Any sign hereafter erected, altered, or maintained shall conform to the provisions of this article and any other applicable articles, ordinances, or regulations of Sadsbury Township.
It is the purpose of this article to promote the public safety and welfare by regulating the placement, size, number and condition of signs, and by limiting visual blight, potential hazards to vehicular and pedestrian movement, and dangers posed by signs in disrepair. It is the further purpose of this article to provide opportunities for a variety of sign types and encourage sign designs that meet local resident and business needs in a manner that complements the rural nature of the Township.
A.
For purposes of this article, the following terms are defined:
(1)
Abandoned sign. A sign erected on, or related to, the use of a property which becomes vacant and unoccupied for a period of six months or more, or any sign that relates to a time, event, or purpose that is past.
(2)
Billboard (including electronic billboards). A sign directing attention to a business, commodity, service or entertainment conducted, sold or offered at a location other than the premises on which the sign is located. A billboard is defined as a form of a ground sign that exceeds the area and height regulations set forth elsewhere in this article. The erecting and maintenance of billboards shall be subject to the provisions set forth in all applicable sections found in this article herein. Each different display face of a billboard shall constitute a separate billboard. billboards shall be freestanding and self-supporting. No part or portion of a billboard shall be attached or connected to any other building or structure.
(3)
Business sign. A sign directing attention to a business, commodity, service or entertainment conducted, sold or offered upon the same premises as those upon which the sign is maintained. This includes signs that identify or advertise home occupations or signs affixed to vehicles denoting a business-related activity.
(a)
Canopy or awning sign. Any sign that is part of or attached to an awning, canopy, or other fabric, plastic, or structural protective cover over the door, entrance, window, or outdoor service area.
(b)
Construction/development sign. A type of temporary sign intended to display the name of the project and or the contractor, architect, engineer, financier, or similar information pertaining to the project.
(c)
On-site directional/identification sign. A freestanding sign or a ground sign identifying the use(s) of the buildings within a Town Center commercial development for which the sign is maintained and which may, also, convey driving or pedestrian circulation instructions with respect to the premises on which the sign is maintained such as the entrance and exit of parking areas, a warning sign, a danger sign and similar traffic-flow-directing signs.
[Amended 3-7-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]
(d)
Double-faced sign. A sign that displays a message, information, or advertising on both faces of the sign.
(e)
Freestanding sign. A sign supported by structures or support that are placed on, or anchored in, the ground and that are independent from any principle or accessory building or other structure. The height of a freestanding sign shall be measured from the proposed finished grade to the highest point of the sign structure.
(f)
Ground sign. A sign, other than a freestanding sign, placed directly on or anchored in the ground that is not supported by structures or supports and that is of independent from any principle or accessory building or other structure.
(g)
Illuminated sign. A sign that has characters, letters, figures, designs, or outlines illuminated by direct or indirect electric lighting or luminous tubes as part of the sign. Direct illumination is the means of lighting a sign by a light source located within or directly on the sign. Indirect illumination is the means of lighting a sign by a light source located beyond the sign and directed or reflected upon the sign.
(h)
Official traffic sign. Signs erected by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation or Sadsbury Township which are designed to regulate traffic, describe road conditions, supply directions, or provide information.
(i)
Off-premises signs. A sign that directs attention to a person, business, profession, product, or activity not conducted on the same premises.
(j)
Political sign. A temporary sign pertaining to political views, an individual seeking election or appointment to a public office, or a forthcoming public election or referendum.
(k)
Portable sign. A type of temporary sign, with or without display or legend, that is self-supporting without being firmly embedded in the ground or is fixed on a movable stand or mounted on wheels or movable vehicles, or made easily movable in some other manner. A portable sign shall also include searchlight standards and hot air or gas filled balloons.
(l)
Projecting sign. A sign affixed to a wall or other vertical building surface in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than six inches beyond the surface of such wall or building.
(m)
Real estate sign. A sign pertaining to the sale, lease, or rental of real estate on the premises on which the sign is located.
(n)
Roof sign. A sign painted, erected or otherwise constructed and/or over the roof of a building.
(o)
Temporary sign. A sign intended for short-term use, such as a promotional sign, including signs pertaining to business events, community events, political issues, an individual seeking public office or a forthcoming public election.
