Any sign erected, altered, or maintained after the effective
date of this article shall conform to the following regulations.
The purpose of this article is to develop a comprehensive system
of sign regulations to:
A. Promote the safety of persons and property by providing that signs:
(1)
Do not create traffic hazards by distracting or confusing motorists,
or impairing motorist's ability to see pedestrians, other vehicles,
obstacles or to read traffic signs.
(2)
Do not create a hazard due to collapse, fire, collision, decay
or abandonment.
(3)
Do promote the aesthetic quality, safety, health, and general
welfare and the assurance of protection of adequate light and air
within the Township by regulation of the posting, displaying, erection,
use and maintenance of signs.
B. Promote the efficient transfer of information through the use of
signs and to permit such use, but not necessarily in the most profitable
form or format available for such use.
C. Protect the public welfare and enhance the overall appearance and economic value of the landscape, while preserving the unique natural and historic environment that distinguishes the Township and consistent with Article
I, § 27, of the Pennsylvania Constitution.
D. Set standards and provide uniform controls that permit reasonable
use of signs and preserve the character of Westtown Township.
E. Prohibit the erection of signs in such numbers, sizes, designs, illumination,
and locations as may create a hazard to pedestrians and motorists.
F. Avoid excessive conflicts from large or multiple signs, so that permitted
signs provide information while minimizing clutter, unsightliness,
and confusion.
G. Establish a process for the review and approval of sign permit applications.
H. Address billboard signs in the C-2 District along Route 202.
Words and terms used in this article shall have the meanings
given in this section. Unless expressly stated otherwise, any pertinent
word or term not part of this listing, but vital to the interpretation
of this article, shall be construed to have its legal definition,
or in absence of a legal definition, its meaning as commonly accepted
by practitioners including civil engineers, surveyors, architects,
landscape architects, and planners.
SIGN
Any permanent or temporary structure or part of a structure,
or any device attached, represented, projected or applied by paint
or otherwise, or any structure or other surface used to communicate
information, a message or advertisement, or to attract the attention
of the public to a subject or location. The term "sign" shall include,
but not be limited to, flat or curved surfaces, all support and/or
assembly apparatus, flags, banners, streamers, pennants, insignias
and medals with or without words or pictures. Signs on vehicles shall
be subject to the provisions of this chapter when the vehicle is owned
and located or parked on or in front of a lot under the control of
an occupant of the lot.
A.
The following shall not be defined as signs under this chapter:
(1)
Any surface not exceeding one square foot in area that is required
by a federal, state, county or municipal law or regulation, or by
the United States Post Office to identity a property by number, post
box number or name(s) of occupants of the property.
(2)
Flags and insignia of any municipal, state or federal government.
(3)
Legal notices, identification information, or wayfinding information
provided by governmental or legislative authorities.
(4)
Integral, decorative or architectural features of buildings.
(5)
Actual produce and merchandise displayed for sale that appear
in store windows.
(6)
Grave markers of all types.
B.
Sign types and definitions:
(1)
ABANDONED SIGNA sign which has not been used to provide information for a period of at least 180 days.
(2)
ANIMATED SIGNA sign that incorporates action, motion, or light or color changes through electrical or mechanical means.
(3)
AWNINGA cloth, plastic, or other nonstructural covering that projects from a wall for the purpose of shielding a doorway or window. An awning is either permanently attached to a building or can be raised or retracted to a position against the building when not in use.
(5)
BALLOON SIGNA sign painted on or affixed to a lighter-than-air, gas-filled balloon.
(6)
BANNERAny cloth, bunting, plastic, paper, or similar non-rigid material attached to any structure, staff, 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 flags.
(7)
BEACON LIGHTINGAny source of electric light, whether portable or fixed, the primary purpose of which is to cast a concentracted beam of light generally skyward as a means of attracting attention to its location rather than to illuminate any particular sign, structure, or other object.
(8)
BILLBOARDAn outdoor sign with a sign area that is between 60 square feet and 300 square feet.
(9)
BUILDING FRONTAGEThe maximum linear width of a building measured in a single straight line parallel, or essentially parallel, with the abutting public street or parking lot.
(10)
CANOPYA structure other than an awning made of fabric, metal, or other material that is supported by columns or posts affixed to the ground and may also be connected to a building.
