[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022[1]]
Any sign erected, altered, or maintained after the effective date of this chapter shall conform to the following regulations.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
a.
Signs help identify and promote properties, businesses, services, residences, events, and other matters of interest to the public. Signs also direct vehicular and pedestrian traffic, warn people of dangers, and serve as gateways and identification for historic districts, business districts, institutions, residential developments, and recreational areas. Well-designed and appropriately located signs can be an asset to a community. Signs vary widely in terms of function, size, location, and structural type, and this chapter regulates these physical characteristics of signs.
b.
The intent of this chapter is to regulate signs within State College Borough (Borough) to ensure that they are appropriate for their respective uses, in keeping with the appearance of the affected property and surrounding environment, and protective of the public health, safety, and general welfare by:
(1)
Setting standards and providing uniform controls that permit reasonable use of signs while also preserving the character of the Borough.
(2)
Prohibiting the erection of signs in such numbers, sizes, designs, illumination, and locations that may create a hazard to pedestrians and motorists.
(3)
Permitting signs that provide adequate identification and direction while minimizing clutter and confusion.
(4)
Encouraging designs that build on the image and visual environment the Borough seeks to promote, including consistency with the Borough's Design Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring, and Reconstructing Historic Buildings.
(5)
Establishing a process for the review and approval of sign permit applications.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
Words and terms used in this chapter shall have the meanings provided herein. Unless expressly stated otherwise, any pertinent word or term not part of this listing but vital to the interpretation of this chapter shall be construed to have its legal definition, or in absence of a legal definition, its meaning as commonly accepted by practitioners, including civil engineers, surveyors, architects, landscape architects, and planners.
A sign that has not identified or advertised an active business, service, owner, product, or activity for a period of at least 30 days in the case off-premises signs, or at least 60 days in the case of on-premises signs. "Out of Business" signs or those directing people to a new business location are not included, provided they meet the definition of a temporary sign.
A sign that designates a street address number and/or a street name for identification purposes.
A sign exhibiting action, motion, flashing, or varied light intensity or color changes through electrical or mechanical means.
A cloth, plastic, or other nonstructural covering installed on a frame that projects from a wall for the purpose of shielding a doorway or window. An awning is either permanently attached to a building or can be raised or retracted to a position against the building when not in use.
Any sign that is part of or attached to an awning.
A lighter-than-air, gas-filled balloon, tethered in a fixed location, which contains an advertisement message on its surface or attached to the balloon in any manner.
Any cloth, bunting, plastic, paper, or similar non-rigid material attached to any structure, staff, pole, rope, wire, or framing which is anchored on two or more edges or at all four corners.
Any source of electric light, whether portable or fixed, wherein the primary purpose is to cast a concentrated beam of light as a means of attracting attention to its location, rather than to illuminate any particular sign, structure, or other object.
A structure other than an awning made of fabric, metal, or other material that is supported by columns or posts affixed to the ground and may also be connected to a building.
Any sign that is part of or attached to a canopy.
A sign, or portion thereof, on which the copy or symbols change either automatically through electronic means, or manually through placement of letters or symbols on a panel mounted in or on a track system on the face of the sign. Changeable copy signs include but are not limited to message center signs and digital displays.
A sign consisting of fabricated or formed three-dimensional letters, individually applied to a wall with or without a raceway, and which may accommodate a light source.
The vertical distance between the ground and the bottom edge of a sign. This term can also refer to a horizontal distance between two objects.
A device, such as a television, capable of displaying a continuously moving or changing electronic display. Digital displays utilize technology, including but not limited to LCD, LED, or plasma displays. A continuous digital display is not restricted to a minimum duration for each image or message.
A device capable of changing a static electronic message periodically, but not continuously. Digital displays utilize technology, including but not limited to LCD, LED, or plasma displays. A digital display is considered periodic when it is restricted to a fixed minimum amount of time each message displays on the screen.
A sign designed to provide direction to pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorists on or off the premises on which it is installed.
Signs expressing support for a particular candidate in an upcoming election.
A type of illumination comprised of either: (a) a group of light bulbs hung or strung overhead or on a building or other structure, or (b) light bulbs not shaded or hooded or otherwise screened to prevent direct rays of light from shining on adjacent properties or rights-of-way.
Any sign printed or painted on cloth, plastic, canvas, or other like material with distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols attached to a pole or staff and anchored along only one edge or supported or anchored at only two corners.
