The purpose of this article is to provide for the regulation of signs
as a proper exercise of the police power and to protect the public health,
safety, and welfare in accordance with the following objectives.
A.
To regulate the size, location, and maintenance of signs
and reduce hazards to pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
B.
To prohibit the construction of and require the removal
of signs which are hazardous to pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
C.
To provide opportunities for a variety of sign types
and encourage sign designs which meet local resident and business needs in
a manner which is compatible with the locality.
Any sign hereafter erected, altered, or maintained shall conform to
the provisions of this article and any other applicable articles, ordinances,
or regulations of the Borough of Brookville.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated.
A sign erected on, or related to, the use of a property on which
the use is discontinued for a period of six months or more, or any sign which
relates to a time, event, or purpose which is past; the structure supporting
such signs is considered to be part of the sign and is subject to the same
provisions referring to the sign itself.
Any sign that is part of or attached to an awning or other fabric,
plastic, or structural protective cover over a door, entrance, window, or
outdoor service area. An awning without lettering or other advertising shall
not be regulated as a sign.
A temporary sign intended to be hung across a public street or private
property, possessing characters or letters applied to paper, plastic, or fabric
of any kind. National flags, flags of political subdivisions, and symbolic
flags of any business or institution or business shall not be considered banners
for the purpose of this chapter.
See "off-premises sign."
A sign directing attention to a business, commodity, or service conducted,
sold, or offered upon the same premises as those upon which the sign is maintained.
This includes signs which identify or advertise home occupations or signs
affixed to vehicles denoting a business-related activity.
A type of temporary sign intended to display the name of the project
and/or the contractor, architect, engineer, financier, or similar information
pertaining to the project.
A sign which displays a message, information, or advertising on both
faces of the sign.
A sign supported by structures or supports that are placed on, or
anchored in, the ground and that are independent from any building or structure.
The height of a freestanding sign shall be measured from the proposed finished
grade to the highest point of the sign structure.
A sign, other than a freestanding sign, placed directly on ground
without supports or pylons, independent from any building or structure.
A sign which has characters, letters, figures, designs, or outlines
illuminated by direct or internal electric lighting or luminous tubes as part
of the sign.
A permanent, rooflike structure, supported by a wall of a building
but having no relationship to the roof structure, generally designed and constructed
for protection against weather.
Any sign attached to a marquee or canopy.
Signs erected by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation,
the Borough of Brookville, the County of Jefferson, or the federal government
which are designed to regulate traffic, describe road conditions, supply directions,
or provide information.
A sign which directs attention to a person, business, profession,
product, or activity not conducted on the same premises.
Any temporary sign pertaining to political views, to an individual
seeking election or appointment to a public office, or a forthcoming public
election or referendum.
A type of temporary sign, with or without display or legend, which
is self-supporting without being firmly embedded in the ground, or is fixed
on a movable stand or mounted on wheels or movable vehicles, or made easily
movable in some other manner. Portable signs shall also include hot air or
gas-filled balloons specifically used for advertising.
A sign requiring a permit under the terms of this chapter.
A sign affixed to a wall or other vertical building surface in such
a manner that its leading edge extends more than six inches beyond the surface
of such wall or building.
A sign pertaining to the sale, lease, or rental of the property on
which it is located.
A sign erected above and maintained above the roofline, parapet,
or eaves of a building. Roof signs are prohibited in Brookville Borough.
A two-faced sign hinged at the top and intended to be set upon the
ground in the form of an inverted "V".
Any permanent or temporary structure or part thereof or any device
attached, painted or represented, directly or indirectly, on a structure or
other surface that displays or includes any letter, word, insignia, flag,
or representation used as or which is in the nature of an advertisement, announcement,
visual communication, direction, or which is designed to attract the eye or
bring the subject to the attention of the public.
A sign intended for short-term use, such as a promotional sign, including
signs pertaining to business events, community events, political issues, an
individual seeking public office, or a forthcoming public election.
A sign parallel to a wall or other vertical building surface. Wall
signs shall not extend beyond the edge of any wall or other surface to which
they are mounted and shall project no more than six inches from its surface,
otherwise they shall be defined as a projecting sign.
