by Ord. No. 403-11; 6-4-2012 by Ord. No. 408-12; 6-3-2013 by Ord. No. 414-13; 8-19-2013 by Ord. No. 417-13; 6-22-2014 by Ord. No. 422-14; 12-15-2014 by Ord. No. 424-14; 12-13-2016 by Ord. No. 427-16; 1-15-2018 by Ord. No. 433-18; 2-4-2019 by Ord. No. 437-19]
It is the purpose of this article to regulate all signs within
the Township, to ensure that they are appropriate and in keeping with
the appearance of the affected property and surrounding environment
and to protect the public health, safety, morals and general welfare.
In addition, the intent of this article is to:
A.
Encourage good design in the context of the overall image and visual
environment of the Township.
B.
Enhance the appearance of the zoning district, taking into account
the nature of the uses permitted within the zoning district, and thus
stimulate as well as protect the economic viability of the Township.
C.
Provide for signage which is adequate, but not excessive, and which
displays a message through use of pictures, symbols, and logos for
rapid comprehension by the public.
D.
Prohibit the erection of signs in such numbers, sizes, designs and
locations as may create a hazard to pedestrians and motorists.
E.
Avoid excessive competition for large multiple signs, so that permitted
signs provide adequate identification and direction while minimizing
clutter, unsightliness and confusion.
F.
Allow for the coordination of signs to reflect the character of the
architecture, landscape and visual themes that the Township is supporting.
G.
Promote signs which are designed utilizing clear, crisp lettering
and bold, uncomplicated symbols which will identify a business or
activity efficiently and also enhance the area where located as well
as the general appearance of the street or town.
H.
Prevent sign overload and excessively large signs that create a visually
chaotic and competitive situation within the business community.
Any sign hereafter erected or maintained after the effective
date of this article shall conform to the provisions of this article
and any other ordinance or regulations of the Township relating thereto.
B.
The following signs or lighting features are prohibited in all zoning
districts:
(1)
Any sign by color, shape, location, or manner of illuminations which
may be confused with or construed as a traffic control device or which
hides from view any traffic or street sign or signal.
(2)
Any sign attached to a utility pole, parking meter, traffic signpost,
traffic signal or control device, street sign, historical marker,
tree or rock.
(3)
Signs erected without the permission of the property owner or authorized
agent.
(4)
Signs that create a hazard by obstructing the clear view of vehicles
and pedestrian traffic.
(6)
Illuminated tubing or strings of lights, excluding temporary signs
for traditional seasonal decorations, which outline rooflines, doors,
windows, or wall edges.
(7)
Any sign which obstructs free ingress to or egress from a required
door, window, fire escape or other required exitway.
(8)
Vehicular signs.
(9)
Abandoned or dilapidated signs.
(10)
Revolving signs.
(11)
Festoon signs.
(12)
Beacon lights.
(13)
Roof signs.
(14)
Bench signs.
(15)
Flashing signs.
(16)
Any sign inconsistent with provisions of this article.
A.
The following signs are authorized in every zoning district, shall
not require a sign permit, and shall not be included in the determination
of type, number or area of permanent signs allowed on a property within
a zoning district:
(1)
Government signs, which include, but are not limited to:
(a)
Traffic control devices and signs on private or public property
that are erected and maintained to comply with the Federal Highway
Administration, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation or other
federal, state or local law or regulation.
(b)
Identification signs. Each property owner shall mark their property
using numerals that identify the address of the property so that public
safety departments can easily identify the address from the public
street. The size and location of the identifying numerals and letters,
if any, shall be proportional to the size of the building and the
distance from the street to the building. In cases where the building
is not located within view of the public street, the identifier shall
be located on the mailbox or other suitable device such that it is
visible from the street. An address sign shall not contain any number,
symbol, picture, logo, or marking other than the address of the property.
(c)
Where a federal, state or local law requires a property owner
to post a sign on the owner's property to warn of a danger, set forth
safety regulations, to prohibit access to the property, either generally
or specifically, or to otherwise comply with federal, state or local
law, the owner shall comply with the federal, state or local law by
posting such sign(s) on the property under the terms of the federal,
state or local law.
(d)
A flag that has been adopted by the federal government, this
commonwealth or the local government may be displayed as provided
under the law that adopts or regulates its use.
(2)
Temporary signs.
