The following regulations shall apply to all signs erected,
altered, or maintained after the effective date of this article, and
shall exclude governmental/regulatory signs.
It is the intent of this article to regulate all signs within
Lower Merion Township to ensure that they are appropriate for their
respective uses, in keeping with the appearance of the affected property
and surrounding environment, and protective of the public health,
safety, and general welfare. In addition, it is the intent of this
article to:
A.
Encourage sign design that upholds the visual environment and aesthetic
quality that the Township seeks to promote and conforms to the architectural
context of the surrounding buildings, thus preserving the right of
citizens to enjoy the Township's scenic features and viewsheds.
B.
Ensure that signs are adequate, but not excessive, for the intended
purpose of identification or advertisement.
C.
Support and enhance the pedestrian environment.
D.
Prohibit the erection of signs in such numbers, sizes, designs, illumination,
and locations as may create a hazard to pedestrians and motorists.
E.
Reasonably regulate the time, place and manner of sign regulations
by placing reasonable limits on the size, total number, separation
from other signs, height, safety, and other similar aspects of signs
in order to minimize possible adverse impacts on nearby public and
private property, including roadways.
A.
Signs are regulated by district and according to Table 9.1, Permitted Sign Locations and Permit
Types, and § 155-9.8, District specific signs.
B.
A permit is required for the erection, relocation, reconstruction
or refabrication of all signs, except for those which are specifically
exempted, provided that they are otherwise in compliance with this
article.
C.
Illuminated signs are prohibited, except where specified in this
article. Illumination shall adhere to the following:
(2)
External lighting sources to illuminate signs shall be shielded
from any street right-of-way.
(3)
Glare which is determined to be hazardous or distracting to
pedestrians, vehicle drivers, or adjacent properties is prohibited.
(4)
Sign lighting shall comply with the Energy Code adopted under
the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.
D.
Sign location.
(1)
No sign shall be placed in such a position as to endanger pedestrians,
bicyclists, or traffic on a street by obscuring the view of or interfering
with official street signs or signals by virtue of position or color.
(2)
No sign may occupy a vehicular sight triangle, as determined
by the Township's Traffic Safety Department.
(3)
Signs and their supporting structures shall maintain clearance
and noninterference with all surface and underground utility and communications
lines and equipment.
(4)
No sign shall extend closer than one foot to the vertical edge
of a building corner, or to the fascia, roofline or parapet.
E.
Measurement of sign height.
(1)
Height is measured from finished mean grade to the top of the
sign.
(2)
The maximum height is determined by Table 9.2, General Sign Type Standards and Regulations.
F.
Allowable sign area.
(1)
The maximum cumulative sign area shall not exceed 1.5 square
feet for every one linear foot of building frontage, per lot. Signs
that consist of, or have attached to them, one or more three dimensional
or irregularly shaped objects, shall have a sign area of the sum of
two adjacent vertical sign faces of the smallest cube encompassing
the sign or object.
(2)
The permitted maximum area for all signs is determined by the
sign type as determined by Table 9.2,
General Sign Type Standards and Regulations.
(3)
Measurement of sign area shall be determined as follows:
(a)
The area of a sign shall mean the area of all lettering, wording,
accompanying designs, logos, and symbols, together with the background
on which they are displayed, whether open or enclosed. The area of
a sign shall not include any supporting framework, bracing, or trim
which is incidental to the display, provided that it does not contain
any lettering, wording, or symbols.
(b)
Where the sign consists of individual letters, designs, or symbols
attached to a building, awning/canopy, wall, window, or freestanding
structure, the area shall be that of the smallest rectangle which
encompasses all of the letters, designs, and symbols.
(c)
Signs may be double-sided.
[1]
On-premises sign. Only the larger of the two sign faces shall
be used as the basis for calculating the sign area if the interior
angle formed by the faces is less than or equal to 45° and the
two faces are not more than 18 inches apart.
[2]
Off-premises sign. Both sides shall be calculated in the sign
area.
(d)
If elements of a sign are movable or flexible, such as a flag
or banner, the measurement of sign area is taken when the elements
are fully extended.
G.
Fabrication techniques.
(1)
When located in an historic district or associated with a Class
1 or Class 2 building, installation shall not damage or require removal
of historic materials, and shall be done in a manner such that signs
can be removed without harm to the masonry or architectural detailing.
(2)
All conduit, conductors, transformers, ballasts, and other equipment
shall be concealed.
(3)
All attachment hardware shall be of corrosion-resistant material.
(4)
Signs shall be constructed only from wood, metal, stone or other
similar composite material with painted, engraved or raised messages,
with the exception of temporary signs, manual changeable copy signs,
channel letters, and awnings and canopy signs.
(5)
Sign makers' logos, labels, or other identification is prohibited.
(6)
Vinyl applied copy is prohibited except for window signs and
manual changeable copy signs where permitted in Table 9.2.
(7)
Every sign shall be constructed of durable materials; shall
be structurally safe and erected or installed in strict accordance
with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code; and shall be maintained
in safe condition and good repair at all times so that all sign information
is clearly legible.
Signs types are regulated according to Table 9.1, Permitted Sign Locations and Permit
Types, and Table 9.2,
General Sign Type Standards and Regulations.
