[Ord. 2017-478, 12/14/2017[1]]
1.
This section establishes a comprehensive and balanced system of sign
control that accommodates the need for a well-maintained, safe and
attractive environment within the Township and the need for effective
communications, including business identification. These regulations
promote the health, safety, general welfare, and morals of the Township
by regulating signs that are intended to provide reasonable communication
to the public by promoting the following specific purposes:
A.
Encourage the effective use of signs as a means of identification
and communication.
B.
Preserve and improve the character of the Township through adherence
to reasonable aesthetic principles in order to create an environment
that is attractive to residents and visitors.
C.
Enhance the ability to attract sources of economic development and
growth.
D.
Enhance pedestrian and vehicular safety.
E.
Minimize the adverse effects of signs on nearby public and private
property.
F.
Enable the fair and consistent enforcement of sign regulations.
G.
Promote and protect the public health, safety, general welfare and
morals of the Township.
H.
Promote the tasteful, progressive design of signs which are complementary
to the buildings they serve.
I.
Prohibit the erection of signs in such numbers, sizes and designs,
and locations that may create a hazard to pedestrian and vehicular
traffic.
J.
Avoid excessive competition for large or multiple signs so that permitted
signs provide adequate identification and direction while minimizing
clutter, unsightliness, and confusion.
K.
Promote signs which are designed utilizing clear, crisp lettering
and uncomplicated symbols which identify the intended message efficiently.
L.
Avoid the uncontrolled proliferation of signs.
M.
Increase legibility, reduce the time needed to read signs, and reduce
driver distraction.
N.
Restrict signs that overload the public's capacity to receive information
or that increase the probability of traffic congestion and accidents
by distracting attention or obstructing vision.
O.
Eliminate potential hazards to motorists and pedestrians using the
public streets, sidewalks, and rights-of-way.
P.
Safeguard and enhance private investment and property values.
Q.
Control public nuisances.
R.
Eliminate excessive and confusing sign displays.
S.
Encourage signs that, by their design, are integrated with and harmonious
to the surrounding environment and the buildings and sites they occupy.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also provided for the repeal
of former Part 6, Signs, as amended.
[Ord. 2017-478, 12/14/2017]
1.
Explanation of Use Categories. Five classifications of zoning uses
for signs are established in this Part based upon the impact of the
sign upon the Township and the procedures by which the signs are authorized.
A.
Allowed Uses are those authorized signs for which no
zoning approval is required and are in compliance with this chapter.
B.
Uses by Right are permitted signs that are in compliance
with this chapter.
C.
Conditional Uses are those authorized signs that are permitted by approval of the Board of Supervisors in accordance with this chapter and specifically Part 7, Conditional Uses.
D.
Exempt Uses are signs that are authorized but that are
exempt from regulation under this chapter.
E.
Prohibited Uses are signs that are not authorized by
this chapter or exempt from regulation.
2.
Principal Uses. A billboard is a principal use which is allowed by conditional use in all nonresidential zoning districts, subject to general provisions and express standards and criteria. Billboards are not allowed within any planned residential development nor CCD zoning district. See § 27-606, General Provisions, and § 27-608.2E, Specific Regulations; Billboards.[1]
[Amended by Ord. No. 2021-502, 6/24/2021]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection 3, regarding accessory uses,
was repealed by Ord. No. 2021-502, 6/24/2021.
[Ord. 2017-478, 12/14/2017]
1.
All signs not expressly authorized under this chapter or exempt from
regulation hereunder in accordance with previous sections are prohibited.
Prohibited signs shall include, but are not limited to:
A.
Beacons.
B.
Animated or flashing signs outside a structure.
C.
Animated or flashing signs within a structure that are visible from
any right-of-way.
D.
(Reserved)
E.
Pennants.
F.
Strings of lights, except those exempt under previous sections.
G.
Inflatable signs and tethered balloons.
H.
Any sign or sign structure that constitutes a hazard to public safety
or health.
I.
Signs that, by reason of size, location, content, coloring, or manner
of illumination, obstruct the vision of drivers, either when leaving
a roadway or driveway, or obstruct or detract from the visibility
or effectiveness of any traffic sign or control device on public streets.
J.
Signs that make use of words such as "Stop," "Look," "One Way," "Danger,"
"Yield," or similar words, phrases, symbols, lights or characters
in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.
K.
Any obsolete sign that no longer identifies a bonafide business conducted
or product sold.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2021-502, 6/24/2021]
L.
Signs painted on, attached to, or supported by a tree, utility pole,
stone, cliff or other natural object.
