[Amended 5-13-2024 by Ord. No. 1586-2024]
Regulations established under this article serve the following
purposes:
A.
Provide general standards for all signs within the City and specific
standards for signs in each zoning district.
B.
Establish procedures for the review and approval of sign permit applications.
C.
Regulate the location, size, construction, erection, alteration,
use and maintenance of signs.
D.
Protect the safety and general welfare of the community through the
proper use and design of structures for signs.
E.
Promote the use of well-crafted signs in harmony with the architectural
and historical character of the City and consistent with current urban
streetscape design guide.
In all zoning districts, signs may be erected, altered, maintained,
used or removedonly when in compliance with the provisions of this
chapter and any other applicable ordinances and regulations.
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 which
becomes vacant and unoccupied for a period of 12 months or more or
any sign which relates to a time, event or purpose which is past.
A sign which is installed across a road or street in the City of Coatesville, and is approved and installed by the City Public Works Department or Fire Department and according to § 224-71Q, Banners across streets, alleys, and other public rights-of-way.
A large sign placed off the premises of the event/location/business/service
that it is advertising.
Any sign that is a part of, made from, or attached to an
awning, canopy or other fabric, plastic or structural protective cover
over a door, entrance, window, or outdoor service area.
A type of temporary sign which is intended to advertise a
community event.
A type of temporary sign which is intended to advertise the
name of a project and/or the contractor, architect, engineer, financier,
or similar information.
A sign which displays a message, information, or advertising
on both sides of the sign. Permitted size calculated based on size
of sign faces, interior angle of sign faces, and the identicalness
of the sign faces.
A sign that is permanently supported in a fixed location
by a structure of one or more poles, posts, uprights, or braces from
the ground and not supported by a building or a base 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 permanently affixed to the ground at its base, supported
entirely by a base structure, and not mounted on a pole or attached
to any part of a building (also known as "monument sign").
All signs erected prior to the enactment of this chapter
or subsequent amendments, which are not in conformity with the dimensional,
setback or lighting provisions thereof, shall be deemed legally nonconforming
signs.
Any temporary sign used in connection with a local, county,
commonwealth or national election or referendum.
A sign that is not fixed, attached, or anchored in a permanent
position, that is capable of being readily moved or relocated, remains
on the property with the business which owns the sign, and includes
but is not limited to: sandwich boards, placards, or other similar
signs mounted on a frame or chassis on wheels or supported by legs
but not pressed or extended into the ground or other surface.
A separate lot or tax parcel with individual frontage abutting
the street line. "Premises" may include more than one occupant on
a lot or parcel, such as an office or retail complex.
A sign affixed to a wall or other vertical building surface
in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than six inches
perpendicularly out from the surface of such building or wall.
A sign pertaining to the sale, lease or rental of the property
upon which it is located.
Any permanent or temporary structure or part thereof or any
device attached, painted or represented, directly or indirectly, on
a structure or other outdoor surface that shall display or include
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 constructed of paper, cloth, canvas or other lightweight
material intended to be displayed for a short period of time, normally
less than 30 days.
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 sign providing locational directions to the person, business,
profession, product, or activity not conducted on the same premises
as the location of the sign.
Any sign that is applied, painted, or affixed to a window, or placed inside a window, within three feet of the glass, facing the outside of the building, and easily seen from the outside. A window sign meant for a display period of less than 60 days shall be considered a temporary sign and any window sign displayed longer than 60 days shall be considered a permanent sign and shall be permitted and installed pursuant to § 224-72. Regulations for specific sign types, and all other applicable sections.
A.
Sign area.
(1)
The area of a sign shall be construed to include the two-dimensional
space which contains all lettering, wording 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 incidental to the display itself.
(2)
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols 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 sign area of a double-faced sign, only one side shall
be considered, provided that both sides are identical in area, content,
and design. If the interior angle is greater than 45°, then both
sides of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
B.
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.
C.
Sign illumination. Signs may be illuminated by direct (internal) or indirect (projection) lighting. In all cases, lighting shall be shielded so that no light will directly shine or glare onto abutting properties or in the normal line of vision of the public using the streets or sidewalks. All lighting shall be in compliance with the applicable standards of § 224-50, Outdoor lighting.
D.