A.
The following signs shall be allowed without a sign permit and shall not be included in the determination of the type, number or area of permanent signs allowed on a property, provided that such signs comply with all applicable regulations in Article IX, Sign Standards, as well as the general regulations in § 155-9.3, General regulations. However, no exempt signs may project into the right-of-way of any public or private road, except for a governmental sign, and except for temporary signs authorized by Chapter 133, Streets and Sidewalks, § 133-2.1, Temporary signs with the public right-of-way.
B.
Signs shall follow the standards according to Table 9.2, General Sign Type Standards and Regulations.
(1)
Official traffic signs.
(2)
Governmental/regulatory signs.
(3)
Public service signs which only advertise the public service
provided on the property where the sign is located.
(4)
"No trespassing" or similar on-premises signs, provided that
no sign shall exceed one square foot in sign area or be placed at
intervals of less than 150 feet, or in accordance with state law.
(5)
Temporary signs, except as noted in Table 9.1, Permitted Sign Locations and Permit Types.
(6)
Memorial signs.
(7)
Seasonal and holiday decorations.
(8)
Address or nameplate signs.
(9)
Signs which are permanent architectural features of a building
or structure existing as of the effective date of this article.
(10)
Flags.
(11)
Art and murals, provided that such signs do not contain any
commercial messaging.
Except as may be expressly allowed or exempted elsewhere in
this chapter, the following signs are prohibited:
A.
Abandoned signs.
B.
Any sign which by color, shape or location imitates, resembles, interferes
with, or obstructs official traffic lights, signs, or signals.
C.
Any off-premises sign, except as may be provided for within this
article.
D.
Any portable sign, except A-frame sidewalk signs.
E.
Any sign erected without the permission of the property owner or
authorized agent.
F.
Any sign that creates a clear and present danger to life, safety
or welfare, as determined by the Director of Building and Planning
or the Superintendent of Police.
G.
Any sign which obstructs free ingress to or egress from a required
exitway.
H.
Any sign which uses an intermittent light or lights, including flashing
lights, beacon lights, strobe lights, rotating beacons, chasing lights,
or zip lights, including electronically controlled copy changes.
I.
Any illuminated tubing or strings of lights which outline rooflines,
doors, windows, wall edges or rows of vehicles when used for advertising
purposes, with the exception of temporary seasonal lights. Temporary
lights shall cease to be operated within 60 days of installation.
J.
Any pennant strings, balloons or other inflatable objects, and streamers.
K.
Any snipe sign.
L.
Mechanical movement signs, including revolving signs.
M.
Interactive signs.
N.
Reflective signs or signs containing mirrors.
O.
Inflatable signs or balloon signs, with the exception of balloons
used in temporary, noncommercial situations.
P.
Vehicular signs.
Q.
Any sign which exhibits statements, words or pictures of obscene
or pornographic subjects.
R.
Any sign inconsistent with the provisions of this article.
S.
Any sign that emits smoke, visible vapors, particulate matter, sound,
odor, or contains open flames.
A.
The total area of all signs relating to a single use existing at
the effective date of this article or at the effective date of any
amendment by which the sign shall be made nonconforming shall not
be increased.
B.
Any sign in existence at the time this article becomes effective
which is not in conformance with the provisions as set forth herein
may be repainted or relettered. If a nonconforming sign is removed,
replaced, resized, or if more than 25% of the sign frame or support
structure is removed or replaced, it must be made to conform to the
provisions of this article.
C.
Multitenant properties with total approved existing sign area that
becomes nonconforming as a result of a decrease in the permissible
sign area for each linear foot of building frontage may replace individual
signs, provided that the area of the replacement sign is no larger
than that permitted using the following calculations:
(1)
The existing building frontage and total approved existing sign
area for the lot shall be calculated.
(2)
The percentage determined by dividing the currently permitted
sign area by the total approved existing sign area shall be calculated.
(3)
The area of any subsequently erected replacement sign must not exceed the previously approved area of such sign multiplied by the percentage determined under § 155-9.7C(2).
(4)
No new sign may be erected as a result of the expansion in the linear frontage of a building unless the total sign area on the lot conforms to the requirements of Article IX.
|
Table 9.1. Permitted Sign Locations and Permit Types
| |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Key:
PR: Permit required
E: Exempt (no permit required)
(T): Temporary
| |||||||||
|
Sign Type
|
LDR
|
MDR
|
VC
|
TC
|
I
|
LI
|
RHR
|
BMV
|
Table Number
|
|
Address
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
9.2.L
|
|
A-frame (T)
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
9.2.Q
| |||
|
Awning
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
9.2.A
| ||
|
Banner (T)
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
9.2.R
| |||
|
Canopy
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
9.2.B
| ||
|
Corner
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
9.2.C
| ||
|
Development (T)
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
9.2.S
| |
|
Directional
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
9.2.M
| ||
|
Freestanding pole
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
9.2.D
| |||
|
Flag signs
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
9.2.N
| ||
|
Freestanding ground/monument
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
9.2.E
| ||
|
Home occupation
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
9.2.P
| |
|
Marquee
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
9.2.F
| |||
|
Off-premises sign
|
PR
|
9.2.J
| |||||||
|
Projecting
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
9.2.G
| ||
|
Personal expression signs
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
9.2.U
|
|
Real estate (T)
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
9.2.T
|
|
Security/warning
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
E
|
9.2.O
|
|
Wall
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
9.2.H
| ||
|
Wall plaque
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
9.2.K
| ||
|
Window
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
PR
|
9.2.I
| |||
|
NOTES:
|
|
Not permitted signs are gray.
