A. 
In all zoning districts within Marshall Township, signs may be erected, altered, maintained, used, removed or moved only when in compliance with the provisions of this article and any and all other ordinances and regulations of the Township relating to the erection, alteration, maintenance, use, removal or moving of signs or similar devices.
B. 
Accessory uses. Signs shall be considered accessory uses (other than off-site advertising signs) on the lot or site they are located and subordinate to the principal use of the lot. Signs shall be subject to Article 400 of this chapter in addition to the requirements of this Article 700.
C. 
Principal uses. Off-site advertising signs are considered the principal use of a lot or site on which they are located and shall comply with all the requirements of this article and Article 400.
A. 
Except as otherwise provided in § 208-703, no sign may be constructed, erected, moved, enlarged, illuminated or substantially altered except in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and in accordance with a sign permit issued by the Township Zoning Officer. Repainting or changing the message of a sign shall not, in and of itself, be considered a substantial alteration.
B. 
Sign permit applications and sign permits shall be governed by the same provisions of this chapter applicable to zoning permits.
C. 
Unless specifically exempted in this article, a separate permit shall be required for the erection, structural repair or alteration of any sign regulated in this chapter. Each application for a sign permit shall be accompanied by a drawing to scale showing the design proposed, the size, character and color of letters, lines and symbols, method of illumination, the exact location of the sign in relation to the building and property and details and specifications for construction. A fee in accordance with the Township Fee Schedule, as amended, shall accompany each application.
A. 
The following signs are not permitted under this article. Such signs include, but are not limited to:
1. 
Awning sign.
2. 
Roof sign.
3. 
Portable sign.
4. 
Pennants.
5. 
Canopy sign.
6. 
Advertising vehicle.
7. 
Projection sign (except as permitted in § 208-210 for TC and RB districts).
B. 
No sign shall be erected in the Township that:
1. 
Obstructs the sight triangle distance at an intersection along a public right-of-way.
2. 
Tends by its location, color, shape, message or nature to be confused with or obstruct the view of traffic signs or traffic signals by motorists or pedestrians.
3. 
Uses admonitions such as stop, go, slow, danger, etc., which might be confused with traffic signals.
C. 
Novelty signs, including, but not limited to, object (i.e., tires, automobiles, food products, etc.), pennants, banners and balloon type signs shall not be permitted.
A. 
The following signs are exempt from regulation under this chapter unless more specific provisions contained in this article indicate otherwise:
1. 
One residential sign not exceeding two square feet in area that is customarily associated with residential use.
2. 
Signs erected by or on behalf of or pursuant to the authorization of a governmental body, including legal notices, identification and informational signs and traffic, directional or regulatory signs.
3. 
Official signs of a noncommercial nature erected by public utilities.
4. 
Flags or insignia of any governmental or nonprofit organization when not displayed in connection with a commercial promotion or as an advertising device.
5. 
Signs directing and guiding traffic that do not exceed four square feet each and that bear no commercial message.
6. 
Displays, including lighting, erected in connection with the observance of holidays. Such signs shall be removed within 15 days following the holidays.
7. 
No trespassing or no hunting signs, without limitation on number or placement, limited in area to two square feet.
The following temporary signs are permitted without a permit. However, such signs shall conform to the requirements set forth below as well as all other applicable requirements of this chapter:
A. 
Real estate sign. Such signs shall be removed immediately after sale, lease or rental.
1. 
In residential zones, such signs may not exceed four square feet in area. For lots of less than five acres, a single sign on each street frontage may be erected. For lots or parcels five acres or more in area and having a street frontage in excess of 400 feet, one additional sign not exceeding 12 square feet in area may be erected.
2. 
In non-residential zones, such signs may not exceed 32 square feet in area and eight feet in height. There shall not be more than one temporary commercial real estate sign for each lot or site except that where a lot abuts two or more streets, an additional sign oriented to each abutting street shall be permitted. Such signs shall only be located upon the premises for sale, lease or rent or for which they are advertising. Such signs shall be located a minimum of 10 feet from any street right-of-way and adjacent property lines.
B. 
Construction site identification signs not exceeding 32 square feet in area erected on the site during the period of construction. Such signs shall not be illuminated and shall be removed upon completion of construction.
