It is recognized that signs perform an important function in
identifying properties, businesses, services, residences, events,
and other matters of interest to the public. The intent of this article
is to regulate all signs within the Borough to ensure they are appropriate
for their respective uses and in keeping with the appearance of the
affected property and surrounding environment and to protect the public
health, safety, and general welfare by:
A. Setting standards and providing controls that permit reasonable use
of signs and enhance the character of the Borough.
B. Prohibiting the erection of signs in such numbers, sizes, designs,
and locations as may create a hazard to pedestrians and motorists.
C. Avoiding excessive competition for large or multiple signs, so that
permitted signs provide adequate identification and direction while
minimizing clutter, unsightliness, and confusion.
D. Establishing a process for the review and approval of sign permit
applications.
E. Ensuring sign design that builds on the traditional town image and
visual environment the Borough seeks to promote.
The following signs are unlawful and prohibited:
A. Abandoned signs and abandoned billboards.
B. Snipe signs. Signs shall only be attached to utility poles in conformance
with state and utility regulations and the requirements of this chapter.
C. Vehicle 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.
D. Mechanical movement signs, including revolving signs.
E. Pennant strings and streamers.
F. Animated signs, flashing signs, or signs that scroll or flash text
or graphics.
G. Inflatable devices or balloon signs, with the exception of balloons
used in temporary situations.
H. Any signs that imitate, resemble, interfere with, or obstruct official
traffic lights, signs, or signals.
I. 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.
J. Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors, particulate matter, sound,
odor or contain open flames.
K. Reflective signs or signs containing mirrors.
M. Signs incorporating beacon or festoon lighting.
N. Any banner or sign of any type suspended across a public street,
without the permission of the owner of the property or road.
P. Unofficial signs on Borough property.
Q. Signs erected without the permission of the property owner.
R. Any sign containing information which states or implies that a property
may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of
this chapter.
S. Signs that exhibit vulgar words or images of an obscene, sexual,
violent, or illegal nature as determined by the Borough.
T. Any sign that promotes illegal activity.
The construction or display of the following sign types will
be permitted without a permit. Exempt signs shall, however, conform
to all other applicable regulations:
A. Signs that communicate a message that is necessary to promote the
public health, safety, and general welfare of residents of the Borough
or the general public. Such signs include the following:
(1) Signs erected or required by government agencies or utilities. Such
signs include, but are not limited to, legal notices, traffic, safety,
railroad crossing, utility, and identification signs for public facilities.
(2) Address signs. Address signs that indicate the address, number and/or
name of occupants of the premises that are necessary for emergency
response purposes.
(3) Security and warning signs. Signs regarding a potential hazard or
danger associated with a facility or location.
B. Personal expression signs. In order to enable a business, institution,
or individual to exercise their right to free speech by displaying
an opinion, interest, or position, personal expression signs shall
be permissible on any property, provided that they are:
(1) Freestanding, wall, or window signs;
(3) Do not exceed three square feet in sign area per sign face; and
(4) If freestanding, no more than four feet in height.
C. Flags. Flags shall be permissible on private property, provided that
they meet the following requirements:
(1) Location. Flags and flagpoles shall not be located within any required
yard setbacks.
(2) Height. Flags shall be limited in height to 30 feet above grade level.
(3) Number. No more than two flags per lot in all districts.
(4) Size. Maximum flag size is 24 square feet in all districts.
(5) Flags in the CBD, OR, TOD, or LI districts may be used as a permitted
freestanding or projecting sign, and, if so used, the area of the
flag shall be included in, and limited by the computation of allowable
area for signs on the property.
D. Memorial signs, public monuments, historical or scenic identification
signs erected by the Borough.
E. Signs which are a permanent architectural feature of a building or
structure, existing at the time of adoption of this chapter.
F. Signs interior to a building or lot which are not viewable from a
public street or right-of-way.
G. Temporary signs in accordance with §
208-86, Temporary signs.
In addition to the exempt signs described in §
208-82, Signs exempt from permit requirements, the following numbers and types of signs may be erected in the R-1 residential district, R-2 residential district, and R-3 residential district, subject to the conditions specified here and in §§
208-83 through
208-86.
A. Any temporary sign as defined and regulated in §
208-86, Temporary signs.
B. Home occupations.
(1) One freestanding sign shall be permitted subject to the following
regulations.
(a)
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of six square feet
per sign face.
(b)
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height of seven feet.
