Township of Thornbury, PA Article XVII Signs

§ 155-1700 Applicability.

Any sign erected, altered, or maintained after the effective date of this chapter shall conform to the following regulations.

§ 155-1701 Purpose and intent.

The intent of this article is to provide for the regulation of signs in Thornbury Township, as a proper exercise of the municipal police power, to protect the public health, safety and welfare in accordance with the following objectives:

A. To control the size, location and illumination of signs in the Township to reduce hazards to pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

B. To encourage signs which are well-designed and attractive and to provide latitude for variety, to enhance the economic value as well as the visual character of properties within the Township.

C. To establish standards designed to encourage signs which are compatible with their surroundings, appropriate to the type of activity to which they pertain, expressive of the identity of individual proprietors, legible; and to prohibit the erection of signs that do not meet these criteria.

D. To prohibit the construction of and require the removal of signs which constitute a hazard or a blighting influence.

E. To ensure that billboard advertising is reasonably permitted in Thornbury Township and located safely and appropriately where it can be viewed by the traveling public with the least distraction and degradation in driving safety, and to provide billboard advertising in a manner demonstrated to be compatible with the historic, natural, and rural character of Thornbury Township in terms of size, location, visual prominence from areas other than the adjacent highway, and materials and finishes used in construction.

§ 155-1702 Definitions.

A. Words and terms used in this article shall have the meanings defined below, subject to the word usage standards set forth under § 155-200. As used in this chapter, "sign" shall mean 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.

B. Sign types and definitions. The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this article, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

ABANDONED SIGN

Any sign which was erected for an occupant or business unrelated to the present occupant or business, any sign which relates to an obviously outdated event or purpose.

AWNING

A cloth, plastic, or other nonstructural covering that projects from a wall for the purpose of shielding a doorway or window. An awning may be attached in a permanent position or raised or retracted to a position against the building when not in use.

AWNING SIGN

Any sign painted on, or applied to, an awning.

BANNER

A type of temporary sign, not including flags, made of flexible material and attached to a structure, building, pole, rope, wire, or framing anchored on two or more edges or sides.

BILLBOARD

An outdoor sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment, cause, or event conducted, sold, or offered at a location other than the premises on which the sign is located.

BUILDING FRONTAGE

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.

CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN

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.

CLEARANCE

The distance from grade at the sign location to the bottom edge of a sign. This term may also refer to a horizontal distance between two objects.

DIGITAL DISPLAY

The 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.

FLAG

Any 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.

FLASHING, ANIMATED, OR MOVING SIGN

An illuminated sign where such illumination is not constant in intensity at all times when in use, including, but not limited to, motion, rotating, flashing, oscillating, twinkling, shuttering, changes in light, color, direction, or animation, or other similar action. This includes interactive signs that react to the behavior of passersby.

FREESTANDING SIGN

A sign supported by structures, supports, or pylons 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 SIGN

Any sign erected directly upon the ground surface or erected upon an independent structure (legs, base or pole) so that such structure is the main support of the sign or, any sign which is not supported by any part of a building.

ILLUMINATED SIGN

A sign with characters, letters, figures, designs, or outlines, which are illuminated externally by direct or indirect electric lighting or internally by lighting contained within the sign.

INCIDENTAL SIGN

An informational sign indicating general site information, instructions, directives, restrictions, hours of operation, accepted forms of payment, civic affiliations, and other information secondary to the use on-site and not itself advertising the use.

INFLATABLE SIGN

A 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.

MESSAGE SEQUENCING

The spreading of one message across more than one sign structure.

MULTI-TENANT SIGN

A sign located on lot on which a shopping center or complex with multiple tenants is located.

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.

NONCONFORMING SIGN

A sign that was legally erected and maintained at the effective date of this chapter, or amendment thereto, that does not currently comply with the sign regulations for the district in which it is located.

PENNANT

A triangular or other shaped piece of fabric or other material, commonly attached in strings or strands, or supported on small poles intended to flap in the wind and that may or may not include graphics or alpha-numeric characters.

PERMANENT SIGN

A 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.