C. 
Signs attached temporarily to the interior of a building window or glass door. Such signs, individually or collectively, may not cover more than 35% of the surface area of the transparent portion of the window or door to which they are attached.
D. 
One bulletin board and sign for a church, school, community or other public or semipublic institution building on the property on which located, provided that the area of such bulletin board or sign shall not exceed 15 square feet in area, nor be located closer than 25 feet to any property line.
E. 
Sign of mechanics, painters and other artisans, provided that such sign shall be erected only on the property where such work is being performed, shall not exceed four square feet and shall be removed promptly upon completion of the work.
F. 
Signs indicating that special event such as a grand opening, fair, carnival, circus, festival or similar event on the lot where the sign is located. Such signs may be erected a maximum of two times during a 12-month period for up to two weeks at a time. No sign shall be greater than 24 square feet.
G. 
Political signs shall not exceed 15 square feet in area nor shall these signs exceed six feet in height and shall be set back from the street right-of-way a minimum of 10 feet.
A. 
The area of a sign shall mean the area of all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs, logos, and symbols, together with the background, whether open or closed, on which they are displayed, including any border framing or decorative attachments, but not including any supporting framework, bracing, or trim which is incidental to the display, provided that it does not contain any lettering, wording, or symbols.
B. 
Where the sign consists of individual letters, designs, or symbols attached to a building, awning, wall, or window, the area shall be that of the smallest rectangle which encompasses all the letters, designs, and symbols.
C. 
Multifaceted signs. In computing square foot area of a double-faced sign, only one side shall be considered, provided both faces are identical and parallel. Otherwise, all sides shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
D. 
Multidimensional signs. Signs that consist of, or have attached to them, one or more three-dimensional or irregularly shaped objects, shall have a sign area of the sum of two adjacent vertical sign faces of the smallest cube encompassing the sign or object.
E. 
If elements of a sign are movable or flexible, such as a flag or banner, the measurement is taken when the elements are fully extended and parallel to the plane of view.
F. 
In the event that a symbol, trademark or other such figure is used as a signpost or standard that could be construed to indicate or identify a particular use or business, that symbol, trademark or figure is to be computed as part of the total allowable sign area.
G. 
Signage on gas canopies will be computed as part of the allowable freestanding sign surface area.
A. 
At the intersection of any state or federal highway with a major or secondary street, the setback of any freestanding sign shall not be less than 100 feet from the established right-of-way of the intersection.
B. 
No sign may extend above any parapet or be placed upon any roof surface, except that for purposes of this section, roof-surfaces constructed at an angle of 75° or more from horizontal shall be regarded as wall space. This subsection shall not apply to displays, including lighting, erected in connection with the observation of holidays on the roofs of residential structures.
C. 
No sign attached to a building may project outward more than one foot from the building wall.
D. 
No sign or supporting structure may be located in or over any public right-of-way, except for the following:
1. 
Public signs erected by or on behalf of a governmental body to post legal notices, identify public property, convey public information and direct or regulate pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
2. 
Bus stop signs erected by a public transit company.
3. 
Informational signs of a public utility regarding its poles, lines, pipes or facilities.
4. 
Emergency warning signs erected by a governmental agency, a public utility company or a contractor doing authorized or permitted work within the public right-of-way.
5. 
Projecting signs permitted under § 208-708.
6. 
Any signs erected in violation of this provision shall be deemed a hazard and shall be removed without notice at cost to the owner.
E. 
No sign which emits smoke, visible vapors or particles, sound or odor shall be permitted.
F. 
No sign shall be erected containing information on it which states or implies that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of this chapter in the zoning district in which the property to which the sign relates is located.
G. 
Any sign located along the right-of-way of a state or federal highway shall comply with any more restrictive requirements of the state or federal government relating thereto.
H. 
All distances provided for this article shall be measured along straight lines between signs and from the near edge to near edge of the sign or sign structure.
I. 
Signs, whether permanent or temporary, other than municipal, county or state signs or official traffic control devices, shall not be erected within or overhang any approved site easements, nor shall any sign be located so as to constitute a traffic hazard.
J. 
