A. 
Purposes. This article is intended to: promote and maintain overall community aesthetic quality; establish reasonable time, place and manner of regulations for the exercise of free speech, without regulating content (excepting obscenity that is prohibited by State law or language that incites violence); promote traffic safety by avoiding distractions and sight distance obstructions; and protect property values and ensure compatibility with the character of neighboring uses.
B. 
Permit required. A zoning permit shall be required for all signs except for:
(1) 
Signs meeting the requirements of § 550-78; and
(2) 
Non-illuminated window signs. Only types, sizes and heights of signs that are specifically permitted by this article within the applicable district shall be allowed.
C. 
Changes on signs. Any lawfully existing sign (including nonconforming signs) may be painted or repaired or changed in logo or message or replaced with a new sign face without needing a zoning permit, provided that the changes do not increase the sign area or height or otherwise result in noncompliance or an increased nonconformity with this chapter. See also § 550-87 concerning nonconforming signs. A change to a digital sign shall need a zoning permit.
D. 
Fees. Through a resolution by City Council, the City may establish permit fees and license fees for various types of signs, such as an annual license fee for off-premises signs.
A. 
The following signs shall be permitted by right within all Zoning Districts within the following regulations, and shall not be required to have a permit under this article.
Type and Definition of Signs not Requiring Permits
Max. No. of Signs per Lot
Max. Sign Area per Sign* on a "Residential Lot" **
(sq. ft.)
Max. Sign Area per Sign* on "Nonresidential Lots"**
(sq. ft.)
Other Requirements
Agricultural sales or Christmas tree sign- Advertises the seasonal sale of agricultural products or Christmas trees
2
Total of 10 sf per lot
Total of 50 sf per lot
Shall only be posted while such products are actively offered for sale
Charitable event sign- Advertises a special event held a maximum of 9 days in any calendar year that primarily is held to benefit a legitimate tax-exempt nonprofit organization, place of worship, school, or charity
2
Total of 10 sf per lot
Total of 50 sf per lot
Shall be placed a max. of 30 days prior to event and removed a max. of 7 days after event
Contractor's sign- Advertises a building trades person, engineer or architect who is actively conducting significant work on a particular lot that is not such person's place of business, or a bank or agency that is financing an on-site construction project
1 per contractor
10
20 (or one sign of 60 square feet maximum may be used if the sign is shared by multiple entities)
Shall only be permitted while such work is actively and clearly underway and a max. of 30 days afterward; shall not be illuminated
Directional sign- provides information indicating traffic direction, entry or exit, loading or service area, directions to apartment numbers or parking courts in a development, fire lanes, parking or closely similar information regarding the same lot as the sign is on, and that does not include advertising
No max.
4, in addition to signs painted on pavement
4, in addition to signs painted on pavement
Directional signs within a residential development shall not be internally illuminated. See also Subsection B(4) below concerning signs not readable from a lot line or street
Flag- a pennant made of fabric or materials with a similar appearance that is hung in such a way to flow in the wind; see also "special sale signs" below
1
Total of 10 sf per lot.
Total of 50 sf per lot.
Flags of governments and flags that simply include colors, or non-commercial art or patterns are not regulated by this chapter
Garage sale sign- advertises an occasional garage sale/porch sale or auction
2 per event
2 sf per sign
2 sf per sign
Shall be placed no more than 3 days before the event and be removed within 24 hours after the event; shall not be attached to trees or poles with metal fasteners
Home occupation and accessory day care sign- Advertises a permitted home occupation or an accessory day care use
1
2
8
Shall not be illuminated; maximum total height of 8 feet above the ground
Identification sign- Only identifies the name and/or occupation of the resident and/or the name, street address and/or use of a lot, but that does not include advertising
1
2
8
Maximum total height of 8 feet above the ground
Open house sign- Advertises the temporary and periodic open house of a property for sale or rent
2 per event
Total maximum of 10 sf per lot.
Total maximum of 50 sf per lot.
Shall be placed max. of 5 days before open house begins and be removed max. of 24 hrs. after open house ends; such sign shall not be posted more than 6 consecutive days
Political/issue sign- Advertises a person or party seeking political office or an opinion on a referendum, political cause or matter of public concern
Political signs shall not be posted on public parks or property owned by the City or on a public street right-of-way, except as may be allowed on election day outside of a polling location
Maximum of 2 sign faces per issue or candidate per lot
Total maximum of 10 s.f. per issue or candidate per lot.
