It is the intent of this article to authorize the use of signs
whose types, sizes and arrangements are compatible with their surroundings,
preserve the natural beauty of the area, protect existing property
values in both residential and nonresidential areas, prevent endangering
the public safety, express the identity of the community as a whole
or individual properties or occupants, legible in the circumstances
in which they are seen, and appropriate to traffic safety. These regulations
are designed and intended to prevent over-concentration, improper
placement and excessive height, bulk and area of signs.
A.
It is unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter,
move or convert any sign in the Borough or cause the same to be done
without first obtaining a sign permit for each sign.
B.
Applications for a sign permit shall be made in writing to the Zoning
Officer and shall be accomplished by such information as may be required
to assure compliance with these regulations and all other appropriate
ordinances and regulations of the Borough.
C.
Sign permits shall be issued for the life of the sign or any shorter
period as stated on the approved permit application. However, any
permit may be revoked at any time by the Zoning Officer upon finding
that the sign violates any provision of this article or that the permittee
made false representations in securing the permit.
D.
No person shall erect, construct or maintain any sign upon any property,
structure or building without the prior written consent of the owner
or person entitled to possession of the property, structure or building,
or his authorized representative. The written consent must accompany
the sign permit application.
E.
Every sign permit issued shall become null and void if installation
is not commenced within 180 days from the date of such permit.
[Amended 6-12-2019 by Ord. No. 982; 7-8-2020 by Ord. No. 990]
Signs in all zoning districts shall be categorized according
to the types and classes described below and shall comply with the
requirements for those types and classes described in this section.
A.
Classes. Signs are classified by physical attributes into the following
categories:
(1)
Freestanding. A sign supported on a foundation or by one or
more uprights, poles or braces permanently affixed to the ground and
not attached to any building or other structure, including:
(a)
Pole sign. A freestanding sign which is supported by one or
more poles, uprights or braces and which has a minimum clearance between
the bottom edge of the sign and the adjacent ground level as specified
by this chapter.
(b)
Ground sign. A freestanding sign which is affixed to the ground
by means of a permanent foundation and which provides a maximum clearance
of 18 inches between the bottom edge of the sign and the adjacent
ground level.
(2)
Wall. A sign or painting permanently attached to and erected
parallel to the face of an outside wall of a building, projecting
outward no more than six inches from the wall of the building.
(3)
Bulletin. A type of changeable copy sign constructed to allow
letters or symbols to be changed periodically, such as those used
by churches and schools to announce events. The sign shall be a permanent
installation.
(4)
Roof sign. A sign erected and maintained permanently upon or
above the roof of any building which projects no more than six feet
above the roof.
(5)
Overhanging. A sign, other than a wall sign, permanently affixed
to a building or wall whose leading edge extends beyond such building
or wall more than six inches.
(6)
Billboard. An off-site sign which advertises goods or services
unrelated to or not available on the premises where the sign is located.
Billboard signs are permanently affixed to the ground and cannot be
illuminated from within or otherwise be electronic message center
signs.
(7)
Changeable copy. A sign that is permanent and is designed so
that characters, letters or illustrations can be changed or rearranged
either manually or electronically without altering the face or surface
of the sign. This definition excludes electronic message center signs.
(8)
Indirectly illuminated. A sign which is lighted by means of
lamps or lighting devices external to, and reflected on, the sign,
which lighting is stationary and constant in intensity and color at
all times and which is shielded so that the illumination is concentrated
on the face of the sign, and there is no spillover of illumination
or glare beyond the face of the sign.
(9)
Internally illuminated. A sign which is lighted by means of
lamps or lighting devices internal to the sign, which lighting is
either behind the face of the sign or is an integral part of the sign
structure and the advertising effect.
(10)
Off-premises directional. A sign, other than a billboard, as
defined herein, erected by a business, agency, organization or development
located within the Borough, that directs vehicular traffic to an establishment,
event, activity, product or service not sold, produced or available
on the property on which the sign is located, but not including any
directional signs erected by a governmental agency, which are exempt
from these regulations.
(11)
Electronic message center sign. Any sign that utilizes digital
and/or computer- generated messages or some other electronic means
of changing the sign display. These signs include displays using internal
incandescent lamps, LEDs, LCDs or other similar types of technology.