Additional district-specific standards can be found in § 155-9.8.
|
|
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
A.
|
Awning Sign
| |||
|
Description
| ||||
|
A sign painted on, printed on, or applied to a nonstructural
covering that projects from a wall for the purpose of shielding a
doorway or window. An awning can be fixed in place or can be raised
or retracted to a position against the building when not in use.
| ||||
 | ||||
|
Height
|
Number (maximum)
|
Sign Area (maximum)
|
Copy Height (maximum)
| |
|
8 feet minimum - 15 feet maximum in compliance with § 155-3.6D(1)
|
n/a
|
25% of the area of the sloped plane
|
12 inches for vertical plane
| |
|
Regulations
| ||||
|
(1)
|
An awning without lettering or other advertising shall not be
regulated as a sign.
| |||
|
(2)
|
Shall meet the requirements of § 155-3.6, Projections.
| |||
|
(3)
|
Shall not exceed 30 feet in horizontal width.
| |||
|
(4)
|
Only one emblem or logo is permitted on an awning.
| |||
|
(5)
|
May project into the public right-of-way to within six feet of the curb and shall comply with § 155-3.6D(1).
| |||
|
(6)
|
Awning signs mounted on a multitenant building shall be similar
in terms of height and projection across all tenants in the building.
| |||
|
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
| ||||
|
B.
|
Canopy Sign
| |||
|
Description
| ||||
|
A sign that is part of, or attached to, a canopy.
| ||||
 | ||||
|
Height
|
Number (maximum)
|
Sign Area (maximum)
|
Copy Height (maximum)
| |
|
8 feet minimum - 15 feet maximum in compliance with § 155-3.6E(1)
|
1 per entry
|
40 square feet maximum per sign
|
18 inches
| |
|
Regulations
| ||||
|
(1)
|
A canopy without lettering or other advertising shall not be
regulated as a sign.
| |||
|
(2)
|
Shall meet the requirements of § 155-3.6, Projections.
| |||
|
(3)
|
Shall not exceed 30 feet in horizontal width.
| |||
|
(4)
|
Only one emblem or logo is permitted on a canopy.
| |||
|
(5)
|
May project into building setback to within six feet of the curb and shall comply with § 155-3.6E(1).
| |||
|
(6)
|
Canopy signs mounted on a multitenant building shall be similar
in terms of height and projection across all tenants in the building.
| |||
|
(7)
|
Canopy signs may be affixed to the sides or front face of the
canopy.
| |||
|
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
| ||||
|
C.
|
Corner Sign
| |||
|
Description
| ||||
 | ||||
|
Height
|
Number (maximum)
|
Sign Area (maximum)
|
Copy Height (maximum)
| |
|
n/a
|
1 per building corner
|
40 square feet
|
18 inches
| |
|
Regulations
| ||||
|
(1)
|
Corner signs may not extend above eaves or parapets.
| |||
|
(2)
|
A maximum projection of no more than 2 feet is permitted.
| |||
|
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
D.
|
Freestanding Pole Sign
| |||
|
Description
| ||||
|
A freestanding sign that is permanently supported in a fixed
location by a structure of one or more poles, posts, uprights, or
braces from the ground; and is not supported by a building or a base
structure
| ||||
 | ||||
|
Height
|
Number (maximum)
|
Sign Area (maximum)
|
Copy Height (maximum)
| |
|
15 feet maximum
|
1 per parcel
|
40 square feet
|
18 inches
| |
|
Regulations
| ||||
|
(1)
|
Shall provide a minimum clearance of 10 feet.
| |||
|
(2)
|
Shall have a minimum setback of 5 feet from the right-of-way
to the edge of the sign.
| |||
|
(3)
|
Shall only be externally illuminated or internally illuminated
by channel letters.
| |||
|
(4)
|
Manual changeable copy signs are permitted.
| |||
|
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
E.
|
Freestanding Ground/Monument Sign
| |||
|
Description
| ||||
|
A freestanding sign that is permanently supported by an internal
structural framework or integrated into landscaping or other solid
structural features (also known as a "ground sign")
| ||||
 | ||||
|
Height
|
Number (maximum)
|
Sign Area (maximum)
|
Copy Height (maximum)
| |
|
4 feet maximum for 1 or 2 tenants or up to 8 feet maximum for
3 or more tenants
|
1 per street frontage
|
20 square feet for 1 or 2 tenants and 40 square feet for 3 or
more tenants
|
18 inches
| |
|
Regulations
| ||||
|
(1)
|
Maximum clearance to the bottom of the sign is one foot.
| |||
|
(2)
|
Shall have a minimum setback of 5 feet from the right-of-way.
| |||
|
(3)
|
The width of the top of the sign structure may be no more than
120% of the width of the base.