(12)
CHANGEABLE COPY SIGNA sign or portion thereof on which the copy or symbols change either automatically through electrical or electronic means, or manually through placement of letters or symbols on a panel mounted in or on a track system. The two types of changeable copy signs are "manual changeable copy signs" and "electronic changeable copy signs," which include: message center signs, digital displays, and tri-vision boards.
(13)
CHANNEL LETTER SIGNA sign consisting of fabricated or formed three-dimensional letters, individually applied to a wall, which may accommodate a light source.
(14)
CLEARANCEThe distance above the walkway, or other surface if specified, to the bottom edge of a sign. This term can also refer to a horizontal distance between two objects.
(15)
DIGITAL DISPLAYThe portion of a sign face made up of internally illuminated components capable of changing the message periodically. Digital displays may include but are not limited to LCD, LED, or plasma displays.
(16)
FESTOON LIGHTINGA type of illumination comprised of either: a) a group of light bulbs hung or strung overhead or on a building or other structure; or b) light bulbs not shaded or hooded or otherwise screened to prevent direct rays of light from shining on adjacent properties or rights-of-way.
(17)
FLAGAny sign or image printed or painted on cloth, plastic, canvas, or other like material attached to a pole or staff and anchored along only one edge or supported or anchored at only two corners.
(18)
FLASHING SIGNA sign whose artificial illumination is not kept constant in intensity at all times when in use and which exhibits changes in light, color, direction, or animation. This definition does not include electronic message center signs or digital displays that meet the requirements set forth herein.
(19)
FREESTANDING SIGNA sign supported by structures or supports that are placed on, or anchored in, the ground; and that is independent and detached from any building or other structure. The following are subtypes of freestanding signs:
(a)
GROUND SIGNA sign permanently affixed to the ground at its base, supported entirely by a base structure, and not mounted on a pole or attached to any part of a building (also known as "monument sign").
(b)
POLE SIGNA 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 not supported by a building or a base structure.
(20)
GAS STATION CANOPYA freestanding, open-air structure constructed for the purpose of shielding service station islands from the elements.
(21)
GAS STATION CANOPY SIGNAny sign that is part of, or attached to, the vertical sides of the gas station canopy roof structure. For the purposes of this article, gas station canopy signs shall be considered wall signs.
(22)
GOVERNMENT SIGNAny sign constructed and/or installed by a federal, state, county or municipal government or authorized unit or department thereof.
(23)
ILLUMINATED SIGNA sign with electrical equipment installed for illumination, either internally illuminated through its sign face by a light source contained inside the sign or externally illuminated by a light source aimed at its surface.
(24)
ILLUMINATIONA source of any artificial or reflected light, either directly from a source of light incorporated within, or indirectly from an artificial source.
(a)
EXTERNAL ILLUMINATIONArtificial light, located away from the sign, which lights the sign, the source of which may or may not be visible to persons viewing the sign from any street, sidewalk, or adjacent property.
(b)
INTERNAL ILLUMINATIONA light source that is concealed or contained within the sign and becomes visible in darkness through a translucent surface. Message center signs, digital displays, and signs incorporating neon lighting shall not be considered internal illumination for the purposes of this article.
(c)
HALO ILLUMINATIONA sign using a three-dimensional message, logo, etc., which is lit in such a way as to produce a halo effect (also known as "backlit illumination").
(25)
INCIDENTAL WINDOW SIGNSigns displayed in the window of a commercial, retail or other business establishment, which are no larger than one square foot individually or three square feet in the aggregate.
(26)
INFLATABLE SIGNA sign that is an air-inflated object, which may be of various shapes, made of flexible fabric, resting on the ground or structure and equipped with a portable blower motor that provides a flow of air into the device.
(27)
INTERACTIVE SIGNAn electronic or animated sign that reacts to the behavior or electronic signals of motor vehicle drivers.
(28)
LIMITED DURATION SIGNA nonpermanent sign that is displayed on private property for more than 30 days, but not longer than one year.
(29)
MANUAL CHANGEABLE COPY SIGNA sign or portion thereof on which the copy or symbols are changed manually through placement or drawing of letters or symbols on a sign face.
(30)
MARQUEEA permanent structure, other than a roof or canopy, attached to, supported by, and projecting from a building.
