[Amended 2-21-1978 by Ord. No. 197; 12-2-1985 by Ord. No.
249; 12-16-1991 by Ord. No. 307; 11-5-2001 by Ord. No. 409; 5-5-2003 by Ord. No. 426; 11-7-2005 by Ord. No. 454]
In expansion of the community development objectives contained in § 182-2 of this chapter, it is hereby declared to be the intent of this article to recognize that signs provide an important function in the Township providing for the identification of businesses, residences, services and other matters of interest. This article provides standards and controls to balance the need to provide information to residents and the desire not to impair the visual character of Upper Providence Township or create potential hazards.
A.
One of each of the following signs is permitted for
residential use, provided that each sign not exceed one square foot
in area:
(1)
Identification sign.
(2)
Incidental sign.
(3)
Professional, accessory use or name sign, indicating
the name, profession or activity of the occupant of the residence.
(4)
Trespassing sign indicating private ownership of a
driveway or property. One such sign shall be permitted for each 150
feet of frontage on each street on which a property abuts.
B.
Signs of contractors, mechanics, painters and artisans
directed and maintained on the premises where the work is being performed
for the period of time that the work is being performed and real estate
signs advertising either the sale or rental of the premises or the
development of the premises by the builder, contractor, developer
or other persons interested therein shall be subject to the following
regulations:
C.
Agricultural uses are permitted one business sign advertising the sale of farm products on the premises, not to exceed 15 square feet in area; provided, however, that a farm which is also in the Township's Agricultural Security District may instead have one business sign not exceeding 48 square feet, as long as said farm has been permanently preserved as a result of the sale of its development rights and is recognized as a business by the Township. Such sign shall not exceed 12 feet in height. Temporary signs used for special holiday events or the sale of agricultural products shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of § 182-154C herein.
D.
Residential developments may have one sign to identify
the name of the complex on each side of the entrance at each vehicular
entrance to the property. The aggregate area of signs at each vehicular
entrance may not exceed 25 square feet in area. A homeowner's association
or, where none exists, the lot owner on whose lot such signs are located,
shall be responsible for maintenance of such signs and any decorative
walls, fences or landscaping associated with them.
E.
Residential developments with on-site recreation or
community centers may have one identification sign for said center,
which shall be no larger than 12 square feet. An additional directional
sign with a maximum area of two square feet may be either added to
and combined with the identification sign or be separate.
A.
Wall signs shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1)
On lots less than one acre: total sign area of all
wall signs shall not exceed 48 square feet, and no wall sign shall
exceed 5% of any building face.
(2)
On lots of one acre or more but less than five acres:
total sign area of all wall signs shall not exceed 96 square feet,
and no wall sign shall exceed 6% of any building face.
(3)
On lots of five acres or more: total sign area of
all wall signs shall not exceed 144 square feet, and no wall sign
shall exceed 7% of any building face.
B.
One incidental sign not to exceed four square feet
in area.
C.
One directional sign not to exceed six square feet
in area.
D.
One monument entrance sign to identify the name of
the complex at each vehicular entrance to the property not to exceed
25 square feet in area. The height of said sign shall not exceed five
feet.
E.
Signs of contractors, mechanics, painters and artisans
directed and maintained on the premises where the work is being performed
for the period of time that the work is being performed and real estate
signs advertising either the sale or rental of the premises or the
development of the premises by the builder, contractor, developer
or other persons interested therein shall be subject to the following
regulations:
(1)
Each sign shall not exceed 35 square feet in area
for properties less than five acres in size and 65 square feet for
properties in excess of five acres.
(2)
All such signs shall be unlighted.
(3)
All such signs shall be removed within 10 days of
the completion of the particular purpose for which the sign has been
erected.
(4)
One sign shall be permitted for each street frontage.
A.
One entrance sign to identify the name of the complex
at each vehicular entrance to the property not to exceed 25 square
feet in area.
B.
One directional sign not to exceed six square feet in area for each vehicular entrance. This may be added to and combined with the sign permitted in Subsection A or be separate.
D.
One identification sign per field or facility not
to exceed six square feet in area.
(1)
If the field is surrounded by fencing, the sign must
be flush-mounted on that fencing. In the event there is no fence,
the sign must be placed in a minimum of 20 feet outside the field
of play.
(2)
An identification sign on a structure or building
must be flush-mounted on the wall of the facility. A rest room facility
may have two signs, one identifying each gender-specific rest room.
E.
Scoreboards shall be exempt from sign provisions;
provided, however, the following regulations shall be applicable:
(1)
A maximum of 25% of the total area of the scoreboard
can be devoted to advertising or information not directly related
to the activity on the field the scoreboard relates to.
(2)
The side of the scoreboard with the activity-related information (i.e., score, inning, quarter, etc.) and any advertising shall only be facing inward towards the field of play and not exposed to adjacent streets or highways. If the only possible position for the sign exposes any game information or advertising to the adjacent streets or highways, the planting requirements of a Type 3 buffer, in accordance with § 154-36D(5)(e), Chapter 154 of the Township Code, Subdivision and Land Development, shall be installed to screen the exposure.
