Any sign erected, altered, or maintained after the effective date of this chapter shall conform to the following regulations.
Signs perform an important function in identifying and promoting properties, businesses, services, residences, events, and other matters of interest to the public. The purpose and intent of this article is to regulate signs within the municipality in a manner that balances the right of free speech by sign display against the competing public and governmental interests in community aesthetics, traffic safety, preventing sign clutter and visual pollution, and other negative effects associated with excessive and/or inappropriate signage.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
A sign which has not identified or advertised a current business, service, owner, product, or activity for a period of at least 180 days, in the case of billboard signs, or at least 360 days in the case of on-premises signs.
A sign that designates the street number and/or street name for identification purposes, as designated by the United States Postal Service.
A 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.
Any sign painted on, or applied to, an awning.
A permanent sign in a fixed location which meets any one or more of the following criteria: it is used for the display of an off-site commercial message; the message display area, or any part thereof, is made available to message sponsors other than the owner(s) or operator(s) of the sign, typically for a fee or other consideration, i.e., it is general advertising for hire; the sign is a principal or secondary use of the land, rather than appurtenant or accessory to some other principal use of the land.
The maximum linear width of a building measured in a single straight line parallel, or essentially parallel, with the abutting public street or parking lot.
A building-mounted sign which is attached to, displayed on, or painted on the exterior of a building or structure. For purposes of this chapter, building signs include wall signs, awning signs, canopy signs, projecting signs, and marquee signs.
A 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.
Any sign that is part of, or attached to, a canopy.
A 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.
A message that proposes a commercial transaction or pertains primarily to the economic and/or commercial interests of the message sponsor and/or the sign audience.
The portion of a sign message 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.
Signs designed to provide direction to pedestrian and vehicular traffic into and out of, or within a site.
A 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:
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");
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.
The enterprise of advertising or promoting other businesses or causes using methods of advertising, in contrast to self-promotion or on-site advertising.
Any sign for the control of traffic or for identification purposes, street signs, warning signs, railroad crossing signs, and signs of public service companies indicating danger or construction, which are erected by or at the order of a public officer, employee or agent thereof, in the discharge of official duties.
A 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.
A source of any artificial or reflected light, either directly from a source of light incorporated in or indirectly from an artificial source.
A sign that displays general site information, instructions, directives, or restrictions that are primarily oriented to pedestrians and motor vehicle operators who have entered a property from a public street. These signs do not contain any commercial advertising.
Signs displayed in the window displaying information such as the business hours of operation, credit institutions accepted, commercial and civic affiliations, and similar information. These signs are informational only and do not contain a commercial message.
The physical attributes of a sign that allow for an observer's differentiation of its letters, words, numbers, or graphics.
A 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.
A permanent structure, other than a roof or canopy, attached to, supported by, and projecting from a building and providing protection from the elements.
Any sign attached to a marquee for the purpose of identifying a use or product. If attached to a theater, performing arts center, cinema, or other similar use, it may also advertise films or productions.
A memorial plaque or tablet, including grave markers or other remembrances of persons or events, which is not used for a commercial message.
A type of illuminated, changeable copy sign that consists of electronically changing alphanumeric text often used for gas price display signs and athletic scoreboards.
The spreading of one message across more than one sign structure.
A large picture/image (including but not limited to painted art) which is painted, constructed, or affixed directly onto a vertical building wall, which may or may not contain text, logos, and/or symbols.
A constitutionally protected message that addresses topics of public concern or controversy such as, by way of example and not limitation, politics, religion, philosophy, science, art or social commentary. For purposes of this chapter, this definition shall be construed in light of relevant court decisions.
A sign that was legally erected and maintained at the effective date of this chapter, or amendment thereto, that does not currently comply with sign regulations of the district in which it is located.
A message that advertises commercial products, accommodations, services or activities not provided in or on the property or premises upon which it is located.
Official highway route number signs, street name signs, directional signs and other traffic signs erected and maintained on public highways and roads in the interest of public safety or for the regulation of traffic.
A sign whose message and design relate to an individual business, profession, product, service, event, point of view, or other commercial or noncommercial activity sold, offered, or conducted on the same property where the sign is located.
A message that advertises the commercial business, establishment, accommodation, services or activities provided on the premises on which the sign is located, or is expected to be provided in the near future.
A sign attached or affixed 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.
A sign indicating a street or drive which is not publicly owned and maintained and used only for access by the occupants of the development and their guests.
A 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.
A sign erected or required by government agencies or utilities, including traffic, utility, safety, railroad crossing, and identification signs for public facilities.