A temporary or permanent sign that is oriented to the public right-of-way
and is located on the inside or outside surface of a window.
The following provisions shall apply to permitted signs in all districts.
A.
Sign location.
(1)
No sign shall be erected or maintained so as to prevent
free ingress or egress from any door, window or fire escape. No sign shall
be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
(2)
No sign shall be erected at the intersection of streets
so as to obstruct free and clear vision.
(3)
Unless specifically authorized by this chapter or other
ordinances and regulations of Brookville Borough, a sign shall not be erected
within the legal right-of-way of any public street or public sidewalk, or
shall not be closer to a street line than 10 feet.
B.
Sign illumination. Any permitted sign, building or structure
in any district may be illuminated except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
C.
Sign area. For the purposes of this chapter, the area
of a sign shall be calculated as follows.
(1)
The area of the sign shall include the entire area within
a single continuous perimeter enclosing the outer limits of such sign. The
sign area shall not include any structural elements lying outside the limits
of such sign and not forming an integral part of the display.
(2)
In the case of an open sign made up of individual letters,
attached to or painted on a building, wall, window, canopy, or awning, the
sign area shall be that of the smallest rectangle or other geometric shape
which encompasses all of the letters and symbols.
(3)
In computing the area of a double-faced sign, only one
face shall be considered, provided that both faces are identical in area.
In "V" type structures, if the interior angle of the sign faces exceeds 45°,
both faces shall be considered in computing the sign area.
D.
Sign height. The height of a sign shall be measured from
the existing ground elevation at the base of the sign to the highest point
of the sign structure. In the case where there is a sidewalk, the height shall
be measured from the elevation of the sidewalk.
E.
Vehicular signs. A sign on a vehicle denoting a business-related
activity shall be considered a business sign and shall be subject to the following
regulations:
(1)
Vehicles containing a business sign and parked in a residential
district shall be concealed (garaged) from public view or in a parking space
screened from view from the street, unless such vehicle is moved on a regular
basis (i.e., at least three times per week) and except wherein the vehicle
owner lives or a repair person is actively engaged in authorized repairs or
construction at that location.
No permit need be obtained before erecting any of the following signs in any district. (See also § 230-102B, Temporary signs not requiring a permit.) Exempt signs shall, however, conform to all other applicable regulations of this chapter or other codes or ordinances:
A.
Official highway route number signs, street name signs,
directional, or other official federal, state, county, or Borough signs.
B.
Signs or emblems of a religious, civic, philanthropic,
historical or educational organization not exceeding six square feet in area.
C.
"Welcome to Brookville" signs of a noncommercial nature
endorsed by the Brookville Area Chamber of Commerce to promote Brookville.
The sign is not to exceed 100 square feet in area.
D.
Directional information or public service signs, such
as those advertising availability of rest rooms, telephone or similar public
conveniences, and signs advertising meeting times and places of nonprofit
service or charitable clubs or organizations, may be erected and maintained,
provided that such signs do not significantly advertise any commercial establishment,
activity, organization, product, goods or services except those of public
utilities. Directional and information signs provided for the safety and/or
convenience of the public within commercial establishments may be erected.
Signs erected under this provision shall not exceed four square feet in area.
E.
Trespassing signs or signs indicating the private nature
of a road, driveway or premises, signs prohibiting or otherwise controlling
hunting or fishing upon particular premises, and signs indicating ownership
of a property, provided sign area does not exceed two square feet.
F.
Signs displaying name and address of the occupant of
the premises, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed one
square foot and not more than one such sign shall be erected for each property
held in single and separate ownership, unless such property fronts on more
than one street, in which case one sign may be erected on each street frontage.
G.
Governmental flags or insignias not exceeding 80 square
feet.
H.
Legal notices.
I.
Window signs indicating the store hours or name of business,
provided that the total area of such sign or signs does not exceed two square
feet.
J.
Vending machine signs bearing the brand name of the product
being sold or price of such product.
K.
Memorial signs or historical tablets, provided that such
sign or tablet does not exceed four square feet.
L.