| |||
|
(4)
|
May be externally illuminated or internally illuminated by channel
letters.
| |||
|
(5)
|
Manual changeable copy signs are permitted.
| |||
|
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
F.
|
Marquee Sigh
| |||
|
Description
| ||||
|
A sign attached to a marquee.
| ||||
 | ||||
|
Height
|
Number (maximum)
|
Sign Area (maximum)
|
Copy Height (maximum)
| |
|
n/a
|
1 per frontage
|
75 square feet
|
24 inches
| |
|
Regulations
| ||||
|
(1)
|
May be externally illuminated or internally illuminated by channel
letters.
| |||
|
(2)
|
May project into the public right-of-way; however, no closer
than six feet from the curb.
| |||
|
(3)
|
Shall only be located above the principal public entrance along
a frontage.
| |||
|
(4)
|
Manual changeable copy signs are permitted.
| |||
|
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
G.
|
Projecting Sign
| |||
|
Description
| ||||
|
A double-sided sign which is mounted perpendicular to a building's
facade.
| ||||
 | ||||
|
Height
|
Number (maximum)
|
Sign Area (maximum)
|
Copy Height (maximum)
| |
|
n/a
|
1 per tenant
|
9 square feet per side
|
8 inches
| |
|
Regulations
| ||||
|
(1)
|
Shall have a minimum separation of 15 feet from another projecting
sign.
| |||
|
(2)
|
May project up to four feet from the building wall.
| |||
|
(3)
|
Supports shall be affixed to a building facade and shall not
obstruct upper story windows or openings.
| |||
|
(4)
|
May project into the public right-of-way; however, no closer
than six feet from the curb.
| |||
|
(5)
|
Only channel letters may be internally illuminated.
| |||
|
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
H.
|
Wall Sign
| |||
|
Description
| ||||
|
A sign erected against or painted on the wall of any building,
displayed on windows or doors.
| ||||
 | ||||
|
Height
|
Number (maximum)
|
Sign Area (maximum)
|
Copy Height (maximum)
| |
|
n/a
|
1 per tenant per storefront
|
40 square feet maximum per sign
|
18 inches or 30 inches if over 40 feet from ROW
| |
|
REGULATIONS
| ||||
|
(1)
|
Shall not extend above a cornice, wall, parapet wall or building
façade.
| |||
|
(2)
|
May not obstruct windows or other building openings.
| |||
|
(3)
|
Only channel letters may be internally illuminated.
| |||
|
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
| |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
I.
|
Window Sign
| ||||
|
Description
| |||||
|
A sign that is applied, painted, or affixed to a window, or
placed inside a window, within three feet of the glass, facing the
outside of the building, and easily seen from the outside.
| |||||
 | |||||
|
Height
|
Number (maximum)
|
Sign Area (maximum)
|
Copy Height (maximum)
| ||
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
10% of window
|
n/a
| ||
|
Regulations
| |||||
|
(1)
|
The following window signs are permitted:
| ||||
|
(a)
|
Letters painted directly on the window
| ||||
|
(b)
|
Nonilluminated hanging signs hung behind the glass.
| ||||
|
(c)
|
Vinyl applique letters applied to the window. Appliques shall
consist of individual letters or graphics with no visible background.
| ||||
|
(2)
|
Window signs shall not obscure the interior view.
| ||||
|
(3)
|
Window signs shall not be lit except as below.
| ||||
|
(a)
|
Neon signs within window displays shall be limited to one per
window opening, maximum coverage of 10% of the window size, and no
flashing.
| ||||
|
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
| |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
J.
|
Off-Premises Sign
| ||||
|
Description
| |||||
|
A sign which advertises a use not located on the premises on
which the sign is located.
| |||||
 | |||||
|
Height
|
Number (maximum)
|
Sign Area (maximum)
|
Copy Height (maximum)
| ||
|
20 feet minimum; 35 feet maximum
|
n/a
|
675 square feet
|
48 inches
| ||
|
Regulations
| |||||
|
(1)
|
Sign shall not be mounted to the facade of any building.
| ||||
|
(2)
|
Illumination shall be allowed only upon grant of a special exception
by the Zoning Hearing Board, subject to the following requirements:
| ||||
|
(a)
|
The illumination of off-premises signs within 500 feet of a
residential zoning district or residential use shall not be permitted.
| ||||
|
(b)
|
All illumination shall be external, shielded, and shall be mounted
directly above each illuminated face of the off-premises sign.
| ||||
|
(c)
|
The location, luminaire type, wattage, and illumination patterns,
and the means of control shall be specified. The lighting shall be
designed to prevent the direct off-site transmission of light directly
from the light source, to shield the source of illumination and to
prevent glare as viewed from off-site.
| ||||
|
(d)
|
The source of illumination shall be screened from view from
vehicles on adjacent roadways and from adjacent properties.
| ||||
|
(e)
|
No light source emanating from behind, within or on the face
of the off-premises sign shall be permitted.
| ||||
|
(f)
|
Rotating, flashing, pulsing, moving or oscillating light sources,
lasers, light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs, beacons or strobe
lighting shall not be permitted.
| ||||
|
(3)
|
Separation.
| ||||
|
(a)
|
The minimum distance between off-premises signs and any LDR,
MDR, VC, TC, and CAD District is 500 feet.