A unit of incident light on a surface that is stated in lumens per square foot and measurable with an illuminance meter. One footcandle is equal to one lumen per square foot.
A sign affixed to posts or similar supports that are placed on, or anchored into, the ground, and that is independent and detached from any building. A pole sign is a type of freestanding sign.
The maximum linear width of a building, or an individual premises within, as measured in a single straight line parallel to the abutting public street or alley along the designated front yard of the property. If the premises has multiple frontages, the applicant may utilize the longest single frontage dimension when calculating allowable sign area.
A freestanding, open-air structure designed to shield fueling station islands from the elements. Fueling station canopies include those covering fossil fuel pumps, as well as other commercially available vehicular power sources, including but not limited to electric vehicle charging stations.
Any sign that is part of, or attached to, the vertical sides of a fueling station canopy roof structure. For the purposes of this chapter, fueling station canopy signs shall be considered wall signs.
Any official sign for the control of traffic or for identification purposes, not including businesses or residences. Such signs include, but are not limited to, street signs, warning signs, or railroad crossing signs.
A sign permanently affixed to the ground at its base, supported entirely by a base structure, and not mounted on a pole or attached to any part of a building. A monument sign is a type of ground sign.
A three-dimensional sign which is backlit to produce a halo effect.
Signs or displays including lighting which are a nonpermanent installation celebrating national, state, and local holidays, religious or cultural holidays, or other holiday seasons.
Artificial light, located away from the sign, which lights the sign, the source of which may or may not be visible to persons viewing the sign from any street, sidewalk, or adjacent property.
A light source that is concealed or contained within the sign and becomes visible in darkness through a translucent surface. Message center signs and digital displays shall not be considered internal illuminated signs for the purposes of this chapter.
A sign with no commercial advertising that displays general site information, instructions, directives, or restrictions that are primarily oriented to pedestrians, cyclists, and motor vehicle operators who have entered a property from a public street. A directional sign is a type of incidental sign.
Signs in a window displaying information such as the business's hours of operation, credit institutions accepted, commercial and civic affiliations, and similar information. These signs shall be informational only and shall not contain commercial advertising.
Any sign erected within the interior of a commercial premises that is placed at least three feet inward from the storefront windows.
[Added by Ord. No. 2209, 9/11/2023]
A sign that is an air-inflated object, which may be of various shapes, made of flexible fabric, resting on the ground or structure and equipped with a portable blower motor that provides a constant flow of air into the device.
An electronic or animated sign that reacts to the behavior of pedestrians or the electronic signals of motor vehicle drivers.
Light emitted by a lighting installation, which extends beyond the boundaries of the property on which the installation is sited.
An objective measurement of the brightness of illumination, including illumination emitted by an electronic sign, measured in footcandles.
A permanent structure, other than a roof or canopy, attached to, supported by, and projecting from a building and providing protection from the elements.
Any sign attached to a marquee for the purpose of identifying a use or product. If attached to a theater, performing arts center, cinema, or other similar use, it may also advertise films or productions.
A sign having parts that physically move while the sign is in operation. Signs such as banners or flags that exhibit naturally occurring wind-activated movement are not considered mechanical movement signs.
A memorial plaque or tablet, including grave markers or other remembrances of persons or events.
A permanent sign for displaying the bill of fare available at a restaurant, or other use serving food or beverages.
A type of internally illuminated, changeable copy sign that consists of electronically changing alphanumeric text often used for gas price display signs and athletic scoreboards.
A type of ground sign having a low profile that shall be mounted on a base that is solid from the ground to the bottom of the sign.
A sign displaying the names, logos, or graphics of multiple businesses or other nonresidential occupants located within a building or shopping complex containing multiple tenants that utilize one or more shared entrances to the site.
A large image or design on a building or other structure, including, but not limited to, painted art. Murals do not contain any commercial advertising elements and they are not regulated as signs.
A sign that was legally erected and maintained at the effective date of this chapter, or amendment thereto, that does not comply with the current sign regulations.
An outdoor sign with a commercial message that directs attention to a specific premises that is not the premises upon which the sign is located. Off-premises signs may include directional signs, but are only regulated under § 15-108 if they contain commercial words, logos, graphics, etc.
A sign identifying, advertising, or otherwise directing attention to a business, person, organization, activity, event, place, service, or product that is located on the same premises where that business, person, organization, activity, event, place, service, or product is principally located, manufactured, or sold.