(a)
One temporary sign per 1/4 acre of net lot area of property
may be located on the owner's property for a period of 30 days prior
to an election involving a voter referendum or candidates for a federal,
state or local office that represents the district in which the property
is located.
(b)
One temporary sign may be located on the property when:
[1]
That property is being offered for sale through a licensed real
estate agent;
[2]
If not offered for sale through a real estate agent, when the
property is offered for sale through advertising; and
[3]
For a period of 15 days following the date on which a contract
of sale has been executed by a person purchasing the property.
(c)
One temporary sign may be located on the owner's property on
a day when the property owner is opening the property to the public;
provided, however, the owner may not use this type of sign in the
AA, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5 and VR Residential Zoning Districts on
more than two days in a calendar year and may not use this type of
sign in the PBO, VB or VT Zoning Districts for more than 30 cumulative
days in a calendar year.
(d)
A property owner may place a sign no larger than 8.5 inches
by 11 inches in one window on the property at any time.
(e)
A property owner may place one sign on the property at any time.
(f)
A property owner exercising the right to place temporary signs on a property as described in this subsection shall limit the total number of signs on the property per 1/4 acre of net lot area at any one time to two temporary signs plus the one temporary sign permitted in Subsection A(2)(d).
(g)
The sign face of any temporary sign, unless otherwise limited in Subsection A(2), shall not exceed three square feet.
(h)
Temporary signs shall not be located within any dedicated right-of-way.
(i)
Temporary signs shall not illuminated.
B.
For purposes of this section, the lessor of a property is considered
the property owner. If there are multiple lessors of a property, then
each lessor shall have the same rights and duties as the property
owner, and the size of the property shall be deemed to be the property
that the lessor has the sole right to occupy under the lease.
The following sign regulations shall apply to all zoning districts
as indicated. All signs in this section are permanent signs and require
a sign permit, unless otherwise specified.
A.
Residential districts.
(1)
Scope. This subsection sets forth the permitted signs in the AA,
R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5 and VR Residential Zoning Districts.
(2)
Number and size.
(a)
For a major home occupation accessory use, one sign is permitted
per the approved accessory use. Each sign shall have a total sign
area of not more than two square feet.
(b)
For residential developments, one sign is permitted at each
entrance to the development. Each sign shall have a total sign area
of no more than 15 square feet. A leasing office on the property is
permitted one wall sign not to exceed six square feet in sign area.
(c)
For permitted nonresidential uses, one sign is permitted per
property held in single and separate ownership. Where the property
fronts on more than one street, one sign may be located on each street
frontage, provided a minimum street frontage of 150 feet is maintained
between signs. Each sign shall have a total sign area of not more
than 15 square feet.
(3)
Location. Permitted signs may be anywhere on the property, except
within a street right-of-way.
(5)
Illumination. Signs shall not be illuminated.
B.
PBO Zoning District.
(1)
Scope. This subsection sets forth the permitted signs in the PBO
Zoning District.
(2)
Residential uses. Where a use permitted in the AA, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5 or VR Residential Zoning Districts is also permitted in the PBO Zoning District, the signs shall be compliant with the requirements of § 455-81A.
(3)
Commercial uses.
(a)
Sign area. The total sign area of all signs placed on a lot
or on any one premises shall not exceed 1.5 square feet for each one
linear foot of the front building facade. Where a building fronts
on more than one street, only one street frontage may be used to calculate
the total allowable sign area. The total sign area for any one sign,
regardless of type, shall not exceed 60 square feet, unless otherwise
specified in this section.
[1]
Permanent window signs shall not be included in the computation
of total permitted sign area. The total area of all window signs,
including both temporary and permanent window signs, shall be limited
to 25% of the glass area and shall not obscure views from the outside
to the interior of the commercial use.
(b)
Wall signs. Up to two wall signs shall be permitted per use
in a building per street frontage. The total sign area for any one
wall sign shall not exceed 60 square feet.
(c)
Awning signs.
[1]
Markings shall not exceed a height of eight inches and shall
be located only on the front and side vertical faces of the awning,
except as provided for in this section. The minimum clearance between
the vertical face and the walkway shall not be less than 10 feet.
Awnings shall not project more than five feet from the face of the
building, except where located above an entrance to a building, in
which case the maximum projection shall not exceed 10 feet. All awnings
must be a minimum of three feet from the curbline.