(p)
Wall sign. A sign parallel to a wall or other vertical building surface. Wall signs shall not extend beyond the edge, either vertical or horizontal, of any wall or other surface to which they are mounted and shall project no more than six inches from its surface; otherwise they shall be defined as a projecting sign.
(q)
Window sign. A temporary or permanent sign oriented to the public right-of-way and located on the inside or outside of a window.
The following signs may be erected in the Rural Residential, R-1 Low-Density Residential, and R-2 Medium-Density Residential Districts, subject to the conditions specified in this article.
A.
One wall, ground, or freestanding sign not exceeding 24 square feet in area for the identification of a church, school, recreational area, or farm. Any illumination shall be non-flashing, uncolored, diffused or indirect and such sign shall be set back at least 1/3 the distance of any required yard from any property line.
B.
Wall, ground, or freestanding signs for the identification of a residential development of 12 units or more erected on the site of said development and the location of a sales or rental office provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed 12 square feet and not more than one such sign shall be placed on each street frontage of a property. The sign shall be incorporated into a solid fence or wall, or an earthen mound and landscaped.
C.
One wall, freestanding or projecting sign for major home occupations or bed-and-breakfast, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed four square feet. A permit for such sign shall not be required if the home occupation or bed-and-breakfast has been approved by the Township.
D.
One wall, freestanding or projecting sign for the sale of agricultural products or an agricultural-related business, where permitted, provided that the area of any such sign does not exceed eight square feet. Such sign shall be removed at the end of each sales season.
E.
A billboard or electronic billboard may be erected only in the Rural Residential District and only within 100 feet of the Route 30 bypass. Such billboard shall not be permitted within any easement of any kind and shall not be permitted within any overlay district. In addition, such billboard shall be separated from any existing and/or new billboards by a distance of 1,500 feet and be located no closer than two 2,000 feet of an existing residential structure.
The following regulations apply to signs in the Sadsburyville Village District.
A.
Residential uses. Residential uses within the Sadsburyville Village District shall comply with the Residential District sign requirements contained herein.
B.
Commercial uses. For all commercial uses, signs may be erected in accordance with either Subsection B(1) or (2), but not both, as outlined below:
(1)
One freestanding sign up to 12 square feet, plus one of the following:
(a)
One wall sign mounted flush on the wall up to eight square feet; or
(b)
One wall sign, when part of the architectural design of the building, consisting of individual letters or symbols, not to exceed 15% of wall area; or
(c)
One window sign consisting of individual letters or symbols not to exceed 30% of total glass area of the building front.
(2)
One projecting sign projecting not more than five feet from the wall up to eight square feet in size, plus one of the following:
(a)
One wall sign mounted flush on the wall up to eight square feet; or
(b)
One wall sign, when part of the architectural design of the building, consisting of individual letters or symbols, not to exceed 15% of wall area; or
(c)
One window sign consisting of individual letters or symbols not to exceed 30% of total glass area of the building front.
(4)
No portion of projecting signs shall be less than 10 feet above the finished grade nor more than 20 feet above finished grade.
(5)
The maximum height of freestanding signs shall be eight feet above the finished grade.
(6)
Where multiple uses are located within a single structure, the size of the permitted freestanding sign may be increased by two square feet for each additional use, up to a maximum total sign area of 16 square feet. The height of such signs may be increased to a maximum of 12 feet.
(7)
Portable signs shall not be permitted in the Sadsburyville Village District.
(8)
Canopy or awning signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted. Where a wall sign also exists, the canopy or awning sign shall not exceed 16 square feet. Where no wall sign exists, the canopy or awning sign shall not exceed 24 square feet.
C.
Sign design guidelines. The following sign design guidelines indicate the preferred sign characteristics for the Sadsburyville Village District. The guidelines should be consulted for additional provisions relevant to the use of signs in this district.
(1)
Wood or metal is preferred sign materials. The use of plastic signs is discouraged.
(2)
External lighting, or back lighting in the case of window signs, is the preferred method of illumination. Internally lit signs are discouraged.
(3)
The overuse of signs should be avoided; temporary advertising signs in windows should be kept to a minimum and remain in place no longer than necessary.
(4)
Simplicity of design and a limited color scheme of no more than two or three colors are encouraged. Signs should consist of natural materials and blend with the building or structure they represent. The sign message should be simple and readable.
