[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township
of Barrett 3-9-2016 by Ord. No.
185. Amendments noted where applicable.]
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Barrett
Township Sign Ordinance."
The purpose of this chapter is to protect the safety and orderly
development of the community through the regulation of signs and sign
structures. The regulations for signs have the following specific
objectives:
A.
To ensure that signs are designed, constructed, installed and maintained
according to minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property
and public welfare;
B.
To allow and promote positive conditions for sign communication;
C.
To reflect and support the character of the Township;
D.
To allow for adequate and effective signs whose dimensional characteristics
further the interests of public safety and the needs of the motorist;
and
E.
To enable the fair and consistent enforcement of the sign restrictions
throughout the Township.
A.
A sign may be erected, placed, established, painted, created or maintained
in the Township only in conformance with the standards, procedures,
exceptions, and other requirements of this chapter.
The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this
chapter, have the meanings shown herein.
See "portable sign."
A sign located on a property which is vacant and/or unoccupied
for a period of 90 days; a sign which is damaged, in disrepair, or
vandalized and not repaired within 90 days; a sign which contains
an outdated message for a period exceeding 90 days.
A change in the size or shape of an existing sign. Copy or
color change of an existing sign is not an alteration. Changing or
replacing a sign face or panel is not an alteration.
The movement or the optical illusion of movement of any part
of the sign structure, design or pictorial segment, including the
movement of any illumination or the flashing or varying of light intensity;
the automatic changing of all or any part of the facing of a sign;
the movement of a sign set in motion by the atmosphere. Time and temperature
devices shall be considered animated signs.
A person or entity who applies for a sign permit in accordance
with the provisions of this chapter.
A sign with its copy on a shelter made of any nonrigid material,
such as fabric or flexible plastic, that is supported by or stretched
over a frame and attached to an exterior wall of a building or other
structure.
A sign with its copy on nonrigid material, such as cloth,
plastic, fabric or paper with no supporting framework.
See "off-premises sign" and "outdoor advertising sign."
That portion of any exterior elevation of a building extending
vertically from grade to the top of a parapet wall or eaves and horizontally
across the entire width of the building elevation.
A sign that is applied or affixed to a building.
A sign on a rigid multisided structure attached to a building
or on any other freestanding structure that may have a roof with support
but no walls.
The graphic content or message of a sign.
A temporary sign used to identify an approved future development.
An outdoor advertising sign whose display area is made up
of internally illuminated components capable of changing the message
periodically.
Any sign that is designed and erected for the purpose of
providing direction and/or orientation for pedestrian or vehicular
traffic.
A sign which displays the names and/or addresses of the establishments,
housing units, amenities, or uses of a building or group of buildings.
A sign with two faces, back to back.
An electrically activated changeable sign whose variable
message and/or graphic presentation capability can be electronically
programmed.
Emergency warning signs erected by a government agency, a
public utility company, or a contractor doing authorized or permitted
work within the public right-of-way.
See "wall sign."
The general term for any sign which is permanently affixed
to the ground and on a foundation. It is supported on a foundation
by one or more upright poles or braces, and is not attached to a building
or any other structure.
A sign, generally informational, that has a purpose secondary
to the use of the lot on which it is located, such as "no parking,"
"entrance," "telephone," "no trespassing" and other similar directives,
and window signs giving store hours or the names of credit institutions.
No sign with a commercial message legible from a position off the
lot on which the sign is located shall be considered incidental.
A source of external illumination located away from the sign,
but which is itself not visible to persons viewing the sign from any
street, sidewalk or adjacent property.
A sign which provides direction or instruction to guide persons
to facilities intended to serve the public (e.g., restrooms, public
telephones, public walkways, parking areas, and commercial resort
community amenities, maps, housing units, or transportation schedules).
A source of illumination entirely within the sign which makes
the content of the sign visible at night by means of the light being
transmitted through a translucent material but wherein the source
of illumination is not visible.
A type of nonpermanent sign that can be displayed on private
property for greater than 30 days, but is not intended to be displayed
for an indefinite period.
Any sign attached to a covered structure projecting from
and supported by a building with independent roof and drainage provisions
and which is erected over a doorway or doorways as protection against
the weather.
See "portable sign."
A small sign which identifies a resident's or home's name
and address or the name of a farm, ranch or commercial stable.