POLE SIGN

A freestanding sign that is permanently supported in a fixed location by a structure of one or more poles, posts, uprights, or braces from the ground and not supported by a building or a base structure.

PORTABLE SIGN

A type of temporary sign, with or without display or legend, which is not permanently embedded in the ground or attached to a building, and is designed to be transportable or moved whether affixed on a movable stand, mounted on wheels or movable vehicles, or made easily movable in some other manner.

PRIVATE DRIVE SIGN

A sign for 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.

PROJECTING SIGN

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. (Also known as a "blade sign.")

PUBLIC SIGN

A sign erected or required by government agencies or utilities, including for street construction, utility work, warning, or safety.

ROOF SIGN

A building-mounted sign erected upon, against, or over the roof of a building.

SECURITY SIGN

A sign located on a premises on which no trespassing, hunting, and/or soliciting are permitted. (Also known as a "warning sign.")

SHIELDED

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.

SIGN AREA

The total dimensions of a sign surface used to display information, messages, advertising, logos, or symbols.

SIGN FACE

A single side of a sign that may or may not include graphics and/or alpha-numeric characters. Such may be larger, the same, or smaller than sign area.

SIGN HEIGHT

The distance measured from grade to the highest point of the sign structure.

SIGN SUPPORTING STRUCTURE

Poles, posts, walls, frames, brackets, or other supports holding a sign in place.

SNIPE or BANDIT SIGN

A sign tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued, or otherwise attached to trees, poles, stakes, fences, benches, street signs, streetlights, or other objects, or that has been placed on any public property, in the public right-of-way, or on any private property without the permission of the property owner.

STREET POLE BANNER

A banner suspended above a public street or right-of-way, sidewalk and/or parking area and attached to a single street pole.

TEMPORARY SIGN

A nonpermanent sign located on private property that can be displayed for no more than 30 consecutive days at one time.

WALL SIGN

A building-mounted sign which is attached to, displayed on, or painted on an exterior wall or other vertical building surface 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 a "fascia sign," "parallel wall sign," or "band sign.")

WINDOW SIGN

Any sign that is applied, painted, or affixed to a window, or that is placed inside a window (within three feet of the glass) facing the outside of the building, and which is easily seen from the outside.

§ 155-1703 Prohibited signs.

The following signs are unlawful and shall be prohibited in Thornbury Township:

A. Abandoned signs.

B. Signs erected without the permission of the property owner, with the exception of those authorized or required by local, state, or federal government.

C. Snipe signs. Signs shall only be attached to utility poles in conformance with applicable state and utility regulations.

D. Any suspended sign which is either a pennant or a spinner which moves in the wind, except when located inside a stadium, arena or temporary fairground in conjunction with a special event.

E. Inflatable devices or balloon signs.

F. Any sign that interferes with, imitate, or resemble any public sign, signal, or device and are located within 75 feet of a public right-of-way or within 200 feet of a traffic control device, whichever is greater.

G. Any sign located within a public right-of-way which obscured or interfered with the line of sight at any street intersection or traffic signal, or at any other point of vehicular access to a street.

H. Any sign which hinders rapid ingress or egress from any door, window or fire escape. No sign of any kind shall be attached to a standpipe or fire hydrant that creates confusion or interferes with its use and operation.

I. Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors, particulate matter, sound, odor or contain open flames.

J. Reflective signs or signs containing mirrors, excluding those as approved by the Township or PennDOT for traffic use.

K. Any banner sign or sign of any other type across a public street or on any private property, except as permitted under § 155-1704 below.

L. Portable signs.

M. Roof signs.

N. Any off-premises or off-site sign, i.e., a sign unrelated to the property on which it is situated, with the exception of signs permitted in accordance with the terms of § 155-1707. This shall include any off-premises real estate sign(s) placed within or adjacent to any public right-of-way.

O. Advertising signs within 400 feet of a public recreational area of five acres or more, and other such areas as the Supervisors may designate, that obscure or detract from the view of such area.

P. 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.

§ 155-1704 Exempt signs.

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. All owners of such signs must comply with all other applicable standards of this article, including the responsibility for maintenance and repair of signs.

