Bridgeport City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XVIII
Signs
§ 560-1801 Applicability.
Any sign erected, altered, or maintained after the effective date of this chapter shall conform to the following regulations.
§ 560-1802 Purpose and intent.
Signs perform an important function in identifying and promoting properties, businesses, services, residences, events, and other matters of interest to the public. The intent of this article is to regulate all signs within the Borough to ensure that they are appropriate for their respective uses, in keeping with the appearance of the affected property and surrounding environment, and protective of the public health, safety, and general welfare by:
A.
Setting standards and providing uniform, scientifically-based controls that permit reasonable use of signs and preserve the character of the Borough.
B.
Prohibiting the erection of signs in such numbers, sizes, designs, illumination, and locations as may create a hazard to pedestrians and motorists.
C.
Avoiding excessive conflicts from large or multiple signs, so that permitted signs provide adequate identification and direction while minimizing clutter, unsightliness, and confusion.
D.
Establishing a process for the review and approval of sign permit applications.
E.
Promoting signs which are compatible with their surroundings and are appropriate to the type of activity to which they pertain.
§ 560-1803 Definitions.
Words and terms used in this chapter shall have the meanings given in Article II. Unless expressly stated otherwise, any pertinent word or term not part of this listing but vital to the interpretation of this chapter shall be construed to have their legal definition, or in absence of a legal definition, their meaning as commonly accepted by practitioners including civil engineers, surveyors, architects, landscape architects, and planners.
§ 560-1804 Prohibited signs.
The following signs are unlawful and prohibited:
A.
Abandoned signs.
B.
Snipe signs. Signs shall only be attached to utility poles in conformance with state and utility regulations and the requirements of this chapter.
C.
Vehicular signs. This regulation does not include the use of business logos, identification or advertising on vehicles primarily and actively used for business purposes and/or personal transportation.
D.
Mechanical movement signs, including revolving signs.
E.
Pennant strings and streamers.
F.
Animated signs, flashing signs, or signs that scroll, strobe, or flash text or graphics.
G.
Inflatable devices or balloon signs, with the exception of balloons used in temporary, non-commercial situations.
H.
Any signs that imitate, resemble, interfere with, or obstruct official traffic lights, signs, or signals.
I.
Signs which prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window, fire escape, or that prevent free access from one part of a roof to any other part. No sign other than a safety sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
J.
Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors, particulate matter, sound, odor or contain open flames.
K.
Reflective signs or signs containing mirrors.
L.
Interactive signs.
M.
Signs incorporating beacon or festoon lighting.
N.
Roof signs.
O.
Signs erected without the permission of the property owner, with the exception of those authorized or required by local, state, or federal government.
P.
Any sign containing information which states or implies that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of this chapter.
Q.
Signs that exhibit statements, words, or pictures of obscene or pornographic subjects as determined by the Borough.
R.
Any sign that promotes illegal activity.
§ 560-1805 Signs exempt from permit requirements.
The following signs shall be allowed without a sign permit and shall not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of permanent signs allowed within a zoning district, provided such signs comply with the regulations in this section, if any.
A.
Official traffic signs.
B.
Government/regulatory signs.
C.
Signs inside a building, or other enclosed facility, which are not meant to be viewed from the outside, and are located greater than three feet from the window.
D.
Holiday and seasonal decorations.
E.
Personal expression signs of any sign type, including flags, provided that they do not exceed three square feet in area per side, are non-commercial in nature, and not illuminated.
F.
Address signs. Up to two signs stating address, number and/or name of occupants of the premises and does not include any commercial advertising or other identification.
(1)
Residential districts. Signs not to exceed three square feet in area.
(2)
Nonresidential districts. Signs not to exceed five square feet in area.
G.
Public signs. Signs erected or required by government agencies or utilities, including traffic, utility, safety, railroad crossing, and identification or directional signs for public facilities.
H.
Signs or emblems of a religious, civil, philanthropic, historical or educational organization that do not to exceed four square feet in area.
I.
Private drive signs. One sign per driveway entrance, not to exceed two square feet in area.
J.
Security and warning signs. These limitations shall not apply to the posting of conventional "no trespassing" signs in accordance with state law.
(1)
Residential districts. Signs not to exceed two square feet in area.
(2)
Nonresidential districts. Maximum of one large sign per property, not to exceed five square feet in area. All other posted security and warning signs may not exceed two square feet in area.
K.
Flags:
(1)
Location. Flags and flagpoles shall not be located within any right-of-way.
(2)
Height. Flags shall have a maximum height of 30 feet.
(3)
Number. No more than two flags per lot in residential districts, no more than three flags per lot in all other districts.
(4)
Size. Maximum flag size is 24 square feet in residential districts, 35 square feet in all other districts.
(5)
Flags containing commercial messages may be used as permitted freestanding or projecting signs, and, if so used, the area of the flag shall be included in, and limited by the computation of allowable area for signs on the property.
(6)
Flags up to three square feet in area containing noncommercial messages are considered personal expression signs and are regulated in accordance with § 560-1805E.
L.
Legal notices.
M.
Vending machine signs.
N.
Memorial signs, public monument or historical identification sign erected by the Borough, including plaque signs up to three square feet in area.
O.
Signs which are a permanent architectural feature of a building or structure, existing at the time of adoption of this chapter.
P.
Signs advertising the variety of crop growing in a field. Such signs shall be removed after the growing season.
Q.
Incidental signs, including incidental window signs.
R.
Directional signs, provided they do not contain any commercial messaging.
(1)
Area. No single directional sign shall exceed four square feet in area.
(2)
Height. Directional signs shall have a maximum height of five feet.
(3)
Illumination. Directional signs shall be non-illuminated.
S.
Art and murals, provided such signs do not contain any commercial messaging.
T.
Temporary signs in accordance with § 560-1811, Regulations by sign type (temporary signs).
§ 560-1806 General regulations.
A.
Sign location.
(1)
No sign shall be placed in such a position as to endanger pedestrians, bicyclists, or traffic on a street by obscuring the view or by interfering with official street signs or signals by virtue of position or color.
(2)
No sign may occupy a sight triangle.
(3)
Signs and their supporting structures shall maintain clearance and noninterference with all surface and underground utility and communications lines or equipment.
B.
Sign materials and construction. Every sign shall be constructed of durable materials, using non-corrosive fastenings, shall be structurally safe and erected or installed in strict accordance with the PA Uniform Construction Code, and shall be maintained in safe condition and good repair at all times so that all sign information is clearly legible.
C.
Sign area.
(1)
The area of a sign shall mean the area of all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs, logos, and symbols. The area of a sign shall not include any supporting framework, bracing or trim which is incidental to the display, provided that it does not contain any lettering, wording, or symbols.
(2)
Where the sign consists of individual letters, designs, or symbols attached to a building, awning, wall, or window, the area shall be that of the smallest rectangle which encompasses all of the letters, designs, and symbols.
(3)
Signs may be double-sided.
(a)
On-premises signs.
[1]
Only one side shall be considered when determining the sign area, provided that the faces are equal in size, the interior angle formed by the faces is less than 45°, and the two faces are not more than 18 inches apart.
[a]
Where the faces are not equal in size, but the interior angle formed by the faces is less than 45° and the two faces are not more than 18 inches apart, the larger sign face shall be used as the basis for calculating sign area.
[b]
When the interior angle formed by the faces is greater than 45°, or the faces are greater than 18 inches apart, all sides of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
(b)
Off-premises signs, both local directional and billboards.
[1]
Only one side shall be considered when determining the sign area, provided that the faces are equal in size, the interior angle formed by the faces is less than 45°, and the two faces are not more than five feet apart.
[2]
Where the faces are not equal in size, but the interior angle formed by the faces is less than 45° and the two faces are not more than five feet apart, the larger sign face shall be used as the basis for calculating sign area.