Sign placement. Except for official traffic and street signs, a sign
shall not be erected so that it:
(1)
Is located within five feet of or projects over a point within five
feet of the curbline in the C-1 and C-2 Commercial Districts and the
PS Public Service District or within 10 feet of a street right-of-way
in any other district.
(2)
Is located within the clear-sight triangle required by § 224-53B, Sight distances at intersections.
(3)
Obscures the view of a motorist of traffic signals, stop signs or
other warning devices as viewed from any distance of 500 feet along
established thoroughfares.
(4)
Obscures the view of a motorist of a roadway or intersections ahead
as viewed from a distance of 500 feet along established thoroughfares.
(5)
Limits pedestrian view of vehicular traffic to less than 500 feet
while standing at the curbline at an intersection or other established
pedestrian crossing.
(6)
Is located within a distance of five feet from any side property
line in the C-1 and C-2 Commercial Districts and the PS Public Service
District within 10 feet in any other district.
(7)
Is located within a parking space or fire lane.
(8)
Blocks the movement of pedestrians traveling along public thoroughfares.
(9)
Blocks the entrance, exit, fire escape or fire lanes to a building.
(10)
Utility pole or any other utility box.
E.
All permanent signs shall be professionally installed by a licensed
sign company and shall comply with all other applicable laws and regulations
such as PAUCC requirements.
The following signs are unlawful and prohibited:
A.
No signs shall be of a flashing, rotating or revolving type, with
the exception of barbershop poles.
B.
Any sign suspended between poles and lighted by a series of lights
is prohibited.
C.
Any sign suspended between poles which is either a pennant which
blows in the wind or a spinner which spins in the wind is prohibited.
D.
Any sign erected on a tree or painted or drawn on a rock or other
natural feature is prohibited. Signs shall only be attached to utility
poles if they are in conformance with all applicable state laws and
utility regulations.
E.
Any banner sign or sign of any other type across a public street or any private property is prohibited, except for community special event signs which comply with the applicable requirements of § 224-71Q, Banners across streets, alleys, and other public rights-of-way.
F.
Any sign is prohibited which does not conform to the requirements
of the sign ordinance which was in effect when the sign was erected.
G.
No sign may be erected containing information on which it states
or implies that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted
under the provisions of this chapter.
H.
No sign may use the words "stop," "look," "danger" or any other word
or character which attempts or appears to attempt to direct the movement
of traffic, or which interferes with or resembles any official traffic
sign, signal, or device.
I.
Except for traffic control signals, red or green lights are prohibited
within 75 feet of a public right-of-way or within 200 feet of a traffic
control device, whichever is greater.
J.
A sign that uses any method of illumination that can cause glare,
visual obstruction, or other harsh viewing conditions is prohibited,
except in accordance with the following:
(1)
It must be effectively shielded using a full cut-off fixture or equivalent,
so that glaring beams or rays of light are not directed to any portion
of any street, highway or adjacent property or structure. Equivalent
shielding method shall be approved by the Zoning Officer or City Engineer.
(2)
It must be less than 1/4 footcandle, as measured from the curb line
or road shoulder, so as not to cause glare or impair the vision of
any motorist or otherwise interfere with a driver's operation
of his motor vehicle.
The following signs are permitted in all districts and do not
require a permit, provided that the applicable conditions have been
met:
A.
Official highway route number signs, street name signs, way finding
or other official federal, state, county, or city signs.
B.
Signs displaying only the 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.
C.
Governmental flags or insignias not exceeding 80 square feet.
D.
Legal notices.
E.
No-trespassing signs indicating the private nature of a road, driveway,
or premises, provided that the area of any such sign does not exceed
one square foot.
F.
Real estate signs, provided that the area of such sign shall not
exceed six square feet and that no more than one such sign shall be
placed on the property unless the property fronts on more than one
street, in which case one sign shall be permitted along each street.
All such signs shall be removed within five days after a final settlement
or rental agreement has been reached.
G.
Window signs indicating the store hours or names of credit institutions,
provided that the total area of such sign or signs does not exceed
two square feet.
H.
Vending machine signs bearing the brand name of a product or price
of such product when displayed on a vending machine selling such product.
I.