M.
Banners, except for preoccupancy and temporary business identification
signs.
N.
Ban lighting, fascia lighting, strip lighting, and the like.
O.
Vehicular signs.
P.
Projected signs and logos. Commercial messages and logos shall not
be projected onto a building or structure.
Q.
Temporary commercial messages, except for temporary real estate signs
and pre-occupancy or temporary business identification signs that
are in compliance with this chapter.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2021-502, 6/24/2021]
R.
Roof
signs as defined in this chapter.
[Added by Ord. No. 2021-502, 6/24/2021]
[Ord. 2017-478, 12/14/2017]
1.
The following signs shall be exempt from permits under this chapter:
A.
Any public notice or warning required by a valid and applicable federal,
state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance.
B.
Any sign inside a structure that is in compliance with this chapter.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2021-502, 6/24/2021]
C.
Works of art that do not include a commercial message.
D.
Holiday lights and decorations with no commercial message, but only
between November and January.
E.
Memorial signs or tablets denoting the date of erection of a building.
F.
Temporary signs, such as auction, fundraiser, garage, or yard sale signs, as identified in § 27-604.2C(1) and (2).
G.
Signs and banners erected by a governmental body or under the direction
of such body.
H.
Temporary event signs and banners announcing nonprofit events for
noncommercial purposes, where such sign does not exceed 32 square
feet in area, is located at the site the event will take place and
for a period not to exceed 30 days prior to the start of the event
and removed within three days after the conclusion of the event.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2021-502, 6/24/2021]
I.
Political signs announcing candidates seeking public office.
K.
An off-premises sign for facilities that provide twenty-four-hour
emergency services, provided that such facility is approved by the
Pennsylvania Department of Health for stabilization and treatment.
L.
CCD pole signs used for wayfinding purposes.
[Added by Ord. No. 2021-502, 6/24/2021]
2.
Temporary Signage. All signs that are temporary in nature, and are
identified in the following subsections, do not require a permit.
A.
Temporary Residential Real Estate Signs.
(1)
(2)
Temporary Common Residential Real Estate Development Signs.
In addition to the requirements above, any residential development
of six or more lots shall be allowed temporary common real estate
development signs in accordance with the following provisions:
B.
Temporary Nonresidential Real Estate Signs.
(1)
(2)
Temporary Common or Shared Nonresidential Real Estate Development
Signs. In addition to these requirements, any nonresidential developments
of more than three lots shall be allowed a temporary common or shared
real estate sign in accordance with the following provisions:
(3)
Preoccupancy Signs or Temporary Business Identification Signs.
(a)
Type.
1)
All such signs shall be of the building-mounted sign type, as
seen in Drawing Z-21 found in 27 Attachment 9.
(e)
Removal.
1)
Signs shall be removed within 30 calendar days after issuance
of zoning approval and/or building occupancy permit for the tenant.
(f)
Unique Characteristics.
1)
Signs can be banners, panels, or the like.
2)
Signs shall only advertise the business or their intent to hire.
3)
Signs shall not include any realtor's, developer's or landowner's
information.
4)
Signs shall only be used if attached in a secure manner to a
rigid backing, fabricated structure, or structure such as an existing
sign.
C.
Other Temporary Signs.
(1)
(2)
(3)
Portable Signs.
(a)
Type.
1)
All such signs shall be of the freestanding, sandwich board
sign type, as seen in Drawing Z-23 found in 27 Attachment 9.
(d)
Location and Setback from Property Line.
1)
Signs are only allowed at the site at which the event will take
place.
2)
The sandwich board sign shall be placed within 10 feet of the
building facade.
3)
The sandwich board may be placed on the sidewalk immediately
in front of the use, provided a five-foot-clear pedestrian passage
is maintained.
3.
Directional Signage. A sign that has a purpose secondary to the use
of the lot or site on which it is located. Such signs consist of "No
Parking," "Entrance," "Exit," "One Way," and other similar directives.
[Ord. 2017-478, 12/14/2017]
1.
The following signs require permits under this chapter:
A.
Residential development identification signs.
B.
Freestanding or monument signs.
C.
Building-mounted signs.
D.
Community character development (CCD) signs.
E.
Electronic message center signs.
F.
Manual or mechanical changeable-copy signs.
G.
Billboards.
H.
Nonresidential development identification signs.
[Added by Ord. No. 2019-490, 7/25/2019]
[Ord. 2017-478, 12/14/2017; as amended by Ord. No. 2021-502, 6/24/2021]
1.