[3]
When the interior angle formed by the faces is greater than 45°, or the faces are greater than five feet apart, all sides of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
(4)
Signs that consist of, or have attached to them, one or more three-dimensional or irregularly-shaped objects shall have a sign area of the sum of two adjacent vertical sign faces of the smallest cube encompassing the sign or object.
(5)
If elements of a sign are movable or flexible, such as a flag or banner, the measurement is taken when the elements are fully extended and parallel to the plane of view.
(6)
The permitted maximum area for all signs is determined by the sign type and the zoning district in which the sign is located (see §§ 560-1814 through 560-1818).
D.
Sign height.
(1)
Sign height shall be measured as the distance from the highest portion of the sign to the mean finished grade of the street closest to the sign. In the case of a sign located greater than 100 feet from a public street, height shall be measured to the mean grade at the base of the sign.
(2)
Clearance for freestanding and projecting signs shall be measured as the smallest vertical distance between finished grade and the lowest point of the sign, including any framework or other structural elements.
(3)
The permitted maximum height for all signs is determined by the sign type and the zoning district in which the sign is located (see §§ 560-1814 through 560-1818).
E.
Sign spacing. The spacing between sign structures shall be measured as a straight-line distance between the closest edges of each sign.
F.
Sign illumination.
(1)
Signs may be illuminated, unless otherwise specified herein, consistent with the following standards:
(a)
Location. The summary table below § 560-1806F(7) provides detailed information about what types of illumination are permitted in each zoning district.
(b)
Light sources to illuminate signs shall neither be visible from any street right-of-way, nor cause glare hazardous or distracting to pedestrians, vehicle drivers, or adjacent properties.
(c)
No more than 0.2 footcandle of light shall be detectable at the boundary of any abutting property.
(d)
Hours of operation.
[1]
Signs on nonresidential properties may be illuminated from 5:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m., or 1/2 hour past the close of business of the facility being identified or advertised, whichever is later.
[2]
Signs shall provide an automatic timer to comply with the intent of this section.
(e)
Brightness. Message center signs and digital displays are subject to the following brightness limits:
[1]
During daylight hours between sunrise and sunset, luminance shall be no greater than 5,000 nits.
[2]
At all other times, luminance shall be no greater than 250 nits.
[3]
Each sign must have a light sensing device that will automatically adjust the brightness of the display as the natural ambient light conditions change to comply with the limits set here within.
(f)
Message duration. The length of time each message may be displayed on a message center sign, digital display, or Tri-Vision Board sign is based upon the visibility and speed limit unique to individual signs and adjacent road conditions. The following method should be used to calculate message duration for message center signs, digital displays, or Tri-Vision Board signs.
[1]
Determine the greatest distance from which the sign becomes visible on the road the sign is primarily intended to serve. If a sign is intended to be seen by more than one roadway, the road with the lower posted speed limit shall be used for determining message duration.
[2]
Multiply the road's posted speed limit (MPH) by 5,280, and then divide by 3,600 to obtain the speed limit in feet/second.
[3]
Divide the visibility distance by the speed limit (feet/second).
[4]
Add an additional 10% of this number to the total.
[5]
The resulting amount of time is the minimum permitted message duration, except where this value is less than eight seconds in which case the minimum message duration shall be no less than eight seconds.
(2)
Types of illumination. Where permitted, illumination may be:
(a)
External. Externally illuminated signs, where permitted, are subject to the following regulations:
[1]
The source of the light must be concealed by translucent covers.
[2]
External illumination shall be by a steady, stationary light source, shielded and directed solely at the sign. The light source must be static in color.
(b)
Internal. Internally illuminated signs, where permitted, are subject to the following regulations:
[1]
Internal illumination, including neon lighting, must be static in intensity and color.
[2]
Message center signs are permitted in accordance with the regulations contained in § 560-1806F(3).
[3]
Digital displays are permitted in accordance with the regulations contained in § 560-1806F(4).
(3)
Message center signs are subject to the following regulations, in addition to all other illumination requirements established in this section.
(a)
Sign type. Message center signs are permitted in the form of freestanding, monument, and wall signs, both on-premises and off-premises, in accordance with the regulations established in §§ 560-1807 and 560-1808.
(b)
Height. A message center sign shall have the same height limits as other permitted signs of the same type and location.
(c)
Area.
[1]
When used as an on-premises sign, message center signs shall not exceed 50% of the sign area for any one sign, and shall not exceed more than 30% of the total area for all signs permitted on a property.
[2]
When used as an off-premises sign, message center signs may be used for the full permitted sign area.
(d)
Maximum number. Where permitted, one message center sign is permitted per street frontage, up to a maximum of two message center signs per property.
(e)
Message display.
[1]
No message center sign may contain text which flashes, pulsates, moves, or scrolls. Each complete message must fit on one screen.
[2]
The content of a message center sign must transition by changing instantly (e.g., no fade-out or fade-in).
[3]
Default design. The sign shall contain a default design which shall freeze the sign message in one position if a malfunction should occur.
(f)
Conversion of a permitted non-message center sign to a message center sign requires the issuance of a permit pursuant to § 560-1820, Permits and applications.
(g)
The addition of any message center sign to a nonconforming sign is prohibited.
(h)
Public service announcements. The owner of every message center sign shall coordinate with the local authorities to display, when appropriate, emergency information important to the traveling public including, but not limited to, Amber Alerts or alerts concerning terrorist attacks or natural disasters. Emergency information messages shall remain in the advertising rotation according to the protocols of the agency that issues the information.
(4)
Digital display signs are subject to the following regulations in addition to all other requirements established in this section.
(a)
Sign type. Digital displays are permitted in the form of freestanding, monument, and wall signs, both on-premises and off-premises, in accordance with the regulations established in §§ 560-1807 and 560-1808.
(b)
Height. A digital display shall have the same height limits as for other permitted signs of the same type and location.
(c)
Area.
[1]
When used as an on-premises sign, digital displays shall not exceed more than 30% of the total sign area permitted on the site.
[2]
When used as an off-premises sign, digital displays may be used for the full permitted sign area.
(d)
Maximum number per property. Where permitted, one digital display sign is permitted per property.
(e)
Message display.
[1]
Any digital display containing animation, streaming video, or text or images which flash, pulsate, move, or scroll is prohibited. Each complete message must fit on one screen.
[2]
One message/display may be brighter than another, but each individual message/display must be static in intensity.
[3]
The content of a digital display must transition by changing instantly, with no transition graphics (e.g., no fade-out or fade-in).
[4]
Default design. The sign shall contain a default design which shall freeze the sign message in one position if a malfunction should occur.
(f)
Conversion of a permitted non-digital sign to a digital sign requires the issuance of a permit pursuant to § 560-1820, Permits and applications.
(g)
The addition of any digital display to a nonconforming sign is prohibited.
(h)
Public service announcements. The owner of every digital sign shall coordinate with the local authorities to display, when appropriate, emergency information important to the traveling public including, but not limited to, Amber Alerts or alerts concerning terrorist attacks or natural disasters. Emergency information messages shall remain in the advertising rotation according to the protocols of the agency that issues the information.
(5)
Electrical standards.
(a)
Permits for illuminated signs will not be issued without an approved electrical permit, if required. Applications for electrical permits shall be filed at the same time as the sign permit application.
(b)
All work shall be completed in full compliance with the Borough Electrical Code as set forth in the PA Uniform Construction Code.
(c)
The electrical supply to all exterior signs, whether to the sign itself or to lighting fixtures positioned to illuminate the sign, shall be provided by means of concealed electrical cables. Electrical supply to freestanding signs shall be provided by means of underground cables.
(d)
The owner of any illuminated sign shall arrange for a certification showing compliance with the brightness standards set forth herein by an independent contractor and provide the certification documentation to the Borough as a condition precedent to the issuance of a sign permit.
(6)
Glare control. Glare control shall be achieved primarily through the use of such means as cutoff fixtures, shields, and baffles, and appropriate application of fixture mounting height, wattage, aiming angle, and fixture placement. Vegetation screens shall not be employed to serve as the primary means for controlling glare.
