[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
Sign definitions are included in this chapter in order to facilitate the interpretation of this article for the public, administrative purposes and the carrying out of duties by appropriate officers, the Zoning Hearing Board and the Board of Supervisors. The definitions related to the contents of this article can be found in § 370-202 of Article II, Glossary of Terms. The related definitions found in Article II include the following:
Abandoned sign
Above-roof sign
Address sign
Animated sign
Awning
Awning sign
Banner
Billboard
Canopy
Canopy sign
Changeable copy sign
Channel letter sign
Community special event sign
Directional sign
Directory sign
Electronic message sign (EMS)
Fascia sign
Feather flag sign
Festoon lighting
Flag
Flashing sign
Freestanding sign
Gas station canopy
Gas station canopy sign
Government/regulatory sign
Graphic
Halo illumination
Holiday/seasonal decorations
Human billboard
Illumination
Illumination, external
Illumination, internal
Illuminated sign
Incidental sign
Incidental window sign
Inflatable sign
Interactive sign
Interior sign
Lawn sign
Limited duration sign
Marquee sign
Mechanical movement sign
Memorial sign
Menu sign
Message sequencing
Monument sign
Mural (or mural sign)
Neon sign
Off-premises sign
Official traffic sign
On-premises sign
Outdoor advertising sign
Pennant
Permanent sign
Personal expression sign
Pole banner
Pole sign
Portable sign
Private drive sign
Projecting sign
Public service and information signs
Reflective sign
Revolving sign
Roofline
Roof sign
Sandwich board sign
Security sign
Sign
Sign, area
Sign, background area
Sign, copy area
Sign, face
Sign, height
Sign supporting structure
Snipe sign
Streamers
Temporary sign
Time and temperature sign
Tri-vision boards
Upper-level building sign
Vehicular sign
Vending machine sign
Wall or fascia sign
Wind sign
Window sign
A. 
The purpose of this article is to preserve the right of free speech and expression, provide an easy and pleasant communication between people and their environment, regulate all signs within the municipality to ensure that they are appropriate for their respective use, and protective of the public health, safety and general welfare and avoid the visual clutter that is potentially harmful to traffic and pedestrian safety, property values, business opportunities, and community appearance. With these purposes in mind, it is the intent of this chapter to authorize the use of signs which meet the following objectives:
(1) 
Promote and maintain overall community beautification.
(2) 
Establish reasonable time, place and manner regulations on the exercise of free speech, without regulating content of signs.
(3) 
Promote traffic safety by avoiding distractions and sight distance obstructions.
(4) 
Protect property values; and ensure compatibility with the character of existing and planned land uses.
(5) 
Carry out the goals of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Advertising Act, as amended.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See 36 P.S. § 2718.101 et seq.
B. 
This article contains regulations governing the size, type, number, placement, height, and width of signs and signs permitted by zoning district in this chapter. These sign regulations pertain to graphics in residential zoning districts and graphics in nonresidential zoning districts that are visible from a street line providing access to the public. In the event of any conflict between the tables and text, the text shall govern.
A. 
Exempt signs. The following signs are permitted in all districts:
(1) 
Official highway route number signs, street name signs, directional or other traffic signs may be erected on the public roads and highways in the interest of public safety.
(2) 
Address signs displaying the name or address of the occupant of the premises, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed two square feet and not more than one such sign shall be erected for each occupant of a premises, unless such property fronts on more than one street, in which case one such sign may be erected on each street frontage.
(3) 
Security signs, signs indicating the prohibition or control of fishing, hunting, etc., or private drive signs, provided that the area of any such sign does not exceed 1.5 square feet.
(4) 
Government/regulatory signs, governmental flags or insignias.
(5) 
Legal notices.
(6) 
Public service and information signs.
(7) 
Temporary window signs, including community special event signs less than four square feet placed in store windows.
(8) 
Signs which are a permanent architectural feature of a building or structure, such as a cornerstone, or identifying letters carved into or enclosed on a building, provided that the letters are not made of a reflective material or contrast in color with the building facade material.
(9) 
Holiday/seasonal decorations.
(10) 
Bunting, pennants, and similar materials are permitted to announce the opening of a new business or industry and must be removed no more than seven days after opening.
(11) 
A sign that is integrated into a coin-operated machine, vending machine, or gasoline pump.
(12) 
Human billboard.
(13) 
Flags. See § 370-708, Regulations by sign type for permanent signs.
(14) 
Memorial signs, public monument or historical identification sign, including historical plaque signs.
(15) 
Incidental signs, including incidental window signs. Incidental signs shall be a maximum size of 1.5 square feet.
(16) 
Art or mural sign, provided that such signs do not contain any commercial messaging.
B. 
Prohibited signs. The following signs are unlawful and prohibited:
(1) 
Abandoned signs.
(2) 
Any banner type sign suspended between poles and lighted by a series of lights; any sign suspended between poles, which is either a pennant which blows in the wind or a spinner which spins in the wind.
(3) 
A sign that uses any method of illumination that can cause glare is prohibited, except in accordance with the following:
(a) 
It must be so effectively shielded that alarming beams or rays of light are not directed to any portion of any street or highway.
(b) 
It must be less than 0.25 footcandle, as measured from the curbline or shoulder, so as not to cause glare or impair the vision of any motor vehicle driver or otherwise interfere with a driver's operation of their motor vehicle.
(4) 
No sign may use the words "Stop," "Look," "Danger," or any other word or character which attempts or appears to attempt to direct the movement of traffic or which interferes with or resembles any official traffic sign, signal, or device within 75 feet of a street line or within 200 feet of a traffic control device, whichever is greater.
(5) 
Except for traffic control signals, red or green lights are prohibited within 75 feet of a street line or 200 feet of a traffic control device signal, whichever is greater.
(6) 
Snipe sign, including signs on benches or other street furniture.
(7) 
Any banner sign or any other type is prohibited across a public street, except for such signs which are approved by the Board of Supervisors to be of general benefit to the Township or for public convenience, necessity, or welfare.
(8) 
Any sign is prohibited which does not conform to the requirements of this article which was in effect when the sign was erected.
(9) 
Any flashing light or other flashing part of a sign, moving, or intermittent light or lights that are visible from the street line throughout the Township. This provision supersedes any contradictory provision elsewhere in this chapter.
(10) 
Novelty signs, including but not limited to objects (i.e., tires, automobiles, food products, animals etc.), pennants, balloons, animated signs, and inflatable signs.
(11) 
Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors or particles, sound, odor, or open flames.
(12) 
Signs which are flashing, moving, animated, coursing, blinking, intermittent, rotating, spinning, moving, or revolving. Reflective signs or signs containing mirrors and streamers are included.
(13) 
Vehicular signs. This regulation does not include the use of business logos, identification or advertising on vehicles primarily and actively used for business purposes and/or personal transportation.
(14) 
Signs containing information on which it states or implies that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of this chapter in the zoning district in which the property to which the sign relates is located.
(15) 
Mechanical movement signs, including revolving signs.
(16) 
Signs which prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window, fire escape, or that prevent free access from one part of a roof to any other part. No sign other than a safety sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
(17) 
Interactive signs.
(18) 
Signs incorporating beacon or festoon lighting.
(19) 
Signs erected without the permission of the property owner, with the exception of those authorized or required by local, state, or federal government.
(20) 
Signs that exhibit statements, words, or pictures of obscene or pornographic subjects as determined by Warrington Township.
(21) 
Feather flag sign.
(22) 
Message sequencing.
(23) 
Any sign that promotes illegal activity.
(24) 
Above-roof sign.
(25) 
Signs on bollards.
[Added 4-12-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-O-06]
A. 
The overall size and number of signs permitted is subject to approval by the Board of Supervisors as to comply with the Township Comprehensive Plan.
B. 
Location of signs. In no case, except for official traffic and street signs, shall any sign be erected so that it:
(1) 
Lies within or projects out over the street line of any street or within 10 feet of the shoulder or curb, whichever is greater.