[2]
Markings shall be permitted on the sloped surface of an awning,
provided that the commercial use served by the awning sign does not
use a wall sign, and provided further that the markings on the sloped
surface of an awning shall not exceed a height of 40 inches and shall
not exceed more than 25% of the area of the sloped surface.
[3]
Awning signs shall not be internally illuminated, but may be illuminated by lights installed above the awning, in conformance with the illumination standards of § 455-82D of this article.
[4]
Awning signs may be fixed or equipped with a mechanism for raising
and holding an awning sign in a retracted position against the building.
(d)
Marquee signs. One marquee sign containing changeable markings shall be permitted in addition to the otherwise permitted sign area under § 455-81B(3)(a), provided that the total sign area shall not exceed 200 square feet. Such sign shall be required at all times to maintain a minimum vertical clearance of 10 feet. Marquee signs shall be exempt from the lighting requirements as set forth in § 455-82D.
(e)
Freestanding signs. For each building, mixed-use development,
or group of contiguous buildings under single ownership or control,
one freestanding sign shall be permitted. Where the premises has more
than one street frontage, one freestanding sign shall be permitted
for each street frontage, provided both are ground signs and that
a minimum street frontage of 150 feet is maintained between signs.
[1]
Area and height regulation.
[a]
Pole signs. Pole signs shall not exceed a sign
area of either 25 square feet or a sign height of 15 feet above mean
grade.
[b]
Ground signs. Ground signs shall not exceed a sign
area of either 30 square feet or a sign height of eight feet above
mean grade. Ground signs shall be constructed so that the maximum
height from mean grade to the lowest area of the sign face does not
exceed four feet.
[2]
Location. Freestanding signs shall not be located within the
right-of-way and shall be set back a minimum distance of 10 feet from
the street cartway. No sign shall be so located as to present a hazard
to motorists or pedestrians.
(f)
Projecting signs. One projecting sign shall be permitted per
ground-floor commercial use, plus one for any building entrance for
access by the public not serving a ground-floor establishment. Projecting
signs shall not project more than four feet from the face of the building.
The total sign area for any one projecting sign shall not exceed 16
square feet. No part of the sign shall be less than eight nor more
than 12 feet above ground or walkway level. Not more than one projecting
sign per establishment per street frontage shall be permitted, and
no projecting signs shall be permitted within 25 feet of another.
Projecting signs shall not be internally illuminated, but may be indirectly
illuminated in accordance with the provisions of this article.
(g)
Portable signs. A limit of one portable sign per commercial
use shall be permitted and may be placed within the sidewalk, so long
as each portable sign shall not exceed nine square feet, and a minimum
clear walking width of four feet shall be maintained on the sidewalk.
Portable signs shall be constructed of weather-resistant materials,
such as wood, plastic or metal. No portable sign shall contain foil,
mirrors, bare metal, or other materials that could create hazardous
conditions to motorists, bicyclists, or pedestrians. No portable sign
may contain lights of any kind. Portable signs must be sufficiently
weighted or constructed to keep the sign in the approved location.
All portable sign shall be taken indoors at the close of each business
day. The area of portable signs shall not be included in the computation
of total permitted sign area.
(h)
Permanent banner signs. Permanent banner signs shall be subject
to the following standards:
[1]
Only one banner sign is permitted per commercial use in a building.
[2]
The maximum area of a banner shall be 25 square feet.
[3]
Mounting height. Bottom of banners shall be mounted at least
14 feet above grade or sidewalk to avoid intrusion into a projecting
sign or awning sign zone and shall not extend beyond the third story
of the structure.
[4]
Projection. Banners shall not project more than three feet into
the public right-of-way.
[5]
Banner signs shall be spaced no closer than 20 feet apart.
(4)
Off-premises signs shall be permitted when authorized as a conditional
use, subject to the following provisions:
(a)
Signage shall be not more than 25 feet in height.
(b)
Sign area.
[1]
On a lot fronting on a street with a speed limit of 40 miles
per hour or less, no off-premises sign shall be permitted to exceed
a maximum area of 50 square feet, including the border and trim of
the sign, but excluding supports.
[2]
On a lot fronting on a street with a speed limit of more than
40 miles per hour, no off-premises sign shall be permitted to exceed
a maximum area of 75 square feet, including border and trim, but excluding
supports.
[3]
A sign having two sides back-to-back or a V-shaped sign with
a horizontal angle not greater than 90° is permitted one per side
for a total maximum combined area of twice that permitted in this
section, except that no sign shall exceed a maximum combined sign
area in excess of 150 square feet.