(12)
Portable signs. Any sign that is not securely and permanently
affixed to the ground, which may have two faces, one on the front
and one on the back, connected by a hinge in the middle. Also known
as a "sandwich sign" or "A-frame sign."
B.
Types. Signs are categorized by use, function or purpose into the
following types:
(1)
Residential identification. A sign containing only the name
and address of the occupant of a dwelling.
(2)
Home occupation or home office identification. A sign containing
only the name and address of the occupant of the dwelling and their
occupation.
(3)
Notification. Signs bearing legal and/or property notices, such
as no trespassing, private property, no turnaround, safety zone, no
hunting and similar messages and signs posted by a governmental agency
for traffic control or the safety of the general public.
(4)
On-premises directional. A sign which directs and/or instructs
vehicular or pedestrian traffic relative to parking areas, proper
exits, loading areas, entrance points and similar information on the
premises on which it is located.
(5)
Business identification sign. A sign which contains the name,
address and goods, services, facilities or events available on the
premises.
(6)
Temporary signs. A banner, flag, pennant or similar display
constructed of durable material and affixed to the wall of a building
or anchored to the ground, designed to withstand wind speeds of 50
miles per hours, which shall be maintained in a safe and good condition,
without signs of deterioration.
The following regulations shall apply to signs in all zoning
districts.
A.
Restricted signs. The following signs shall not be permitted in any
zoning district.
(1)
Signs located within or extending into any Borough right-of-way
unless placed by a government entity.
(2)
Roof signs.
(3)
Signs illuminated by a flashing, pulsating or intermittent source.
(4)
Signs with moving parts.
(5)
Signs illuminated by strings of bare bulbs or lighted in such
a manner as to cause glare on adjacent streets or properties.
(6)
Signs that obstruct sight within a clear vision triangle.
(7)
Signs that are distracting and can be perceived as confusing
to motorists.
(8)
Any sign determined to be unsafe or insecure or that is erected
in violation of the provisions of this chapter.
(9)
"A-frame" or sandwich board signs on private property, other
than temporary signs as authorized by this chapter.
[Amended 6-12-2019 by Ord. No. 982]
(10)
Portable or wheeled signs.
(11)
Banners and pennants, other than temporary special event displays
authorized by this chapter.
(12)
Signs affixed to trees, utility poles, fences, equipment or
official traffic control devices or signs.
(13)
Signs on or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers which are parked
on a public right-of-way, public property or private property, other
than temporarily for overnight storage on the site of a business or
for maintenance, repair, loading, unloading or rendering a service
at any location, which are visible from the public right-of-way and
where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct people
to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property.
B.
Lots with multiple street frontage. In all zoning districts, lots
fronting on more than one street shall be permitted to have one additional
business identification wall sign which is authorized per lot on each
street frontage.
C.
[1]Notification signs. In all zoning districts, the number,
location and size of legal notification signs erected by public agencies
shall be in accordance with the laws of the commonwealth. In all zoning
districts, legal notification signs posted on private property by
property owners shall be limited to a surface area not exceeding two
square feet. The placement and maximum number of signs permitted along
road frontages shall be one sign for every 50 feet of road frontage.
[Amended 6-12-2019 by Ord. No. 982]
D.
Visibility. No sign shall be located in such a position that it will
cause a hazard by obstructing visibility for traffic on a street or
obscuring a traffic signal or other traffic control device. No sign,
other than official traffic signs, shall hang over or be erected within
the right-of-way of any street.
E.
Illumination. Illumination, when authorized by this chapter, shall
be directed upon the sign face and not towards adjoining properties
or streets. Flashing or oscillating signs shall not be permitted.
Lighting shall be stationary and constant in intensity and color at
all times. The intensity of any source of illumination of any sign,
whether indirect or internal, shall be controlled so as to not create
glare and to be compatible with the intensity of ambient light and
illumination on surrounding properties.
F.
Maintenance and inspection. All signs must be constructed of a durable
material and maintained in good condition. Any sign found to be in
an unsafe condition upon inspection shall be declared to be a public
nuisance, and the Zoning Officer shall give notice to the owner in
writing to repair or remove the sign within 10 days. Upon failure
of the owner to comply, the Borough shall remove the sign at the owner's
expense.