(2) 
Lies within the clear-sight triangle as set forth in this chapter and the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 305, Subdivision and Land Development.
(3) 
Obscures a motorist's view of traffic signals, stop signs, or other warning devices as viewed from a distance of 500 feet along established thoroughfares.
(4) 
Obscures a motorist's view of roadway or intersections ahead as viewed from a distance of 500 feet along established thoroughfares.
(5) 
Limits a pedestrian's view of vehicular traffic to less than 500 feet while they stand inside the curbline at an intersection or other established crossing point.
(6) 
Lies within a distance of 15 feet from either side yard property line.
(7) 
Lies within a parking space or fire lane.
(8) 
Blocks the movement of pedestrians traveling on public thoroughfares.
(9) 
Blocks the exit fire escape or fire lane to a building.
(10) 
Uses the words "Stop," "Look," "Danger," or any other word or character which attempts or appears to direct traffic movement, or which interferes with or resembles an official traffic sign, signal, or device.
(11) 
Uses red, green, or yellow lights within 75 feet of a street line or within 300 feet of a traffic control device signal, whichever is greater.
C. 
Area of signs.
(1) 
The area of a sign shall be construed to include all lettering, wording and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background, whether open or enclosed, on which they are displayed, but not to include any supporting framework, bracing or decorative trim which is not incidental to the copy content of the display itself. The area shall be the smallest rectangle which encompasses all of the letters, designs and symbols.
(2) 
Multisided sign area determination.
(a) 
Only one side shall be considered when determining the sign area, provided that the faces are equal in size, the interior angle formed by the faces is less than 45°, and the two faces are not more than 18 inches apart.
(b) 
Where the faces are not equal in size, but the interior angle formed by the faces is less than 45° and the two faces are not more than 18 inches apart, the larger sign face shall be used as the basis for calculating sign area.
(c) 
When the interior angle formed by the faces is greater than 45°, or the faces are greater than 18 inches apart, all sides of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
(3) 
If an establishment has walls fronting on two or more streets or if the property fronts on more than one street, the sign area for each building wall or property frontage shall be computed separately.
(4) 
A sign supported by more than one means (and therefore may be defined as a freestanding, wall, roof, or projecting sign) shall have its area and height calculation determined by the type of sign which has the most restrictive standards.
(5) 
Signs that consist of, or have attached to them one or more three-dimensional or irregularly shaped objects shall have a sign area of the sum of two adjacent vertical sign faces of the smallest cube encompassing the sign or object.
(6) 
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.
(7) 
The permitted maximum area for all signs is determined by the sign type and the zoning district in which the sign is located.
Figure 12
Area of Signs
 
370 Area of Signs.tif
D. 
Height of signs.
(1) 
The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be measured from the elevation of the shoulder of the road to the highest point of the sign structure. In the case where there is a sidewalk, the height of the sign shall be measured from the mean height between the elevation of the road and the elevation of the grade upon which the sign base is located.
(2) 
For projecting or wall signs, the maximum height shall not exceed the height of the facade of the building.
(3) 
Clearance for freestanding and projecting signs shall be measured as the smallest vertical distance between finished grade and the lowest point of the sign, including any framework or other structural elements. The minimum clearance shall be eight feet.
Figure 13
Height of Signs
 
370 Height of Signs.tif
E. 
Construction Code requirements. Any sign hereafter erected shall conform to the provisions of this chapter, the Uniform Construction Code of Pennsylvania, and any other ordinance or regulations of the Township. All electrical signs shall be manufactured, listed, and labeled in accordance with the National Electric Code.
F. 
Signs attached to the ground must be anchored below the frost line with a footing.
G. 
Maintenance.
(1) 
Every permanent sign permitted by this chapter must be constructed of durable materials and kept in good condition and repair.
(2) 
When any sign becomes insecure, is in danger of falling, or is otherwise deemed unsafe by the Township or if any sign shall be unlawfully erected in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, the owner thereof or the person or firm maintaining same shall, upon written notice by the Township, forthwith in the case of immediate danger and in any case within not more than 30 days, make such sign conform to the provisions of this chapter or shall remove it. If within 30 days the order is not complied with, the Township may remove or cause to be removed such sign at the expense of the owner or lessee.
(3) 
Should the landowner object to the Zoning Officer's determination, said landowner shall appeal the Zoning Officer's decision to the Zoning Hearing Board with 30 days of receipt of the notice. Failure of a landowner to either rectify the condition of a sign within 30 days or to appeal the decision of the Zoning Officer to the Zoning Hearing Board within 30 days shall constitute a violation of this chapter.
A. 
General standards.
(1) 
The indirectly illuminated signs shall shine with white or clear light only.
(2) 
Fully shielded fixtures shall be used, and the source of illumination shall not be visible for any adjoining property or roadway. The planting of vegetation shall not be considered as a replacement for this requirement.
(3) 
The internal light source of directly illuminated signs shall be white or clear light only. Illuminated signs with any form of exposed neon or other tubes are prohibited.
(4) 
Illuminated signs shall not operate one-half hour after business closing or 12:00 a.m. (midnight), whichever is later.
B. 
Types of illumination. Where permitted, illumination may be one of the following:
(1) 
External. Externally illuminated signs, where permitted, are subject to the following regulations:
(a) 
The source of the light must be concealed by translucent covers.
(b) 
External illumination shall be by a steady, stationary light source, shielded and directed solely at the sign. The light source must be static in color.
(2) 
Internal. Internally illuminated signs, where permitted, are subject to the following regulations:
(a) 
Internal illumination, including neon lighting, must be static in intensity and color.
(3) 
Halo illumination. Signs that are back lit in such a way to create a halo effect are permitted.
C. 
Illumination requirements. The following requirements have been set forth to permit the illumination of signs, as defined within this chapter:
(1) 
Direct. Illumination of a sign designed to give forth artificial light directly through transparent or translucent materials from a source of light within such sign. The internal light source shall be a white or clear light only.
(2) 
Indirect. Illumination of a sign from an exterior source. It shall produce no direct rays that are visible elsewhere on the lot where said illumination occurs. The light source shall shine with white or clear light only. The planting of vegetation, while a desirable additional means to reduce the impact of the light source, shall not be considered as a replacement for this requirement. All light shall be directed at the sign and no horizontal or vertical light trespass as defined in § 370-814, Environmental performance standards., shall be permitted.
(3) 
No light shall produce light trespass off the premises by illumination originating on the premises. Illumination from light originating on the site shall not exceed 0.25 footcandle at the lot line or street line.
(4) 
During daylight hours between sunrise and sunset, illuminance shall be no greater than 464 footcandles (464 cd/ft2).
(5) 
At all other times, illuminance shall be no greater than 23 footcandles (23cd/ft2).
(6) 
Each sign must have a light-sensing device that will automatically adjust the brightness of the display as the natural light conditions change.
(7) 
Ambient conditions adjustment. All signs installed after the adoption of this chapter that will have illumination by a means other than natural light must be equipped with a mechanism that automatically adjusts the brightness in response to ambient conditions.
D. 
Glare. Any lighting fixture on a sign that is located within 10 feet of a property line of a residential zoning district or an existing residential use, or within 10 feet of a street line (except as permitted by this chapter) shall:
(1) 
Be aimed away from the property line, residential use, or zoning district, or street line.
(2) 
Be shielded on the side closest to the property line, residential use, zoning district, or street line.
(3) 
Not produce a strong light or a reflection of a strong light greater than 0.25 footcandle beyond the lot lines.
A. 
Except for feather flag, vehicular signs, and inflatable signs, any sign legally existing at the time of the passage of this chapter that does not conform in use, illumination, location, height, or size with the regulations of the district in which such sign is located shall be considered a nonconforming sign and shall be bound by the regulations of this chapter regarding nonconforming signs. All feather flags, vehicular signs, and inflatable signs shall be considered as illegal signs and are zoning violations subject to enforcement actions as authorized by the article.
B. 
A sign on a building or structure which does not conform to this chapter shall be removed when the building or structure is demolished or when its renovation or expansion amounts to over 50% of the market value of the structure assessed by the Bucks County Board of Tax Assessment.
