Township of Caln, PA Article XI Signs

§ 155-145 Statement of intent.

A. The purpose of the provisions established under Article XI of this chapter is to establish specific regulations pertaining to signs for all land uses, zoning districts and conditions within Caln Township. The objectives of these provisions are as follows: to promote and maintain overall community beautification; establish reasonable time, place and manner regulations on the exercise of free speech; promote traffic safety; and promote appropriate and efficient use of land.

B. The regulations concerning signs, as established under Article XI of this chapter, shall be subject to the interpretation of the Caln Township Zoning Officer. Should a dispute arise concerning the interpretation of these regulations, the person aggrieved by the interpretation may file an appeal with the Zoning Hearing Board.

§ 155-146 General standards and requirements for all signs.

A. Permits. Unless otherwise specified by this chapter of the Code, a permit shall be required for all signs within Caln Township in accordance with the following procedures:

(1) Two complete permit applications shall be submitted to erect, install, replace, remove and alter signs, as required by the provisions of this article. The application shall include the required permit fee.

(2) The permit application shall contain all information necessary for the Zoning Officer to determine whether the proposed sign conforms with the requirements of this chapter. At a minimum, the following information shall be included:

(a) Two copies of the plans and diagrams drawn accurately to scale depicting the dimensions of the lot, cartway, right-of-way and location of the sign.

(b) The exact size, dimensions and location of the sign to be placed on the lot or building, together with its type, construction, materials to be used and the manner of installation.

(c) Any other useful information which may be required of the applicant by the Zoning Officer.

(3) The permit application shall be granted or refused within 30 days from the date of completed application.

(4) No sign permit shall be issued except in conformity with the regulations of this article except upon order of the Zoning Hearing Board granted pursuant to the procedures established for the issuance of a variance.

B. Construction. All signs, except temporary signs, shall be constructed of durable material and kept in good condition and repair. Any sign which is allowed to become dilapidated or in a state of disrepair may, after 30 days of notification, be removed by the Caln Township at the expense of the owner or lessee of the property on which it is located.

C. Location and placement. All signs shall be located and placed in compliance with the provisions of this article. The following requirements shall apply:

(1) No sign shall be posted, stapled or otherwise permanently attached to public utility poles or trees within a street right-of-way.

(2) Unless otherwise specified, no portion of any freestanding sign shall be located within five feet of the street right-of-way line or within 20 feet of a property line.

(3) All traffic control signs, directional signs, traffic signals or other similar signs which are located within a street right-of-way shall be permitted by Caln Township and/or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

(4) No sign shall be located, placed or arranged in any manner that interferes with vehicular traffic, including the obstruction of sight distance.

D. Area. The area of all signs which are permitted within Caln Township are specified under § 155-147 of the Code. The following specific provisions shall apply to the area of a sign:

(1) The area of a sign shall be construed to include all lettering, wording, border trim or framing and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background, whether open or enclosed, on which they are displayed, but not including any supporting framework and bracing which are incidental to the display itself.

(2) Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to a surface, building, wall or window, the area shall be determined by calculating the smallest rectangle which encompasses all of the letters and symbols used for the sign, regardless of the actual shape created by the letters and symbols.

(3) The area of a sign painted upon or applied to a building shall be considered to include all lettering, wording and accompanying designs or symbols, together with any backing associated with the sign.

(4) In computing the square foot area of a double-faced sign, only one side of the sign shall be considered, provided that both faces are identical inside the frame of the sign. In cases where the signs are not parallel or if an interior angle is created to provide visibility, both sides of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area. Where double-faced signs are permitted to be separated by more than 16 inches, the area of both sides of the sign shall be calculated as part of the total area.

E. Height. The height of all signs which are permitted within Caln Township are specified under § 155-147 of the Code. The following specific provisions shall apply to the height of a sign.

(1) The height of a sign shall be measured from the average elevation of the ground or finished grade to the highest point of the sign.

(2) Unless otherwise permitted by this chapter of the Code, no sign that is a part of or is supported by a building shall be erected upon the roof of such building, nor shall such sign extend above the height of the building. A wall sign that partially extends above the roofline by no more than 20% of the sign height, as measured at the point where such sign is attached to the building, shall be permitted.

(3) Where the provisions for sign height specified under this article do not apply, the Zoning Officer, in conjunction with the Zoning Hearing Board, may consider a reasonable resolution or remedy.

