Bethel Township City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XVII
Signs
§ 480-111 Purposes.
The purposes of this article are to regulate the type and dimensions of signs in the various zoning districts of Bethel Township, to recognize the commercial communication requirements of all sectors of the business community, to protect the public from damage or injury caused or attributable to distractions and obstructions caused by improperly designed or located signs, to safeguard property values and to assure that signs are consistent and harmonious in relation to the buildings and areas where they are placed.
§ 480-112 Scope and applicability.
A.
Any sign hereafter erected shall conform to the provisions of this article and any other ordinance or regulations of the Township relating thereto. Any sign not specifically authorized by the provisions of this article shall not be erected in the Township.
C.
No sign shall hereafter be erected or attached to, suspended from or supported on a building or structure, and no display sign shall hereafter be altered, rebuilt, enlarged, extended or relocated until a permit for the same has been obtained, except those listed specifically hereafter in § 480-115.
D.
Applications for such permits shall be made in writing to the Township in accordance with § 480-116 and shall present full particulars as to size, shape, material, supports, location and height above the sidewalk or ground, together with the written consent of the owner of the property on which the sign is to be located. All applications shall be accompanied by a plan drawn to scale, showing the sign, its size and its location with respect to the building and to the boundaries of the lot upon which it is situated.
E.
Nonconforming signs. Signs and their respective illumination existing at the time of the passage of this chapter and which do not conform to the requirements of this article shall be considered nonconforming signs and once discontinued for 60 days, or damaged more than 50% of their market value, or removed for any reason, shall be replaced with conforming signs. Nonconforming signs may be painted, repaired (including lighting) and altered in their wording, provided such modifications do not exceed the dimensions of the existing signs.
F.
Abandoned signs. No person shall maintain or permit to be maintained on any premises owned or controlled by him a sign that has been abandoned. An abandoned sign for the purpose of this article is a sign erected on and/or related to the use of a property which becomes vacant and unoccupied for a period of 60 days or more; or any sign which was erected for a prior occupant or business; or any sign which relates to a time, event or purpose which is past. Any such abandoned sign shall be removed by the landowner or person controlling the property within 10 days of the abandonment as described above.
G.
The Building Inspector is hereby authorized and empowered to revoke any permit issued by the Township upon failure of the holder thereof to comply with any provision of this article.
H.
The provisions of this article shall not apply where signage is erected and maintained by the Township for Township purposes, provided that all other required governmental permits are obtained by the Township prior to such Township use.
§ 480-113 Determination of size of signs.
The size of any sign shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of this article and the following:
A.
When a sign consists of letters, numbers and/or logos and not a lettered board and such sign is erected on or attached to a building wall or other similar surface, the size of such sign shall be measured by the geometric shape formed by the extreme outside edge of the largest letters, numbers or logos contained in the sign.
B.
When a sign consists of a lettered board and such sign is erected on or attached to a building wall or other similar surface, the size of such sign shall be determined by calculating the area of the lettered board.
C.
When a sign is a freestanding sign or ground sign, the size of such freestanding sign shall be determined by calculating the area of the lettered board or the area of the combination of letters, numbers and/or logos without a lettered board, as the case may be.
§ 480-114 Sign restrictions and standards.
A.
Prohibited signs. It is unlawful to erect or maintain the following signs:
(1)
Flashing, blinking, twinkling, spinning, animated, inflatable, aerial, crane signs or lighted moving signs, including automatic color-changing and rotating lamps and other moving objects that call attention to the sign.
(2)
Advertising cloth, vinyl or paper banner or signs of any similar character suspended or hung on any property, except for temporary promotional banner signs or temporary feather flag signs, which may be permitted through special permission of the Township, to be determined by the Board of Supervisors pursuant to § 480-116C(7) and (8) below.
[Amended 4-15-2013 by Ord. No. 205]
(3)
Wall bulletins or any other signs painted directly on the facade of a building or other structure.