(5)
Wall signs designed as an integral part of the facade of commercial buildings (generally located above the door in the lintel) are encouraged. Signs should be proportional in scale to the building and to the wall space on which they are mounted.
(6)
Wall or projecting signs are preferred where there is a small front yard setback. Freestanding signs are considered most appropriate for buildings originally designed as residential dwellings or where larger front yard setbacks are present.
The following signs may be erected in the Local Commercial, General Commercial, and Light Industrial Districts subject to the conditions contained in this article.
A.
Any sign permitted in any other district where applicable uses exist.
B.
Wall signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted. For all uses other than a Town Center commercial development, the total area of a wall sign, including permanent window signs, shall not exceed 15% of the area of the building face, including window and door area and cornices, to which it is attached. Within a Town Center commercial development, the total area of a wall sign, including permanent window signs, shall not exceed the larger of:
[Amended 3-7-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]
C.
Projecting signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted. The area of such sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.
D.
Freestanding signs for nonresidential uses shall be limited to no more than 20 square feet in the aggregate and no more than two per street face subject to the following:
(1)
Freestanding signs, identifying a commercial shopping center, industrial park, or office park shall not exceed 20 square feet in area or 20 feet in height.
(2)
Freestanding signs for all other nonresidential uses shall not exceed 20 square feet in area or 15 feet in height.
(3)
Freestanding signs located in a Town Center commercial development shall be limited to the following:
[Amended 3-7-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]
(a)
In the aggregate, no more than five square feet for each 1,000 square feet of gross floor area within the Town Center commercial development for which the Board of Supervisors has granted preliminary land development approval pursuant to Chapter 109, Subdivision and Land Development, provided that in any event [and subject to § 129-1506D(3)(b)], no sign face shall exceed 300 square feet and no part of any freestanding sign identifying any single use within the Town Center commercial district shall exceed 40 square feet.
(b)
No more than one freestanding sign per driveway providing direct access to Route 30 or Route 10 and, in any event, not more than three freestanding signs fronting on Route 10 (not more than two of which may be larger than 200 square feet), provided that the foregoing is exclusive of on-site directional/identification signs permitted pursuant to § 129-1506K.
(c)
No freestanding sign shall exceed 32 feet in height.
(d)
No more than one freestanding sign shall be permitted fronting on Route 30.
E.
Ground signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted subject to the following:
(1)
Ground signs identifying a commercial shopping center, industrial park, or office park shall not exceed 32 square feet in area or eight feet in height.
(2)
Ground signs for all other nonresidential uses shall not exceed 24 square feet in area or eight feet in height.
(3)
Ground signs located in a Town Center commercial development shall be limited to the following:
[Added 3-7-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]
(a)
No more than two ground signs shall be permitted in a Town Center commercial development, provided that the foregoing is exclusive of on-site directional/identification signs permitted pursuant to § 129-1506K.
(c)
No more than 15 feet in height, inclusive of the structure or other means by which the sign is anchored to the ground.
F.
Canopy or awning signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted. Where a wall sign also exists, the canopy or awning sign shall not exceed 16 square feet. Where no wall sign exists, the canopy or awning sign shall not exceed 24 square feet.
G.
Portable signs, subject to the provisions contained herein.
H.
In the I-1 District, a maximum of one off-premises sign per lot. Such sign shall have a maximum sign area of 40 square feet, include only one sign face, have a maximum total height of 15 feet, be set back a minimum of 15 feet from the future street right-of-way and be set back a minimum of 50 feet from any abutting lot.
I.
A billboard may be erected only in the C-1, Limited Commercial District and only within 100 feet of the Route 30 bypass. Such billboard shall not be permitted within an easement of any kind and shall not be permitted within any overlay district. In addition such billboard shall be separated from any existing and/or new billboards by a distance of 1,500 feet.
J.
Awning signs consistent with the design guidelines and standards with regard to a Town Center commercial development shall be permitted within the main street component of a Town Center commercial development.
K.
On-site directional/identification signs in a Town Center commercial development shall be permitted. No on-site directional/identification sign may exceed 10 square feet in area.
[Amended 3-7-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]
L.
Canopy signs. Canopy signs are only permitted in conjunction with the sale of automotive fuel where the canopy is required to provide cover and protection for outdoor equipment and service areas. The area of any single canopy sign may not exceed 10 square feet.