C. 
A sign not conforming to this chapter shall be removed when the sign requires any structural renovation, or the background area of the sign is to be altered.
D. 
A nonconforming sign must be removed within 14 days or be made to conform to this chapter in every respect whenever:
(1) 
It is not firmly attached to the ground or some other object and can be easily moved.
(2) 
It becomes so deteriorated that it no longer serves a useful purpose of communication and is a nuisance as determined by the Township.
(3) 
If the copy of a sign is changed for a change of business or ownership, the sign must comply with this chapter.
[Amended 4-12-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-O-06]
E. 
A sign in violation of § 370-703, Exempt and prohibited signs, shall be removed within 14 days of notice from the Township that such sign shall be removed.
F. 
Nonconforming signs in shopping centers where sign sizes are determined and uniform shall be permitted to be replaced with signs that are similar to the size and style of other existing signs within the shopping center.
[Added 4-12-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-O-06]
A. 
Permit required. It shall be unlawful to erect, construct, or alter any sign not included as an exempt sign under this chapter without first filing with the Zoning Officer an application in writing and obtaining a formal permit. Normal sign maintenance, which only includes cleaning and repairs, shall not require a permit.
(1) 
Application form. An application for a permit for the erection, construction, or alteration of a sign shall be submitted on a form prescribed by the Township. The application shall contain the full names and addresses of the applicant, the owner of the premises where a sign is to be erected, constructed, or altered, and the person or firm engaged to erect, construct, or alter the sign. The application shall contain the affidavits of the owner of the premises authorizing the application and a description of the work to be completed. A site plan, drawn at a scale deemed suitable by the Zoning Officer must accompany the application. The site plan must accurately depict all property lines with bearings and distances, street lines, easements, and sight triangles. The proposed location of the corners of the signs and/or foundation must be dimensioned from the property lines in a manner satisfactory to the Zoning Officer.
(2) 
Fees. All applicants for permits for the erection, construction, or alteration of signs shall, at the time of making such application, pay a fee to the Township in accordance with the effective fee schedule adopted by annual resolution of the Board of Supervisors. The current fee schedule is on file in the office of the Township Manager.
B. 
Exemptions from the necessity of securing a permit, however, shall not be construed to relieve the applicant for the sign from obtaining other permits as needed, including but not limited to building and electrical permits from Warrington Township.
C. 
Before any permit is granted for the erection of a sign or sign structure, plans and specifications shall be filed with the Township showing the dimensions, materials, illumination, and details of construction, including loads, stresses, anchorage, and any other pertinent engineering data. Plans for signs with a proposed area greater than 100 square feet shall be prepared and sealed by a structural engineer. The application for permit shall be accompanied by the written consent of the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is to be erected for the Township to enter said premises to inspect such sign.
D. 
No new sign shall hereafter be erected except as herein provided and until a permit has been issued by the Township.
E. 
The changing of movable parts of an approved changeable copy sign that is designed for such changes or the repainting or reposting of display matter shall not be deemed an alteration, provided that the conditions of the original approval and the requirements of this section are not violated.
A. 
Governing provisions. If there is a contradiction in general standards or area and dimensional requirements between the provisions in this section and the provisions in § 370-709. Signs by district, the smaller or more restrictive standard shall apply.
B. 
On-premises.
(1) 
Canopy or awning signs.
(a) 
General standards.
[1] 
A canopy or awning without lettering or other advertising shall not be regulated as a sign.
[2] 
Canopy or awning signs must be centered within or over architectural elements such as windows or doors.
[3] 
No awning or canopy sign shall be wider than the building wall or tenant space it identifies.
[4] 
Sign placement. Letters or numerals shall be located only on the front and side vertical faces of the awning or canopy.
[5] 
Sign height. The lowest edge of the canopy or awning sign shall be at least eight feet above the finished grade.
[6] 
Multitenant buildings. If awning or canopy signs are mounted on a multitenant building, all awning or canopy signs shall be similar in terms of height, projection, and style across all tenants in the building.
[7] 
Graphics allowed. One sign may be displayed on each awning or canopy. It shall not exceed 40% of the area of the principal face of the awning or canopy, and it shall not exceed and shall be subtracted from the total sign area allowed for wall signs in the applicable zoning district. It:
[a] 
Shall not project above, below, or beyond the edges of the face of the building wall or architectural element on which it is located, or beyond the edges of the awning on which it is displayed.
[b] 
Shall not extend horizontally a distance greater than 60% of the width of the awning on which it is displayed.
(b) 
Awning signs.
[1] 
Location. An establishment and each occupant of a shopping center or multi-use building may display an awning on each street or highway frontage.
[2] 
Height and width. Awnings shall clear sidewalks by at least eight feet (and may extend up to one foot from the vertical plane formed by the curb or the street line).
[3] 
Awnings may be nonilluminated or externally illuminated only by down directed and shielded light fixtures.
[4] 
Awnings above the ground floor may be fixed, provided that they do not project more than four feet from the face of the building.
[5] 
Only one wall sign or awning sign is permitted per frontage.
(c) 
Gas station canopy signs.
[1] 
Signs on the gas station canopy over fuel pumps may not exceed a total of 40 square feet for all sides.
(2) 
Directional signs.
(a) 
Directional signs may not contain any commercial messaging.
[1] 
Area. No single directional sign shall exceed four square feet in area.
[2] 
Height. Directional signs shall have a maximum height of five feet.
[3] 
Illumination. Directional signs shall be nonilluminated.
(b) 
The number of required directional signs will be determined by the Zoning Officer. These signs shall not be considered in computing total permitted sign area on the premises.
[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
(3) 
Projecting sign.
(a) 
Projecting signs are permitted, provided that the area of such sign does not exceed one square foot for each two linear feet of building frontage which is perpendicular to the sign. No projecting sign may be larger than 50 square feet nor may any projecting sign extend in a vertical dimension above the roofline or highest architectural point of a building.
(b) 
Projecting signs shall have a minimum clearance of 10 feet between the bottom of the sign and the ground and, if projecting over a public sidewalk, may project not more than two-thirds the width of the sidewalk.
(c) 
Projecting signs may exist instead of, but not in addition to, freestanding signs on a given premises. Where a premises is allowed two or more freestanding signs, a projecting sign may be used to substitute for one or more of the freestanding signs.
[1] 
Projecting signs may not overhang any place for vehicular traffic (streets, loading docks, parking lots).
[2] 
Projecting signs under canopies.
[a] 
Signs attached to the underside of a canopy shall have a copy area no greater than eight square feet per side and a minimum clearance of 10 feet from the sidewalk. Such signs shall be mounted as perpendicular as possible to the building face, except that on individual buildings with a gross floor area of 10,000 square feet or greater, the area of the sign may be increased to 20 square feet per side.
[b] 
One under-canopy sign shall be permitted for each entrance to a facility served by a canopy or other pedestrian walkway.
(4) 
Wall signs.
(a) 
Wall signs shall not exceed 40% of the wall area of the building, including the second floor of the building or higher. If a building contains multiple tenants, each tenant's sign shall not exceed six square feet of wall area.
(5) 
Window signs.
(a) 
Permanent window signs shall not exceed 40% of the window. If a building contains multiple tenants, each tenant's sign shall not exceed 40% of the window area.
(6) 
Marquee signs.
(a) 
Such signs shall be located only above the principal public entrance of a building facing a public street or parking lot.
(b) 
No marquee shall be wider than the entrance it serves, plus two feet on each side thereof.
(c) 
No marquee shall extend closer to the curb than three feet.
(d) 
Sign height.
[1] 
No portion of a marquee sign shall extend vertically above the eave line.
[2] 
The lowest edge of the marquee sign shall be at least 10 feet above the finished grade.
(e) 
One marquee structure per building.
(f) 
Area. The total area of all signs on a single marquee structure shall not exceed 150 square feet in area.
(7) 
Freestanding signs.