A. Official traffic and public and private street signs, directional signs, public signs, and other similar official federal, state, county, or Township signs within the legal right-of-way of a street, when in accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation specifications under the Pennsylvania Code and/or Thornbury Township Code.

B. Public 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 rest rooms, telephones, or similar public convenience available.

C. Legal notices, identification information, or way-finding information provided by governmental or legislative authorities.

D. Flags and insignia of any municipal, state or federal government.

E. Private drive signs. One sign per driveway entrance, not to exceed two square feet in area.

F. Security signs. Not to exceed two square feet in area.

G. Address signs. Signs required by a federal, state, county or municipal 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, not to exceed one square foot area.

H. 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.

I. Incidental signs, including one or more signs applied to a windowpane, giving store hours or the name or names of accepted credit or charge cards, when the total area of any such sign or all signs together does not exceed two square feet.

J. Art and murals, provide such signs have no commercial messaging or other advertising.

K. Political campaign signs shall be located outside of any public right-of-way.

§ 155-1705 General regulations.

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 government street signs or signals by virtue of position or color.

(2) Except for those classified as exempt under § 155-1704, no sign may be located within any public right-of-way and/or occupy a clear sight triangle of 75 feet (as measured from the center-line intersections of two streets) shall be provided at all intersections. The minimum clear sight triangle shall be increased to 100 feet if either street is a collector street and to 150 feet if either street is an arterial highway.

(3) Signs and their supporting structures shall maintain clearance and noninterference with all surface and underground utility and communications lines or equipment.

B. Sign materials and construction.

(1) Every sign shall be constructed of durable materials, using noncorrosive fastenings; shall be structurally safe and erected or installed in strict accordance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.

(2) Every sign shall be maintained in safe condition and good repair at all times, consistent with this article, so that all sign information is clearly legible.

(3) When applicable, signage for motorists installed on private property and/or within private parking lots shall comply with the standards set forth by the latest Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) by the Federal Highway Administration.

C. Sign area.

(1) The area of a sign shall include all lettering, wording, designs and symbols, together with the background, whether open or enclosed, on which they are displayed, including the frame, but not including any supporting framework and bracing. Where a sign consists of individual letters, numbers, characters or symbols attached to a building, the area of a sign shall be considered to include a square or rectangular pattern as drawn at the outer limits of the letters, words or representations.

(2) Signs may be double-sided. In computing the area of a double-face sign, only one side shall be considered, provided that the faces are identical. In V-type sign structures, the interior angle of which exceeds 45°, both sides shall be considered in measuring the sign area.

(3) 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.

(4) The permitted maximum area for all signs is determined by the sign type and the use of the property where the sign is located.

D. Sign height and spacing.

(1) Sign height shall be measured as the distance from the highest portion of the sign to the mean finished grade of the street closest to the sign. In the case of a sign located greater than 100 feet from a public street, height shall be measured to the mean grade at the base of the sign.

(2) Clearance for freestanding and projecting signs shall be measured as the smallest vertical distance between finished grade and the lowest point of the sign, including any framework or other structural elements.

(3) The permitted maximum height for all signs is determined by the sign type and where the sign is located.

(4) The spacing between sign structures shall be measured as a straight-line distance between the closest edges of each sign.

E. Illumination.

(1) All sign lighting is subject to the standards set forth under § 155-1505.

(2) All illuminated signs shall be constructed to the standards of the Underwriter Laboratories and shall meet Township Electrical and Building Codes.

(3) Illumination may be direct (giving forth light from the interior of the sign through translucent material) or indirect, provided that the light source is directed upon the sign.

(4) The lighting source shall not be directly visible from any street, residence or sidewalk, nor from any other normal vantage point.

F. Sign construction and maintenance. Every sign shall be:

(1) Erected or installed in strict accordance with the Township Building Code with approval of all applicable building permits.

(2) Maintained in a legible, safe condition, and good repair at all times. Specifically, no sign shall be in such a state of disrepair as to have the appearance of neglect or which is rotting, corroding, or falling down or has loose parts separated from original fastenings.

§ 155-1706 Sign type.

