Bridgeville City Zoning Code
PART 12
SIGNS
§ 1200 Applicability.
[Ord. 984, 12/14/2015]
No sign, billboard or exterior graphic display shall be permitted in any district, except as herein provided.
§ 1201 Types and Classes.
[Ord. 984, 12/14/2015]
Signs in all Zoning Districts shall be categorized according to the types and classes described below and shall comply with the requirements for those types and classes described in this section.
1201.1.
Classes.
A.
Freestanding. A sign supported on a foundation or by one or more uprights, poles or braces permanently affixed to the ground and not attached to any building or other structures, including:
(1)
Pole Sign. A freestanding sign, erected on a pole or pylon, the bottom edge of which is high enough to provide visibility for motorists and allow for safe pedestrian circulation.
(2)
Ground Sign. A freestanding sign that is affixed to the ground by means of a permanent foundation and that provides a maximum clearance of 18 inches between the bottom edge of the sign and the adjacent ground level or, in the case of an elevated foundation, from the top of the foundation.
(3)
Monument Sign. A sign supported on two posts or uprights located at the entrance to a planned business development that identifies the name of the development and that may include the names of one or more of the businesses in the development.
B.
Wall Sign. A sign (painted on) or attached to and erected parallel to the face of an outside wall of a building and projecting outward no more than six inches from the wall of the building.
C.
Canopy or Awning Sign. A sign that is part of a roof like shelter, either permanent, retractable or removable, made of canvas affixed to a building or is self-supporting and provides protection from sun, rain, snow and other elements.
D.
Mural. The application of paint, acrylic or other material directly onto the exterior wall of a building whose sole purpose is to create an aesthetic design to commemorate an historic or community event or characteristic. The mural shall not contain any advertising but may include the name or the artist and the donor in an area not to exceed 0.5% of the mural's total surface area.
E.
Bulletin Sign. A type of manual changeable copy sign constructed to allow letters or symbols to be changed periodically, such as those used by churches and schools to announce events.
F.
Roof Sign. A sign erected and maintained upon or above the roof of any building and supported solely on the roof structure.
G.
Overhanging Sign. A sign affixed at right angles to a building wall whose leading edge extends beyond the building wall.
H.
Billboard. An off-premises sign that advertises an establishment, activity, person, product or service that is unrelated to or unavailable on the premises where the sign is located.
I.
Advertising Panel. That portion of a sign structure that contains the written or graphic material and is separate from the supporting structure and any ornamental attachments or connecting features of the sign.
J.
Changeable Copy Sign. A sign that is designed so that characters, letters or illustrations can be manually or electronically changed or rearranged without altering the face or surface of the sign.
K.
Portable Sign. A sign that is not permanently affixed to a building, a structure or the ground and which is designed to be moved from place to place, including, but not limited to, signs attached to wood or metal frames designed to be self-supporting and movable and trailer mounted signs.
L.
A-frame or Sandwich Board Sign. A freestanding sign comprised of two panels hinged together at an angle less than 90° designed to be self-supporting without being attached to any building or structure or to the ground and which can be moved easily from place to place.
M.
Attention-Getting Device. A pennant, flag, valance, banner, propeller, spinner, streamer, searchlight, balloon or other inflatable device, or similar object or representation of a product, vehicle, equipment or other advertising image or any ornamentation that is designed or used for the purpose of promoting, advertising or attracting attention.
N.
Indirectly Illuminated. A sign that is lighted by means of lamps or lighting devices external to, and reflected on, the sign, which lighting is stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times and which is shielded so that the illumination is concentrated on the face of the sign and there is no spillover of illumination or glare beyond the face of the sign.
O.
Internally Illuminated. A sign that is lighted by means of lamps or lighting devices internal to the sign, including neon and fiber optic displays, which lighting is either behind the face of the sign or is an integral part of the sign structure and the advertising effect.
1201.2.
Types. Signs are categorized by use, function or purpose into the following types:
A.
Residential Identification Sign. A sign containing only the name and address of the occupant of the premises.
B.
Home Occupation Identification Sign. A sign containing only the name and address of the occupant of the premises and his or her occupation. No logos or other advertising shall be permitted.
C.
Residential Plan Identification Sign. A permanent wall or freestanding ground sign containing only the name and address of a plan of subdivision or a multifamily building or development.
D.
Real Estate Sign. A temporary sign advertising the sale or rental of premises. The sign may also bear the words "sold," "sale pending" or "rented."