(32)
MECHANICAL MOVEMENT SIGNA sign having parts that physically move rather than merely appear to move as might be found in a digital display. The physical movement may be activated electronically or by another means, but shall not include wind-activated movement such as used for banners or flags. Mechanical movement signs do not include digital signs that have changeable, programmable displays.
(33)
MENU SIGNA permanent sign not greater than 32 square feet located at, on or in the window of a restaurant, or other use serving food, or beverages.
(34)
MESSAGE CENTER SIGNA type of illuminated, changeable copy sign that consists of electronically changing text located on a lot with a gas station or an athletic field.
(36)
MULTI-TENANT SIGNA freestanding sign located on lot on which a shopping center or complex with multiple tenants is located.
(37)
MURAL (or MURAL SIGN)A large picture/image which is painted, constructed, or affixed directly onto a vertical building wall, which may or may not contain text, logos, and/or symbols.
(38)
NEON SIGNA sign illuminated by a neon tube, or other visible light-emanating gas tube, that is bent to form letters, symbols, or other graphics.
(39)
NONCONFORMING SIGNA sign that was legally erected and maintained at the effective date of this article, or amendment thereto, that does not currently comply with sign regulations of the district in which it is located.
(40)
PENNANTA triangular or irregular piece of fabric or other material, commonly attached in strings or strands, or supported on small poles intended to flap in the wind.
(41)
PERMANENT SIGNA sign attached, affixed or painted to a building, window, or structure, or to the ground in a manner that enables the sign to resist environmental loads, such as wind, and that precludes ready removal or movement of the sign and whose intended use appears to be indefinite.
(42)
PORTABLE SIGNA sign designed to be transported or moved and not permanently attached to the ground, a building, or other structure.
(a)
SANDWICH BOARD SIGNA type of freestanding, portable, temporary sign consisting of two faces connected and hinged at the top (also known as "A-frame sign").
(b)
VEHICULAR SIGNA sign affixed to a vehicle located on the same lot as a business and which sits or is otherwise not incidental to the vehicle's primary purpose.
(43)
PRIVATE DRIVE SIGNA sign located at an intersection of a street or drive which is not publicly owned and maintained and used only for access by the occupants of the property and their guests.
(44)
PROJECTING SIGNA building-mounted, double-sided sign with the two faces generally perpendicular to the building wall, not to include signs located on a canopy, awning, or marquee (also known as "blade sign").
(45)
PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAYThe area between the outer edge of a paved street, road or highway and the closer of an abutting property line or a line parallel to such outer edge to be measured from the center line of such street, road or highway to the following distance:
(a)
Sixty feet for Routes 202 and 3.
(b)
Forty feet for Routes 926 and 352.
(c)
Thirty feet for collector streets.
(d)
Twenty-five feet for a minor street.
(46)
PUBLIC SIGNA sign erected or required by government agencies or utilities.
(47)
REFLECTIVE SIGNA sign containing any material or device which has the effect of intensifying reflected light.
(48)
REVOLVING SIGNA sign which revolves in a circular motion; rather than remaining stationary on its supporting structure.
(49)
ROOF SIGNA building-mounted sign erected upon, against, or over the roof of a building.
(51)
SECURITY SIGNA sign located on a premises on which no trespassing, hunting, and/or soliciting are permitted (also known as "warning sign").
(52)
SHIELDEDThe description of a luminaire from which no direct glare is visible at normal viewing angles, by virtue of its being properly aimed, oriented, and located and properly fitted with such devices as shields, barn doors, baffles, louvers, skirts, or visors.
(53)
SIGN AREAThe total dimensions of a sign surface used to display information, messages, advertising, logos, or symbols. See §
170-1805C for standards for measuring sign area.
(54)
SIGN FACEThe part of the sign that is or can be used for the sign area. The sign area could be smaller than the sign face.
(57)
SNIPE SIGNA sign tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued, or otherwise attached to trees, poles, stakes, fences, benches, streetlights, or other objects, or placed on any public property or in the public right-of-way or on any private property without the permission of the property owner (also known as "bandit sign").
(58)
STOREFRONTThe exterior facade of a building housing a commercial use visible from a street, sidewalk, or other pedestrian way accessible to the public and containing the primary entrance to the commercial establishment.