Advertising signs, except temporary real estate signs and nonconforming business signs as permitted under § 208-703, shall not be permitted in any residential district in the Township.
The following provisions identify the types of signs, number of signs, sign surface area, and sign setbacks permitted by specific zoning district classifications.
A. 
Commercial and industrial district signs.
1. 
Wall signs. Each individual commercial or industrial establishment shall be permitted multiple wall signs. The area of all permanent wall signs or building signs for any single business enterprise shall be limited according to the area of the building facade or part of building occupied by such enterprise. For the purposes of this section, area shall be measured along the building face nearest parallel to the street line.
(a) 
For lots located along one public street: The total area of all wall signs shall be limited to 15% of the facade fronting the street not to exceed 70 square feet. No individual wall sign shall exceed 50 square feet.
(b) 
In the case of a corner lot that has at least 150 feet of frontage on two intersecting public streets: Wall signs can be placed on either facade fronting on a street. The total area of all wall signs (on both facades) shall be limited to 15% of the area of one of the building's facades fronting the street but shall not exceed 70 square feet. No individual wall sign shall exceed 50 square feet.
(c) 
In the case of a double front lot that has at least 150 feet of frontage on two public streets that do not intersect at the lot's boundaries wall signs can be placed on either facade fronting on a street. The total area of all wall signs (on both facades) shall be limited to 15% of the area of one of the building's facades fronting the street but shall not exceed 70 square feet. No individual wall sign shall exceed 50 square feet.
2. 
Freestanding signs. In a commercial or industrial district, each parcel upon which a commercial or industrial use is located shall be permitted one permanent freestanding sign.
(a) 
If the parcel's frontage is less than 200 feet, the parcel shall be permitted one ground/monument sign.
(b) 
If the parcel's frontage is 200 feet or greater, the parcel shall be allowed either one ground/monument sign or one pole/pylon sign.
Figure 1: Pylon Sign Example
(c) 
Freestanding signs shall be limited to 35 square feet except as provided for in § 208-710 for corner lots or for sites with multiple uses. The height of freestanding signs shall not exceed 25 feet or the main cornice line of the building, whichever is more restrictive. To encourage the reduction in height of freestanding signs, an increase of 20% of the sign area will be allowed if a freestanding sign is not more than seven feet in height. Such signs shall be located a minimum distance from the right-of-way line or adjoining lot line according to the chart for allowable increases. Such signs shall be located a minimum distance of 50 feet from any residential or conservation district. Freestanding signs shall be supported by one or more columns or uprights which are firmly embedded in the ground. Exposed guy wires, chains or other connections shall not be made a permanent support of the freestanding sign.
Table 17: Allowable Increases in Sign Area
Sign Height (feet)
Minimum Setback (feet)
Maximum Area (sq. ft.) Excluding Bonuses in § 208-709
7 or less
10
42 (includes 20% bonus)
7.01 to 10
15
35
10.01 to 15
20
35
15.01 to 25
25
35
Highway signs in accordance with § 208-712.
B. 
Residential district signs.
1. 
Home occupation signs. Home occupations for which a sign is required by county, state or federal regulations, one sign, a maximum of four square feet in sign area, is permitted.
(a) 
Signs for home occupations shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from any street right-of-way line or adjoining lot line.
(b) 
Signs for home occupations shall not be illuminated.
2. 
Wall signs. For nonresidential uses other than home occupations in residential districts, one building or wall sign is permitted for a single lot.
(a) 
The area of all permanent building or wall signs for any single business enterprise shall be limited to 10% of the area of the building facade of the building occupied by such enterprise. In no instance shall the sign area exceed 40 square feet.
(b) 
For the purposes of this section, the area of the building facade shall be measured along the building face nearest parallel to the street line. In the case of a corner lot, either frontage may be used in determining area, but the frontage selected shall be considered the front wall of the building for the purposes of determining the maximum area of the sign.
3. 
Freestanding signs. For nonresidential uses other than home occupations in residential districts, one permanent freestanding sign is permitted for a single lot.
(a) 
Freestanding signs are limited to 15 square feet in sign area. The height of freestanding signs shall not exceed six feet or the main cornice line of the building, whichever is more restrictive. Such signs shall be located a minimum distance of 20 feet from the street right-of-way line or adjoining lot line.