A triangular or irregular piece of fabric or other material, commonly attached in strings or strands, or supported on small poles intended to flap in the wind.
A sign attached or affixed to a building, window, or structure, or to the ground in a manner that enables the sign to resist environmental loads, such as wind, and that precludes ready removal or movement of the sign and whose intended use appears to be indefinite.
An on-premises sign that expresses an opinion, interest, position, or other noncommercial message. Personal expression signs include election signage.
A freestanding sign that is permanently supported in a fixed location by a structure of one or more poles, posts, uprights, or braces from the ground and not supported by a building or a base structure.
A sign designed to be transported or moved and not permanently attached to the ground, a building, or other structure.
For the purposes of this chapter, a "premises" shall mean a single property, as identified by its unique street address. In the case of multitenant nonresidential buildings, each business or organization within the building shall be considered a single premises, unless the business or organization has been assigned multiple addresses, in which case it shall be considered a single premises. Residential structures with more than one dwelling unit shall be considered a single premises, and the multifamily residential portion of any mixed-use building is also considered a single premises.
A sign indicating a driveway that is privately owned and maintained.
A building-mounted, double-sided sign with the two faces generally perpendicular to the building wall, not to include signs located on a canopy, awning, or marquee. (Also known as a blade sign.)
A temporary sign indicating a property currently for rent or sale.
[Added by Ord. No. 2209, 9/11/2023]
A sign containing any material or device which has the effect of intensifying reflected light.
A sign erected upon, against, or over the roof of a building.
A portable, temporary sign consisting of two faces connected and hinged at the top. (Also known as an A-frame sign.)
A structure contained within an athletic venue that is typically used to display information pertaining to athletic contests or other events held within the venue. Scoreboards must contain scorekeeping elements; however, signage may be affixed to or integrated within the surface of the scoreboard that faces inward toward the venue. In addition, scoreboards may integrate continuously moving or changing video or graphic displays to show gameplay and/or commercial or noncommercial messages during an event held within the venue.
Any device, structure, fixture, painting, emblem, or visual that uses words, graphics, colors, illumination, symbols, numbers, letters, or any combination thereof to communicate a message. Signs do not include murals.
The total dimensions of a sign face, or portion thereof, used to display information, messages, advertising, logos, or symbols as measured using the standards specified in § 15-106e. Sign area does not include supporting framework or trim, provided these elements do not contain lettering, designs, logos, or symbols.
The part of the sign that is used to display the message.
The distance from the ground to the top of a sign as measured using the standards specified in § 15-106f.
A sign attached to a tree, pole, stake, or other object without the permission of the property owner.
The exterior facade of a building accessible to the public and containing the primary entrance to the premises.
A display made of lightweight, flexible materials, consisting of long, narrow, wavy strips hung individually or in a series, typically designed to move in the wind.
A banner suspended above a public sidewalk and attached to a single street pole.
Poles, posts, frames, brackets, or other supports holding one or more signs in place.
A nonpermanent sign that can be displayed for no more than 30 consecutive days at one time.
An outdoor unit with a slatted face that allows three different copy messages to revolve at intermittent intervals.
An internally illuminated sign comprised of a tube that uses neon, LED, or other visible light-emanating technology, and which is bent to form letters, symbols, or other graphics.
An exterior building-mounted sign, or an externally visible sign located within the window of any premises, which is located above the ground floor level to identify a tenant located above the ground floor of any building.
A sign displayed on a vending machine that includes the name, logo, or images of the products being sold.
A building-mounted sign that is attached to, displayed on, or painted on an exterior wall in a manner parallel with the wall surface. A sign installed on a false or mansard roof is also considered a wall sign. Channel letter signs are a type of wall sign.
A sign regulating the use of the premises where it is located, including but not limited to trespassing, hunting, or solicitation.
A sign that is affixed to a window or placed inside a premises within three feet of a window, and which is easily seen from the outside. Customary window displays of merchandise sold on the premises are not considered signs.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
The following sign types are prohibited in all zoning districts:
a.
Abandoned signs.
b.
Snipe signs.
c.
Mechanical movement signs, including Trivision boards.
d.
Animated signs, except message center signs and digital displays, where permitted.
e.
Pennants and streamers.
f.
Inflatable or balloon signs, except for balloons used in temporary, noncommercial situations.
g.
Reflective signs or signs containing mirrors.
h.
Interactive signs.
i.
Signs incorporating beacon or festoon lighting.
j.