| ||||
|
(b)
|
The minimum distance between off-premises signs is 1,500 feet.
| ||||
|
(c)
|
The minimum distance between any off-premises sign and the entrance
or exit ramp or merging traffic lane of any limited access highway
is 1,000 feet.
| ||||
|
(d)
|
Obstruction. No off-premises sign shall overhang a public or
private right-of-way nor shall it interfere with a 200-foot line of
sight in any direction at an intersection.
| ||||
|
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
K.
|
Wall Plaque Sign
| |||
|
Height
|
Number (maximum)
|
Sign Area (maximum)
|
Copy Height (maximum)
| |
|
5 feet maximum
|
1 per entry
|
6 square feet
|
6 inches
| |
|
Regulations
| ||||
|
(1)
|
Shall not project more than 3 inches from the building.
| |||
|
(2)
|
May be internally illuminated.
| |||
|
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
L.
|
Address Sign
| |||
|
Height
|
Number (maximum)
|
Sign Area (maximum)
|
Copy Height (maximum)
| |
|
5 feet maximum
|
1 per frontage
|
3 square feet per sign face in LDR and 5 square feet in all
other districts
|
n/a
| |
|
Regulations
| ||||
|
(1)
|
Address signs shall be provided with a minimum of one at the
main entry.
| |||
|
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
M.
|
Directional Sign
| |||
|
Height
|
Number (maximum)
|
Sign Area (maximum)
|
Copy Height (maximum)
| |
|
5 feet maximum
|
1 per direction point per parcel
|
4 square feet
|
n/a
| |
|
Regulations
| ||||
|
(1)
|
Permitted only in VC, TC, RHR, I, CAD
| |||
|
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
| ||||
|
N.
|
Flag Sign
| |||
|
Description
| ||||
|
Signage on a flag advertising a business or use.
| ||||
|
Height
|
Number (maximum)
|
Sign Area (maximum)
|
Copy Height (maximum)
| |
|
n/a
|
2
|
15 square feet
|
n/a
| |
|
Regulations
| ||||
|
(1)
|
Not permitted in LDR and MDR Districts.
| |||
|
(2)
|
Shall be spaced a minimum 50 feet apart.
| |||
|
(3)
|
Feather/flutter flags are not permitted.
| |||
|
(4)
|
No freestanding or ground-mounted installation for flag signs.
| |||
|
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
| ||||
|
O.
|
Security/Warning Sign
| |||
|
Description
| ||||
|
Sign displaying restrictions associated with the property.
| ||||
|
Height
|
Number (maximum)
|
Sign Area (maximum)
|
Copy Height (maximum)
| |
|
n/a
|
1 per frontage
|
1 square foot
|
n/a
| |
|
Regulations
| ||||
|
(1)
|
Shall not project more than 3 inches from the building.
| |||
|
(2)
|
May be internally illuminated.
| |||
|
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
P.
|
Home Occupation Sign
| |||
|
Description
| ||||
|
Sign advertising a home business.
| ||||
|
Height
|
Number (maximum)
|
Sign Area (maximum)
|
Copy Height (maximum)
| |
|
n/a
|
1 per parcel
|
1 square foot
|
n/a
| |
|
Regulations
| ||||
|
(1)
|
Historic home occupation is limited to 2 square feet of sign
area.
| |||
|
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
| ||||
|
Q.
|
A-Frame Sidewalk (Temporary) Sign
| |||
|
Description
| ||||
|
A type of freestanding, portable sign consisting of two faces
connected and hinged at the top and whose message is targeted to pedestrians
(also known as a "sandwich board" sign).
| ||||
|
Height
|
Number (maximum)
|
Sign Area (maximum)
|
Copy Height (maximum)
| |
|
3.5 feet minimum
|
1 per ground floor tenant
|
8.75 square feet
|
n/a
| |
|
Regulations
| ||||
|
(1)
|
May be located in the public right-of-way and shall be no closer
than three feet from the curb and shall maintain a minimum clear pedestrian
pathway of four feet.
| |||
|
(2)
|
May only be displayed during business hours.
| |||
|
(3)
|
Shall be weighted, temporarily secured, or placed so as to avoid
being carried away by high winds. A-frame signs must be taken in during
inclement weather.
| |||
|
(4)
|
Illumination of any A-frame sign is prohibited.
| |||
|
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
R.
|
Banner (Temporary)
| |||
|
Description
| ||||
|
A sign consisting of cloth, bunting, plastic, paper, or similar
nonrigid material attached to a structure, pole, rope, wire, or framing
which is anchored on two or more edges or at all four corners. Banners
are temporary in nature and do not include flag signs.
| ||||
|
Height
|
Number (maximum)
|
Sign Area (maximum)
|
Copy Height (maximum)
| |
|
10 feet minimum
|
1 per parcel
|
25 square feet
|
18 inches
| |
|
Regulations
| ||||
|
(1)
|
Shall be spaced a minimum of 20 feet from each other.
| |||
|
(2)
|
May be erected for a period of time not to exceed 30 cumulative
days in a calendar year.
| |||
|
(3)
|
Limited to two permits per parcel per 12-month period.