Signs which are a permanent architectural feature of
a building or structure, such as a cornerstone, or identifying letters carved
into or embossed on a building.
M.
Revolving barbershop pole sign, provided that it does
not exceed 36 inches in height.
N.
Banners and seasonal decorations affixed to light poles
on Main Street.
The following signs are unlawful and prohibited.
A.
A sign suspended between poles consisting of either pennants or spinners, except as permitted in § 230-102B(3), Temporary sign regulations.
B.
Any sign erected, painted, or drawn on a tree or rock
or other natural feature.
C.
Signs attached to fencing, utility poles or structures primarily designed to support a light fixture(s) except at athletic fields and as provided in § 230-100N.
D.
Any banner sign or sign of any other type across a public street except as provided for in § 230-102C(1), Temporary sign regulations.
E.
Any sign containing information which states or implies
that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions
of the Brookville Borough Zoning Ordinance.
In addition to other applicable regulations, the following regulations
for temporary signs shall be observed in all districts.
A.
General provisions.
(1)
Temporary signs shall be placed so as not to obstruct
access to or from any door, window, fire escape, or ventilating equipment,
nor be attached to any standpipe or fire escape.
(2)
Such signs shall be placed so as not to obstruct vehicular
or pedestrian traffic or create a safety hazard.
(3)
Unless specified otherwise, temporary signs shall be
removed within three days after completion of the event, situation, or circumstance
for which they are used.
B.
Temporary signs not requiring a permit. The following
temporary signs shall not require a permit if erected in compliance with the
following regulations:
(1)
Temporary signs of contractors and artisans, erected
and maintained on the premises during the period of their work, one such sign
per trade, each having an area of not more than 32 square feet.
(2)
Temporary yard or garage sale signs, provided they do
not exceed four square feet in area, are erected no more than two days before
the first day of the sale, and are removed within two days after the sale.
No more than three temporary off-premises signs shall be permitted and permission
shall be obtained from the landowner or utility to post such signs.
(3)
A sign, bunting, or pennants announcing the opening of
a new business or industry, provided they are removed within seven days of
the opening day or first day of business.
(4)
Temporary window signs announcing a drive or event of
civic, philanthropic, educational, or religious organization, less than four
square feet, placed in a store or office window. Temporary signs for such
events shall be removed within three days after the event. Permission shall
be obtained from the landowner or utility to post said temporary signs.
(5)
Real estate signs shall be permitted, subject to the
following standards:
(a)
Real estate signs shall not exceed eight square feet
in area in residential districts and 24 square feet in area in all other districts.
(b)
Corner lots may have one such sign for each street frontage.
(c)
Such signs shall be removed within five days after a
final settlement or rental agreement has been reached.
(6)
Construction/development signs shall be permitted, subject
to the following standards:
(a)
Construction/development signs shall not exceed 32 square
feet in area.
(b)
Corner lots may have one such sign for each street frontage.
(c)
Such signs shall be located on the property to which
they relate.
(d)
Such signs shall be removed when 90% of the properties
have been developed or 18 months after the erection of the sign, whichever
comes first.
(7)
Political signs shall be permitted as temporary signs,
provided that:
C.
Temporary signs requiring a permit. The following temporary
signs require a permit and shall be erected in compliance with the following
regulations:
(1)
Temporary signs announcing special events or the temporary
lawful sale of products, goods, and/or services, such as the sale of Christmas
trees, shall be permitted, provided that:
(b)
Signs shall comply with all pertinent regulations applicable
to permanent type signs. Sign permits shall be issued only when the use proposed
is permitted by the underlying zoning district.
(c)
No such sign shall be posted earlier than three weeks
before the occurrence of the event to which it relates.
(d)
Signs shall be removed upon expiration of the permit
or within one week after the date of the special event or the last day of
sales, whichever comes first.
(e)
Any site or building on which the sign was erected shall
be restored to its original or better condition upon expiration of the permit.
(f)
Community special event signs. Where such signs are in
the form of banners proposed to be suspended across public roads, the following
standards shall apply in addition to those noted above:
[1]
The sign shall not exceed three feet high by 30 feet
wide and the bottom edge of the sign shall be at least 15 feet above the road
surface.
