The regulations set forth in this article of the Borough Code shall apply to all signs within the Borough.
A. 
Permits.
(1) 
Permits shall be required for the erection of all signs, except where specifically exempted elsewhere within this article.
(2) 
All sign permit applications must be signed by the owner of the sign and the owner of the property on which the sign is to be placed before being processed by the Borough.
(3) 
All persons filing for a permit shall be liable for the removal costs of the sign as set forth in § 430-107 of this chapter.
(4) 
All persons filing for a permit shall be subject to the penalties of this chapter for any violation of this article.
B. 
Construction and maintenance.
(1) 
Signs shall be constructed of durable materials, maintained in good condition, and not allowed to become dilapidated.
(2) 
Should a sign become dilapidated, the Borough may revoke any outstanding permit and order the removal of the sign.
(3) 
A sign shall be deemed dilapidated if the cost of its repair is equal to or greater than 35% of the current value of the sign, or if its disrepair becomes detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of the community.
C. 
Painted walls. Advertising that is painted on or displayed on any structure shall be regarded as an advertising sign and shall be governed by the appropriate regulations.
D. 
On-site requirements.
(1) 
All primary and secondary signs shall be erected on the same lot as the use to which they pertain, except for those exempt signs which are not specifically required to be erected on the same lot.
(2) 
Approval must be obtained by the Zoning Hearing Board for any exemption.
(3) 
Signs erected by a duly constituted governmental body are exempt, as are temporary signs which advertise community related events or which are erected by charitable, nonprofit, or service organizations, and similar entities, to advertise events sponsored by them.
E. 
Nonconforming signs. All signs that are presently placed at the time of passage of this chapter and do not comply with the regulations set forth in this chapter shall be governed by the regulations of § 430-127 of this chapter.
F. 
Architectural period. Signs that conform in exterior appearance and are used in the architectural period of the structure with which they are related shall be eligible to apply for the sign bonus of § 430-103 of this chapter.
G. 
Limitation of business signs.
(1) 
Each business use or occupancy shall be permitted one primary sign, two secondary signs, one directional sign, and one temporary sign.
(2) 
The total sign area for any single business use or occupancy shall not exceed 64 square feet, not including on-site directional signs.
The following categories of permanent signs are permitted in the Borough according to the provisions of this chapter:
A. 
P-1, traffic signs. P-1 signs include all signs owned or operated by the state, Borough, or any other duly constituted government.
B. 
P-2, public facility identification signs. P-2 signs are for public and semipublic facilities such as schools, churches, hospitals, libraries, clubs, and public utilities.
C. 
P-3, nameplates.
(1) 
P-3 signs indicate the residential occupants of a property.
(2) 
No P-3 sign shall exceed 96 square inches in area or 20 inches in any dimension.
D. 
P-4, historical signs. P-4 signs shall include memorial and historical markers or tablets.
E. 
P-5, private property signs.
(1) 
P-5 signs shall include signs indicating the private nature of a road, driveway or other premises, and signs controlling the use of private property, such as the prohibition of hunting, fishing, or parking.
(2) 
The total area of one side of a P-5 sign shall not exceed two square feet.
F. 
P-6, on-site directional signs.
(1) 
P-6 signs indicate the location of facilities on the property on which the sign is located.
(2) 
The total area of one side of a P-6 sign shall not exceed six square feet.
G. 
P-7, home occupation signs.
(1) 
P-7 signs advertise and identify home occupations and shall only be located in the property where the home occupation is engaged.
(2) 
Unless otherwise restricted by this chapter, the total area of one side of a P-7 sign shall not exceed two square feet.
H. 
P-8, on-site identification signs.
(1) 
P-8 signs identify residential subdivisions, commercial developments, office developments, or industrial developments.
(2) 
The total area of one side of a P-8 sign shall not exceed eight square feet.
I. 
P-9, off-site directory signs.
(1) 
P-9 signs advertise a group of uses and their general location.
(2) 
The total area of one side of a P-9 sign shall not exceed 10 square feet.
J. 