(3)
The rear of the sign shall be buffered from the adjacent fields, streets or highways, and parking. The planting requirements of a Type 2 buffer, in accordance with § 154-36D(5)(c), Chapter 154 of the Township Code, Subdivision and Land Development, shall be installed to screen the exposure.
F.
In addition to the identification signs permitted in Subsection D of this section, other signs may be affixed to fencing which surrounds playing fields, subject to the following regulations:
G.
At a publicly owned field, one sign may be affixed
to any portion of the grandstands associated with said field, subject
to the following regulations:
A.
The total maximum sign area shall be based upon the
size of the lot on which the office use is located, distributed in
any manner chosen by the applicant, and as subject further to the
limitations on size of individual types of signs prescribed in the
various subsections of this section.
(1)
On lots of less than one acre: total sign area of
175 square feet, provided that it may be increased to 275 square feet
for lots with more than one frontage.
(2)
On lots of one acre or more but less than five acres:
total sign area of 200 square feet, provided that may be increased
to 300 square feet for lots with more than one frontage.
(3)
On lots of five acres or more: total sign area of
235 square feet, provided that it may be increased to 350 square feet
for lots with more than one frontage.
B.
Wall, awning, window or blade signs are permitted
on only the building frontage that serves as the principal approach
to the building, except as noted below.
C.
D.
Wall signs shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1)
No wall sign shall be placed above the sign height
line.
(2)
The sign area for the primary frontage shall be based
on the gross square footage of the building and shall be limited as
follows:
(a)
Buildings less than 10,000 square feet: 100
square feet.
(b)
Buildings 10,000 square feet or more and less
than 20,000 square feet: 150 square feet.
(c)
Buildings 20,000 square feet or more and less
than 30,000 square feet: 200 square feet.
(d)
Buildings of 30,000 square feet or more: 300
square feet.
(e)
In no case is the area of the sign(s) to exceed
20% of the building frontage on which it is placed.
(3)
When a building can be approached by vehicles from
two or more directions, a sign on one additional frontage shall be
permitted at up to 50% of the size permitted above for the principal
approach frontage. The sign area calculated for each frontage shall
be erected on that frontage only and shall not be increased by the
sign area calculated for another frontage.
(4)
Tenants shall be required tohave an identification
sign of four square feet on the rear or service entrance side of tenant
spaces for delivery and emergency response purposes.
E.
Additional monument signage for large-scale office
or office/business parks. Monument signs for those uses shall be subject
to the following regulations:
(1)
Monument signs may only be permitted in office or
office/business park when the tract contains at least 25 acres (gross).
(2)
When the entrance to an office or office/business
park is via a public or private road which intersects a public road
that is classified as feeder or higher by the Township's Ultimate
Right-of-way Map and Ordinance,[1] the development may have a maximum of two monument signs,
one on either side of the entrance.
(3)
Monument signs are subject to the following dimensional
requirements:
(a)
The overall height of the sign and supporting
structure shall not exceed 12 feet measured from the grade of the
abutting roadways.
(b)
Said sign shall be located a minimum of five
feet back from the ultimate right-of-way line, and in no case impede
proper site distance.
(c)
Monument signs shall be limited to 200 square
feet in size, not including the structure upon which the sign is erected.
(4)
Monument signs for an office or office/business park
provided for in this section may only contain the name of the overall
office user or the office/business park name.
(5)
In addition to any directory sign which may be permitted in an office or business park in accordance with Subsection H of this section, one additional directory sign may be permitted as part of the monument signage permitted herein. Said directory sign shall be of like or coordinated design and materials as the main monument sign and shall be designed as an integral part of the monument sign structure or design appurtenances thereto. The maximum overall size of said directory sign shall be as prescribed in Subsection H of this section; provided, however, it may be increased up to a maximum of 75 square feet, provided the total area of the monument sign and the directory sign together do not exceed 200 square feet.
F.
Awning signs shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1)
A sign may be placed on the portion of the awning,
canopy or marquee that is in a plane parallel to the wall of the building
and visible from the public street.
(2)
The size of the sign shall not exceed 20% of the area
on that plane.
(3)
In addition, a logo or other graphic, with no written
copy, is permitted on the sloped face of the awning. The size of the
graphic shall not exceed 20% of the sloped area of the awning.
G.
Signs of contractors, mechanics, painters and artisans
directed and maintained on the premises where the work is being performed
for the period of time that the work is being performed and real estate
signs advertising either the sale or rental of the premises or the
development of the premises by the builder, contractor, developer
or other persons interested therein shall be subject to the following
regulations:
(1)
Each sign shall not exceed 35 square feet in area
for properties less than five acres in size and 65 square feet for
properties of five acres or more.