Banners suspended across a public roadway or private driveway without the permission of the property owner(s), or the public entity with jurisdiction over the roadway.
k.
Roof signs.
l.
Signs that exhibit statements, words, or pictures of obscene or pornographic subjects.
m.
Any sign that promotes illegal activity.
n.
Any signs that resemble, interfere with, or obstruct official traffic lights, signs, or signals.
o.
Signs that prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window, or fire escape, or that prevent free access from one part of a roof to another part.
p.
Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors, particulate matter, sound, or odor or contain open flames.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
The following signs shall be allowed without a sign permit and shall not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of permanent signs allowed by this chapter.
a.
Government/regulatory signs.
b.
Holiday decorations.
c.
Personal expression signs up to three square feet in area per side. Exception: Election signs are not subject to the area limit specified herein.
d.
Flags without commercial advertising.
(1)
Height. Flags and flagpoles shall have a maximum height of 35 feet as calculated per § 15-106f.
(2)
Number. No more than two flags are allowed per lot in residential districts, and no more than three flags per lot in all other districts.
(3)
Size. Maximum flag size is 24 square feet in residential districts, and 35 square feet in all other districts.
(4)
Flags up to three square feet in area that contain noncommercial messages are considered personal expression signs.
e.
Signs or emblems of religious, civil, philanthropic, historical, or educational organizations that do not to exceed 15 square feet in area per side.
f.
Address signs: up to two per premises.
g.
Private drive signs: one sign per driveway entrance, not to exceed two square feet in area per side.
h.
Warning signs posted in accordance with Pennsylvania Title 18, § 3503, Criminal trespass.
i.
Vending machine signs.
j.
Message center signs for the display of fuel prices at commercial fueling stations, not to exceed 15 square feet in area per side.
k.
Memorial signs up to three square feet in area.
l.
Incidental signs.
m.
Incidental window signs up to a combined total of three square feet in area per premises.
n.
Directional signs, up to four square feet in area.
o.
Temporary signs.
p.
Signs that are not clearly visible from a public street, sidewalk, or other public right-of-way.
q.
Indoor signs.
[Added by Ord. No. 2209, 9/11/2023]
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
The following regulations apply to all signs, regardless of zoning district.
a.
In addition to the general regulations provided herein, additional standards by zoning district are provided in Table 1. In cases of conflict between this section and Table 1, the stricter standards shall govern.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Table 1 is included as an attachment to this chapter.
b.
Sign Location.
(1)
No sign shall be placed in a manner that may endanger pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorists by obscuring the view or interfering with official street signs or signals.
(2)
No sign may occupy a safe sight triangle, as defined by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.
(3)
Signs and supporting structures shall not interfere with surface and underground utility and communications lines or equipment.
c.
Sign Materials and Construction.
(1)
Signs shall be constructed of durable materials, use noncorrosive fasteners or adhesives, and shall be maintained in safe condition and good repair at all times.
(2)
Temporary signs and banners must be securely fastened to the structure or the ground to prevent a safety hazard, made of durable materials and shall be well maintained. Temporary signs that create a safety hazard or are frayed, torn, broken, or no longer legible will be deemed unmaintained and required to be removed.
d.
Number of Signs.
(1)
Overall Limit on Number. A maximum of five signs may be erected or maintained on any premises at any one time, except when a premises is located on a corner lot and has public entrances on two or more public ways, or where a building has both a front and rear public entrance, one additional sign may be erected.
(2)
A double-sided sign shall count as one sign.
e.
Sign Area.
(1)
Overall Limit on Sign Area. Each premises is allowed a maximum of two square feet of sign area per linear foot of the longest frontage per premises, limited to a maximum of 200 square feet for any individual premises.
(2)
Sign area includes all lettering, designs, logos, and symbols on the sign face(s), but does not include supporting framework or trim, provided these elements do not contain lettering, designs, logos, or symbols.
(3)
Sign area shall be measured by the smallest rectangle, square, circle, or oval that encompasses the letters, designs, logos and/or symbols on the sign face(s).
(a)
Irregular-shaped sign area may be calculated using a combination of encompassing shapes, provided the calculations are clearly illustrated in the sign drawings.
(b)
All visible faces of a double-sided sign shall be counted in the sign area calculation.
(c)
If elements of a sign are movable or flexible, such as a flag or banner, the measurement is taken when the elements are fully extended and parallel to the plane of view.
f.
Sign Height.
(1)
Overall limit on height: maximum of 35 feet.
