[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township
of West Donegal 10-6-2003 by Ord. No. 148-03 (Ch. 19, Part 1, of
the 1984 Code of Ordinances). Amendments noted where applicable.]
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "West Donegal
Township Sign Ordinance."
Unless the context specifically and clearly indicates otherwise,
the meanings of terms and phrases used in this chapter shall be as
follows:
A sign upon which images and/or messages of any kind are
printed, posted, or lettered, whether freestanding or attached to
a surface of a building or other structure. A billboard is used to
advertise products, services or businesses at a location other than
the premises on which the sign is placed, or to disseminate other
messages.
Any business, commercial or industrial sign and/or billboard
or portion of a sign and/or billboard that appears to have movement
or that appears to change, caused by any method other than physically
removing and replacing the sign or its components, whether the apparent
movement or change is in the display, the sign structure itself, or
any other component of the sign. This includes a display that incorporates
a technology or method allowing the sign face to change the image
without having to physically or mechanically replace the sign face
or its components. This also includes any rotating, revolving, moving,
flashing, blinking, or animated display and any display that incorporates
rotating panels, LED lights manipulated through digital input, "digital
ink" or any other method or technology that allows the sign face to
present a series of images or displays. This definition shall not
include electronic message display signs that repetitively indicate
time, temperature and date, to other text or scrolling text message
signs and to vehicular service station signs that digitally display
current fuel prices.
[Added 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
A sign which directs attention to a candidate for public
office, a political party or ballot issue. (See also "issue sign.")
[Added 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
An electronic business, commercial or industrial sign that
displays time, temperature or current sales or events related to the
business activity occurring on the premises. Electronic message center
signs shall only consist of text-type messages and shall not be permitted
to contain graphics, pictures or any other animated displays.
[Added 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
A temporary sign advertising the sale of farm products, such
as produce, flowers or other agricultural commodity sold at a temporary
or seasonal farmer's stand.
[Added 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
A permanent sign providing identification of a farm-related
business and/or an agritourism enterprise that is operated on the
premises on which the sign is located.
[Added 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
A temporary sign indicating the location of premises available
or in the process of development and having inscribed thereon the
name of the owner, developer, builder or agent responsible for the
development.
[Added 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
A temporary sign that directs attention to the sale of personal
goods on the premises on which the sign is located or an off-premises
sign that provides direction to the premises in which the garage/yard
sale is to occur along with the date and time of the sale. Such a
sign pertains only to residential or nonprofit organizations and places
of worship that have similar sales.
[Added 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
A sign placed by a governmental unit or a municipal authority,
such as a traffic, directional, information, or street name sign,
or a historical marker.
[Added 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
A permanent sign providing information about a business activity
conducted within a dwelling unit on the premises on which the sign
is located.
[Added 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
A permanent sign used to identify the name and display information
about the individual, organization, institution, facility or development
located on the premises on which the sign is located but not including
a business sign. (Also see "residential development sign" and "public
use sign.")
[Added 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
An informational sign, no more than two square feet in size,
that carries a message such as "enter," "open," "telephone," "restrooms,"
"no parking," "no trespassing," "warning," "private property," a listing
of hours when open, an on-site direction, or anything similar. Incidental
signs may not include any commercial message or logo, except that
one "enter" sign per entrance may include a logo or business name,
as long as the entrance is exclusively for that business and the logo
or business name is subordinate to the word "enter."
[Added 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
A temporary sign that directs attention to a candidate(s)
for elective office or to an opinion of a public or private nature,
such as but not limited to a community, social, religious, judicial,
political, or ballot issue. A sign including commercial advertising
shall not be considered an issue sign.
[Added 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
A sign that advertises a service, product or activity that
is not offered or located on the lot upon which the sign is located.
[Added 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
A sign that applies to the lot on which the sign is displayed.
[Added 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
A sign intended to be displayed for the life of the business,
activity or other establishment on the premises.