In addition to all other applicable standards of this article, the following standards shall apply to the respective types of sign construction specified:

A. Wall signs.

(1) No portion of a wall sign shall be mounted less than 10 feet above the finished grade or extend out more than eight inches from the building wall on which it is affixed. If the wall sign projects less than three inches from the building wall on which it is affixed, the ten-foot height requirement need not be met.

(2) More than one sign shall be permitted per wall, except that the total area of all signs on one wall shall not exceed 10% of the façade and shall further comply with the requirements of § 155-1706A(1).

(3) The total area of all wall 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.

(4) The maximum height of any such sign shall not exceed 15 feet, and the maximum area shall not exceed 48 square feet.

(5) No wall sign shall extend above the top of the wall upon which it is mounted or beyond the edges of the same.

B. Canopy or awning signs.

(1) Canopy or awning signs must be centered within or over architectural elements such as windows or doors.

(2) Signs of the flat-wall type may be erected upon a canopy or awning if the structural strength of such canopy or awning is sufficient to safely carry the additional load, and provided that such signs may not extend beyond the edges of said canopy or awning or extend within otherwise prohibited areas.

(3) Sign placement.

(a) Letters or numerals shall be located only on the front and side vertical faces of the awning or canopy.

(b) Logos or emblems are permitted on the top or angled portion of the awning or canopy up to a maximum of three square feet. No more than one emblem or logo is permitted on any one awning or canopy.

(4) Sign height. The lowest edge of the canopy or awning sign shall be at least eight feet above the finished grade.

(5) Awnings and canopies above the ground floor may be fixed, provided they do not project more than four feet from the face of the building.

(6) Multi-tenant buildings. If the awning or canopy sign is mounted on a multi-tenant building, all awning or canopy signs shall be similar in terms of height, projection, and style across all tenants in the building.

C. Projecting signs.

(1) Districts and structures meeting the criteria of the National Register of Historic Places shall be the only locations where projecting signs may be permitted. Design and location of any such sign shall be subject to review by the Zoning Officer.

(2) Projecting signs shall be so located upon the buildings that the lower edge is a minimum of 10 feet above grade. Projecting signs may project a maximum of four feet from the building wall; provided, however, that no sign shall project to a point nearer than 10 feet from the edge of the paved roadway.

(3) Sign height. The lowest edge of a projecting sign shall be at least 10 feet above the finished grade and shall not extend above the top of the wall upon which it is mounted.

(4) One projecting sign shall be permitted per premises.

D. Window signs.

(1) Incidental window signs shall be excluded from area calculations for window signs.

(2) Multiple window signs shall be permitted per building, provided that all window signs at any one time do not exceed 25% of the total glass area on the side of the building where they are placed. For grocery stores, food markets, and pharmacies, the total glass area covered by window signs shall not exceed 35%.

(3) Window signs may be internally lit when located on a lot within a commercial zoning district.

E. Freestanding (ground) signs.

(1) One freestanding sign is permitted per street upon which the use has direct frontage, provided that a maximum of two such signs shall be permitted as of right on any tract.

(2) Freestanding signs shall be supported and permanently placed by embedding, anchoring, or connecting the sign in such a manner as to incorporate it into the landscape or architectural design scheme.

(3) Height. The maximum height of any sign affixed directly to the ground shall be three feet, six inches. For a pole-type sign, unless otherwise regulated by this article, the maximum height shall be 15 feet and the minimum distance between the ground surface and the bottom of the sign face shall be four feet.

(4) Area. The maximum area shall not exceed 48 square feet.

(5) Sign placement.

(a) No ground sign shall project to a point nearer than 10 feet from any street right-of-way line or public sidewalk; where compliance with this standard would nonetheless create an obstruction of view, further setback may be required.

(b) No freestanding sign may occupy an area designated for parking, loading, walkways, driveways, fire lane, easement, cartway of the right-of-way or other areas required to remain unobstructed.

(c) Ground signs shall be located no closer to any adjacent public park, church, school or public playground than the minimum setback or separation distance required for any other adjacent structure or building, as regulated by this article.

(d) No business ground sign may be located nearer to a residential lot line than the minimum setback distance required for other business or commercial structures. If located nearer than 50 feet from a residential lot line, such sign shall be positioned or designed so as not to shine or reflect light into adjacent residences.