(2)
All such signs shall be unlighted.
(3)
All such signs shall be removed within 10 days of
the completion of the particular purpose for which the sign has been
erected.
(4)
One sign shall be permitted for each street frontage.
H.
In addition to the aforementioned signs, when there
are three or more establishments in a development, a multiple directory
sign shall be permitted, subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Such signs shall be ground signs only and one such
sign shall be located at the main point of ingress and egress to the
area served by the sign and located on one of the properties serviced
by this sign.
(2)
Individual spaces to indicate the name and location
of each industry or enterprise within the area, including the name
of the area if being developed as a single unit, may be provided on
such sign, provided that each such space shall not exceed three square
feet in area, and further provided that the total sign area shall
not exceed 36 square feet.
A.
The total maximum sign area shall be based upon the size of the lot on which the commercial use is located, distributed in any manner chosen by the applicant, and as subject further to the limitations on size of individual types of signs prescribed in the various subsections of this section. However, signage for shopping centers of less than 10 acres is regulated in § 182-146.1 herein; signage for shopping centers of 10 acres or greater is regulated in § 182-146.2 herein; and signage for individual tenants within any shopping center or mixed-use development is regulated in § 182-148 herein.
(1)
On lots of less than one acre: total sign area of
225 square feet, provided that it may be increased to 325 square feet
for lots with more than one frontage.
(2)
On lots of one acre or more but less than five acres:
total sign area of 275 square feet, provided that it may be increased
to 450 square feet for lots with more than one frontage.
(3)
On lots of five acres or more: total sign area of
325 square feet, provided that it may be increased to 525 square feet
for lots with more than one frontage.
B.
Wall, awning, window or blade signs are permitted
on only the building frontage that serves as the principal approach
to the building, except as noted below.
C.
D.
Wall signs shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Roof signs are not permitted; signs above sign height
line may be permitted as long as they are mounted on a parapet wall
which is designed as an integrated element of the building's architecture.
(2)
The sign area for the primary frontage shall be based
on the gross square footage of the building and shall be limited as
follows:
(a)
Buildings/tenant space less than 10,000 square
feet: 100 square feet.
(b)
Buildings/tenant space 10,000 square feet or
more and less than 20,000 square feet: 200 square feet.
(c)
Buildings/tenant space 20,000 square feet or
more and less than 30,000 square feet: 300 square feet.
(d)
Buildings/tenant space of 30,000 square feet
or more: 400 square feet.
(e)
In no case is the area of the sign(s) to exceed
20% of the building frontage on which it is placed.
(3)
When a building can be approached by vehicles from
two or more directions, a sign on one additional frontage shall be
permitted at up to 50% of the size permitted above for the principal
approach frontage. The sign area calculated for each frontage shall
be erected on that frontage only and shall not be increased by the
sign area calculated for another frontage.
(4)
In addition to the above, window signs that contain
a logo or other graphic, with no written copy, are permitted on the
glassed area of the building face. The size of the graphic shall not
exceed 15% of the glassed area.
E.
Awning signs shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1)
A sign may be placed on the portion of the awning,
canopy or marquee that is in a plane parallel to the wall of the building
and visible from the public street.
(2)
The size of the sign shall not exceed 20% of the area
on that plane.
(3)
In addition, a logo or other graphic, with no written
copy, is permitted on the sloped face of the awning. The size of the
graphic shall not exceed 20% of the sloped area of the awning.
F.
Signs of contractors, mechanics, painters and artisans
directed and maintained on the premises where the work is being performed
for the period of time that the work is being performed and real estate
signs advertising either the sale or rental of the premises or the
development of the premises by the builder, contractor, developer
or other persons interested therein shall be subject to the following
regulations:
(1)
Each sign shall not exceed 35 square feet in area
for properties less than five acres in size and 65 square feet for
properties of five acres or more.
(2)
All such signs shall be unlighted.
(3)
All such signs shall be removed within 10 days of
the completion of the particular purpose for which the sign has been
erected.
G.
In addition to the aforementioned signs, when there are three or more establishments in a development, a multiple directory sign shall be permitted subject to the following regulations; provided, however, that a shopping center development entitled to signage in accordance with § 182-146.1 shall not also be entitled to this signage:
(1)
Such signs shall be ground signs only, and one such
sign shall be located at the main point of ingress and egress to the
area served by the sign and located on one of the properties serviced
by this sign.
(2)
Individual spaces to indicate the name and location
of each industry or enterprise within the area, including the name
of the area if being developed as a single unit, may be provided on
such sign, provided that each such space shall not exceed three square
feet in area, and further provided that the total sign area shall
not exceed 36 square feet.
(3)
Tenants shall be required to have an identification
sign of four square feet on the rear or service entrance side of tenant
spaces for delivery and emergency response purposes.
In a shopping center of less than 10 acres,
the following sign provisions apply in lieu of any other herein:
A.