(a) 
One freestanding directory sign is permitted for each street frontage, provided that the total sign area on any one street frontage of any property in single and separate ownership shall not exceed 175 square feet. Where any street frontage on property held in single and separate ownership exceeds 1,000 feet in length, one additional freestanding sign shall be permitted.
(b) 
The clearance or lowest edge of any freestanding pole sign shall be either less than four feet or greater than eight feet above the ground.
(c) 
Freestanding monument signs shall be supported and permanently placed by embedding, anchoring, or connecting the sign in such a manner as to incorporate it into the landscape or architectural design scheme.
(d) 
Sign placement.
[1] 
All freestanding signs shall be set back 10 feet from the street line or height of the sign, whichever is greater, except for official traffic signs and government/regulatory signs.
[2] 
No freestanding sign may occupy an area designated for parking, loading, walkways, driveways, fire lane, easement, cartway or the street line or other areas required to remain obstructed.
(e) 
Freestanding signs may have changeable copy signs.
(f) 
If the freestanding sign has electronic messaging, the regulations for electronic messaging sign apply.
(g) 
Freestanding signs shall include the street number and/or address of the property for which it advertises, at a minimum lettering height of four inches.
(8) 
Changeable copy sign.
(a) 
A changeable copy sign shall be displayed only as part of a freestanding or wall sign, subject to all regulations applying to those signs.
(b) 
The changeable copy portion of the sign shall not exceed one-third of the total area of the wall or freestanding sign.
(c) 
Any such device with alternating messages shall display each message for not less than five seconds.
(9) 
Electronic message center signs.
(a) 
Electronic message center signs are permitted in the form of freestanding, monument, and wall signs, both on-premises and off-premises, in accordance with the regulations established in § 370-705.
(b) 
Height. A digital display shall have the same height limits as for other permitted signs of the same type and location.
(c) 
Area.
[1] 
When used as an on-premises sign, digital displays shall not exceed more than 30% of the total sign area permitted on the site.
[2] 
When used as an off-premises sign, digital displays may be used for the full permitted sign area.
(d) 
Maximum number per property. Where permitted, one digital display sign is permitted per property.
(e) 
Message display.
[1] 
Any digital display containing animation, streaming video, or text or images which flash, pulsate, move, or scroll is prohibited. Each complete message must fit on one screen.
[2] 
One message/display may be brighter than another, but each individual message/display must be static in intensity.
[3] 
The content of a digital display must transition by changing instantly, with no transition graphics (e.g., no fade-out or fade-in).
[4] 
Duration. The length of time each message may be displayed on a message center sign, digital display, or tri-vision board sign is a minimum 15 seconds for message center signs, digital displays, or tri-vision board signs.
[5] 
Default design. The sign shall contain a default design which shall freeze the sign message in one position if a malfunction should occur.
(f) 
Conversion of a permitted nondigital sign to a digital sign requires the issuance of a permit pursuant to § 370-707, Sign permits.
(g) 
The addition of any digital display to a nonconforming sign is prohibited.
(h) 
Public service announcements. The owner of every digital sign may be asked to coordinate with the local authorities to display, when appropriate, emergency information important to the traveling public, including, but not limited to, Amber Alerts or alerts concerning terrorist attacks or natural disasters. Emergency information messages shall remain in the advertising rotation according to the protocols of the agency that issues the information.
(10) 
Time and temperature signs.
(a) 
Time and temperature signs shall be displayed only as a part of a freestanding or a wall sign, subject to all regulations applying to those signs.
(b) 
Any such device with alternating messages shall display each message for not less than five seconds and shall not use red or green displays.
(11) 
Public service and information signs.
(a) 
May not advertise any commercial establishment, activity, organization, product, goods, or service, except those of public utilities.
(b) 
Any such sign shall not exceed four square feet.
(12) 
Flags.
(a) 
Size. Maximum flag size is 24 square feet in residential districts, 35 square feet in all other districts.
(b) 
Flags up to 15 square feet in area containing noncommercial messages are considered personal expression signs.
(13) 
Memorial signs, public monument or historical identification sign erected by the Township or commonwealth, including plaque signs up to seven square feet in area.
(14) 
Pole banner.
(a) 
General provisions. Pole banner signs that comply with the requirements in this subsection shall not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of signs allowed on a property.
[1] 
Illumination. Illumination of any pole banner sign is prohibited.
[2] 
Area. Each pole banner shall have a maximum area of 12.5 square feet and a maximum width of three feet. Up to two pole banners are permitted per pole or opposite side of pole.
[3] 
Height.
[a] 
When the street pole banner's edge is less than 18 inches from the curb, the lowest edge of the pole banner shall be at least 14 feet above the finished grade.
[b] 
When the pole banner's edge is greater than 18 inches from the curb, the lowest edge of the pole banner shall be at least eight feet above the finished grade.
[4] 
Location.
[a] 
No pole banner shall extend beyond the curbline.
[b] 
Pole banners shall maintain a minimum three-foot vertical clearance below any luminaires located on the pole measured from where the ballasts connect to the poles.
[c] 
Pole banners shall not interfere with the visibility of traffic signals or signs.
[d] 
No pole banner shall be located on a pole that has traffic or pedestrian control signals.
[5] 
Installation and maintenance.
[a] 
All pole banners must be made of lightweight and durable fabrics with wind slits.
[b] 
Street pole banners that are frayed, torn, or faded so that they are no longer legible will be deemed unmaintained and will be required to be removed.
[6] 
Pole banners may only be erected on private property.
(b) 
Permit requirements.
[1] 
An application for a pole banner permit must include the following:
[a] 
A diagram or map of the specific poles to be used for pole banner installation and the streets on which the poles are located.
[b] 
A proof of the pole banner design, including the banner's dimensions.
[c] 
If brackets are to be installed, submit specifications for the bracket installation system.
(15) 
Upper-level building identification signs.
(a) 
Number: two signs per building.
(b) 
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 200 square feet.
(c) 
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height of 10 feet and shall not extend vertically beyond the eave line.
(d) 
Signs shall be limited to buildings at least three stories in height and shall be located only on the top floor of such buildings.
(e) 
Address sign shall be no larger than two square feet and be located on the front of any building.
(16) 
Menu sign.
(a) 
Menu boards serving drive-through uses shall not exceed 50 square feet and shall be internally illuminated.
(b) 
Menu signs posted on walls of restaurants are considered wall signs.
(c) 
Menu signs placed on sidewalks are considered portable signs.
C. 
Off-premises. Off-premises signs shall be in accordance with the regulations stated in the Interstate Outdoor Advertising, L.P. v. Zoning Hearing Bd. Of Warrington Twp. State Supreme Court case. Off-premises signs are only permitted in the PI-1 Planned Industrial 1 and PI-2 Planned Industrial 2 Zoning Districts. These regulations are specified below:
(1) 
General regulations.
(a) 
Off-premises signs shall be permitted along arterial roadways with a minimum side yard setback of 50 feet.
(b) 
Off-premises signs are not permitted on any lot smaller than three acres, unless otherwise specified within this chapter.
(c) 
Off-premises signs may exist instead of, but not in addition to, freestanding signs on a given premises. Where a premises is allowed two or more freestanding signs, an off-premises sign may be used to substitute for one of the freestanding signs.
(d) 
One off-premises sign may be erected on a property.
(e) 
Off-premises signs shall be nonilluminated, freestanding signs.
(f) 
Placement of off-premises signs.
[1] 
Street line. No such sign or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained within 50 feet of the street line.
[2] 
Side or rear yard. No such sign or part thereof shall be erected or maintained within 50 feet of any side or rear property line.
[3] 
No such sign shall be erected within 500 feet of any other such sign or freestanding sign or residential dwelling.
(g) 
Area of off-premises sign. No outdoor adverting sign shall be permitted to exceed the maximum size based on adjacent roadway permitted speed [miles per hour (mph)]:
[1] 
More than 36 mph: 60 square feet maximum sign area.
(h) 
Off-premises signs shall not exceed a maximum height of 20 feet.
(i) 
The minimum distance between signs is 750 feet.