| |||
|
(4)
|
Shall be removed within 14 days of the end of occupancy, unless
otherwise specified in this chapter.
| |||
|
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
| ||||
|
S.
|
Development Sign (Construction) (Temporary)
| |||
|
Height
|
Number (maximum)
|
Sign Area (maximum)
|
Copy Height (maximum)
| |
|
6 feet maximum
|
1 per frontage
|
10 square feet
|
12 inches
| |
|
Regulations
| ||||
|
(1)
|
May not be erected until final approval of the development by
the Board of Commissioners and shall be removed upon completion of
active work. Active work shall be interpreted by the Director of Building
and Planning.
| |||
|
(2)
|
Shall be removed within 14 days of the end of occupancy, unless
otherwise specified in this chapter.
| |||
|
(3)
|
Shall not be located within a public right-of-way.
| |||
|
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
| ||||
|
T.
|
Real Estate Sign(Temporary)
| |||
|
Height
|
Number (maximum)
|
Sign Area (maximum)
|
Copy Height (maximum)
| |
|
5 feet maximum
|
1 per frontage
|
6 square feet
|
12 inches
| |
|
Regulations
| ||||
|
(1)
|
Shall be removed upon transfer of the property.
| |||
|
(2)
|
Shall not be located within a public right-of-way.
| |||
|
Table 9.2. General Sign Type Standards and Regulations
| ||||
|
U.
|
Personal Expression Sign
| |||
|
Description
| ||||
|
An on-premises sign that expresses an opinion, interest, position,
or other noncommercial message.
| ||||
|
Height
|
Number (maximum)
|
Sign Area (maximum)
|
Copy Height (maximum)
| |
|
5 feet maximum
|
n/a
|
12 square feet
|
n/a
| |
|
Regulations
| ||||
|
(1)
|
May not be commercial in nature.
| |||
|
(2)
|
Shall not be illuminated.
| |||
A.
Signs in the CAD.
(1)
In the CAD District, the regulations of Article IX shall apply except where otherwise specifically provided for in this section.
(2)
Maximum signage square footage.
(a)
The total area of all types of signage for each building shall
not exceed two square feet for each linear foot of building frontage
facing a public street.
(b)
The total area of all flush-mounted and awning signage for each
retail tenant shall not exceed one square foot for each foot of linear
building frontage. In all cases, individual signs are limited in square
footage, as described in the following guidelines.
(3)
Fabrication techniques.
(a)
No exposed conduit, tubing, or raceways will be permitted.
(b)
All conductors, transformers, ballasts, and other equipment
shall be concealed.
(c)
All attachment hardware, bolts, and clips shall be of corrosion-resistant
materials to prevent staining of building surfaces.
(d)
Formed plastic, injection-molded, or easily damaged signage
materials are not permitted.
(e)
No sign makers' labels or other identification will be permitted
on the exposed surface of signs.
(f)
Awnings must be constructed from fabric (real or synthetic)
and be made of weather-resistant material.
(5)
Flush-mounted signage. For letters or marks mounted parallel
to the building's facade that are either mounted as individual letters
or contained in a sign panel, the following standards shall apply:
(a)
Maximum area of sign: 65 square feet per sign.
(b)
Number of signs: one per tenant per street front. Where a building
faces both a street and a parking lot, a second sign is permitted
to face the parking lot.
(c)
Mounting height: twenty-foot maximum, provided that it is below
the sill line of the second floor windows.
(d)
Depth of sign: Wall signs must not project more than 12 inches
from the building wall.
(6)
Blade and shingle signage. A shingle sign is mounted perpendicular
to a building's facade, is typically suspended beneath an armature,
and is able to swing from the axis of the pole. A blade sign is typically
mounted directly to the building facade using a rigid mounting bracket.
The following standards shall apply:
(a)
Maximum area of sign: 20 square feet.
(b)
Number of signs: one per ground floor establishment, plus one
for any public building entrance not serving a ground floor establishment.
(c)
Mounting height: twenty-foot maximum, provided that it is below
the sill line of the second floor windows and is a minimum of 10 feet
above grade or sidewalk.
(d)
Maximum projection from building face: five feet.
(7)
Banner signage: fabric or rigid material mounted with use of
poles, typically oriented perpendicular to the building facade.
(a)
Area of banner: less than or equal to 25 square feet.
(b)
Banners shall be spaced no closer than 20 feet apart, and centered
within architectural elements.
(c)
Projection. Banners shall not project more than three feet into
the public right-of-way. Such banners shall not project into the cartway
and shall be located a minimum of two feet six inches from the face
of the curb.
(d)
Mounting height. The bottoms of banners shall be mounted at
least 14 feet above grade or sidewalk to avoid intrusion into blade
sign or awning zone, and are not to extend beyond the third story
of the building.
(e)
Only one banner sign is permitted per retail storefront.
(8)
Freestanding signs.
(a)
The sign must be a monument sign with a maximum height of eight
feet unless it can be demonstrated that a higher sign is required
to avoid a site obstruction that would create an unsafe condition.
(b)
Maximum area of sign: 50 square feet.
(c)
Not more than one freestanding sign shall be permitted for each
lot street frontage.