[Added 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
A portable sign shall be any temporary sign that can be towed
or affixed to the side panel of a trailer or other vehicle. Portable
signs shall also include temporary sidewalk-type signs. The purpose
of such signs is to advertise special events or daily specials at
a commercial establishment.
[Added 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
An identification sign used to identify the name and display
information about a public use, such as a government building, school,
park, firehouse, police station, college, place of worship, hospital
and other public institution.
[Added 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
Signs that are necessary for a sewage service, water supply,
land-line telephone, cable service, or electricity provider to post
in the performance of its responsibilities, such as warning signs
and utility pole identification numbers.
[Added 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
A temporary sign that provides information about a real estate
open house and including the words "open house," the day and time
of the open house, and the name of the realtor or other contact person
for the open house.
[Added 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
A temporary sign that provides information about a real estate
activity on the premises on which the sign is located, such as advertising
the sale, rental or lease of a property. A future development sign,
real estate open house sign shall not be included in this definition.
[Added 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
A permanent identification sign at the entrance of a neighborhood
or residential development.
[Added 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
Any advertisement, announcement, direction or communication
produced in whole or in part by constructing, erecting, affixing or
placing a structure on land or any other structure or produced by
painting, pasting or otherwise placing any printed, lettered, pictured,
figured or colored material on any building, structure or surface,
not including lettering or other identification which is part of the
architectural design of a building.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
A temporary sign that carries information about a special
event, such as an auction, flea market, festival, carnival, meal or
fundraising event that benefits a charity, place of worship, school,
fire company or similar nonprofit organization. This term shall not
include any business sign, such as a "sale" sign at a store.
[Added 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
A sign that is displayed for no more than 90 days in any
year, including consecutively from year to year, unless stated otherwise
in this chapter.
[Added 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
The Township of West Donegal, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Any sign mounted upon a building so that its principal face
is not parallel to the building wall.
[Added 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
A sign attached to or painted on the wall of a building.
[Added 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
An exhibit behind a window that is intended to draw attention
to a product, service, business or cause.
[Added 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
A sign of more than two square feet that is attached to a
window or visible through a window. A temporary window sign made of
paper on a commercial building is not regulated by this chapter. Any
other window sign shall be regulated as a building sign.
[Added 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
The board established under Chapter 240, Zoning, of the Code of the Township of West Donegal to hear appeals and applications, the members of which shall be appointed as an appeal board under this chapter.
The person appointed by the Board of Supervisors to administer Chapter 240, Zoning, who shall also administer this chapter.
The Zoning Ordinance of the Township codified as Chapter 240 of the Code of the Township of West Donegal, as it may be amended.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
All signs, billboards and/or advertising structures that are
viewable from the road right-of-way on any other exterior portion
of a property are subject to the regulations of this chapter.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
This section shall be applicable to land within the Agricultural, Rural, R-1 Low Density Residential, R-2 Medium Density Residential, and R-3 High Density Zoning Districts as established in Chapter 240, Zoning.
A.
The following signs shall be permitted without requirement of a permit
for erection when erected and maintained in conformity with this chapter:
(1)
Governmental signs. Official traffic and street name signs, identification,
informational and/or directional signs erected by a governmental body
or authority.
(2)
Real estate signs or real estate open house signs.
(a)
Real estate signs or real estate open house signs shall be placed
only on the premises to which they relate.
(b)
The area of the sign shall not exceed six square feet.
(c)
No more than one sign shall be placed on any single lot; provided,
however, that in the case of a lot having more than one street frontage,
one sign may be erected upon each street frontage.
(d)
Real estate signs or real estate open house signs shall be removed
within five days after settlement of the sale of the property or signing
of a lease on a rental property.
(e)
Real estate signs or real estate open house signs shall not
be placed within the street right-of-way.