(2) 
Outdoor advertising sign (billboards).
(a) 
Outdoor advertising signs are prohibited within 660 feet of the nearest edge of the street line of the Route 202 Parkway, a designated scenic byway in accordance with the Pennsylvania Scenic Byways Title 74.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See 74 Pa.C.S.A. § 8301 et seq.
A. 
For the purposes of this chapter, the tables and corresponding text within this section will dictate the type of signs, and the area and dimensional requirements of said signs, that are permitted within each zoning district. If there is a contradiction in general standards or area and dimensional requirements between the provisions in this section and the provisions in § 370-708, Regulations by sign type for permanent signs, the smaller or more restrictive standard shall apply.
B. 
General provisions applicable to all zoning districts.
(1) 
All building-mounted signs shall be consistent and compatible with the style, composition, materials, colors and details of the building and the purposes of this section.
(2) 
The applicant shall comply with all applicable sign regulations of the underlying zoning district except as modified or supplemented by these regulations.
(3) 
Rotating or revolving signs, pennants, flags, banners, balloons, and objects, such as tires, automobiles, food products or other items designed to draw attention to the product or business must be approved by the Board of Supervisors prior to installation. This does not apply to registered trademarks, service marks and similar corporate logos.
C. 
Residential, agricultural, and open space signs. In the RA Residential Agricultural, O/SP Open Space/Parkland, and CE Cemetery Districts, the following standards shall govern.
(1) 
Permitted on-premises signs.
(a) 
Athletic field sign.
(b) 
Directional sign.
(c) 
Freestanding sign.
(d) 
Freestanding sign for residential developments containing more than 10 units.
[1] 
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 15 square feet per sign face.
(e) 
Home occupation sign, excluding no-impact.
(f) 
Limited duration sign, nonresidential and residential use.
(g) 
Monument sign. A maximum of one sign per frontage is permitted in the CE Cemetery District.
(h) 
Portable sign.
[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
(i) 
Scoreboard sign.
(j) 
Temporary sign, nonresidential and residential use.
(k) 
Wall and projecting sign for nonresidential uses.
(l) 
Window sign for nonresidential uses.
(m) 
Community special event sign.
[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
(2) 
Off-premises signs (none).
[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
Table 10
RA Residential Agricultural, OS/P Open Space, and CE Cemetery District Sign Regulations
RA, OS/P, and CE
Area and Dimensional Requirements
Sign Type
Maximum Number Permitted1
Maximum Area
(square feet)
Maximum Height
(feet)
Additional Regulations
Athletic field
1
24
10
—
Community special event
See § 370-710D
16 per side
—
Yes
Directional
—
4
5
Yes
Freestanding
1
10
8
—
Freestanding (over 10 dwelling units)
1 per street frontage
15
8
Yes
Home occupation, excluding no-impact
1
1
1
—
Limited duration, nonresidential
1
10 per side
8
—
Limited duration, residential
1
7
3.5
—
Monument
1
—
6
Yes
Portable
See § 370-710C
6
3.5
Yes
Scoreboard
1
200
20
—
Temporary, nonresidential
1
6
8
—
Temporary, residential
1
4
3.5
—
Wall and projecting sign, nonresidential
—
1
Eave line2
—
Window signs, nonresidential
1
1
Eave line2
—
NOTES:
1
Maximum number permitted standard unit of measurement - signs per property.
2
The sign shall be no higher than the eave line of the building or the bottom of the second-floor windowsill, whichever is lower.
D. 
Residential district signs. In the R1 Low-Density Residential, R1-C Residential Single-Family Cluster, R2 Medium-Density Residential, R2-I Residential Infill, R3 Residential Single-Family, MR Mixed Residential, CR Commercial Residential, and IU Institutional Districts, the following standards shall govern.
(1) 
Permitted on-premises signs.
(a) 
Athletic field sign.
(b) 
Awning sign.
(c) 
Changeable copy sign. A changeable copy sign is only permitted as part of another permitted sign.
(d) 
Directional sign.
(e) 
Freestanding sign.
(f) 
Freestanding sign for residential developments or apartment buildings containing more than 10 units.
[1] 
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 15 square feet per sign face.
(g) 
Home occupation sign, excluding no-impact.
(h) 
Limited duration sign, nonresidential and residential use.
(i) 
Monument sign.
(j) 
Portable sign.
[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
(k) 
Scoreboard sign.
(l) 
Temporary sign, nonresidential and residential use.
(m) 
Wall and projecting sign for nonresidential uses.
(n) 
Window sign for nonresidential use.
(o) 
Community special event sign.
[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
Table 11
R1 Low-Density Residential, R2 Medium-Density Residential, R2-I Residential Infill, R1-C Residential Single-Family Cluster, R3 Residential Single-Family, CR Commercial Residential, MR Mixed Residential, and IU Institutional District Sign Regulations
R1, R1-C, R2, R2-I, R3, CR, MR, and IU
Area and Dimensional Requirements
Sign Type
Maximum Number Permitted1
Maximum Area
(square feet)
Maximum Height
(feet)
Additional Regulations
Athletic field
1
48
10
—
Awning
1
1.5 per linear foot of building frontage facing a public street or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations based on sign height
Lowest edge shall be 8 feet above finished grade
—
Changeable copy
1
1/3 of the total area of wall or freestanding sign
—
Yes
Community special event
See § 370-710D
16 per side
—
Yes
Directional
—
4
5
Yes
Freestanding
1
10
8
—
Freestanding (over 10 dwelling units)
1 per street frontage
15
8
Yes
Home occupation, excluding no-impact
1
1
Eave line2
—
Limited duration, nonresidential
1
10 per side
8
—
Limited duration, residential
1
4
3.5
—
Monument
1
—
6
—
Portable
See § 370-710C
6
3.5
Yes
Scoreboard
1
200
20
—
Temporary, nonresidential
1
6
6
—
Temporary, residential
1
4
3.5
—
Wall and projecting signs, nonresidential uses
—
1
Eave line2
—
Window signs, nonresidential uses
1
1
Eave line2
—
NOTES:
1
Maximum number permitted standard unit of measurement - signs per property.
2
The sign shall be no higher than the eave line of the building or the bottom of the second-floor windowsill, whichever is lower.
E. 
Eureka Village District signs. In the EV Eureka Village District the following standards shall govern.
(1) 
Permitted on-premises signs.
(a) 
If the building fronts on two or more streets, a maximum of one additional sign in conformity with § 370-709E shall be permitted.
(b) 
For properties in the EV Eureka Village Zoning District with more than one principal use in separate structures or in a single building on one property, the following regulations shall apply:
[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
[1] 
Awning sign.
[2] 
Directional sign.
[3] 
Freestanding sign.
[a] 
One freestanding sign which identifies the development and may serve as a directory sign for uses in the development. No additional directory signs may be erected regardless of number of street frontages. Such sign shall not exceed 40 square feet per side and shall only identify the name of the center or development and/or names of the various businesses or firms located within such center or development.
[b] 
One freestanding sign up to 12 square feet may be erected for each principal use which exceeds 20,000 square feet in leasable space.
[4] 
Home occupation sign, excluding no-impact.
[5] 
Limited duration sign, nonresidential and residential use.
[6] 
Marquee sign.
[7] 
Menu sign.
[8] 
Monument sign. A monument sign is only permitted as part of a building with a minimum of 20,000 square feet.
[9] 
Portable sign.
[10] 
Temporary sign, nonresidential and residential use.
[11] 
Window and projecting signs shall be permitted in accordance with the following limitations:
[a] 
One sign which shall be limited to the name of the firm, building, establishment or business may be erected on each individual use in accordance with one of the following:
[i] 
Either one window sign consisting of individual letters or symbols not to exceed 40% of the window area, for all such signs and must be located on the ground floor; or
[ii] 
One projecting sign extending not more than five feet from the wall up to 10 square feet in size.