Approval for Occupancy and Use for Erection or Alteration of Signs.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2023-512, 8/3/2023]
A.
When Required. If a sign requiring zoning approval under the provisions
of this chapter is to be placed, constructed, erected, or modified
on a lot or site, the owner of the lot shall secure zoning approval
prior to the construction, placement, erection, or modification of
such a sign and zoning approval for occupancy and use after completion
of such sign in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.
B.
No zoning approval shall be issued for a sign unless such sign is
consistent with the requirements of this chapter.
C.
Application Content for Zoning Approval for Structural Alteration or Erection of Structures for a Sign. In addition to the items required by § 27-1101.2, an application for zoning approval for structural alteration or erection of structures for a sign shall include the following:
(1)
Electronic submittal of detailed construction plans for the
sign with accompanying documentation, including sign area calculations,
demonstrating compliance with the requirements of this chapter.
2.
Calculation of Sign Area.
A.
Single-Faced Signs. The area of a sign face shall be calculated by:
(1)
The smallest rectilinear, circular, or triangular shape that
will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, emblem, or other
display, together with any material or color forming an integral part
of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign
from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed.
(2)
The area of the sign face shall not include any supporting framework,
bracing, or decorative fence or wall, when such fence or wall otherwise
meets zoning regulations and is clearly incidental to the display
itself.
3.
Calculation of Sign Height.
4.
Public Right-of-Way. No sign shall encroach into any public right-of-way.
5.
Clear Sight Triangle. No sign shall be erected in the clear sight triangle area as specified in the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (Chapter 22).
6.
Design, Construction, and Maintenance. All signs shall be designed,
constructed, and maintained in accordance with the following standards:
B.
All signs shall be constructed of permanent materials and shall be
permanently attached to the ground, a building, or another structure
by direct attachment to a rigid wall, frame, or structure.
C.
All signs shall be maintained in good structural and physical condition
at all times and shall be in compliance with the Township Building
Codes, and in conformance with this chapter.
D.
Any monument or freestanding sign shall have a base of stone or brick
veneer. The base width shall not be less than the width of the sign.
The sign base shall have a minimum height of 24 inches above grade.
E.
Nonresidential, freestanding signs must have the address number of
the establishment placed on the structure or the sign. The address
number must consist of Arabic numerals, be a minimum of six inches
in height, and be of a contrasting color. The address number shall
be on both sides of the sign or base.
[Ord. 2017-478, 12/14/2017; as amended by Ord. No. 2021-502, 6/24/2021]
2.
Number of Signs per Lot or Site, Individual Sign Area, Height, Yards,
and Vertical Clearance. The following requirements shall apply to
various types of signs by zoning district.
3.
Illumination.
A.
Internal illumination of signs shall be permitted with zoning approval
for nonresidential uses in all zoning districts except C-1. Internal
illumination is not permitted for residential uses. External illumination
shall be permitted with zoning approval for residential and nonresidential
uses in all zoning districts. Illumination via exposed bulbs or visible
neon tubing is not permitted within any Township zoning districts.
B.
Internal illumination, where allowed, shall be designed so that when
illuminated at night, only the letters and logos of the sign are visible.
This shall be done by using an opaque background with translucent
letters and logos. Halo signs shall be allowed. No light shall emanate
through the background, the borders, sides, or any other surface of
the sign or its supporting structure.
C.
No sign within a residential zoning district or within 150 feet of
a residential zoning district may be illuminated between the hours
of 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m.
D.
External illumination of "residential" identification signs shall
be designed, directed and located so that only the sign is illuminated.
No light shall emanate past the sign or illuminate any other adjacent
structure or property. Residential street signs are not allowed to
be illuminated.
[Ord. 2017-478, 12/14/2017; as amended by Ord. No. 2019-490, 7/25/2019; and by Ord. No. 2021-502, 6/24/2021]
1.
Residential Signs.
B.
Residential Development Identification Signs.
(1)
Type.
(a)
All such signs shall be of the monument sign type, as seen in
Drawing Z-25 found in 27 Attachment 9.
(2)
Number.
(a)
Two single-sided signs are allowed at each entrance on an arterial
or collector street.
(3)
Materials.
(a)
The monument must have brick, stone, or decorative masonry construction
on the base, sides, and top.
(b)
The sign components, consisting of the monument structure and
sign area, must be one cohesive unit, with no gaps between the sign
and the base.
(c)
There shall be no gap between the bottom of the monument structure
and grade level.
2.
Nonresidential Signs. Nonresidential uses shall be allowed signage
in conformance with this section.
A.