§ 155-1707 Billboards.

A. Definitions. The following terms shall have the following definitions when used in this section:

BILLBOARD STRUCTURE

The framework, supports, display face(s) and electrical components of the billboard.

DIGITAL BILLBOARD

A billboard without moving parts whose content may be changed by electronic process through the use of intermittent light or lights, including, but not limited to, light-emitting diodes (LED), liquid-crystal display (LCD), or plasma-image display.

DISPLAY FACE

The facing of a billboard, including copy, insignia, background, border and trim. The measurement of the display face shall be determined by the smallest rectangle inclusive of all letters and images. Structural supports shall be excluded from calculation of the size of the display face if they are not used to directly express or convey a commercial or noncommercial message.

MONOPOLE SIGN

A billboard sign that is supported by a single pole, column or similar-type vertical structure.

MONUMENT SIGN

A billboard sign that is erected directly upon the ground surface, including the display face and billboard structure.

B. Area, yard and bulk regulations.

(1) Lot area and street frontage. Every lot on which a billboard is located shall comply with the provisions of § 155-805.

(2) Area of billboard. A billboard display face shall be limited to a maximum area of 300 square feet.

(3) Height. A billboard, including the billboard structure, shall be limited to a maximum total height of 24 feet. The height of such billboard, including the billboard structure, shall be measured from the average existing grade based on the area found within a fifty-foot perimeter of the outer limits of the billboard structure.

(4) Setbacks. No billboard shall project to a point nearer than 10 feet from any street right-of-way line or public sidewalk; where compliance with this standard would nonetheless create an obstruction of view, further setback may be required.

C. Lot requirements.

(1) A billboard shall be located only within 500 feet of a highway that is at least four lanes wide.

(2) A billboard shall be permitted only as a principal use on any lot. Billboards shall be constructed only as a monument sign or as a monopole sign, and shall not be attached to a roof or wall of any structure.

(3) No other buildings, structures, or other improvements shall be permitted on the same lot as a billboard.

D. Separation requirements.

(1) A billboard shall not be located within 250 feet of a residential zoning district or an agricultural/residential zoning district.

(2) A billboard shall not be located within 500 feet of any public park, public open space or public playground.

(3) Billboards shall be separated from each other by a minimum distance of 600 feet.

(4) A billboard shall not be located within 175 feet of an intersection with a traffic light.

E. Lighting.

(1) All billboard lighting, except a digital billboard display face, shall be aimed, located, designed, fitted and maintained so as not to project or reflect light onto a neighboring use or property (light trespass), U.S. Route 202, or a nearby intersecting road. The billboard shall be lit only from dusk to 10:00 p.m. All lighting fixtures shall be equipped with devices which automatically extinguish the lighting at 10:00 p.m. There shall be a maximum luminance of 0.1 footcandle measured at any residential property line.

(2) Lighting shall comply with the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America's (IESNA) recommended practices and criteria in the IESNA Lighting Handbook, including, but not limited to, criteria for full-cutoff fixtures. Fixtures shall be equipped with or be capable of being back-fitted with light-directing devices such as shields, visors or hoods when necessary to redirect offending light distribution.

(3) No billboard shall include any flashing, intermittent, animated, rotating or oscillating lighting.

F. Landscaping.

(1) A landscaping plan shall be required for any conditional use application for a billboard. The landscaping plan shall demonstrate that a minimum of 75% of the lot is pervious surface and landscaped with vegetation.

(2) Billboards shall be screened, at the time of construction of the billboard, from any abutting property used or zoned for residential use. Such screening shall consist of evergreen trees of a least 10 feet in height at the time of planting and shall form a continuous visual buffer along or near the property line abutting the residential use or lot.

(3) If at the time of planting the evergreens do not provide for adequate screening, a temporary, nonvegetative screen may be required at the discretion and approval of the Township. This screening shall not exceed the height of the existing billboard and shall be removed at the expense of the billboard owner or lessee owner at such time the evergreens provide for adequate screening as determined by the Township.