[2]
The Borough shall be notified prior to the erection of
such signs.
[3]
Where the proposed banner spans a state road, the applicant
shall also comply with PennDOT's procedural requirements for the placement
of signs or banners across state highways. Evidence of such compliance shall
be supplied to the Borough.
(2)
Portable signs shall be allowed only for temporary display
and shall be subject to the following provisions:
(a)
Portable signs shall only be permitted in districts where
commercial uses are permitted as a principal use. Portable signs shall comply
with all pertinent regulations applicable to permanent type signs permitted
in the underlying district, including maximum area and height requirements
for ground signs.
(b)
Permits shall be issued for a one-month period for portable
signs. Permits for portable signs shall be issued no more than twice in any
one calendar year.
(c)
No more than one portable sign shall be allowed per premises.
(d)
Application for a portable sign permit shall be made
to the Borough Zoning Officer accompanied by the required permit fee and an
escrow deposit, as established by the Borough fee schedule, as a guarantee
that the portable sign shall be removed at the end of the authorized period.
If not removed within 10 days of the permit expiration date, the Borough shall
remove the sign and keep the sum necessary from the escrow amount to cover
the expense incurred in removal.
In addition to the exempt signs in § 230-100 and the applicable temporary signs in § 230-102, the following signs may be erected in an LDR, MDR, SR or RC District, subject to the following conditions.
A.
One wall, ground, or freestanding sign not exceeding
40 square feet in area for the identification of a religious institution,
school, library, recreational area, estate, or farm. Illuminated signs in
the LDR, MDR, SR and RC Districts shall only be permitted for schools or religious
institutions and such sign shall be set back at least 1/3 the distance of
any required yard from any property line.
B.
Wall, ground or freestanding signs for the identification
of a residential development of 12 units or more erected on the site of said
development and the location of a sales or rental office, provided that the
area of any such sign shall not exceed nine square feet and not more than
one such sign shall be placed on each street frontage of a property.
C.
One wall, freestanding, or projecting sign for a major
home occupation or bed-and-breakfast, provided that the area of any such sign
shall not exceed six square feet. A separate permit for such sign shall not
be required if the proposed sign accompanying the home occupation or bed-and-breakfast
has been approved by the Zoning Hearing Board as part of the special exception
approval process.
D.
One wall, freestanding, or projecting sign for the sale
of agricultural products, where permitted, provided that the area of any such
sign does not exceed six square feet. Such sign shall be removed at the end
of each sales season.
E.
The following additional provisions shall apply to specific
sign types in the residential districts:
(1)
Where freestanding signs are permitted, the maximum height
shall be eight feet. If located in an area frequented by pedestrians, the
lowest edge of the freestanding sign shall be no less than four feet above
the finished grade.
(2)
Where projecting signs are permitted, the maximum height
shall be 12 feet and such sign shall not project more than four feet from
the face of the building. If located in an area frequented by pedestrians,
the bottom of such sign shall not be less than seven feet above the finished
grade.
(3)
Where ground signs are permitted, the maximum height
of such sign shall be four feet.
(4)
Where wall signs are permitted, no portion of the wall sign shall extend above the lowest point of the roof, nor extend beyond the ends of the wall to which it is attached. Window signs shall not be permitted except in the case of approved major home occupations and shall be limited to the area specified in Subsection C above.
In addition to the exempt signs in § 230-100 and the applicable temporary signs in § 230-102, the following signs may be erected in the TZ District, subject to the following conditions:
A.
Residential uses. Any sign permitted in the residential districts listed in § 230-103 for the applicable uses.
B.
Nonresidential uses. For all nonresidential uses, a sign
or signs may be erected in accordance with the following provisions.
(1)
One freestanding sign or one projecting sign, up to 20
square feet in area, plus one of the following:
(a)
One wall sign mounted flush on wall; or
(b)
One wall sign, when part of the architectural design
of the building, consisting of individual letters or symbols, not to exceed
10% of the wall area; or
(c)
One window sign consisting of individual letters or symbols
not to exceed 50% of the total glass area of the building front.