(c)
No more than one off-premises sign shall be placed on a lot.
(d)
No off-premises sign shall be erected within 200 feet of any
other freestanding or off-premises sign.
(e)
Off-premises signs shall be set back not more than 35 feet nor
less than 10 feet from the property's boundary with the public right-of-way
or street, whichever is closer to the center point of the property,
and not less than 15 feet from any neighboring property boundary.
(f)
If the sign is to have exterior lighting, a lighting plan must
be submitted and shall include the following information:
[1]
A site plan containing a layout of the proposed fixture locations
and type.
[2]
Catalog cuts and photometrics for each light fixture, the method
of energizing each light fixture, a listing of the hours of operation
and a plan showing the photometrics for the entire site based upon
the proposed placement of the light fixtures. A description of glare-reduction
devices, lamps, wattage, control devices, mounting heights, pole and
mounting methods, as appropriate for each fixture, should also be
included.
[3]
Setting forth of the production of glare that is perceptual
beyond the property line of the lot on which the sign lighting is
located will be minimized with the use of shielding, luminaire reflectors
or other suitable measures, minimizing the intensity of lighting so
that no more than 0.5 footcandle of light from signs shall fall upon
any residential lot between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.,
prevailing time.
(5)
Animated signs shall be permitted when authorized as a conditional
use, subject to the following provisions:
(a)
Signs shall be no more than eight feet in height.
(b)
Sign area shall not be permitted to exceed 10 square feet.
(c)
No more than one animated sign shall be placed on an individual
lot.
(d)
No animated sign shall be erected within 200 feet of any other
animated sign.
(e)
Animated signs shall be set back not more than 35 feet nor less
than 10 feet from the property's boundary with the public right-of-way
or street, whichever is closer to the center point of the property,
and not less than 15 feet from any neighboring property boundary.
(f)
Operational limits.
[1]
The duration of each message shall be a minimum of five seconds.
[2]
The transition time between changes in the sign face or messages
shall be less than one second.
[3]
The sign must be equipped with brightness controls so that the
brightness of the sign has the ability to respond to changes in the
outside light levels.
[4]
Except for traffic control signals, animated signs are prohibited
within 100 feet of a traffic control device.
(6)
Transportation use signs.
(a)
Automobile gasoline/service stations. Automobile gasoline/service
stations shall be permitted signage, subject to the following regulations:
[1]
Wall signs. There shall be no more than two wall signs for each
principal building. A wall sign shall not exceed 25 square feet in
sign area. Where a buildings fronts on more than one street, one additional
wall sign may be erected along each side street frontage. Additional
wall signs identifying service provided on the premises shall be permitted,
provided such signs shall not exceed 10 square feet in sign area and
are located directly above the area where service is performed. In
no case shall a wall sign be higher than 15 feet above existing grade
or project above any cornice, roofline, parapet wall, or building
facade.
[2]
Freestanding signs. Gasoline service stations shall be permitted
a maximum of one freestanding ground sign for each location.
[a]
Area and height regulations. Freestanding signs
shall not exceed a sign height of 10 feet above mean grade or a sign
area of 30 square feet, except that, where gasoline is offered for
sale, an additional 20 square feet of sign area shall be permitted
for pricing information.
[b]
Location. Freestanding signs shall be located in accordance with Subsection B(3)(e)[2] of this section.
[3]
Gasoline pump island canopies. Gasoline pump island canopies
may be painted with colors that are consistent with brand recognition.
No markings of any kind shall be permitted on gasoline pump island
canopy structures.
[4]
Exempt signs. The following signs shall be allowed without a
sign permit and shall not be included in the determination of type,
number or area of permanent signs permitted for gasoline and motor
vehicle service stations:
(b)
Automobile dealership signs. Automobile dealership signs shall
be subject to the following:
[1]
Wall signs.
[a]
Number. There shall be no more than two wall signs
for each principal building.
[b]
Area. The gross surface area of a wall sign shall
not exceed 10% of the area of the building wall, including doors and
windows, to which the sign is to be affixed or 64 square feet, whichever
is smaller, if such wall sign source is visible or exposed on the
face or sides of the characters.
[c]
Location. A wall sign may be located on the outermost
wall of any principal building, but shall not project more than 16
inches from the wall to which the sign is to be affixed. The location
and arrangement of all wall signs shall be subject to the reviews
and approval of the Zoning Officer.