F. Clearance, visibility and sight distance. The following minimum requirements shall apply to the ground clearance, visibility and sight distance for all permitted signs within Caln Township.

(1) Unless otherwise specified by this Code, all freestanding signs which are located within 20 feet of a street right-of-way line shall have at least seven feet of clear space between such sign and the average ground elevation. However, the necessary support structures may extend through such open space.

(2) Ground signs shall be located at least 10 feet from the street right-of-way line.

(3) No ground or freestanding sign shall be located within the clear sight triangle of a street intersection. The provisions for establishing the clear sight triangle are specified under § 155-113 of this chapter.

(4) The minimum sight distance requirements for pedestrians and vehicles shall be considered and applied.

G. Projection. An on-premises projecting sign which is mounted upon a building so that its principal face is a right angle or perpendicular to the wall of the building may be permitted, subject to the following provisions:

(1) All such projecting signs shall extend at least one foot from the building but no more than 12 feet from the building.

(2) No sign shall project outward or perpendicular from the face of a building, whereas there is an open area between the ground and the sky.

(3) The minimum height of a projecting sign shall be at least eight feet from the average ground elevation and no higher than 20 feet above the average ground elevation.

(4) The maximum area of all projecting signs shall be 20 square feet, as measured on a single side of the projecting sign. Double-faced projecting signs may be permitted for the same use.

H. Maximum number of signs. The maximum number of on-premises signs for a use on a single lot is specified under § 155-147 of this chapter. Where multiple uses are contained on a single property, a freestanding sign may be permitted, provided it conforms with the provisions of this chapter of the Code.

I. Illumination. The following provisions shall apply to the illumination of signs within Caln Township:

(1) Unless otherwise specified within this article of this chapter of the Code, signs may be illuminated by direct and nonglaring lighting, provided that such lighting is shielded so no direct light will shine on abutting properties or obstruct the vision of motorists or pedestrians within a street right-of-way.

(2) The use of red, green or amber lights on any sign within 200 feet of a street intersection shall be prohibited.

(3) The use of intermittent, flashing or animated lighting within 50 feet of a street right-of-way line and 200 feet from the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5 Zoning Districts shall be prohibited.

(4) The use of illuminated signs within the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5 Zoning Districts shall be prohibited unless the illuminated sign is specifically related to emergency management uses, medical facilities, municipal uses, institutional uses and other similar uses considered appropriate by the Zoning Officer.

J. Double-faced signs. Any permitted sign may be constructed and installed as a double-faced sign, provided that it has two parallel surfaces that are opposite and matching in size and shape and are not over 16 inches apart. All such signs shall be considered as one sign, and only one face shall be used to calculate the total size of the sign. Should the two surfaces deviate from being parallel or should they differ in size or shape, the sign shall be considered as two signs.

K. Supplementary sign regulations for all zoning districts. The following supplementary sign regulations shall apply to all zoning districts within Caln Township:

(1) Real estate signs for the selling, renting or leasing of residential properties shall be permitted subject to the following conditions: the area of the sign shall not exceed six square feet; the spacing of such signs shall be at least 200 feet apart on the same lot or property; the sign shall be located at least five feet from the street right-of-way line and all other property lines; no more than two signs shall be permitted for each property being sold; and the sign shall be removed within seven days after the final transaction is completed.

(2) Real estate signs for the selling, renting or leasing of nonresidential properties shall be permitted subject to the following conditions: the area of the sign shall not exceed 32 square feet; the spacing of such signs shall be at least 200 feet apart on the same lot or property; the sign shall be located at least five feet from the street right-of-way line and 20 feet from all other property lines; and the sign shall be removed within seven days after the final transaction is completed.

(3) Property control or restriction signs shall be permitted subject to the following conditions; the area of the sign shall not exceed two square feet; the spacing of such signs shall be at least 100 feet apart on the same lot or property; and the sign does not contain any personal message which is considered irrelevant to controlling or restricting the use of a property or lot.

(4) Temporary signs may be permitted, provided they are not considered permanent and they comply with the provisions established under this chapter of the Code.

(5) Special event or promotional signs may be permitted, provided they are not considered permanent and they comply with the provisions established under this chapter of the Code.