(3)
Wall or projecting signs are preferred where there is
a small front yard setback. Freestanding signs are considered more appropriate
for buildings originally designed as residential dwellings or where larger
front yard setbacks are present.
(4)
The following additional provisions shall apply to freestanding
signs:
(a)
The maximum height of freestanding signs shall be 16
feet above finished grade.
(b)
Where multiple uses are located within a single structure,
the size of the permitted freestanding sign may be increased by two square
feet for each additional use, up to a maximum total sign area of 30 square
feet.
(c)
For pedestrian safety, the lowest edge of the freestanding
sign shall be either less than four feet or greater than eight feet above
the ground.
(5)
The following additional provisions shall apply to projecting
signs:
(a)
No portion of a projecting sign shall be less than eight
feet nor more than 16 feet above the proposed finished grade, and no such
sign shall project more than six feet from the face of the building or be
closer than three feet from the edge of a curb.
(b)
A projecting sign shall not extend above the top of the
wall upon which it is mounted.
(6)
The following additional provisions shall apply to wall
or window signs:
(a)
A combination of wall and permanent window signs shall
be permitted.
(b)
No portion of a wall sign shall extend above the lowest
point of the roof, nor extend beyond the ends of the wall to which it is attached.
(c)
Permanent window signs shall not be considered wall signs
when computing the maximum permitted building coverage of wall signs. The
following additional provisions shall apply to window signs:
(7)
In addition to the signs permitted under Subsection B(1) above, awning signs may be permitted if consistent with the following provisions:
(a)
The copy area of an awning sign shall not exceed 25%
of the total background area of the awning or 16 square feet, whichever is
less. Where a wall sign also exists, the above areas shall be reduced to 25%
and 12 square feet, respectively.
(b)
Use of an awning sign shall be limited to not more than
one sign per awning.
(c)
The lowest edge of the awning sign shall be at least
seven feet above the ground.
(8)
Internally lit portable signs shall not be permitted in the TZ District. Permitted types of portable signs shall be subject to the provisions of § 230-102C(2).
In addition to the exempt signs in § 230-100 and the applicable temporary signs in § 230-102, the following signs may be erected in the DC District, subject to the following conditions:
A.
Residential uses. Any sign permitted in the residential districts listed in § 230-103 for the applicable uses.
B.
Nonresidential uses. For all nonresidential uses, a sign
or signs may be erected in accordance with the following provisions. Except
as otherwise noted for corner lots, a business establishment shall not have
more than two primary signs, exclusive of exempt signs, on the premises. If
a building fronts on more than one street, one additional primary sign may
be permitted on the second street frontage.
(1)
The height of freestanding signs shall not exceed 16
feet. The following provisions shall also apply to freestanding signs:
(a)
For pedestrian safety, the lowest edge of the freestanding
sign shall be either less than four feet or greater than eight feet above
the ground.
(b)
Freestanding signs shall be limited to one such sign
per structure. If more than one use is carried on in a single structure, the
one permitted freestanding sign may indicate the presence of all uses in the
structure. Individual freestanding signs for each use shall not be permitted.
(c)
Where both freestanding signs and ground signs are permitted,
only one of these sign types shall be erected on a premises.
(d)
A freestanding sign may only be erected on the south
side of the sidewalk of properties located on the south side of the street
or on the north side of the sidewalk of properties located on the north side
of the street.
(2)
Ground signs shall not exceed 20 square feet in area
and four feet in height. The following provisions shall also apply to ground
signs:
(a)
Ground signs shall be limited to one such sign per structure.
If more than one use is carried on in a single structure, the one permitted
ground sign may indicate the presence of all uses in the structure. Individual
ground signs for each use shall not be permitted.
(b)
In those districts where both ground signs and freestanding
signs are permitted, only one of these sign types shall be erected on a premises.
(3)
Projecting signs shall not exceed 25 square feet. The
following provisions shall also apply to projecting signs:
(a)
No portion of a projecting sign shall be less than eight
feet nor more than 30 feet above the proposed finished grade, and no such
sign shall project more than eight feet from the face of the building or be
closer than three feet from the edge of a curb.
(b)
Projecting signs shall not extend above the top of the
wall upon which they are mounted.