P-10, window signs.
(1) 
P-10 signs are located in a window of the use or business being advertised.
(2) 
The total area of all permitted P-10 signs shall not exceed 25% of the total glass area of the window in which it is placed, but shall not exceed 15 square feet.
K. 
P-11, overhead signs.
(1) 
P-11 signs are mounted flush with and parallel to the exterior wall of the use or business being advertised.
(2) 
P-11 signs shall only be permitted in accordance with the following regulations:
(a) 
The bottom edge of an overhead sign, excluding awnings, shall be at least eight feet above the ground, sidewalk, walkway, or pavement and shall not exceed the height of the building or 35 feet, whichever is less.
(b) 
Overhead signs extending over the right-of-way of a road, highway, or side street shall not be permitted.
(c) 
The total area of an overhead sign shall not exceed 10% of the total area of the wall on which the sign is located or 30 square feet, whichever is less.
L. 
P-12, projecting signs.
(1) 
P-12 signs are mounted perpendicular to an exterior wall of a use or business being advertised in such a manner that two sides of the sign may be used.
(2) 
P-12 signs shall only be permitted in accordance with the following regulations:
(a) 
Projecting signs shall project not more than five feet from the face of a building.
(b) 
No part of a sign shall be less than eight nor more than 12 feet above the ground or walkway level.
(c) 
Not more than one projecting sign shall be permitted per establishment, per street frontage.
(d) 
All projecting signs shall be separated by a minimum of 25 feet.
(e) 
The total area of one side of a projecting sign shall not exceed 15 square feet.
M. 
P-13, free standing signs.
(1) 
P-13 signs are unattached to any building and are raised from the ground normally by means of a pole.
(2) 
P-13 signs, where permitted by this chapter, shall conform to the following regulations:
(a) 
Maximum height from the ground surface measured at sign support or base to the highest point of the sign surface shall be 16 feet, unless increased to the eave height of the closest building to the sign location on the same lot.
(b) 
Minimum height as measured from ground surface at sign support or base to lowest point of sign surface shall be two feet.
(c) 
One freestanding sign shall be permitted per business per lot per street frontage.
(d) 
Unless authorized by special exception, freestanding signs shall be separated by a minimum of 20 feet.
(e) 
Freestanding signs shall be located outside of all right-of-way lines and shall be within the property lines of the business the sign represents, except where adjacent businesses share the same sign support.
(f) 
Where adjacent businesses share the same sign support, the signs shall be eligible for the sign bonus of § 430-103 of this chapter.
(g) 
The total area of one side of any freestanding sign shall not exceed 30 square feet.
N. 
P-14, off-site directional signs.
(1) 
P-14 signs provide directional information for a local use or business that is not on the same property or lot as the sign.
(2) 
The total area of one side of a P-14 sign shall not exceed 25 square feet.
O. 
P-15, roof signs.
(1) 
P-15 signs are located on the roof of the use or business being advertised.
(2) 
P-15 signs shall only be permitted in accordance with the following regulations:
(a) 
The height of a roof sign shall be limited to the height of the peak of the roof.
(b) 
A sign on a flat roof shall not be more than five feet high by 10 feet wide.
P. 
P-16, billboards.
(1) 
P-16 signs advertise a use, business, or product that is not associated with the property or lot where the sign is located.
(2) 
P-16 signs shall only be permitted in accordance with the following regulations:
(a) 
The use of billboards shall only be permitted when allowed by the regulations of the underlying district.
(b) 
The maximum size of a billboard shall be 120 square feet.
Only the following types of temporary signs are permitted throughout the Borough, subject to the provisions of this chapter:
A. 
T-1: signs identifying architects, engineers, contractors, tradesmen, or others engaged in construction work on the premises wherein their work is proceeding. Such signs shall be removed within one week after the work ceases or is completed. Any T-1 sign which exceeds six square feet in size, prior to its erection, shall require a sign permit to be obtained through the application process as described in this chapter.
B. 