(2)
Sign height shall be measured as the distance from the mean surface of the grade below, or from the mean surface elevation of the adjacent public street or sidewalk to the highest portion of the sign or any part thereof, including any framework or other structural elements.
(3)
Vertical clearance for freestanding and projecting signs shall be measured as the smallest vertical distance between the surface below and the lowest point of the sign, including any framework or other structural elements.
g.
Sign Spacing.
(1)
The spacing between sign structures shall be measured as a straight-line distance between the closest edges of each sign.
h.
Sign Illumination.
(1)
Signs may be illuminated, unless otherwise specified herein, consistent with the following standards:
(a)
Location. Table 1: Sign Standards by District identifies the types of illumination permitted in each zoning district.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Table 1 is included as an attachment to this chapter.
(b)
Light Trespass. To limit light trespass onto adjacent properties or public rights-of-way, all illuminated signs must follow the Borough's standards for maximum maintained illuminance at the property line as provided in § 19-2713, Table 1, Outdoor Area Lighting Standards, of Chapter XIX, Zoning and Land Development.
(c)
Brightness. All illuminated signs must comply with § 19-2706g, Outdoor Sign Lighting Requirements, of Chapter XIX, Zoning and Land Development.
(d)
All illuminated signs must be static in intensity and color, except digital displays.
(2)
Message center signs and digital displays, where permitted, are regulated as follows:
(a)
Sign Type. Message center and digital display signs are permitted in the form of freestanding, ground, and wall signs.
(b)
Message Duration and Display.
(i)
Message Centers and Periodic Digital Displays.
1)
The minimum length of time each message may be displayed is eight seconds.
2)
No device may emit content which flashes, pulsates, moves, or scrolls. Each complete message must fit on one screen.
3)
The content must transition by changing instantly (e.g., no fade-out or fade-in).
4)
The device shall contain a default message or image which shall freeze in one position if a malfunction should occur.
(c)
Height. Message center and digital display signs shall have the same height limits as other permitted signs of the same type in the same zoning district.
(d)
Area: as provided in this section and Table 1.[3]
[3]
Editor's Note: Table 1 is included as an attachment to this chapter.
(e)
Maximum Number.
(i)
Message Centers and Periodic Digital Displays. Where permitted, one message center sign or one periodic digital display is permitted per frontage. On corner premises, a maximum of two signs may be installed. This may consist of two message centers, two periodic digital displays, or one of each type. These signs are counted toward the permitted total for the premises.
(ii)
Continuous Digital Displays. Where permitted, a maximum of two continuous digital displays are permitted in a single athletic venue. When the device(s) are not visible from outside the venue, there is no limit.
(f)
Conversion of a nonconforming sign, or portion thereof, to a digital display or message center sign is prohibited.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
a.
Wall Signs.
(1)
No wall sign may extend laterally beyond the edges of the premises it identifies.
(2)
No portion of a wall sign shall be mounted less than eight feet above the surface below (vertical clearance), or extend out more than 12 inches from the surface it is affixed to. The height minimum does not apply if the sign projects less than three inches from the surface it is affixed to.
b.
Projecting Signs.
(1)
No portion of a projecting sign may extend more than four feet from the face or corner of the building it is mounted to, and the outermost portion of the sign shall be no closer than two feet from a curbline or shoulder of a public street.
(2)
Sign Height. The lowest edge of a projecting sign shall be at least eight feet above the surface below.
c.
Freestanding and Ground Signs.
(1)
Sign Placement.
(a)
Signs shall be set back a minimum of five feet from the property line.
(b)
No sign may occupy an area designated for parking, loading, walkways, driveways, fire lanes, easements, public rights-of-way, or other areas required to remain unobstructed by other deed restrictions or zoning requirements.
d.
Awnings, Canopies, and Marquees.
(1)
Awning, canopy, and marquee signs are subject to additional permitting requirements as specified in § 15-117, Permits for Signs.
(2)
No awning, canopy, or marquee may extend laterally beyond the edges of the premises it identifies.
(3)
Height. The lowest part of any canopy, awning, or marquee shall be a minimum of eight feet above the surface below.
(4)
Projection. When overhanging a public sidewalk, awnings, canopies, and marquees shall not project from the building wall more than 2/3 the width of the sidewalk as measured from the building. Stanchions or columns that support canopies shall be located no less than two feet inward from the curbline of the public street.
(5)
Multitenant Buildings. Awning or canopy signs shall be similar in terms of height, projection, and style for all tenants of the building.
e.