G.
Removal of signs. Whenever any business is discontinued or vacated,
all signs relating to the discontinued or vacated business shall be
removed within 30 days of the vacation or discontinuance of the business.
Upon failure of the owner to comply, the Borough shall remove the
sign at the owner's expense.
H.
Permits required. No permit shall be required for the following types
of signs: temporary, notification, residential identification and
directional signs. Permits for all other signs shall be required.
The Zoning Officer shall issue the required permits upon submission
of an application which complies with all applicable provisions of
this chapter and payment of the required fee established from time
to time by resolution of Borough Council.
[Amended 6-12-2019 by Ord. No. 982]
[Amended 6-12-2019 by Ord. No. 982]
The following signs are authorized in all zoning districts:
A.
One bulletin sign, which is nonilluminated or indirectly or internally
illuminated and which does not exceed 24 square feet in surface area,
shall be permitted in connection with any church, school, library
or similar public or semipublic building.
B.
One nonilluminated temporary sign shall be permitted on the premises
of a property that is listed for sale or lease or is actively being
developed, provided the surface area of the sign shall not exceed
six square feet in any residential zoning district or 12 square feet
in any other zoning district. Such signs shall be removed within 10
days of the sale, lease or completion of development of the property.
C.
One nonilluminated temporary sign shall be permitted on the premises
of a property wherein contractors or artisans are performing work.
Said signs shall be permitted on the property, provided the sign shall
not exceed 12 square feet in area and shall be removed immediately
upon completion of the work.
D.
One nonilluminated temporary sign shall be permitted to be erected
on the face of a public building, church or building housing a nonprofit
organization, when said location is hosting an event, provided that
the area of the sign shall not exceed 40 square feet, and provided
the sign is displayed for a period no longer than 15 days and is removed
within five days following the event. The person operating the event
may place, upon consent of the property owner, two off-site temporary
signs.
E.
Placement of temporary signs during elections or political campaigns.
(1)
Temporary signs on public property. Signs may be posted on public
property located within the Borough within 30 days of the date of
a special election, primary election, municipal, state or federal
election, or any other election, subject to the following general
requirements:
(a)
Number of signs. No more than one sign shall be placed on public
property at any intersection of roads or streets by any one person
or organization nor shall signs be placed by the same person or organization
within 50 feet of each other.
(b)
Area. Signs on public property shall not exceed an aggregate
gross surface area of six square feet, as measured from the base of
the sign or grade of the nearest adjacent roadway, whichever is higher.
(c)
Height. Signs shall not project higher than four feet, as measured
from the base of the sign or grade of the nearest adjacent roadway,
whichever is higher.
(d)
Timing. Signs may be erected or maintained for a period not
to exceed 30 days prior to the date of the election and shall be removed
within three days following the termination of the election.
(e)
Illumination. Signs shall not be illuminated in any manner.
(f)
Posting of a cash bond. Prior to any person, firm or corporation
placing a sign pursuant to this subsection within the confines of
any public right-of-way within the Borough, there shall be posted
with the Borough Manager a cash bond in the amount of $100.
(g)
Required information. At the time of the posting of the cash
bond, there shall be submitted to the Borough, on a form supplied
by the Borough, the following information:
(h)
Required consent of the Borough for the placement of sign on
public rights-of-way or public property pursuant to this subsection.
The Borough reserves the absolute right to deny a request to post
a sign on public property or to require the removal of any such sign
at any time whenever such sign poses a threat to the public's safety,
health and welfare. Specific prohibitions include, but are not limited
to, the following:
(i)
Return of bond. If the sign is removed within three days after
the date when it was declared to the Borough that it would be so removed,
the cash bond shall be refunded to the person or organization responsible
for posting that bond.
(j)
Forfeiture of bond. If the signs are not removed within three
days after the date when it was declared to the Borough that they
would be so removed, the posted cash bond as required by this section
shall be forfeited to the general fund of the Borough in an amount
of $5 per sign as the cost to the Borough to remove the signs.
(2)
Temporary signs on private property during time of election.
