[Ord. No. 1-70, 5/1/1968; as amended by Ord. No. 65, 10/6/2020]
1. 
The following regulations shall apply to all permitted sign uses:
A. 
Zoning Permit. A zoning permit shall be required for the erection or alteration of all signs, with the exception of temporary garage, porch or yard sale signs in all districts and general signs in the R-R and R-S Districts as provided for herein.
B. 
Fees. Fees for the issuance of Zoning Permits for signs shall be paid to the Township upon filing of an application for such use and shall be in accordance with the schedule of fees established by Resolution of the Township Supervisors.
C. 
Location. The main supporting structure of all signs shall be setback in accordance with the minimum requirements established in the appropriate Section of this chapter for the specific type of sign and the District in which it is to be located. All free-standing signs shall be set back from any lot line or right-of-way line a minimum of five feet or a distance equal to the total height of the sign, whichever is greater. In the event a greater distance is provided for in this chapter or in any local, state or federal ordinance, law, statue or regulation the greater distance shall apply. No sign shall be painted, erected, affixed or maintained on a tree, utility pole, stone, or other natural object. No sign shall be located on a sidewalk or other walkway which obstructs or restricts a pedestrian's passage, including temporary signs.
D. 
Sign Area. Sign area shall include the entire face of a single side of a sign, including all framing, trim and border area, but excluding any supporting framework or bracing. (A double-faced sign shall be considered a single sign.) Where a sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to a building, wall or window, the area shall be considered to be the smallest rectangle or other regular geometric shape which encompasses all of the letters and symbols.
E. 
Illumination. Illuminated signs shall not cause excessive glare or other disturbance which would be incompatible with the nature of the surrounding neighborhood or which would in any way impair the vision of passing motorists. Illumination shall be steady in nature, not flashing, animated, moving or changing in brilliance, color or intensity. No flashing or animated signs shall be permitted. The following types of illumination may be permitted as provided herein.
(1) 
Direct Illumination. Illumination provided either directly or through transparent or translucent material from a source of light within a sign, including but not limited to, neon and exposed lamps.
(2) 
Indirect Illumination. Illumination provided by a light which is shielded so that no direct rays are visible from elsewhere on the lot where the sign is located. Where such shielding is incomplete or defective, the illumination shall be deemed to be direct illumination.
F. 
Traffic or Visual Obstruction. No sign shall be erected within the clear sight triangle of any public street intersection or at any other location which could obstruct a motorist's clear vision. If located within the direct line of vision of any traffic control signal, no sign shall have red, green or amber illumination. In addition, no sign shall cause a visual obstruction for property owners in the vicinity of the sign.
G. 
Attachment and Projection. All signs shall be constructed and securely fastened in a manner which will prevent their displacement by the elements and prevent collapse. Parallel wall signs may not project more than 12 inches from the surface to which they are mounted or attached nor in any way interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic. (The distance of projection for projecting wall signs shall be as set forth in this Part for the district in which the sign is to be located.) No wall sign, whether parallel or projecting, shall extend above or beyond the top or the edge of the wall or surface to which it is mounted. In addition, no sign shall be located on the roof or eave of any building.
H. 
Anchoring. All free-standing signs shall be anchored, weighted, spring-loaded or otherwise designed to minimize wind action. The application for such signs shall indicate the method of anchoring to be employed.
I. 
Access. No sign shall be erected or maintained which prevents free ingress and egress from any door, window or fire escape, or which prevents free access from one part of a roof to any other part. No sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
J. 
Construction and Maintenance. All signs permitted under this chapter must be constructed of durable material and shall be adequately maintained to present a legible appearance and avoid deterioration, decay or other conditions which could endanger the public health, welfare or safety. Each sign and all appurtenances shall be removed when the circumstances leading to its erection no longer apply.
K. 
Landowner's Permission. No sign shall be displayed upon private or public property, other than on that of the applicant, without first being permitted by the owner or agent thereof. Written consent or a copy of the lease shall be presented with an application for a zoning permit in such circumstances.