(59)
STREAMERSA display made of lightweight, flexible materials, consisting of long, narrow, wavy strips hung individually or in a series and typically designed to move in the wind.
(61)
STREET POLE BANNERA banner suspended above a public street or right-of-way, sidewalk and/or parking area and attached to a single street pole.
(62)
TEMPORARY SIGNA nonpermanent sign that is located on private property that can be displayed for no more than 30 consecutive days at one time.
(64)
WALL SIGNA building-mounted sign which is either attached to, displayed on, or painted on an exterior wall in a manner parallel with the wall surface. A sign installed on a false or mansard roof is also considered a wall sign (also known as: "fascia sign," "parallel wall sign," or "band sign").
(65)
WINDOW SIGNAny 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.
The following signs are unlawful and prohibited:
B. Snipe signs. Signs shall only be attached to utility poles in conformance
with state and utility regulations and the requirements of this chapter.
C. Mechanical movement signs, including revolving signs.
D. Pennant strings and streamers, except when located inside a stadium,
arena, or temporary fairground during a special event.
E. Animated signs, urban experiential displays, flashing signs, or signs
that scroll or flash text or graphics.
F. Inflatable devices or balloon signs, with the exception of balloons
used in temporary situations.
G. Signs which interfere with, imitate, or resemble any public sign,
signal, or device within 75 feet of a public right-of-way or within
200 feet of a traffic control device, whichever is greater.
H. Any signs located within a public right-of-way and/or which obscure
or interfere with the line of sight at any street intersection or
traffic signal, or at any other point of vehicular access to a street.
I. Signs which prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window,
fire escape, or that prevent free access from one part of a roof to
any other part. No sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape
that creates confusion or interferes with its use and operation.
J. Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors, particulate matter, sound,
odor or contain open flames.
K. Reflective signs or signs containing mirrors, excluding those as
approved by the Township or PennDOT for traffic use.
M. Signs incorporating beacon or festoon lighting.
N. Any banner or sign of any type suspended across a public street,
without the permission of the owner of the property and road.
O. Roof signs, or any portion thereof, which extends above the roofline
of any building.
P. Signs erected without the permission of the property owner, with
the exception of those authorized or required by local, state, or
federal government.
Q. Any sign having content that is not subject to the protections of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or Article
I, Section 7, of the Pennsylvania Constitution, including, but not limited to, the following:
(3)
Incitement to imminent lawless action.
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 within a zoning district, provided
such signs comply with the regulations in this section, if any. All
owners of such signs must still comply with all applicable standards
of this chapter, including the responsibility for maintenance of signs
in good and safe repair.
A. Government signs constructed and/or installed by the federal, state,
county or municipal government or an agency or department thereof
and to include the United States Postal Service.
B. Signs inside a building, or other enclosed facility, which are not
meant to be viewed from the outside, and are located greater than
three feet from the window.
C. Address signs: Up to two signs required by the federal, state, county or municipal government or a department or agency thereof, including, but not limited to, the United States Post Office, located on the following uses and conforming with the dimensions set forth below as well as the specifications for street address number posting set forth in §
61-5.
(1)
Residential uses: signs not to exceed one square foot in area.
(2)
Nonresidential uses: signs not to exceed five square feet in
area.
D. Public signs: Signs erected or required by government agencies or
utilities, including those located in the public right-of-way, at
railroad crossings, on buildings that have restrooms, telephones,
or similar public convenience available, but not to exceed two square
feet.
E. Private drive signs: one sign per driveway entrance, not to exceed
four square feet in area.
F. Security and warning signs: These limitations shall not apply to
the posting of signs on premises where no trespassing, hunting and/or
soliciting is permitted.
(1)
Residential uses: signs not to exceed four square feet in area.
(2)
Nonresidential uses: maximum of one large sign per property,
not to exceed five square feet in area. All other posted security
and warning signs may not exceed four square feet in area.
G. Flags:
(1)
Location. Flags and flagpoles shall not be located within any
right-of-way.
(2)
Height. Flagpoles shall have a maximum height of 30 feet in
all residential districts.
(3)
Number. No more than two flags per lot in residential districts;
no more than three flags per lot in all other districts.
(4)
Size. Maximum flag size is 24 square feet in residential districts.