A. 
Signs within the Town Center district. In addition to the requirements within this article, shall be permitted with the following standards:
1. 
Each lot within the district shall be permitted one freestanding sign. Each establishment shall be permitted one flat wall sign and/or one projecting sign as outlined below. Note, in lieu of providing a freestanding sign, the applicant shall be permitted to add 10 square feet to the maximum permitted area of flat wall sign (not to exceed 40 square feet in area).
(a) 
Freestanding signs shall be designed as follows:
(i) 
One freestanding sign permitted per parcel.
(ii) 
The height of the sign shall be a maximum of seven feet from ground level to top of sign and nine feet to the top of the sign support. Note, a minimum of seven feet of clearance between sign and ground level shall be maintained if sign is located perpendicular to the street and within the sight triangle of a driveway or access point.
(iii) 
Maximum sign area shall be 20 square feet.
(iv) 
Illumination shall be from a concealed ground source only (no internal illumination).
(v) 
Freestanding signs shall be set back three feet from the edge of the right-of-way.
(b) 
Two wall signs shall be permitted as follows:
(i) 
Wall sign. One wall sign of 30 square feet in area shall be permitted. The flat wall sign shall not project more than six inches from the face of the building. The sign shall not be internally illuminated. 789+
Figure 2: Wall Sign Example
(ii) 
Projecting wall sign. Projecting walls signs are permitted within the district provided that the lower edge of the sign is a minimum of 10 feet above grade but does not extend more than six feet from the building wall and does not extend higher than the first floor or 15 feet, whichever is less. In no instance shall a projecting sign be higher than the lowest edge of the roofline. The maximum sign area shall not exceed 10 square feet.
Figure 3: Projecting Wall Sign Example
2. 
Sandwich board signs displaying a menu option for the particular use and which are displayed only during normal business hours may be placed on the sidewalk immediately in front of the use, provided a five foot clear pedestrian passageway is maintained. Note, only one sandwich board sign is permitted per building and shall not exceed 10 square feet, unless there are several uses in a single principal building with a main access point onto the sidewalk, then this number may be increased by the number of entry points.
B. 
Signs within the Route 19 Boulevard district. In addition to the requirements within this article, shall be permitted with the following standards:
1. 
Each lot within the district shall be permitted one freestanding sign. Each establishment shall be permitted one flat wall sign.
(a) 
One freestanding monument sign permitted per parcel. Pole signs are not permitted.
Figure 4: Monument Sign Example
(b) 
The height of the sign shall be a maximum of 12 feet from ground level to top of sign.
(c) 
Maximum sign area shall be 35 square feet.
(d) 
Illumination shall be from a concealed ground source only (no internal illumination).
(e) 
Freestanding signs shall be behind the pedestrian easement and/or sidewalk and planting strip if proposed on a Township or private street.
2. 
One wall sign shall be permitted per establishment and limited to a maximum of 5% of the building facade facing the street not to exceed 40 square feet. The flat wall sign shall not project more than six inches from the face of the building. If the wall sign is for an establishment within a multi-use building, wall sign is limited to the area of the building facade occupied by such use. Internal illumination is permitted for wall signs within the RB district.
3. 
Sandwich board signs displaying a menu option for the particular use and which are displayed only during normal business hours may be placed on the sidewalk immediately in front of the use, provided a five foot clear pedestrian passageway is maintained. Note, only one sandwich board sign is permitted per building and shall not exceed 10 square feet, unless there are several uses in a single principal building with a main access point onto the sidewalk, then this number may be increased by the number of entry points.
Figure 5: Sandwich Board Sign Example
C. 
Signs within the Corridor Enhancement district. In addition to the requirements within this article, shall be permitted with the following standards:
1. 
An integrated sign system design shall be required for all new planned developments, commercial and residential subdivisions, office complexes and shopping areas. The establishment of integrated sign systems for existing developments is strongly encouraged. These systems shall be reviewed for materials, colors, shapes, sizes, compatibility with architecture and overall unity of design for the development. Individual signs shall be reviewed for conformance with such sign systems, whether newly established or existing.