G. Digital billboards. Digital billboards shall be permitted in the B Business District. Where such digital billboard is proposed, the following standards and conditions shall apply in addition to the general standards contained within § 155-1707:

(1) The digital billboard display face shall have a maximum luminance of 5,000 nits, as defined by the most current edition of the IESNA Lighting Handbook, from dawn to dusk and a maximum of 125 nits from dusk to 10:00 p.m.

(2) Digital billboard display face illumination of any type shall be prohibited between 10:00 p.m. and dawn so that the entire billboard is completely unlit between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and dawn.

(3) The message displayed on the digital billboard display face shall be static and non-animated and shall remain fixed for a minimum of 20 seconds.

(4) When a message is transitioned on the digital billboard display face, it shall be accomplished in one second or less with all illumination changing simultaneously and in unison.

(5) The digital billboard shall contain a default design that will freeze the sign in one position if a malfunction occurs or, in the alternative, shut down.

(6) The digital billboard shall not display any message that moves, appears to move, scrolls, or changes in intensity during the fixed display period.

(7) The digital billboard display face shall not have lighting that would compete with or distract from red and green traffic signal lighting.

H. Maintenance, financial security and permits.

(1) All maintenance, cleaning and repair, including repair of torn or worn advertising copy and removal of graffiti shall be performed promptly. In the event the Township notifies the owner or lessee of any damage, vandalism, graffiti or offensive advertising to or on the billboard or the billboard structure, the owner or lessee shall repair or correct the problem within 48 hours of such notification. If repairs and corrections are not timely, the Township shall have the right, but not the obligation, to make repairs or corrections and be reimbursed the costs thereof by the owner or lessee.

(2) All billboards shall be properly and adequately secured to prevent unauthorized access.

(3) A bond or other security acceptable to the Township, in the form and amount satisfactory to the Township, shall be posted with the Township to ensure that the billboard will be properly removed after the termination of use for a period of one year.

(4) Billboards shall require a building permit and related permits and shall be constructed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Building Code of Thornbury Township.

(5) All required landscaping and screening shall be maintained by the billboard owner or the property owner.

I. Special requirements.

(1) No billboard shall unreasonably block the view from the roadway of an existing business, logo or sign, or limit or reduce the lighting and ventilation requirements of any Township ordinance or other applicable code.

(2) No billboard shall obscure or physically interfere with an official traffic sign, signal or device.

(3) No billboard shall obstruct any sight triangle in an unsafe manner as determined by the Township's traffic engineer.

§ 155-1708 Signs located in residential zoning districts.

A. The following signs, not qualified as exempt under § 155-1704 and not prohibited under § 155-1703, shall be permitted within residential zoning districts of the Township. The requirements of § 155-1711 regarding sign permits shall be waived for these signs; compliance with all other provisions of this article shall be required.

(1) A temporary sign of a contractor, architect, mechanic, or artisan placed on the property where the contracted work is occurring, shall not exceed four square feet.

(2) Temporary real estate sale/sold/rent/development signs placed on the property to be sold, rented, or developed subject to the following:

(a) Real estate signs are limited to one sign per street frontage of the property.

(b) Real estate signs are not to exceed four square feet.

(3) Temporary political campaign signs, provided that the signs comply with the following:

(a) Temporary political campaign signs must be placed outside of the right-of-way, and a minimum of five feet from the edge of the pavement of any street in the Township. Such signs may not block vehicle sight lines or present any other traffic safety hazard.

(b) Campaign signs within a public right-of-way are to be removed no later than seven days after the relevant election.

(4) Directional signs located within a tract undergoing development, indicating the route to the sales office, model home, construction trailer, etc., subject to the following:

(a) No more than two direction signs per 500 feet of road frontage;

(b) Not to exceed 10 square feet;

(c) Set back at least 25 feet from the nearest road right-of-way;

(d) Not be illuminated; and

(e) Removed within five days of the development's completion.

(5) Not more than one vehicle displaying a business sign shall be parked in a residential district. All other such vehicles shall be concealed (garaged) from public view, except where the vehicle owner or repairman is currently engaged in authorized repairs or construction at that location.

(6) Special event temporary signs, including banners, that identify a grand opening, parade, festival, fund drive, or similar occasion, where such signs are deemed by the Zoning Officer to be of general benefit to the Township or for public convenience, necessity or welfare, subject to the following:

(a) Not to exceed 16 square feet.