(5)
Flags may be used as permitted freestanding or projecting signs,
and, if so used, the area of the flag shall be included in, and limited
by, the computation of allowable area for signs on the property.
I. Permanent architectural features of a building or structure, such
as a cornerstone or carving or embossment on a building, provided
that the letters are not made of a reflective material nor contrast
in color with the building.
J. Signs within four feet of a crop growing in a field. Such signs shall
not exceed four square feet and shall be removed after the field has
been harvested.
K. Incidental signs, including incidental window signs when the total
area of any such sign or all signs together does not exceed two square
feet.
L. Street pole banners, located outside public rights-of-way, interior
to a campus, institutional or commercial use, provided they comply
with the following:
(1)
Area: a maximum area of 12.5 square feet and a maximum width
of three feet. Up to two street pole banners are permitted per street
pole.
(2)
Height:
(a)
When the street pole banner's edge is less than 18 inches from
the curb, the lowest edge of the street pole banner shall be at least
14 feet above the finished grade.
(b)
When the street pole banner's edge is greater than 18 inches
from the curb, the lowest edge of the street pole banner shall be
at least eight feet above the finished grade.
(3)
Location:
(a)
No street pole banner shall extend beyond the curbline.
(b)
Street pole banners shall maintain a minimum of three-foot vertical
clearance below any luminaries located on the pole measured from where
the ballasts connect to the poles.
(c)
Street pole banners shall not interfere with the visibility
of traffic signals or signs.
(d)
No street pole banner shall be located on a pole that has traffic
or pedestrian control signals.
M. Temporary signs in accordance with §
170-1808, Regulations by sign type (limited duration, temporary and portable signs).
N. Any canopy or awning, as defined herein, which does not have any
lettering, logos or symbols printed, painted or otherwise affixed
thereto.
In addition to the exempt signs described in §
170-1804, Signs exempt from permit requirements, the following numbers and types of signs may be erected on properties with active agricultural uses, subject to the conditions specified here.
A. Any limited duration and temporary signs as defined and regulated in §
170-1808, Regulations by sign type (limited duration, temporary and portable signs).
B. Freestanding signs shall be permitted subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Number: one sign at each street access, up to a maximum of two
signs per lot.
(2)
Area: Each sign shall have a maximum area of 15 square feet
per sign face.
(3)
Height: Signs shall have a maximum height of six feet unless
located along Route 926 or Route 352 where the height can be increased
to eight feet.
(4)
Illumination. These signs shall be nonilluminated.
C. Window signs for uses customarily associated with agricultural uses
shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1)
Area: A maximum of 15% of the total window area of any single
building frontage may be used for signs.
(2)
Illumination. Illumination of these signs is prohibited.
In addition to the exempt signs described in §
170-1804, Signs exempt from permit requirements, the following numbers and types of signs may be erected on properties serving as parks and open space, subject to the conditions specified here.
A. Any limited duration and temporary signs as defined and regulated in §
170-1808, Regulations by sign type (limited duration, temporary and portable signs).
B. Freestanding signs shall be permitted subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Number: one sign per street access to a park or open space facility.
(2)
Area: Each sign shall have a maximum area of 24 square feet
per sign face.
(3)
Height: Signs shall have a maximum height of 10 feet.
(4)
Illumination: External and internal illumination shall be permitted subject to the regulations in §
170-1805F, Sign illumination.
[Amended 11-16-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-04]
C. Signs located on the interior of the site, the sign face of which
is not larger than 1.5 square feet, are exempt from permit requirements.
D. Signs for recreation and sporting facilities shall be allowed provided
that the following criteria is met:
(1)
A maximum of 20 signs on the interior walls or fence of an open
stadium or field shall be permitted and no sign shall be greater than
24 square feet in size and shall be nonilluminated and not visible
from any public rights-of-way.
(2)
One freestanding scoreboard, not to exceed 200 square feet in
area and 20 feet in height, is permitted per playing field.
(a)
The face of all scoreboards, including any attached signs and
panels, shall be permanently oriented toward the recreation and spectator
area.
(b)
Illumination: External and internal illumination shall be permitted subject to the regulations in §
170-1805F, Sign illumination.