(f)
Directional signs to the subject property are permitted as long
as all applicable regulations of this chapter are complied with. No
more than two directional signs shall be located within the Township
for a particular property and shall not be greater than two square
feet in size. The top of the directional sign shall be no more than
four feet from the ground surface immediately underneath.
(3)
Garage/yard sale signs.
(a)
Garage/yard sale signs shall be placed only on the premises
to which they relate.
(b)
The area of the sign shall not exceed six square feet.
(c)
No more than one sign shall be placed on any single lot; provided,
however, that in the case of a lot having more than one street frontage,
one sign may be erected upon each street frontage.
(d)
Garage/yard sale signs shall be permitted up to one week in
advance of the event and shall be removed within 24 hours following
the event.
(e)
Garage/yard sale signs shall not be located within the street
right-of-way.
(f)
Directional signs to the subject property are permitted as long
as all applicable regulations of this chapter are complied with. No
more than two directional signs shall be located within the Township
for a particular property and shall not be greater than two square
feet in size. The top of the directional sign shall be no more than
four feet from the ground surface immediately underneath.
(4)
Special event signs.
(a)
The area of the sign shall not exceed 20 square feet.
(b)
The sign shall be placed no earlier than 30 days before the
event and taken down at least five days following the event.
(c)
A maximum of one sign per lot shall be permitted.
(d)
Special event signs shall be located outside of the street right-of-way.
(e)
A maximum of six directional signs shall be permitted as long
as all applicable regulations of this chapter are complied with. No
directional sign shall be greater than six square feet in size. The
top of the directional sign shall be no more than four feet from the
ground surface immediately underneath.
(6)
Farm product signs.
(a)
The area of the sign shall not exceed 10 square feet.
(b)
No more than one sign shall be placed on a single lot; provided,
however, that in the case of a lot having more than one street frontage,
one sign may be erected upon each street frontage.
(c)
Farm product signs shall be removed at the time the stand or
sale of farm products cease.
(d)
Farm product signs shall not be located within the street right-of-way.
(7)
Contractor, architect, mechanic and artisan signs.
(a)
The area of the sign shall not exceed six square feet. If multiple
contractors are performing work on the property, the average of each
sign shall be six square feet; the total cumulative sign area shall
not exceed 18 square feet.
(b)
No more than one sign, per contractor, shall be placed on a
single lot; provided, however, that in the case of a lot having more
than one street frontage, one sign may be erected upon each street
frontage.
(c)
Contractor, architect, mechanic and artisan signs shall only
be displayed for the duration of the work being performed on the property
and shall be promptly removed when completion of the work occurs on
the premises.
(d)
Contractor, architect, mechanic and artisan signs shall not
be located within the street right-of-way.
(8)
Incidental signs.
(9)
Public utility signs.
B.
The following signs shall be permitted only after acquisition of
a permit from the Zoning Officer:
(1)
Farm-related business signs.
(a)
Farm-related business signs shall be placed only on the premises
to which they relate.
(b)
The area of the sign shall not exceed 10 square feet.
(c)
No more than one sign advertising a farm-related business shall
be placed on a lot.
(d)
Any sign advertising a farm-related business shall not be internally
illuminated.
(e)
Farm-related business signs shall not be placed within the street
right-of way.
(2)
Home occupation signs.
(a)
Such signs shall be placed only on the premises to which they
relate.
(b)
The area of the sign shall not exceed six square feet.
(c)
No more than one sign shall be placed on a lot advertising a
home occupation.
(d)
The sign for a home occupation shall not be internally illuminated.
(e)
Home occupation signs shall not be placed within the street
right-of-way.
(3)
Public use signs.
(4)
Residential development signs.
(a)
Each sign shall not exceed 20 square feet.
(b)
No more than one such sign shall be permitted at each entrance
to the development.
(c)
The sign shall include the name of the development and shall
not include any commercial advertising. If applicable, the name and
contact information of a homeowners' association, condominium
association, rental agency or other party responsible for the ground
maintenance and care of the development may be located on the sign.