Freestanding Monument Signs. Freestanding monument signs are allowed
for the following building and development types:
|
1.
|
One- and/or two-tenant buildings.
|
|
2.
|
Three- or more tenant buildings.
|
|
3.
|
Hotel or motel.
|
|
4.
|
CCD signage.
|
|
5.
|
Nonresidential development identification signs.
|
(1)
Nonresidential Development Identification
Sign.
(a)
Permanent Nonresidential Development Identification Signs.
4)
Location and Setback from Property Line.
a)
Signs shall be located only upon the development
site that they represent.
b)
Signs shall be located a minimum of 10 feet from
any public or private street right-of-way or property line.
c)
Signs may be placed on buildings within the development;
however, they shall be placed independent of other building-mounted
signs for the tenants of any such building.
(2)
One- and/or Two-Tenant Buildings.
(a)
Type.
1)
All such signs shall be of the monument sign type, as seen in
Drawing Z-26 found in 27 Attachment 9.
(b)
Number.
1)
Only one monument sign identifying the one- and/or two-tenant
building may be erected on lands occupied by a one- and/or two-tenant
building along a street adjoining such lands from which street access
is provided to said lands.
(c)
Materials.
1)
The monument must have a brick, stone, or decorative masonry
base.
2)
The sign components, consisting of the monument structure and
sign area, must be one cohesive unit, with no gaps between the sign
and the base.
3)
There shall be no gap between the bottom of the monument structure
and grade level.
(d)
Location and Setback from Property Line.
1)
The sign shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from any public
or private street right-of-way or property line.
(3)
Three-or more tenant buildings, or master-planned developments
with shared facilities such as access and parking.
(a)
Type.
1)
All such signs shall be of the monument sign type, as seen in
Drawing Z-27 found in 27 Attachment 9.
(b)
Number.
1)
Only one monument sign identifying the multiple-tenant building
and/or individual business within the multiple-tenant building may
be erected on lands occupied by a multiple-tenant building along the
street adjoining such lands from which street access is provided to
said lands.
2)
A second monument sign shall be allowed if the multiple-tenant
building has street frontage along more than one street, provided
that the street affords direct access to such land.
(c)
Materials.
1)
The monument must have a brick, stone, or decorative masonry
base.
2)
The sign components, consisting of the monument structure and
sign area, must be one cohesive unit, with no gaps between the sign
and the base.
3)
There shall be no gap between the bottom of the monument structure
and grade level.
(d)
Setback from Property Line.
1)
The sign shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from any public
or private street right-of- way or property line.
(e)
Maximum Sign Area. The square foot area of all freestanding
signs in multiple tenant buildings shall be allowed as follows:
(4)
Hotel or Motel. The following regulations shall apply to hotel
or motel signs:
(a)
Type.
1)
All such signs shall be of the monument sign type, as seen in
Drawing Z-28 found in 27 Attachment 9.
(b)
Number.
1)
Only one monument sign identifying the hotel or motel may be
erected on lands occupied by a hotel or motel along the street adjoining
such lands from which street access is provided to said lands.
2)
A second monument sign shall be allowed if the hotel or motel
has street frontage along more than one street, provided that the
street frontage affords direct vehicular access to such land.
(c)
Materials.
1)
The monument must have brick, stone, or decorative masonry construction.
2)
The sign components, consisting of the monument structure and
sign area must be one cohesive unit, with no gaps between the sign
and the base.
3)
There shall be no gap between the bottom of the monument structure
and grade level.
(d)
Location and Setback from Property Line.
1)
The sign shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from the front,
rear, and side yards.
(5)
CCD Signage. (Developments within CCD Districts are limited
to the following signage.) The following freestanding sign regulations
shall apply to nonresidential uses within an approved CCD.
(b)
Number.
1)
One portable sign, as seen in Drawing Z-23 found in 27 Attachment
9, per tenant; and
2)
Only one monument sign, as seen in Drawing Z-29 found in 27
Attachment 9, identifying the multiple-tenant building and/or individual
business within the multiple-tenant building may be erected on lands
occupied by a multiple-tenant building along the street adjoining
such lands from which street access is provided to said lands; and
3)
A second monument sign shall be allowed if the multiple-tenant
building has street frontage along more than one street, provided
that the street affords direct access to such land.
(c)
Materials.
1)
Signs shall be made of a durable material.
2)
The monument sign must have brick, stone, or decorative masonry
construction on the base, sides, and top.
3)
The sign components, consisting of the freestanding monument
structure and sign area, must be one cohesive unit, with no gaps between
the sign and the base.