Total maximum of 50 s.f. per issue or candidate per lot.
Shall be removed a max. of 7 days after an election, vote or referendum if the sign pertains to such a matter; political signs shall not be placed on property without the prior consent of the owner; if a political sign does not meet these requirements, then it shall be regulated as an "off-premises sign"
Public services sign- Advertises the availability of restrooms, telephone or other similar public convenience
No max.
2
2
Real estate sign- Advertises the availability of property on which the sign is located for sale, rent or lease
1 per street the lot abuts
10
50
Shall only be placed on the property while it is actively for sale, lease or rent, and shall be removed a max. of 14 days after settlement or start of lease
Service organization/place of worship sign- An off-premises sign stating name of a recognized incorporated service organization or place of worship and that states the place and times of meetings or services and/or an arrow directing persons to such location
2
4
4
Maximum of 2 such signs per such organization or place of worship
Special sale signs - Temporary banners, flags and other signs that advertise a special sales event at a lawful principal commercial business; a portable sign may be used under this provision
5 per nonresidential lot
Not permitted
Total of 50 sq. ft. for all such banners, flags and other temporary signs.
Shall be displayed a maximum total of 30 days per year (such as 6 times of 5 days each); such signs shall not flash, be internally illuminated, or obstruct safe sight distances
Time and temperature sign- With a sole purpose to announce the current time and temperature and any nonprofit public service messages
1
Not permitted
30
The sign shall not flash
Trespassing sign- Indicating that a road is private, that trespassing is prohibited on a lot, or controlling certain activities, such as hunting and fishing, on the lot
No max.
2
4
"s.f."
=
Square feet.
"max."
=
Maximum
*
Maximum sign areas are for each of 2 sides of each permitted sign, measured in square feet.
**
For the purposes of this section, a "nonresidential lot" shall mean a lot that is occupied by a principal nonresidential use or that is within a U/O, Commercial or Industrial Zoning District. All other lots shall be considered to be "residential lots."
B. 
In addition, the following types of signs are not regulated by this chapter:
(1) 
See § 550-76C which addresses simple changes of sign faces and messages.
(2) 
Historic sign. Sign that memorialize an important historic place, event or person and that is specifically authorized by the City or a County, State or Federal agency.
(3) 
Holiday decorations. Signs and displays that commemorate a holiday recognized by the City, County, State or Federal Government or an individual's own religious holiday, that do not include advertising, and that are posted a maximum total of 90 days per calendar year.
(4) 
Not readable sign. Sign that is not readable from any public street or any exterior lot line.
(5) 
Official sign. Sign erected by the State, County, City or other legally constituted governmental body, or specifically authorized by City ordinance, motion or resolution, and which exists for public purposes.
(6) 
Required sign. Sign that only includes information required to be posted outdoors by a government agency or the City.
(7) 
Right-of-way sign. Sign posted within the existing right-of-way of a public street and officially authorized by the City, the County or PennDOT, including but not limited to decorative banners hung from streetlights that are authorized by the City.
A. 
The following are the on-premises signs permitted on a lot within the specified Districts and within the following regulations, in addition to other signs specifically allowed by this article. See definitions of the types of signs in Article XIX.
Zoning District or Type of Use
Total Maximum Height of Freestanding Signs
Total Maximum Area of Wall Signs
Total Maximum Area of Window Signs
Total Maximum Area and Number of Freestanding Signs
R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 Districts: with signs in this table limited to allowed principal nonresidential uses (such as places of worship)
For home occupation signs, see § 550-78
8 feet
40 square feet on each side of a principal building for a school or place of worship; 10 square feet on each side of a principal building for other nonresidential principal uses
Temporary non-illuminated window signs are not regulated; other window signs shall be considered wall signs
1 sign on each street the lot abuts, each with a maximum sign area of 40 sq. ft. for a school or place of worship; 10 square feet per street frontage for other nonresidential principal uses.