Wayfinding, informational or public service signs, such as those
indicating the availability of rest rooms, telephone or similar public
conveniences and signs providing information such as meeting times
and places of nonprofit service or charitable clubs and organizations,
provided that such signs do not advertise any commercial establishment,
activity, organization, product, goods, or service, except public
utilities. Any public service and information sign shall not exceed
four square feet.
J.
Memorial signs or historical signs or tablets, provided that such
sign or tablet does not exceed four square feet.
K.
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, provided that the letters are not made
of a reflective material nor contrast in color with the building.
L.
Temporary signs of mechanics, contractors and artisans erected and
maintained during the period such persons are performing work on the
premises on which such signs are erected, provided that:
M.
A sign advertising a yard sale or garage sale, provided that the
sign is on the premises of the sale, does not exceed four square feet,
is erected no more than two days prior to the first day of the sale
and shall be removed immediately upon completion of the sale. No more
than two off-premises wayfinding signs shall be permitted, and such
signs shall not be larger than 12 inches by 18 inches in size and
may not be erected more than two days prior to the first day of the
sale and shall be removed immediately upon completion of the sale.
Off-premises wayfinding signs shall only be located on private property
with permission of the property owner and shall be removed upon completion
of the sale. Yard sale or garage sale signs shall not be permitted
on utility poles.
N.
A sign, bunting, pennants, and similar materials to announce the opening of a new business or industry, provided that they are removed within four days of the opening day or first day of business. Such temporary displays shall not be permitted in residential districts. Such temporary displays shall also be in accordance with § 224-72G, Temporary signs.
O.
Revolving barbershop pole sign, provided that it does not exceed
36 inches in length.
P.
Temporary window signs announcing a drive or event of a civic, philanthropic, educational, or religious organization shall be less than four square feet and shall be placed inside a store or office window. Such signs shall also be in accordance with § 224-72G, Temporary signs.
Q.
Banners across streets, alleys and other public rights-of-way shall
be permitted to promote community events such as food festivals, sidewalk
sales, events sponsored by churches, historic preservation groups,
veteran's groups, charitable, educational, fraternal, civic,
service organizations, parades, or other nonprofit organizations.
Banners stretched over the road promoting business and commercial
enterprises are prohibited. Banners shall also be governed by the
following:
(1)
At least 30 days prior to the desired date of hanging a banner over
a public street or way, an applicant must complete and submit a banner
permit to the office of the City Manager for approval by the City
Council. Upon approval of a permit by the City Council, a banner may
be hung and displayed as set forth below.
(2)
The hanging of banners must be in complete conformance with the application
as submitted and as finally approved by the City Council and installed
and removed by the City Public Works Department or City Fire Department.
(3)
The fee for hanging and removing of banners is the sole responsibility
of the applicant.
(4)
The banner shall be at least 15 feet above the street surface and
shall be securely attached to a building or other structure as the
City Council, Public Works, or Fire Department see fit.
(5)
No more than two banners may be displayed over any particular street
or public way at any one time.
(6)
Banners may not be hung more than 14 days prior to the date of the
event being advertised and must be removed no later than seven days
after the conclusion of the event being advertised.
The following regulations shall apply to the specific sign types as defined in § 224-68, Sign types and classifications. Section 224-73, Applicability by district, indicates the types, area and height of signs permitted within each district.
A.
Freestanding signs.
(1)
The bottom or lowest edge of a freestanding sign shall either be
less than four feet or greater than seven feet above the ground.
(2)
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.
(3)
A retail center, office complex or industrial complex (two or more
retail, office, or industrial uses within a single structure) shall
be limited to one freestanding sign indicating the name of the development
and the name of other uses within the development. Individual freestanding
signs for each use shall not be permitted.
(4)
In those zoning districts where freestanding signs, projecting and
ground signs are permitted, only one of the foregoing types of signs
may be erected on a premises.
B.
Ground signs.
(1)
Ground signs shall be supported and permanently placed by embedding,
anchoring or connecting the sign in such a manner as to incorporate
it into the landscape or architectural design scheme.
(2)
In those zoning districts where ground signs, freestanding signs,
and projecting signs are permitted, only one of the foregoing types
of signs may be erected on a premises.
C.
Projecting signs.
(1)
No portion of a projecting sign shall be less than eight feet nor
more than 20 feet above the proposed finished grade, and no such sign
shall be less than five feet from the plane of the face of the curb
or project more than four feet from the face of the building.