2. 
Size and proportions of signs shall not be a dominant feature of the site and shall be judged by sizes and proportions of signs on adjacent and nearby properties.
3. 
Spotlighting of signs shall be restricted to not more than one one-hundred-fifty-watt light per side for sign faces up to 40 square feet and no more than two 150-watt lights per sign faces over 40 square feet. The sign base and/or proposed landscaping shall be designed to shield the light from oncoming motorists and to conceal the light fixture.
4. 
Following project completion, all structures, visual buffers, landscaping, streetscape improvements, signs, and other site improvements required by this article or shown on approved plans shall be maintained in good condition by all subsequent owners of the property. Changes beyond the owner's control shall be restored by the owner, unless otherwise provided. Changes proposed by the owner shall require approval by the Board of Supervisors.
A. 
To encourage design excellence, the maximum sign area for commercial businesses (not including home occupations) and industries may be increased by the percentages herein. A separate bonus is granted for compliance with each of the criteria and the bonuses are cumulative, but the bonus percentage is based on the original sign area. In no instance shall the bonus increase in sign area exceed 30% of the area permitted absent the bonus.
1. 
Freestanding signs. The area of freestanding signs may be increased as follows:
(a) 
20% when the sign is installed in a landscaped planter having an area twice the area of the resultant sign.
(b) 
10% when the sign is not designed or used with illumination.
2. 
Wall signs. The area of wall signs may be increased as follows, but only if the projection does not exceed 12 inches:
(a) 
20% when all lettering and background is uniform in style and color for signs in a shopping center or for any three consecutive separate establishments.
(b) 
10% if the sign is not designed or used with any illumination.
(c) 
10% if the sign design compliments and utilizes the architectural details of the facade.
A. 
Except as authorized by this section, no lot or parcel may have more than one freestanding sign.
B. 
If a commercial or industrial use is located on a corner lot that has at least 150 feet of frontage on each of the two intersecting public streets, then the development may have not more than one freestanding sign along each side of the development bordered by such streets. However, in such cases the total freestanding sign area shall be limited to 50 square feet for both signs and no one sign shall exceed 35 square feet.
C. 
If a development is located on a lot that is bordered by two public streets that do not intersect at the lot's boundaries (double front lot), then the development may have not more than one freestanding sign on each side of the development bordered by such streets. However, in such cases the total freestanding sign area shall be limited to 50 square feet for both signs and no one sign shall exceed 35 square feet.
D. 
A freestanding sign to be used on a parcel of commercial or industrial property with multiple uses and a name distinct from that of any occupant, such as a shopping center, shall be permitted a freestanding sign area of 100 square feet which shall be used only to identify the center and/or as a register to identify the multiple uses. Where such use has over 1,000 feet of total street frontage, the allowable signage may be divided between two freestanding structures.
Identification signs for subdivisions and mobile home parks shall be permitted, provided that:
A. 
The size of any such sign shall not exceed 20 square feet nor exceed eight feet in height above finished grade;
B. 
Not more than one such sign is placed at the main entrance drive(s) for the development;
C. 
Said signs may only be located on the premises that they identify; and
D. 
Such sign shall not obstruct vision at road intersections and shall be landscaped in keeping with adjacent property.
A. 
Any non-residentially zoned lot which has a minimum of 500 feet of frontage on an interstate, as defined and designated by this chapter, shall be permitted one highway sign, in addition to any other sign or signs permitted by Article 200.
B. 
A highway sign shall be a freestanding sign and shall be no more than 50 square feet in area for each 250 feet of interstate frontage of the lot on which it is to be located. A highway sign shall be no higher than six feet in height from adjacent ground level, except when the total area of the highway sign is more than 100 square feet, it may be no more than 12 feet in height. Highway signs may be internally illuminated or spotlighted.
C. 
When more than one lot is to be subdivided or developed as part of a larger development, there shall be permitted to that development either:
1. 
No more than one highway sign for each interstate upon which the development fronts; or
2. 
One sign for each 250 feet of frontage on an interstate, provided that the combined sign area thereof shall not exceed the total sign face area which would otherwise be permitted by this section.
A. 