See also entrance signs for major residential developments in Subsection F below
C-2/R, LIC, MIC, HIC Districts: for principal nonresidential uses
20 feet
2 square feet of sign area for each linear feet of building length, on the building side on which such signs are attached
Temporary non-illuminated window signs are not regulated; other window signs shall be considered wall signs
1 sign per street that the lot abuts, each with a maximum area of 60 sq. ft.
See note* below for multiple uses
A retail gas station shall be allowed an additional 30 sq. ft. of sign area; for drive-throughs, see note**
W-1 or W-O District:
15 feet
2 square feet of sign area for each linear ft. of building length on the building side on which such signs are attached
Temporary non-illuminated window signs are not regulated; other window signs shall be considered wall signs
1 sign per street that the lot abuts, each with a maximum area of 60 sq. ft.; see note* below for multiple uses
For drive-throughs, see note**
C-1/R, U/O and CBD District: for principal nonresidential uses
15 feet.
2 square feet of sign area for each linear feet of building length on the building side on which such signs are attached
Projecting sign - An additional sign with a maximum sign area of 20 square feet on each of 2 sides may:
a) project perpendicular to a building; and
b) may also project over part of a sidewalk if it complies with the applicable requirements of the Construction Code and maintains an 8-foot minimum clearance above the sidewalk
Temporary non-illuminated window signs are not regulated, provided the total of all window signs shall cover more than 25% of the total window area of a commercial storefront; other window signs shall be considered wall signs
1 sign per street that the lot abuts, each with a maximum area of 40 sq. ft.; see note * below for multiple uses.
Sandwich board sign - One additional 10 square feet per side portable folding sign is allowed per lot in a location that does not obstruct five feet of width for pedestrian and wheelchair access, and which is kept inside when the business is not open.
For drive-throughs, see note**.
*
If a lot includes two or more distinct principal nonresidential uses, the maximum freestanding sign area may be increased by 10 square feet for each principal nonresidential use beyond the first nonresidential use. For example, in the C-1/R District, if a lot includes three such uses, the maximum freestanding sign area shall be 40 plus 20 equals 60 square feet.
**
An allowed restaurant drive-through use may also include two menu boards with a maximum height of 10 feet and a maximum sign area of 60 square feet per side, provided the signs are not designed to be readable from beyond the property line.
B. 
Examples of sign types.
The sign to the right is an example of a projecting sign that is attached to a building.
The sign to the right is an example of a sandwich board sign that is placed on a sidewalk.
The sign to the right is an example of a freestanding sign that is not internally illuminated.
The sign to the right is an example of a freestanding sign that is internally illuminated.
C. 
Maximum height of wall signs. The maximum height of wall signs shall be equal to the top of the roof along the wall to which they are attached. However, sign may be attached to a "parapet roof" that vertically extends up to 10 feet above the structural roof, provided the parapet roof appears to be an architectural extension of the building.
D. 
Portable signs (including "signs on mobile stands") and other temporary signs.
(1) 
Purpose. These standards recognize portable signs as a particular type of sign that has the characteristics of a temporary sign but that has been inappropriately used as a permanent sign. This section is based on the policy that if a use desires to regularly display a sign for regularly changing messages, that it erect a permanent sign within all of the requirements of this chapter.
(2) 
Portable signs are prohibited in all districts, except as a temporary charitable event sign permitted by § 550-78.
The sign to the right is an example of a prohibited portable sign.
(3) 
Businesses are encouraged to provide an area on a permanent sign that displays changeable messages, as opposed to using a separate sign for such purpose.
E. 
Signs on freestanding walls. An allowed freestanding sign face may be attached to a decorative masonry or stone wall with a maximum height of six feet and a maximum length of 12 feet, without being regulated by the wall setback regulations of this chapter and without the entire wall counting as sign area. Such walls may be placed in a yard, provided they do not obstruct safe sight distances.
F. 
Major development sign. One two-sided sign or two one-sided signs shall be allowed at up to two exterior street entrances to a subdivision or land development of 20 or more dwelling units or more than five principal business uses. Such sign area shall be a maximum of 40 square feet and may be attached to a wall that meets § 550-79E. If a development includes five to 19 dwelling units, a similar sign with a maximum of 16 square feet shall be allowed. Such signs shall not be illuminated, and shall have a maximum total height of 10 feet above the ground.
The sign to the right is an example of a major development sign that is not illuminated.
G. 