One entrance sign identifying the shopping center
at each vehicular entrance from a public street, provided that:
(1)
The overall height of all such entrance signs
shall not be more than 25 feet in height.
(2)
The total area of such sign shall not exceed
150 square feet. Larger individual signs may be permitted if the total
sign square footage for which the site is entitled is not increased.
In no event shall a sign exceed 200 square feet.
(3)
The spacing of such signs, with reference to
each other, shall not be less than 400 feet measured in single straight
lines.
(4)
There may not be more than two such signs for
any one shopping center.
B.
Wall, awning, window or blade signs are permitted
on only the building frontage that serves as the principal approach
to the building, except as noted below.
C.
Roof signs are not permitted; signs above sign height
line may be permitted as long as they are mounted on a parapet wall
which is designed as an integrated element of the building's architecture.
D.
Pedestrian directory signs listing the names of commercial
or business establishments within the vicinity shall be permitted
in any area used solely by pedestrians, provided that such signs may
not exceed 15 square feet in area.
E.
Vehicular directory signs shall be permitted, subject
to the following regulations:
(1)
Such signs shall be ground signs only, and one
such sign shall be located at the main point of ingress and egress
to the area served by the sign and located on one of the properties
serviced by this sign. A maximum of one directory sign in a shopping
center shall be permitted.
(2)
Individual spaces to indicate the name and location
of each use within the area, including the name of the area if being
developed as a single unit, may be provided on such sign, provided
that each such space shall not exceed three square feet in area, and
further provided that the total sign area shall not exceed 36 square
feet.
F.
Signs of contractors, mechanics, painters and artisans
directed and maintained on the premises where the work is being performed
for the period of time that the work is being performed and real estate
signs advertising either the sale or rental of the premises or the
development of the premises by the builder, contractor, developer
or other persons interested therein shall be subject to the following
regulations:
In a shopping center of 10 acres or greater,
the following sign provisions apply in lieu of any other herein;
A.
One entrance sign identifying the shopping center
at each vehicular entrance from a public street, provided that:
(1)
The overall height of all such entrance signs
shall not be more than 35 feet in height.
(2)
The total area of such sign shall not exceed
200 square feet. Larger individual signs may be permitted if the total
sign square footage for which the site is entitled is not increased.
In no event shall a sign exceed 300 square feet.
(3)
The spacing of such signs, with reference to
each other, shall not be less than 400 feet measured in single straight
lines.
(4)
There may not be more than three such signs
for any one shopping center.
B.
Tenants are permitted to have wall, awning, window
or blade signs on only the building frontage that serves as the principal
approach to the building, except as noted below.
C.
Roof signs are not permitted; signs above sign height
line may be permitted as long as they are mounted on a parapet wall
which is designed as an integrated element of the building's architecture.
D.
Pedestrian directory signs listing the names of commercial
or business establishments within the vicinity shall be permitted
in any area used solely by pedestrians, provided that such signs may
not exceed 15 square feet in area.
E.
Vehicular directory signs shall be permitted, subject
to the following regulations:
(1)
Such signs shall be ground signs only, and one
such sign shall be located at the main point of ingress and egress
to the area served by the sign and located on one of the properties
serviced by this sign. A maximum of one per 30 acres or fraction thereof,
but in no case more than three directory signs in a shopping center,
shall be permitted.
(2)
Individual spaces to indicate the name and location
of each use within the area, including the name of the area if being
developed as a single unit, may be provided on such sign, provided
that each such space shall not exceed three square feet in area, and
further provided that the total sign area shall not exceed 36 square
feet. As a conditional use, a total of 60 square feet of signage will
be permitted, with individual spaces not to exceed five square feet,
if the area for which the directory is intended is either remote from
any abutting roads or does not parallel same. One vehicular directory
sign of the increased size shall be permitted for each 30 acres or
fraction thereof.
F.
Signs of contractors, mechanics, painters and artisans
directed and maintained on the premises where the work is being performed
for the period of time that the work is being performed and real estate
signs advertising either the sale or rental of the premises or the
development of the premises by the builder, contractor, developer
or other persons interested therein shall be subject to the following
regulations:
I.
For shopping centers in the IO-3 District, the following
additional requirements apply, provided that signs in addition to
those specified herein, or in excess of the sizes enumerated herein,
may be permitted by special exception from the Zoning Hearing Board.
[Amended 12-22-2009 by Ord. No. 505; 1-7-2013 by Ord. No. 525]
(1)
No pylon signs are permitted. Entrance signs
are to be monument signs only. Maximum height is 12 feet.
(2)
A coordinated signage package must be provided.
All signs must have similar sign style, lettering style, construction
materials and color.
(3)
Wall signs can be transferred from another building,
as long as the total permissible wall sign area for the building facade
on which it is being placed is not increased.
A.