(6) Special use signs may be permitted, provided they are not considered permanent and they comply with the provisions established under this chapter of the Code

L. Traffic control and directional signs. Unless otherwise permitted by Caln Township or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, all traffic control signs and directional signs shall conform with the following requirements:

(1) Traffic control and directional signs located within the street right-of-way shall be subject to the review and approval of Caln Township and/or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The location, size, type, height, spacing and quantity of the sign (s) shall be stipulated on the permit, as issued by Caln Township and/or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

(2) Traffic control and directional signs located outside the street right-of-way within a lot or on private property shall be subject to the review and approval of Caln Township. All such signs shall be located at least two feet from the street right-of-way and 10 feet from all other property lines. The maximum number of signs as well as the maximum height and size of each sign are specified under § 155-147 of this chapter.

M. Political signs. Political signs, being signs erected in conjunction with a political election, naming a candidate or slate of candidates for a primary or general election or referencing a position in support of or opposition to an issue placed in referendum, shall be installed so as to comply with the following requirements:

(1) The area of political signs may not exceed six square feet.

(2) Political signs shall not be placed in the right-of-way of any road and shall be placed only on properties with the property owner's permission.

(3) Political signs may be posted 30 calendar days prior to the date of the election.

(4) Political signs must be removed within 120 hours following the election.

N. Removal of signs. On-premises signs and off-premises signs that are no longer utilized for the original intent or use shall be removed from the site or changed to accommodate a new sign for the new use within 30 days of occupancy by the new use. All replacement signs shall conform with the provisions specified under this chapter of the Code. Upon the removal of any sign, whether temporary or permanent, such removal shall include all associated support, including the posts, poles, brackets, arms, trailers and other support mechanisms.

§ 155-147 Summarization chart for categorical sign requirements.

A. Matrix Chart 13[1] summarizes the categorical sign requirements by type, quantity, height, area, location and permit procedures for each use within Caln Township. Where a discrepancy should exist between the provisions contained within the text and the provisions contained within Matrix Chart 13, the provisions contained within the text shall prevail.

[1] Editor's Note: Matrix Chart 13 is included at the end of this chapter.

B. The provisions specified within this matrix chart shall be subject to the interpretation of the Caln Township Zoning Officer.

C. Should a dispute arise concerning the interpretation of these regulations, the person aggrieved by the interpretation may file an appeal with the Zoning Hearing Board.

§ 155-148 Sign requirements for residential uses.

A. An individual nameplate or street address sign may be posted on any residential lot, provided it does not exceed four square feet in area. All such signs shall be located at least two feet from the street right-of-way and five feet from all other property lines.

B. Property control and restrictions signs including "no trespassing," "no hunting," "no solicitation" and other similar signs may be permitted subject to the following conditions: the area of the sign shall not exceed two square feet; the spacing of such signs shall be at least 100 feet apart on the same lot or property; and the sign does not contain any personal message which is considered irrelevant to controlling or restricting the use of a property or lot.

C. Home occupation signs displaying the name and address of the occupant or the profession or activity of the occupant of a dwelling subject to the following conditions: only one such sign shall be erected for each permitted use or dwelling; the area of such sign shall not exceed four square feet; and provided that such sign shall be fixed flat on the main wall of such building or may be erected in the front yard, but not within two feet of the right-of-way or five feet form any other property line.

D. Residential development containing a total of 20 or more residential units may provide a sign for the purposes of identifying the name of the development subject to the following criteria:

(1) The signs shall be limited to two freestanding or ground signs per entrance to the development.

(2) The maximum size of the sign shall be 32 square feet per sign.

(3) The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be 10 feet and shall be constructed of weather-resistant wood, vinyl or decorative masonry.

(4) Any wall or fence structure which supports such signs may not exceed eight feet in height or a maximum of 100 square feet in area.

(5) The sign shall be located at least five feet from the street right-of-way line, 20 feet from all other property lines and shall not be located within the clear sight triangle, as established under § 155-113 of this chapter. The final location of such signs shall be approved by the Zoning Officer prior to the issuance of a sign permit.

(6) Prior to the issuance of a sign permit, the applicant shall provide sufficient evidence to the Zoning Officer that adequate measures have been taken to ensure proper maintenance of the sign and any accompanying landscaping and that the sign will be durably constructed as to require minimal maintenance.

(7) The illumination of such signs may be permitted, provided that low-intensity lighting is utilized which is less than 100 watts and is located in a manner so that glare or reflection is not greater than 0.1 footcandle at the street right-of-way line.

E. Directional signs may be permitted, provided they are utilized within the interior of a residential development, are limited to one directional sign per street and do not exceed four square feet in size.