L. 
Nonconforming Signs. Signs existing at the time of passage of this chapter which do not conform to the requirements of this chapter shall be considered nonconforming signs, and once removed, shall be replaced with only conforming signs. Nonconforming signs may be painted, repaired or maintained, provided such maintenance or repair does not extend the dimensions of the existing sign.
M. 
Temporary Signs. Temporary signs may be utilized in any zoning district in the Township, subject to the following:
(1) 
A zoning permit shall not be required for the placement of a temporary sign.
(2) 
No temporary sign shall be placed within 10 feet of boundary line of the lot or parcel upon which it is placed, nor within 10 feet of any street right-of-way line abutting the lot or parcel upon which it is placed.
(3) 
Temporary signs shall not exceed the size or area of permanent signs in the zoning district in which it is placed.
(4) 
Temporary signs shall not be placed within any public right-of-way.
(5) 
Temporary signs within the clear sight triangle shall not exceed two feet in height.
(6) 
Temporary signs shall not be placed upon or attached to utility poles, street sign poles, traffic signs, traffic light poles, trees or similar vertical structures.
(7) 
Signs offering the sale or rental of the premises upon which the sign in erected, shall be permitted without a permit, provided that not more than one such sign may be erected on the premises to be sold or rented, unless such premises fronts on more than one street, in which case, one sign may be erected on each street frontage.
(8) 
Temporary signs for contractors, developers, architects, engineers, builders, artisans and lenders, erected and maintained on the premises where the work is being performed, shall be allowed without a zoning permit.
(9) 
Signs indicating "No Trespassing," private use of a road, driveway or premises, or signs controlling fishing or hunting on the said premises, shall be allowed without a permit.
(10) 
Temporary signs required by law or any government agency shall be allowed without a zoning permit and shall be posted for a period of time as provided by said law or government agency.
[Ord. No. 1-70, 5/1/1968; as amended by Ord. No. 06-06, 6/6/2006]
1. 
The following signs may be placed or located in the R-R or R-S Zoning Districts, subject to the specified requirements. (See also Table 1 at the end of this Part.)
A. 
General Signs (Free-Standing or Parallel Wall Signs). No more than one of any of the following non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated types of signs may be permitted on a property at any one time (except trespassing signs), unless such property is situated on a corner and fronts on two streets, in which case one of each sign may be erected on each frontage. In the R-R and R-S Districts all such signs shall be free-standing or parallel wall signs.
(1) 
Name plates, identification signs, or similar signs. (Maximum size: 200 square inches)
(2) 
Trespassing signs. (Maximum size: two square feet)
(3) 
Sale and rental signs. (Maximum size: six square feet)
(4) 
Signs advertising the sale of farm products or nursery products raised on the premises. (Maximum size: eight square feet)
(5) 
Signs of mechanics, painters, or other artisans while performing work on same premises. (Maximum size: 12 square feet)
B. 
Specific Non-Commercial Signs (Free-Standing or Parallel Wall Signs). No more than one of any of the following non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated types of signs may be permitted on a property at any one time unless such property is situated on a corner and fronts on two streets, in which case one of each sign may be erected on each frontage. In the R-R and R-S Districts all such signs shall be free-standing or parallel wall signs.
(1) 
Home occupation signs bearing the name and occupation of the practitioner. (Maximum size: four square feet)
(2) 
Signs directing individuals to the location of service clubs, churches or other nonprofit organizations. (Maximum size: 16 square feet)
(3) 
Signs of schools, churches, governments, cultural facilities, and similar institutional uses. (Maximum size: 20 square feet).
(4) 
Residential development identification signs erected and maintained on the site of the development by the developer, builder or lot owners. (Maximum size: 32 square feet; with no commercial advertising)
C. 