[Added 3-7-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]
The following provisions shall apply to permitted sign in all districts:
A.
Sign location.
(1)
No sign shall be erected or maintained so as to prevent free ingress and egress from any door, window or fire escape. No sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
(3)
Unless specifically authorized, no sign shall be erected within the legal right-of-way of any public street or shall be closer to a street line than 12 feet. Single-family dwelling real estate signs which may be set closer than 12 feet from the street lines but in no case shall be located within the street right-of-way.
B.
Sign illumination. Except as otherwise provided in Chapter 129, any permitted sign, building or structure in any district may be illuminated, provided that there shall be no illumination of a flashing, intermittent or moving type, and further provided that illumination shall be so shielded and aimed so that the source of light shall not be visible from any point off the lot on which the sign, building or structure being illuminated is erected, and so that only the sign, building or structure is directly illuminated. Sign illumination shall be restricted to business operating hours.
C.
Sign area. The area of a sign shall be calculated as follows:
(1)
The size of the sign shall include the entire area within a single continuous perimeter enclosing the outer limits of such sign. The sign area shall not include any structural elements lying outside the limits of such sign and not forming an integral part of the display.
(2)
In the case of any open face sign made up of individual letters and/or symbols attached to or painted on a building, wall, window, canopy, or awning, the sign area shall be that of the smallest rectangle or other geometric shape which encompasses all of the letters and symbols.
(3)
In computing the area of a double face sign, only one face shall be considered, provided that both faces are identical in area. In V-type structures, if the interior angle of the sign faces exceeds 45°, both faces shall be considered in computing the sign area.
D.
Sign height. The height of a sign shall be measured from the existing ground elevation, at the base of the sign to the highest point of the sign structure. In the case where there is a sidewalk, the height shall be measured from the elevation of the sidewalk.
E.
Vehicular signs. A sign on a vehicle denoting a business-related activity shall be considered a business sign and shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Vehicles containing a business sign and parked in a residential district shall be concealed from public view or in a parking space screened from view from those streets or unless such vehicle is moved on a regular basis, at least three times per week, and except wherein the vehicle owner or primary driver is actually engaged in authorized repair, construction, or work at that location where the vehicle is parked.
(2)
Vehicles shall not be parked in public view in any district when their sole purpose is to serve as a sign or advertisement.
The following regulations shall apply to the specific sign types as defined in Chapter 129.
A.
Freestanding signs, except with regard to a Town Center commercial development, within which such restrictions shall not apply:
[Amended 3-7-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]
(1)
The lowest edge of the freestanding sign shall be no less than four feet or greater than seven feet above the ground.
(2)
Freestanding signs shall be limited to one such sign per lot or development. If more than one use is carried on in a single structure, the one permitted freestanding sign may indicate the presence of all uses in the structure. Individual freestanding signs for each use shall not be permitted.
(3)
In those districts where both freestanding signs and ground signs are permitted, only one of these sign types shall be erected on a premises.
B.
Ground signs, except with regard to a Town Center commercial development, within which such restrictions shall not apply:
[Amended 3-7-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]
(1)
Ground 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.
(2)
Ground signs shall be limited to one such sign per structure. If more than one use is carried on in a single structure, the one permitted ground sign may indicate the presence of all uses in the structure. Individual ground signs or each use shall not be permitted.
(3)
In those districts where both ground signs and freestanding signs are permitted, only one of these sign types shall be erected on a premises.
C.
Projecting signs.
(1)
No portion of a projecting sign shall be less than eight feet nor more than 20 feet above the proposed finished grade, and no such sign shall be less than five feet from the plane of the face of the curb or project more than four feet from the face of the building.
(2)
Projecting signs shall not extend above the top of the wall upon which it is mounted.
(3)
No projecting sign shall be attached to a building where a canopy or awning sign exists.
D.
Wall signs.
(1)
No portion of a wall sign shall be less than eight feet above the proposed finished grade nor extend more than six inches from the building wall. If the wall sign projects less than three inches from the building, the eight-foot height requirement need not be met.
(2)
Permanent window signs shall be considered wall signs when computing the maximum permitted building coverage of wall signs.
(3)
Wall signs that are part of the architectural design of a building, such as those located on the lintel above a storefront, shall be exempt from the size requirements if they are limited to the area on the building specifically designed for sign placement.