§ 155-149 Sign requirements for nonresidential uses.

A. The maximum number of on-premises signs for a nonresidential use shall be limited to the following: one ground or freestanding sign; six wall or parallel signs, which shall not exceed 20% of the area of the building face to which the sign will be affixed or exceed 100 cumulative square feet along one designated side of the building, whichever is lesser, and 50 cumulative square feet along all other sides of the building; one projecting sign; four directional signs per acre; and two accessory signs. The matrix chart provided under § 155-147 of this chapter of the Code summarizes the categorical sign requirements by type, quantity, height, area, location and permit procedures for each use within Caln Township.

[Amended 10-30-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-9]

B. A freestanding or ground sign may be permitted for all nonresidential uses and developments, subject to the provisions specified under § 155-147 of this chapter of the Code. In addition to those requirements, the following provisions shall apply:

(1) An office park, business park, medical research park and industrial park may have one freestanding or ground sign for each street the development has more than 300 feet of frontage. The area of each sign shall not exceed 100 cumulative square feet and shall meet the following criteria:

(a) A freestanding sign shall be located at least five feet from the street right-of-way line and 30 feet from all other property lines. The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be no less than seven feet and no more than 18 feet, as measured from the average ground elevation.

(b) A ground sign shall be located at least 10 feet from the street right-of-way line and 30 feet from all other property lines. The maximum height of a ground sign shall be no more than eight feet, as measured from the average ground elevation. Any wall or fence structure which supports such signs may not exceed eight feet in height or a maximum of 150 square feet and shall be constructed of weather-resistant wood, vinyl or decorative masonry.

(c) The freestanding or ground sign may identify the name of the development as well as any individual permitted uses contained within the development, provided it is constructed as a single component with the ability to be changed at any time.

(d) Where permitted, projecting signs shall be limited to one sign per use.

(2) A mini mall containing multiple nonresidential uses with less than 30,000 square feet of cumulative floor area may contain one freestanding sign for the development which shall not exceed 60 cumulative square feet and shall meet the following criteria:

(a) The freestanding sign shall be located at least five feet from the street right-of-way line and 20 feet from all other property lines. The height of all such freestanding signs shall be no less than seven feet and no more than 18 feet, as measured from the average ground elevation.

(b) The area of the sign shall not exceed 60 cumulative square feet for all uses. The total number of individual advertisements on any such freestanding sign shall be limited to eight per side.

(c) Where permitted, projecting signs shall be limited to one sign per use.

(3) A shopping center or shopping mall containing multiple nonresidential uses with more than 30,000 square feet of cumulative floor area may contain one freestanding or ground sign for each street the development has more than 300 feet of frontage. The area of each sign shall not exceed 100 cumulative square feet and shall meet the following criteria:

(a) A freestanding sign shall be located at least five feet from the street right-of-way line and 30 feet from all other property lines. The height of a freestanding sign shall be no less than seven feet and no more than 25 feet, as measured from the average ground elevation.

(b) A ground sign shall be located at least 10 feet from the street right-of-way line and 30 feet from all other property lines. The maximum height of a ground sign shall be no more than eight feet, as measured from the average ground elevation. Any wall or fence structure which supports such signs may not exceed eight feet in height or a maximum of 150 square feet and shall be constructed of weather-resistant wood, vinyl or decorative masonry.

(c) The freestanding or ground sign may identify the name of the development as well as any individual permitted uses contained within the development, provided it is constructed as a single component with the abilities to be changed at any time. The total number of individual advertisements on any such freestanding sign shall be limited to eight per side.

(d) Where permitted, projecting signs shall be limited to one sign per use.

(4) All other individual nonresidential uses may have one freestanding or ground sign, subject to the provisions specified under § 155-147 of this chapter of the Code.

C. A municipal, governmental, recreational or institutional use may have one freestanding or ground sign for the purposes of displaying the name of the use and its activities or services, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed 60 square feet and not more than one sign for each street that the use has more than 300 feet of frontage. All other pertinent sign requirements for municipal, governmental, recreational or institutional uses, as defined and specified under this chapter of the Code, shall apply.

D. An agricultural use, as further defined and outlined under § 155-89 of this chapter of the Code, may have one freestanding or ground sign for the purposes of displaying the name of the use and its activities or services, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed 30 square feet. All other pertinent sign requirements for agricultural uses, as specified under § 155-147 of this chapter of the Code, shall apply.