Landscaping around a new freestanding sign. When a new freestanding sign is proposed with a sign area of 20 square feet or greater, other than a replacement of an existing sign, a landscaped area shall be provided around the sign. Such landscaped area shall be equal or greater in length than the horizontal length of the sign, and shall have a minimum width of five feet. Such landscaped area shall be comprised of vegetative ground cover, which may include shrubs, and it may be crossed by a sidewalk. Curbing or a similar barrier should be used as needed to prevent vehicles from hitting the sign.
A. 
The following prohibitions on signs shall apply in all Zoning Districts:
(1) 
Any moving object used to attract attention to a commercial use is prohibited. However, certain flags and banners may be allowed as provided in § 550-78.
(2) 
Flashing, blinking, twinkling, animated, scrolling, rotating or moving signs of any type are prohibited. A sign shall not display electronically moving images.
(a) 
In addition, flashing lights visible from a street shall not be used to attract attention to a business. This restriction specifically includes window signs, but does not prohibit Christmas-season lighting or displays, within § 550-78.
(3) 
Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors or particles, sound or odor are prohibited.
(4) 
Signs which contain information that states that a lot may be used for a purpose not permitted under this chapter are prohibited.
(5) 
Signs that are of such form, shape or color that they resemble an official traffic control sign, signal or device or that have any characteristics which are likely to confuse or distract the operator of a motor vehicle on a public street (such as prominent use of the word "danger") are prohibited.
(6) 
Signs or displays visible from a lot line that include words or images that are obscene or pornographic are prohibited.
(7) 
Balloons of greater than 50 cubic feet that are tethered to the ground or a structure for periods of over a day and that are primarily intended for advertising purposes are prohibited.
(8) 
Floodlights and outdoor lasers for advertising purposes are prohibited.
B. 
Digital signs. Signs may change their message from time to time provided that each message is visible for a minimum of eight seconds, except as follows: a) time and temperature signs may change more frequently, and b) if there is an electronically changing sign area of greater than 50 square feet, the sign shall not change its message more frequently than once every 20 seconds. This provision on sign timing shall not regulate signs that are not readable from a public street or a dwelling.
[Amended 12-30-2015 by Ord. No. 15-2015]
A. 
Purposes. Off-premise signs are controlled by this chapter for the following purposes, to: ensure that a physical environment is maintained that is attractive to desirable types of development; prevent visual pollution in the City and protect property values, especially in consideration of the fact that most commercial areas of the City are within close proximity to existing residences; prevent glare on adjacent property and streets; avoid the creation of additional visual distractions to motorists, especially along busy arterial streets that involve complex turning movements and numerous traffic hazards; recognize the numerous alternative forms of free speech available in the City, including existing nonconforming off-premise signs, on-premise signs and temporary signs and printed and electronic media; carry out the purposes listed in § 550-76.
B. 
Nonconforming off-premise signs. This section is not intended to require the removal of an existing lawfully-placed off-premise sign that is in structurally sound condition.
C. 
Official signs. Signs erected and maintained by PennDOT or the City of Chester are permitted by right in all Districts. Such signs may include official directional signs to destinations.
D. 
Permitted off-premise signs. Except for other types of signs that are specifically allowed by this section to be off-premises, an off-premise sign is only permitted if it meet the following requirements:
(1) 
District. An off-premise sign is only permitted in the MIC or HIC Districts, but shall not be located less than 660 feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of PA. Route 291.
(2) 
Location. An off-premise sign shall be set back a minimum of 25 feet from all lot lines and street rights-of-way.
(3) 
Maximum total sign area, on each of two sides. 300 square feet. The two sides shall be arranged so that only one side is readable at one time.
(4) 
Spacing. Any off-premise sign of more than 50 square feet of sign area shall be separated by a minimum of 500 feet from any other off-premise sign with a sign area greater than 50 square feet, including signs on either side of a street and including existing signs in other municipalities.
(5) 
Maximum height. 40 feet above the elevation of the street or highway that the sign face is directed towards, measured at the street center line. The bottom of such sign shall be elevated a minimum of 10 feet above the ground and be designed to be resistant to climbing by unauthorized persons.
(6) 
Control of lighting and glare. See standards in Article XIV and § 550-80B. Lights shall be directed so they do not shine into the eyes of motorists nor residents of homes. Lighting shall be directed downwards towards the sign area and shall be turned off between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 6:00 am.