[12] 
Wall signs. One per street elevation or elevation facing a parking lot, size of each such sign not to exceed 16 square feet. Copy on such signs is restricted to the name, address, and/or suitable graphic element designed to identify the premises. In addition, the name and specialty of each professional occupant may be displayed, provided the copy area of each such name and specialty does not exceed two square feet.
Table 12
EV Eureka Village District Sign Regulations
EV
Area and Dimensional Requirements
Sign Type
Maximum Number Permitted1
Maximum Area
(square feet)
Maximum Height
(feet)
Additional Regulations
Awning
1
1.5 per linear foot of building frontage facing a public street or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations based on sign height
Lowest edge shall be 8 feet above finished grade
—
Directional
—
4
5
Yes
Freestanding
1 per frontage
See § 370-709K(1).
See § 370-709K(2).
Yes
Home occupation, excluding no-impact
1
1
1
—
Limited duration, nonresidential
1
10 per side
—
—
Limited duration, residential
1
4
3.5
—
Marquee
1
50 per side
—
—
Menu
1 per use
2
4.5
Yes
Monument
1 per use
25
6
Yes
Portable
See § 370-710C
6
3.5
Yes
Projecting
1 per use
10
Eave line2
—
Temporary, nonresidential
1 per 1,000 square feet of frontage
12
3.5
—
Temporary,- residential
1
4
3.5
—
Wall
1 per street elevation or elevation facing a parking lot
16
Eave line2
Yes
Window
1
40% of window area
—
Yes
NOTES:
1
Maximum number permitted standard unit of measurement - signs per property.
2
The sign shall be no higher than the eave line of the building or the bottom of the second-floor windowsill, whichever is lower.
F. 
BZ Business Zone District signs. In the BZ Business District the following standards shall govern.
[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
(1) 
Permitted on-premises signs.
(a) 
The sign area may be comprised of any of the following sign types provided that the total sign area is subject to the maximum size limitations based on individual sign type.
(b) 
The following signs shall be permitted to only display the name of a firm, building, establishment, or business and may only be erected for each individual use in accordance with the following standards:
[1] 
Either one window sign consisting of individual letters or symbols not to exceed 40% of the window area, for all such signs and must be located on the ground floor; or
[2] 
One projecting sign extending not more than five feet from the wall up to 10 square feet in size.
(c) 
Directional sign.
(d) 
Freestanding signs: The allowable sign area calculation is provided in § 370-709K(1). The allowable sign height calculation is provided in § 370-709K(2). No more than one such sign shall be erected on a premises held in single and separate ownership unless such premises fronts on more than one street, in which case one such sign may be erected on each street frontage.
(e) 
Freestanding sign for a shopping center with multiple businesses: The allowable sign area calculation is provided in § 370-709K(1). The maximum sign area may be increased, provided that:
[1] 
There shall be only one such sign per frontage.
[2] 
The area and height of any freestanding sign(s) shall not exceed 100% of the amounts specified in § 370-709K(2).
(f) 
Electronic message sign: must be part of a freestanding sign.
(g) 
Awning sign.
(h) 
Directory signs, including a directory of tenants of an apartment building or development, office building, or other permitted use, shall be permitted only when such premises fronts onto State Route 0611 or State Route 0132, which are four lanes.
(i) 
Marquee sign.
(j) 
Menu sign.
(k) 
Monument sign: shall be displayed only on a frontage of 100 feet or more or shall not be closer than 100 feet to any other monument sign.
(l) 
Upper-level building sign.
(m) 
Wall signs. One per street elevation or elevation facing a parking lot, size of each such sign not to exceed two square feet per linear foot of wall frontage. Copy on such signs is restricted to the name, address, and/or suitable graphic element designed to identify the premises. In addition, the name and specialty of each professional occupant may be displayed, provided the copy area of each such name and specialty does not exceed two square feet.
(n) 
Community special event sign.
(2) 
Off-premises (none).
Table 13
BZ Business Zone District Sign Regulations
BZ
Area and Dimensional Requirements
Sign Type
Maximum Number Permitted1
Maximum Area
(square feet)
Maximum Height
(feet)
Additional Regulations
Awning
1
1.5 per linear foot of building frontage facing a public street or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations based on sign height
Lowest edge shall be 8 feet above finished grade
—
Community special event
See § 370-710D
16 per side
—
Yes
Directional
—
6
6
Yes
Electronic message
1
1/3 of the total area of freestanding sign
—
Yes
Freestanding
1
See § 370-709K(1).
See § 370-709K(2).
Yes
Freestanding, shopping center
1 per frontage
See § 370-709K(1).
See § 370-709K(2).
Yes
Marquee
1
50 per side
Eave line2
—
Menu
—
2
—
Yes
Monument
1
1.5 per 1 foot of linear frontage
6
Yes
Projecting
1
10
Eave line2
Yes
Upper-level building
1
1.5 per 1 foot of linear frontage
Eave line2
—
Wall
1 per street elevation facing a parking lot
2 square feet per linear foot of wall frontage
Eave line2
Yes
Window
1 per use
40% of window area
—
Yes
NOTES:
1
Maximum number permitted standard unit of measurement - signs per property.
2
The sign shall be no higher than the eave line of the building or the bottom of the second-floor windowsill, whichever is lower.
G. 
WV Warrington Village District signs. In the WV Warrington Village District, the following standards shall govern.
(1) 
Permitted on-premises signs.
(a) 
Awning sign.
(b) 
Banner sign.
(c) 
Directional sign.
(d) 
Freestanding signs shall be permitted in accordance with the following limitations:
[1] 
Such signs shall be limited to one, except for a premises which fronts on two or more streets, in which case a sign may be permitted in each yard fronting on a street; and except for a use which contains more than 500 linear feet of front footage, in which case one freestanding sign will be permitted for each additional 500 feet of front footage or portion thereof, provided that the maximum allowable sign area has not been exceeded as specified in § 370-709K(1). A single freestanding sign may advertise any number of businesses, provided that the maximum sign area per business and the total maximum sign are not exceeded.
[2] 
For a shopping center with multiple businesses, the allowable sign area calculation is provided in § 370-709K(1). The maximum sign area may be increased, provided that:
[a] 
There shall be only one such sign per frontage.
[b] 
The area and height of any freestanding sign(s) shall not exceed 100% of the amounts specified in § 370-709K(2).
(e) 
Limited duration sign.
(f) 
Menu sign.
(g) 
Portable signs.
(h) 
Projecting signs located under canopies.
[1] 
Such signs shall have a copy no greater than eight square feet per side and a minimum clearance of 10 feet from the sidewalk and shall be mounted as nearly as possible perpendicular to the building face.
[2] 
One such sign may be permitted for each entrance to a facility served by a canopy or other pedestrian walkway, provided that they do not exceed eight square feet in area.
(i) 
Temporary sign.
(j) 
Time and temperature signs.
[1] 
Time and temperature signs shall be displayed only as a part of a freestanding or a wall sign, subject to all regulations applying to those signs.
[2] 
Any such device with alternating messages shall display each message for not less than five seconds and shall not use red or green displays.
(k) 
The following signs shall be permitted to only display the name of the firm, building, establishment, or business and may only be erected for each individual use in accordance with the following standards:
[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
[1] 
Either one window sign consisting of individual letters or symbols not to exceed 40% of the window area, for all such signs and must be located on the ground floor; or
[2] 
One projecting sign extending not more than five feet from the wall up to 10 square feet in size.
(l) 
Wall signs. One per street elevation or elevation facing a parking lot, size of each sign not to exceed two square feet per linear foot of wall frontage. Copy on such signs is restricted to the name, address, and/or suitable graphic element designed to identify the premises. In addition, the name and specialty of each professional occupant may be displayed, provided the copy area of each such name and specialty does not exceed two square feet.
[Added 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
(m) 
Community special event sign.
[Added 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
Table 14
WV Warrington Village District Sign Regulations
WV
Area and Dimensional Requirements
Sign Type
Maximum Number Permitted1
Maximum Area
(square feet)
Maximum Height
(feet)
Additional Regulations
Awning
1
1.5 per linear foot of building frontage facing a public street or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations based on sign height
Lowest edge shall be 8 feet above finished grade
—
Banner
1 per use
24
—
—
Community special event
See § 370-710D
16 per side
—
Yes
Directional
See § 370-710D
4
5
Yes
Freestanding
1 per frontage
See § 370-709K(1).