(4)
Curb or sidewalk signs or signs painted, attached or suspended from any outdoor bench, chair or other structure.
(5)
Swinging and hanging signs.
(6)
Signs, letters, posters and advertisements which are placed, tacked, pasted, tied or otherwise posted on or affixed to poles, posts, buildings, fences or other structures located on public property or within public right-of-way in Bethel Township.
[Amended 4-15-2013 by Ord. No. 205]
(7)
No sign shall be temporarily or permanently placed, erected, attached or painted on any vehicle if such sign identifies, advertises or gives information with respect to a premises or a part thereof, or any sale or special event of other circumstances. A sign is permitted on a vehicle when:
(a)
Such sign is required by law;
(b)
Such sign is in transit from one location to another, for permanent installation, for a time not to exceed three days;
(c)
The sign which is permanently painted or affixed to a vehicle and is incidental to the use of a currently licensed vehicle when that use is a means of transportation; or
(d)
The vehicle, capable of sheltering a use or occupancy, is used as a construction shed or is located as prescribed for buildings in the zoning provision regulating the premises and is used and occupied for a purpose permitted by the zoning regulation. In such a case, the sign shall otherwise comply with this article.
(8)
Signs placed, inscribed or supported upon the roofline or any structure, which extends above the roof line of any building.
(9)
Signs indicating the location and direction of premises in the process of development.
(10)
Signs which change lettering and/or displays in less than one-minute intervals.
B.
Projecting signs prohibited. No new projecting signs shall be erected after the date of enactment of this chapter. Projecting signs in existence at the enactment of this chapter shall be considered nonconforming signs and shall be allowed to continue; however, such signs shall be removed after five years from enactment of this chapter, as noted in § 480-119B(3) of this article.
C.
Unsafe and unlawful signs. If the Building Inspector shall find that any sign or other advertising structure regulated herein is unsafe or insecure or is a menace to the public or has been constructed or erected or is being maintained in violation of the provisions of this chapter, he shall give written notice thereof to the permittee. If the permittee fails to remove or alter the structure so as to comply with the standards set forth herein within 10 days after such notice, such sign or other advertising structure may be removed or altered to comply by the Building Inspector at the expense of the permittee or owner of the property upon which it is located. The Building Inspector shall refuse to issue a permit to any permittee of owner who refuses to pay costs so assessed. The Building Inspector may cause any sign or other advertising structure which is an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.
D.
Inspections. The Building Inspector shall cause a routine inspection of all signs in the Township to be made at least once every two years and at any other time when he deems such inspection necessary. He shall report to the Board of Supervisors all unsafe signs, all signs failing in any respect to conform to the requirements of this article and all signs not licensed by the Township.
E.
General restrictions and standards. The following restrictions shall apply to all permitted signs:
(1)
No sign shall be located, arranged or placed in a position where it will cause danger to traffic or will interfere with traffic through glare; blocking of required sight lines for streets, sidewalks or driveways, confusion with a traffic control device by reason of color, location, shape or other characteristics; or through any other means.
(2)
All signs constructed or erected under the provisions of this article shall comply with the standards set forth in the latest applicable BOCA Code.
(3)
No sign shall be erected within the right-of-way lines of any public street, nor shall any such sign be closer than five feet to the right-of-way line of a public street, unless specifically authorized by other ordinances and regulations of Bethel Township or other governmental bodies or agencies having jurisdiction or regulatory authority in the matter.
(4)
No sign shall be designed or lighted in such a manner or placed in such a position or location that it will cause danger to traffic on a street by obstructing or hindering the view.
(5)
No sign shall be designed or lighted in such a manner or placed in such a position or location where it will present an unreasonable risk of injury to persons or damage to property.
(6)
All externally illuminated signs shall be turned off not later than 1/2 hour after closing of the business or entity which they identify or advertise.
(7)
No illuminated sign shall be lighted on days when the business or permitted use is not open for business.
(8)
Every sign must be constructed of durable materials and shall be solidly and firmly attached, supported and/or anchored to the supports or framework.