E.
Development Sign. A temporary sign erected during the period of construction and/or development of a property by the developer, contractor or their agents.
F.
Contractor's Sign. A temporary sign announcing the name of contractors, mechanics or artisans engaged in performing work on the premises.
G.
Public Sign. A sign of a noncommercial nature and in the public interest, erected by, or on the order of, a public officer in the performance of any public duty, such as official signs and notices of any public or governmental agency, or erected by or on the order of a court or public officer, including official traffic signs, public notices, government flags and other signs warning of hazardous or dangerous conditions.
H.
Notification Sign. Signs bearing legal and/or property notices, such as "no trespassing," "private property," "no turnaround," "safety zone," "no hunting" and similar messages and signs posted by a landowner or governmental agency for traffic control or the safety of the general public.
I.
On-Premises Directional Sign. A sign which directs and/or instructs vehicular or pedestrian traffic on the premises relative to parking areas, entrances, exits, loading areas, public telephones and similar information and which shall contain no advertising other than the business name or logo.
J.
Off-Premises Directional Sign. A sign, other than a billboard, that directs the public to an establishment, activity, person, product or service that is not sold, produced or available on the property on which the sign is located.
K.
Business Identification Sign. A sign which advertises only goods, services, facilities, events or attractions available on the premises where the sign is located.
L.
Temporary Special Event Sign. A banner, flag or pennant, or other temporary sign constructed of durable material and erected for a specified period of less than 30 days whose sole purpose is to advertise a grand opening or special event.
M.
Window Signs. A sign or group of signs affixed to the inside of a display window in a commercial establishment that advertises a product or service available on the premises or that announces or promotes a special sale or special event.
N.
Memorial/Historical Plaques. A commemorative plaque recognized by an agency of the Borough, county, commonwealth or federal government or a nonprofit historical or veteran's organization.
§ 1202 General Regulations.
[Ord. 984, 12/14/2015]
The following regulations shall apply to signs in all zoning districts:
1202.1.
Restricted Signs. The following signs shall not be permitted in any zoning district:
A.
A-frame or sandwich board signs, except when authorized by this chapter in the M District.
B.
Attention-Getting Devices.
C.
Banners or pennants, other than special event displays, as authorized by this chapter.
D.
Portable signs.
E.
Moving or flashing signs, except for that portion of an authorized sign that indicates time or temperature or an authorized electronic changeable copy sign.
F.
Signs attached to trees, utility poles or official traffic control devices or signs within the public right-of-way.
G.
Signs that imitate traffic control devices.
H.
Except for murals, as defined and authorized by this chapter, signs painted on walls or chimneys of a building or on fences or freestanding walls.
I.
Overhanging Signs.
(1)
One overhanging sign shall be permitted for each building in the M District. An overhanging sign shall be authorized as a business identification sign in place of a wall sign. If a wall sign exists on a building, an overhanging sign shall not be permitted, unless the wall sign is removed.
(2)
The overhanging sign shall be located only on the front wall of a building facing the public street.
(3)
The overhanging sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in surface area. The overhanging sign shall be either nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated; however, the overhanging sign shall not be internally illuminated.
(4)
The style of and materials used for the face of the overhanging sign and its supporting structure shall be designed to be compatible with the architecture of the building on which the sign is to be erected.
(5)
The overhanging sign shall be mounted so that the bottom edge of the overhanging sign is at least eight feet above the level of the sidewalk underneath the sign. The overhanging sign shall be mounted so that the top edge of the overhanging sign shall be no higher than 15 feet above the level of the sidewalk underneath the sign.
(6)
The method of installation shall be certified by the manufacturer and/or installer to verify that the overhanging sign will meet the following standards:
(a)
The overhanging sign will be secure and will withstand wind and other anticipated loads.
(b)
The overhanging sign will be located so as to not obstruct significant architectural features of the building on which it is mounted.
(c)
The proposed location of the overhanging sign will not permanently damage any structural or historically significant features of the building on which it is to be mounted.
J.
Signs on or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers that are parked on a public right-of-way, or on any public property or private property other than the site of the business it advertises, except for maintenance, repair, loading, unloading or rendering a service at any location, where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business or activity located on nearby property, but not including temporary construction trailers authorized by this chapter.
K.
Signs on communications facility support structures, except those required by law.
1202.2.