Window Signs.
(1)
As permitted by Table 1: Sign Standards by District.[1] Incidental window signs, as defined in this chapter, shall be excluded from area calculations for window signs.
[1]
Editor's Note: Table 1 is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
b.
Review Requirements. The following requirements apply to all off-premises signs, except directional signs with no commercial advertising:
(1)
Application. Anyone wishing to install an off-premises sign shall submit a sign permit application to the Planning Department in accordance with the requirements of § 15-117, Permits for Signs.
(2)
Review. Upon receiving a complete application, the off-premises sign proposal will be placed on the agendas of the next available Design Review Board (DRB) and Planning Commission (PC) meetings for advisory recommendations.
(3)
Site Plan. The application shall include a site plan prepared by a registered professional that includes the following information:
(a)
The location of the proposed sign and the required distances in accordance with placement and horizontal clearance requirements of this section.
(b)
Boundary lines and dimensions.
(c)
Property size, ownership, tax parcel identification number, and address.
(d)
Existing contours and any proposed contours, drawn at a minimum two-foot interval.
(e)
Natural and man-made features on or immediately adjacent to the site, including but not limited to structures, roadways, walkways, utilities, and water bodies.
(f)
The location, diameter, and species of trees planned to be removed.
c.
Sign Area. Off-premises advertising signs are subject to the following size restrictions according to the posted speed limit of the road which the off-premises sign faces. If the sign faces multiple roadways, the more restrictive standard shall be used.
e.
Placement and Horizontal Clearance. Off-premises signs shall be:
(1)
Set back from the right-of-way of any public street a distance equal to the height of the off-premises sign or 15 feet, whichever is greater.
(2)
Located no closer than 15 feet from any property line.
(3)
Located no closer than 50 feet from any building, structure, or on-premises sign located on the same property.
(4)
Located no closer than 500 feet from another off-premises sign on either side of the road measured linearly.
(5)
Not located within any utility easements.
(6)
Not located on a bridge.
f.
Number of Signs per Lot. There shall be no more than one off-premises sign per lot, except when the premises is located on a corner lot with public entrances on two or more public ways, one additional off-premises sign may be erected.
h.
Construction and Maintenance.
(1)
All plans for off-premises signs shall be certified by a registered professional.
(2)
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.
(3)
The back side of a single-face, off-premises advertising sign shall be painted and maintained with a single neutral color as approved by the Borough.
i.
Identification of Sign Owner. Owners of off-premises signs shall display their name, company, address, and phone number on the sign or its supporting structure.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
b.
Duration. Temporary signs may be displayed up 30 consecutive days, two times per calendar year. This does not include temporary signs for active construction sites that are likely to exceed 30 days in duration; however, such signs must be removed immediately at the conclusion of construction, or the issuance of the certificate of occupancy, whichever occurs first. Real estate signs may remain in place in excess of 30 days but must be removed once the rental space is fully leased, or the for-sale property is sold.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2209, 9/11/2023]
c.
Permission. The party posting the temporary sign(s) is solely responsible for obtaining the permission of the property owner before posting the sign(s). Temporary signs installed without the consent of the property owner(s) shall be considered a violation of this chapter.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
a.
Portable signs that meet the requirements of this section shall not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of permanent signs allowed on a property, and do not require permits.
b.
Duration. There is no limit to the number of days that portable signs located within public sidewalks or rights-of-way can be utilized; however, all portable signs must be removed and taken in each day at the close of business.
c.
Placement.
(1)
Portable signs shall be weighted, secured, or strategically placed to avoid being carried away by high winds.
(2)
If a portable sign is located within a public sidewalk, plaza, or other public use area, it must be placed in a manner that does not cause a safety hazard or obstruct the use of the area by pedestrians. Failure to maintain the portable sign(s) in such a manner may constitute a violation.
d.
Number, Area, and Height.
(1)
Number. One portable sign is permitted per business or other nonresidential premises, except that corner premises or those with public entrances on two or more streets may have up to two portable signs.
(2)
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of seven square feet per sign face.
(3)
Height. Sandwich board signs shall have a maximum height of 3.5 feet. All other portable signs have a maximum height limit of six feet.
e.
Illumination. Illumination of portable signs is prohibited.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
a.
Street pole banners are regulated by the State College Borough Public Works and Administrative Departments.