(4)
The total area of a wall sign shall not exceed 10% of
the area of the building face, including window and door area and cornices,
to which it is attached. In no case shall the total area of wall signs, exclusive
of permanent window signs, exceed 100 square feet. Where a lot fronts on more
than one street, the permitted sign area facing each street shall be calculated
separately. The following provisions shall also apply to wall signs:
(a)
No portion of a wall sign shall extend above the lowest
point of the roof, nor extend beyond the ends of the wall to which it is attached.
(b)
Permanent window signs shall not be considered wall signs
when computing the maximum permitted building coverage of wall signs. The
following additional provisions shall apply to window signs:
(5)
The copy area of an awning or canopy sign shall not exceed
30% of the total background area of the awning or canopy or 18 square feet,
whichever is less. Where a wall sign also exists, the above areas shall be
reduced to 25% and 14 square feet, respectively. The lowest edge of the canopy
or awning sign shall be at least seven feet above the ground.
(6)
The copy area of a marquee sign shall not exceed 30%
of the face area of the side of the marquee to which it is affixed.
(7)
Portable signs shall not be permitted in the DC District.
(8)
Applicants are encouraged to choose a sign design which
is compatible with the character of the building whereon the sign is to be
installed. Further guidance for the design and placement of signs in older
downtowns is contained in the publication, "Signs for Main Street," copies
of which are available from the Borough office.
In addition to the exempt signs in § 230-100 and the applicable temporary signs in § 230-102, the following signs may be erected in the OC or L-1 District, subject to the following conditions:
A.
Residential uses. Any sign permitted in the residential districts listed in § 230-103 for the applicable uses.
B.
Nonresidential uses. For all nonresidential uses, the
following sign or signs may be erected in accordance with the following provisions:
(1)
Freestanding signs. For pedestrian safety, the lowest
edge of the freestanding sign shall be either less than four feet or greater
than eight feet above the ground.
(2)
Ground signs shall not exceed four feet in height.
(3)
Projecting signs.
(4)
Wall signs.
(5)
Roof sign. No portion of a roof sign shall extend beyond
the ends of the roof to which it is attached.
(6)
Permanent window signs. The following additional provisions
shall apply to window signs:
(7)
Canopy sign. The copy area of an awning or canopy sign
shall not exceed 50% of the total background area of the awning or canopy.
The lowest edge of the canopy or awning sign shall be at least seven feet
above the ground.
(8)
Marquee sign. The copy area of a marquee sign shall not
exceed 50% of the face area of the side of the marquee to which it is affixed.
In addition to the exempt signs in § 230-100 and the applicable temporary signs in § 230-102, the following signs may be erected in the L-2 District, subject to the following conditions:
A.
Residential uses. Any sign permitted in the residential districts listed in § 230-103 for the applicable uses.
B.
Nonresidential uses. For all nonresidential uses, the
following sign or signs may be erected in accordance with the following provisions:
(1)
Freestanding signs. For pedestrian safety, the lowest
edge of the freestanding sign shall be either less than four feet or greater
than eight feet above the ground.
(2)
Ground signs shall not exceed four feet in height.
(3)
Projecting signs.
(4)
Wall signs.
(5)
Permanent window signs. The following additional provisions
shall apply to window signs:
(6)
Canopy signs. The copy area of an awning or canopy sign
shall not exceed 50% of the total background area of the awning or canopy.
The lowest edge of the canopy or awning sign shall be at least seven feet
above the ground.
(7)
Marquee sign. The copy area of a marquee sign shall not
exceed 50% of the face area of the side of the marquee to which it is affixed.
(8)
Roof sign. No portion of a roof sign shall extend beyond
the ends of the roof to which it is attached.
(9)
Off-premises signs shall be permitted, subject to the
following conditions:
(b)
The area of a sign is restricted to 160 square feet and
the height of a sign is restricted to 20 feet with a ground clearance of 10
feet measured from the grade of the site.
(c)
Where permitted, only one off-premises sign may be erected
on a single tract.
(d)
Off-premises signs shall not be located closer than 400
feet from another off-premises sign or from a designated historic resource
as defined by this chapter.