(2) One wall or projecting sign shall be permitted, up to two square
feet in area.
C. Freestanding signs for residential developments containing more than
10 units shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1) Number. One sign per street frontage.
(2) Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 15 square feet per sign
face.
(3) Height. Signs shall have a maximum height of 10 feet.
D. Institutional uses, including schools, churches, municipal buildings,
hospitals, clubs or other institutions of a similar nature.
(1) Two freestanding signs shall be permitted subject to the following
regulations.
(a)
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 15 square feet
per sign face.
(b)
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height of 10 feet.
(2) One wall or projecting sign shall be permitted, up to 10 square feet
in area.
(3) Illumination.
(a)
Internal or external illumination of institutional signs is permitted subject to the regulations found in §
208-83G, Sign illumination.
(b)
Message center signs are permitted subject to the regulations found in §
208-83G, Sign illumination.
E. Summary table for signs in residential districts.
Residential Districts
|
---|
|
Wall and Projecting
|
Freestanding
|
---|
Standards
|
Maximum number
|
Home occupations: 1 per lot
Institutional uses: 1 per lot
|
Home occupations: 1 per lot
Residential developments: 1 per lot
Institutional uses: 2 per lot
|
Maximum area (square feet)
|
Home occupations: 2
Institutional uses: 10
|
Home occupations: 6
Residential developments: 15
Institutional uses: 15
|
Maximum height
|
The eave line or the bottom of the second story window sill,
whichever is lower
|
Home occupations: 7 feet
Residential developments: 10 feet
Institutional uses: 10 feet
|
In addition to the exempt signs described in §
208-82, Signs exempt from permit requirements, the following numbers and types of signs may be erected in the Commercial Business District (CBD), Office Residential (OR) district and Transit Oriented Development District (TOD), subject to the conditions specified here and in §§
208-83 through
208-86.
A. Any sign permitted in residential districts (R-1, R-2 and R-3), for
the appropriate uses.
B. Portable signs shall be permitted subject to the provisions of §
208-87, Portable signs.
C. The total area of all permitted sign types for a use shall be limited
to two square feet per one linear foot of building frontage that faces
a public street or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations
based on sign type.
D. Wall signs shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1) Number. One sign per tenant per street frontage, up to a maximum
of two signs per tenant. Where a corner storefront faces a street
and a parking lot, a second sign is permitted to face the parking
lot.
(2) Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 24 square feet per sign
face.
(3) Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in §
208-83G, Sign illumination.
(a)
External illumination from above.
(b)
Halo illumination or backlit letters.
E. Window signs shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1) Area. A maximum of 15% of the total window area of any single storefront
may be used for permanent signs that are etched, painted, or permanently
affixed to the window. A maximum of 25% of the total window area of
any single storefront may be covered by a combination of permanent
and temporary window signs.
(2) Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in §
208-83G, Sign illumination.
F. Projecting signs shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1) Number. One sign per ground floor establishment, plus one sign per
building entrance serving one or more commercial tenants without a
ground floor entrance.
(2) Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 12 square feet per sign
face.
(3) Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in §
208-83G, Sign illumination.
(a)
External illumination from above.
G. Canopy or awning signs shall be permitted subject to the regulations established in §
208-84, On-premises signs.
(1) Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in §
208-83G, Sign illumination.
(a)
External illumination from above.
H. Marquee signs shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1) Number. One marquee structure per movie theater, performing arts
center, cinema, or other similar use.
(2) Area. The total area of signs on a single marquee structure shall
not exceed 150 square feet in area.
(3) Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in §
208-83G, Sign illumination.
I. No freestanding signs are permitted.
J. Summary table for signs in main street districts.
Main Street Districts
|
---|
|
|
Wall, Awning/Canopy, and Marquee
|
Projecting
|
Window
|
Freestanding
|
---|
Standards
|
Maximum number
|
Based on sign type (See § 208-89)
|
1 per ground floor establishment, plus 1 per building entrance
serving tenants without a ground floor entrance
|
N/A
|
Prohibited
|
Maximum area
|
2 square feet per linear feet of building frontage facing a
public street, subject to maximum size limitations based on sign type
|
Prohibited
|
Maximum height
|
The eave line or the bottom of the second story window sill,
whichever is lower
|
N/A
|
Prohibited
|
Additional requirements
|
|
|
15% of total window area (permanent signs); 25% total window
area (all signs)
|
Prohibited
|
Except as noted below, the following numbers and types of signs may be erected in the Limited Industrial District (LI) subject to the conditions specified here and in §§
208-83 through
208-86.