Directional off-premises signs. Not more than one in number for each lot occupied by a business which is located in the Township shall be permitted in commercial or industrial districts, subject to the following provisions:
1. 
Such signs shall not exceed 20 square feet in area nor 25 feet in height and shall contain no more than the names, address, nature of the business, the distance to the business and a directional arrow.
2. 
Such signs shall be located a minimum distance of 10 feet from the right-of-way of any road or street and 25 feet from any adjoining property.
3. 
The minimum distance between an off-premises sign and any existing sign shall be 200 feet.
4. 
No off-premises sign may be located within 300 feet of any existing dwelling, school or church.
5. 
Application for an off-premises sign permit shall be accompanied by a notarized statement of permission granted by the owner of the property on which the sign is to be located.
6. 
No off-premises sign shall be erected at an "intersection" here defined as within the first 100 feet of any intersecting road rights-of-way.
B. 
An off-premises sign to be used to serve multiple uses (a group of commercial or industrial uses) which are located on one lot shall be subject to all the provisions of § 208-707 except that such signs shall be permitted a maximum sign area of 50 square feet.
C. 
Inasmuch as off-premises signs for multiple uses rely on a group of commercial or industrial businesses, it shall be the responsibility of the business to:
1. 
Provide to the Township a signed lease of the property on which the sign is to be located; and
2. 
Provide to the Township a signed agreement of all the qualifying business desirous of participation in the proposed sign.
(a) 
A qualifying business shall be one which is located within one-half mile of the intersection, have no direct access to Route 19 and be located on the same side of Route 19 as the proposed sign.
(b) 
The agreement shall be reviewed by the Township Solicitor and contain as a minimum the following:
(i) 
The Signatures of all qualifying businesses who desire to participate and attachments, in writing, from all other qualifying businesses who do not desire to participate.
(ii) 
Provisions for construction, maintenance and removal.
(iii) 
A breakdown as to the cost of participation to the various businesses.
(iv) 
Provision for inclusion of additional qualifying businesses in the future and a formula for determining cost of inclusion.
A. 
Unless otherwise prohibited by this chapter, signs may be illuminated if such illumination is in accordance with this section.
B. 
No sign within 150 feet of a residential zone may be illuminated between the hours of 12:00 Midnight and 6:00 a.m.
C. 
Lighting directed toward a sign shall be shielded so that it illuminates only the face of the sign and does not shine directly into a public right-of-way or residential premises.
D. 
Except as herein provided, internally illuminated signs are not permissible in any residential districts, and where permissible, internally illuminated freestanding signs may not be illuminated during hours that the business or enterprise advertised by such sign is not open for business or in operation. This subsection shall not apply to the following types of signs:
1. 
Signs that constitute an integral part of a vending machine, device that only indicates the time, date or weather conditions or similar device whose principal function is not to convey an advertising message.
2. 
Signs that do not exceed two square feet in area and that convey the message that a business enterprise is open or closed or that a place of lodging does or does not have a vacancy.
E. 
Subject to this section, illuminated tubing or strings of lights that outline property lines, sales areas, rooflines, building walls or corners, doors, windows or similar areas are prohibited.
F. 
Subject to this section, no sign may contain or be illuminated by flashing or intermittent lights or lights of changing degrees of intensity, except those portions of a sign indicating the time, date or weather conditions.
G. 
Temporary signs erected in connection with the observance of holidays are exempt from this subsection.
A. 
No sign may be located so that it interferes with the view necessary for motorists to proceed safely through intersections or to enter onto or exit from public streets or private roads.
B. 
Signs that revolve or are animated or that utilize movement or apparent movement to attract the attention of the public are prohibited. The restriction of this subsection shall not apply to signs indicating the time, date or weather conditions.
C. 
No sign may be erected so that by its location, color, size, shape, nature or message it would tend to obstruct the view of or be confused with official traffic signs or other signs erected by governmental agencies.
D. 
Freestanding signs shall be securely fastened to the ground or to some other supportive structure.
E. 
Electronic changeable copy signs are permitted, with the following restrictions:
1. 
Electronic changeable copy signs are limited to 50% of the total area of the sign, or 25 square feet in area, whichever is more restrictive.