(1)
Prior to installation of any street pole banners, the applicant shall provide drawings or renderings showing the design and dimensions of the banner(s), and a map showing the installation location(s) to the Borough Public Works Department for review.
(2)
Proposals for street pole banners are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to prevent adverse impacts to the public health, safety, and welfare.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
Signs in the R1, R2, R3, R3B, R3H, and R4 Districts are regulated by this section, and all other relevant provisions of this chapter.
a.
Home Occupations. Operators of home occupations, or no-impact home-based businesses, as defined and regulated by Chapter XIX, Zoning and Land Development, and the PA Municipalities Planning Code, are permitted to install signage as follows:
b.
All Other Uses. Sign requirements for all other permitted uses are specified in Table 1.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Table 1 is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
Signs in the UV, CP1, CP2, CP3, MP, RO, ROA, and PO Districts are regulated by this section, and all other relevant provisions of this chapter. In cases of conflict, the stricter standards shall govern.
a.
Athletic Venues.
(1)
Signs located on the interior of the site used to identify various use areas, facility boundaries, on-site traffic direction, trail use information, or hours and rules for the use of the grounds, etc., are exempt from sign permit requirements.
(2)
Signs visible from outside the venue.
(a)
Signs on any outside wall or fence of an athletic venue, or other locations that are clearly visible from any public right-of-way, must comply with the provisions of this chapter, including permits.
(b)
Scoreboards visible outside of the athletic venue may contain commercial signage up to a maximum area of 15% of the front face of the scoreboard. No signage is permitted on the rear face of any scoreboard.
(c)
Continuous digital displays utilized during an event held within an athletic venue are considered temporary and are considered part of the scoreboard structure.
b.
Motor vehicle oriented businesses (MVOB), as defined in Chapter XIX, Zoning and Land Development, may have a maximum of two menu signs advertising items for sale to users of the drive-through lane only, when one exists. This is in addition to the maximum number of signs permitted by § 15-106, General Regulations.
c.
All Other Uses. Sign requirements for all other permitted uses are specified in Table 1.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Table 1 is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
Signs in the C and CID Districts are regulated by this section, and all other relevant provisions of this chapter. In cases of conflict, the stricter standards shall govern.
a.
Motor vehicle oriented businesses (MVOB), as defined in Chapter XIX, Zoning and Land Development, may have a maximum of two menu signs advertising items for sale to users of the drive-through lane only, when one exists. This is in addition to the maximum number of signs permitted by § 15-106, General Regulations.
b.
All Other Uses. Sign requirements for all other permitted uses are specified in Table 1.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Table 1 is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
Signs in the P, PA, and PK Districts are regulated by this section, and all other relevant provisions of this chapter. In cases of conflict, the stricter standards shall govern.
a.
These regulations do not apply to signs within the UPD Zoning District. Signs in the UPD are regulated by § 19-1210 of Chapter XIX, Zoning and Land Development.
b.
Parks and Open Space.
(1)
Signs located on the interior of the site used to identify various use areas, facility boundaries, on-site traffic direction, trail use information, or hours and rules for the use of the grounds, etc., are exempt from permit requirements.
c.
Athletic Venues.
(1)
Signs located on the interior of the site used to identify various use areas, facility boundaries, on-site traffic direction, trail use information, or hours and rules for the use of the grounds, etc., are exempt from sign permit requirements.
(2)
Signs visible from outside the venue.
(a)
Signs on any outside wall or fence of an athletic venue, or other locations that are clearly visible from any public right-of-way, must comply with the provisions of this chapter, including permits.
(b)
Scoreboards visible outside of the athletic venue may contain commercial signage up to a maximum area of 15% of the front face of the scoreboard. No signage is permitted on the rear face of any scoreboard.
(c)
Continuous digital displays utilized during an event held within an athletic venue are considered temporary and are considered part of the scoreboard structure.
d.
All Other Uses. Sign requirements for all other permitted uses are specified in Table 1.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Table 1 is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
a.
Unsafe or Unlawful Signs.
(1)
Upon receipt of a complaint of an unsafe or unlawful sign, the Borough will investigate the complaint, and, if determined valid, will notify the property owner. Any sign that is in danger of falling or collapsing, or one that is unlawfully installed, must be removed, replaced, or fixed.
(2)
The Borough may remove or cause to be removed the sign at the expense of the owner in the event the owner has not complied with the notice(s) from the Borough. In the event of immediate danger, the Borough may remove the sign immediately upon notification of the owner, person, or firm maintaining the sign.
b.