A. Any sign permitted in residential districts (R-1, R-2 and R-3), for
the appropriate uses.
B. Portable signs shall be permitted subject to the provisions of §
208-87, Portable signs.
C. The total area of all permitted sign types for a use shall be limited
to 1.5 square feet per one linear foot of building frontage that faces
a public street or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations
based on sign type.
D. Wall signs for shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1) Number. One sign per tenant per street frontage, up to a maximum
of two signs per tenant. Where a corner storefront faces a street
and a parking lot, a second sign is permitted to face the parking
lot.
(2) Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 32 square feet per sign
face.
(3) Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in §
208-83G, Sign illumination.
(b)
External illumination from above.
(c)
Halo-lit or backlit letters.
E. Window signs shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1) Area. A maximum of 25% of the total window area of any single storefront
may be used for permanent signs that are etched, painted, or permanently
affixed to the window. A maximum of 35% of the total window area of
any single storefront may be covered by a combination of permanent
and temporary window signs.
(2) Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in §
208-83G, Sign illumination.
F. Projecting signs shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1) Number. One sign per ground floor establishment, plus one sign per
building entrance serving one or more commercial tenants without a
ground floor entrance.
(2) Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 20 square feet per sign
face.
(3) Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in §
208-83G, Sign illumination.
(a)
External illumination from above.
G. Canopy or awning signs shall be permitted subject to the regulations established in §
208-84, On-premises signs.
(1) Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in §
208-83G, Sign illumination.
(a)
External illumination from above.
H. Marquee signs shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1) Number. One marquee structure per movie theater, performing arts
center, cinema, or other similar use.
(2) Area. The total area of signs on a single marquee structure shall
not exceed 200 square feet in area.
(3) Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in §
208-83G, Sign illumination.
I. Freestanding signs shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1) Number. One sign per street frontage, up to two signs per property
held in single and separate ownership.
(2) Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 50 square feet plus
an additional 10 square feet per tenant up to a maximum of 100 square
feet.
(3) Height. Signs shall have a maximum height of 20 feet.
(4) Illumination. Signs may be illuminated subject to the regulations established in §
208-83G, Sign illumination.
J. Off-premises signs shall be permitted, subject to the regulations detailed in §
208-85, Off-premises signs.
In addition to all other requirements of this article, the requirements of Chapter
130, Historic Preservation District and §
130-11, Signs, the following regulations shall be applicable to any sign placed in the designated Historic Preservation District:
A. No sign shall be erected or altered until an application has been
reviewed and approved by the Historic Architectural Review Board and
after Borough Council has issued a Certificate of Appropriateness.
B. The Historic Architectural Review Board shall ensure that the proposed
sign is appropriate compared to the style, period, type, size, and
scale of the building for which it is proposed with other signs in
the district.
C. In addition to all other applicable requirements of this article,
the following regulations shall apply to any sign placed in the Historic
Preservation District:
(1) All applications for a permit must contain the following information:
(a)
A current color photograph of the property.
(b)
An illustration of the building facade showing the proposed
sign.
(c)
A scaled drawing showing the sign itself and including the size,
materials, colors, lighting, lettering, and method of attachment.
Material samples may be required.
(d)
For ground signs, a site plan indicating the location of the
sign.
(e)
The type of illumination.
(2) Installation must not damage or require removal of historic materials
and must be done in a manner such that signs can be removed without
harm to the masonry or architectural detailing.
Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary,
to the extent that this chapter allows a sign containing commercial
copy, it shall allow a noncommercial sign to the same extent. The
noncommercial message may occupy the entire sign area or any portion
thereof, and may substitute for or be combined with the commercial
message. The sign message may be changed from commercial to noncommercial,
or from one noncommercial message to another, as frequently as desired
by the sign's owner, provided that the sign is not prohibited
and the sign continues to comply with all requirements of this chapter.
The placement of a permanent or specially permitted sign without
a sign permit shall be unlawful. Violations of this article shall
be treated as strict liability offences regardless of intent. Violators
shall be fined a daily fee per sign displayed in violation of this
article. The fee amount shall be established from time to time by
resolution of the Borough.
If any part, section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence,
phrase, clause, term, or word in this article is declared invalid,
such invalidity shall not affect the validity or enforceability of
the remaining portions of the article.