Signs posted on private property located within the Borough within
30 days of the date of a special election, primary election, municipal,
state or federal election, or any other election, subject to the following
general requirements:
(a)
Number of signs. No more than one sign shall be placed on private
property per item on the ballet of the applicable election.
(b)
Area. Signs on private property shall not exceed an aggregate
gross surface area of six square feet, as measured from the base of
the sign or grade of the nearest adjacent roadway, whichever is higher.
(c)
Height. Signs shall not project higher than four feet, as measured
from the base of the sign or grade of the nearest adjacent roadway,
whichever is higher.
(d)
Timing. Signs may be erected or maintained for a period not
to exceed 30 days prior to the date of the election and shall be removed
within three days following the termination of the election.
(e)
Illumination. Signs shall not be illuminated in any manner.
(f)
Posting of a cash bond. Prior to any person, firm or corporation
placing a sign pursuant to this subsection upon or within any private
property within the Borough, there shall be posted with the Borough
Manager a cash bond in the amount of $100.
(g)
Required information. At the time of the posting of the cash
bond, there shall be submitted to the Borough, on a form supplied
by the Borough, the following information:
(h)
Required consent of the property owner prior to the placement
of signs on private property. The property owner reserves the absolute
right to deny a request to post a sign on private property or to require
the removal of any such sign at any time whenever such sign poses
a threat to the public's safety, health and welfare. The Borough also
reserves the absolute right to restrict the placement of any sign
upon or within private property if the same violates any of the restrictions
set forth in this chapter, including, but not limited to, the following
prohibitions:
(i)
Return of bond. If the sign is removed within three days after
the date when it was declared to the Borough that it would be so removed,
the cash bond shall be refunded to the person or organization responsible
for posting that bond.
(j)
Forfeiture of bond. If the signs are not removed within three
days after the date when it was declared to the Borough that they
would be so removed, the posted cash bond as required by this section
shall be forfeited to the general fund of the Borough in an amount
of $5 per sign as the cost to the Borough to remove the signs.
(3)
Violations and penalties. Any person who shall be convicted
of a violation of any of the provisions of this subsection before
a Magisterial District Judge having jurisdiction shall be sentenced
to pay a fine of not more than $300 together with the costs of prosecution,
or to imprisonment in the county jail for a term not to exceed 30
days, or both.
F.
One nonilluminated identification sign shall be permitted at the
location of an approved home occupation or home office, provided that
the surface area of the sign does not exceed one square foot.
The following signs shall be permitted in all residential zoning
districts:
A.
Residential plan. One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated permanent
wall or freestanding ground sign located at a residential plan for
identification and address purposes, which shall not exceed 12 square
feet in area. The sign may be affixed to a freestanding decorative
wall, rather than to a building wall, provided that the decorative
wall meets all applicable ordinance requirements and does not obstruct
visibility for traffic entering or leaving the plan. Any such sign
which is proposed to be located in a public right-of-way shall be
subject to permission from the owner of the right-of-way and assignment
of responsibility for maintenance of the sign to the developer or
a homeowners' association.
[Amended 6-12-2019 by Ord. No. 982]
B.
One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated wall or freestanding
ground identification sign for any nonresidential use, other than
a home occupation, authorized by special exception in a residential
zoning district, which shall not exceed 12 square feet in area.
C.
One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated wall or freestanding
ground sign dentifying a lawfully maintained nonconforming use in
a residential zoning district, which shall not exceed 12 square feet
in area.
[Amended 6-12-2019 by Ord. No. 982]
[Amended 6-12-2019 by Ord. No. 982; 7-8-2020 by Ord. No. 990]
The following signs shall be permitted in all commercial and
industrial districts:
A.
Directional signs. On lots with areas less than one acre, a maximum
of four nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated directional signs,
each of which shall not exceed four square feet in area, shall be
permitted. On lots with areas of one acre or more, a maximum of six
nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated directional signs, each of
which shall not exceed four square feet in area, shall be permitted
on the first acre. For each additional acre or fraction thereof over
one acre, two additional directional signs shall be permitted.
B.