E. Retail business establishments with greater than 7,500 square feet of floor area but less than 15,000 square feet of floor area which are located on corner lots within the Route 30 Overlay District shall be permitted to have a maximum of four wall or parallel signs per face of the building; provided, however, that the total sign area for each face of the building shall not exceed 10% of the building face to which said signs are affixed. Should such use of a building be designed with a commercial drive-through feature, additional wall or parallel signage totaling 30 square feet shall be permitted on a face of the building upon which the points of ingress and egress exist for the purpose of identifying the location of the commercial drive-through feature. All other types of on-premises signage (freestanding, ground or directional) shall be subject to Article XI of this chapter.

[Added 5-14-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-02]

§ 155-150 Off-premises advertising signs or billboards.

A. Off-premises advertising signs or billboards, as defined by this chapter of the Code, are permitted by conditional use within the C-2 and I-1 Zoning Districts.

B. All off-premises advertising signs or billboards shall not exceed 250 square feet and may be placed along the Route 30 Bypass within the C-2 and I-1 Zoning Districts. The spacing of such signs shall be at least 1,000 linear feet apart from another off-premises advertising sign or billboard on the same side of the road.

C. All off-premises advertising signs or billboards shall be located to comply with the following requirements for setback, separation distance, height and arrangement:

(1) All such off-premises advertising signs or billboards shall be located at least 10 feet from the street right-of-way line and no further than 100 feet from the street right-of-way line, as measured on the same side of the street to which the off-premises advertising sign or billboard is located.

(2) All such off-premises advertising signs or billboards shall be located at least 30 feet from all property lines.

(3) All such off-premises advertising signs or billboards shall be located at least 300 feet from the center of the nearest street intersection or interchange.

(4) The maximum height of all such off-premises advertising signs or billboards shall be no less than 20 feet to the bottom edge of the sign and no more than 40 feet to the top edge of the sign, as measured from the average ground elevation.

(5) When two off-premises advertising signs or billboards are orientated in a back-to-back arrangement, they shall be parallel and directly opposite from each other and shall not be spaced by more that 15 feet. The size and shape of the signs should not deviate from each other, and they shall utilize the same support structure.

(6) When two off-premises advertising signs or billboards are orientated in a V-type arrangement, they shall be at least 15 feet apart at the closest point nor shall the interior angles be greater than 45°. The size and shape of the signs should not deviate from each other and they shall utilize the same support structure.

(7) No off-premises advertising sign or billboard shall be located in any manner that disrupts or distracts the operator of a motor vehicle.

D. All off-premises advertising signs or billboards shall be located to comply with the following design requirements:

(1) All off-premises advertising sign or billboard shall be designed, located and constructed in accordance with all local and state codes. As part of this requirement, all permit applications shall include signed and sealed plans from a licensed engineer within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

(2) All off-premises advertising signs or billboards shall be constructed and erected on a steel unipole or steel I-beams meeting the minimum standards established by the Outdoor Advertising Association of America and the Institute of Outdoor Advertising.

(3) The support structures for all off-premises advertising signs or billboards shall be constructed and erected on permanent footings, as determined by the licensed engineer responsible for the permit application.

(4) No off-premises advertising sign or billboard shall be constructed and erected which resembles any official marker, logo and/or insignia of any governmental entity or other organization without written consent.

(5) The off-premises advertising sign or billboard shall not contain vulgar messages or depict any lewd, pornographic, lascivious or other offensive acts.

(6) The off-premises advertising sign or billboard shall be maintained and inspected by the applicant of the permit on a regular basis, but shall not exceed a period of time of more than 30 days. As part of this requirement, the applicant shall inspect the following: the support structure to determine if is sound and in good repair; the lighting to determine if it operating sufficiently; the display area to determine if is in good condition and free of graffiti; the area within the lease area to determine if it is clear of overgrown vegetation, debris, trash and other unsightly materials; and all other items that should be inspected periodically, as determined appropriate by the Zoning Officer.

E. All off-premises advertising signs or billboards shall be located to comply with the following lighting, display and illumination requirements:

(1) All off-premises advertising signs or billboards may be illuminated, provided that such illumination is directed towards the sign and shielded so as to prevent the illumination from being directed towards the street or adjacent properties.