(d)
Residential development signs shall not be placed within the
street right-of-way.
(5)
Future development signs.
(a)
Such signs shall be erected only on the premises to which they
relate.
(b)
Each sign shall not exceed 20 square feet.
(c)
No more than one sign shall be placed on a single lot; provided,
however, that in the case of a lot having more than one street frontage,
one sign may be erected upon each street frontage.
(d)
Future development signs shall not be placed within the street
right-of-way.
(e)
Future development signs shall be promptly removed upon completion
of all construction activities on the premises for which the sign
relates.
(6)
Business signs for nonresidential uses permitted by right or by special
exception within the residential, rural or agricultural zoning districts.
(a)
These regulations shall not pertain to signs advertising a home
occupation, farm-related business or public use.
(b)
Each sign shall not exceed 10 square feet, unless a specific
requirement is stated in this chapter for a particular use.
(c)
No more than one sign shall be placed on a single lot.
(d)
Such signs shall not be placed within the street right-of-way.
(e)
All signs shall relate only to the business permitted in the
district in which the sign is located.
(f)
Such signs shall not be internally illuminated.
(7)
Business directional signs.
(a)
Any off-premises sign providing direction to a business shall
be no larger than two square feet.
(b)
The top of any sign shall be no more than four feet from the
ground surface immediately underneath.
(c)
No industrial, commercial or business establishment shall erect,
place, install or maintain more than three such signs within the Township.
(d)
The sign shall contain directional information to the business
only and shall not contain any advertisement for the business, related
sales or any other commercial advertisements.
(8)
Portable-trailer-type signs.
(a)
Portable trailer signs shall only be permitted to advertise
special events for public uses. Portable trailer signs may be placed
on the property up to two weeks in advance of the event and shall
be removed promptly following the conclusion of the special event.
In no case shall a portable trailer sign be located on a public use
lot for longer than a period of 30 days in one calendar year.
(b)
Portable trailer signs shall be limited to a maximum of 30 square
feet in total sign area.
(c)
Portable trailer signs shall not be permitted to contain any
elements of a dynamic display sign.
(d)
Portable trailer signs shall not be located within a street
right-of-way.
[Amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
This section shall be applicable to land within the Institutional, General Commercial (GC), Limited Commercial (LC), General Industrial (GI) and Mining and Natural Extraction (MNE) Zoning Districts as established by Chapter 240, Zoning.
B.
The following signs shall be permitted without requirement of a permit
for erection when erected and maintained in conformity with this chapter:
(1)
Window displays.
C.
The following signs shall be permitted only after acquisition of
a permit from the Zoning Officer:
(1)
Real estate signs.
(a)
Real estate signs advertising a commercial or industrial lot
for sale or lease shall be erected only on the premises to which they
relate.
(b)
The area of the sign shall not exceed 40 square feet.
(c)
No more than one sign shall be placed on any single lot; provided,
however, that in the case of a lot having more than one street frontage,
one sign may be erected upon each street frontage.
(d)
Real estate signs shall be removed within five days after settlement
of the sale of the property or signing of a lease on a rental property.
(e)
Real estate signs shall not be placed within the street right-of-way.
(2)
Future development signs.
(a)
Such signs shall be erected only on the premises to which they
relate.
(b)
Each sign shall not exceed 40 square feet.
(c)
No more than one sign shall be placed on a single lot; provided,
however, that in the case of a lot having more than one street frontage,
one sign may be erected upon each street frontage.
(d)
Such signs shall not be placed within the street right-of-way.
(e)
Future development signs shall be promptly removed upon completion
of all construction activities on the premises for which the sign
relates.
(3)
Business, commercial and industrial signs.