Any sign that is not intended for permanent installation
and is often referred to as "temporary signs." These types of signs
often display a message that is temporary in nature and relates to
a specific event or occurrence. See "limited-duration sign" and "temporary
sign."
Any sign which is not allowed under this chapter, but which,
when first constructed before this chapter was in effect and for which
a sign permit was issued, was legally allowed.
See "outdoor advertising sign."
A permanent sign erected, maintained or used in the outdoor
environment for the purpose of the display of commercial or noncommercial
messages not necessarily connected to the use of, products sold on,
or the sale or lease of the property on which it is displayed. May
also be referenced as an "off-premise sign" or "billboard."
The extension of a building facade above the line of the
structural roof.
A temporary sign intended to advance a political statement,
cause, or candidate for office.
Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other
permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported.
A-frame or sandwich board sign. A movable sign consisting of
two faces, connected and hinged at the top.
Mobile billboards. Any vehicle or trailer which has attached
thereto or thereon any sign or advertising device for the basic purpose
of providing advertisement of products or directing people to a business
or activity located on the same or nearby property or any other premises.
These shall not include business logos, identification or advertising
on vehicles primarily used for other business proposes.
A sign which is supported by an exterior wall of a building
or other structure and which is constructed and displayed perpendicular
to the face of the building or other structure so that both sides
of the sign are visible.
A temporary sign advertising the sale, lease, or rental of
the property or premises on which the sign is located.
Any sign located in a district zoned for residential uses
that contains no commercial message except advertising for goods or
services legally offered on the premises where the sign is located.
A sign which is erected, constructed, and maintained on or
above the eve of the roof of a building.
Any device visible from a public place whose essential purpose
and design is to convey either commercial or noncommercial messages
by means of graphic presentation of alphabetic or pictorial symbols
or representations. The term "sign" shall not include any flag or
badge or insignia of the United States, State of Pennsylvania, Monroe
County, the Township, or official historic plaques of any governmental
jurisdiction or agency.
In the case of individual letters used as a sign, the area
is 90% of the area enclosed within the smallest regular geometric
figure needed to completely encompass all letters, insignias or symbols,
except as otherwise provided herein. For signs other than individual
letters, words, insignias or symbols, the area is the total area of
the facing or the total area within the outer edge of any existing
border of the sign.
A promotional event, such as, but not limited to, grand openings,
bazaars, street fairs, shows, exhibitions, sporting events, runs,
bicycling events, and block parties. This does not include sidewalk
sales occurring on private property where merchandise normally sold
indoors is transferred from indoors to outdoors for sale.
A type of nonpermanent sign that can be displayed for a fixed
length of time. Temporary signs are intended to be removed after the
temporary purpose has been served.
A sign that is in any manner affixed to an exterior wall
of a building or structure and that projects not more than 18 inches
from the building or structure wall, including signs affixed to architectural
projections from a building, provided the copy area of such signs
remains on a parallel plane to the face of the building facade or
to the face of the architectural projection to which it is affixed.
A sign affixed to the surface of a window with its message
intended to be visible to the exterior environment.
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A.
Area of signs.
(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 not including
any supporting framework and bracing incidental to the display itself.
(2)
The area of a sign painted upon or applied to a building shall be
considered to include all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs
or symbols together with any backing associated with the sign.
(3)
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached
to or painted on a surface, building, wall, canopy or window, the
area shall be considered to be that of the smallest rectangle or other
regular geometric shape which encompasses all of the letters and symbols.
(4)
In computing square foot area of a double-faced sign, only one side
shall be considered, provided both faces are identical. If the interior
angle formed by the two faces of the double-faced sign is greater
than 45°, then both sides of such sign shall be considered in
calculating the sign area.
(5)
Lots fronting on two or more streets may compute the sign area for
each street frontage separately; however, signage cannot be accumulated
and used on one street in excess of that allowed for lots with only
one street frontage.
B.
Construction requirements. All signs permitted by this chapter shall
be constructed in accordance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction
Code, Act 45 of 1999, as amended,[1] and the provisions of this § 407-6B.
(1)
Obstruction to exit. No sign shall be erected, constructed, or maintained
so as to obstruct any fire escape, required exit window, door opening,
or wall opening intended as a means of ingress or egress.
(2)
No obstruction to any existing warning or instructional sign. No
sign shall be erected, constructed, or maintained so as to interfere
with any existing warning or instructional sign.