The total maximum sign area shall be based upon the
size of the lot on which the industrial use is located, distributed
in any manner chosen by the applicant, and as subject further to the
limitations on size of individual types of signs prescribed in the
various subsections of this section.
(1)
On lots of less than one acre: total sign area of
225 square feet, provided that it may be increased to 325 square feet
for lots with more than one frontage.
(2)
On lots of one acre or more but less than five acres:
total sign area of 275 square feet, provided that it may be increased
to 450 square feet for lots with more than one frontage.
(3)
On lots of five acres or more: total sign area of
325 square feet, provided that it may be increased to 525 square feet
for lots with more than one frontage.
B.
C.
Wall, awning, window or blade signs are permitted
on only the building frontage that serves as the principal approach
to the building, except as noted below.
D.
Wall signs shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1)
No wall sign shall be placed above the sign height
line.
(2)
The sign area for the primary frontage shall be based
on the gross square footage of the building and shall be limited as
follows:
(a)
Buildings less than 10,000 square feet: 100
square feet.
(b)
Buildings 10,000 square feet or more and less
than 20,000 square feet: 150 square feet.
(c)
Buildings 20,000 square feet or more and less
than 30,000 square feet: 200 square feet.
(d)
Buildings of 30,000 square feet or more: 300
square feet.
(e)
In no case is the area of a sign to exceed 20%
of the building frontage on which it is placed.
(3)
When a building can be approached by vehicles from
two or more directions, a sign on one additional frontage shall be
permitted at up to 50% of the size permitted above for the principal
approach frontage. The sign area calculated for each frontage shall
be erected on that frontage only and shall not be increased by the
sign area calculated for another frontage.
E.
Additional monument signage for large-scale industrial
park. Monument signs for those uses shall be subject to the following
regulations:
(1)
Monument signs may only be permitted in an industrial
park when the tract contains at least 25 acres (gross).
(2)
When the entrance to an industrial park is via a public
or private road which intersects a public road that is classified
as feeder or higher by the Township's Ultimate Right-of-way Map and
Ordinance, the development may have a maximum of two monument signs,
one on either side of the entrance.
(3)
Monument signs are subject to the following dimensional
requirements:
(a)
The overall height of the sign and supporting
structure shall not exceed 12 feet measured from the grade of the
abutting roadways.
(b)
Said sign shall be located a minimum of five
feet back from the ultimate right-of-way line, and in no case impede
proper site distance.
(c)
Monument signs shall be limited to 200 square
feet in size, not including the structure upon which the sign is erected.
F.
Awning signs shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1)
A sign may be placed on the portion of the awning,
canopy or marquee that is in a plane parallel to the wall of the building
and visible from the public street.
(2)
The size of the sign shall not exceed 20% of the area
on that plane.
(3)
In addition, a logo or other graphic, with no written
copy, is permitted on the sloped face of the awning. The size of the
graphic shall not exceed 20% of the sloped area of the awning.
G.
Signs of contractors, mechanics, painters and artisans
directed and maintained on the premises where the work is being performed
for the period of time that the work is being performed and real estate
signs advertising either the sale or rental of the premises or the
development of the premises by the builder, contractor, developer
or other persons interested therein shall be subject to the following
regulations:
(1)
Each sign shall not exceed 35 square feet in area
for properties less than five acres in size and 65 square feet for
properties of five acres or more.
(2)
All such signs shall be unlighted.
(3)
All such signs shall be removed within 10 days of
the completion of the particular purpose for which the sign has been
erected.
(4)
One sign shall be permitted for each street frontage.
H.
In addition to the aforementioned signs, when there
are three or more establishments in a development, a multiple directory
sign shall be permitted, subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Such signs shall be ground signs only and one such
sign shall be located at the main point of ingress and egress to the
area served by the sign and located on one of the properties serviced
by this sign.
(2)
Individual spaces to indicate the name and location
of each industry or enterprise within the area, including the name
of the area if being developed as a single unit, may be provided on
such sign, provided that each such space shall not exceed three square
feet in area, and further provided that the total sign area shall
not exceed 36 square feet.
(3)
Tenants shall be required to have an identification
sign of four square feet on the rear or service entrance side of tenant
spaces for delivery and emergency response purposes.
A.
Each tenant shall be permitted signage in accordance
with the following:
(1)
Tenants are permitted to have wall, awning, window
or blade signs on only the building frontage that serves as the principal
approach to the building, except as noted below.
(2)
The maximum total signage for each tenant shall be
as follows:
(a)
Buildings/tenant space of less than 10,000 square
feet: 100 square feet.
(b)
Buildings/tenant space of 10,000 square feet
or more and less than 20,000 square feet: 200 square feet.
(c)
Buildings/tenant space of 20,000 square feet
or more and less than 30,000 square feet: 300 square feet.
(d)
Buildings/tenant space of 30,000 square feet
or more: 400 square feet.
(e)
In no case is the area of the sign(s) to exceed
20% of the building frontage on which it is placed.