4)
There shall be no gap between the bottom of the freestanding
monument structure and grade level.
(d)
Location and Setback from Property Line.
1)
The portable sign may be placed on the sidewalk immediately
in front of the use, provided a five-foot-clear pedestrian passage
is maintained, and the sign is located within 10 feet of the building
facade.
2)
The monument sign shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from
any public or private street right-of-way or property line.
(e)
(f)
Maximum Freestanding Monument Sign Height.
B.
Building-Mounted Signs. Building-mounted signs are allowed in the
following types of developments:
|
1.
|
One- and/or two-tenant buildings.
|
|
2.
|
Three- or more tenant buildings.
|
|
3.
|
Hotel or motel.
|
|
4.
|
CCD signage.
|
(1)
One- and/or Two-Tenant Buildings.
(a)
Type.
1)
All such signs shall be of the building-mounted sign type, as
seen in Drawing Z-30 found in 27 Attachment 9.
(d)
Maximum Sign Area.
1)
The square footage of building-mounted
signage for one- and/or two-tenant buildings shall be allowed as follows.
All sign size allowances are per tenant.
a)
One to 24,999 square feet of gross tenant space area: 240 square
feet of building-mounted signage. No one sign shall be larger than
120 square feet.
b)
Twenty-five thousand to 49,999 square feet of gross tenant space
area: 400 square feet of building-mounted signage. No one sign shall
be larger than 200 square feet.
c)
Fifty thousand to 79,999 square feet of gross tenant space area:
500 square feet of building-mounted signage. No one sign shall be
larger than 250 square feet.
d)
Eighty thousand square feet of gross tenant space area or more: 600
square feet of building-mounted signage. No one sign shall be larger
than 300 square feet.
(2)
Three- or More Tenant Buildings and Master-Planned Developments
with Shared Facilities Such as Access and Parking. The following regulations
shall apply to multiple-tenant buildings, consisting of three or more
tenants in a single building and master-planned developments with
shared facilities such as access and parking:
(a)
Type.
1)
All such signs shall be of the building-mounted sign type, as
seen in Drawing Z-31 found in 27 Attachment 9.
(b)
Number.
1)
Individual businesses within a three- or more tenant building
shall be allowed one building sign in accordance with the provisions
of this section.
2)
A second building sign shall be
allowed for any individual business within a three- or more tenant
building, provided that it can meet one of the following criteria
and all other provisions of this section:
3)
No two signs for a single tenant shall face any one direction.
(d)
Maximum Sign Area.
1)
No building sign for an individual business within a three-
or more tenant building shall have an area that exceeds one square
foot per each linear front foot of that portion of the building occupied
by the individual business, but in no event shall such area exceed
120 square feet.
(3)
Hotel or Motel. The following regulations shall apply to hotel
or motel signs:
(a)
Type.
1)
All such signs shall be of the building-mounted sign type, as
seen in Drawing Z-32 found in 27 Attachment 9.
(b)
Number.
1)
Only one building-mounted sign identifying the hotel or motel
shall be allowed in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(c)
Maximum Sign Area.
1)
No building sign for a hotel or motel shall have an area that
exceeds 4.5% of the structure wall upon which it is mounted. In no
event shall such sign area exceed 200 square feet.
(4)
CCD Signage. (Developments within CCD Districts are limited
to the following signage.) The following sign regulations shall apply
to nonresidential uses within an approved CCD.
(b)
Number.
1)
One blade sign, as seen in Drawing Z-33 found in 27 Attachment
9; and
2)
One wall sign per building facade, not to exceed three total
signs, as seen in Drawing Z-34 found in 27 Attachment 9; and
3)
One projecting wall or awning/canopy sign per tenant, as seen
in Drawing Z-35 found in 27 Attachment 9.
(d)
Location and Setback from Property Line.
1)
Building-mounted signage must be located on the tenant's facade.
(e)
Maximum Sign Area.
C.
Electronic Message Center Signs. All electronic message center signs
shall meet the following requirements:
(1)
Type.
(a)
All such signs shall be of the monument sign type, as seen in
Drawing Z-36 found in 27 Attachment 9.
(2)
Number.
(a)
One Sign Per Property. An electronic message center sign is
allowed in lieu of a freestanding monument sign.
(b)
No electronic message center sign shall be allowed on any property
that has an existing or proposed manual or mechanical changeable-copy
sign.
(c)
An electronic message center sign with faces back-to-back shall
be treated as one sign, provided said sign faces are parallel or are
adjoined on one end and have a separation of no more than three feet
on the opposite end.