(9)
Every sign must be kept in good condition and repair. Any sign which is allowed to become dilapidated shall be removed by and at the expense of the landowner or lessee of the property on which it is located.
F.
Double-faced signs.
(1)
A sign may be double-faced, providing it has two parallel surfaces that are directly opposite and matching in size and shape and are not over 24 inches apart. Should the two surfaces deviate from being parallel, the sign shall be considered as two signs.
(2)
Should the faces of a double-faced sign be parallel, the sign shall be considered, as one sign and only one face shall be used to calculate the total size of the sign.
(3)
Each face of a double-faced sign shall be equal in size. Should the faces of a double-faced sign differ in size, then the area of both faces shall be used to calculate the size of the sign.
G.
Multi-faced signs. A freestanding sign may be multi-faced beyond two faces, provided that:
H.
Freestanding signs.
(1)
The bottom or lowest edge of any freestanding sign shall be no closer to the ground than seven feet. At least five feet of the upper portion of the seven-foot space shall be open and unobstructed. No more than two feet above the ground level can be devoted to and maintained for flowers, ground covers and low-spreading shrubs. If such plantings are installed, they shall be maintained at the maximum height of two feet and shall be free of weeds, debris and other undesirable material.
(2)
All single-post freestanding signs shall be made of metal, except for those used in residential districts which may be made of pressure-treated timbers. All such posts shall be embedded in the ground at least three feet six inches unless otherwise so directed by the Zoning Officer.
(3)
Freestanding signs will be permitted in residential areas only when set back a minimum distance of 10 feet from the street line.
(4)
Freestanding signs shall be illuminated only by concealed or indirect lighting attached to the sign itself.
I.
Ground signs.
(1)
The top edge of a ground sign shall be a maximum of five feet above ground level and shall have an area of not more than 36 square feet.
(2)
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.
J.
Each sign shall be removed within 10 days of the time when the circumstances leading to its erection no longer apply, or as provided otherwise herein.
K.
All sign provisions of this article shall apply to smokestacks, water towers, silos and other similar structures.
§ 480-115 Signs for which a permit is not required (exempt signs).
The following signs, exactly as described below, are exempt from the need to secure a permit and are allowed within all zoning districts of the Township but are subject to the provisions of §§ 480-112 and 480-113.
A.
Real estate signs. Signs advertising the sale or rental of the premises or lot upon which they are erected, provided that:
(1)
No more than one such sign shall be erected for any premises or lot held in single and separate ownership, unless such premises fronts on more than one street, in which case one such sign may be erected on each street frontage.
(2)
No such sign shall be illuminated.
(3)
All such signs must be removed on or before the date of settlement.
(4)
All real estate signs which do not exceed six square feet do not require a permit.
(5)
All real estate signs from six square feet to 20 square feet do require a permit pursuant to this article.
(6)
No signs which direct traffic to real estate that is for sale or rent can be placed on another property.
(7)
Directional real estate signs pertaining to open houses may be placed 1/2 hour prior to the open house and must be removed 1/2 hour after the open house.
B.
Decorations for a recognized officially designated holiday, provided they do not create a traffic or fire hazard.
C.
Official and governmental signs which shall include safety signs, trespassing signs, signs indicating scenic or historical points of interest and traffic signs.
F.
Temporary signs announcing a public, educational, charitable, civic, or religious event, provided:
(1)
Such sign may be erected for a period not to exceed 30 days nor more than three times in any calendar year.
(2)
Such sign shall not exceed eight square feet.
(3)
Such sign shall not be placed in such a position that it will cause danger to traffic on a street by obscuring the view.
(4)
Such sign shall be no closer than five feet to the right-of-way line of a public street, unless specifically approved by the Township Zoning Officer.
(5)
All temporary signs shall be removed within 24 hours after the event.
G.
Window signs. Such signs shall be used to serve as an accessory sign to the sign associated with the principal use.
H.
Official traffic signs.