(2)
No projecting sign shall be attached to a building where a canopy
or awning sign exists.
(3)
In those zoning districts in which projecting signs, freestanding
signs and ground signs are permitted, only one of the foregoing types
of signs may be erected on a premises.
D.
Wall signs.
(1)
No portion of a wall sign shall be less than eight feet above the
proposed finished grade or extend more than six inches from the building
wall. If the wall sign projects less than three inches from the building,
the sign need not meet the eight-foot height requirement.
(2)
Permanent window signs shall be considered wall signs when computing
the maximum permitted building coverage of wall signs.
(3)
Wall signs which are part of the architectural design of a building
shall be exempt from size requirements if they are limited to the
area on the building specifically designed for sign placement.
(4)
One wall sign shall be permitted on the front facade of a building,
and one additional wall sign on the side of a corner or end of the
building.
E.
Window signs. Unless specified otherwise in another section, a maximum
of 25% of the total window area may be used for permanent signs that
are hung, applied, painted or affixed to the windows.
G.
Temporary signs.
(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)
Signs shall either be anchored to the ground or sufficiently stable
so as not to blow over or otherwise create a safety hazard.
(4)
Temporary signs for sidewalk sales, flea markets, promotions, and
other like signs may be placed after a permit is obtained for each
event/occasion.
(5)
Temporary special event signs and all other temporary signs shall
be removed within two days after completion of the event, situation,
or circumstance for which it is used. For temporary signs requiring
a permit, an escrow deposit, as established by the City fee schedule,
as a guaranty that the portable sign shall be promptly removed at
the end of the authorized period. If not removed within 10 days of
the permit expiration date, the City shall remove the sign and keep
a sum necessary from the escrow account to cover the expense incurred
in removal.
(6)
Temporary signs placed outdoors directing attention to commercial
promotions or activities on the same lot shall be moved indoors at
the end of each business day.
(7)
The size of these signs shall not exceed 1/3 square foot of sign
area for each linear foot of building, eight square feet or whatever
the balance of the allowable sign area is after subtracting the other
signs on the property, whichever is less.
H.
Billboard. Where permitted, only one billboard may be erected on
a property. A billboard shall not be permitted on the same premises
as a freestanding sign.
(1)
No billboard shall be within 500 feet of a residential zoning district,
public recreation facility, school, or church.
(2)
No billboard or any part thereof shall be erected more than 75 feet
from the right-of-way of a public street.
(3)
No billboard shall be erected within 30 feet of any side or rear
property line.
(4)
No billboard shall be erected within 1,000 feet of another billboard.
(5)
A billboard may have changeable copy, provided that:
(a)
Dwell time. No billboard shall change message or copy on the
active area more than once every seven seconds.
(b)
Message or copy transition. All message or copy changes shall
be instantaneous; there shall be no scrolling, fading, animated, flashing
or moving messages or copy.
(c)
The billboard conforms to all requirements of this section and
those contained in § 224-73D(8), Billboards.
I.
Portable signs.
(1)
Application for a portable sign shall be made to the City Code Enforcement
Officer accompanied by the required permit fee.
(2)
Regardless of the length of use, portable signs shall:
(a)
Remain on the property where the business it is referring to
is located.
(b)
Be returned inside the building at the close of business each
day.
(c)
Signs shall be sufficiently stable so as not to blow over or
otherwise create a safety hazard. If inclement weather arises, then
sign shall be returned to the inside of the building earlier than
the close of business.
(d)
Be under the control and sole responsibility of the owner or
the business utilizing the portable sign at all times.
(e)
Portable 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.
(f)
Such signs shall be placed so as not to obstruct vehicular or
pedestrian traffic or create a safety hazard.
(g)
The size of these signs shall not exceed six square feet of
sign area on each sign face and may have no more than two sign faces.
No signs, other than those specifically listed in § 224-71, Exempt signs, shall be permitted except as described below. This section provides a summary of sign types and maximum sizes permitted in each district.
A.
Signs permitted in the RN-1, RN-2, RN-3, RN-5, RC and POS Districts.
(1)
Wall, ground or freestanding signs for bulletin or announcement boards
or for the identification of schools, churches, recreation areas and
other principal uses or buildings other than dwellings shall be permitted,
provided that the area of any such sign does not exceed 12 square
feet and not more than one such sign shall be placed on property in
single and separate ownership, unless such property fronts on more
than one street, in which case one such sign may be placed on each
street frontage.