T-2: real estate signs on individual properties that are for sale, rent, or lease. All T-2 signs shall be removed within one week of the date of the sale or rental or lease agreement and shall have a maximum size of six square feet.
C. 
T-3: real estate signs similar to those described under T-2 but are located in a residential subdivision and involve the sale or lease of more than one house lot shall be permitted, provided a permit is obtained which shall be valid for one year.
D. 
T-4: signs advertising the temporary sale of products. Such signs shall be removed at the end of the promotion or sale but shall not be displayed for a period of more than 30 days and shall not exceed 12 square feet in size.
E. 
T-5: temporary directional signs for a period not to exceed one week.
F. 
T-6: mobile, portable, or moveable signs, with or without changeable copy, for a period not to exceed 30 days, and the size of one side of said sign shall not exceed nine square feet.
G. 
T-7: sidewalk, sandwich, and A-frame signs. Signs of this type are not to exceed a maximum height of 12 square feet. T-7 signs must be removed at the end of the business day. These signs, when placed on a sidewalk, shall be located such that they do not affect the safety of pedestrians or vehicular traffic and shall encroach no more than 50% into the width of the sidewalk.
H. 
T-8: real estate signs similar to T-2 signs, but located in nonresidential subdivisions. Such signs announcing proposed commercial or industrial development of the site may be erected for a maximum of one year per permit.
I. 
T-9: overhead banners. Overhead banners shall be permitted, provided the bottom edge is at least 20 feet above the pavement.
J. 
T-10: political signs. Signs promoting a political candidate or candidates or political view in a forthcoming primary or general election or public referendum. Such signs shall not exceed four square feet per side and shall be removed within one week of the election or referendum.
The following signs shall be prohibited:
A. 
Signs near the public right-of-way, of such a design and location that obviously interferes with, resembles, competes with, or may be mistaken for a traffic signal or traffic sign.
B. 
Any sign located in or extending into a public right-of-way, except those owned or operated by a duly constituted government, and those identified as P-1 in § 430-97 of this chapter.
C. 
Any sign within an area bound by the intersection of two or more rights-of-way that obviously restricts vehicle operators' lines of sight.
D. 
Freestanding signs over a public sidewalk.
E. 
Any sign which prevents free physical ingress to or egress from a window, door or fire escape.
F. 
Illuminated signs.
(1) 
Illuminated signs in any residential district.
(2) 
Flashing or oscillating signs after sunset.
G. 
Animated signs, or signs that emit smoke, vapor or noise.
H. 
No sign, including removable political signs and temporary removable yard or garage sale signs, shall be placed on any telephone, electric light, or public utility pole, or upon rocks or other natural features, without the owner's permission.
A. 
Any sign that is illuminated must use nonglaring lights.
B. 
All light shall be shielded so that there is no direct light transmitted to other properties or public rights-of-way.
A. 
Signs in residential districts shall be regulated according to the following:
(1) 
P-1, P-2, P-3, P-4, P-5, P-6, P-7, and P-8 signs shall be permitted, provided they conform to the area limitations of § 430-101A(3) of this chapter.
(2) 
T-1, T-2, T-3 signs shall be permitted.
(3) 
Unless otherwise restricted by this chapter, no sign in any residential district shall exceed two square feet, 288 square inches, or 20 inches in any dimension.
B. 
Signs in the Town Center District shall be regulated according to the following:
(1) 
The following signs shall be permitted in the Town Center District, provided they are in conformance with the provisions of this chapter and comply with the area limitations of § 430-101B(2).
(a) 
All signs permitted in § 430-101A;
(b) 
P-9;
(c) 
P-10;
(d) 
P-11; and
(e) 
P-12.
(2) 
No sign in the Town Center (TC) District shall exceed six square feet, except where two or more separate uses consolidate signs, in which case the maximum sign size shall be equivalent to the number of uses multiplied by the six square feet per allowable sign per use.
(3) 
All signs defined under § 430-101B(1) shall be permitted in the Town Center District subject to the regulations of § 430-99.
C. 