(a)
One freestanding sign shall be permitted, per lot, along each
street frontage. Each freestanding sign shall have a maximum total
area of all attached signs of 50 square feet. If a lot includes four
or more separate commercial establishments, the maximum area of the
sign shall be increased to 100 square feet. In addition, a second
freestanding sign with a maximum area of 50 square feet shall be permitted
along one street frontage for vehicular sales facility that contains
the sales of new vehicles by two or more separate corporations. All
freestanding signs shall have a maximum total height of 20 feet above
the surrounding ground level.
(b)
Building signs, which may be painted or affixed directly to
the building, shall not project more than 12 inches from the building
wall and shall be so located that the lower edge is a minimum of eight
feet above grade in any case where projection from the wall is greater
than six inches. Building signs shall have a maximum area of 15% of
the wall area of the wall on which the sign is to be erected. The
building sign shall not extend higher than the top of the wall. The
area of any windows on the wall where the building sign is to be located
shall be included in the calculation of the ratio of sign area to
wall area.
(c)
Wall projecting signs shall not project more than 10 feet from
the building wall on which the sign is to be mounted. The area of
the wall projecting sign shall not exceed 15% of the wall area of
the wall on which the sign is to be mounted. The sign shall be located
upon the buildings so that the lower edge is a minimum of eight feet
above grade. Wall projecting signs shall not project to a point nearer
than 12 feet from the edge of a street cartway. No wall projecting
sign shall extend higher than the top of the wall upon which it is
mounted.
(d)
Roof signs shall not exceed 15% of the front wall area of the
building or structure on which the sign is to be mounted. Roof signs
may extend above the roof, or top of the wall, a distance equal to
1/2 the height of the roof or wall, or 10 feet, whichever is the smaller
height. No roof sign shall be placed upon the roof of any building
so as to prevent free passage from one part of the roof to the other
thereof, or interfere with any openings in such roof. All roof signs
must comply with the structural height limitations required in each
zone. No roof sign erected upon the roof of any building shall project
beyond the edges of said roof in any horizontal direction.
(4)
Center signs.
(a)
Any planned center uses shall be permitted to contain one freestanding
sign per principal entrance to the center, up to a maximum of two
signs per center, except there may be more than two signs if all entrances
to the center are at least 1,200 feet apart. Each sign shall have
a maximum area of all attached signs of 100 square feet.
(b)
If there are individual, freestanding buildings within an office
or industrial park that are accessed off of an internal street of
the planned center, each building may have one freestanding sign not
exceeding 20 square feet nor an overall height of 15 feet. In the
case each freestanding building contains individual tenants, each
tenant may be advertised on the freestanding sign as long as the total
sign area does not exceed the 20 square feet allotted by this section.
(c)
Freestanding planned center signs located at the primary entrance(s)
to the planned center shall have a maximum total height of 20 feet
above the surrounding ground level.
(d)
Any building sign, wall projecting sign or roof sign proposed to be erected on a building as part of a center use shall comply with § 175-5C(3)(b), (c) and (d).
(e)
Freestanding planned center signs shall not be placed within
the street right-of-way.
(5)
Temporary business, commercial or industrial signs, outdoor displays
or banners.
(a)
One such sign or display may be permitted per lot for one period
not exceeding 30 days during any calendar year.
(b)
Any signs or banner shall be limited to a maximum of 24 square
feet in total sign area.
(c)
The sign shall promptly be removed at the end of the sale or
event for which the sign relates.
(d)
The temporary sign or display shall not be located within the
street right-of way.
(6)
Portable signs.
(a)
Portable-trailer-type signs.
[1]
Portable trailer signs shall only be permitted to advertise
special events for commercial or public uses. Portable trailer signs
may be placed on the property up to two weeks in advance of the event
and shall be removed promptly following the conclusion of the special
event. In no case shall a portable trailer sign be located on a lot
for longer than a period of 30 days in one calendar year.
[2]
Portable trailer signs shall be limited to a maximum of 30 square
feet in total sign area.
[3]
Portable trailer signs shall not be permitted to contain any
elements of a dynamic display sign.
[4]
Portable trailer signs shall not be located within a street
right-of-way.