(9)
Upper level corporate or building identification signs: upper
level corporate or building identification signage mounted on the
facade of a building, and designed to be seen from a distance.
(b)
Such signs shall be limited to individual three-dimensional
letters, representing the name of the company or building or three-dimensional
corporate logo.
(c)
Such signs shall not exceed 10 feet in height.
(d)
Total area of such signs shall not exceed 200 square feet in
area.
(e)
Such signs may only be mounted to the top floor of a building
exceeding 100 feet in height.
(10)
Awnings and canopies. Awnings and canopies are roof-like structures,
above storefront windows or entries, sometimes containing a mark or
signature of a tenant. The following standards shall apply:
(a)
Length. Awnings and canopies shall not exceed 30 feet in horizontal
length and shall be centered within architectural elements, such as
doors or columns.
(b)
Projection. Awnings and canopies shall not project more than
five feet into the public right-of-way, except where located above
a main building or store entrance facing a public sidewalk, in which
case the maximum projection shall not exceed 10 feet. All awnings
and canopies must be a minimum of three feet from the curbline.
(c)
Mounting height. The bottom of awnings and canopies shall be
at least eight feet above grade or sidewalk, except in the case of
a movable valance which may be seven feet above grade or sidewalk.
(d)
Illumination: natural lighting only; backlit awnings are not
permitted.
(e)
Design. On multitenant facades, awning heights, projections
and style shall be similar. Logo or tenant mark shall be limited to
the valance of an awning, or the front plane of the canopy.
(f)
Fabrication. Awnings and canopies shall be made of fire-resistant
canvas.
(g)
All ground floor awnings and canopies or those that project
into a street right-of-way must be retractable.
(h)
Fixed awnings may be used above the ground floor, provided that
they project no more than four feet maximum.
(11)
Wall plaques. Wall plaques are small, pedestrian-oriented informative
signs that may convey information, such as hours of operation, or
take the form of directories, menu cases, or convey historical building
information. The following standards shall apply:
(a)
Area of sign: up to six square feet in area, not projecting
more than three inches from a building wall.
(b)
Number of signs: two per usable entry.
(c)
Mounting height: five feet on center above grade or sidewalk.
(d)
Illumination: Natural lighting only is permitted, except for
menu cases, which may be internally lit.
(12)
Street address plaque. This is a plaque mounted to the side
of a building at pedestrian level, or dimensional letter mounted above
the door conveying at the minimum the numerical street address of
the building. The following standards shall apply:
(a)
Area of sign: less than or equal to three square feet in area.
(b)
Number of signs: minimum of one located at the main entry to
the building.
(c)
Mounting height: either five feet on center for wall-mounted
signs on the side of a building, or horizontally centered above door(s)
or on the sides of a canopy. Numerals mounted over doors, or on canopies
shall be no less than eight inches high, and no more than 12 inches
high.
(d)
Illumination. Natural lighting only is permitted, except for
halo-lit or backlit letters.
(13)
Permanent storefront window graphics. These are permanent window
graphics with the tenant's mark or hours of operation. The following
standards shall apply:
(a)
Area of sign. Window signs shall not obscure the interior view
of a retail establishment and shall be no greater than 10% of the
available window space.
B.
Signs in the Medical Center District (MC) and the Bryn Mawr Medical
District (BMMD).
(1)
Permitted signage. In the MC District and the BMMD, the regulations of Article IX shall apply except where otherwise specifically provided for in this section.
(a)
Freestanding signs, provided that:
[1]
The area of any such sign shall not exceed 50 square feet.
[2]
Such sign shall not exceed a height of 10 feet above existing
grade. Standing signs in the required perimeter setback in the MCD
and the front yard setback in the BMMD shall not exceed a height of
six feet above existing grade.
[3]
No more than one freestanding sign shall be placed in the required
perimeter setback in the MCD unless such premises fronts on more than
one primary street, in which case one freestanding sign may be permitted
for each such street frontage. In a BMMD, the maximum number of freestanding
signs in the required front yard setback shall be limited to one sign
for each street frontage plus one site identity sign.
[4]
Freestanding signs may not be internally illuminated.
[5]
The maximum number of freestanding signs shall be limited to
one sign for each principal building, plus one sign for each street
frontage with an ingress and egress driveway.
[6]
Freestanding signs advertising specific buildings shall be within
50 feet of the buildings listed on the sign.
(b)
Wall signs, provided that:
[1]
No wall sign shall be permitted to extend above any cornice,
wall, parapet wall or building facade.
[2]
The total area of any single wall sign shall not exceed 60 square
feet, and all wall signs and projecting signs on each building shall
not exceed 10% of the area of the wall of the building, including
windows, doors and cornices, whichever is smaller.
[3]
There shall be no more than two wall signs exceeding 20 square
feet on any building.
[4]
Externally lit walls signs are permitted. External lighting
must directly light the wall sign from above.
(c)
Signs identifying the entrance to emergency departments, provided
that:
[1]
The sign is located on or on top of emergency department canopy
fascias.
[2]
The sign shall contain only the word "Emergency" or the word
"Ambulance" and the area of the letters shall be in direct proportion
to the canopy fascia.
[3]
Letter size shall not exceed 12 inches in height.