I.
Trespassing signs or signs indicating the private nature of a driveway or premises, provided that the size of any such sign shall not exceed two square feet.
J.
Signs of contractors, mechanics and artisans, provided that:
(1)
Such signs shall be erected only on the premises or lot where such work is being performed.
(2)
The size of any such sign shall not exceed 12 square feet.
(3)
No such sign shall be illuminated, except that all signs for detours may be illuminated and flashing amber.
(4)
Such signs shall be removed promptly upon completion of the work by the contractor, mechanic or artisan.
K.
Signs advertising sale of farm products grown on the premises, provided that:
(1)
The size of any such sign shall not exceed six square feet.
(2)
Not more than one such sign shall be erected on the premises, unless such premises fronts on more than one street, in which case one such sign may be erected on each street frontage.
(3)
No such sign shall be illuminated.
(4)
Such sign shall be displayed only when farm products are on sale.
L.
Informational signs such as entrance, exit, no parking, visitor parking, no hunting, no trespassing, keep off the grass, and the like, on the same lot as the use to which the sign relates or the prohibition of the use to which the sign relates, provided that:
§ 480-116 Signs for which a permit is required.
The following signs are permitted, provided a sign permit has been obtained for such sign.
A.
Temporary signs advertising political parties or candidates for election.
(1)
The size of any such sign is not in excess of four square feet.
(2)
The erector of such signs or an authorized agent of the political party or candidate applies for and obtains a permit for the Township Zoning Officer and deposits with the Township at the time of his application, the sum of $25 per each 100 such signs, or fraction thereof, as a guarantee that all such signs will be removed promptly within 20 days after the date of the election to which such signs relate. If such signs are not removed at the end of 30 days, the Township shall have them removed and keep the full sum deposited to reimburse the expenses incurred by it and for the general Township purposes.
(3)
In no event shall temporary signs advertising political parties or candidates for election be placed on public property owned by the Township or the Garnet Valley School District. Temporary signs advertising political parties or candidates may be placed on public property owned by the Township or Garnet Valley School District on election day if such public property serves as a polling place.
[Added 4-15-2013 by Ord. No. 205]
B.
Signs in residential and similar districts. The following types of signs and no others shall be permitted in R-1, R-3, Apartment, Townhouse, Mobile Home and Planned Residential Development Districts:
(1)
Professional, accessory use or name signs indicating the name, profession or activity of the occupant of a dwelling, provided that:
(2)
Identification signs for apartment complexes, schools, colleges, churches, hospitals, and other permitted uses other than dwellings, provided that:
(3)
Signs advertising the development of the premises upon which they are erected, provided that:
(a)
The size of any such sign shall not exceed 20 square feet.
(b)
Not more than one such sign shall be erected on the premises or lot unless such premises fronts on more than one street, in which case one such sign may be erected on each street frontage.
(c)
No such sign shall be illuminated.
(d)
All such temporary signs shall be removed upon settlement of all lots on the premises in all approved phases of the development.
(e)
Permanent signs designating the name of a development shall be limited to 32 square feet, may be double-faced and are limited to one such sign at each entrance to the development.
C.
Signs in nonresidential districts.
(1)
General provisions. The following types of signs shall be permitted in the Commercial and Industrial Districts.
(a)
Any sign permitted in a residential district.
(b)
Real estate signs advertising the sale or rental of the premises upon which they are erected, provided that:
[1]
Not more than one such sign shall be erected for any premises held in single and separate ownership, unless such premises fronts on more than one street, in which case one such sign may be erected on each street frontage.
[2]
The size of any such signs shall not exceed 32 square feet.
[3]
No such sign shall be illuminated.
[4]
All such signs shall be removed not later than on the date of settlement.
(c)
Freestanding and ground signs in the Commercial or Industrial District may contain an electronic message board. Any electronic message component of a freestanding or ground sign must display messages solely and directly related to the permitted commercial or industrial use of the premises and/or nonprofit and/or community events. Such electronic message boards may not display electronic messages in such a manner as to create glare, confuse or distract the attention of motor vehicle operators, or cause a public nuisance.