(b)
Portable-sidewalk-type signs.
[1]
One portable-sidewalk-type sign shall be permitted for every
75 linear feet of store or street frontage up to a maximum of three
portable-type sidewalk signs. Portable-sidewalk-type signs shall be
permitted to advertise specials that are ongoing on a commercial establishment.
[2]
Portable-sidewalk-type signs shall not exceed 10 square feet.
[3]
Portable-sidewalk-type signs may be permitted within a street
right-of-way provided the sign does not cause any visual obstruction
for pedestrians and/or motorists and that the sign is in no way permanently
affixed to the ground.
(7)
Electronic message center signs.
(a)
One electronic message center sign is permitted, per lot; the
message board shall not exceed 20 square feet and must be located
below the name of the business or center, and must be part of the
freestanding business or center sign. The area of the electronic message
center sign shall be deducted from the total permissible area of freestanding
signage on the subject lot.
(b)
The text portrayed on the message center portion of the sign
shall be of one color and shall be displayed on a black, unlit background.
(c)
No more than four lines of text shall be displayed at one time.
(d)
Electronic message center signs shall be permitted to change,
alter or move images at a minimum of an eight-second interval.
(8)
Billboards. Billboards shall be permitted in the General Commercial (GC) and General Industrial (GI) Districts, as established by Chapter 240, Zoning, subject to the following conditions, as well as all other applicable requirements:
(a)
The panel shall not exceed 100 square feet in area on one side.
(b)
No more than one panel (two sides) shall be permitted at one
location.
(c)
No billboard sign shall be located closer than 300 feet from
an existing Rural, Agricultural, R-1 Low-Density Residential, R-2
Medium-Density Residential, R-3 High-Density Residential or Institutional
District boundary.
(d)
An electronic message center that is part of the billboard shall be located below the panel advertisement and shall comply with the regulations set forth in § 175-5C(9).
(e)
A minimum of 1,000 feet distance shall be maintained between
a proposed billboard and any other proposed or existing billboard.
This minimum distance shall be measured radially from the furthest
extension of any proposed or existing billboard sign.
(f)
If lighted, a nonglare lighting fixture designed for outdoor
use shall be used.
(g)
No sign shall be more than 25 feet high above the grade of the
existing road cartway.
(h)
All billboards shall be set a minimum distance of 30 feet back
from the street right-of-way line.
(9)
Dynamic display signs. Dynamic display signs shall be permitted in the General Commercial (GC) and General Industrial (GI) Districts, as established in Chapter 240, Zoning, subject to the following conditions, as well as all other applicable requirements:
(a)
Dynamic display signs shall be located no closer than 300 feet
to any existing residential zoning district.
(b)
All dynamic display signs shall be set back a minimum of 30
feet from a street right-of-way.
(c)
Only one dynamic display sign shall be permitted per property
and shall not be located any closer than 200 feet to any other dynamic
display sign on an adjacent property.
(d)
Dynamic display signs shall be permitted to change, alter, or
move images at a minimum of a ten-second interval.
(e)
The images that are portrayed on the sign must be static, and
the change to another static image must be instantaneous without any
special effects. The images that are portrayed shall be complete in
it themselves without continuation of content to the next image, display
or to another sign.
(f)
The night-time illumination of a dynamic display sign shall
conform with the following criteria:
[1]
Illumination measurement criteria: The illuminance of a dynamic
display sign shall be measured with an illuminance meter set to measure
footcandles accurate to at least two decimals. Illuminance shall be
measured with the dynamic display sign off, and again with the dynamic
display sign displaying a white image for a full color-capable dynamic
display sign, or a solid message for a single-color dynamic display
sign. All measurements shall be taken as close as practical to a perpendicular
plane of the sign at the distance determined by the total square footage
of the dynamic display sign as set forth in Attachment 1.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Said attachment is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[2]
Illumination limits: The difference between the off and solid-message
measurements using the dynamic display sign measurement criteria shall
not exceed 0.3 footcandle at night.