(b) Maximum height. Ground sign: 3.5 feet. Wall or window sign: 10 feet.

(c) Permitted for a maximum of 14 days and shall be removed within two days following conclusion of said event.

B. The following signs, not qualified as exempt under § 155-1704 and not prohibited under § 155-1703, shall be permitted in residential zoning districts, provided that they conform with all other provisions of this article, including the requirements for a permit as specified in § 155-1711:

(1) Professional, accessory use, home occupation, or name sign, indicating the name, profession or activity of the occupant of a dwelling, subject to the following:

(a) A maximum of one sign is permitted per dwelling or use.

(b) Shall not exceed two square feet in area.

(c) A wall sign shall not project more than three inches from the building wall to which it is attached.

(2) Identification signs identifying schools, churches, hospitals, or similar institutions and clubs, lodges, farms, estates, residential developments, or similar uses.

(a) There shall be not more than one such sign per organization or use, regardless of construction type.

(b) The maximum dimensions for such a sign shall be as follows:

[1] Area.

[a] Ground sign: 12 square feet.

[b] Projecting or wall sign: 10 square feet.

[2] Height:

[a] Ground sign: 3.5 feet.

[b] Wall sign: 12 feet.

(3) Temporary signs, located on tracts approved for or undergoing development, which announce the future uses, names and/or occupants of such tracts. Such signs shall be limited to one per tract and shall comply with the dimensional standards for business signs, as stipulated in § 155-1709.

§ 155-1709 Signs located in commercial districts.

The following sings shall be permitted in the Business District and/or Multipurpose District:

A. Any sign permitted under the terms of § 155-1708.

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. The maximum height of any such sign shall not exceed 15 feet, and the maximum area shall not exceed 48 square feet.

D. For an individual, freestanding principal use of a commercial or industrial nature, there shall be not more than one sign (regardless of construction type) for each public street on which the property fronts, exclusive of window signs.

(1) In addition to the otherwise applicable provisions of this article, gasoline service stations may erect and maintain four accessory signs, provided that each such sign does not exceed four square feet in area.

E. Wall signs on lots with commercial and industrial uses shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.

(1) Number. Each individual use shall be permitted one wall sign, except a multi-tenant building, which shall be limited to one wall sign. Wall signs in a planned commercial or office center shall be uniform and coordinated in style, materials and colors.

(2) Area. The total area for all wall signs are subject to the regulations in § 155-1706A(3).

(3) Height. Signs shall have a maximum height equal to the eave line of the structure where it is placed.

F. Awning or canopy signs on lots with commercial and industrial uses shall be permitted subject to the following regulations:

(1) Number. One under-canopy sign per each tenant/business entity within the shopping center complex, perpendicular to the front façade of the store.

(2) Area. Under-canopy signs shall not exceed eight square feet per side.

(3) Height. Signs shall have a maximum height equal to the eave line of the structure where it is placed.

G. Directory signs. Where permitted, directory signs may be erected identifying two or more persons, agencies or establishments and erected primarily as a service to motoring or pedestrian traffic.

(1) Such signs shall be ground signs only and shall be limited in number as prescribed in § 155-1706E.

(2) Such signs may list only a name, address, logo, and primary product or service of each firm or business and may contain a graphic directory or map to assist in locating destinations.

(3) The respective permitted areas of information on multiple directory signs shall be limited to no more than three square feet per establishment listed and no more than 10 square feet per graphic directory, provided that the total sign area does not exceed 25 square feet.

(4) The maximum height of a directory sign shall be 15 feet.

(5) Such signs shall be located a minimum of 15 feet from the street line and a minimum of 20 feet from the nearest street access driveway and shall be situated for maximum visibility from the vehicular accessway.

H. Signs erected in conjunction with shopping center development shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.

(1) Ground signs.

(a) Information contained on the ground sign shall be limited to advertisement of establishments on the premises and the name of the shopping center and/or the management/leasing company in charge of operation of the shopping center.

(b) Number. One ground sign identifying the shopping center shall be permitted at each vehicular entrance from a public street, not to exceed two such signs.

