Words and phrases used in this Section shall have the meanings defined in this Section. Words and phrases not defined in this Section but defined elsewhere in this Chapter shall be given the meanings set forth in Part
2, Definitions.
LEGALLY NONCONFOR MING SIGNAny existing sign:
A. Located on a premises in the Township with a permitted use; and
B. Legally erected prior to the adoption of the ordinance codified in this Chapter; and
C. Not meeting the provisions of the current ordinance.
SIGNA name, identification, image, description, display, or illustration that:
A. Is affixed to, painted, or represented directly or indirectly upon a building, structure, or piece of land;
B. Directs attention to an object, product, place, activity, facility, service, event, attraction, person, institution, organization, or business;
C. Is visible from any street, right-of-way, sidewalk, alley, park, or other public property.
SIGN AREAThe area of all lettering, wording and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background on which they are displayed. Sign area excludes any supporting framework and bracing; provided, that it does not contain any lettering, wording, designs or symbols. For the purpose of this Section, sign area shall be computed as a square or rectangle drawn at the outer limits of the sign face (defined hereafter).
A. In the case of cylindrical signs, signs in the shape of cubes, or other signs which are essentially three-dimensional with respect to their display surfaces, the entire display surface or surfaces is included in the computation of area.
B. Where the sign consists of a double face, only one side shall be considered for the purpose of calculating total sign area. Where both sides are not identical or where the interior angle formed by the faces of a sign is greater than 45°, all faces shall be considered in calculating total sign area.
C. Any spacing between signs designating different or separate occupants or uses of a building shall not be counted as sign area.
SIGN FACEThe part of a sign that is or can be used to identify, advertise and communicate information for visual representation, which attracts the attention of the public for any purpose. This definition shall include any background material, panel, trim and color used that differentiate the sign from the structure on which it is placed. The sign structure shall not be included; provided, that no message, display or symbol is designed and included as part of the structure.
SIGN HEIGHTThe distance from the highest portion of the sign, including all structural elements, to mean grade of the ground below the sign.
SIGN STRUCTUREA supporting structure erected and used for the purpose of physically supporting a sign, situated on any premises where a sign may be located. This definition shall not include a building, fence, wall or earthen berm.
Signs are defined by form and by purpose. “Purpose” refers to the type of message contained in the sign. “Form” refers to the physical sign itself.
Signs Defined by Purpose:
ADDRESS SIGNA sign that designates the residence number for identification purposes, as designated by the United States Postal Service. Exempt
ARTISAN SIGNA sign giving the name or names of principal contractors, architects, and lending institutions responsible for painting or construction on the site where the sign is placed. Exempt
CIVIC EVENT SIGNA noncommercial temporary sign, posted to promote and advertise an activity sponsored by the Township, school district, church, public agency, civic or charitable association or other similar noncommercial organization. Exempt
DEVELOPMENT SIGNA temporary sign indicating that the premises is in the process of subdivision or development.
DIRECTIONAL SIGNA sign designed to guide vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic by using such words as “Entrance,” “Exit,” “Parking,” “One-Way,” or similar direction or instruction, but not including any advertising message. The name or logo of the business or use to which the sign is giving direction may also be included on the sign. Exempt
DIRECTORY SIGNA sign which identifies multiple uses in a planned development on a single sign; may be used for shopping centers, shopping streets or business campuses, and similar large complexes which have a variety of tenants or uses.
ELECTION SIGNA temporary sign relating to the election of a person to a public office or a political party or a matter to be voted upon at an election by the public. There are no restrictions on election signs, including the number of signs, but such signs must be removed within 48 hours following the closing of the polls. Exempt
GENERAL PURPOSE SIGNA sign that directs attention to a business, to a product sold, manufactured, or assembled, or to services or entertainment offered on the premises where the sign is displayed; or on a billboard.
GOVERNMENT / REGULATORY SIGNAny sign to control traffic or for identification, including street signs, warning signs, railroad-crossing signs and signs of public service companies indicating danger or construction, which are erected by or at the order of a public officer, employee or agent thereof in the discharge of his official duties. Exempt
IDENTIFICATION SIGNA sign that identifies only the occupant of a residential premises, the profession of an occupant, or historic designation of a building. Exempt
INCIDENTAL SIGNA sign used in conjunction with equipment or other functional elements of a use or operation. These shall include, but not be limited to, drive-through window menu boards, signs on automatic teller machines, gas pumps, vending machines, or newspaper delivery boxes. Such signs shall not count toward the total number of signs permitted for any one property. Exempt
INSTRUCTIONAL SIGNA sign located within the interior of a lot, generally not visible from the street or adjoining properties, which provides information as to the location, interior operation or use of buildings or facilities. Such signs shall not count toward the total number of signs permitted for any one property. Exempt
MEMORIAL SIGNA memorial plaque or tablet, or other remembrances of persons or events, which is not for commercial or advertising purposes; does not include grave markers. Exempt
PERSONAL EXPRESSION SIGNAny sign that expresses an opinion, interest, or position (not including election signs). Exempt
PUBLIC INTEREST SIGNA sign on private property that displays information pertinent to the safety or legal responsibilities of the public such as warning and “No Trespassing” signs. Exempt
REAL ESTATE SIGNA temporary sign indicating the sale, rental or lease of the premises on which the sign is placed. Such signs shall be removed within 14 days of settlement. Exempt
TEMPORARY SIGNA sign which advertises projects or events. Temporary signs shall be displayed no longer than 60 days, unless permission is secured from the Township Commissioners or if a construction project or property sale takes more than 60 days to complete. Construction signs shall be removed within 14 days of completion of construction. Such signs shall be placed at least 30 feet apart and shall not count against the total number of signs allowed for a particular property. Exempt
TIME AND TEMPERATURE SIGNAn electronic sign that provides data regarding the current time and temperature by means of illuminated numbers. May be a wall sign, projecting sign, or freestanding sign.