Changeable copy signs. In addition to the authorized business identification
signs, one nonilluminated or internally illuminated changeable copy
sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the number of businesses
on the lot, which shall not exceed 30 square feet in area and which
shall be permanently affixed to the wall of the building or to the
supporting structure of an authorized freestanding sign on the lot.
C.
General signage requirements.
(1)
Wall signs. Each business establishment shall be permitted to
have wall signs which may be illuminated or nonilluminated. The aggregate
area of all wall signs shall not exceed two square feet for each lineal
foot of width of the street-facing wall of the building or portion
of the building occupied by the business.
(2)
Ground signs. In addition to the wall signs, one freestanding
ground sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the number of
businesses on the lot, provided that:
(a)
No freestanding pole sign exists or is proposed to be erected
on the lot.
(b)
The maximum surface area of the ground sign shall not exceed
24 square feet.
(c)
The height and location of the sign shall be designed so as
to not interfere with visibility for vehicular traffic entering or
leaving the lot or traveling on any street.
(d)
Ground signs shall be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated
only. Internally illuminated ground signs shall not be permitted.
(e)
No portion of any ground sign shall be located closer than 10
feet to any curb or, if there is no curb, to the edge of paving of
a public street.
(f)
Ground signs are not permitted if a pole sign or roof sign is
present.
(3)
Pole signs. In addition to the authorized wall signs, one freestanding
pole sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the number of
businesses on the lot, provided that:
(a)
No freestanding ground sign exists or is proposed to be erected
on the lot.
(b)
The property has a minimum of 100 feet of frontage on a public
right-of-way.
(c)
The pole sign shall be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated
or internally illuminated.
(d)
The maximum height of the top of the pole sign shall be 20 feet.
(e)
The minimum height of the bottom edge of the pole sign shall
be eight feet.
(f)
The maximum size of the freestanding pole sign shall not exceed
64 square feet and neither dimension of such sign shall be less than
six feet.
(g)
No portion of any pole sign shall project over any public right-of-way.
(h)
No portion of any pole sign shall be located closer than 10
feet to any curb or, if there is no curb, to the edge of paving of
a public street.
(i)
Pole signs are not permitted if a ground sign or roof sign is
present.
(4)
Overhanging signs. In addition to authorized wall signs, one
overhanging sign, hanging from a horizontal pole or structural element
of the building, with said sign being permanently affixed to said
pole or structural element of the building (hanging from a metal chain
or bolted, with said hanging devices being sufficient to hold the
sign and withstand substantial wind), provided that:
(a)
No freestanding ground or pole sign exists or is proposed to
be erected on the lot.
(b)
The property has frontage on a public right-of-way.
(c)
The sign shall be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or
internally illuminated.
(d)
The maximum height of the top of the sign shall be 15 feet.
(e)
The minimum height of the bottom edge of the pole sign shall
be seven feet, unless the applicant can show that the sign is not
above the sidewalk or is in such a position that it is not in danger
of being struck by a passing pedestrian, on foot, bicycle, or other
mode of transportation.
(f)
The maximum size of the sign shall not exceed four square feet
and neither dimension of such sign shall be less than six feet.
(g)
No portion of any pole sign shall project over or be within
two feet of the curb, or if there is no curb, the edge of paving of
a public street.
D.
(Reserved)
E.
Off-premises directional signs. A maximum of four off-premises directional
signs shall be permitted to be erected by any business or organization
located within the Borough, with the following restrictions:
(1)
The off-premises directional sign shall be located only along
an arterial or collector street, as defined herein. The maximum number
of signs located at any intersection or at any other individual location
along the arterial or collector street shall be four signs.
(2)
The off-premises directional signs shall be nonilluminated and
shall not exceed six square feet in surface area. Such signs shall
be permitted in the public right-of-way only if permission is granted
by the owner of the right-of-way and, if the owner of the right-of-
way is Westmoreland County or PennDOT, the applicable permit is obtained
for the use of the right-of-way. Evidence of permission from the landowner
in the form of a lease agreement or notarized statement shall be required
for signs that are proposed to be erected on property owned by an
owner other than the owner of the business or organization the sign
is intended to serve.