Location and Height. Permitted signs may be located in any portion of a required front yard, but shall be no closer to the adjoining street right-of-way line than 10 feet. Such signs may also be attached to a wall of the principal building or structure in accordance with the requirements outlined in § 27-700, Subsection 1G. (See also § 27-700, Subsection 1C.) No sign shall be erected however which will effectively limit proper sight distance or obstruct a driver's vision within the clear sight triangle of an intersection. (See § 27-504, Subsection 5.) In addition, no free-standing general sign shall exceed 10 feet in height above the average grade of the site.
[Ord. No. 1-70, 5/1/1968; as amended by Ord. No. 06-06, 6/6/2006]
1. 
The following signs may be placed or located in the R-U, C-N, or I Zoning Districts, subject to the specified requirements. (See also Table 1 at the end of this article.)
A. 
General and Specific, Non-Commercial Signs. Those signs permitted as in the R-R and R-S Zoning District as provided herein.
B. 
Business Identification Signs (Free-Standing Signs or Parallel or Projecting Wall Signs). Where proposed in conjunction with a permissible commercial use or activity in the R-U, C-N, or I Districts, business identification signs may be erected, subject to the following requirements.
(1) 
No more than one free-standing sign, non-illuminated or illuminated, directly or indirectly, shall be erected per lot or parcel in the R-U Zoning District. No more than one free-standing non illuminated sign per lot or parcel per street frontage shall be erected in the C-N and I Zoning Districts.
(2) 
In the R-U Zoning District, free standing or parallel or projecting wall signs, shall not exceed 20 square feet in area. In the C-N Zoning District, free-standing and parallel wall signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and projecting wall signs shall not exceed 24 square feet in area. In the I Zoning District freestanding signs shall not exceed 50 square feet in area. In the I Zoning District, parallel or projecting wall signs shall not exceed an area equal to the linear footage of the side of a building that fronts on a street times 1.5 square feet. The building used for this calculation shall be the building housing the business for which the sign is proposed. If a building fronts on multiple streets each frontage shall be treated separately for purposes of this calculation. There shall be no limit on the number of parallel or projecting signs, provided the total square footage of all such signs shall not exceed the square footage determined by the above calculation.
(3) 
Free-standing business identification signs in the R-U District shall not exceed 15 feet in height above the average grade of the site nor be located closer to the ground than 10 feet (measured from the lowest part of the sign) when in a parking, vehicular or pedestrian circulation area, unless they are resting on the ground. In the C-N and I Districts such signs shall not exceed 20 feet in height.
(4) 
Projecting wall signs in the R-U District shall not project more than three feet from the surface of the building to which they are attached. In the C-N and I Districts, such signs may project up to six feet from the surface of the building.
C. 
Location. Permitted signs may be placed within any required front yard, however non-commercial signs shall be no closer to an adjoining street or road right-of-way than 10 feet or a distance equal to the total height of the sign whichever is greater and business identifications signs shall be no closer to an adjoining street or road right-of-way than 15 feet or the total height of the sign, whichever is greater. Such signs may also be attached to a wall of the principal building or structure in accordance with the requirements hereof. No sign shall be erected however which will effectively limit proper sign distance or obstruct a driver's vision within the clear sight triangle of an intersection.
[Ord. No. 1-70, 5/1/1968; as amended by Ord. No. 06-06, 6/6/2006; and by Ord. No. 27, 9/7/2010]
1. 
The following signs may be placed or located in the A Zoning District, subject to the specified requirements. (See also Table 1 at the end of this Part.)
A. 
General and Specific, Non-Commercial Signs. Those signs permitted in the R-R and R-S Districts as provided herein.
B. 
Business Identification Signs (Free-Standing Signs or Parallel or Projecting Wall Signs).
(1) 
In the C-H-M Zoning District no more that one free standing sign, non illuminated or illuminated, directly or indirectly, shall be erected per street frontage of a lot or parcel. In the C-H-M Zoning District parallel and projecting wall signs or awning signs shall not exceed an area equal to the linear footage of the side of a building that fronts on a street times 1.5 square feet. The building used for this calculation shall be the building housing the business for which the sign is proposed. If the building fronts on multiple streets each frontage shall be treated separately for purposes of this calculation. There shall be no limit to the number of parallel or projecting wall signs, or awning signs provided the total square footage of all such signs shall not exceed the square footage determined by the above calculation.