YARD SALE SIGNA temporary sign advertising a yard or garage sale. Exempt
Signs defined by Form: The physical structure of the sign.
A-FRAME SIGNA single sign face supported by an upright, rigid frame in the form of a triangle or an inverted V.
AWNING SIGNAny sign painted on or applied to a structure made of cloth, canvas, metal or similar material which is affixed to a building and projects from it. This definition shall also include signs suspended under a porch roof.
BANNERA sign consisting of lightweight, flexible material supported by a frame, rope, wires or other anchoring devices, which may or may not include text, image, logo or graphic symbols, including but not limited to feather signs and air dancers.
BEACON LIGHTAny source of electric light, whether portable or fixed, the primary purpose of which is to cast a concentration of light generally skyward as a means of attracting attention to its location rather than to illuminate any particular sign, structure or other object. Prohibited
BILLBOARDAny large, off premises, outdoor structure having more than 100 square feet of display surface and typically found in high traffic areas.
DIGITAL AND ELECTRONIC SIGNSAny sign, video display, projected image, or similar device or portions thereof with changeable text, images, or graphics generated by electronic components. Electronic signs include, but are not limited to, signs that use light emitting diodes (LEDs), plasma displays, fiber optics, pixel-based or other technology that results in bright, high-resolution text, images, and graphics. May be used if displays and messages are essentially stationary, do not change more frequently than once every 30 minutes with a transition period of one second or less, and follow all requirements within this Chapter.
DOUBLE-FACED SIGNA sign with two identical faces of equal sign area, which are back to back.
ILLUMINATED SIGNAny sign which has text, image, logo or graphic symbols illuminated by an internal or external lighting source attached to the sign.
MARQUEE SIGNAny sign attached to a marquee for the purpose of identifying a movie theater or similar place of entertainment. Permitted as a conditional use
MOTION SIGNA sign with action, motion, or the depiction of movement or change of position of text, images, or graphics. Motion shall include, but not be limited to: visual effects such as dissolving, flashing, scrolling, or fading text and images; running sequential text, graphic bursts; lighting that resembles zooming, flashing, twinkling, or sparkling; changes in light or color, transitory bursts of light intensity, moving patterns or bands of light; expanding or contracting shapes and similar actions; but not including wind-actuated elements such as flags, banners or specialty items. Prohibited, except for digital and electronic signs as described above
MOVABLE SIGNAny sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported, including, but not limited to, signs designed to be transported by means of wheels. This definition does not include sandwich board signs, A-frame signs or T-frame signs.
MURALArtwork applied to the wall of a building, which covers all or most of the wall and depicts a scene or event of natural, social, cultural, or historic significance. Permitted as a conditional use
NEON SIGNAny electric sign lighted by luminous gas-discharge tubes that contain rarified neon or other gasses (includes fluorescent signs). A neon sign may be a wall sign, a projecting sign, or a window sign.
PENNANTSAny lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire, or string, usually in a series, designed to move in the wind. Includes streamers, ribbons, and spinners.
PROJECTING SIGNA sign which is attached directly to any building wall and which extends more than 12 inches from the face of the wall. A projecting sign may not extend more than four feet from a wall, must clear the sidewalk by at least 10 feet, and may not extend into the cartway.
ROOF SIGNAny sign erected and constructed wholly on and over the principal roof of a building, supported by the roof, or extending vertically above the highest portion of the roof. Prohibited
SANDWICH BOARDA movable sign consisting of two faces, connected and hinged at the top. Such signs shall not obstruct free passage of a pedestrian way nor any entrance or exit.
TETHERED BALLOONAn aerostat restrained by a cable attached to the ground or a vehicle so that it cannot float freely. The tether is normally attached to a winch used to raise and lower the balloon. Prohibited
T-FRAME SIGNA single sign face supported by an upright, rigid frame in the form of an inverted T.
VEHICULAR SIGNAny vehicle used as a sign or vehicle to which a sign is affixed in such a manner that the carrying of the sign is used primarily as stationary advertisement for the business where the vehicle is parked, or another business, or is otherwise not incidental to the vehicle’s primary purpose. Prohibited
WALL SIGNAny sign erected against the wall of a building or displayed on doors or fences that does not protrude more than 12 inches from the wall, window, or door. A wall sign may not extend beyond the eave line or parapet of the roofline.
WINDOW SIGNAny sign placed upon the outside or inside of a window, facing the outside. Customary displays of merchandise or objects and material without lettering placed behind a store window are not considered signs or parts of signs.