(2) Off-premises advertising signs or billboards containing intermittent flashing, color changes made by electrical energy or electronically manufactured sources and not by wind-actuated elements, a sign with action or animation or motion, scintillating, reflective and/or moving lighting features or scrolling information shall be prohibited.

[Amended 12-17-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-15]

(3) Off-premises advertising signs or billboards may incorporate features to provide electronic message displays such as the time, date, temperature, weather or similar information, provided it does not disrupt or distract the operator of a motor vehicle and further provided it is consistent with the provisions of § 155-150E(2) above.

[Amended 12-17-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-15]

(4) Off-premises advertising signs or billboards may incorporate a timed or electronic display change, whereas the display of the sign may change to another sign within a specified period of time. All such signs may be considered, provided the message does not change more than six times per minute and it does not disrupt or distract the operator of a motor vehicle and further provided it is consistent with the provisions of § 155-150E(2) above.

[Amended 12-17-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-15]

F. If a conditional use is granted by the Board of Commissioners, all off-premises advertising signs or billboards shall be located to comply with the following permit requirements:

(1) The applicant shall submit a written agreement with the permit application indicating that the owner of the property has agreed to lease the property to the commercial sign or advertising company and has approved the proposed display or message contained on the off-premises advertising sign or billboard.

(2) Three complete permit applications shall be submitted to Caln Township, as required by the provisions of this Code. The permit application shall include the required permit fee.

(3) The permit application shall contain the following information: three copies of the plans and diagrams drawn accurately to scale depicting the dimensions of the lot, cartway, right-of-way and location of the sign; the exact size, dimensions and location of the off-premises sign or billboard to be placed on the lot or building, together with its type, construction, materials to be used, support structures and the manner of installation; and any other useful information which may be required of the applicant by the Caln Township Engineer or Zoning Officer.

(4) The completed permit application, plans and support diagrams shall be signed and sealed by a licensed engineer within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

(5) The permit application shall be granted or refused within 30 days from the date of completed application.

G. In addition to the provisions established herewith, the applicant and property owner for all off-premises advertising signs or billboards shall comply with all other pertinent provisions, as established within the Caln Township Code.

§ 155-151 Special use signs, temporary signs and promotional signs.

A. The following provisions shall apply to special use and temporary signs within Caln Township:

(1) Temporary signs announcing a campaign, drive or event of a civic, municipal, philanthropic, educational, institutional, religious or similar organization, provided the following criteria apply: the sign shall not exceed 20 square feet in area; no more than four signs shall be permitted; the signs may be erected for a period not to exceed 30 days in any calendar year; the sign shall be removed within seven days after the commencement of the campaign, drive or event.

(2) Temporary signs for a yard sale or garage sale, provided the following conditions shall apply: the sign shall not exceed four square feet in area; no more than four signs shall be permitted; the signs may be erected for a period not to exceed 30 days in any calendar year; the sign shall be removed within two days after the commencement of the yard sale or garage sale.

(3) Temporary signs for contractors, developers, architects, engineers, builders, financers and artisans may be permitted on the premises where the work is being performed, provided that the following criteria apply: the sign shall not exceed 20 square feet; the sign shall not be illuminated; no more than one sign shall be permitted for each street the project area or development has more than 300 feet of frontage; the sign shall not exceed 20 feet in height; and provided that all such signs shall be removed within seven days upon completion of the work.

(4) Real estate signs for the selling, renting or leasing of residential properties shall be permitted subject to the following conditions: the area of the sign shall not exceed six square feet; the spacing of such signs shall be at least 200 feet apart on the same lot or property; the sign shall be located at least five feet from the street right-of-way line; and the sign shall be removed within seven days after the final transaction.

(5) Political signs, being signs erected in conjunction with a political election, naming a candidate or slate of candidates for a primary or general election or referencing a position in support of or opposition to an issue placed in referendum, shall be installed so as to comply with all other terms of the Caln Township Code.

(6) Business and advertising signs located within a sports facility or venue subject to the following criteria: the signs shall be located within the permitted sports facility or venue such as a football stadium, little league baseball field or similar playing field owned or operated by a not-for-profit organization or entity organized to promote youth sports teams; the nonprofit organization or entity is recognized and authorized in writing as such by the appropriate state and federal agencies; no more than one sign measuring a maximum of 12 square feet in area shall be permitted for each 500 square feet of playing field or ground floor stadium area; all such signs shall be made of wood, plastic or metal; and all such signs may be located only on walls, fences and scoreboards, but shall not be mounted on light poles, roofs or other freestanding surfaces.