(4)
Where a use is located on a corner, only one wall sign shall be permitted on the selected front facade of a building and one additional wall sign on the other facade of the building.
(5)
When a wall sign is used, no canopy or awning sign is permitted.
(6)
Where used in a Town Center commercial development, wall signs shall be permitted on building sides containing entrances available for use by the general public when such sign is designed and attached to the building side in such a manner as intended to be visible from Route 30 or Route 10.
E.
Window signs.
(1)
A maximum of 25% of the total window area may be used for permanent signs that are etched, painted, or permanently affixed to the window.
(2)
A maximum of 35% of the total window area may be covered by a combination of permanent and temporary window signs.
(3)
Permanent window signs shall be considered wall signs when computing the maximum permitted building coverage of wall signs.
F.
Canopy or awning signs.
(1)
Use of a canopy or awning sign shall be limited to not more than one per street frontage of the establishment.
(2)
The lowest edge of the canopy or awning sign shall be at least seven feet above the ground.
(3)
A canopy or awning without lettering or other advertising shall not be regulated as a sign.
G.
Billboards and electronic signs.
(1)
Billboard. A form of a ground sign as defined and described elsewhere in this article.
(2)
Billboard structure. The framework, supports, display face(s) and electrical components of the billboard.
(3)
Display face. The face of a billboard, including copy, insignia, background, border and trim. The measurement shall be determined by the smallest rectangle inclusive of all letters and images. The structural support shall be excluded from the area calculations if it is not used to directly express or convey a commercial or noncommercial message.
(4)
Electronic sign/billboard. A sign and/or billboard capable of displaying text, graphics, symbols, or images that can be electronically or mechanically changed by remote or automatic means; or with content that may be changed by electronic process through the use of light or lights, including, but not limited to, light-emitting diodes (LED), liquid crystal display and plasma image display.
(5)
Message sequencing. A single message or advertisement for a product, event, commodity, or service that is divided into segments and presented over two or more successive display phases of a sign, or across two or more individual signs.
(6)
Change interval. The "change interval" is defined as the time period in which the display of an electronic sign/billboard must remain static and during which the display may not transition to display another advertisement.
(7)
Transition interval. The "transition interval" is defined as the time period in which the display of an electronic sign/billboard transitions to another display.
H.
Criteria for billboards. Billboards shall only be permitted by special exception, subject to the applicant establishing compliance with the following criteria, together with all applicable criteria set forth in this chapter.
(2)
Size.
(a)
The display face of a billboard shall not exceed 50 square feet in area, unless the applicant can establish before the Zoning Hearing Board that the content of the billboard could not be read from any point along the road frontage and that the permitted size is not adequate for the conveyance of any advertising messages to passing motorists.
(b)
If the applicant is able to establish the above, then the billboard shall not be permitted to exceed 300 square feet in area, but shall be no larger than is necessary to be read and conveyed to passing motorists. If present, nondisplay physical borders around the display image shall not exceed six inches on a side.
(3)
Billboards shall be set apart a minimum of 500 feet from any other billboard.
(4)
All billboards must be set back at least 250 feet from all street intersections, measured from the point of intersection of the center lines of the intersecting streets.
(5)
Screening from residential dwelling unit. The applicant must establish that the Billboard will be screened such that the face of the billboard will not be visible from an existing residential dwelling unit. With respect to such setback as applied from any existing residential dwelling unit, the 100-foot setback may be reduced if the owner of such dwelling unit agrees in writing to the placement of such sign as memorialized by an easement filed with the Chester Country Recorder of Deeds.
(6)
The applicant shall bear the burden of establishing that the proposed billboard will not create a public health, welfare or safety concern.
(7)
The billboard structure shall be designed as an architecturally decorative feature and shall be screened with vegetation. In no case shall the supporting structure be designed to increase the apparent size of the billboard or to otherwise increase its visual prominence.
(8)
The be required to submit an attestation from a structural engineer, registered in Pennsylvania, to certify that the proposed billboard is properly constructed pursuant to all applicable codes, to certify the viability of the construction of the foundation and erection of the structure for the proposed Billboard. The applicant shall further submit a report from an engineer to set forth the wind tolerances of the proposed Billboard.