(7)
Illumination standards by district. See Table 18.1.
Table 18.1 - Illumination Standards by District | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
District | Illumination Type | Brightness Limitation for Digital Displays and Message Center Signs | Hours of Illumination | Motion Limitation | Size Limitation | ||||
Internal | Message Center Sign | External | Digital Display | Digital Displays and Message Center Signs | Digital Display Signs as a Max % of Total Sign Area on Site | Message Center Signs as a Max % of Sign Area | |||
OS | N | N^^^ | N^^ | N | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
R1, R2, R3 | N | N | Y | N | N/A | N/A | Determined by visibility. See § 560-1806F(4)(c) | N/A | 50% |
INS | Y | Y | Y | N | Daytime: 5,000 nits Nighttime: 250 nits | 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. or 1/2 hour past close of business | Determined by visibility. See § 560-1806F(4)(c) | N/A | 50% |
NC | Y | N^ | Y | N | N/A | 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. or 1/2 hour past close of business | Determined by visibility. See § 560-1806F(4)(c) | N/A | 50% |
GC, GIC, LIC | Y | Y | Y | Y | Daytime: 5,000 nits Nighttime: 250 nits | 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. or 1/2 hour past close of business | Determined by visibility. See § 560-1806F(4)(c) | 30% | 50% |
Off-premises* | Y | Y | Y | Y | Daytime: 5,000 nits Nighttime: 250 nits | 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. or 1/2 hour past close of business | Determined by visibility. See § 560-1806F(4)(c) | 100% | 100% |
Temporary signs* | N | N | N | N | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Portable signs* | N | N | N | N | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
* | Off-premises, temporary, and portable signs are subject to the illumination regulations governing off-premises, temporary and portable signs, rather than the illumination standards governing the specific district where the sign is located. |
^ | Excludes marquee signs. |
^^ | Excludes signs located in parks or recreational facilities. |
^^^ | Excludes scoreboards located in parks or recreational facilities. |
§ 560-1807 Regulations by sign type: on-premises signs.
A.
Wall signs.
(1)
No portion of a wall sign shall be mounted less than eight feet above the finished grade or extend out more than 12 inches from the building wall on which it is affixed. If the wall sign projects less than three inches from the building wall on which it is affixed, the eight-foot height requirement need not be met.
B.
Canopy or awning signs.
(1)
A canopy or awning without lettering or other advertising shall not be regulated as a sign.
(2)
Canopy or awning signs must be centered within or over architectural elements such as windows or doors.
(3)
No awning or canopy sign shall be wider than the building wall or tenant space it identifies.
(4)
Sign placement.
(a)
Letters or numerals shall be located only on the front and side vertical faces of the awning or canopy.
(b)
Logos or emblems are permitted on the top or angled portion of the awning or canopy up to a maximum of three square feet. No more than one emblem or logo is permitted on any one awning or canopy.
(5)
Sign height.
(a)
The lowest edge of the canopy or awning sign shall be at least eight feet above the finished grade.
(6)
Any ground-floor awning projecting into a street right-of-way must be retractable.
(7)
Awnings above the ground floor may be fixed, provided they do not project more than four feet from the face of the building.
(8)
Multi-tenant buildings. If the awning or canopy sign is mounted on a multi-tenant building, all awning or canopy signs shall be similar in terms of height, projection, and style across all tenants in the building.
C.
Projecting signs.
(1)
No portion of a projecting signs shall project more than four feet from the face of the building.
(2)
The outermost portion of a projecting sign shall project no closer than five feet from a curbline or shoulder of a public street.
(3)
Sign height. The lowest edge of a projecting sign shall be at least eight feet above the finished grade.
D.
Window signs.
(1)
Incidental window signs displaying pertinent business information such as the business' hours of operation and credit cards accepted, shall be excluded from area calculations for window signs.
E.
Marquee signs.
(1)
Such signs shall be located only above the principal public entrance of a building facing a public street or parking lot.
(2)
No marquee shall be wider than the entrance it serves, plus two feet on each side thereof.
(3)
No marquee shall extend closer to the curb than three feet.
(4)
Sign height.
(a)
No portion of a marquee sign shall extend vertically above the eave line.
(b)
The lowest edge of the marquee sign shall be at least 10 feet above the finished grade.
F.
Freestanding signs.
(1)
The lowest edge of any freestanding pole sign shall be either less than four feet or greater than seven feet above the ground.
(2)
Freestanding 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.
(3)
Sign placement.
(a)
All freestanding signs shall be set back five feet from the right-of-way, except for official traffic signs and government/regulatory signs.
(b)
No freestanding sign may occupy an area designated for parking, loading, walkways, driveways, fire land, easement, cartway of the right-of-way or other areas required to remain obstructed.
G.
Manual changeable copy signs. Manual changeable copy signs are permitted only when integrated into a freestanding, marquee, wall, or portable sign.
§ 560-1808 Regulations by sign type: local directional off-premises signs.
A.
Locations permitted. Local directional off-premises signs are permitted in the following zoning districts: GC General Commercial, GIC General Industrial Commercial, LIC Light Industrial/Commercial, and NC Neighborhood Commercial.
B.
Sign size. Each local directional off-premises sign shall have a maximum area of nine square feet.
C.
Height and location of sign. The regulations of § 560-1807, Regulations by sign type: on-premises signs, shall apply.
D.
Number of signs per lot. One local directional off-premises sign is permitted per lot.
E.
Illumination. Local directional off-premises signs shall be non-illuminated.
F.
Local directional off-premises signs do not contribute to any sign area maximums.
§ 560-1809 Regulations by sign type: off-premises billboard signs (billboards).
A.
Locations permitted. Billboards are permitted in the GIC General Industrial Commercial District.
B.
Sign size. A billboard is subject to the following size restrictions according to the posted speed limit of the road which the billboard faces.
Posted Speed Limit (MPH) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Maximum Sign Area (sq. ft.) | <35 | 36-45 | 46-55 | 56-65 | Limited Access |
60 | 100 | 150 | 200 | 300 | |
C.
Height and location of sign.
(1)
The lowest edge of a billboard shall be at least seven feet above the finished grade.
(2)
Billboards shall have a maximum height of 30 feet.
D.
Spacing. Billboards shall be:
(1)
Set back from the right-of-way a distance equal to the height of the billboard or 15 feet, whichever is greater.
(2)
Located no closer than 25 feet from any property line.
(3)
Located no closer than 50 feet from any building, structure, or on-premises sign located on the same property.
(4)
Located no closer than 1,500 feet from another billboard on either side of the road measured linearly.
(5)
Located no closer than 500 feet from any intersection, or interchange (on-/off-ramp).
(6)
Located no closer than 1,000 feet from any property line abutting a public park, playground, religious institution, cemetery, school, or residential district.
(7)
Not attached to the external wall or otherwise affixed to any part of any building and shall not extend over any public property or right-of-way.
(8)
Not located on sewer rights-of-way, or water, electric, or petroleum pipelines.
(9)
Not located on a bridge.
E.
Number of signs per lot. There shall be no more than one billboard per lot. Vertically or horizontally stacked signs shall not be permitted.
F.
Content. Billboards shall not display any message or graphic of an obscene or pornographic nature as determined by the Borough.
G.
Double-sided billboards. Signs may be single- or double-sided, in accordance with § 560-1806C, Sign area.
H.
Message sequencing. Message sequencing is prohibited.
I.
Construction and maintenance.
(1)
All plans for billboards shall be certified by a licensed engineer registered in Pennsylvania.
(2)
All off-premises advertising signs shall be constructed in accordance with industry-wide standards established by the Outdoor Advertising Association of America and the Institute of Outdoor Advertising, or their successor organizations. All off-premises advertising signs shall be structurally sound and maintained in good condition and in compliance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.
(3)
The rear face of a single-face, off-premises advertising sign shall be painted and maintained with a single neutral color as approved by the Borough.