(3)
Traffic hazards. No sign shall be erected in such a way as to interfere
with or to confuse traffic, to present any traffic hazard, or to obstruct
the vision of motorists, and all signs shall comply with the clear
sight triangle requirements of this chapter.
(4)
Public right-of-way; setbacks. No sign may be erected or maintained
in the public right-of-way unless an encroachment permit has first
been obtained for the sign. No signs other than official traffic signs
shall be erected or maintained nearer to a curb or shoulder than a
distance equaling half the height of the sign or 15 feet, whichever
is less, unless attached flatly to a building.
(5)
Clearance. Clearance beneath overhead signs shall be at least nine
feet, measured from the ground or pavement to the bottom-most part
of the sign.
(6)
Height. No portion of a sign shall be positioned in a manner that
exceeds the height of the primary structure on the property on which
it is located.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 7210.101 et seq.
C.
Maintenance. Each sign shall be maintained in good order and repair
at all times so that it does not constitute any danger or hazard to
public safety or a visual blight, and is free of peeling paint, major
cracks, or loose and dangling materials. Businesses no longer operating
must remove all existing signs, including support structures, for
said business, or, if the sign support structure is to remain in place,
it shall be replaced with a blank face and/or sign area until another
business resumes at the location.
D.
Illumination. All signs permitted by this chapter may be illuminated in accordance with the provisions of this § 407-6D.
(1)
Type of illumination. Illumination may be by internal, internal/indirect,
or by indirect means. Internal illumination is limited to the lettering,
logos, and/or symbols on the proposed sign.
(3)
Glare. All signs shall be so designed, located, shielded, and directed
so as to prevent the casting of glare or direct light from artificial
illumination upon adjacent publicly dedicated roadways and surrounding
property.
(4)
Floodlighting. Floodlighting of signs shall be arranged so that the
source of light is not visible from any point of the lot and so that
only the sign is directly illuminated.
E.
Sign faces. All signs may be multifaced.
F.
Wall signs. Wall signs as permitted by this chapter shall be securely
attached to the wall, and each sign shall be parallel to and in the
same plane as the wall to which the sign is attached and shall not
extend more than 18 inches from the wall, nor above or beyond the
top and ends of the wall.
All signs not expressly permitted under this chapter or exempt
from regulation hereunder in accordance with this chapter are prohibited
in Barrett Township. Such signs include, but are not limited to:
A.
Animated, moving and flashing signs. Signs which are animated, flash, blink, revolve, rotate, swing, undulate, or move by any means, or otherwise attract attention through the movement or flashing of parts, including but not limited to automatic, electronically controlled copy changes (except as permitted in § 407-14), searchlights, strobe lights and disco balls; or through the impression of movement or flashing except for time and temperature indicators whose movement is either digital or analog as permitted in this chapter.
B.
Obstructive signs. A sign or other advertising device erected or
maintained at any road intersection in a manner as to obstruct free
and clear vision of the intersection.
C.
Balloons, streamers or pinwheels. Balloons, streamers or pinwheels except those temporarily displayed as part of a special sale, promotion or community event as provided for in § 407-9C of this chapter.
D.
Posters and handbills. Any signs affixed to any structures, trees
or other natural vegetation, rocks or poles.
E.
Simulated traffic signs and obstructions. Any sign which may be confused
with, or obstruct the view of, any authorized traffic sign or signal,
obstruct the sight-distance triangle at any road intersection or extend
into the public right-of-way.
F.
Mirrors. No mirror device shall be used as part of a sign.
G.
Multiple signs. Multiple signs, logos or insignias on a canopy or
canopies attached to a building or other structure are prohibited.
H.
Emissions. No sign which emits smoke, visible vapors, particles,
sound or odor shall be permitted.
I.
Projecting signs. Signs which are attached or otherwise affixed to
a building and project more than 18 inches beyond the wall surface
of such building to which the sign is attached or otherwise affixed
thereto.
J.
Obscene or pornographic. Obscene or pornographic signs or signs advertising
obscene or pornographic information or materials. Any sign which exhibits
statements, words or pictures of obscene or pornographic material
or information, or contains advertising material or information for
obscene or pornographic material or information.
K.
Mobile billboards.
The following signs are hereby exempt from the requirement of
obtaining a sign permit:
A.