(3)
When a building can be approached by vehicles from
two or more directions, a sign on one additional frontage shall be
permitted at up to 50% of the size permitted above for the principal
approach frontage. The sign area calculated for each frontage shall
be erected on that frontage only and shall not be increased by the
sign area calculated for another frontage.
(4)
In addition to the above, window signs that contain
a logo or other graphic, with no written copy, are permitted on the
glassed area of the building face. The size of the graphic shall not
exceed 15% of the glassed area.
(5)
Awning signs shall be placed on the portion of the
awning, canopy or marquee that is in a plane parallel to the entrance
wall of the building. The size of the sign shall not exceed 20% of
the area on that plane. In addition, a logo or other graphic, with
no written copy, is permitted on the sloped face of the awning. The
size of the graphic shall not exceed 20% of the sloped area of the
awning.
(6)
One blade sign or under-canopy sign, not to exceed
six square feet in area, may be installed at each public entrance.
The bottom of the sign must be at least eight feet above the level
of the sidewalk.
(7)
Tenants shall be required to have an identification
sign of four square feet on the rear or service entrance side of tenant
spaces for delivery and emergency response purposes.
B.
The total maximum sign area for a mixed-use development
shall be based upon the use on the property which is entitled to the
least allowable sign area, as prescribed in the various sections of
this article.
C.
As a conditional use for a mixed-use development,
the total maximum sign area may be based upon the use on the property
which is entitled to the greatest allowable sign area, as prescribed
in the various sections of this article, provided that: a coordinated
signage package is proposed for the property, for all ground and wall
signs, including similar sign style, lettering style, construction
materials, and color.
Office, commercial or industrial uses with frontage
along Route 422 may provide additional signage along said frontage
as a conditional use, beyond what would ordinarily be permitted in
this article, subject to the following, provided signage is for uses
on the site on which the sign is located:
A.
Adequate evidence shall be provided to enable the
Board of Supervisors to determine that the additional signage is necessary
to identify the use to the passing motorist and that the use would
not be adequately visible without it.
B.
Any sign permitted shall meet all requirements of
PennDOT and the Federal Highway Administration.
C.
One sign shall be permitted for every 1,000 feet of
frontage, or fraction thereof.
D.
Each sign shall have a maximum area of 300 square
feet and a maximum height of 40 feet unless adequate evidence of the
need for greater area and/or greater height can be justified through
empirical evidence to the satisfaction of the Board of Supervisors;
however, in no case shall a sign greater than 400 square feet in area
and/or 45 feet in height be approved.
E.
If more than one sign is permitted, the spacing of
the signs shall be at the discretion of the Board of Supervisors.
F.
Such signs shall be set back a minimum of 15 feet
from the ultimate right-of-way.
G.
No sign permitted by this section shall be installed
within 500 feet of any interchange ramp of the Route 422 Expressway,
measured along the ramp from its point of intersection with the intersecting
roadway.
Advertising signs and billboards shall be permitted
as a conditional use in the industrial districts, subject to the following
provisions:
A.
The overall height of such signs shall not exceed
40 feet.
B.
Such signs shall be set back a minimum of 15 feet
from the ultimate right-of-way.
C.
Such signs shall not be placed within 1,000 feet of
one another.
D.
Such signs shall be permitted to front only those public roads of a controlled or semicontrolled access highway classification or greater, as delineated on the Township Ultimate Right-of-way Map, adopted as part of Article IV of Chapter 151, Streets and Sidewalks, and as the map may be amended in the future.
E.
Such signs shall not exceed an area of 300 square
feet, and no combination of signs at any single location shall exceed
a total area of 300 square feet.
F.
No sign permitted by this section shall be installed
within 500 feet of any interchange ramp of any qualifying road, measured
along the ramp from its point of intersection with the intersecting
roadway.
Where permitted, the illumination of signs shall
be subject to the National Electrical Code and to the following regulations:
A.
Signs that move, rotate, oscillate, vibrate or shimmer
are only allowed in the M-2 Manufacturing Industrial District, and
no other.
B.
Indirect illumination may be provided by floodlights,
spotlights, ordinary incandescent bulbs, fluorescent tubes or mercury-vapor
lamps. Internally illuminated signs shall be permitted only for commercial
and industrial uses. Regardless of the type of illumination employed,
all illuminated signs, and/or the light fixtures illuminating the
signs, shall be properly shielded and so located as to prevent glare
or blinding effects upon surrounding buildings, properties, or motor
vehicle traffic so as not to cause a nuisance or hazard to building
occupants, residents or travelers in the area.
C.
Neon lighting will be considered only as a part of a special sign, as defined in § 182-152, and as such will be included as part of the special exception required for such signs. In any case, neon lighting will only be permitted for a commercial or industrial use.
D.
No sign shall be permitted which is animated by means
of flashing, scintillating, blinking or traveling lights or any other
means not providing constant illumination. Public service information
signs shall be classified as "changing signs" and shall be permitted.