[d]
Height. A wall sign shall not project higher than
the parapet line of the wall to which the sign is affixed or 20 feet,
as measured from the base of the building wall to which the sign is
to be affixed, whichever is lower.
[2]
Ground signs.
[a]
Number.
[i]
Primary ground signs. There shall not be more than
one principal ground sign for each automobile dealership.
[ii]
Secondary ground signs. Secondary ground signs
shall be permitted only if used for preowned automobiles and/or if
two or more automotive product lines (automobile makes) are offered
for sale on the premises. No more than two secondary ground signs
shall be permitted, one denoting the sale of used or preowned automobiles
and one denoting the sale of the second and additional automotive
product lines (automotive makes).
[b]
Area.
[i]
Primary ground signs. The gross surface area of
a primary ground sign shall not exceed 32 square feet for each exposed
face, nor exceed an aggregate gross surface area of 64 square feet.
[ii]
Secondary ground signs. The gross surface area
of a secondary ground sign shall not exceed 24 square feet for each
exposed face, nor exceed an aggregate gross surface area of 48 square
feet.
[c]
Location. Primary and secondary ground signs may
be located in any required yard, but shall not extend over any lot
line or within 15 feet of any point of vehicular access from a lot
to a public roadway.
[d]
Height.
[i]
Primary ground signs. A primary ground sign shall
not project higher than 20 feet as measured from the base of the sign
or grade of the nearest adjacent roadway, whichever is lower.
[ii]
Secondary ground signs. A secondary ground sign
shall not project higher than 15 feet as measured from the base of
the sign or grade of the nearest adjacent roadway, whichever is lower.
[3]
Awning, canopy, and marquee signs.
[a]
Number. There shall not be more than one awning,
canopy, or marquee sign exceeding an aggregate gross surface area
of four square feet for each principal building.
[b]
Area. The gross surface area of an awning, canopy,
or marquee sign shall not exceed 24 square feet, but is limited to
not more than 50% of the gross surface area of the smallest face of
the awning, canopy, or marquee to which such sign is to be affixed.
[c]
Height. An awning, canopy, or marquee sign shall
not project higher than the top of the awning, canopy, or marquee
to which such sign is to be affixed.
[4]
Service bay identification signs. Service bay identification
signs providing direction or instruction to persons using the facility
and containing no advertising material of any kind shall be subject
to the following:
[a]
Type. All service bay identification signs shall
be wall signs.
[b]
Number. There shall be not more than one service
bay identification sign for each service bay located on the premises.
[c]
Area. The gross surface area of a service bay identification
sign shall not exceed 10 square feet.
[d]
Location. A service bay identification sign may
be located on the outermost wall of any principal building adjacent
to a service bay entrance, but shall not project more than 16 inches
from the wall to which the sign is to be affixed.
[e]
Height. A service bay identification sign shall
not project higher than the parapet line of the wall to which the
sign is to be affixed or 20 feet, as measured from the base of the
building to which the sign is to be affixed, whichever is lower.
C.
VB and VT Zoning Districts.
(1)
Scope. This subsection shall set forth the permitted signs in the
VB and VT Zoning Districts.
(2)
Residential uses. Where a use permitted in the AA, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5 or VR Residential Zoning Districts is also permitted in the PBO Zoning District, the signage shall be compliant with the requirements of § 455-81A.
(3)
Business (commercial), retail, or related signs in accordance with
the following regulations:
(a)
Sign area. The total sign area of all signs placed on a lot
or on any one premises shall not exceed one square foot for each one
linear foot of the front building facade. Where a building fronts
on more than one street, only one street frontage may be used to calculate
the total allowable sign area. The total sign area for any one sign
shall not exceed 40 square feet, unless otherwise specified in this
section.
[1]
Permanent window signs shall not be included in the computation
of total permitted sign area. The total area of all window signs,
including both temporary and permanent window signs, shall be limited
to 25% of the glass area and shall not obscure views from the outside
to the interior of a commercial establishment.
(b)
Wall signs. Up to two wall signs shall be permitted per use
in a building per street frontage. The total sign area for any one
wall sign shall not exceed 40 square feet. No wall sign shall project
above the highest story, excluding any cornice or parapet wall.
(c)
Awning signs.