[3]
Dimming capabilities: All permitted dynamic display signs shall
be equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically determines
the ambient illumination and programmed to automatically dim according
to ambient light conditions, or that can be adjusted to comply with
the 0.3 footcandle measurements.
(g)
All dynamic display signs shall be erected with a light detector
or photocell by which the sign's brightness can be dimmed when
ambient light conditions darken. In no case shall a dynamic display
sign cause objectionable glare to motorists, bicyclists and other
pedestrian travel along any roadway, pathway, or driveway. A lighting
diagram or other documentation acceptable to the Zoning Officer shall
be submitted with the application to demonstrate compliance with the
lighting regulations of this chapter. In the event the light emits
more illumination onto adjoining properties than what is permitted
by this chapter, illumination levels or the sign location shall be
adjusted accordingly.
(h)
If the sign malfunctions as to create a violation of any of
these regulations, as determined by the Zoning Officer, the sign shall
be turned off immediately and kept off until the sign can be repaired
to be in full compliance with the above-mentioned regulations.
(i)
Applicants proposing a dynamic display sign shall be required
to obtain a sign permit and a Uniform Construction Code permit in
the event an approval is given to their application.
(j)
Any billboard which is a dynamic display sign or which contains dynamic display components shall, in addition to the requirements of this § 175-5C(9), meet all requirements of § l 75-5C(8). Where there is a conflict between this § 175-5C(9) and § 175-5C(8), the more stringent regulation shall apply.
[Amended 12-21-2015 by Ord. No. 221-2015; 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
The following regulations shall apply to all permitted sign
uses:
A.
Area of a sign.
(1)
The area of a sign shall be construed to include all lettering, wording
and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background,
whether open or enclosed, on which they are displayed but shall not
include any supporting framework or bracing incidental to the display
itself.
(2)
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached
to a building, wall or window, the area of the sign shall be considered
to be that of the smallest rectangle or other geometric shape which
encompasses all of the letters and symbols.
(3)
If a sign includes two attached sides of the same size, then only
one side shall be considered for the purposes of determining compliance
with the maximum sign area. However, if the interior angle of two
attached sides of a sign is greater than 45°, or if a sign includes
three or more sides, then the maximum sign area limit shall apply
to the aggregate total of all of the sign faces.
B.
All signs located within a rural, residential or agricultural district shall not be internally illuminated unless otherwise permitted by this chapter. Signs in the rural, residential or agricultural districts may be externally illuminated in compliance with all applicable sections of Chapter 240, Zoning.
C.
No sign shall be placed in such a position that it will cause danger
to vehicular or pedestrian traffic on a street by obscuring the view.
D.
No sign located within 300 feet of any traffic light shall be illuminated
with red, green or yellow lighting.
E.
No sign or sign-bearing structure, other than official traffic signals,
public utility signs, or temporary off-premises directional signs,
shall be erected within or extend into the right-of-way of a street.
F.
No sign shall contain or use flashing, intermittent or rotating illumination,
except official traffic control signs and as permitted on electronic
message center signs and on dynamic-display-type signs.
G.
No objectionable glare should result from any illuminated signs.
H.
No freestanding sign shall be higher than 20 feet, unless otherwise
permitted by this article, and no sign which is attached to a building
shall be higher than the height limit of the permitted principal uses
in the district in which the sign is located; provided, however, that
if other provisions of this article establish lower height restrictions
for certain types of signs, the lower height limit shall control.
I.
No sign shall be erected or located so as to prevent ingress or egress
from any window, door, or fire escape.
J.
No sign shall be permitted which is pasted, stapled or otherwise
attached to public utility poles, except any necessary public utility
signs as defined by this chapter.
K.
No signs shall be pasted, stapled or otherwise attached to any trees
within the public right-of-way.
L.