(7) Multifamily apartment complexes with more than 75 units in a residentially zoned district may display temporary signs, flags, balloons and banners which advertise vacancies or special rate periods, provided the signs comply with the 11 enumerated requirements in § 155-151B below. No floodlights shall be permitted to illuminate these temporary signs, flags, balloons or banners.

[Added 8-10-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-9]

B. The following provisions shall apply to special event or seasonal signs for an existing nonresidential use located within a nonresidential district, including signs, banners, flags, balloons, floodlights and other similar promotional features:

(1) The maximum size of a special event sign shall be 24 square feet. In the case of more than one sign, the combined area of all signs shall be no more than 24 square feet.

(2) No portion of a ground-mounted sign used to advertise a special event shall exceed the height of 32 inches. Any banner or wall sign used to advertise a special event shall not extend above the roofline of the building upon which the sign is displayed.

(3) A special event sign shall be fastened securely. Ground signs shall be anchored with a metal pipe or other secure support. Hanging signs shall be secured and not allowed to flap or sag.

(4) All seasonal signs must be maintained in accordance with the provisions of this Code.

(5) The sign shall not obstruct the vision or sight distance of the operator of any vehicle or interfere with normal pedestrian movements. In no case shall the sign be located closer than two feet from the street right-of-way line. A plot plan showing the location of any special event sign must accompany each permit application.

(6) The special event sign may be two-sided with different advertisement displays on either side.

(7) The special event sign shall not contain flashing messages as part of the display.

(8) No such sign shall remain in place or otherwise be displayed for more than 30 days per event or season, and no person shall exhibit any such sign for more than a total of 75 days during any calendar year.

(9) The use of banners, flags, floodlights and other similar promotional features may be utilized, provided they comply with the following provisions: they shall not be utilized on the property for more than 30 consecutive days or more than 75 cumulative days in any calendar year; they shall be located at least 20 from the street right-of-way line and 30 feet from the property line; they shall be well maintained; and they shall not disrupt vehicular or pedestrian traffic along any public street right-of-way.

(10) The use of balloons and similar promotional features may be utilized, provided they comply with the following provisions: they shall not be utilized on the property for more than 30 consecutive days or more than 75 cumulative days in any calendar year; they shall not be located more than 60 feet in the air, as measured for the average ground elevation where the balloons are permitted; the minimum setback or fall zone to any street right-of-way line or property line shall be one horizontal foot to one vertical foot considering the height of the balloon; they shall be well maintained; and they shall not disrupt vehicular or pedestrian traffic along any public street right-of-way.

(11) A special event sign permit shall be required for each sign used to advertise any special event during any calendar year. The property owner, or lessee with the owner's permission, may make one permit application establishing all dates, times and the duration of each separate special event sign proposed to be displayed during a calendar year, or may make separate applications for each such event, providing the total does not exceed the maximum seventy-five-day limit. The permit applicant shall pay the fee established by resolution of the Board of Commissioners. The special event sign permit shall be subject to the review and approval of the Caln Township Zoning Officer.

C. The following provisions shall apply to grand opening and promotional signs for a new nonresidential use located within a nonresidential zoning district, including signs, banners, flags, balloons, floodlights and other similar promotional features:

(1) The use of promotional signs and features shall be limited to the first 60 days after the initial occupancy permit is issued for the nonresidential use.

(2) The maximum area of a promotional sign shall be limited to two signs which shall not exceed 24 square feet per sign. The promotional signs shall be located at least 10 feet from the street right-of-way line and 20 feet from all other property lines.

(3) All promotional banners, flags, balloons, floodlights and other permitted promotional features shall be located at least five feet from the street right-of-way line and 20 feet from the property line.

(4) No other promotional features other than the balloons shall exceed the height of the roofline.

(5) The promotional signs banners, flags, balloons, floodlights and other similar promotional features shall not disrupt vehicular or pedestrian traffic along any public street right-of-way.

D. The following provisions shall apply to banners which are hung and displayed across public street rights-of-way to promote community events, including civic, municipal, charitable, philanthropic, educational, institutional, religious or similar organizations:

(1) The applicant must complete and submit a banner permit to the office of the Caln Township Manager or Zoning Officer at least 45 days prior to the desired date of hanging a banner over a public street or way. Upon approval by the Board of Commissioners, the banner(s) may be hung and displayed as set forth by the provisions established within this section of the Code.