(2)
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 sale or rental office shall be permitted, 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 property in single
and separate ownership, unless such property fronts on more than one
street, in which case one such sign may be placed on each street frontage.
(3)
One wall or window sign for major home occupations, indicating only
names of persons, telephone numbers and the occupation shall be permitted,
provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed two square
feet. A permit for such sign shall not be required if the home occupation
has been approved by the Zoning Hearing Board.
(4)
One construction/development sign shall be permitted, provided that
the area of any such sign shall not exceed 12 square feet and such
sign shall be removed within 20 days after the final inspection by
the City Building Inspector or 18 months after the erection of the
sign, whichever comes first.
B.
Signs permitted in the RN-4 District.
(1)
All signs permitted in the RN-1, RN-2, RN-3, RN-5, RC and POS Districts
shall be permitted in the RN-4 District.
(2)
Wall signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted. The total
area of the wall sign(s), including permanent window signs, shall
not exceed 5% of the area of the building face, including the window
and door area and cornices, to which it is attached. In no case shall
they exceed 32 square feet.
(3)
Window signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted. The total
area of the window sign, including permanent window signs, shall not
exceed 40% of the area of the window, including the window and door
area and cornices, to which it is attached. In no case shall they
exceed 32 square feet.
(4)
Projecting signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted. The
area of such sign shall not exceed 12 square feet.
(5)
Freestanding signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted where
they can be set back at least five feet from the curbline. Freestanding
signs shall not exceed six feet in height or 12 square feet in area.
C.
Signs permitted in the C-1, C-2, PS and I-1 Districts.
(1)
All signs permitted in the RN-1, RN-2, RN-3, RN-5, RC and POS Districts
shall be permitted in the C-1, C-2, PS and I-1 Districts.
(2)
Wall signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted. The total
area of the wall sign(s), including permanent window signs, 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
they exceed 50 square feet.
(3)
Projecting signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted. The
area of such sign shall not exceed 16 square feet.
(4)
Freestanding signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted where
they can be set back at least five feet from the curbline.
(5)
Ground signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted where they
can be set back at least five feet from the curbline.
D.
Signs permitted in the C-3 and I-2 districts.
(1)
All signs permitted in the RN-1, RN-2, RN-3, RN-5, RC and POS Districts
shall be permitted in the C-3 and I-2 Districts.
(2)
Wall signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted. The total
area of the wall sign(s), including permanent window signs, shall
not exceed 10% of the area of the building face, including the window
and door area and cornices, to which it is attached.
(3)
Projecting signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted. The
area of such sign shall not exceed 18 square feet.
(4)
Freestanding signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted where
they can be set back at least five feet from the curb line.
(a)
Freestanding signs identifying a retail center or complex, office
park or complex or industrial park or complex shall not exceed 20
feet in height or 40 square feet in area.
(b)
Freestanding signs for all other permitted nonresidential uses
shall not exceed 15 feet in height or 24 square feet in area.
(5)
Ground signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted where they
can be set back at least five feet from the curb line.
(7)
Portable signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted. The area
of such sign shall not exceed 16 square feet.
E.
Signs permitted in the C-4 District.
(1)
All signs permitted in the RN-1, RN-2, RN-3, RN-5, RC, C-3, C-2,
I-2, and I-3, and POS Districts shall be permitted in the C-4 District.
(2)
Wall signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted. The total
area of the wall sign(s), including permanent window signs, shall
not exceed 15% of the area of the building face, including the window
and door area and cornices, to which it is attached.
(3)
Projecting signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted. The
area of such sign shall not exceed 18 square feet.
(4)
Freestanding signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted where
they can be set back at least five feet from the curb line.
(a)
Freestanding signs identifying a retail center or complex, office
park or complex or industrial park or complex shall not exceed 20
feet in height or 40 square feet in area.
(b)
Freestanding signs for all other permitted nonresidential uses
shall not exceed 15 feet in height or 24 square feet in area.
(5)
Ground signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted where they
can be set back at least five feet from the curb line.