(c) Area. Shall not exceed 180 square feet per side.

(d) Height. Shall have a maximum height equal to 15 feet in height.

(2) Freestanding business signs.

(a) Number. One freestanding sign shall be permitted per each business contained within its own freestanding building within the shopping center complex, not attached to any other building.

(b) Area. Shall not exceed 25 square feet per side.

[1] Ground signs for gasoline service stations may be built to the dimensions allowable for a directory sign, as prescribed by § 155-1709G.

(c) Height. Maximum height equal to 15 feet in height.

I. Signs erected in conjunction with planned commercial or office centers containing multiple or multitenant buildings shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.

(1) Number. One ground shall be permitted for identification purposes at or near the entrance of each separate building. Such signs shall be permitted in addition to directory signs authorized by § 155-1709G.

(2) Area. Sign shall not exceed 15 square feet.

(3) Height. Maximum height equal to five feet in height.

J. Projecting signs on lots with commercial and industrial uses shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 155-1706C.

K. Window signs on lots with commercial and industrial uses shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 155-1706D.

§ 155-1710 Removal of unsafe, unlawful, or abandoned signs.

A. Unsafe or unlawful signs.

(1) Whenever a sign becomes structurally unsafe and/or poses a potential threat to the safety of a building or premises or endangers the public safety and such condition becomes known to the Zoning Officer, he/she shall give written notice to the owner of the premises on which the sign is located that such sign must be made safe or removed within five days, unless the Zoning Officer shall deem appropriate a more extended period for compliance.

(2) Where, in the opinion of the Zoning Officer upon careful inspection by he/she and the Township Building Official, any sign as described above constitutes an imminent hazard to public safety necessitating immediate action, he/she shall be empowered to take those measures he/she deems appropriate to secure, stabilize or remove such sign without the written notice to the owner of the premises otherwise required by that section. In such cases, a lien shall be placed against the property on which such sign was situated in the amount of the costs incurred by the Township to secure, stabilize, or remove the sign.

(3) Failure of the Zoning Officer to remove, or require the removal of any unsafe sign as described in this section shall create no liability upon, nor any cause of action against, the Township, the Zoning Officer or any other Township official or employee for damage or injury that may occur as a result of such 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 30 days of the sign becoming abandoned as defined in this section. Removal of an abandoned sign shall include the removal of the entire sign including the sign face, supporting structure, structural trim, and all associated electrical components when applicable.

(2) Where the owner of the property on which an abandoned sign is located fails to remove such sign in 30 days Thornbury Township may remove such sign after the Zoning Officer gives written notice to the sign owner. 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, Thornbury Township may file a lien upon the property for the purpose of recovering all reasonable costs, including reasonable attorney fees incurred by the Township associated with the removal of the sign.

§ 155-1711 Permits and applications.

A. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to erect, alter, repair, or relocate any sign within Thornbury Township without first obtaining a sign permit, unless the sign is specifically exempt from the permit requirements as outlined in § 155-1704.

B. Application for a sign 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 the requirements of this article. All applications for sign permits shall be accompanied by plans or diagrams in duplicate and approximately to scale, 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, and 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.

C. No permit for an off-site sign shall be issued until the property owner's consent and signature have been filed.

D. No permit to erect a sign shall be issued until the required fee has been paid to the Zoning Officer, which fee shall be established from time to time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.

E. No sign permit shall be issued unless there is conformance with the regulations of this article, except upon order of the Zoning Hearing Board, granted pursuant to the procedures established for the issuance of a variance.

F. Thornbury Township shall have 15 business days from the receipt of a complete application to review the application.

G. After installation, the Zoning Officer shall inspect the sign to ensure that the installation has conformed to the regulations set forth in this article. All signs shall henceforth be subject to annual inspection.

§ 155-1712 Nonconforming signs.

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. Nonconforming signs should comply with all provisions of § 155-1905.

§ 155-1713 Substitution clause.

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.

§ 155-1714 Violations and penalties.

The placement of a sign that requires a sign permit without a sign permit shall be unlawful. Violations of this chapter shall be treated as prescribed within § 155-2107.