(2) 
Free-standing signs erected on a lot or parcel containing no more than two businesses shall not exceed 150 square feet in area.
(3) 
Free-standing business identification signs shall not exceed 25 feet in height above the average grade of the site nor be closer to the ground than 10 feet (measured from the lowest part of the sign) when in a parking, vehicular, or pedestrian circulation area, unless they are resting on the ground. No wall signs shall extend above the top of the wall to which they are attached.
(4) 
Projecting wall signs shall not project more than six feet from the surface of the building to which they are attached.
(5) 
Free-standing signs identifying a commercial complex or development for three or more businesses, an industrial park or a shopping center shall not exceed 250 square feet in area.
C. 
Billboards or Advertising Sign Boards (Free-Standing Signs). Billboards or advertising sign boards may be erected and maintained on a property in the C-H-M District in accordance with the following standards.
(1) 
No more than one non-illuminated, indirectly illuminated, or directly illuminated billboards or advertising sign board may be erected and maintained on a lot in either of these zones. For the purpose of this chapter, such signs may be free-standing signs only.
(2) 
Billboards or advertising signboards shall not exceed 250 square feet in area.
(3) 
Billboards or advertising signs shall not exceed 30 feet in heights above the average grade of the proposed site nor be located closer to the ground than 15 feet (measured from the lowest part of the sign) when in a parking, vehicular or pedestrian circulation area, unless such signs are resting on the ground.
(4) 
Billboards or advertising sign boards shall be located no closer than 750 feet (measured on the same side of the street) to any other such sign, except for vertically double signs.
(5) 
All applicable provisions of the state's Outdoor Advertising Control Act of 1971, as amended,[1] shall be adhered to where signs are to be erected in areas adjacent to highways in PADOT's Primary and Interstate Highway System. Any individual desiring to establish a sign in these areas shall contact PADOT's Division of Outdoor Advertising to determine if the state's regulations will effect his proposal. A copy of PADOT's determination shall accompany all application for signs in such areas, and a copy of the state permit, where required, shall be submitted to the Township prior to initiation of construction or erection of the sign.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 36 P.S. § 2718.101 et seq.
D. 
Location.
(1) 
Free-standing business identification signs may be placed within any required front yard, but shall be set back a distance equal to their height or 20 feet, whichever is greater, from the edge of the adjoining street right-of-way. Awning signs shall be attached to an awning or canopy of the principal building. No sign shall be erected, however, which will effectively limit proper sight distance or obstruct a driver's vision within the required clear sight triangle of an intersection.
(2) 
Billboards or advertising sign boards shall be set back a distance equal to their height or 25 feet, whichever is greater, from the edge of the right-of-way of the adjoining street. No such sign shall be erected, however, which would effectively limit proper sight distance or obstruct a driver's vision within the required clear sight triangle of an intersection.
[Ord. No. 1-70, 5/1/1968; as amended by Ord. No. 06-06, 6/6/2006]
1. 
The following signs may be placed or located in the A Zoning District, subject to the specified requirements. (See also Table 1 at the end of this Part).
A. 
General Specific, Non-Commercial Signs. Those signs permitted in the R-R and R-S Zoning district as provided herein.
B. 
Business Identification Signs (Free-Standing Signs or Parallel or Projecting Wall Signs).
(1) 
No more than two non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated business identification signs, either free-standing or parallel or projecting wall signs, may be erected and maintained on a lot in this zone.
(2) 
Free-standing business identification signs shall not exceed 100 square feet in area when such signs are located along an arterial highway, i.e., U.S. Route 15; 50 square feet in area when adjacent to a collector street, i.e., S.R. 1004, Kelly Cross Road, or S.R. 1002, John Kelly Road; or 32 square feet in area when situated along a local street. Parallel wall signs shall not exceed 50 square feet in area and projecting wall signs may be no larger than 24 square feet in area.