(3)
Signs located outside the public right-of-way shall be located no closer than 10 feet to the edge of the right-of-way and no closer than 15 feet to the edge of the cartway if the right-of-way is not contiguous with the lot line. The sign shall comply with the requirements of § 260-139E regarding visibility at intersections.
(4)
A permit shall be required for such off-premises directional
signs and shall be renewable annually by the Zoning Officer upon a
determination of compliance with these regulations.
F.
Portable signs. Portable signs shall be permitted as of right on
properties that are located in the C-B-R. C-H and I Zone Districts
or are otherwise occupied by a commercial property use. A maximum
of two portable signs may be placed on a lot, so long as they are
at least 30 feet apart, as follows:
(1)
The sign shall be located on private property and off the public
right-of-way and shall not obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic
on any parking spot, handicap ramp, street, alley, curb, sidewalk
or similar improvement.
(2)
The sign may have a maximum surface area of six square feet,
per face.
(3)
The sign may not be illuminated, whether internally, externally
or in any other manner.
(4)
The sign shall be durable, weatherproof, and sturdy and shall
not be in a state of disrepair.
(5)
If the sign is for off-site advertising, the person placing
the sign on that property must have the written consent of the property
owner.
(6)
If the sign is for on-site advertising, it shall only be displayed
during the site's hours of operation. If it is for off-site advertising,
it shall only be displayed from the hours of 7:00 a.m. through 9:00
p.m.
(7)
Signs shall be removed from display during high wind weather
events and under other circumstances were the sign could pose a threat
to the health, safety and welfare of the public at large.
(8)
Failure to abide by the regulations herein concerning portable
signs shall result in the confiscation of signs. Signs may be released
to the owner upon payment of an administration, storage and recovery
fee. Said fee shall be in an amount as established, from time to time,
by the Borough of Irwin Council by way of Resolution.
[Amended 7-14-2021 by Ord. No. 995]
Billboards may be permitted only as a special exception when
approved by the Zoning Hearing Board after submission in accordance
with the procedures specified in this chapter and provided that all
of the following requirements are met:
A.
Location. Billboards shall not be erected on any property within
a residential zoning district or within 500 feet of the property line
of any public or private school property, measured along the highway
frontage of the street or highway on which the billboard is located
from a point on the center line of the street or highway which is
perpendicular to the centermost point of the billboard structure and
parallel to the front lot line of the lot on which the billboard is
located. Billboards may be erected within 400 feet of the center line
(measured horizontally) of Pennsylvania Route 30.
(1)
The minimum side and rear yard requirements applying to a principal
use as set forth within the zoning district in which the billboard
is to be located shall apply to each billboard structure, except that
where the yard adjoins a residential zoning classification the minimum
required yard shall be 100 feet.
(2)
The maximum lot coverage as specified for the zoning district
in which the billboard is to be located shall apply to any lot upon
which a billboard structure is located and shall be cumulative, including
any other structures and buildings on the same lot therewith.
(3)
No billboard shall be erected in such a manner as to block the
view from the road or street of any existing business sign, residential
or nonresidential structure, or limit or reduce the light and ventilation
requirements under the Borough Building Code.[1]
(4)
No part of any billboard shall be located closer than 10 feet
to any street right-of-way.
(5)
No billboard shall be constructed within the clear sight triangle
of the public street on which it is situated and shall not in any
case obstruct or impede traffic safety.
(6)
Billboards shall not be mounted on the roof, wall or other part
of a building or any other structure.
B.
Size and height. A billboard shall have a maximum allowable gross
surface area of 750 square feet per sign face. A billboard shall have
a maximum of two sign faces per billboard structure. However, the
gross surface area of each sign face shall not exceed the 750 square
foot maximum.
(1)
The billboard structure may have sign faces placed back to back
or in a V-shaped configuration on a single billboard structure.
(2)
The billboard's gross surface area shall not exceed 20 feet
in total height or 60 feet in total length.
(3)
A billboard structure shall have a maximum height of 40 feet
above the curb of the street from which they are intended to be viewed.
However, the height of a billboard structure oriented to a depressed
street shall be measured from the grade at the base of the billboard.
C.