[Added 4-15-2013 by Ord. No. 205]
(2)
Freestanding signs. Except where specifically noted otherwise, not more than one freestanding sign shall be erected for each building or group of buildings. However, one additional freestanding sign may be erected in the case of a property with more than one street frontage.
(b)
Size of freestanding signs.
[1]
Commercial districts.
[a]
One sign with a maximum of 50 square feet is permitted for a detached building or buildings with nine or fewer attached establishments.
[b]
One sign with a maximum of 60 square feet is permitted for two or more detached buildings in single ownership or buildings with 10 or more attached establishments.
[2]
Limited industrial district.
(3)
Freestanding signs at drive-through restaurants. A restaurant with drive-through service may erect one additional freestanding sign, which shall be a menu sign, provided that such sign shall not exceed 25 square feet.
(4)
Temporary mobile signs. Signs on mobile stands, which can be moved from place to place and thereby not permanently affixed to the ground and other portable signs, be they freestanding, on the ground or temporarily attached to a building or other support. Said signs shall require a permit and a permit fee of $25.[1] Such temporary signs may be erected for a period not to exceed 30 days nor more than three times in any calendar year. Only one sign per business shall be permitted.
[1]
Editor's Note: Pursuant to Ord. No. 208, adopted 10-14-2014, fees established by ordinance can be amended from time to time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors. The current fees are on file in the Township offices.
(5)
Wall signs.
(a)
Not more than one wall sign shall be permitted for every establishment with direct access to a parking area, except that establishments on corner properties may erect one additional wall sign.
(c)
Establishments with no direct access to parking area (establishments in interior of building) shall be permitted one wall sign, which shall be no larger than six square feet.
(d)
Establishments on second or upper floors shall be permitted one wall sign, the size of which shall not exceed 10 square feet.
(6)
Awning signs. Awning signs shall conform to the dimensional regulations relating to wall signs in Subsection C(5) above.
(7)
Temporary promotional banner signs. In the event of a grand opening or similar promotional event, temporary promotional banner, signs, posters or similar devices shall be permitted in the C-1 and C-2 Zoning Districts, provided that the property owner applies for and obtains a special sign permit for the same from the Township Board of Supervisors. All temporary promotional banner signs shall comply with the following restrictions:
[Added 4-15-2013 by Ord. No. 205]
(a)
Any temporary promotion banner signs shall be permitted to be displayed for no more than seven consecutive days;
(b)
Temporary promotional banner signs shall be affixed at four corners or shall be otherwise securely attached to a stable flat surface;
(c)
No special promotional device may be used which would create glare, confuse or distract the attention of motor vehicle operators or, by its size or composition, cause a public nuisance;
(d)
No such device shall be placed within 10 feet of the edgy of a public right-of-way.
(8)
Feather flag signs. Feather flag signs shall be permitted in the C-1 and C-2 Zoning Districts, provided that the property owner applies for and obtains an annual permit from the Board of Supervisors for the placement of feather flag signs. All feather flag signs shall comply with the following restrictions:
[Added 4-15-2013 by Ord. No. 205]
(a)
Feather flag signs must be set a minimum of 20 linear feet apart along a front yard. In no event may more than four feather flag signs be displayed on any one C-1 or C-2 District lot;
(b)
Feather flag signs must be set back from the front property line by at least 10 feet;
(c)
Feather flag signs shall be considered temporary promotional signs and as such shall be displayed no more than 100 days in a calendar year and in all events must be removed at the close of business on a daily basis;
(d)
Feather flag signs shall not exceed 12 feet in height and two feet in width.
§ 480-117 Billboards.
A.
Billboards shall be permitted only in the C-2 District.
B.
No billboard shall be erected within 2,000 feet of another billboard.
[Amended 4-15-2013 by Ord. No. 205]
D.