(4)
Every three years, the owner of the billboard shall have a structural inspection made of the billboard by a licensed engineer registered in Pennsylvania and shall provide to the Borough a certificate certifying that the billboard is structurally sound.
J.
Identification of sign owner. All billboards shall be identified on the structure with the name, address, and phone number of the owner of such sign.
K.
Landscaping.
(1)
Landscaping shall be provided at the base of all billboards. Trees and shrubbery, including evergreen and flowering trees, of sufficient size and quantity shall be used to achieve the purpose of this section.
(2)
Trees greater than four inches in diameter removed for construction of the sign shall be replaced on-site at a ratio of one replacement tree for each removed tree using native species no less than three inches in diameter.
L.
Additional regulations. All billboards shall comply with any and all applicable zoning regulations of the Borough, and any and all municipal, state and/or federal regulations. In the event any other applicable regulation is in conflict with the provisions of this section, the more strict regulation shall apply.
M.
Application/plan requirements. Plans submitted for off-premises advertising signs shall show the following:
(1)
The location of the proposed sign on the lot with the required sign setbacks from the property line and ultimate right-of-way.
(2)
The location and species of existing trees.
(3)
The distance to the nearest existing billboard.
(4)
The distance to the nearest right-of-way, property line, building, structure, on-premises sign, off-premises sign, intersection, interchange, safety rest area, bridge, residential district, or institutional use, sewer rights-of-way, and water, electric or petroleum pipelines.
(5)
Site plan containing all of the applicable requirements set forth in this chapter, as amended.
(6)
Certification under the seal by a licensed engineer that the billboard, as proposed, is designed in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws, codes, and professional standards.
N.
Illumination and changeable copy of billboards.
(1)
Billboards may incorporate manual changeable copy signs.
(2)
Billboards may be illuminated, provided that:
(a)
All light sources are designed, shielded, arranged, and installed to confine or direct all illumination to the surface of the billboard and away from adjoining properties.
(b)
Light sources are not visible from any street or adjoining properties.
(3)
The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 560-1806F, Sign illumination.
(a)
Message center sign.
(b)
Digital display.
(c)
External illumination.
(d)
Internal illumination.
(4)
Billboards may incorporate Tri-Vision Boards.
(a)
The length of time each message of the Tri-Vision Board may be displayed before changing is based upon the visibility and posted speed limit unique to individual signs and adjacent road conditions. The message duration for Tri-Vision Boards shall be calculated using the method described in § 560-1806F(1)(f), Message duration.
O.
Safety. The applicant bears the burden of proof to establish that the proposed billboard will not create a public health or safety hazard in the matter and location that it is proposed and in the manner by which it is to be operated.
§ 560-1810 Regulations by sign type: limited duration signs.
A.
Limited duration signs, as defined in this section, located on private property are subject to the regulations set forth below. Limited duration signs that comply with the requirements in this subsection shall not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of signs allowed on a property. Unless otherwise stated below, the requirements listed below shall apply to both commercial and non-commercial signs.
B.
Size and number.
(1)
Nonresidential zones:
(a)
Large limited durations signs. One large limited duration sign is permitted per property in all nonresidential zones. If a property is greater than five acres in size and has at least 400 feet of street frontage or has more than 10,000 square feet of floor area, one additional large limited duration sign may be permitted so long as there is a minimum spacing of 200 feet between the two large limited duration signs.
[1]
Type:
[a]
Freestanding sign
[b]
Window sign.
[c]
Wall sign
[2]
Area. Each large limited duration sign shall have a maximum area of 16 square feet.
[3]
Height. Large limited duration signs that are freestanding shall have a maximum height of eight feet.
(b)
Small limited duration signs. In addition to the large limited duration sign(s) outlined above, one small limited duration sign is permitted per property in all nonresidential zones. If a property is greater than five acres in size and has at least 400 feet of street frontage or has more than 10,000 square feet of floor area, one additional small sign may be permitted.
[1]
Type:
[a]
Freestanding sign.
[b]
Window sign.
[c]
Wall sign.
[2]
Area. Each small limited duration sign shall have a maximum area of six square feet.
[3]
Height. Small limited duration signs that are freestanding shall have a maximum height of six feet.
(2)
Residential zones:
(a)
Large limited duration sign. One large limited duration sign is permitted per property so long as the property is greater than five acres in size and has at least 400 feet of street frontage or has more than 10,000 square feet of floor area.
[1]
Type:
[a]
Freestanding sign.
[b]
Window sign.
[c]
Wall sign.
[2]
Area. Each large limited duration sign shall have a maximum area of 16 square feet.
[3]
Height. Large limited duration signs that are freestanding shall have a maximum height of eight feet.
(b)
Small limited duration sign. One small limited duration sign is permitted per property.
[1]
Type:
[a]
Freestanding sign.
[b]
Window sign.
[c]
Wall sign.
[2]
Area. Each small limited duration sign shall have a maximum area of six square feet.
[3]
Height. Small limited duration signs that are freestanding shall have a maximum height of six feet.
C.
Permit requirements.
(1)
A permit for a limited duration sign is issued for one year and may be renewed annually.
(2)
One sign is allowed per permit. An applicant may request up to two permits per address, but is subject to the size and number requirements set forth in this section.
(3)
An application for a limited duration sign permit must include:
(a)
A description of the sign indicating the number, size, shape, dimensions, and colors of the sign, and the expected length of time the sign will be displayed;
(b)
A schematic drawing of the site showing the proposed location of the sign in relation to nearby building and streets;
(c)
The number of signs on the site.
D.
Installation and maintenance.
(1)
All limited duration signs must be installed such that in the opinion of the Borough Building Official they do not create a safety hazard.
(2)
All limited duration signs must be made of durable materials and shall be well-maintained.
(3)
Limited duration signs that are frayed, torn, broken, or that are no longer legible will be deemed unmaintained and required to be removed.
E.
Illumination. Illumination of any limited duration sign is prohibited.
F.
Summary table for limited duration signs.
Limited Duration Signs | ||
|---|---|---|
Nonresidential Districts | Residential Districts | |
Large limited duration signs (max area 16 sq. ft.) | Number: 1 per property; 2 if property is 5+ acres with 400+ ft. of street frontage or has >10,000 square feet of floor area. Height: Maximum 8 ft. | Number: 1 per property if property is 5+ acres with 400+ ft. of street frontage or has > 10,000 square feet of floor area. Height: Maximum 8 ft. |
Small limited duration signs (max area 6 sq. ft.) | Number: 1 per property; 2 if property is 5+ acres with 400+ ft. of frontage or has > 10,000 square feet of floor area. Height: Maximum 6 ft. | Number: 1 per property Height: Maximum 6 ft. |
§ 560-1811 Regulations by sign type: temporary signs.
A.
Temporary signs, as defined in this section, located on private property, are exempt from standard permit requirements. Temporary signs that comply with the requirements in this subsection shall not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of signs allowed on a property.
B.
Unless otherwise stated below, the requirements listed below shall apply to both commercial and non-commercial signs.
C.
Size and number.
(1)
Nonresidential districts:
(a)
Large temporary signs. One large temporary sign is permitted per property in all nonresidential districts. If a property is greater than five acres in size and has at least 400 feet of street frontage or has more than 10,000 square feet of floor area, one additional large temporary sign may be permitted so long as there is a minimum spacing of 200 feet between the two large temporary signs.
[1]
Type:
[a]
Freestanding sign.
[b]
Window sign.
[c]
Wall sign.
[d]
Banner.
[2]
Area:
[a]
Each large temporary freestanding, window, or wall sign shall have a maximum area of 16 square feet.
[b]
Each large temporary banner shall have a maximum area of 32 square feet.
[3]
Height:
[a]
Large temporary signs that are freestanding shall have a maximum height of eight feet.
[b]
Banners shall hang at a height no greater than 24 feet.