Name and address plates. Up to two signs indicating the address of
the premises, the name of the occupants, and identification of any
legal business or operation which may exist at the premises that do
not exceed two square feet in area per side.
B.
Interior signs. Signs not affixed to a window and visible from outside
and which are fully located within the interior of any building or
stadium, or within an enclosed lobby or court of any building, and
signs located within the inner or outer lobby court or entrance of
any theater and which are not displayed to be visible from outside.
C.
Flags, emblems, and insignias of government agencies or religious,
charitable or nonprofit organizations. These types of signs are exempt
from permit requirements but are subject to the following requirements:
(1)
No single flag that is flown shall exceed 40 square feet in area
and no single parcel shall fly more than three flags.
(2)
If the total area of flags exceeds 72 square feet, the excess area
shall be included in the on-premises, freestanding sign area calculations
for the parcel.
(3)
Flagpoles shall not exceed 40 feet in height.
(4)
Wall-mounted flags, emblems, insignias or logos shall be limited
to one per parcel and shall not exceed 40 square feet in area.
D.
Handicapped parking space. Signs not exceeding two square feet in
area reserving parking for handicapped individuals.
E.
Public signs. Signs erected by government agencies or utilities,
including traffic, utility, safety, railroad crossing, park boundary
and identification signs for public facilities, and any signs erected
by the Township under direction of the Board of Supervisors.
F.
Security and warning signs. On-premises signs regulating the use
of the premises, such as "no trespassing," "no hunting" and "no soliciting"
signs that do not exceed two square feet in area in residential areas
and five square feet in area in commercial and industrial zones. These
limitations shall not apply to the posting of conventional "no trespassing"
signs in accordance with state law.
G.
Temporary real estate signs. Display of these signs shall be limited
to one per property and six square feet in area in residential zones
and 16 square feet in all other zones. These signs shall be removed
within 30 days of settlement or lease of the property.
H.
Garage or yard sale signs. Signs advertising garage sales or yard
sales are permitted, provided that no sign shall exceed four square
feet in area or be erected more than seven days prior to the event,
and any such sign is on the premises offering the sale. All signs
shall be removed one day after the close of the garage or yard sale.
I.
Holiday decorations. Signs or other materials temporarily displayed
on traditionally accepted civic, patriotic, or religious holidays
related to observance of the civic, patriotic, or religious holiday.
J.
Memorial signs. Memorial plaques or tablets, grave markers, statutory,
or other remembrances of persons or events that are noncommercial
in nature.
K.
Public notices. Official notices posted by public officers or employees
in the performance of the officer's or employee's duties.
L.
Tourist signs. Tourist orientation directional signs when erected
in accordance with a permit issued by PennDOT.
M.
Political signs. These signs shall be limited to a maximum of four
square feet in area in residential zones and a maximum of 16 square
feet in all other zones. No sign shall be displayed more than 30 calendar
days prior to an election or for more than 10 days following the election
for which it is erected.
N.
Directional or instructional signs. On-site signs, not exceeding
16 square feet in area, which provide direction or instruction to
guide persons to facilities intended to serve the public, providing
that such signs contain no advertising of any kind. Such signs include
those identifying restrooms, public telephones, public walkways, affiliations
with motor clubs, acceptance of designated credit cards, and other
similar signs providing direction or instruction to persons using
a facility, but not including those signs accessory to parking areas.
Advertising materials other than property/business identification
is strictly prohibited on directional and instructional signs.
O.
Signs on vehicles. Signs placed on or affixed to vehicles and/or
trailers where the sign is incidental to the primary use of the vehicle
or trailer. However, this is not in any way intended to permit signs
placed on or affixed to vehicles trailers and/or containers which
are parked on a public right-of-way, public property, or private property
so as to be visible from a public right-of-way where the apparent
purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business or
activity located on the same or other property.
P.
Vending machine signs. Permanent, nonflashing signs on vending machines,
gasoline pumps, ice or milk containers, or other similar machines
indicating only the contents of such devices, the pricing of the contents
contained within, directional or instructional information as to use,
and other similar information, not exceeding four square feet in area
and not exceeding an aggregate area of eight square feet on each machine.
Q.