(7) 
Setbacks. No off-premise sign greater than 50 square feet in sign area shall be located within 250 feet from the lot line of an existing principal dwelling.
(8) 
Condition. The sign shall be maintained in a good and safe condition, particularly to avoid hazards in high winds. The area around the sign shall be kept free of debris. If the message of a sign is no longer intact, it shall be replaced with a solid color or a "for lease" sign.
(9) 
This chapter shall not regulate the placement of "Tourist Oriented Directional Signs," provided the signs are posted along a public street right-of-way in a manner allowed under PennDOT regulations for such signs or that are approved by the City along a City street. (Note: These are typically blue signs that direct motorists to various major destinations.)
A. 
Setbacks.
(1) 
Signs shall not be located within the existing street right-of-way, except for allowed projecting and sandwich board signs.
(2) 
A freestanding illuminated sign shall not be located within five feet from an abutting lot line of principal dwelling in a Residential District.
(3) 
These setbacks shall not apply to official signs, nameplate signs, public service signs and directional signs.
B. 
Sight clearance. No sign shall be located in a way that interferes with the sight clearance requirements of Article XVII.
C. 
Off-premises. No signs except permitted off-premise, official, political or public service signs shall be erected on a property to which it does not relate.
D. 
Permission of owner. No sign shall be posted on any property or sign pole or public utility pole, unless permission has been received by the owner.
E. 
Signs on trees, utility poles and street signs. No sign shall be attached to a utility pole or street sign post, except by a utility or government agency. A sign shall not be attached to a tree.
F. 
Construction of signs. Every sign permitted in this section (other than temporary and window signs) shall be constructed of durable materials and shall be kept in good condition and repair. The Zoning Officer shall by written notice require a property owner or lessee to repair or remove a dilapidated or unsafe sign within a specified period of time. If such order is not complied with, the City may repair or remove such sign at the expense of such owner or lessee.
G. 
Wiring of signs. Signs shall be prohibited that involve electrical cords laying across parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except for temporary Christmas-season lighting.
H. 
Banners and overhanging signs. City Council may approve the hanging of decorative banners within the street right-of-way (such as from utility poles or streetlights) and may approve a sign overhanging across a street to advertise a community event or festival. One approval may cover multiple years for an event that is held annually. Approval from PennDOT may also be needed if a State road is involved.
Any vehicle, trailer or structure to which a sign is affixed in such a manner that the carrying of such sign(s) no longer is incidental to the primary purpose of the vehicle, trailer or structure but instead becomes a primary purpose in itself shall be considered a freestanding sign and shall be subject to all of the requirements for freestanding signs in the District in which such vehicle, trailer or structure is located.
Signs advertising a use no longer in existence (other than a sign relating to a building that is clearly temporarily vacant and being offered to new tenants or for purchase) shall be removed within 180 days of the cessation of such use.
A. 
Measurement of sign area.
(1) 
Sign area shall include all lettering, wording and accompanying designs and symbols, together with related background areas on which they are displayed. One "freestanding sign" may include several signs that are all attached to one structure, with the total "sign area" being the combined area of all signs on that side of the sign.
(2) 
The sign area shall not include any structural support poles or monument-style areas below the sign message.
(3) 
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to or painted directly on a building or window, other than an illuminated background that is a part of the sign, the sign area shall be the smallest one or two rectangle(s) or triangle(s) that includes all of the letters and symbols.
(4) 
The maximum sign area of sign shall be for each of two sides of a sign, provided that only one side of a sign is readable from any location.
(5) 
Unless otherwise specified, all square footages in regards to signs are maximum sizes.
A. 
Signs legally existing at the time of enactment of this chapter and which do not conform to the requirements of this chapter shall be considered nonconforming signs.
B. 
An existing lawful nonconforming sign that was lawful when it was initially placed may be replaced with a new sign, provided the new sign is not more nonconforming in any manner than the previous sign. A nonconforming sign shall not be expanded in a manner that does not conform to this chapter.
C. 
Unlawful signs. If a sign was placed without a required permit by the City, and does not comply with this chapter, it shall not be considered lawful, and shall be required to be removed. See the enforcement notice requirements in Article XVIII.