A public service information sign shall be any sign intended primarily
to promote items of general interest in the community, such as the
time, temperature, date and atmospheric conditions, and may be located
in any district except residential. Illuminated revolving barber poles
shall be permitted in conjunction with the use of a barbershop.
When the architectural design of a building
is integral with the sign composition to such a degree that normal
standards cannot be applied with practicality, such a sign shall be
deemed a "special sign" and may be permitted when authorized as a
special exception by the Zoning Hearing Board, subject to the following
conditions:
A.
Such sign shall be limited to office, commercial,
and industrial uses.
B.
Such sign shall form an integral part of the structural
or decorative facade of a building wall to such an extent as to render
impractical the measurement or placement of sign area as defined herein;
however, such sign may not be placed on any decorative facade where
the purpose appears primarily to increase the permitted height of
a sign above the sign height line of the building.
C.
Such sign may be of such unique materials, shape or
design as to render impractical the application of any of the regulations
contained herein which are intended to apply to the customary sign
and materials, shapes, designs or construction.
Flags bearing a corporate or company name and/or
insignia shall be permitted to be flown on the property where the
company is located, provided the following:
A.
The flag must be flown in conjunction with the flag
of the United States, provided that such corporate or company flag
shall not exceed in size 75% of the United States flag with which
it is displayed.
B.
In the event that a flagpole is attached to a building,
such flagpole shall not extend above the sign height line of such
building, except where such pole is used exclusively for the display
of the United States flag.
C.
Nothing herein precludes the flying of POW/MIA or
other legally sanctioned flags in recognition of nationally significant
events or persons.
A.
Unless more restrictive regulations are stipulated
for a specific type of temporary sign, such signs shall not exceed
16 square feet in area and shall be in place for no longer than 30
days. Funds shall be placed in escrow for removal of all temporary
signs at the termination of their allotted period of display, in an
amount fixed by resolution of the Board of Supervisors. Each sign
left in place beyond the permitted time shall be considered a separate
violation.
B.
Any candidate or group of candidates sharing sign
space can erect any number of election campaign signs. Said signs
may be in place no earlier than 60 days prior to said election and
may stay in place no longer than 15 days after the election.
C.
For agricultural or other nonresidential uses, not
more than one additional temporary sign for each street frontage of
an affected property may be erected four times a year, provided that
such sign shall be displayed for a period of not more than 30 consecutive
days. Such signs may be used for special sales, events, openings,
product introductions, anniversaries and similar occasions. Such signs
shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall comply with all
other regulations for the district in which they are located. Notwithstanding
any provisions herein to the contrary, balloons, banners and/or pennants
without advertising copy thereon may be permitted for the purposes
described in this section. Four off-site directional signs may be
posted for the same time period as for the temporary on-site signs,
provided that the maximum size of each sign shall be 12 square feet.
D.
Four signs directing prospective customers to a yard
sale may be posted a maximum of five days before the sale and shall
be removed within 24 hours of the conclusion of the sale. No individual
sign shall exceed six square feet in size.
E.
Four signs directing prospective customers to an open
house, for purposes of selling real estate, may be posted no sooner
than 12:00 noon on the Friday immediately prior to the weekend during
which the open house is scheduled; all said signs shall be removed
by 8:00 a.m. the Monday immediately following the conclusion of the
sale. No individual sign shall exceed six square feet in size. These
signs shall be exempt from the requirement for a sign permit.
F.
No temporary sign may be posted on private property
without the express consent of the property owner.
A.
Not more than two outdoor signs directing traffic
to a business location, hospital, community center, school, church,
nonprofit or charitable organization, park, etc., or the name and
place of a meeting of an official civic or service body may be permitted
in any zoning district on property(ies) other than the location of
said use.
B.
Not more than one outdoor sign directing traffic to
two or more businesses may be permitted in any zoning district on
property(ies) other than the location of said uses.
(1)
All such signs shall comply with the requirements of § 182-157 and with the height requirements of the district in which they are located.
(2)
The total area of such sign shall not exceed 72 square
feet, with the identification of any individual business not exceeding
six square feet.
(4)
All such signs shall be unlighted.
All signs shall be placed with regard to the
public safety and shall be governed by the following regulations:
A.
No sign shall be erected or maintained as to prevent
free ingress and egress to or from any door, window or fire escape.
B.
Only instructional signs shall be attached to a standpipe
or fire escape.
C.
Any business sign must maintain a setback distance
from an adjacent residential district as required under this chapter
for other business or commercial structures or buildings.
D.
No sign shall be erected at or near the intersection
of streets or upon a curve so as to obstruct free and clear vision.
No red-, amber- or green-colored discs or shapes may be permitted
within 100 feet of a street intersection or any location wherein it
is determined by the Zoning Officer that such colored lights or shapes
might be confused with official traffic signals.