Temporary contractor or subcontractor signs. Temporary contractor
or subcontractor signs for the sole purpose of designating the contractor(s)
and subcontractor(s) engaged in the development of a property shall
be subject to the following:
(1)
Number. Not more than one temporary contractor or subcontractor sign
for each contractor or subcontractor working on the premises.
(2)
Area. Maximum of six square feet in area.
(3)
Location. Temporary contractor or subcontractor signs shall be located
only upon the premises where the contractor or subcontractor is working.
Such signs may be located in any required setback but shall not extend
over any lot line or within 15 feet of any point of vehicular access
to a public roadway.
(4)
Height. Maximum of four feet in height.
(5)
Duration. Temporary contractor or subcontractor signs shall be removed
immediately upon completion of the contractor(s) or subcontractor(s)
work.
R.
Temporary seasonal farm product signs. Temporary seasonal farm product
signs for the sole purpose of advertising the availability of seasonal
farm products shall be subject to the following:
(1)
Number. Not more than two seasonal farm product signs for each premises.
(2)
Area. Maximum of 32 square feet for each exposed face.
(3)
Location. Temporary seasonal farm product signs shall be located
only upon the premises where the seasonal farm products are sold.
(4)
Height. Maximum of 15 feet.
(5)
Duration. Temporary seasonal farm product signs shall not be erected
more than 15 days before the harvest of the produce and shall be removed
within 10 days from the end of the harvest.
S.
Changeable copy, repainting, cleaning and other normal maintenance
and repair of a conforming sign unless the sign structure, design,
color or lighting is altered.
T.
Temporary event signs. Temporary event signs announcing a campaign,
drive, activity, or event of a civic, philanthropic, educational,
or religious organization for noncommercial purposes shall be subject
to the following:
(1)
Area. No sign shall exceed 80 square feet in area.
(2)
Duration. May be erected and maintained for a period not to exceed
30 days prior to the date of which the campaign, drive, activity,
or event advertised is scheduled to occur and shall be removed within
seven days of the termination of such campaign, drive, activity, or
event.
Nonpermanent signs are further classified as either limited-duration
signs or temporary signs, and may be erected and maintained in accordance
with the provisions contained in this section.
A.
General conditions.
(1)
Permit required. No person shall erect construct repair alter or
relocate any nonpermanent sign without first obtaining a permit from
the Zoning Officer unless such sign is specifically exempted from
permit requirements.
(2)
Materials and methods. The Zoning Officer shall impose as a condition
of the issuance of a permit for nonpermanent signs such requirements
as to the material, manner of construction, and method of erection
of a sign as are reasonably necessary to assure the health, safety,
welfare and convenience of the public.
(3)
Illumination. Nonpermanent signs may be illuminated in accordance
with this chapter.
B.
Limited-duration signs. Limited-duration signs are a type of nonpermanent
sign that typically require longer display times. These may include,
but are not limited to, signs relating to real estate sales, construction
or other similar types of signs.
(2)
Sign types. Limited-duration signs shall be limited to freestanding
signs, window signs, wall signs, and/or portable signs (excluding
mobile billboards).
(3)
Permit. A permit for a limited-duration sign is issued for six months
and may be renewed twice annually.
(4)
Size and number.
(b)
Nonresidential districts.
[1]
Maximum 32 square feet in area.
[2]
One sign permitted per property. If a property is greater than
five acres in size and has at least 400 feet of street frontage or
has more than 10,000 square feet of floor area, one additional sign
may be permitted so long as there is a minimum spacing of 200 feet
between the two signs.
(5)
Additional regulations for portable signs (excluding mobile billboards).
Self-supporting, double faced, A-frame sign, also known as a "sandwich
board," or similar-type sign, capable of displaying daily specials.
The interior angle of such A-frame signs shall not exceed 45°.
Such signs shall only be permitted in accordance with the requirements
herein, and are subject to removal each evening.
(a)
Area. Maximum area shall be six square feet per sign face.
(b)
Height. Shall not exceed five feet nor be less than three feet.
(c)
Location. A minimum distance of four feet of unobstructed sidewalk
must be maintained at all times. Where no sidewalk exists, such signs
shall not be located within 10 feet of the shoulder or curb of the
road, whichever is greater.
(d)
Special conditions. Such sign shall be erected only on the property
to which it relates and no more than one sign shall be permitted on
a single property.
C.