[Amended 11-16-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-04]
In addition to the exempt signs described in §
170-1804, Signs exempt from permit requirements, the following numbers and types of signs may be erected on properties utilized for residential purposes, subject to the conditions specified here.
A. Any limited duration sign as defined and regulated in §
170-1808, Regulations by sign type (limited duration, temporary and portable signs).
B. Signs on a lot on which a major home occupation is located shall comply with §
170-1605G(2)(m).
C. Freestanding signs on a lot on which residential developments or
apartment buildings containing more than 10 units are located shall
be permitted subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Number: A maximum of two signs are permitted at primary entrance(s)
utilized to access the development.
(2)
Area: freestanding sign, 15 square feet; projecting or wall
sign, 10 square feet.
(3)
Height: freestanding sign, 3.5 feet; projecting or wall sign,
12 feet.
(4)
Illumination: External and internal illumination shall be permitted subject to the regulations in §
170-1805F, Sign illumination.
[Amended 11-16-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-04]
(5)
For signs proposed for a location under the ownership of a private
landowner, a deed of easement or an affidavit from the property owner
where the sign is proposed shall be required as part of any sign permit
application.
(6)
A maintenance agreement shall be submitted as part of the sign
permit application that states the responsible party(s) for the ongoing
maintenance of the sign.
In addition to the exempt signs described in §
170-1804, Exempt signs, the following numbers and types of signs may be erected for institutional uses, including schools, religious institutions, municipal buildings, hospitals, clubs, or permitted uses of a similar nature subject to the conditions specified here.
A. Any limited duration, temporary or portable sign as defined and regulated in §
170-1808, Regulations by sign type (limited duration, temporary and portable signs), subject to the following regulations:
(1)
One large sign with a maximum area of 24 square feet shall be
permitted on a lot with a principal educational or school use at any
time.
(2)
No more than four small signs with a maximum area of six square
feet shall be permitted on a lot with a principal educational or school
use at any time.
(3)
Small signs on a lot with a principal educational or school
use shall be no closer than 50 feet to another small sign measured
as a straight-line distance between the closest edges of each sign.
B. The total area of all wall, awning/canopy, freestanding, and projecting
signs shall not exceed an area equal to two square feet for every
one linear foot of building wall parallel to, and facing, any particular
street. The sign area for each street frontage shall be computed separately,
and any allowable sign area not used on one frontage may not be used
on another street frontage.
C. Signs on a lot with a park or open space use in an institutional district shall comply with §
170-1810.
D. Freestanding signs on a lot with an institutional use, other than
parks and open space, shall be permitted subject to the following
regulations:
(1)
Number: one ground sign is permitted per street upon which the
property has direct frontage.
(2)
Area: ground sign, 24 square feet except on lots with a principal
educational or school use, which shall have a maximum area of 50 square
feet.
(3)
Height: ground sign, six feet except for lots with a principal
educational or school use, which shall have a maximum height of 15
feet.
(4)
Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in §
170-1805F, Sign illumination:
(d)
Digital display on lots with a principal educational or school
use.
E. Freestanding signs located on the interior of the site at least 25
feet from the nearest property boundary line are exempt from permit
requirements, subject to the following:
(1)
Area: Each sign shall have a maximum area of 10 square feet.
(2)
Height: Each sign shall have a maximum height of six feet.
(3)
Illumination. Illumination of these signs shall be prohibited.
F. Wall signs shall be permitted subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Number: one sign per street frontage, up to a maximum of two
signs. Where an educational use has entrances facing both a street
and a parking lot, a second sign is permitted to face the parking
lot.
(2)
Area: The total area for all wall signs is subject to the regulations in §
170-1806A(2).
(3)
Height: Signs shall have a maximum height equal to the eave
line of the structure where it is placed.
(4)
Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in §
170-1805F, Sign illumination:
(b)
External illumination, lit from above.
(c)
Halo illumination or backlit letters.
G. Awning or canopy signs shall be permitted subject to the following
regulations.
(1)
Height: Signs shall have a maximum height equal to the eave
line.
(2)
Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in §
170-1805F, Sign illumination:
(a)
External illumination, lit from above.
H. Projecting signs on lots with an educational use shall be permitted
subject to the following regulations.
(1)
Number: one sign per building entrance.
(2)
Area: Each sign shall have a maximum area of 20 square feet
per sign face.