(e)
Off-premises signs shall not be erected within 50 feet
of a side or rear property line.
A.
All signs permitted by this chapter shall be constructed
of durable materials and kept in good condition and repair.
B.
All signs requiring the use of electricity shall be manufactured
in accordance with Underwriter Laboratories specifications.
C.
Floodlighting used to illuminate signs shall be aimed
as required to ensure light does not spill off sign.
A.
Unsafe or unlawful signs.
(1)
Upon written notice by the Borough, the owner, person
or firm maintaining a sign must remove said sign when it:
(2)
The Borough may remove or cause to be removed said sign
at the expense of the owner or lessee in the event the owner or the person
or firm maintaining said sign has not complied with the terms of said notice
within 60 days of the date of the notice. However, in the event of immediate
danger, the Borough may remove said sign immediately upon the issuance of
said notice to the owner, person, or firm maintaining said sign.
B.
Abandoned signs.
(1)
Abandoned signs, as defined by this chapter, shall be
removed by the landowner or person controlling the property within 60 days
of the abandonment.
(2)
The Borough may remove or cause to be removed said sign
at the expense of the owner or lessee in the event the owner or the person
or firm maintaining said sign has not complied with the terms of said notice
within 60 days of the notice.
A.
Sign permits.
(1)
A permit must be obtained from the Borough Zoning Officer
before the erection of any sign, unless specifically exempted in this article.
(2)
Exemptions for the necessity of securing a permit shall
not be construed to relieve the owner of the exempted sign from responsibility
for its construction and installation in a safe manner and in accordance with
the provisions of this chapter.
B.
Application information. Before a sign permit is granted,
a sign permit application with the following information shall be submitted
in duplicate:
(1)
Dimensions of the lot (including any right-of-way lines)
and/or building upon which the sign is proposed to be erected.
(2)
The proposed sign location with respect to the property
lines and building.
(3)
A description of the size, shape, color, material, supports,
anchoring, weight and height of the sign, as well as intensity and source
of illumination.
(4)
Sketch elevation, drawn to scale, of the sign, indicating
the proposed size, dimensions, shape, material, supports, anchoring, and height
of the sign.
(5)
Any other lawful information which may be required of
the applicant by the Zoning Officer.
(6)
The application shall be accompanied by the written consent
of the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is to be erected
for Borough officials to enter said premises to inspect the sign.
(7)
All sign permit applications shall be accompanied by
the required fee as set forth in the fee schedule for signs established by
the Borough Council.
C.
Processing and approval of permit.
(1)
The Zoning Officer shall process applications for sign
approval permits within 30 days from the date of the filing of the complete
application with the required fee.
(2)
In determining the appropriateness of the proposed sign,
the Zoning Officer shall determine the following:
(3)
The Zoning Officer shall inspect and approve the installation
of the sign and shall make periodic inspections to determine conformity of
signs to these regulations.
Any nonconforming sign legally existing at the effective date of this
chapter shall be bound by the following regulations:
A.
Relocation. A nonconforming sign may be relocated, provided
that moving such a sign would eliminate the nonconformity. A nonconforming
sign shall not be moved to a position where such sign remains nonconforming
unless permitted by special exception.
B.
Area. The total area of all such signs relating to a
single use at the effective date of this chapter, or at the effective date
of any amendment of this chapter by which any sign shall be made nonconforming,
shall not be increased.
C.
Repair or replacement. Nonconforming signs, once removed
or damaged more than 75%, including structural framing or bracing, shall be
replaced only with conforming signs. Nonconforming signs with damage of 75%
or less may be repainted or repaired, provided that such repainted or repaired
sign does not exceed the dimensions of the existing sign.
D.
Discontinuance. Whenever any nonconforming use of building,
structure, or land, or of a combination of buildings, structures, and land,
is discontinued, all signs accessory to such use shall be deemed to become
nonconforming and shall be removed within 60 days from the date such use terminates.
E.
Off-premises signs. Existing off-premises signs located
in a zoning district other than LI-2 will be permitted to remain for a period
of up to three years from the enactment date of this chapter, subject to all
other provisions of this chapter.