Temporary Signs (these regulations do not apply to temporary signs that are exempt, refer to § 407-8). Temporary signs are a type of nonpermanent sign that are typically displayed for short periods of time, once or twice a year. These may include, but are not limited to, signs relating to special events such as a festival, grand opening, or sale.
(1)
Permit. Temporary signs are permitted to be displayed for up to 30
consecutive days, no more than six times per calendar year. The date
of erection of a temporary sign must be written in indelible ink on
the lower right hand corner of the sign.
(2)
Size and number.
(b)
Nonresidential districts.
[1]
Maximum 32 square feet in area.
[2]
One sign permitted per property. If a property is greater than
five acres in size and has at least 400 feet of street frontage or
has more than 10,000 square feet of floor area, one additional sign
may be permitted so long as there is a minimum spacing of 200 feet
between the two signs.
The following signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts:
For all uses located within the Conservation (C) and Residential
(R) Zoning Districts, only the following signs are permitted and then
only if accessory and incidental to a permitted use.
A.
For all uses located within the Mixed Use — Village
(MU-V), Commercial — Resort/Hotel (CRH), Light Industrial
(LI) and Industrial (I) Districts, the following signs are permitted
and then only if accessory and incidental to a permitted use. Such
signs shall be subject to the requirements of this section and any
other special provisions contained in this chapter.
A.
Any signs permitted in a residential district are permitted in the
nonresidential districts.
B.
Each lot shall be permitted one freestanding sign in accordance with
the following requirements:
(1)
Area. The area of any such sign shall not exceed one square foot
for each two feet of street frontage or 32 square feet, whichever
is smaller.
(2)
Height. Maximum height shall be 20 feet.
(3)
A lot with more than 200 feet of road frontage may be permitted an
additional freestanding sign for a total of two freestanding signs.
C.
Each lot shall be permitted building signs in accordance with the
following requirements:
(1)
Area. The total area of all building signs shall not exceed 15% of
the exterior area of the front building wall (including window and
door area and cornices) of the principal building.
(2)
Type. Canopy signs, projecting signs, roof signs, marquee signs,
wall signs and window signs shall be permitted.
(3)
Not more than one projecting sign or marquee sign shall be permitted
per principal building and such sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(4)
Not more than two roof signs shall be permitted per principal building.
On buildings with a sloped roof, the height of any roof sign shall
not exceed the peak of the slope. On buildings with a flat roof, the
height of any roof sign shall not exceed four feet above the height
of the roof.
(5)
Window signs shall not exceed 25% of the total window area.
The intent of this section is to limit the number, size, and
location of off-premise advertising signs and billboards to reduce
visual clutter, prevent the distraction of drivers, and maintain the
character of the community. Off-premise advertising signs and billboards
may be erected and maintained only in accordance with the requirements
of this section and all other applicable requirements of this chapter.
A.
Location. Off-premises advertising signs and billboards shall be
located only in the LI and I Districts, and shall be considered a
principal use. An off-premise advertising sign or billboard shall
not be permitted on a lot with any other principal use.
B.
Illumination. Off-premises advertising signs and billboards may be
illuminated, but flashing lights or devices and animation shall be
prohibited.
C.
Construction. All off-premises advertising signs shall be constructed
in accordance with industry-wide standards established by the Outdoor
Advertising Association of America and the Institute of Outdoor Advertising,
or their successor organizations. All off-premises advertising signs
shall be structurally sound and maintained in good condition and in
compliance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.
D.
Setbacks. The applicable zoning district side and rear setbacks for
principal structures shall be maintained for off-premise advertising
signs and billboards and the front setback shall be 20 feet from the
edge of paving or curbline of the adjoining public street.
E.
Height. Maximum height of 30 feet.
F.
Area. The maximum sign face size shall be 128 square feet; inclusive
of any border and trim, but excluding the base or apron, supports
and other structural members. Extensions, projections and/or add-ons
beyond the rectangular perimeter face of the sign are prohibited.
G.
Spacing. Billboards shall not be located closer than 2,000 linear
feet on the same side of the roadway or 1,000 linear feet on the opposite
side of the roadway from another off-premises or outdoor advertising-type
sign, as measured along the right-of-way line. Billboards shall not
be located closer than 300 feet to any residential zoning district,
nor 500 feet to any dwelling unit.
H.
Certification. An engineering certificate shall accompany any application
for a billboard. The certification shall indicate under seal of a
professional engineer licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
that the sign has been designed in accordance with acceptable engineering
practices.