(7)
Portable signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted. The area
of such sign shall not exceed 16 square feet.
F.
Sign chart.
(1)
The following chart contains a summary of the sign type and size
permitted within an applicable district.
|
Summary of Sign Type and Size Permitted Within each Zoning District
for Signs Requiring Permits
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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(Noted Ordinance Section Must be Consulted for Details)
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Zoning District
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Maximum sizes shown in square feet
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Sign Type
|
RN-1, RN-2, RN-3, RN-5, RC and POS (See § 224-73A)
|
RN-4 (See § 224-73B)
|
C-1, C-2, PS and I-1 (See § 224-73C)
|
C-3 and I-2 (See § 224-73D)
|
C-4 (See § 224-73E)
|
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Wall
|
Wall, ground, or freestanding signs in these districts:
• Can be used as bulletin or announcement boards to identify
schools, churches, or recreation areas.
• Can be used for other principal uses or buildings other
than dwellings.
• The area of such sign shall not exceed 12 square feet.
Not more than 1 sign shall be placed along each road frontage
on any one property in single and separate ownership.
• 1 wall or window sign for major home occupations shall
be permitted, maximum sign area shall not exceed 2 square feet. A
permit for such sign shall not be required if the home occupation
has been approved by the Zoning Hearing Board.
• To identify a residential development of 12
units or more and shall be:
○ Erected on the site of said development near
the location of a sale or rental office, if applicable.
○ A maximum sign area of 9 square feet.
○ No more than 1 sign placed along each road
frontage on any one property in single and separate ownership.
|
32 square feet or 5% of building face, whichever is less
|
50 square feet or 10% of building face, whichever is less
|
15% of building face
|
15% of building face
|
|
Freestanding
|
• For nonresidential uses only
• Shall not exceed 6 feet in height.
• Shall not exceed 12 square feet area.
• Must be set back at least 5 from curbline.
|
• As identification sign for retail center or complex,
office complex, or industrial complex
• 32 square feet in area
• Maximum height is 18 feet
• Set back at least 5 feet from curbline
|
• 40 square feet
• 20 feet maximum height
• Must be 5 feet from curbline
• As Identification sign for retail center or complex,
office park or complex, and industrial park or complex
|
• 40 square feet
• 20 feet maximum height
• Must be 5 feet from curbline
• As Identification sign for retail center or complex,
office park or complex, and industrial park or complex
| |
|
• All nonresidential signs other than those listed directly
above
• 18 square feet in area
• Maximum height is 12 feet
• Set back at least 5 feet from curbline
|
• 24 square feet
• 15 feet maximum height
• Must be 5 feet from curbline
• All nonresidential signs other than those listed directly
above
|
• 24 square feet
• 15 feet maximum height
• Must be 5 feet from curbline
• All nonresidential signs other than those listed directly
above
| |||
|
Ground
|
Not permitted
|
• As identification sign for retail center or complex,
office complex, or industrial complex
• 32 square feet
• Maximum height is 6 feet
• Set back at least 5 feet from curbline
|
• 40 square feet maximum area
• 8 feet maximum height
• As identification sign for retail center or complex,
office park or complex and industrial park or complex
|
• 40 square feet maximum area
• 8 feet maximum height
• As identification sign for retail center or complex,
office park or complex and industrial park or complex
| |
|
• All nonresidential signs other than those listed directly
above
• 18 square feet
• Maximum height is 6 feet
• Set back at least 5 feet from curbline
|
• 24 square feet maximum area
• 6 feet maximum height
• All nonresidential signs other than those listed directly
above
|
• 24 square feet maximum area
• 6 feet maximum height
• All nonresidential signs other than those listed directly
above
| |||
|
Window
|
Maximum 25%
|
32 square feet or 5% of building face, whichever is less
|
50 square feet or 10% of building face, whichever is less
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
|
Projecting
|
Not permitted
|
12 square feet, for nonresidential uses only
|
16 square feet, nonresidential uses only
|
18 square feet
|
18 square feet
|
|
Canopy or awning
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
• For nonresidential uses only
• 8 square feet with wall sign OR 12 square feet without
wall sign
|
• 10 square feet with wall sign OR 14 square feet without
wall sign
• Nonresidential uses only
|
• 10 square feet with wall sign OR 14 square feet without
wall sign
• Nonresidential uses only
|
|
Portable
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
• 16 square feet, maximum area
• Nonresidential uses only
|
• 16 square feet, maximum area
• Nonresidential uses only
|
|
Billboard
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
• Not permitted
|
• 600 square feet per side, up to 2 sign faces allowed
• Allowed on properties abutting the Route 30 Bypass only
• 45 feet maximum height, measured from the surface of
the adjacent roadway
|
A.