(3)
Height: Signs shall have a maximum height equal to the eave
line.
(4)
Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in §
170-1805F, Sign illumination:
(a)
External illumination, lit from above.
Except as noted below, the following numbers and types of signs
may be erected on any lot with a principal commercial or industrial
use subject to the conditions specified here:
A. Any limited duration, temporary or portable sign as defined and regulated in §
170-1808, Regulations by sign type (limited duration, temporary and portable signs).
B. The total area of all wall, awning/canopy, freestanding, and projecting
signs on lots with nonresidential uses shall not exceed an area equal
to two square feet for every one linear foot of building wall parallel
to, and facing, any particular street. The sign area for each street
frontage shall be computed separately, and any allowable sign area
not used on one frontage may not be used on another street frontage.
C. Wall signs on lots with commercial and industrial uses shall be permitted
subject to the following regulations.
(1)
Number: one sign per tenant per street frontage, up to a maximum
of two signs per tenant. Where a store has entrances facing both a
street and a parking lot, a second sign is permitted to face the parking
lot.
(2)
Area: The total area for all wall signs are subject to the regulations in §
170-1806A(2).
(3)
Height: Signs shall have a maximum height equal to the eave
line of the structure where it is placed.
(4)
Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in §
170-1805F, Sign illumination:
(b)
External illumination, lit from above.
(c)
Halo illumination or backlit letters.
D. Awning or canopy signs on lots with commercial and industrial uses
shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1)
Height: Signs shall have a maximum height equal to the eave
line.
(2)
Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in §
170-1805F, Sign illumination:
(a)
External illumination, lit from above.
E. Projecting signs on lots with commercial and industrial uses shall
be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1)
Number: one sign per ground floor establishment, plus one sign
per building entrance serving one or more commercial tenants without
a ground floor entrance.
(2)
Area: Each sign shall have a maximum area of 20 square feet
per sign face.
(3)
Height: Signs shall have a maximum height equal to the eave
line.
(4)
Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in §
170-1805F, Sign illumination:
(a)
External illumination, lit from above.
F. Window signs on lots with commercial and industrial uses shall be
permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1)
Area: A maximum of 25% of the total window area of any single
storefront may be used for permanent signs that are etched, painted,
or permanently affixed to the window. A maximum of 35% of the total
window area of any single storefront may be covered by a combination
of permanent and temporary window signs.
G. Marquee signs on lots with commercial and industrial uses shall be
permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1)
Number: one marquee sign per building.
(2)
Area: The total area of signs on a single marquee structure
shall not exceed 200 square feet in area.
(3)
Height: Signs shall have a maximum height equal to the eave
line.
(4)
Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in §
170-1805F, Sign illumination:
H. In addition to building signs, freestanding signs on lots with commercial
and industrial uses shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1)
Number: one sign per street frontage, up to two signs per property
held in single and separate ownership.
(a)
For permitted gas stations, one additional freestanding sign
per street frontage shall be permitted, up to two additional signs
per property.
(b)
For permitted drive-through establishments, one additional freestanding
sign shall be permitted next to the drive-through lane only.
(2)
Area: Each sign shall have a maximum area of 50 square feet
plus an additional 10 square feet per tenant up to a maximum of 100
square feet.
(3)
Height: Signs shall have a maximum height of 15 feet.
(4)
Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in §
170-1805F, Sign illumination:
I. The following additional requirements shall apply to signs located
in the Planned Office Campus (POC) District.
(1)
Area: ground sign, 24 square feet; wall sign, 40 square feet.
(2)
Height: ground sign, 3.5 feet.
Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary,
to the extent that this chapter allows a sign containing commercial
copy, it shall allow a noncommercial sign to the same extent. The
noncommercial message may occupy the entire sign area or any portion
thereof, and may substitute for or be combined with the commercial
message. The sign message may be changed from commercial to noncommercial,
or from one noncommercial message to another, as frequently as desired
by the sign's owner, provided that the sign is not prohibited and
the sign continues to comply with all requirements of this chapter.
The placement of a sign that requires a sign permit without a sign permit shall be unlawful. Violations of this article shall be treated as prescribed within Article
XXIII of the Zoning Ordinance for Violations Remedies; Fees; Liability.