I.
Digital billboards. Must also meet the following standards:
(1)
Location. Digital billboards shall be permitted within the LI District
and the I District only on properties located adjacent to Routes 390,
191, and 447.
(2)
Message duration. Any portion of the message must have a minimum
duration of 60 seconds and must be a static display. Messages may
change immediately or fade in and out only. No portion of the message
may flash, scroll, twirl, twinkle, oscillate, rotate, blink, change
color, or in any manner imitate movement.
(3)
Default mechanism. All signs must be equipped with a properly functioning
default mechanism that will stop the sign and return to a solid black
display should a malfunction occur.
(4)
Brightness (luminance). The illumination and/or intensity of the
display shall be controlled so as to not create glare, hazards or
nuisances. Such signs shall have a maximum nits level of 7,000 nits,
provided the brightness of the digital billboard does not exceed 0.3
footcandles of light above the normal ambient light levels. Such signs
shall be equipped with automatic dimming technology which automatically
adjusts the sign's brightness based on ambient light conditions.
(a)
The billboard luminance specification shall be determined by
a footcandle metering device held at a height of five feet and aimed
towards the billboard from a distance of 175 feet.
(b)
The metering device should be at a location perpendicular to
the billboard center (as seen in plan view) as this angle has the
highest luminance.
(c)
This check shall include the measurement of an all-white image
displayed by the billboard to evaluate the worst-case condition.
(d)
If the difference in luminance between the billboard-on and
the billboard-off conditions is 0.3 footcandle or less, then the billboard
luminance is in compliance.
(5)
Applicant shall be required to coordinate/permit message access for
local, regional, state and national emergency services during emergency
situations. Emergency messages are not required to conform to message
standards listed herein.
A.
Location. EMCs shall be located only in the MU-V, CRH, LI and I Districts,
C.
Audio or pyrotechnics. Audio speakers and/or any form of pyrotechnics
are prohibited.
D.
Duration. Any portion of the message must have a minimum duration
of 15 seconds and must be a static display. Messages may change immediately
or fade in and out only. No portion of the message may flash, scroll,
twirl, twinkle, oscillate, rotate, blink, change color, or in any
manner imitate movement.
E.
Time and temperature shall be included, as separate messages.
F.
Brightness (luminance). The illumination and/or intensity of the
display shall be controlled so as to not create glare, hazards or
nuisances. Such signs shall have a maximum nits level of 7,000 nits,
provided the brightness of the digital sign does not exceed 0.3 footcandles
of light above the normal ambient light levels. Such signs shall be
equipped with automatic dimming technology which automatically adjusts
the sign's brightness based on ambient light conditions.
(1)
The luminance specification shall be determined by a footcandle metering
device held at a height of five feet and aimed towards the sign from
a distance of 65 feet.
(2)
The metering device should be at a location perpendicular to the
sign's center (as seen in plan view) as this angle has the highest
luminance.
(3)
This check shall include the measurement of an all-white image displayed
by the sign to evaluate the worst-case condition.
(4)
If the difference in luminance between the sign-on and the sign-off
conditions is 0.3 footcandle or less, then the sign luminance is in
compliance.
G.
Default mechanism. All signs must be equipped with a properly functioning
default mechanism that will stop the sign and return to a solid black
display should a malfunction occur.
H.
Applicant shall be required to coordinate/permit message access for
local, regional, state and national emergency services during emergency
situations. Emergency messages are not required to conform to message
standards listed herein.
A.
Signs existing at the time of passage of this chapter, which were
legally erected, and which do not conform with the requirements of
this chapter shall be considered nonconforming signs.
B.
Nonconforming signs may be repainted or repaired (including lighting)
provided such repainted or repaired sign does not exceed the dimensions
of the existing sign. Wording may also be changed. However, nonconforming
signs shall either be eliminated or made to conform with the requirements
of this chapter when any proposed change, repair or maintenance would
constitute an expense of more than 50% of the original value or replacement
value of the sign, whichever is less.
C.
Nonconforming signs which are removed shall be replaced only with
conforming signs.
The procedures included in this chapter shall apply to all signs
requiring permits.
A.
Administration. The Administrator of this chapter shall be the Zoning
Officer (ZO) or his/her designee as approved by the Board of Supervisors
(BOS).