Construction and maintenance requirements.
(1)
All signs shall be kept in a proper state of repair, in accordance
with the requirements of the City's Building Code, Property Maintenance
Code and other pertinent regulations.
(2)
All maintenance, cleaning, and repair, including repair of torn or
worn copy and removal of paint or other material used to deface the
sign, shall be performed promptly. In the event the City notifies
the owner or lessee of any damage, vandalism, or graffiti on the billboard,
the owner or lessee shall repair or correct the problem within 48
hours of such notification. If repairs and corrections are not timely,
the City shall have the right, but not the obligation, to make repairs
or corrections and be reimbursed the cost thereof by the owner or
lessee.
(3)
All signs requiring the use of electricity shall be manufactured
in accordance with Underwriter Laboratories specifications.
B.
Removal of unsafe, unlawful, or abandoned signs.
(1)
Unsafe or unlawful signs.
(a)
Upon written notice by the City of Coatesville, the owner, person
or firm maintaining a sign must remove said sign when it:
(b)
The City may remove or cause to be removed said sign at the
expense of the owner if the owner does not comply with the written
notice within 30 days. In the event of immediate danger, however,
the City may remove said sign immediately upon the issuance of said
notice to the owner, person or firm maintaining said sign, and at
the expense of the owner.
(2)
Abandoned signs.
(a)
It shall be the responsibility of the owner of any property
upon which an abandoned sign is located to remove such sign within
14 days of the sign becoming abandoned as defined in the zoning ordinance.
Removal of an abandoned sign shall include the removal of the entire
sign, including the sign face, supporting structure, structural trim,
and all associated electrical components, when applicable.
(b)
Where the owner of the property on which an abandoned sign is
located fails to remove such sign in 14 days, the City may remove
such sign after the Zoning Officer gives written notice to the sign
owner. Any expense directly incurred in the removal of such sign shall
be charged to the owner of the property. Where the owner fails to
pay, the City may file a lien upon the property for the purpose of
recovering all reasonable costs, including reasonable attorney fees
incurred by the City, associated with the removal of the sign.
A.
Sign permit.
(1)
A permit must be obtained from the City before the erection of any
signs in the City, unless specifically exempted in this article.
(2)
All signs required to be permitted by the PAUCC must be applied for
and permitted through the City Building Code Official as well as the
zoning permit.
(3)
Exemptions from 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 applicable 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)
A description of the size, shape, color, sign contents, material,
supports, anchoring, weight, and height of the sign, as well as the
intensity of illumination.
(2)
A plan or sketch of the sign, drawn to scale, and demonstrating the
faces of the sign and indicating the proposed style of the letters,
words, symbols or other graphics and the proposed size, dimensions,
shape, color, material, supports, anchoring and height of the sign.
(3)
A plan diagramming the design as well as specifications of electrical
components of the sign and any materials used to manufacture or build
the sign.
(4)
A plot plan, drawn to scale, showing the proposed sign location with
respect to the property lines, building(s), parking areas, and all
other improvements.
(5)
The application shall be accompanied by the written consent of the
owner to allow for the construction of the sign on the property.
(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 city officials to enter said premises to inspect the sign.
(7)
All sign permit applications shall be accompanied by a check to cover
the required fee as set forth in the fee schedule for signs established
by the City Council.
C.
Processing and approval of permit.
(1)
The Code Enforcement 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 Code
Enforcement Officer shall determine the following:
(a)
That the sign meets all restrictions, standards and sign area
requirements of this chapter.
(b)
That the sign has a reasonable location, scale and proportion
in relation to buildings, doors, windows and pedestrian and vehicular
access.
(c)
The Code Enforcement Officer shall inspect and approve the installation
of the sign and shall make periodic inspections to determine conformity
of signs to these regulations.
Nonconforming signs shall be subject to the requirements of § 224-97 of this chapter.