(9)
The Applicant shall submit a plan prepared by a landscape architect showing landscaping proposed to be installed to screen and buffer the billboard structure. Existing vegetation on and around the proposed billboard shall be preserved to the greatest extent possible. All proposed landscaping shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 109, Subdivision and Land Development. Applicants shall submit a visual survey from mutually agreed upon vantage points in order to support the proposed landscaping plan's mitigation of visual impacts.
(10)
All billboards shall be serviced by underground electrical wiring.
(11)
Billboard shall be properly and adequately secured to prevent unauthorized access, with such features as a locked ladder way.
I.
Criteria for electronic signs/billboards. In addition to the above criteria in Subsection G(4) and all other applicable criteria set forth in this article, the following criteria shall apply to electronic signs/billboards, which shall only be permitted by special exception pursuant to the applicant establishing the following criteria:
(1)
Electronic signs/billboards may only be erected and maintained in accordance with § 129-1504E, limited to those properties with frontage on the Route 30 bypass.
(2)
Electronic signs/billboards may not contain any fading, flashing, modulating, scrolling, moving lights, text or graphics, any full-motion video, or any visible change during the change interval period. Furthermore, no sign shall be placed or illuminated in such a position that it will cause any danger to pedestrians or vehicular traffic. No sign shall be utilized in a manner that produces a noxious glare at or beyond the boundaries of the lot on which it is located. No direct beams of light shall be directed toward adjacent properties or public roads, and all light source shall be shielded and screened from adjoining residential properties.
J.
Applications for the lighting or relighting of signs and billboards (including electronic signs/billboards) using external light sources shall be accompanied by a point-by-point plot of initial vertical illuminance on the sign or billboard face, catalog cuts of proposed fixtures and any glare reduction devices and a description of lamps, mounting locations, aiming angles and proposed hours of operation and method for automatically extinguishing the lighting by the required hour.
No permit is required before erecting any of the following signs in any zoning district. Exempt signs shall, however, conform to all other applicable regulations, unless noted otherwise.
A.
Official highway route number signs, street name signs, directional, or other official federal, state, county, or Township signs.
B.
Signs or emblems of a religious, civil, philanthropic, historical or educational organization not exceeding four square feet in area. Temporary signs for civic event must be removed within three days after the event. Permission shall be obtained from the landowner or utility to post said temporary signs.
C.
Directional information or public service signs, such as those advertising availability of rest rooms, telephone or similar public conveniences, and signs advertising meeting times and place of nonprofit service or charitable clubs or organizations, may be erected and maintain, provided that such signs do not significantly advertise any commercial establishment, activity organization, product, goods, or services except those of public utilities. Directional and information signs provided for the safety and convenience of the public within commercial establishments may be erected. Signs erected under this provision shall not exceed four square feet.
D.
Trespassing signs or signs that indicate the private nature of a road, driveway or premises, signs prohibiting or otherwise controlling hunting or fishing upon particular premises, and signs indicating ownership of a property, provided sign area does not exceed two square feet.
E.
Signs displaying name and address of the occupant of the premises, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed four square feet and not more than one such sign shall be erected for each property held in single and separate ownership, unless such property fronts on more than one street, in which case one sign may be erected on each street frontage.
F.
American or state flags or insignias not exceeding 60 square feet, or in the event multiple flags are on a single pole, the aggregate areas of all flags shall not exceed 100 square feet.
G.
Temporary legal notices.
H.
Window signs indicating the store hours or names of credit institutions, provided that the total area of such sign or sign does not exceed two square feet.
I.
Vending machine signs bearing the brand name of the product being sold or price of such product.
J.
Memorial signs or historical tablets, provided that such sign or tablet does not exceed four square feet.
K.
Signs which are a permanent architectural feature of a building or structure, such as a cornerstone, or identifying letters carved into or embossed on a building, provided that the letters are not made of a reflective material.
L.
Revolving barbershop pole sign, provided that it does not exceed 36 inches in height.
M.
Any sign owned by the Township is hereby excluded and exempt from any and all applicable regulations regarding signs found herein.
The following signs are unlawful and prohibited:
A.
A flashing, rotating, or revolving sign, with the exception of barbershop poles.
B.
A sign suspended between poles lighted by a series of lights.
C.
A sign suspended between poles consisting of either pennants or spinners, except as permitted herein.