Any vehicle or trailer which is parked on a
public right-of-way or on public or private property so as to be visible
from a public right-of-way and which has attached thereto or located
thereon any sign or advertising device for the basic purpose of providing
advertisement of products or directing people to a business or activity
located on the same or nearby property or any other premises is hereby
deemed to be an advertising vehicle and shall be prohibited. This
section shall not prohibit any form of vehicular signage, such as
a sign attached to a bus or lettered on a motor vehicle, where the
vehicle is not used for the basic purpose of providing advertisement
or direction as set forth above.
A.
A sign permit shall be required for all signs exceeding
two square feet in area unless otherwise provided. Applications for
sign permits shall be filed on forms furnished by the Zoning Officer
and shall be accompanied by detailed plans and specifications and
any other such information deemed necessary by the Zoning Officer
to determine the location and details of construction of such signs.
B.
All signs for which a permit has been issued must
be completely constructed within six months after the date of issuance
of the permit. Upon written request, the Zoning Officer may grant
one extension for an additional three-month period, provided that
the applicant presents reasonable grounds for the extension request.
C.
No permit to erect a sign shall be issued until a
fee has been paid to the Zoning Officer in an amount fixed by resolution
of the Board of Supervisors.
D.
A nonrenewable permit may be granted to any person or organization in the Township to permit the erection of temporary signs, as permitted in § 182-154. All such nonrenewable permits may be issued only upon payment into an escrow account an amount of money to guarantee the removal of such signs. The payment amount is determined by a fee schedule adopted by resolution of the Board of Supervisors. In the event that such signs are removed within the time periods stated herein, the escrow deposit shall be returned. If such signs have not been removed in the time period stated, the escrow deposit shall be forfeited and such signs shall be removed at the direction of the Township Zoning Officer.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply
to official federal, state or municipal signs erected within the Township.
In addition, the trade names, emblems or directions on service facilities
or product dispensers, including but not limited to gasoline pumps,
telephone booths and vending machines, shall not be considered to
be a sign when such trade name, emblem or single group of words or
symbols are not more than three square feet in area. Further, window
signs shall not be considered in computing total sign area, but in
no event shall window signs cover more than 20% of the area of any
window opening.
Any lawful sign existing on the effective date
of this chapter that does not conform to the provisions of this chapter
shall be considered a lawful nonconforming sign and may be continued.
Nonconforming signs may be repaired or repainted but shall not be
altered or changed in overall dimensions except to conform with the
provisions of this chapter.
A.
A nonconforming office use in a residential district
shall be entitled to one ground and one wall sign. The maximum size
for the ground sign shall be 20 square feet; the maximum size for
the wall sign shall be based upon the formula provided in § 182-145C(2)(a)
herein.
B.
A nonconforming commercial or industrial use in a
residential district shall be entitled to one ground and one wall
sign. The maximum size for the ground sign shall be 20 square feet;
the maximum size for the wall sign shall be based upon the formula
provided in § 182-146C(2)(a) herein.
[Added 8-15-2022 by Ord. No. 595]
A.
Whether the primary purpose of artwork painted on a building is commercial
or noncommercial is a fact-based inquiry and the initial determination
is to be made by the Township Zoning Officer. The determination to
be made is whether the expression depicted in the artwork is primarily
intended to advance the economic interests of a business. Factors
in making this determination include:
(1)
Whether the wall is part of a business;
(2)
Whether the artwork includes the name or advertising slogans
of a business;
(3)
Whether the artwork depicts specific elements of a transaction
or business activity associated with a particular business or trade;
(4)
Whether the artwork includes depictions of the owner or employees
of a particular business;
(5)
If volunteered by the building owner or artist, the stated noncommercial
expression sought to be expressed in the artwork;
(6)
Whether the artwork, in consideration of these and any other
relevant factors, is intended to call attention to a business or commercial
activity.
B.
If the Zoning Officer determines the artwork to be a sign, then it
shall be prohibited unless it complies with the signage criteria for
wall signs in that zoning district, if any. If it is determined to
be a mural, then it is subject only to the requirements set forth
in this part. Specifically:
(1)
It may not be larger than the wall on which it is painted;
(2)
It may not cover doors or windows;
(3)
It may not contain electronic elements and may not be internally
illuminated;
(4)
It may not include words or graphic depictions of violence or
sexuality that would be considered obscene applying contemporary community
standards;
(5)
It may not project into any public right of way;
(6)
It must be created using materials durable enough to last approximately
as long as ordinary exterior paint applied to the same wall in a single,
uniform color.
C.
Persons intending to create a mural within the Township may apply
to the Zoning Officer free of charge for a determination that the
artwork does not constitute a regulated sign. A mural that is painted
without Zoning Officer approval is subject to removal if it is in
violation of this section.
D.
The perceived cultural, artistic, historical, or societal significance
of any depiction in any artwork is unrelated to a determination made
by the Zoning Officer pursuant to this section.