B.
Permits required. Unless specifically exempted by this chapter, a
permit must be obtained from the Zoning Officer for the erection and
maintenance of all signs erected and maintained within this jurisdiction
and in accordance with other ordinances of this jurisdiction. Exemptions
from the necessity of securing a permit shall not be construed to
relieve the owner of the sign involved from responsibility for its
erection and maintenance in a safe manner and in a manner in accordance
with all the other provisions of this chapter.
C.
Permit application.
(1)
Applications for sign permits shall be submitted to the Zoning Officer
and shall, at a minimum, contain or have attached thereto the following
information:
(a)
A sketch plan indicating the location of the sign on the premises
in relation to lot lines, buildings, sidewalks, streets, public rights-of-way
and street intersections within 300 feet of the proposed sign.
(b)
Type of sign (e.g., freestanding, pole, monument, wall) and
general description of structural design and construction materials.
(c)
Drawing(s) of the proposed sign specifications indicating height,
perimeter, area, dimensions, type of lettering proposed, color, means
of support, method of illumination, and any other significant characteristics.
(d)
The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the applicant,
the owner of the property on which the sign is to be erected or affixed,
the owner of the sign, and the person to be erecting or affixing the
sign.
(e)
The written consent of the owner of the building, structure,
or property on which the sign is to be erected or affixed.
(f)
Any other information requested by the Zoning Officer in order
to carry out the purpose and intent of this chapter.
(2)
The applicant shall pay the required fee at the time of application.
One copy of plans and specifications shall be submitted with each
application.
D.
Issuance of permit. Upon the filing of an application for a sign
permit, the Zoning Officer shall review the plans, specifications,
and other submitted materials, and the premise upon which the sign
is proposed to be erected or affixed. If it appears that the proposed
sign is in compliance with all the requirements of this chapter and
other applicable ordinances and if the appropriate permit fee has
been paid, the Zoning Officer shall issue a permit for the proposed
sign. Issuance of permit is subject to review by other bodies as may
be designated by the Board of Supervisors.
E.
Expiration of permit. If the sign authorized by any sign permit has
not been erected or completed within one year from the date of issuance
of that permit, the sign permit shall be deemed expired unless extended
by the Zoning Officer.
A.
The Township Zoning Officer, or his/her designee, is authorized to
enforce this chapter.
B.
If the Township Zoning Officer, or his/her designee, finds that any
provision of this chapter is being violated, he/she shall provide
notification, in writing, to the person responsible for the violation,
indicating the nature of the violation and ordering the action necessary
to correct it.
C.
If the violation is not corrected within the time specified, the
Township Zoning Officer, or his/her designee, may order repairs or
removal of any sign and its supporting structures judged dangerous,
in disrepair or in violation of this chapter, may revoke the sign
permit and/or seek penalties and injunctive relief.
D.
Any sign which is not in compliance with the requirements of this
chapter, has not been certified and registered as nonconforming or
that has not received a permit from the Zoning Officer within one
year of the effective date of this chapter shall be deemed to be in
violation of this chapter and shall be ordered removed by the Zoning
Officer with the costs of removal to be at the expense of the sign
owner or the property owner.
Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Zoning Officer, or
his/her designee, may appeal to the Board of Supervisors within 30
days. The Board of Supervisors has the authority to interpret the
provisions of this chapter which are called into question and to waive
the standards included in this chapter when a literal enforcement
of the provisions of this chapter would result in the applicant's
ability to reasonably advertise their business. In deciding what is
reasonable advertising, the Board of Supervisors shall consider the
following: whether the shape and size of the lot require additional
signs, the number of businesses in a building or on a lot, whether
the number of overall signs can be reduced if the size of some signs
are increased, or some other unusual or unique feature of the lot
or building.
A.
The provisions
of this chapter are severable and if any section, subsection, clause,
sentence, or parts thereof shall be held or declared illegal, invalid,
or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, the decision
shall not affect or impair any of the remaining sections, subsections,
clauses, sentences, or parts thereof, of this chapter; it is hereby
declared to be the intent of the Board of Supervisors that this chapter
would have been adopted if such illegal, invalid, or unconstitutional
section, subsection, clause, sentence, or part thereof had not been
included herein.
B.
All other
ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby
repealed.
This chapter shall take effect five days after the date of its
enactment.