(4)
Location and Setback from Property Line.
(a)
Only allowed in a commercial zoning district on a property that
is immediately adjacent to the public right-of-way of the following
roads:
1)
Route 19, between the intersection of Glen Eden Road/North Boundary
Road and the Township's southern border with Marshall Township.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2022-505, 1/27/2022]
2)
Route 228, between the intersection of Route 228/Franklin Road
and Route 228/Route 19/Freedom Road.
3)
Freedom Road, between the intersection of Freedom Road/Route
19/Route 228 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
(b)
Except that manual or mechanical changeable-copy signs for municipal
facilities, public education facilities, and religious establishments
may be located in any zoning district.
(5)
Maximum Sign Area.
(a)
May occupy no more than a contiguous 50% of the actual copy
and graphic area of a monument sign, up to a maximum of 50 contiguous
square feet.
(8)
Unique Characteristics.
(a)
All drawings, messages, and graphics displayed must be static.
Animation and video displays are prohibited.
(b)
Each individual message or display may be displayed for no shorter
than 15 consecutive seconds.
(c)
Flashing signs are prohibited.
(d)
The transition from one static display to another must be instantaneous
without any special effects, including, but not limited to, flashing,
spinning, revolving transition methods, scrolling from left to right
or top to bottom, slot machine, splice, mesh, radar, kaleidoscope,
spin, or any other animated transition.
(e)
The entire sign display area must be black or blank for a period
of three seconds between each message.
(f)
The drawings and messages displayed must be complete in themselves,
without continuation in content to the next drawing or message or
to any other sign.
(g)
The displays must be equipped with a means to immediately discontinue
the display if it malfunctions.
(h)
The sign shall not have movement, or the appearance or optical
illusion of movement or varying light intensity, of any part of the
sign structure, design or pictorial segment of the sign.
(i)
Must have a mechanism that automatically adjusts the illuminative
brightness of the display.
(j)
No sign shall be brighter than 5,000 nits between sunrise and
sunset and 250 nits between sunset and sunrise, measured according
to recognized industry standards for brightness measurement.
(k)
The intensity of the sign light source shall not produce glare,
the effect of which constitutes a traffic hazard or is otherwise detrimental
to the public health, safety or welfare.
(l)
The brightness of a sign may not interfere with nearby traffic
control devices.
(m)
The use of streaming video or full-motion video on any sign
is prohibited.
D.
Manual or Mechanical Changeable-Copy Signs. All manual or mechanical
changeable-copy signs shall meet the following requirements:
(1)
Type.
(a)
All such signs shall be of the monument sign type, as seen in
Drawing Z-37 found in 27 Attachment 9.
(2)
Number.
(a)
One Sign Per Property. A manual or mechanical changeable-copy
is allowed in lieu of a freestanding monument sign.
(b)
No manual or mechanical changeable-copy sign shall be allowed
on any property that has an existing or proposed electronic message
center sign.
(c)
A manual or mechanical changeable-copy sign with faces back-to-back
shall be treated as one sign, provided said sign faces are parallel
or are adjoined on one end and have a separation of no more than three
feet on the opposite end.
(4)
Location and Setback from Property Line.
(a)
Only allowed in a commercial zoning district on a property that
is immediately adjacent to the public right-of-way of the following
roads:
1)
Route 19, between the intersection of Route 19/Rowan Road/Ogle
View Road and the Township's southern border with Marshall Township.
2)
Route 228, between the intersection of Route 228/Franklin Road
and Route 228/Route 19/Freedom Road.
3)
Freedom Road, between the intersection of Freedom Road/Route
19/Route 228 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
(b)
Except that manual or mechanical changeable-copy signs for public
education facilities and religious establishments may be located in
any commercial zoning district.
(5)
Maximum Sign Area.
(a)
May occupy no more than a contiguous 50% of the actual copy
and graphic area of a monument sign, up to a maximum of 50 contiguous
square feet.
E.
Billboards; Relationship to General Provisions. Billboards shall be subject to the requirements of § 27-606, General Provisions; however, where there is any conflict with the provisions of this section, the provisions of Subsection 1 shall govern.
(1)
Type.
(a)
All such signs shall be of freestanding sign type, as seen in
Drawing Z-38 found in 27 Attachment 9.
(4)
(5)
Maximum Sign Area.
(a)
Per Billboard. The area of a billboard shall not exceed 376
square feet with only single-face signs allowed.
(b)
Per Lot or Site. If a lot or site has an existing or proposed
billboard located thereon, and the square footage of such sign is
equal to or in excess of the maximum allowable in accordance with
above, then the lot or site shall not be allowed any additional signage
of any type, whether freestanding or building.