All signs shall be constructed of durable materials and shall be
kept in good condition and repair. No sign shall be allowed to become
dilapidated within the Township and in such a state of disrepair as
to have the appearance of complete neglect, which is rotting or falling
down, which is illegible or has loose parts separated from original
fastenings.
M.
Whenever a sign becomes structurally unsafe or endangers the safety
of the building or premises, or endangers the public safety, the Zoning
Officer shall give written notice to the owner of the premises on
which the sign is located that such sign be made safe or removed within
five days.
N.
Each sign shall be removed when the circumstances leading to its
erection no longer apply.
O.
All electrically illuminated signs shall be constructed to the standards
of the National Board of Fire Underwriters.
P.
No sign shall be placed on an automobile, truck or other vehicle
if that vehicle is used primarily for displaying such sign.
Q.
No sign located within the identified floodplain area as established in Chapter 240, Zoning, shall exceed six square feet of area per side.
R.
Nothing contained herein shall be construed to abrogate or affect
the provisions of any lawful state or federal statute or regulation
controlling outdoor advertising which are more restrictive than the
provisions of this chapter.
S.
In the event that a symbol, trademark or other such figure is used
as a sign post or standard which could be construed to indicate or
identify a particular use or business, that symbol, trademark or figure
is to be computed as part of the total allowable sign area.
T.
No sign shall emit smoke, visible vapors, particles, sound or odor.
[Amended 12-21-2015 by Ord. No. 221-2015; 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 241-2020]
Any sign which lawfully existed and was maintained at the effective date of this chapter may be continued, provided that it meets the requirements of § 175-6L herein. A nonconforming sign may be replaced with a similar sign as long as the sign will not be expanded or placed in a manner that would not conform to this chapter or which would allow the existing nonconformity to worsen.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 175-8, Sign standards
based on construction classification, as amended, was repealed 10-26-2020
by Ord. No. 241-2020.
A.
Requirements for signs. The following signs shall be permitted without
requirement of permit for erection when erected and maintained in
conformity hereto:
B.
All other signs shall require the obtainment of a permit prior to
the erection or installation of the sign.
C.
All applications for sign permits shall be accompanied by scaled
plans or diagrams showing the following:
(1)
Exact dimensions of the lot, including any right-of-way lines or
building upon which the sign is proposed to be erected.
(2)
Exact size, dimensions, and location of the said sign on the lot
or building together with its type, construction, materials to be
used, and the manner of installation.
(3)
Any other lawful information which may be required of the applicant
by the Zoning Officer.
(4)
Application for permit shall be made in writing to the Zoning Officer
and shall contain all information necessary for the Zoning Officer
to determine whether the proposed sign, or the proposed alterations,
conform to all the requirements of this chapter.
A nonconforming sign may continue to be displayed as long as
the sign is in compliance with the following limitations and conditions:
A.
There may be no expansion or increase in the nonconformity in any
way.
B.
Maintenance and repair of the sign is permitted, if necessary, up
to 50% of the sign and its supporting structure may be replaced in
the event of damage; any such replacement must be completed within
six months of the damage occurring.
C.
Except for billboards, the sign must be brought into conformity if,
for a period of at least three months, the message has no longer applied
to an activity on the lot.
A.
It shall be a violation of this chapter to commit or permit any other
person to commit any of the following acts:
(1)
To install a sign for which this chapter requires a permit prior
to obtaining a permit or in a manner which violates the terms and
conditions of any permit.
(2)
To place false information on or omit relevant information from an
application for a permit.
(3)
To fail to comply with any other provision of this chapter.
B.
Any person who violates or permits the violation of any provision
of this chapter shall be liable, upon summary conviction therefor,
to fines and penalties of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000
plus all costs of prosecution, which fines and penalties may be collected
as provided by law. All fines and penalties collected for violation
of this chapter shall be paid over to the Township Treasurer. Each
day that a violation continues and each section of this chapter which
is violated constitutes a separate violation.