(b)
Small temporary signs. In addition to the large temporary sign(s) outlined above, one small temporary sign is permitted per property in all nonresidential districts. If a property is greater than five acres in size and has at least 400 feet of street frontage or has greater than 10,000 square feet of floor area, one additional small sign may be permitted so long as there is a minimum spacing of 200 feet between both sets of small temporary signs.
[1]
Type:
[a]
Freestanding sign.
[b]
Window sign.
[c]
Wall sign.
[2]
Area. Each small temporary sign shall have a maximum area of six square feet.
[3]
Height. Small temporary signs shall have a maximum height of six feet.
(2)
Residential districts:
(a)
Large temporary signs. One large temporary sign is permitted per residential property so long as the property is greater than five acres in size and has at least 400 feet of street frontage or has more than 10,000 square feet of floor area.
[1]
Type:
[a]
Freestanding sign.
[b]
Window sign.
[c]
Wall sign.
[d]
Banner sign.
[2]
Area:
[a]
Each large temporary freestanding, window, or wall sign shall have a maximum area of 16 square feet.
[b]
Each large temporary banner shall have a maximum area of 32 square feet.
[3]
Height:
[a]
Large temporary signs that are freestanding shall have a maximum height of eight feet.
[b]
Banners shall hang at a height no greater than 24 feet.
(b)
Small temporary signs. One small temporary sign is permitted per residential property.
[1]
Type:
[a]
Freestanding sign.
[b]
Window sign.
[c]
Wall sign.
[2]
Area. Each small temporary sign shall have a maximum area of six square feet.
[3]
Height. Small temporary signs shall have a maximum height of six feet.
(c)
Duration and removal.
[1]
Temporary signs may be displayed up to a maximum of 30 consecutive days, two times per year.
[2]
The Borough or the property owner may confiscate signs installed in violation of this chapter. Neither the Borough nor the property owner is responsible for notifying sign owners of confiscation of an illegal sign.
(d)
Permission. The party posting the temporary sign is solely responsible for obtaining the permission of the property owner before posting their temporary sign.
(e)
Municipal notification. Temporary signs are exempt from the standard permit requirements but the date of erection of a temporary sign must be written in indelible ink on the lower right hand corner of the sign.
(f)
Installation and maintenance.
[1]
All temporary signs must be installed such that in the opinion of the Borough's Building Official they do not create a safety hazard.
[2]
All temporary signs must be made of durable materials and shall be well-maintained.
[3]
Temporary signs that are frayed, torn, broken, or that are no longer legible will be deemed unmaintained and required to be removed.
(g)
Illumination. Illumination of any temporary sign is prohibited.
(h)
Summary table for temporary signs.
Temporary Signs | ||
|---|---|---|
Nonresidential Districts | Residential Districts | |
Large temporary signs (max area: 32 sq. ft. for banner, 16 square feet for all other signs) | Number: 1 per property; 2 if property is 5+ acres with 400+ ft. of street frontage, or has > 10,000 square feet of floor area. Height: Ground: Maximum 8 ft. Banner: Maximum 24 ft. | Number: 1 per property if property is 5+ acres with 400+ ft. of street frontage or has > 10,000 square feet of floor area. Height: Ground: Maximum 8 ft. Banner: Maximum 24 ft. |
Small temporary signs (max area: 6 sq. ft.) | Number: 1 per property; 2 if property is 5+ acres with 400+ ft. of street frontage, or has > 10,000 square feet of floor area. Height: Maximum 6 ft. | Number: 1 per property Height: Maximum 6 ft. |
§ 560-1812 Regulations by sign type: portable signs.
A.
General provisions.
(1)
Illumination. Illumination of any portable sign is prohibited.
(2)
Hours of display.
(a)
Signs shall not be displayed on any premises before 6:00 a.m. and shall be removed each day at or before 10:00 p.m. However, all portable signs must be taken in during hours of non-operation of the business being advertised.
(b)
All portable signs must be taken in during inclement weather.
B.
Sandwich board or A-frame signs. Sandwich board signs that comply with the requirements in this subsection shall not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of signs allowed on a property.
(1)
Number. One sandwich board sign is permitted per establishment. For the purposes of this subsection, a parking garage or parking lot shall be considered an establishment.
(2)
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of seven square feet per sign face.
(3)
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height of 3.5 feet.
(4)
Sign placement.
(a)
If a sign is located on a public or private sidewalk, a minimum of 36 inches of unobstructed sidewalk clearance must be maintained between the sign and any building or other obstruction.
(b)
The sign must be located on the premises, and within 12 feet of the primary public entrance, of the establishment it advertises. For the purposes of this subsection, a public entrance includes a vehicular entrance into a parking garage or parking lot.
(c)
Portable signs shall be weighted, temporarily secured, or strategically placed so as to avoid being carried away by high winds.
(5)
Manual changeable copy.
(a)
Manual changeable copy signs are permitted when integrated into a sandwich board sign.
(b)
Commercial messages must advertise only goods and services available on the premises.
C.
Vehicular signs. Vehicular signs are subject to the regulations found in the Borough Vehicle Code.
§ 560-1813 Regulations by sign type: street pole banners.
A.
General provisions. Street pole banner signs that comply with the requirements in this subsection shall not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of signs allowed on a property.
(1)
Illumination. Illumination of any street pole banner is prohibited.
(2)
Area. Each street pole banner shall have a maximum area of 12.5 square feet and a maximum width of three feet. Up to two street pole banners are permitted per street pole.
(3)
Height.
(a)
When the street pole banner's edge is less than 18 inches from the curb, the lowest edge of the street pole banner shall be at least 14 feet above the finished grade.
(b)
When the street pole banner's edge is greater than 18 inches from the curb, the lowest edge of the street pole banner shall be at least eight feet above the finished grade.
(4)
Location.
(a)
No street pole banner shall extend beyond the curbline.
(b)
Street pole banners shall maintain a minimum of three-foot vertical clearance below any luminaries located on the pole measured from where the ballasts connect to the poles.
(c)
Street pole banners shall not interfere with the visibility of traffic signals or signs.
(d)
No street pole banner shall be located on a pole that has traffic or pedestrian control signals.
(5)
Installation and maintenance.
(a)
All street pole banners must be made of lightweight and durable fabrics with wind slits.
(b)
Street pole banners that are frayed, torn, or faded so that they are no longer legible will be deemed unmaintained and will be required to be removed.
B.
Permit requirements.
(1)
A permit for a street pole banner is issued for one year and may be renewed annually.
(2)
An application for a street pole banner permit must include the following:
(a)
A diagram or map of the specific poles to be used for street pole banner installation and the streets on which the poles are located.
(b)
A proof of the street pole banner design, including the banner's dimensions.
(c)
If brackets are to be installed, submit specifications for the bracket installation system.
§ 560-1814 Signs in OS Open Space District.
In addition to the exempt signs described in § 560-1805, Signs exempt from permit requirements, the following numbers and types of signs may be erected in the OS Open Space District, subject to the conditions specified here and in §§ 560-1807 through 560-1810.
A.
Any limited duration sign as defined and regulated in § 560-1810, Regulations by sign type: limited duration signs.
B.
Any temporary sign as defined and regulated in § 560-1811, Regulations by sign type: temporary signs.
C.
Signs associated with a residential use or parcel within an agricultural/rural zone shall comply with § 560-1815, Signs in residential districts.
D.
Parks and open space.
(1)
Freestanding signs shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(a)
Number. One sign per street access to a park or open space facility.
(b)
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 24 square feet per sign face.
(c)
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height of 10 feet.
(d)
Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 560-1806F, Sign illumination.
[1]
External illumination.
(2)
Signs located on the interior of the site used to identify various use areas, facility boundaries, on-site traffic direction, trail use information, the hours and rules for the use of the grounds, etc., are exempt from permit requirements subject to the following:
(a)
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 10 square feet.
(b)
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height of eight feet.
(c)
Illumination. These signs shall be non-illuminated.
(3)
Signs for recreation and sporting facilities shall be allowed provided that the following criteria are met:
(a)
Signs on the interior walls or fence of an open stadium or field shall be no greater than 24 square feet in size and shall be designed to be viewed from the inside of the stadium only, and non-illuminated.