[1]
Awning signs. Markings shall not exceed a height of eight inches
and shall be located only on the front and side vertical faces of
the awning, except as provided for in this section. The minimum clearance
between the vertical face and the walkway shall not be less than 10
feet. Awnings shall not project more than five feet from the face
of the building, except where located above an entrance to a building,
in which case the maximum projection shall not exceed 10 feet. All
awnings must be a minimum of three feet from the curbline.
[2]
Markings shall be permitted on the sloped surface of an awning,
provided that the business use served by the awning sign does not
have a wall sign(s), and provided further that the markings on the
sloped surface of an awning shall not exceed a height of 40 inches
and shall not exceed more than 25% of the area of the sloped surface.
[3]
Awning signs shall not be internally illuminated, but may be illuminated by lights installed above the awning, in conformance with the illumination standards of § 455-82D of this article.
[4]
Awning signs may be fixed or equipped with a mechanism for raising
and holding an awning sign in a retracted position against the building.
(d)
Marquee signs. One marquee sign containing markings shall be permitted in addition to the otherwise permitted sign area under § 455-81C(3)(a), provided that the total sign area shall not exceed 200 square feet. Such sign shall be required at all times to maintain a minimum vertical clearance of 10 feet. Marquee signs shall be exempt from the lighting requirements as set forth in § 455-82D.
(e)
Freestanding signs. For each building, shopping center, mixed-use
development, or group of contiguous buildings under single ownership
or control, one freestanding sign shall be permitted. Where the premises
has more than one street frontage, one freestanding sign shall be
permitted for each street frontage, provided both are ground signs
and that a minimum street frontage of 150 feet is maintained between
signs.
[1]
Area and height regulation.
[a]
Pole signs. Pole signs shall not exceed a sign
area of either 25 square feet or a sign height of 15 feet above mean
grade.
[b]
Ground signs. Ground signs shall not exceed a sign
area of either 30 square feet or a sign height of eight feet above
mean grade. Ground signs shall be constructed so that the maximum
height from mean grade to the lowest area of the sign face does not
exceed four feet.
[2]
Location. Freestanding signs shall not be located within the
right-of-way and shall be set back a minimum distance of 10 feet from
the street cartway. No sign shall be so located as to present a hazard
to motorists or pedestrians.
(f)
Projecting signs. One projecting sign shall be permitted per
ground-floor use, plus one for any building entrance for access by
the public not serving a ground-floor establishment. Projecting signs
shall not project more than four feet from the face of the building.
The total sign area for any one projecting sign shall not exceed nine
square feet. No part of the sign shall be less than eight nor more
than 12 feet above ground or walkway level. No more than one projecting
sign per establishment per street frontage shall be permitted, and
no projecting sign shall be permitted within 25 feet of another. Projecting
signs may not be internally illuminated, but may be indirectly illuminated
in accordance with the provisions of this article.
(g)
Portable signs. A limit of one sidewalk sign per use shall be
permitted and may be placed within the sidewalk so long as each portable
sign shall not exceed nine square feet, and a minimum clear walking
width of four feet shall be maintained on the sidewalk. Portable signs
shall be constructed of weather-resistant materials, such as wood,
plastic or metal. No portable sign shall contain foil, mirrors, bare
metal, or other materials that could create hazardous conditions to
motorists, bicyclists or pedestrians. No portable sign may contain
lights of any kind. Portable signs must be sufficiently weighted or
constructed to keep the sign in the approved location. All portable
signs shall be taken indoors at the close of each business day. The
area of portable signs shall not be included in the computation of
total permitted sign area.
(h)
Permanent banner signs. Permanent banner signs shall be subject
to the following standards:
[1]
Only one banner sign is permitted per use in a building.
[2]
The maximum area of a banner shall be 25 square feet.
[3]
Mounting height. Bottom of banners shall be mounted at least
14 feet above grade or sidewalk to avoid intrusion into a projecting
sign or awning sign zone and shall not extend beyond the third story
of the structure.
[4]
Projection. Banners shall not project more than three feet from
the face of the building.
[5]
Banner signs shall be spaced no closer than 20 feet apart.
The following criteria apply to all permanent signs or all signs
requiring a sign permit:
A.
Materials. Signs shall be constructed only from wood, metal, stone,
or other appropriate material, including plastic, which has the general
appearance of structures composed primarily of wood, metal, or stone,
with painted, engraved, or raised markings. Sign materials should
be consistent with and complement the original construction materials
and architectural style of the building facade on which they are to
be displayed. For this reason, natural materials such as wood, stone,
and metal are most appropriate. If plywood is used, medium-density
overlay (MDO) shall be used as a minimum grade.