See § 370-709K(2).
Yes
Freestanding, shopping center
1 per frontage
See § 370-709K(1).
See § 370-709K(2).
Yes
Limited duration
1
10 per side
6
—
Menu
1
2
4.5
Yes
Portable
1 per use
7
3.5
—
Projecting
1 per use
10
Eave line2
—
Projecting, under canopy
1 per entrance
8 per side
Eave line2
Yes
Temporary
1 per 1,000 feet
12
6
—
Time and temperature
1 per freestanding or wall sign
1/3 of freestanding or wall sign
—
Yes
Wall
1 per street elevation or elevation facing a parking lot
2 square feet per linear foot of wall frontage
Eave line2
—
Window
1 per use
40% of window area
—
Yes
NOTES:
1
Maximum number permitted standard unit of measurement - signs per property.
2
The sign shall be no higher than the eave line of the building or the bottom of the second-floor windowsill, whichever is lower.
H. 
CBD Central Business District signs. In the CBD District the following standards shall govern.
(1) 
Permitted on-premises signs.
(a) 
Awning sign.
(b) 
Banner sign.
(c) 
[1]Directory sign. Such sign shall not exceed 40 square feet per side and shall only identify the name of the center and/or the names of the various businesses or firms located within such center or park. Not more than one such sign shall be erected on any property held in single and separate ownership, unless such premises fronts upon more than one street, in which event one such sign may be erected on each street frontage from which access is taken.
[1]
Editor's Note; Former Subsection H(1)(c), regarding directional signs, was repealed 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2. This ordinance also renumbered former Subsection H(1)(d) through (m) as Subsection H(1)(c) through (l) respectively.
(d) 
Electronic message center sign in accordance with the following standards:
[1] 
Shall be displayed only as a part of a freestanding or a wall sign, subject to all regulations applying to those signs.
[2] 
Shall not exceed one-third of the total proposed area of the wall or freestanding sign.
[3] 
Any such device with alternating messages shall display each message for not less than five seconds.
(e) 
Freestanding sign.
[1] 
For a shopping center with multiple businesses, the allowable sign area calculation is provided in § 370-709K(1). The maximum sign area may be increased, provided that:
[a] 
There shall be only one such sign per frontage.
[b] 
The area and height of any freestanding sign(s) shall not exceed 100% of the amounts specified in § 370-709K(2).
(f) 
Limited duration sign, nonresidential and residential use.
(g) 
Marquee sign.
(h) 
Menu sign.
(i) 
Portable sign.
[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
(j) 
Time and temperature signs. Time and temperature signs must be part of a freestanding or wall sign.
(k) 
Upper-level building sign. A maximum of two upper-level building signs are permitted per building.
(l) 
The following signs shall be permitted to only display the name of a firm, building, establishment, or business and may only be erected for each individual use in accordance with the following standards:
[Amended 4-12-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-O-06; 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
[1] 
Either one window sign consisting of individual letters or symbols not to exceed 40% of the window area, for all such signs and must be located on the ground floor; or
[2] 
One projecting sign extending not more than five feet from the wall up to 10 square feet in size.
(m) 
Wall signs. One per street elevation or elevation facing a parking lot, size of each such shall not exceed two square feet per linear foot of wall frontage. Copy on such signs is restricted to the name, address, and/or suitable graphic element designed to identify the premises. In addition, the name and specialty of each professional occupant may be displayed, provided the copy area of each such name and specialty does not exceed two square feet.
[Added 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
(n) 
Community special event sign.
[Added 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
(2) 
Off-premises signs (none).
[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
Table 15
CBD Central Business District Sign Regulations
CBD
Area and Dimensional Requirements
Sign Type
Maximum Number Permitted1
Maximum Area
(square feet)
Maximum Height
(feet)
Additional Regulations
Awning
1
1.5 per linear foot of building frontage facing a public street or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations based on sign height
Lowest edge shall be 8 feet above finished grade
—
Banner
1 per use
24
4
—
Community special event
See § 370-710D
16 per side
—
Yes
Directional
—
4
5
Yes
Directory
1
40
—
Yes
Electronic message sign
1 per use
1/3 of the total area of wall or freestanding sign
—
Yes
Freestanding
1 per frontage
See § 370-709K(1).
See § 370-709K(2).
—
Freestanding, shopping center
1 per frontage
See § 370-709K(1).
See § 370-709K(2).
Yes
Limited duration, nonresidential
1 per use
—
—
—
Limited duration, residential
1
4
3.5
—
Marquee
1 per use
50 per side
Eave line2
—
Menu
1 per use
—
Eave line2
Yes
Portable
See § 370-710C
6
3.5
Yes
Projecting
1 per use
50
—
—
Time and temperature
1 per use
—
—
Yes
Upper-level building
1 per use
—
Eave line2
Yes
Wall
1 per street elevation or elevation facing a parking lot
2 square feet per linear foot of wall frontage
—
Yes
Window
1 per use
40% of window area
—
—
NOTES:
1
Maximum number permitted standard unit of measurement - signs per property.
2
The sign shall be no higher than the eave line of the building or the bottom of the second-floor windowsill, whichever is lower.
I. 
Industrial District signs. For signs permitted in the PI-1 Planned Industrial 1, PI-1A Planned Industrial 1A, PI-2 Planned Industrial 2, J Junkyard, and Q Quarry Districts the following standards shall govern.
(1) 
Permitted on-premises signs.
(a) 
Awning sign.
(b) 
Directional sign.
(c) 
Freestanding sign.
(d) 
Monument sign.
(e) 
Upper-level building sign.
(f) 
Wall sign.
(2) 
Permitted off-premises signs.
(a) 
An off-premises outdoor advertising sign is permitted only in the PI-1 and PI-2 Districts.
(b) 
Area and heights.
[1] 
No sign shall be permitted to exceed a maximum copy area of 50 square feet, including border and trim, but excluding supports. A sign having two sides back-to-back or a V-shaped sign with a horizontal angle not greater than 90° is permitted one on each side or a total maximum area of 100 square feet.
[2] 
No sign shall exceed 25 feet in height.
(c) 
Setbacks.
[1] 
Street line. No sign or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained within 50 feet of the street line of a public street.
[2] 
Side or rear yards. No sign or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained within 100 feet of any side or rear property line nor within 100 feet of a residence.
[3] 
No such sign shall be erected within 50 feet of any other such sign or freestanding sign.
[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
Table 16
PI-1 Planned Industrial 1, PI-1A Planned Industrial 1A, PI-2 Planned Industrial 2, J Junkyard and Q Quarry District Sign Regulations
PI-1, PI-1A, PI-2, J, and Q
Area and Dimensional Requirements
Sign Type
Maximum Number Permitted1
Maximum Area
(square feet)
Maximum Height
(feet)
Additional Regulations
Awning
1
1.5 per linear foot of building frontage facing a public street or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations based on sign height
Lowest edge shall be 8 feet above finished grade
—
Directional
—
4
5
Yes
Freestanding
1 per use
See § 370-709K(1).
See § 370-709K(2).
—
Monument
1 per use
See § 370-709K(1).
See § 370-709K(2).
—
Outdoor advertisement
1
50
25
Yes
Upper-level building
1 per use
See § 370-709K(1).
See § 370-709K(2).
—
Wall
—
See § 370-709K(1).
See § 370-709K(2).
—
NOTE:
1
Maximum number permitted standard unit of measurement - signs per property.
J. 
Signs permitted in the OI Office Industrial and IST Industrial Science Technology Districts. For signs permitted in the OI and IST Districts the following standards shall govern:
(1) 
Permitted on-premises signs.
(a) 
Awning sign.
(b) 
Directional sign.
(c) 
Freestanding sign.