An on-premises sign regulating the use of the premises, such as a "no trespassing," "no hunting," or "no soliciting" sign (also known as "warning sign").
The 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.
Any device, structure, fixture, painting, emblem, or visual that uses words, graphics, colors, illumination, symbols, numbers, or letters for the purpose of communicating a message. "Sign" includes the sign faces as well as any sign-supporting structure.
The total dimensions of a sign surface used to display information, messages, advertising, logos, or symbols. See § 520-905D for standards for measuring sign area.
The part of the sign that is or can be used for the sign area. The sign area could be smaller than the sign face.
The vertical distance from normal grade to the highest point of the sign. Any berm or filling or excavating solely for the purpose of locating the sign shall be computed as part of the sign height.
Poles, posts, walls, frames, brackets, or other supports holding a sign in place.
The side or sides of a lot abutting on a public street or right-of-way.
A sign that is not permanently installed in the ground or permanently affixed to a building or structure, and whose intended use does not appear to be indefinite.
An outdoor unit with a slatted face that allows three different copy messages to revolve at intermittent intervals.
A sign displayed on a vending machine, indicating the name of the product being sold and/or the price of such product.
A 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.
Any 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. Customary displays of merchandise or objects and material without lettering behind a store window are not considered signs.
B.
The following signs are permitted in all districts and do not require a zoning permit. They are not included in the determination of the maximum number of signs or the maximum area of signs allowed on a property, provided that the applicable conditions have been met.
(1)
Official traffic signs.
(2)
Government/regulatory signs.
(3)
Signs inside a building, or other enclosed facility, which are not meant to be viewed from the outside.
(4)
Address signs. Up to two signs stating address, number and/or name of occupants of the premises and that do not include any commercial advertising or other identification.
(5)
Public signs. Signs erected or required by government agencies or utilities, including traffic, utility, safety, railroad crossing, and identification or directional signs for public facilities.
(6)
Security and warning signs.
(7)
Memorial signs, public monument or historical identification sign, including plaque signs up to three square feet in area.
(8)
Signs which are a permanent architectural feature of a building or structure, such as a cornerstone, or identifying letters carved into or embossed on a building, provided the letters are not made of a reflective material nor contrast in color with the building.
(9)
Incidental signs, including incidental window signs.
(11)
Vending machine signs.
(12)
Art and murals, provided such signs do not contain any commercial messaging.
(13)
Flags, provided such flags do not contain any commercial messaging.
A.
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 or by interfering with official street signs or signals by virtue of position or color.
(2)
Signs and their supporting structures shall maintain clearance and noninterference with all surface and underground utility and communications lines or equipment.
B.
Sign setback requirements. The minimum setback requirement shall meet the setback requirements in the table below. All portions of the sign, including overhangs, must meet minimum setback requirements.
Condition | Minimum Setback from Property Lines |
|---|---|
Sign area of 32 square feet or less | 5 feet |
Sign area greater than 32 square feet | 10 feet |
Sign adjacent to residential property | 10 feet |
Billboards | See § 520-911 |
C.
Sign materials and construction. Every sign shall be structurally safe and erected or installed in strict accordance with any applicable provisions of the PA Uniform Construction Code[1]; and shall be maintained in safe condition and good repair at all times so that all sign information is clearly legible.
D.
Sign area.
(1)
The area of a sign shall mean the area of all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs, logos, and symbols. 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.
(2)
Where the sign consists of individual letters, designs, or symbols attached to a building, awning, wall, or window, the area shall be that of the smallest rectangle which encompasses all of the letters, designs, and symbols.
(3)
Signs may be double-sided. For double-sided signs only, one side shall be considered when determining the sign area, provided that the faces are equal in size, the interior angle formed by the faces is less than 45°, and the two faces are not more than 18 inches apart
(4)
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.
E.
Sign illumination. Signs may be illuminated, unless otherwise specified herein, consistent with the following standards:
(1)
Light sources to illuminate signs shall not cause glare hazardous or distracting to pedestrians, vehicle drivers, or adjacent properties.
(2)
Digital display and message center signs are permitted only within the C-B, Central Business; B-1, Business; and B-2, Business Districts, unless a special exception is granted by the Zoning Hearing Board. The length of time each message shall be displayed shall be no less than five seconds.
The following signs are unlawful and prohibited:
Signs erected or required by government agencies or utilities, including government/regulatory signs, official traffic signs, public signs, legal notices and other signs required by law shall be exempt from the regulations of this chapter.