(7)
Type of Illumination.
(a)
Illumination of billboards shall be by external illumination
only, but no direct ray of light shall extend beyond the face of the
sign.
(9)
Unique Characteristics.
(a)
Design. All billboards shall be attached to the ground by a
single vertical metal or concrete post, pillar, pole, or column.
(b)
Minimum Lot Area: 6,000 square feet.
(c)
Minimum Lot Width: 60 feet.
(d)
Owner Identification: All billboards shall be identified on
the structure with the name and address of the owner of such sign.
[Ord. 2017-478, 12/14/2017; as amended by Ord. No. 2019-490, 7/25/2019; and by Ord. No. 2021-502, 6/24/2021]
As used in this Part, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
Changing of a message or background of a sign in a manner
or method of display characterized by motion or pictorial imagery,
which may or may not include text and depicts action or special effect
to imitate movement, the presentation of pictorials or graphics displayed
in a progression of frames which give the illusion of motion, including,
but not limited to, the illusion of moving objects, moving patterns
or bands of light, or expanding or contracting shapes. Video display
signs include projected drawings or messages with these characteristics
onto buildings or other objects.
A cloth or other nonstructural covering that either is permanently
attached to a building or can be raised or retracted to a position
against the building when not in use.
Any sign made of cloth, bunting, plastic, paper, or similar
nonrigid material, attached to any structure, staff, pole, rope, wire,
or framing which is anchored on two or more edges or at all four corners.
Signs of political, professional, religious, education, or corporate
organizations that contain emblems or insignias do not constitute
banners. Banners are temporary in nature and do not include flags.
Any light with one or more beams directed into the atmosphere
or directed at one or more points not on the same lot or site as the
light source; also, any light with one or more beams that rotate or
move.
An off-premises sign which advertises an establishment, an
activity, a person, a product, or a service which is unrelated to
or unavailable on the premises on which the sign is located.
Any sign wording, logo, or other representation that, directly
or indirectly, names, advertises, or calls attention to a business,
product, service or other commercial activity.
Any fabric, containing distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols,
used to represent any government, political subdivision, religious,
education, or corporate organization. Flags are temporary in nature
and do not include banners.
Any permanent roof-like structure projecting beyond a building
or extending along and projecting beyond the wall of the building,
generally designed and constructed to provide protection from the
weather.
A unit of measure used for lighting expressed as candelas
per meter squared.
Any lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material, whether
or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire,
or string, usually in a series, designed to move in the wind.
Any device, fixture, placard, or structure that uses any
color, form graphic, illumination, symbol, or writing to identify
and communicate, announce the purpose of, or identify the purpose
of a person or entity, or to communicate information of any kind to
the public.
Any sign or part of a sign that changes physical position
or light intensity by any movement or rotation or that gives the visual
impression of such movement or rotation.
Any sign that is a part of or attached to an awning, canopy,
or other fabric, plastic or structural protective cover over a door,
entrance, window or outdoor service area. A marquee is not a canopy.
A blade sign is a type of projecting sign mounted on a building
facade or storefront pole or attached to a surface perpendicular to
the normal flow of traffic. A blade sign shall be no larger than five
square feet.
Any sign attached to any part of a building, as contrasted
to a freestanding sign.
A pole-mounted vertical wayfinding banner that is permanently
suspended in a fixed location by a structure of pole(s), uprights
or braces from the ground and not supported by a building or base
structure. A CCD pole sign shall not contain a commercial message.
A sign generally informational, that has a purpose secondary
to the use of the lot or site on which it is located, such as "No
Parking," "Entrance," "Exit," "One Way," "Loading Only," and other
similar directives, and provided that such sign does not exceed five
square feet. Directional, incidental sign shall be located only in
conjunction with site drive entrances and/or internal traffic drive
aisles.
Any sign or portion thereof that displays electronic drawings,
graphics, or pictures, with or without textual information, using
LEDs, fiber optics, light bulbs, or other illumination devices or
combination thereof within the display area and where a static message
change sequence is accomplished immediately or by means of fade, repixilation,
dissolve or other such modes, devices, processes, products, applications
or technologies from a proximate or remote location. Such signs include
computer-programmable and microprocessor-controlled electronic displays.