2. 
Messages shall not change at a frequency of more than once every 45 seconds (time, temperature, and date signs may change more frequently, but must do so on a separate portion of the changeable copy area of the sign). The time interval used to change from one complete message to another complete message or display shall be a maximum of one second. There shall not be any appearance of a visual dissolve or fading, in which any part of one electronic message or display appears simultaneously with any part of a second message or display.
A. 
All signs and all components thereof, including, without limitation, supports, braces and anchors, shall be kept in a state of good repair.
B. 
If a sign other than a billboard advertises a business, service, commodity, accommodation, attraction or other enterprise or activity that is no longer operating or being offered or conducted, that sign shall be considered abandoned and shall, within 180 days after such abandonment, be removed.
C. 
If the message portion of a sign is removed, leaving only the supporting shell of a sign or the supporting braces, anchors or similar components, the owner of the sign or the owner of the property where the sign is located or other person having control over such sign shall, within 180 days of the removal of the message portion of the sign, either replace the entire message portion of the sign or remove the remaining components of the sign. This subsection shall not be construed to alter the effect of § 208-601, which prohibits the replacement of a nonconforming sign, nor shall this subsection be construed to prevent the changing of the message of a sign.
D. 
A sign permit shall lapse if the business activity on the premises is discontinued for a period of 180 days or more and is not renewed within 30 days of a notice from the Township to the last permittee, sent to the premises, that the sign permit will lapse if such activity is not renewed.
A. 
Removal of sign. The Zoning Officer may order the removal of any sign erected or maintained in violation of this article. He or she shall give 30 days' notice, in writing, to the owner of such signs or of the building, structure or premises on which such sign is located to remove the sign or to bring it into compliance. Upon failure to comply with this notice, the Zoning Officer or duly authorized representative may remove the sign at cost to the owner. The Zoning Officer may remove a sign immediately and without notice, at cost to the owner, if, in his opinion, the condition or location of the sign is such as to present an immediate threat to the safety of the public.
B. 
Abandoned signs.
1. 
A sign shall be removed by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is located when the business which it advertises is no longer conducted on the premises. If the owner or lessee fails to remove it, the Zoning Officer shall give the owner 30 days' written notice to remove it. Upon failure to comply with this notice, the Zoning Officer or his duly authorized representative may remove the sign at cost to the owner.
2. 
Where a successor to a defunct business agrees to maintain the signs as provided in this article, this removal requirement shall not apply.
A. 
The sign area of an externally illuminated off-site advertising sign shall not exceed 75 square feet.
B. 
The sign area of an internally illuminated off-site advertising sign such as a light-emitting diode sign shall not exceed 75 square feet. Messages shall not change at a frequency of more than once every 45 seconds (time, temperature, and date signs may change more frequently, but must do so on a separate portion of the changeable copy area of the sign). The time interval used to change from one complete message to another complete message or display shall be a maximum of one second. There shall not be any appearance of a visual dissolve or fading, in which any part of one electronic message or display appears simultaneously with any part of a second message or display.
C. 
An off-site advertising sign shall be capable of withstanding a minimum 60 miles per hour wind load.
D. 
No off-site advertising sign shall be closer than 1,000 feet from another off-site advertising sign, as measured along the frontage of the roadway where such signs are located.
E. 
An off-site advertising sign shall not in any way interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
F. 
An off-site advertising sign shall comply with the height and setback requirements set forth in § 208-707.
G. 
An off-site advertising sign shall have no more than two sign faces per billboard structure that may be placed back-to-back or in a V-shaped configuration.
H. 
The off-site advertising sign shall be landscaped to provide a harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment and shall comply with the following requirements:
1. 
Decorative landscaping shall be located in the area of land adjoining the supporting structure of the sign and extending a minimum of five feet from the sign in all directions.
2. 
A hedge or other durable planting, of at least two feet in height, shall extend the entire length and breadth of the required landscaped area.
3. 
The rear side of a single-faced sign shall be only one color and screened by existing or natural landscaping materials, or by a planting of evergreen trees at least six feet in height.
4. 
At least two flowering trees, a minimum of six feet in height, shall be planted within the required landscaped area.