Abandoned Signs.
(1)
It shall be the responsibility of the owner of any property upon which an abandoned sign is located to remove the sign, any supporting structures, structural trim, and any other related appurtenances within six months of it becoming abandoned as defined in this chapter.
(2)
If the owner fails to complete the removal within six months, the Borough will provide notification and may remove such sign at the owner's expense. If the owner fails to pay the removal costs, the Borough may file a lien upon the property for the purpose of recovering all reasonable costs associated with the removal of the sign.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
a.
It shall be unlawful to erect, replace, or relocate any sign in the Borough without first obtaining a sign permit, unless exempted by § 15-105, Signs Exempt from Permitting Requirements.
b.
To apply for a sign permit, the applicant must provide the following to the Borough:
(1)
A completed sign permit application (available from the Planning Department).
(2)
Plans, drawings, or photographs showing the design, dimensions, and location(s) of the sign(s) on the property. The Planning Department may request supplemental information if the application is deficient.
(3)
A sign permit fee, to be established from time to time by resolution of State College Borough. The applicant will be notified of the fee(s) upon initial review of the application.
All fees are due prior to issuance of the permit(s). |
If the proposal includes any type of internally illuminated sign, or any awnings, canopies, or marquees, additional permitting is required. All applications for such signs, and additional review fees when required, must be submitted to the State College Borough Planning Department prior to submitting to Centre Region Code. |
Permits Required | All Signs | Internally Illuminated Signs | Awnings, Canopies, Marquees |
|---|---|---|---|
Sign Permit | x | x | x |
Zoning/Building Permit | x | x1 | |
Awning Permit | x1 |
Notes: | |
1 | For awnings, additional permitting is only required when replacing the awning structure. Installation of new fabric or other material that covers the structure only requires a sign permit. |
(4)
Applications for internally illuminated signs must include a plan prepared by a design professional that shows the results of the lighting design to demonstrate compliance with the standards of § 19-2709a(8).
c.
All approved signs must be installed within one year of permit issuance; otherwise a new permit will be required.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
a.
Intent. The intent of this section is to allow certain provisions of this chapter to be modified by the Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB); however, nothing in this section is intended to permit the erection or maintenance of signs which are prohibited by § 15-104, Prohibited Signs.
b.
Variances. Requests for variances shall be heard by the ZHB in accordance with the PA Municipalities Planning Code, State College Borough Zoning Ordinance, and in accordance with the provisions of this section.
c.
Hearing. If any party wishes to install or maintain a sign or signs other than as permitted by this chapter, that party shall be entitled to a variance hearing before the ZHB, upon submission of the required forms and fees for a hearing.
d.
Design Review Board. Prior to the hearing, the variance request shall be reviewed by the Design Review Board (DRB). The DRB review is advisory in nature, and the authority to grant variances remains solely with the ZHB. Any comments and recommendations from the DRB will be submitted to the ZHB during the hearing.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
a.
Signs legally in existence at the time of adoption of this chapter which do not conform to the requirements of this chapter shall be considered nonconforming signs.
b.
All permanent signs and sign structures shall be brought into conformance with the sign regulations when any of the following occurs:
(1)
The sign is removed, relocated, or significantly altered. Significant alterations include changes in the size or dimensions of the sign or a change in location on the property.
(2)
If more than 50% of the sign area is damaged.
(3)
Replacement or an alteration to the sign support(s).
(4)
Conversion from a nonilluminated to an illuminated sign.
c.
Replacement of a nonconforming sign with a conforming sign requires a permit pursuant to § 15-117.
d.
Prior to the events listed above, nonconforming signs may be repainted, the copy may be changed, or face(s) may be replaced, provided that these actions do not increase the dimensions of the existing sign or increase the extent of the nonconformity in any way.
e.
Nonconforming signs shall be exempt from the provisions of § 15-119b under the following conditions:
(1)
The nonconforming sign possesses documented historic or architectural value or unique design as recognized by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, local historical commission, National Park Service, or other similar organizations.
(2)
When a nonconforming sign is required to be moved because of public right-of-way improvements.
f.
Signs on the premises of legally nonconforming uses (such as an office in a residential area) may remain until the existing use of the premises is changed or abandoned.
[Ord. No. 2185, 8/1/2022]
The installation or maintenance of a sign without an approved sign permit, as required by this chapter, constitutes a zoning violation. Enforcement will be conducted in accordance with Chapter XIX, Zoning and Land Development.