Construction methods. Billboards shall be constructed in accordance
with applicable provisions of the Borough of Irwin Building Code[2] and in addition:
(1)
A billboard structure shall have a maximum of one vertical support,
being a maximum of three feet in diameter or width and without bracing
or vertical supports.
(2)
The one vertical support shall be capable of enabling the entire
sign face to be able to withstand a minimum sixty-mile-per-hour wind
load.
(3)
A billboard sign face shall be independently supported and have
vertical supports of metal which are galvanized or otherwise treated
to prevent rust and corrosion.
(4)
The entire base of the billboard structure on the side of the
sign face shall be permanently landscaped with suitable shrubbery
and/or bushes of minimum height of three feet placed in such manner
as to screen the foundation of the structure.
(5)
Landscaping shall be maintained by the sign owner in an attractive
and healthy manner in accordance with accepted conservation practices.
(6)
Permanent landscaping shall form a base and/or backdrop to the
billboard sign when practical in the opinion of the Zoning Officer.
(7)
A billboard with display lighting shall be constructed so that
it does not glare upon adjoining property and shall not exceed a maximum
of 1.5 footcandles upon the adjoining property.
(8)
Display lighting shall not operate between 12:00 midnight and
5:00 a.m., prevailing local time.
(9)
No billboard structure, sign face, or display lighting shall
move, flash or emit noise. No display lighting shall cause distractions,
confusion, nuisance or hazard to traffic, aircraft or other properties.
(10)
The use of colored lighting is not permitted.
D.
Maintenance.
(1)
A billboard structure shall be entirely painted every three
years.
(2)
Every 10 years, the owner of the billboard shall have a structural
inspection made of the billboard by a qualified Pennsylvania-registered
engineer or architect and shall provide to the Borough a certificate
from the engineer or architect certifying that the billboard is structurally
sound.
(3)
Annual inspections of the billboard shall be conducted by the
Borough to determine compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
(4)
Billboards found to be in violation of this chapter shall be
brought into compliance or removed within 30 days upon proper notification
by the Borough.
(5)
Billboards using removable paper or other materials shall be
maintained in such condition as to eliminate loose or frayed material
protruding or hanging from the structure.
E.
Permits. Special exception approval for a billboard shall be valid
for six months from the date of action by the Zoning Hearing Board
granting the special exception. If the applicant fails to obtain a
building permit for the billboard within the six-month period, special
exception approval shall automatically expire without notice to the
applicant.
[Amended 7-8-2020 by Ord. No. 990]
Electronic message center signs shall be a secondary or accessory
use to a nonresidential structure, with said sign being constructed
primarily for on-site advertisement. A secondary purpose for the sign
may be use for off-site advertisements. Primary is defined as 51%
of the images being displayed over the course of the desired cycle
be for advertising activities conducted on-site.
A.
Electronic message center signs shall only be located in the C-B-R,
C-H and I Zone Districts.
B.
Messages shall not change at a frequency of more than once every
seven seconds (time, temperature and date signs may change more frequently,
but must do so on a separate portion of the changeable copy area of
the sign). The time interval used to change from one complete message
to another complete message or display shall be a maximum of one second.
There shall not be any appearance of a visual dissolve or fading in
which any part of one electronic message or display appears simultaneously
with any part of a second message or display. There shall be no appearance
of flashing or sudden bursts of light and no appearance of animation,
movement or flow of the message. Lighting shall be constructed so
that it does not glare upon adjoining residential properties and shall
not exceed a maximum of 1.5 footcandles upon the adjoining residential
property.
C.
An electronic message display board that has a display area of only
a single line is permitted to alternate between a display of time
and a display of temperature, or to alternate between a display of
a message and a display of time and temperature. Each of the lines
of an alternating display may have a maximum of 30 characters, including
all letters, numbers, spaces or other symbols. The content of a single-line
display that alternates between a display of time and a display of
temperature may be changed at each alternation and may alternate at
time periods of not less than two seconds.
D.
An electronic message center sign shall not be larger than 24 square
feet, and must comply with all regulations that apply to the manner
in which the sign is affixed to the property, such as a freestanding,
wall, roof, hanging or other type of sign.
E.
Electronic message center signs for properties adjacent to residentially
zoned parcels housing residential structures may only operate between
the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight.