The minimum distance from a street right-of-way shall be 35 feet.
E.
The maximum height of billboards shall be 35 feet.
F.
No billboard shall be placed within the sight triangle as defined in Chapter 395, Subdivision and Land Development, of the Code of the Township of Bethel.
G.
"Billboard" as defined in this Code shall mean a sign which has a sign area of 100 square feet and which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment facility or other subject matter not located, conducted, sold or offered upon the premises where such a sign is located or which calls public attention to a candidate, cause, public issue or other such subject matter and which may be either freestanding, mounted upon a roof or wall of a building, or mounted or otherwise affixed to the side of a motor vehicle.
[Added 4-15-2013 by Ord. No. 205]
§ 480-118 Permits.
A.
Except as otherwise provided in § 480-115, no sign shall be erected in the Township until a permit therefor has been obtained in the following manner:
(1)
An application in writing shall be made to the Township Zoning Officer by the person desiring the permit.
(2)
The application submitted to the Township Zoning Officer shall give full particulars regarding the size, shape, material and supports of the sign as well as a sketch or sketches showing the location of the sign on the building or lot, the distance from the curbline and the height of the sign. The application shall be sufficiently specific to enable the Zoning Officer to determine if the sign complies with this chapter as well as any other ordinance or regulation of the Township relating thereto. Such application shall be accompanied by a fee as the Township Supervisors may establish.
(3)
If the person submitting the application is not the owner of the property upon which the sign is to be erected, the written consent of the owner of the property on which the sign is to be erected shall accompany the application.
B.
Except as otherwise provided in § 480-119, whenever any sign is replaced by another sign, enlarged in any manner or altered, dismantled, damaged or otherwise destroyed to the extent of more than 50% of its value, a permit shall be required as provided in Subsection A above before the sign is replaced, enlarged, altered or repaired.
§ 480-119 Nonconforming signs.
A.
Signs, which are nonconforming, and signs, which identify nonconforming uses, shall be permitted in accordance with the following regulations, except, as otherwise provided in this chapter.
(1)
A sign, which is nonconforming at the effective date of this chapter, may remain, but the size of any such nonconforming sign may not be enlarged.
(2)
A nonconforming sign may be changed to or replaced by another nonconforming sign, when authorized as a special exception by the Zoning Hearing Board.
(3)
A nonconforming sign which has been damaged, or otherwise destroyed to the extent of more than 50% of its value, shall be repaired or rebuilt only as a conforming sign, unless the Zoning Hearing Board grants a special exception to allow the sign to be repaired or rebuilt as a nonconforming sign.
(4)
If a nonconforming use of a building ceases or is discontinued for a continuous period of one year or more and such nonconforming use is deemed to be abandoned by virtue of the applicable provisions of other ordinances and regulations of the Township of Bethel, any nonconforming sign on the premises shall also be considered abandoned and any subsequent signs erected or maintained on the premises shall be in conformity with the provisions of this article.
B.
Amortization. The signs listed below shall be removed or otherwise brought into conformity with the provisions of this chapter in accordance with the following schedule:
(1)
Temporary, sidewalk, sandwich or A-frame signs, movable freestanding signs, banners, pennants and similar types of signs shall be abated, removed or brought into compliance within 90 days after enactment of this chapter.
(2)
Signs painted on buildings, walks, fences or benches shall be removed, abated or brought into compliance within two years after enactment of this chapter.
(3)
All other nonconforming signs shall be abated, removed or brought into compliance within five years after enactment of this chapter.
§ 480-120 Causes of action.
If any sign is in violation of this article, the Township or any aggrieved owner or tenant of real property who shows that his property or person will be substantially affected by the alleged violation, in addition to other remedies, may institute an appropriate action or proceeding to prevent, restrain, correct or abate such violation. When any such action is instituted by a landowner or tenant, notice of that action shall be served upon the Township at least 30 days prior to the time the action is begun by serving a copy of the complaint on the Township. No such action may be maintained until such notice has been given.