[4]
The sign may be externally lit and directly illuminated from
above.
(2)
Exempt signs. In addition to those signs identified in § 155-9.5, the following signs shall be permitted without a sign permit and shall not be included in the determination of the type, number or area of permanent signs allowed within such districts.
(a)
Medical Center District.
[1]
Directional and instructional signs, including those designating
points of ingress and egress, which do not exceed 24 square feet for
each sign face. The maximum height of a directional or instructional
sign is eight feet above existing grade. Where there is an obstruction
that would limit the visibility of a sign, the maximum height may
be increased to 10 feet above existing grade. The maximum height for
directional signs in the required perimeter 125-foot setback is six
feet above existing grade.
[2]
Directional signs must be set back from a street line a minimum
of 125 feet and may not be located in any of the required common open
space.
[3]
Directional signs must be located outside the required seventy-five-foot
perimeter buffer area. However, in areas where existing driveways
are located in the buffer as of the effective date of these provisions,
directional signs may be located within the buffer within 10 feet
of the edge of the driveway.
(b)
Bryn Mawr Medical District.
[1]
Directional and instructional signs, including those designating
points of ingress and egress, which do not exceed 10 square feet for
each sign face. The maximum height of a directional or instructional
sign is six feet above existing grade.
[2]
Directional signs must be located outside the required buffer
area.
(3)
General standards for all signs.
(a)
All signs shall have letters no larger than 18 inches in height
for signs located 30 feet or less above grade; 24 inches in height
for signs located 30 to 60 feet above grade; and 36 inches in height
for signs located 60 feet or more above grade.
(b)
No sign shall extend closer than half the vertical height of
the letters employed to the vertical edge of a building corner, or
to the fascia, roofline or parapet, whichever is lower.
(c)
Other than as needed to identify the location of medical services,
signs shall be constructed only from wood, metal, stone or other similar
material with darker background colors and lighter colored lettering.
The Board of Commissioners may approve an alternative material if
it can be demonstrated that the material will have the same appearance
and texture as any of the approved materials.
(d)
Window graphics shall not exceed 20% of the clear window surface.
(4)
Awnings and canopies.
(a)
Covered areas for patient dropoff and pickup at medical facilities
shall not be considered canopies or awnings for the purposes of this
section.
(b)
Awnings and canopies shall be made of fire-resistant canvas
and may not be backlit.
(c)
The furthest extension of a ground floor awning and/or canopy
shall be no less than three feet and no more that seven feet. The
furthest edge of the awning may be no closer than 24 inches to the
curb abutting a street and may cover no more than 2/3 of the sidewalk
width.
(d)
Ground floor awnings and canopies shall terminate no less than
18 inches below the second floor windowsills.
(e)
Ground floor awning and canopy height shall not exceed 15 feet
above pavement and shall be below the cornice or frieze.
(f)
All ground floor awnings and/or canopies shall be retractable.
The minimum height from the bottom of the frame and valance to the
sidewalk is seven feet.
(g)
Fixed awnings may be used above the first story, provided that
they project no more than four feet maximum.
(h)
Side flaps on awnings are encouraged.
(i)
Logos or emblems are permitted on the top or angled portion
of the awning up to a maximum of three square feet. No more than one
emblem or logo is permitted on an awning.
(j)
Any awning that projects into a street right-of-way must be
retractable, or the applicant must enter into an agreement with the
Township (or the government entity having jurisdiction) to remove
the awning if the entity having jurisdiction requires access to the
right-of-way for maintenance, repairs or any other purpose.
C.
Signs in institutional districts.
(2)
Signs types are regulated according to Table 9.1, Permitted Sign Locations and Permit
Types, and Table 9.2,
General Sign Type Standards and Regulations.
(4)
The signs may only be externally illuminated. Internally illuminated
signs are prohibited.
(5)
No more than one sign shall be placed on a premises held in
single and separate ownership, unless such premises fronts on more
than one street, in which case one sign may be erected for each street
frontage.
D.
Signs
in the Light Industrial (LI) District.
[Added 4-19-2023 by Ord. No. 4266]
(1)
In the LI District, the applicable regulations of Article IX shall apply except where otherwise specifically provided for in this section.
(2)
The maximum cumulative sign area of all sign types for each nonresidential building shall not exceed two square feet for every one linear foot of building frontage and/or frontage facing the Schuylkill River where public access has been provided via a multipurpose path as a dedicated easement, per § 155-4.5L.
(4)
Freestanding (pole and ground/monument) signs.
(a)
Maximum area of sign: 50 square feet per sign.
(5)
In addition to the wall signs permitted in Subsection D(3) above, upper-level signs shall be permitted on nonresidential buildings consisting of six or more above-grade stories subject to the following:
(a)
Maximum area of sign: 100 square feet per sign, to be separated
by no less than 50 feet from another upper-level sign on the same
facade.
(b)
Such signs shall not extend above a cornice, wall, parapet wall,
or building facade.
(c)
Such signs shall not obstruct windows or other building openings.
(d)
Such signs shall only be mounted to the facade of the top floor
of a building.
(e)
Illumination is limited to external illumination lit from above
and/or internal illumination, limited to halo-lit or backlit channel
letters, icons, and logos.