D.
Any sign erected, painted, or drawn on a tree, rock or other natural feature.
E.
Signs shall only be attached to utility poles in conformance with state and utility regulations and the requirements of Chapter 129.
F.
Any banner sign or sign of any other type across a public street except as specifically provided for herein.
G.
Any sign containing information that states or implies that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of Chapter 129.
H.
Any sign which uses the words "stop," "look," "danger," or any other word or character which attempts or appears to direct the movement of the traffic or which interferes with or resembles any official traffic sign, signal, or device within seventy-five feet of a public right-of-way or within 200 feet of a traffic control device, whichever is greater.
I.
Except for traffic control signals, signs with red or green lights are prohibited within 75 feet of a public right-of-way or within 200 feet of a traffic control device, whichever is greater, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to gasoline and other motor vehicle fuel pricing signs.
[Amended 3-7-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]
J.
A truck or other vehicle not used for normal day-to day-operations of a business or not regularly moved for business related purposes shall be prohibited from use as a sign.
K.
Except for use within the interior or window of a commercial enterprise, the use of neon signs is prohibited. Where neon signs are used, the illumination of such signs shall be limited to the operating hours of the business and the provisions of § 129-1508E shall apply.
L.
Roof signs.
M.
Signs advertising the variety of crop growing in a field. Such signs shall be removed after the growing season.
N.
Any sign that contains a display using light emitting diodes, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to gasoline and other motor vehicle fuel pricing signs.
[Amended 3-7-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]
In addition to other applicable regulations, the following regulations for temporary signs shall be observed in all districts.
A.
General provisions.
(1)
Temporary signs shall be placed so as not to obstruct access to or from any door, window, fire escape, or ventilating equipment, nor be attached to any standpipe or fire escape.
(2)
Such signs shall be placed so as not to obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic or create a safety hazard.
(3)
Unless specified otherwise, temporary signs shall be removed within three days after completion of the event, situation, or circumstances for which it is used.
B.
Temporary signs not requiring a permit. The following temporary signs shall not require a permit if erected in compliance with the following regulations.
(1)
Temporary signs of contractors and artisans, erected and maintained on the premises during the period of their work, one such signs per trade, each having an area of not more than six square feet.
(2)
Temporary yard or garage sale signs, provided they do not exceed four square feet in area, are erected no more than two days before the first day of the sale, and are removed with two days after the sale. No more than three temporary off-premises signs shall be permitted and permission shall be obtained from the landowner or utility to post such signs.
(3)
Temporary window signs announcing a drive or event of civic, philanthropic, educational, religious organization, or the temporary lawful sale of products, goods, and/or services less than four square feet, placed in a store or office window.
(4)
Real estate signs shall be permitted, subject to the following standards:
(a)
Real estate signs shall not exceed six square feet in area in residential districts and 24 square feet in area in all other districts.
(b)
Corner lots may have one such sign for each street frontage.
(c)
Such signs shall be located on the property for which they are advertising.
(d)
Such signs shall be removed within five days after a final settlement or rental agreement has been reached.
(e)
Illuminated signs shall be prohibited.
(5)
Political signs shall be permitted as temporary signs, provided that:
(a)
Signs shall not exceed four square feet in area, except as a polling place, in which case no sign shall exceed 12 square feet in area.
(b)
Signs shall be removed within seven days after the election or referendum.
(c)
Any site or building on which the sign was erected shall be restored to its original or better condition upon expiration of the permit.
C.
Temporary signs requiring a permit. The following temporary signs require a permit and shall be erected in compliance with the following regulations:
(1)
Temporary signs announcing special events or the temporary lawful sale of products, goods, and/or services, such as the sale of Christmas trees, shall be permitted, provided that:
(a)
Permits shall run for a one month period. Temporary window signs, as described herein shall not require a permit.
(b)
Signs shall comply with all pertinent regulations applicable to permanent type signs.
(c)
No such sign shall be posted earlier than three weeks before the occurrence if the event to which it relates.
(d)
Signs shall be removed upon expiration of the permit or within one week after the date of the special event or the last day of sales whichever comes first.
(e)
Any site or building on which the sign was erected shall be restored to its original or better condition upon expiration of the permit.
(2)
Portable signs shall be allowed only for temporary display and shall be subject to the following provisions:
(a)
Permits shall be issued for a one month period for portable signs. Permits for portable signs shall be issued no more than twice in any one calendar year.