(3) 
Free-standing business identification signs shall not exceed 20 feet in height above the average grade of the site nor be closer to the ground than 10 feet (measured from the lowest part of the sign) when in a parking, vehicular, or pedestrian circulation area, unless they are resting on the ground. No wall signs shall extend above the top of the wall to which they are attached.
(4) 
Projecting wall signs shall not project more than six feet from the surface of the building to which they are attached.
C. 
Location. Free-standing business identification signs may be placed within any required front yard, but shall be setback a distance equal to their heights or 15 feet, whichever is greater, from the edge of the adjoining street right-of-way. No such sign shall be erected, however, which would effectively limit proper sight distance or obstruct a driver's vision within the required clear sight triangle of an intersection.
[Ord. No. 1-70, 5/1/1968; as amended by Ord. No. 06-06, 6/6/2006]
1. 
Same as the underlying district, except that no sign may impede natural drainage of the flow of water: In addition, all such signs shall meet the following criteria. (See also Table 1 at the end of this Part).
A. 
No more than one non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated business identification sign shall be erected and maintained on a lot in this zone.
B. 
Business identification signs shall not exceed 10 feet in height above the average grade of the site.
C. 
Free-standing business identification signs shall not exceed 10 feet in height above the average grade of the site. Where approval is needed from PADOT, the requirements of that agency shall be met prior to the issuance of a zoning permit by the Township.
[Ord. No. 1-70, 5/1/1968; as amended by Ord. No. 06-06, 6/6/2006]
1. 
No signs, except "No Trespassing" signs with a maximum size of two square feet, shall be permitted in the FW District, except as might be necessary by federal, state or local governments to protect the health, safety and welfare of the people. If such signs are necessary, they shall be designed and placed so as not to impede the natural drainage or flow of water.
2. 
Where approval is needed from PADOT, the requirements of that agency shall be met prior to the issuance of a zoning permit by the Township.
Table 1 Sign Regulations
Zoning Districts
R-R, and R-S
R-U, C-N, and I
C-H-M
A
FF and FP
FW
GENERAL SIGNS
Maximum size
varies
varies
varies
varies
varies
2 square feet
Minimum setback
10 feet from R/W
NA
Maximum height
10 feet
10 feet
10 feet
10 feet
10 feet
NA
BUSINESS IDENTIFICATION SIGNS (On-Premises Signs)
Freestanding signs
Maximum size
—
R-U - 20 square feet
C-N - 32 square feet
I - 50 square feet
150 square feet
250 square feet
Arter. - 100 square feet
Collect. - 50 square feet
Local - 32 square feet
20 square feet
—
Minimum setback
10 feet or height of sign
10 feet or 15 feet or height of sign
Distance equal to height or 20 feet
Distance equal to height or 15 feet
20 feet from R/W
—
Maximum height
—
R-U - 15 feet
C-N and I - 20 feet
25 feet
20 feet
10 feet
—
Parallel wall signs
Maximum size
—
R-U - 20 square feet
C-N - 32 square feet
I - 50 square feet
varies
50 square feet
—
—
Maximum height
—
—
top of wall to which attached
—
—
—
Projecting wall signs
Maximum size
—
R-U - 20 square feet
C-N and I - 24 square feet (Including awning signs)
varies
24 square feet
—
—
Maximum height
—
—
Top of wall to which attached
—
—
—
Maximum projection
—
R-U - 3 feet
C-N and I - 6 feet
6 feet
6 feet
—
Total number per lot
—
varies
varies
2
1
—
BILLBOARDS OR ADVERTISING SIGN BOARDS (Off-Premises Signs)
(Free-Standing Signs Only)
Maximum size
—
—
250 square feet
—
—
—
Minimum setback height or 25 feet
—
—
Distance equal to
—
—
—
Maximum height
—
—
30 feet
—
—
—
Total number per lot
—
—
1
—
—
—