Any portion of a sign that changes light intensity, switches
on and off in a pattern, or contains moving parts or the optical illusion
of motion caused by use of electrical energy or illumination, with
a display that appears for less than 15 consecutive seconds; a sign
or any portion thereof where there is a pattern of changing light
illumination, where the sign illumination alternates suddenly between
fully illuminated and fully nonilluminated or alternates between various
levels of illumination for the purpose of drawing attention; illumination
that is intermittently on and off so as to flash or blink or the intensity
varies so as to appear to flash or blink or where there is a pattern
of changing light illumination.
Any sign supported by structures or supports that are placed
on, or anchored in, the ground and that are independent from any building
or other structure.
The gasoline pricing portion of a sign shall mean the static
numeric display of gasoline prices only, with no solid background
color other than black and no other picture, word, symbol or display
of any type. A sign on which the only copy that changes is the electronic
or mechanical indication of gasoline prices associated with an automotive
fueling station shall be considered a gasoline pricing sign and not
an electronic message center sign or a manual or mechanical changeable-copy
sign.
Any sign in which the entire bottom is in contact with or
is close to the ground and is independent from any building or other
structure. A ground sign is also a freestanding sign.
A sign or portion thereof with characters, letters, or illustrations
that can be changed or rearranged without altering the face or the
surface of the sign.
A sign in which a stone or brick structure is used to mount
the sign area on, in or as an integral part of such structure. The
permissible sign area of such sign shall begin at a height not greater
than four feet above normal grade.
A sign with two identical sign faces placed back-to-back
so that both faces cannot be viewed from any one point at the same
time and when such sign faces are part of the same sign structure
and are not more than 36 inches apart.
Any sign that does not conform to the requirements of this
chapter.
A permanently installed sign that is building-mounted or
monument-style that identifies the name of the nonresidential development
site that the sign is placed upon.
A sign used to identify the name of a nonresidential development
of three or more lots for nonretail use, containing no commercial
message, and located at the principal entrances of such subdivision,
such as an office park, industrial park, medical center, or business
park.
Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other
permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported, including,
but not limited to, signs designed to be transported by means of wheels;
signs converted to A- or T-frames; sandwich board signs; balloons
used as signs; umbrellas used for advertising; and signs attached
to or painted on vehicles parked and visible from the public right-of-way,
unless the vehicle is used in the normal day-to-day operations of
the business.
A temporary sign used to identify the coming of a new business
or an intent to hire for a new business.
Any sign affixed to a building or wall in such a manner that
any edge of such sign extends more than 12 inches beyond the surface
of such building or wall, but does not project above the wall, roofline,
or surface to which it is mounted nor in any way interfere with normal
pedestrian or vehicular traffic or obstruct upper-story windows or
openings.
Any sign used to identify the name of a residential development,
containing no commercial message and located at the principal entrances
of such development.
Any sign erected and constructed wholly on and over the roof
of a building, supported by the roof structure and extending vertically
above the top walk or edge of a flat roof, the eave line of a building
with a gambrel, gable, or hip roof or the deck line of a building
with a mansard roof.
Any sign erected or constructed as an integral part of a
normal roof structure of any design such that no part of the sign
extends vertically above the highest portion of the roof and such
that no part of the sign is separate from the rest of the roof by
a space of more than six inches. A sign constructed between the eaves
and deck line of a mansard roof shall be considered a roof-integral
sign for the purposes of this chapter. A roof-integral sign is a type
of building sign.
A sign with one sign face.
Any sign that is suspended from the underside of a horizontal
plane surface and is supported by such surface.
Any sign that is used only temporarily and is not permanently
mounted.
Any sign used to offer for sale, lease or rent any premises.
The time-and-temperature portion of a sign shall mean the
static display of the time and temperature only, with no solid background
color other than black, and no other picture, word, symbol or display
of any type shall be permitted. A sign on which the only copy that
changes is an electronic or mechanical indication of time or temperature
shall be considered a time-and-temperature portion of a sign and not
an electronic message center sign or manual or mechanical changeable-copy
sign.
Any sign displayed on a parked vehicle, where the primary
purpose of the vehicle is to advertise a product or business or to
direct people to a business or activity during all or part of the
day. For the purposes of this chapter, vehicular signs shall not include
business logos, identification, or advertising on vehicles primarily
used for other business purposes.
Any sign attached parallel to, but within 12 inches of, a
wall, painted on the wall surface of, or erected and confined within
the limits of an outside wall of any building or structure, which
is supported by such wall or building, and which displays only one
sign surface. A wall sign is a type of building sign.
Any sign, picture, symbol or combination thereof, designed
to communicate information about an activity, business, commodity,
event, sale or service, that is placed inside a window or upon the
window panes or glass and is visible from the exterior of the window.