(b)
One freestanding scoreboard, not to exceed 200 square feet in area and 20 feet in height, is permitted per playing field.
[1]
Commercial messages shall not exceed 30% of the front face of the scoreboard.
[2]
The face of all scoreboards, including any attached commercial signs and panels, shall be permanently oriented toward the recreation and spectator area.
[3]
Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 560-1806F, Sign illumination.
[a]
Internal illumination.
[b]
External illumination.
[c]
Message center sign.
[d]
Digital display (not to exceed 30% of the total scoreboard area).
E.
Freestanding signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1)
Number. One sign at each street access, up to a maximum of two signs per lot.
(2)
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 32 square feet per sign face.
(3)
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height of six feet.
(4)
Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 560-1806F, Sign illumination.
(a)
External illumination.
F.
Wall and projecting signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1)
Number. One sign per tenant per building frontage up to a maximum of two signs per tenant.
(2)
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 20 square feet per sign face.
(3)
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height equal to the eaveline or the bottom of the second story window sill, whichever is lower.
(4)
Illumination. These signs shall be non-illuminated.
G.
Window signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1)
Area. A maximum of 15% of the total window area of any single building frontage may be used for signs.
(2)
Illumination. These signs shall be non-illuminated.
H.
Summary table for signs in Agricultural, Rural, and Open Space Districts.
Agricultural, Rural, and Open Space Districts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Wall and Projecting | Window | Freestanding | |
Maximum number | Nonresidential uses: 1 per tenant per building frontage, up to a maximum of 2 signs per tenant | N/A | Parks and Open Space: 1 per street access plus 1 freestanding scoreboard per playing field Nonresidential uses: 1 per street access up to a maximum of 2 signs per lot |
Maximum area (sq. ft.) | Parks and Open Space: Signs on the interior walls or fence of an open stadium: 24 Nonresidential uses: 20 | Nonresidential uses: 15% of total window area | Parks and Open Space: 24 (entrance), 200 (scoreboard), 10 (signs interior to the site) Nonresidential uses: 32 |
Maximum height | Nonresidential uses: The eaveline or the bottom of the second story window sill, whichever is lower | N/A | Parks and Open Space: 10 ft. (entrance), 20 ft. (scoreboard), 8 ft. (signs interior to the site) Nonresidential uses: 6 ft. |
§ 560-1815 Signs in residential districts.
In addition to the exempt signs described in § 560-1805, Signs exempt from permit requirements, the following numbers and types of signs may be erected in the R1 Low Density Residential District, R2 Medium Density Residential District, and R3 High Density Residential District, subject to the conditions specified here and in §§ 560-1807 through 560-1812.
A.
Any limited duration sign as defined and regulated in § 560-1810, Regulations by sign type: limited duration signs.
B.
Any temporary sign as defined and regulated in § 560-1811, Regulations by sign type: temporary signs.
C.
Home occupations.
(1)
One freestanding sign shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(a)
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of six square feet per sign face.
(b)
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height of six feet.
(c)
Illumination. These signs shall be non-illuminated.
(2)
One wall or projecting sign shall be permitted, up to two square feet in area.
(a)
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height equal to the eaveline or the bottom of the second story window sill, whichever is lower.
(b)
Illumination. These signs shall be non-illuminated.
D.
Freestanding signs for residential developments or multifamily buildings containing more than 10 units shall be permitted subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Number. One sign per street frontage.
(2)
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 15 square feet per sign face.
(3)
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height of eight feet.
(4)
Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 560-1806F, Sign illumination.
(a)
Internal illumination.
(b)
External illumination.
E.
Summary table for signs in residential districts.
Residential Districts | ||
|---|---|---|
Wall and Projecting | Freestanding | |
Maximum number | Home occupations: 1 per lot | Home occupations: 1 per lot Residential developments: 1 per lot |
Maximum area (sq. ft.) | Home occupations: 2 | Home occupations: 6 Residential developments: 15 |
Maximum height | The eaveline or the bottom of the second story window sill, whichever is lower | Home occupations: 6 ft. Residential developments: 8 ft. |
§ 560-1816 Signs in INS Institutional District.
In addition to the exempt signs described in § 560-1805, Signs exempt from permit requirements, the following numbers and types of signs may be erected for the INS Institutional District subject to the conditions specified here and in §§ 560-1807 through 560-1812.
A.
Any limited duration sign as defined and regulated in § 560-1810, Regulations by sign type: limited duration signs.
B.
Any temporary sign as defined and regulated in § 560-1811, Regulations by sign type: temporary signs.
C.
Any portable sign as defined and regulated in § 560-1812, Regulations by sign type: portable signs.
D.
Any street pole banner as defined and regulated in § 560-1813, Regulations by sign type: street pole banners.
E.
Signs associated with a park or open space use in an institutional district shall comply with § 560-1814, Signs in OS Open Space District.
F.
Signs associated with a residential use or parcel within an institutional district shall comply with § 560-1815, Signs in residential districts.
G.
Freestanding signs for institutional uses, other than parks and open space, shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1)
Number. One sign per street access, up to two signs per property held in single and separate ownership.
(2)
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area based on the lot size of the property as follows:
(a)
On lots less than two acres: 24 square feet.
(b)
On lots of two acres or more but less than five acres: 40 square feet.
(c)
On lots of five acres or more: 60 square feet.
(3)
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height of 10 feet.
(4)
Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 560-1806F, Sign illumination.
(a)
Internal illumination.
(b)
External illumination.
(c)
Message center sign.
H.
Freestanding signs located on the interior of the site used to identify facilities, on-site traffic direction, hours of operation, and other information are exempt from permit requirements, subject to the following:
(1)
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 10 square feet.
(2)
Height. Each sign shall have a maximum height of eight feet.
(3)
Illumination. These signs shall be non-illuminated.
I.
Building signs, including wall signs, awning or canopy signs, projecting signs, and window signs, are permitted for institutional uses. The total maximum sign area of all building signs shall be based on the lot size of the property and wall area of the building as follows:
(1)
Area:
(a)
On lots less than two acres:
[1]
Total sign area of all building signs shall not exceed 5% of the total wall area for all walls that directly face a public street or parking lot.
[2]
No single building sign shall exceed 24 square feet.
(b)
On lots of two acres or more but less than five acres:
[1]
Total sign area of all building signs shall not exceed 6% of the total wall area for all walls that directly face a public street or parking lot.
[2]
No single building sign shall exceed 36 square feet.
(c)
On lots of five acres or more:
[1]
Total sign area of all building signs shall not exceed 7% of the total wall area for all walls that directly face a public street or parking lot.
[2]
No single building sign shall exceed 60 square feet.
(2)
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height equal to the eaveline.
(3)
Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 560-1806F, Sign illumination.
(a)
Internal illumination.
(b)
External illumination.
(c)
Halo illumination or back-lit letters.
J.
Optional. Upper-level building identification signs shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1)
Number. Two signs per building.
(2)
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 200 square feet.
(3)
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height of 10 feet and shall not extend vertically beyond the eaveline.
(4)
Location. Signs shall be limited to buildings at least three stories in height and shall be located only on the top floor of such buildings.
(5)
Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 560-1806F, Sign illumination.
(a)
Internal illumination.
K.
Summary table for signs in Institutional Districts.
Institutional Districts | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Wall, Awning/Canopy, Projecting, and Window | Freestanding | Optional: Building Identification | ||
Maximum number | N/A | 1 per street access, up to 2 per lot | 2 per building | |
Maximum area | Lots < 2 acres: | 5% of the total wall face area of walls that directly face a public street or parking lot. No single wall sign shall exceed 24 sq. ft. | 24 sq. ft. | 24 sq. ft. |
Lots > 2 and < 5 acres: | 6% of the total wall face area of walls that directly face a public street or parking lot. No single wall sign shall exceed 36 sq. ft. | 40 sq. ft. | ||
Lots > 5 acres: | 7% of the total wall face area of walls that directly face a public street or parking lot. No single wall sign shall exceed 60 sq. ft. | 60 sq. ft. | ||
Maximum height | The eaveline | 10 ft. | The eaveline | |
§ 560-1817 Signs in NC Neighborhood Commercial District.