Permanent, freestanding signs, as defined by this chapter, are subject to the number, height and sign area requirements identified in the table below, unless otherwise specified by this chapter, or unless a special exception is approved by the Zoning Hearing Board.
Freestanding Signs - Number, Height and Area Regulations | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Condition | Maximum Number | Maximum Area (per sign face) | Maximum Height |
Residential properties in R-1, R-2 and B-1 Districts (includes home occupations and bed-and-breakfast) | 1/lot | 6 square feet | 4 feet |
Residential subdivisions of 10 or more lots; apartment complexes, condominium complexes or multifamily dwellings with 5 or more units; mobile home parks; assisted living facilities | 1/street entrance | 32 square feet | 6 feet |
Properties within the REC, Public Recreation District | 1/street entrance | 32 square feet | 8 feet |
Permitted nonresidential uses in R-1 and R-2 Districts | 1/street frontage | 32 square feet | 6 feet |
Properties within C-B District | 1/street frontage | 24 square feet | 12 feet |
Properties within B-1 District | 1/street frontage | 100 square feet | 24 feet |
Properties within B-2 District | 1/street frontage | 100 square feet | 24 feet |
Permanent building signs, as defined by this chapter, are subject to the number, height and sign area requirements identified in the table below, unless otherwise specified by this chapter, or unless a special exception is approved by the Zoning Hearing Board.
Building Signs - Number, Height and Area Regulations | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Maximum Number | Maximum Area (total per building unless stated otherwise) | Maximum Height | |
Residential properties in R-1 and R-2 and B-1 Districts (includes home occupations and bed-and-breakfast) | 1/dwelling unit | 4 square feet/dwelling unit | The eave line or the bottom of the second story window sill, whichever is lower |
Apartment complexes, condominium complexes or multifamily dwellings with 5 or more units; assisted living facilities | 1/building | 1.5 square feet per linear foot of building frontage facing public street or parking lot | The eave line or the bottom of the second story window sill, whichever is lower |
Permitted nonresidential uses in R-1 and R-2 Districts | Unlimited | 1.5 square feet per linear foot of building frontage facing public street or parking lot | The eave line or the bottom of the second story window sill, whichever is lower |
Properties within C-B, B-1 and REC, Public Recreation Districts | Unlimited | 1.5 square feet per linear foot of building frontage facing public street or parking lot | The eave line or the bottom of the second story window sill, whichever is lower |
Properties within B-2 District | Unlimited | 1.5 square feet per linear foot of building frontage facing public street or parking lot | The eave line of the building |
Temporary signs, as defined in this chapter, are subject to the regulations set forth below:
A.
Residential uses. Within the R-1, Residential and R-2, Residential Districts, each legal dwelling unit may have a total display area (cumulative of all temporary signs) of 24 square feet at all times. Such signage may be used to display any protected noncommercial message, but may not be used for general advertising for hire.
B.
Permitted nonresidential uses in residential zones. Within the R-1, Residential; and R-2, Residential Districts, each legally permitted nonresidential establishment may have a total display area (cumulative of all temporary signs) of 36 square feet at all times. Such signage may be used to display any on-premises commercial message and/or protected noncommercial message, but may not be used for general advertising for hire.
C.
Nonresidential districts. Within the C-B, Central Business; B-1, Business; B-2, Business; and REC, Public Recreation Districts, the total display area of all temporary signs is unlimited. Such signage may be used to display any on-premises commercial message and/or protected noncommercial message, but may not be used for general advertising for hire.
E.
Removal of temporary signs. Temporary signs relating to or identifying a transpired election or event shall be removed within seven days following the election or event.
A.
District permitted. Billboards are permitted only in the B-2, Business District.
B.
Sign size. The maximum sign area of a billboard is 100 square feet, unless a special exception is approved by the Zoning Hearing Board.
D.
Location and spacing. Billboards shall be:
E.
Number of signs per lot. There shall be no more than one billboard per lot. Vertically or horizontally stacked signs shall not be permitted. Billboards are not included in the determination of the maximum number of signs or the maximum area of signs allowed on a property for purposes of § 520-908 and § 520-909 of this chapter.
F.
Content. Billboards shall not display any message or graphic of an obscene or pornographic nature as determined by the municipality.
G.
Double-sided billboards. Billboards may be single or double-sided, in accordance with § 520-905D, Sign area.
H.
Message sequencing. Message sequencing is prohibited.
I.
Construction and maintenance.
(1)
All plans for billboards shall be certified by a licensed engineer registered in Pennsylvania.