(1)
To encourage design excellence, when approved by the Planning Commission
at a public meeting following presentation by the applicant, the maximum
sign areas may be increased by the percentages as provided herein.
A separate bonus is granted for compliance with each of the criteria,
and the area is cumulative, but the percentage increase is based upon
the original sign area limitation.
(2)
Freestanding signs may be increased as follows:
(a)
20% when the sign is constructed of natural wood, in natural
finish with only the markings in other than natural finish.
(b)
10% when a directory sign utilizes uniform coloring and lettering
for all establishments listed in the directory.
(c)
10% when the sign is installed in a landscaped planter having
an area four times the area of the resultant sign.
(d)
10% if the sign is designated to contain only the identification
of the establishment.
B.
Lettering. Lettering styles should complement the style and architecture
of the building on which they appear. Traditional block and curvilinear
styles, which are easy to read, are preferred.
C.
Color. Each sign so erected shall contain a maximum of four colors,
including black and white. In selecting the principal colors for a
sign, colors which complement the general tone of the building should
be used. Business logos shall not be included in determining the maximum
number of colors.
D.
Illumination. Where permitted, signs shall be illuminated only as
authorized in an appropriate sign permit by a steady, stationary light
of reasonably minimal intensity. Light sources shall be shielded from
all adjacent properties and streets and shall not be of such intensity
as to cause glare hazardous to pedestrians or motorists. Signs using
internal illumination shall be designed so that when illuminated at
night, only the markings of the sign are visible. No light shall emanate
through the background, the borders, sides, or any other surface of
the sign or its supporting structure. Individual, solid letters with
internal lighting tubes, which backlight a wall in a halo effect,
shall be permitted.
E.
Electrical connections. The electrical supply to all exterior signs,
whether to the sign itself or to lighting fixtures positioned to illuminate
the sign, shall be provided by means of concealed electrical cables.
Electrical supply to freestanding signs shall be provided by means
of underground cables. All signs shall include an inspection certificate
from an electrical underwriter.
F.
Nuisance. No sign shall create a public nuisance by emitting smoke,
sound, vapor, particle emission or odors.
G.
Sign removal. Any sign which no longer advertises an existing use
conducted on the premises shall be removed by owner of the property
within 30 days. The Zoning Officer, upon determining that such use
has ceased while a sign remains, shall notify the owner of the premises,
in writing, to remove said sign within 30 days from the date of such
notice. Upon failure to comply with such notice within the prescribed
period, the Zoning Officer is hereby authorized to remove or cause
removal of such sign and to collect the cost of such removal, together
with any penalties, from the owner in a manner provided by law.
A.
A sign which is nonconforming at the effective date of this article
may be continued although such sign does not conform to the provisions
of this article, but the size of any such nonconforming sign shall
not be enlarged.
B.
A nonconforming sign shall not be changed to or replaced by another
nonconforming sign. Nonconforming signs, once removed, shall be replaced
only with conforming signs.
C.
No nonconforming sign which has been involuntarily damaged or otherwise
destroyed to the extent of more than 50% of its value shall be repaired
or rebuilt, except as a conforming sign.
D.
Signs which are conforming at the effective date of this article
and which identify and advertise nonconforming uses shall be maintained
as conforming in accordance with this article.
E.
Whenever any nonconforming use of a building, structure, or land, or of a combination of buildings, structures, and land, ceases as prescribed in § 455-122D, all signs accessory to such use and all of its support hardware shall be deemed to become nonconforming and shall be removed within 30 days from the date such use terminates.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, alter, repair, or relocate any sign within the Township of Easttown without first obtaining a sign permit in accordance with Article XIII, unless such sign is specifically exempt from the permit requirements.
A.
No sign or sign structure shall be erected unless it complies with
all applicable requirements of the current Building Code used by the
Township.
B.
All signs and sign structures shall be kept in good repair and in
a presentable condition, such that all sign information is clearly
legible. Any sign found to show deterioration, including rust, faded
colors, discoloration, holes, and missing parts or information items,
shall constitute a violation of this article.
C.
Permits are not required for changeable copy, repainting, cleaning,
and other normal maintenance and repair of a sign, unless the sign
structure, design, color, or lighting is altered.