In addition to the exempt signs described in § 560-1805, Signs exempt from permit requirements, the following numbers and types of signs may be erected in the NC Neighborhood Commercial District subject to the conditions specified here and in §§ 560-1807 through 560-1812.
A.
Any sign permitted in residential districts, for the appropriate uses, as defined and regulated in § 560-1815, Signs in residential districts.
B.
Any portable sign as defined and regulated in § 560-1812, Regulations by sign type: portable signs.
C.
Any street pole banner as defined and regulated in § 560-1813, Regulations by sign type: street pole banners.
D.
The total area of all wall, awning/canopy, and projecting signs shall be limited to two square feet per one linear foot of building frontage that faces a public street or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations based on sign type.
E.
Wall signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1)
Number. One sign per tenant per street frontage, up to a maximum of two signs per tenant. Where a property has entrances facing both a street and a parking lot, an additional sign is permitted to face the parking lot.
(2)
Area. No single wall sign shall exceed 24 square feet in area.
(3)
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height equal to the eaveline or the bottom of the second story window sill, whichever is lower.
(4)
Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 560-1806F, Sign illumination.
(a)
External illumination.
(b)
Halo illumination or back-lit letters.
(c)
Neon lighting.
F.
Awning or canopy signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1)
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height equal to the eaveline or the bottom of the second story window sill, whichever is lower.
(2)
Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 560-1806F, Sign illumination.
(a)
External illumination.
G.
Projecting signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1)
Number. One sign per ground floor establishment, plus one sign per building entrance serving one or more commercial tenants without a ground floor entrance.
(2)
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 12 square feet per sign face.
(3)
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height equal to the eaveline or the bottom of the second story window sill, whichever is lower.
(4)
Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 560-1806F, Sign illumination.
(a)
External illumination.
(b)
Neon lighting.
H.
Window signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1)
Area. A maximum of 15% of the total window area of any single storefront may be used for permanent signs that are etched, painted, or otherwise permanently affixed to the window. A maximum of 25% of the total window area of any single storefront may be covered by a combination of permanent and temporary window signs.
(2)
Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 560-1806F, Sign illumination.
(a)
Neon lighting.
I.
Marquee signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1)
Number. One marquee structure per building.
(2)
Area. The total area of all signs on a single marquee structure shall not exceed 150 square feet in area.
(3)
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height equal to the eaveline.
(4)
Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 560-1806F, Sign illumination.
(a)
Internal illumination.
(b)
Message center sign
J.
Summary table for signs in the NC District.
Main Street Districts | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Wall and Awning/Canopy | Projecting | Window | Marquee | |
Maximum number | Wall: 1 per tenant per street frontage (up to 2 per tenant) Awning/canopy: N/A (see § 560-1807) | 1 per ground floor establishment, plus 1 per building entrance serving tenants without a ground floor entrance | N/A | 1 per building |
Maximum area (total) | 2 sq. ft. per linear ft. of building frontage facing a public street or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations based on sign type | N/A | N/A | |
Maximum area (individual) | Wall: 24 sq. ft. Awning/canopy: N/A (see § 560-1807) | 12 sq. ft. | 15% of total window area (permanent signs); 25% total window area (all signs) | 150 sq. ft. |
Maximum height | The eaveline or the bottom of the second story window sill, whichever is lower | N/A | The eaveline | |
§ 560-1818 Signs in GC General Commercial and Industrial Districts.
Except as noted below, the following numbers and types of signs may be erected in the GC General Commercial District, LIC Light Industrial Commercial District, or GIC General Industrial Commercial District, subject to the conditions specified here and in §§ 560-1807 through 560-1812.
A.
Any sign permitted in residential districts, for the appropriate uses, as defined and regulated in § 560-1815, Signs in residential districts.
B.
Any portable sign as defined and regulated in § 560-1812, Regulations by sign type: portable signs.
C.
Any street pole banner as defined and regulated in § 560-1813, Regulations by sign type: street pole banners.
D.
The total area of all wall, awning/canopy, and projecting signs for nonresidential uses shall be limited to 1.5 square feet per one linear foot of building frontage that faces a public street or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations based on sign type.
E.
Wall signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1)
Number. One sign per tenant per street frontage, up to a maximum of two signs per tenant. Where a store has entrances facing both a street and a parking lot, a second sign is permitted to face the parking lot.
(2)
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 32 square feet per sign face.
(3)
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height equal to the eaveline.
(4)
Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 560-1806F, Sign illumination.
(a)
Internal illumination.
(b)
External illumination.
(c)
Halo illumination or back-lit letters.
(d)
Neon lighting.
F.
Awning or canopy signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1)
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height equal to the eaveline.
(2)
Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 560-1806F, Sign illumination.
(a)
External illumination.
G.
Projecting signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1)
Number. One sign per ground floor establishment, plus one sign per building entrance serving one or more commercial tenants without a ground floor entrance.
(2)
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 20 square feet per sign face.
(3)
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height equal to the eaveline.
(4)
Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 560-1806F, Sign illumination.
(a)
External illumination.
(b)
Neon lighting.
H.
Window signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1)
Area. A maximum of 25% of the total window area of any single storefront may be used for permanent signs that are etched, painted, or permanently affixed to the window. A maximum of 35% of the total window area of any single storefront may be covered by a combination of permanent and temporary window signs.
(2)
Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 560-1806F, Sign illumination.
(a)
Neon lighting.
I.
Marquee signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1)
Number. One marquee sign per building.
(2)
Area. The total area of signs on a single marquee structure shall not exceed 200 square feet in area.
(3)
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height equal to the eaveline.
(4)
Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 560-1806F, Sign illumination.
(a)
Internal illumination.
(b)
Message center sign.
(c)
Digital display.
J.
In addition to building signs, freestanding signs for nonresidential uses shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1)
Number. One sign per street frontage, up to two signs per property held in single and separate ownership.
(a)
For permitted gas stations, one additional freestanding sign per street frontage shall be permitted for the advertising of gas prices and identification of the gas station only, up to two additional signs per property.
(b)
For permitted drive-through establishments, one additional freestanding sign shall be permitted for the advertising items for sale to users of the drive-through lane only.
(2)
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 50 square feet plus an additional 10 square feet per tenant up to a maximum of 100 square feet.
(3)
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height of 20 feet.
(4)
Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 560-1806F, Sign illumination.
(a)
Internal illumination.
(b)
Message center sign.
(c)
Digital display.
K.
Optional. Upper-level building identification signs shall be permitted subject to the following regulations.
(1)
Number. One sign per building.
(2)
Area. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 200 square feet.
(3)
Height. Signs shall have a maximum height of 10 feet and shall not extend vertically beyond the eaveline.
(4)
Location. Signs shall be limited to buildings at least three stories in height and shall be located only on the top floor of such buildings.
(5)
Illumination. The following illumination types shall be permitted subject to the regulations in § 560-1806F, Sign illumination.
(a)
Internal illumination.
L.
Billboards shall be permitted, subject to the regulations detailed in § 560-1809, Regulations by sign type: off-premises billboard signs (billboards).
M.
Summary table for signs in Commercial and Industrial Districts.