(2)
All billboards shall be constructed in accordance with industry-wide standards established by the Outdoor Advertising Association of America and the Institute of Outdoor Advertising, or their successor organizations. All billboards shall be structurally sound and maintained in good condition and in compliance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.[1]
(3)
The rear face of a single-face, billboard shall be painted and maintained with a single neutral color as approved by the municipality.
J.
Identification of sign owner. The name, address, and phone number of the owner of the billboard shall be identified on the structure of such sign.
K.
Landscaping. Landscaping shall be provided at the base of all billboards. Trees and/or shrubbery, including evergreen and flowering trees, of sufficient size and quantity shall be used.
L.
Additional regulations. All billboards shall comply with any and all applicable zoning regulations, and any and all municipal, state and/or federal regulations. In the event any other applicable regulation is in conflict with the provisions of this section, the more strict regulation shall apply.
M.
Application/plan requirements. Plans submitted for billboards shall include the following:
(1)
The location of the proposed sign on the lot with the required sign setbacks from the property line and right-of-way.
(2)
The location of sewer rights-of-way, or water, electric, or petroleum pipelines, as applicable.
(3)
Certification under the seal by a licensed engineer that the billboard, as proposed, is designed in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws, codes, and professional standards.
N.
Illumination of billboards. Billboards may be illuminated, provided that:
O.
Safety. In applying for special exception relief, the applicant bears the burden of proof to establish that the proposed billboard will not create a public health or safety hazard in the manner and location that it is proposed and in the manner by which it is to be operated.
A.
Unsafe or unlawful signs.
(1)
Upon written notice by the municipality, the owner, person, or firm maintaining a sign shall remove the sign when it becomes unsafe, is in danger of falling, or it becomes so deteriorated that it no longer serves a useful purpose of communication, or it is determined by the municipality to be a nuisance, or it is deemed unsafe by the municipality, or it is unlawfully erected in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter.
(2)
The municipality may remove or cause to be removed the sign at the expense of the owner and/or lessee in the event of the owner of the person or firm maintaining the sign has not complied with the terms of the notice within 30 days of the date of the notice. In the event of immediate danger, the municipality may remove the sign immediately upon the issuance of notice to the owner, person, or firm maintaining the sign.
B.
Abandoned signs.
(1)
It shall be the responsibility of the owner of any property upon which an abandoned sign is located to remove such sign within 90 days of the sign becoming abandoned as defined in this chapter. Removal of an abandoned sign shall include the removal of the entire sign, including the sign face, supporting structure, and structural trim.
(2)
Where the owner of the property on which an abandoned sign is located fails to remove such sign within 180 days, the municipality may remove such sign. Any expense directly incurred in the removal of such sign shall be charged to the owner of the property. Where the owner fails to pay, the municipality may file a lien upon the property for the purpose of recovering all reasonable costs associated with the removal of the sign.
A.
Signs legally in existence at the time of the adoption of this chapter which do not conform to the requirements of this chapter shall be considered nonconforming signs.
B.
All permanent signs and sign structures shall be brought into conformance with the sign regulations when and if any of the following occurs:
(1)
The sign is removed, relocated, or significantly altered. Significant alterations include changes in the size or dimension of the sign. Changes to the sign copy or the replacement of a sign face on a nonconforming sign shall not be considered a significant alteration.
(2)
If more than 50% of the sign area is damaged, it shall be repaired to conform to this chapter.
(3)
An alteration in the structure of a sign support.
(4)
A change in the mechanical facilities or type of illumination.
(5)
A change in the material of the sign face.
(6)
The property on which the nonconforming sign is located submits a subdivision or land development application requiring municipal review and approval.
(7)
The property on which the nonconforming sign is located undergoes a change of land use requiring the issuance of a use certificate.
C.
Prior to the events listed in § 520-913B, nonconforming signs may be repainted or repaired up to 50% of the replacement cost of the sign, the sign copy may be changed, and sign faces may be replaced, provided that these actions do not increase the dimensions of the existing sign and do not in any way increase the extent of the sign's nonconformity.
A.
Signs on the premises of legally nonconforming uses (such as an office in a residential area) may remain until the existing use of the premises is discontinued.
B.
If a sign wears out or is damaged (including rust, faded colors, discoloration, holes, or missing parts or informational items), or is changed for any other reason, the number, size, and area of all signs relating to the premises shall not be increased beyond the characteristics of the sign or signs that existed on that property at the time this chapter was adopted.
Notwithstanding any provision of this article to the contrary, to the extent that this article 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 article.