(2) The hanging of banners must be in complete conformance with the application as submitted to Caln Township and as finally approved by the Board of Commissioners.

(3) The hanging of banners is the sole responsibility of the applicant.

(4) No banner may hang lower than 18 feet over the street or public way.

(5) Unless otherwise approved by the Board of Commissioners, no more than eight banners may be displayed over any particular street or public way.

(6) Banners may not be hung more than 25 days prior to the date of the event being advertised and must be removed no later than five days after the conclusion of the event being advertised.

(7) Banners which are not removed within five days after the advertised event has concluded shall be removed by Caln Township, and the applicant shall be liable for the actual cost of removal.

(8) Banners hung across streets and other rights-of-way without proper approval or authorization shall be removed by Caln Township, and the responsible person(s) shall be liable for the cost of removal.

(9) The applicant shall secure liability and/or property insurance for the display of the banners.

§ 155-152 Nonconforming signs and abandoned signs.

A. Signs existing at the date of enactment of this chapter of the Code which do not conform to the requirements of this chapter shall be considered nonconforming signs and subject to the following provisions:

(1) Any sign which is considered nonconforming based upon its location, height, clearance, visibility, projection, quantity and illumination shall only be replaced with a conforming sign.

(2) Any sign which is considered nonconforming based upon its surface area shall only be replaced by a conforming sign or a sign that is 25% less than the surface area of the original nonconforming sign.

(3) Nonconforming signs may be repaired and/or repainted, provided that the modifications do not exceed the dimensions of the existing sign or create any further nonconformities.

B. A sign shall be considered to be abandoned if the following conditions apply: a sign erected on a property for a specific use, which becomes vacant and unoccupied for a period of one year or more; any sign which was previously erected for a prior occupant or business; or any sign which relates to a time, event or purpose which is considered a past event. The following provisions shall apply to signs, which are considered "abandoned signs" within Caln Township:

(1) No person shall maintain or permit to be maintained on any premises owned or controlled by that person a sign which has been abandoned.

(2) An abandoned sign shall be removed by the landowner or person controlling the property within 10 days of the abandonment as described by this section of the Code.

C. Upon the removal of any nonconforming sign or abandoned sign, whether temporary or permanent, such removal shall include all associated structures associated with the sign, including, but not limited to, posts, poles, brackets, arms, trailers and supports.

§ 155-153 Prohibited signs.

A. The following signs shall be considered as prohibited signs which shall not be permitted within Caln Township:

(1) Spinning, animated, twirling or any other moving objects used for commercial advertising purposes with or without a message, whereas the spinning, animation and/or twirling occurs in intervals of less than 30 seconds or one complete rotation within a thirty-second interval during any given time of the day.

(2) Flashing, blinking, twinkling, animated or other message-changing devices used for commercial advertising purposes, whereas the flashing, blinking, twinkling, animation and/or message changing occurs in intervals of less than 30 seconds during any given time of the day. Signs indicating the time and temperature may be permitted, provided that the message or display does not change in intervals of less than 30 seconds during any given time of the day.

(3) Signs placed, inscribed or supported upon the highest roofline or upon any structure which extends above the highest roofline of any building.

(4) Wall signs that partially extend above the roofline by more than 20% of the sign height, as measured at the point where such sign are attached to the building.

(5) Roof signs which are erected on top of a principal or accessory building. A sign attached to the side of any part of a building facing an active commercial railroad line or spur may be permitted, provided that such sign does not exceed the highest elevation of the roof and/or is not visible from an existing residential use or an existing street right-of-way.

(6) Artistic murals depicting scenic, historical, cultural, educational or other similar visual scenes may be painted on the side of a building, provided they are aesthetic, socially acceptable and that the content has been reviewed and approved by the Caln Township Board of Commissioners.

(7) Balloons, streamers, banner and promotion signs exceeding the provisions of § 155-151 of this chapter of the Code.

(8) Portable signs.

(9) Signs located on parked vehicles within 50 feet of the street right-of-way.

(10) Signs containing vulgar messages or depicting any lewd, pornographic, lascivious or other offensive acts.

(11) Any sign exceeding the provisions for location, placement, type, area, height, clearance, visibility, sight distance, projection, quantity and illumination, as specified within the Caln Township Code.

(12) Caution tape or crime scene tape that is not utilized for emergency management purposes.

§ 155-154 (Reserved)