[1] 
One freestanding sign which identifies the multiple occupancy, including, but not limited to, industrial park or office park and may serve as a directory sign for uses in the development in which it may be erected.
[2] 
Such sign shall not exceed 40 square feet per side and shall only identify the name of the center or park and/or the names of the various businesses or firms located within such center or park. Not more than one such sign shall be erected on any property held in single and separate ownership, unless such premises fronts upon more than one street, in which event one such sign may be erected on each street frontage from which access is taken.
(d) 
Monument sign.
(e) 
Upper-level building sign.
(f) 
Wall, projecting, and permanent window signs shall be permitted in accordance with the following limitations:
[1] 
One sign which shall be limited to the name of the firm, building, or business may be erected on each individual use in accordance with one of the following:
[a] 
Either one window sign consisting of individual letters or symbols not to exceed 40% of the window area, for all such signs; or
[b] 
One projecting sign extending not more than five feet from the wall up to 10 square feet in size; or
[c] 
One wall sign up to 12 square feet.
[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
Table 17
OI Office Industrial and IST Industrial Science Technology District Sign Regulations
OI and IST
Area and Dimensional Requirements
Sign Type
Maximum Number Permitted1
Maximum Area
(square feet)
Maximum Height
(feet)
Additional Regulations
Awning
1
1.5 per linear foot of building frontage facing a public street or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations based on sign height
Lowest edge shall be 8 feet above finished grade
—
Directional
—
4
5
Yes
Freestanding
1
40
20
Yes
Monument
1
1.5 per 1 foot of linear frontage
6
—
Projecting
1
10
Eave line2
—
Upper-level building
2 per building
See § 370-709K(1).
See § 370-709K(2).
—
Wall
—
See § 370-709K(1).
See § 370-709K(2).
—
Window
1
40% of window area
Eave line2
—
NOTES:
1
Maximum number permitted standard unit of measurement - signs per property.
2
The sign shall be no higher than the eave line of the building or the bottom of the second-floor windowsill, whichever is lower.
K. 
Sign calculations. The calculations for sign area and sign height in §§ 370-709K(1) and 370-709K(2) shall be applied in addition to the general standards and area and dimensional requirements herein.
(1) 
Calculation for sign area.
(a) 
The maximum square area for a sign is calculated through the following equation:
[1] 
Area = 20 square feet + [0.0625 x length of frontage (50 square feet maximum)].
[2] 
This calculation applies to all properties in the WV Warrington Village, BZ Business Zone, and CBD Central Business District zoning districts that do not front on State Route 0611 or State Route 0132.
(b) 
The maximum square area for a sign on a property that has frontage on State Route 0611 or State Route 0132, and is located in the WV Warrington Village, BZ Business Zone, or CBD Central Business District zoning districts, is calculated through the following equation:
[1] 
Area = 25 square feet + [0.09375 x length of frontage (100 square feet maximum)].
(2) 
Calculation for sign height.
(a) 
The maximum height for a sign is calculated through the following equation:
[1] 
Height = 7 feet + [0.01 x length of frontage (15 feet maximum)].
[2] 
This calculation applies to all properties in the WV Warrington Village, BZ Business Zone, and CBD Central Business District zoning districts that do not front on State Route 0611 or State Route 0132.
(b) 
The maximum height for a sign on a property that has frontage on State Route 0611 or State Route 0132, and is located in the WV Warrington Village, BZ Business Zone, or CBD Central Business District zoning districts, is calculated through the following equation:
[1] 
Height = 12 feet + [0.01 x length of frontage (20 feet maximum)].
A. 
Limited duration signs.
(1) 
Limited duration signs may be permitted for a period not to exceed 30 days per year unless an extended period of authorized by the Township. Only one limited duration sign is permitted per tenant. The applicant may receive no more than one permit a year.
[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
(2) 
The size of any limited duration sign may not exceed the size permitted for any permanent sign of similar type in the district, but in any event shall be no larger than 10 square feet on one side.
(3) 
Any limited duration sign which is illuminated, or which contains any digital display must conform to the same requirements and standards which address illumination and electronic messaging center.
(4) 
Limited duration signs may not revolve, be animated or have flashing lights, or be affixed to or painted on a vehicle.
B. 
Temporary signs.
(1) 
In residential zoning districts or on properties with residential uses in nonresidential zoning districts the following standards apply:
(a) 
No temporary sign shall be displayed for a period exceeding 20 days or more than five days after the cessation of the event or occurrence being advertised, whichever is less. A temporary sign for an event or occurrence may only be displayed once in a twelve-month period.
(b) 
There shall be no more than two temporary signs in any calendar year.
(c) 
Except as otherwise provided in this § 370-710, temporary signs in residential districts shall not exceed six square feet in size.
(2) 
In nonresidential zoning districts with nonresidential uses the following standards apply:
(a) 
No temporary sign may be displayed for a period exceeding 30 days.
(b) 
No temporary sign may use flashing or revolving lights.
(c) 
No property shall have more than two temporary signs in any calendar year.
(d) 
Signs shall not exceed 12 square feet.
(e) 
Signs may not be displayed earlier than 30 days before the function for which they are erected. The signs must be removed within five days after the function for which they were displayed, but in no case later than 30 days from the day they were displayed.
(f) 
No more than one sign shall be displayed for each 1,000 feet of road frontage.
(g) 
Banners shall not exceed eight feet in length and three feet in width.
(h) 
Bunting and banner signs are permitted to announce the opening of a new business or industry, provided that such signs do not extend into, or over, a street line. All such signs must be removed after seven days of the opening day of the first day of business.
(i) 
Not more than one such sign shall be placed on any property held in single and separate ownership, unless such property fronts upon more than one public street, in which event, one such sign may be erected on each street frontage.
C. 
Portable signs.
(1) 
General provisions.
(a) 
Illumination of any portable sign is prohibited.
(b) 
Any sign mounted to a vehicle or trailer is prohibited.
(c) 
Hours of display.
[1] 
Signs may only be displayed on any premises during normal business hours. However, all portable signs must be taken in during hours of nonoperation of the business being advertised.
[2] 
All portable signs should be taken in during inclement weather.
(d) 
Sandwich board, wind, and signs affixed to an a-frame or tripod are the only signs that shall be considered a portable sign.
[Added 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
(2) 
Portable signs. Sandwich board signs that comply with the requirements in this subsection shall not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of signs allowed on the property.
[Amended 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
(a) 
Number: One portable sign is permitted per establishment. One portable sign shall be permitted for any parking garage or parking lot that is a principal use.
(b) 
Area: Each sign shall have a maximum area of six square feet per sign face. Only sandwich board, wind, and signs affixed to an a-frame or tripod shall be considered portable signs.
(c) 
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height of 3.5 feet.
(d) 
Sign placement.
[1] 
If a sign is located on a public or private sidewalk, a minimum of three feet of unobstructed sidewalk clearance must be maintained between the sign and any building or other obstruction.
[2] 
The sign must be located on the premises, and within 12 feet of the primary public entrance, of the establishment it advertises. For the purposes of this subsection, a public entrance includes a vehicular entrance into a parking garage or parking lot.
[3] 
Portable signs shall be weighted, temporarily secured, or strategically placed so as to avoid being carried away by high winds.
(e) 
Changeable copy.
[1] 
Changeable copy signs are permitted when integrated into a sandwich board sign.
[2] 
Commercial messages must advertise only goods and services available on the premises.
D. 
Community special event signs.
[Added 1-10-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-O-2]
(1) 
No such signs shall exceed 16 square feet in area per side.
(2) 
Signs shall not be posted earlier than four weeks before the occurrence of the exhibit, show, or event and shall be removed within five days after the termination of the exhibit, show, or event.
(3) 
A maximum of 10 such signs may be permitted within the Township for any one exhibit, show, or event.
(4) 
No permit shall be issued for the erection of such signs until a deposit in an amount to be set by resolution of the Board of Supervisors shall be made with the Township. If such signs are not removed at the end of the ten-day permit period, the Township may have them removed and keep the full sum deposited to reimburse the expense incurred by it and for general purposes.