General Commercial and Industrial Districts | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wall and Awning/Canopy | Projecting | Window | Marquee | Freestanding | Optional: Upper-Level Building Identification | |
Maximum number | Wall: 1 per tenant per street frontage (up to 2 per tenant) Awning/canopy: N/A (see § 560-1807) | 1 per ground floor establishment, plus 1 per building entrance serving tenants without a ground floor entrance | N/A | 1 per building | 1 per street frontage, up to 2 per lot (additional signs allowed for gas stations and drive-thru establishments) | 1 per building (> 3 stories high) |
Maximum area (total) | 1.5 sq. ft. per linear ft. of building frontage facing a public street or parking lot, subject to maximum size limitations based on sign type | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
Maximum area (individual) | Wall: 32 sq. ft. Awning/canopy: N/A (see § 560-1807) | 20 sq. ft. | 25% total window area (permanent signs); 35% (all signs) | 200 sq. ft. | 50 sq. ft. plus an additional 10 sq. ft. per tenant up to 100 sq. ft. | 200 sq. ft. |
Maximum height | The eaveline | N/A | The eaveline | 20 ft. | The eaveline | |
§ 560-1819 Removal of unsafe, unlawful, or abandoned signs.
A.
Unsafe or unlawful signs.
(1)
Upon written notice by the Borough, the owner, person, or firm maintaining a sign shall remove the sign when it becomes unsafe, is in danger of falling, or it becomes so deteriorated that it no longer serves a useful purpose of communication, or it is determined by the Borough to be a nuisance, or it is deemed unsafe by the Borough, or it is unlawfully erected in violation of any of the provisions of this article.
(2)
The Borough may remove or cause to be removed the sign at the expense of the owner and/or lessee in the event of the owner of the person or firm maintaining the sign has not complied with the terms of the notice within 30 days of the date of the notice. In the event of immediate danger, the Borough may remove the sign immediately upon the issuance of notice to the owner, person, or firm maintaining the sign.
B.
Abandoned signs.
(1)
It shall be the responsibility of the owner of any property upon which an abandoned sign is located to remove such sign within 180 days of the sign becoming abandoned as defined in this section. Removal of an abandoned sign shall include the removal of the entire sign including the sign face, supporting structure, and structural trim.
(2)
Where the owner of the property on which an abandoned sign is located fails to remove such sign in 180 days, the Borough may remove such sign. 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 Borough may file a lien upon the property for the purpose of recovering all reasonable costs associated with the removal of the sign.
§ 560-1820 Permits and applications.
A.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to erect, alter, repair, or relocate any sign within the Borough without first obtaining a sign permit, unless the sign is specifically exempt from the permit requirements as outlined in § 560-1805, Signs exempt from permit requirements.
B.
In order to apply for a sign permit, the applicant must provide the following information, in writing, to the Borough:
(1)
Name of organization and location.
(2)
Name, address, and telephone number of the property owner, and the signature of the property owner or duly authorized agent for the owner.
(3)
Contact person and contact information.
(4)
Description of the activities occurring on the site where the sign will be installed.
(5)
Description of any existing signage that will remain on the site.
(6)
Identification of the type of sign(s) to be erected by the applicant.
(7)
Site plan depicting the locations of proposed signage and existing remaining signage.
(8)
Two copies of a plan drawn to scale depicting:
(a)
Lot dimensions, building frontage, and existing cartways, rights-of-way and driveways.
(b)
The design of each sign face and sign structure, including dimensions, total area, sign height, depth, color scheme, structural details, materials, lighting scheme and proposed location.
(c)
Building elevations, existing and proposed facades, parapet walls, eaveline and the location and size of all proposed and existing permanent signage.
(d)
Current photographs showing existing signs on the premises and certifying the date on which photographs were taken.
(9)
A permit fee, to be established from time to time by resolution of the Borough, shall be paid.
C.
The Borough shall have 10 business days from the receipt of a complete application to review the application.
D.
A permit shall be issued on or before the end of the ten-business-day review period if the application for a new sign or renewal complies with the regulations contained herein.
E.
If the Borough does not issue a determination within the ten-business-day period, the sign permit is deemed approved.
F.
An application for a sign permit may be denied by the Borough within the ten-business-day review period if the application fails to comply with the standards contained herein. The Borough shall inform the applicant of the reasons for denying the application for sign permit by certified mail.
G.
Upon denial of an application for a sign permit, the applicant has 30 business days to revise and resubmit the application for review by the Borough. In the alternative, the applicant may also appeal the decision of the Borough to the governing body within the thirty-business-day time period. The Borough, at its next regularly scheduled meeting, shall review the Borough's denial of the application.
H.
With the exception of lighting permits for digital signs, these permits shall not expire provided that such signs are not abandoned or destroyed. In the instance that substantial repair or replacement becomes necessary (i.e., repairs that costs more than 50% of the replacement cost of the damaged sign), the organization must apply for a new sign permit, and pay an additional fee, if required.
§ 560-1821 Nonconforming signs.
A.
Signs legally in existence at the time of the adoption of this chapter, which do not conform to the requirements of this chapter, shall be considered nonconforming signs.
B.
All permanent signs and sign structures shall be brought into conformance with the sign regulations when and if the following occurs:
(1)
The sign is removed, relocated, or significantly altered. Significant alterations include changes in the size or dimension of the sign. Changes to the sign copy or the replacement of a sign face on a nonconforming sign shall not be considered a significant alteration.
(2)
If more than 50% of the sign area is damaged, it shall be repaired to conform to this chapter.
(3)
An alteration in the structure of a sign support.
(4)
A change in the mechanical facilities or type of illumination.
(5)
A change in the material of the sign face.
(6)
The property on which the nonconforming sign is located submits a subdivision or land development application requiring municipal review and approval.
(7)
The property on which the nonconforming sign is located undergoes a change of land use requiring the issuance of either a use and occupancy permit or a change of use and occupancy permit by the Borough.
C.
To determine the legal status of existing signs in each of the cases listed in § 560-1821B, the applicant shall submit the following information to the Borough Zoning Officer:
(1)
Type(s) of existing sign(s) located on the property.
(2)
The area and height of all signs.
(3)
For freestanding signs, the distance between the curbline or shoulder and the nearest portion of the sign.
(4)
Type of sign illumination.
(5)
The material of which the sign is constructed.
(6)
The building frontage.
(7)
If a billboard, the applicant shall also submit the plan requirements listed in § 560-1809M.
D.
Prior to the events listed in § 560-1821B, nonconforming signs may be repainted or repaired up to 50% of the replacement cost of the sign, the sign copy may be changed, and sign faces may be replaced provided that these actions do not increase the dimensions of the existing sign, and do not in any way increase the extent of the sign's nonconformity.
E.
Nonconforming signs shall be exempt from the provisions of § 560-1821B, under the following conditions:
(1)
The nonconforming sign possesses documented historic value.
(2)
The nonconforming sign is of a unique nature or type by virtue of its architectural value or design, as determined by the National Park Service, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, or local historical commission.
(3)
When a nonconforming sign is required to be moved because of public right-of-way improvements.
F.
All nonconforming temporary signs, portable signs, and banners must be permanently removed within 90 days of the effective date of this article, unless specific approval is granted as provided for herein.
§ 560-1822 Signs on premises of legally nonconforming uses.
A.
Signs on the premises of legally nonconforming uses (such as an office in a residential area) may remain until the existing use of the premises is discontinued.
B.
If a sign wears out or is damaged (including rust, faded colors, discoloration, holes, or missing parts or informational items), or is changed for any other reason, the number, size, and area of all signs relating to the premises shall not be increased beyond the characteristics of the sign or signs that existed on that property at the time this article was adopted.
§ 560-1823 Substitution clause.
Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, to the extent that this chapter allows a sign containing commercial copy, it shall allow a non-commercial sign to the same extent. The non-commercial message may occupy the entire sign area or any portion thereof, and may substitute for or be combined with the commercial message. The sign message may be changed from commercial to non-commercial, or from one non-commercial message to another, as frequently as desired by the sign's owner, provided that the sign is not prohibited and the sign continues to comply with all requirements of this chapter.
§ 560-1824 Violations.
The placement of a sign that requires a sign permit without a sign permit shall be unlawful. Violations of this chapter shall be treated as strict liability offences regardless of intent. Violators shall be fined a daily fee per sign displayed in violation of this chapter. The fee amount shall be established from time to time by resolution of the Borough.