(b)
No more than one portable sign shall be allowed per premises.
(c)
Application for a portable sign permit shall be made to the Township Zoning Officer accompanied by the required permit fee and an escrow deposit as established by the Township fee schedule, as a guarantee that the portable sign shall be removed at the end of the authorize period. If not removed within 10 days of the permit expiration date, the Township shall removed the sign and keep the sum necessary from the escrow amount to cover the expense incurred in removal. The Board of Supervisors may change the fee schedule from time to time.
(d)
Portable signs shall comply with all pertinent regulations applicable to permanent-type signs permitted in the underlying district, including maximum area and height requirements for ground sign. Portable signs shall not be permitted in residential districts.
(3)
A sign, bunting, balloons, inflatable signs or pennants announcing the opening of a new business or industry, provided they are removed within 30 days of the opening day or first day of business.
(4)
Construction/development signs shall be permitted, subject to the following standards.
(a)
Construction/development signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in area in residential districts and 35 square feet in area in all other districts.
(b)
Corner lots may have one such sign for each street frontage.
(c)
Such signs shall be located on the property to which they relate.
(d)
Such signs shall be removed within 20 days after the certificate of occupancy is issued by the township or 18 months after the erection of the signs, whichever comes first.
A.
All signs permitted by Chapter 129 shall be constructed of durable materials and kept in good condition and repair.
B.
All signs requiring the use of electricity shall be manufactured in accordance with appropriate specifications, and certified by an electrical inspector. Proof of such an electrical inspection shall be required prior to a granting of a permit.
C.
Floodlighting used to illuminate signs shall be aimed as required to ensure light does not spill off sign.
A.
Unsafe or unlawful signs.
(1)
Upon written notice by the Township, the owner, person, or firm maintaining a sign must remove said sign when it:
(a)
Becomes unsafe, is in danger or falling, or it becomes so deteriorated that it no longer serves a useful purpose of communication;
(b)
Is determined by the Township to be a nuisance;
(c)
Is deemed unsafe by the Township;
(d)
Is unlawfully erected is violation of any of the provisions of this article.
(2)
The Township may remove or cause to be removed an unsafe or unlawful sign at the expense of the owner or lessee in the event the owner of the person or firm maintaining said sign has not complied with the terms of said notice within 14 days of the date of the notice. However, in the event of immediate danger, the Township may remove said sign immediately upon the issuance of said notice to the owner, person, or firm maintaining said sign.
B.
Abandoned signs.
(1)
No person shall maintain or permit to be maintained on any premises owned or controlled by such person, a sign that has been abandoned.
(2)
The Township may remove or cause to be removed an abandoned sign at the expense of the owner or lessee in the event the owner or the person or firm maintaining said sign has not complied with the terms of said notice within 30 days of the notice.
A.
Sign permits.
(1)
A permit must be obtained from the Township before the erection of any sign, unless specifically exempted in this article.
B.
Application information. Before a sign permit is granted, a sign permit application with the following information shall be submitted:
(1)
Dimensions of the lot (including any right-of-way lines) and/or building upon which the sign is proposed to be erected.
(2)
The proposed sign location with respect to the property lines and building.
(3)
A description of the size, shape, color, material, supports, anchoring, weight, and height of the sign, as well as intensity of illumination.
(4)
Sketch elevation, drawn to scale, of the sign indicating the proposed size, dimensions, shape, material, supports, anchoring, and height of the sign.
(5)
Any other lawful information which may be required of the applicant by the Zoning Officer.
(6)
The application shall be accompanied by the written consent of the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is to be erected for Township officials to enter said premises to inspect the sign.
(7)
All sign permit applications shall be accompanied by the required fee as set forth in the fee schedule for signs established by the Board of Supervisors.
(8)
All signs shall comply with applicable sign requirements of the Uniform Construction Code.
C.
Processing and approval of permits.
(1)
The Zoning Officer shall process applications for sign approval permits within 30 days from the date of the filing of the complete application with the required fee.
(2)
In determining the appropriateness of the proposed sign, the Zoning Officer shall determine the following:
(3)
The Zoning Officer shall inspect and approve the installation of the sign and shall make periodic inspections to determine conformity of signs to these regulations.