Signs allowed in the Commercial District shall be regulated according to the following:
(1) 
P-1, P-2, P-3, P-4, P-5, P-6, P-7, P-8, P-9, P-10, P-11, P-12, P-13, P-14, and P-15 signs shall be permitted within the Commercial District.
(2) 
The size of any sign erected in the Commercial District shall be determined by the regulations of § 430-97, but in no case shall the total area of one side of a sign exceed 50 square feet.
(3) 
All signs defined under § 430-98 shall be permitted in the Commercial District, subject to the regulations of § 430-98.
D. 
Signs allowed in the Industrial District shall be regulated according to the following:
(1) 
All types of permitted permanent signs established under § 430-97 shall be permitted in the Industrial District.
(2) 
The size of all signs shall be governed by the regulations established under § 430-97 of this chapter.
(3) 
All signs defined under § 430-98 shall be permitted in the Industrial District, subject to the regulations of § 430-98.
A. 
For all signs within the Borough, it is required that an application be filed with the Borough Secretary. Prior to erecting, installing or posting any sign, approval must be received in writing from the Zoning Officer. Such approval will be provided within 90 days of such application.
B. 
Permit application for signs in all zones shall be accompanied by a plan, drawn at scale, showing the following details:
(1) 
The exact wording or logo on the sign.
(2) 
Its size and location on the building and/or lots.
C. 
Fees for sign permits shall be paid in accordance with the fee schedule adopted by the Borough Council and shall be deposited with the Borough Secretary at the time the permit application is received by the Borough.
A 50% reduction in the sign fee, as established by the fee schedule, shall be provided in the following cases:
A. 
Where a sign utilizes design, format, font and style fitting the historical style and period of buildings and structures 50 years previous and older.
B. 
When businesses combine and share signs within the limits of allowable square foot area.
A. 
All signs identified under § 430-97 as being P-2 or P-4. These signs require a permit and are subject to the requirements of this article, except that they are exempt from the fee schedule per square foot area of the sign set by the Borough Council for all other signs.
B. 
"Open" and "closed" signs do not require permits or fees, provided businesses do not exceed two such signs and each sign does not exceed three square feet in area.
C. 
Sign types P-1, P-3, P-5, and P-6 are exempt from permit and fee requirements.
D. 
Sign types T-1 (except those exceeding six square feet in size), T-2, T-5, T-7, and T-10 are exempt from permit and fee requirements.
E. 
Although exempt from permit and/or fee requirements, all signs must conform to the other requirements of this article.
A. 
Every sign shall be subject to the requirements of this chapter, unless otherwise specified.
B. 
Signs requiring a permit issued by the Borough shall require inspection and approval by the Borough Code Official.
C. 
The Borough Code Official is authorized to order the removal of any sign that is not maintained in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
D. 
The foundation and structural support shall comply with the Borough Building Code.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See also Ch. 190, Construction Codes, Uniform.
A. 
The following regulations shall apply when the circumstances leading to the erection of a sign no longer exist:
(1) 
The outstanding permit for such a sign shall automatically terminate.
(2) 
The sign shall be removed by its owner or the property owner.
(3) 
If any such sign is not removed, the Borough shall give the property owner and sign owner 30 days' written notice, by certified mail, and by posting the property on which the sign is located, to effect the removal within 15 days of the date of posting.
B. 
Dilapidated signs.
(1) 
Should a sign be deemed to be dilapidated, the Borough shall notify the sign owner and property owner in writing, by certified mail, and by posting the property on which the sign is located.
(2) 
Before such a sign may be repaired, a new sign permit application must be submitted and a new permit issued by the Borough.
(3) 
The new sign permit application must be received by the Borough within 30 days of the date the property was posted, otherwise, the dilapidated sign must be promptly removed.
C. 
Noncompliance.
(1) 
If any sign, including a dilapidated sign, is not removed according to the provisions of this article, the Borough may elect to remove the sign with the cost of removal being assessed against the property owner and/or sign owner.
(2) 
Failure to remove a sign within the designated time shall be deemed a violation of this chapter and the penalties of this chapter shall apply.