Exempt Signs. The following signs are exempt from these regulations and the requirement to obtain a permit:
A.
Holiday decorations displayed for recognized federal or state holidays, provided that they do not interfere with traffic safety or do not, in any way, become a public safety hazard.
B.
Memorial/historical plaques, as defined herein.
C.
Notification signs, as defined herein.
D.
Public signs, as defined herein.
E.
Window signs, as defined herein.
1202.3.
Surface Area of Sign. The surface area of a sign shall be measured as described below. For two-sided signs, only one sign face is counted in computing the surface area.
A.
In the case of an advertising panel, the surface area of the sign shall be the total area enclosed by one continuous line connecting the extreme points or edges of the advertising panel containing letters.
B.
In the case of freestanding letters mounted on a wall or other surface, the surface area of the sign shall be the sum of the areas of each individual letter calculated by measuring the distance between the highest and lowest points of each letter and multiplying that distance by the distance between the extreme horizontal distance across the letter.
C.
In the case of freestanding ground or pole signs, the area shall not include the main supporting structure; however, logos, ornamental attachments and framework around or connections between advertising panels shall be included.
D.
In the case of letters that are painted on or affixed to an awning, canopy or marquee, the surface area of the sign shall be the area of the geometric shape formed by outlining the height and width of all the letters and/or graphic displays, including free space between the letters and graphic displays.
1202.4.
Lots With Multiple Street Frontage. In all districts, lots fronting on more than one street shall be permitted to have one authorized sign on each street frontage.
1202.5.
Temporary Signs. In all zoning districts where authorized by § 1203, real estate, temporary off-premises, contractor and development signs shall be considered temporary signs that shall be removed within 30 days of the completion of sales or construction.
1202.6.
Visibility. No sign shall be located in such a position that it will cause a hazard by obstructing visibility for traffic on a street or obscuring a traffic signal or other traffic control device. No sign, other than official traffic signs and authorized temporary off-premises directional signs, shall hang over or be erected within the right-of-way of any street. No sign shall be located within the clear sight triangle defined by § 1003.4 of this chapter.
1202.7.
Illumination. Illumination, when authorized by this chapter, shall be directed upon the sign face and not towards adjoining properties or streets. Flashing or oscillating signs shall not be permitted. Lighting shall be stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times, except for electronic changeable copy signs, where authorized by this chapter. The intensity of any source of illumination of any sign, whether indirect or internal, shall be controlled so as not to create glare and to be compatible with the intensity of ambient light and illumination on surrounding properties.
1202.8.
Holiday Decorations. Holiday decorations displayed for recognized federal or state holidays shall be exempted from the provisions of this section except as they may produce glare, interfere with traffic safety or in any other way become a public safety hazard.
1202.9.
Location and Height of Signs. Except for off-premises directional signs and billboards, as defined herein, all signs authorized by this chapter shall be located on the premises which they are intended to serve. All freestanding signs shall be located at least five feet from any property line or street right-of-way. The maximum height of the top of any freestanding sign shall be 20 feet above the adjacent ground level. The bottom edge of a freestanding sign shall be at least seven feet above the adjacent ground level. Roof signs shall not project more than six feet above the highest point on any roof.
1202.10.
Design, Construction, Maintenance and Inspection. All signs shall be designed to be compatible with the architecture of the principal use to which they are accessory. All signs shall be constructed of a durable material and shall be maintained in good condition. All freestanding signs shall be designed to withstand a sustained one-hundred-mile-per-hour wind load. Any sign found to be in an unsafe condition upon inspection shall be declared to be a public nuisance, and the Zoning Officer shall give notice to the owner in writing, in accordance with § 1501.2 of this chapter, to repair or remove the sign within 10 days. Upon failure of the owner to comply, the Borough shall remove the sign at the owner's expense. The Borough may lien the property for the cost of removing the sign and all legal fees and costs incurred with filing and enforcing the lien.
1202.11.
Removal of Signs. Whenever any business is discontinued or vacated with no intention to reopen under the same name, all sign advertising panels containing the name of the discontinued or vacated business shall be removed within 30 days of the vacation or discontinuance of the business. Upon failure of the owner to comply, the Borough may remove the sign at the owner's expense. The Borough may lien the property for the cost of removing the sign and all legal fees and costs incurred with filing and enforcing the lien.
1202.12.
Permits Required.
A.
Permits shall be required for all signs authorized by this section except the following: temporary real estate signs, construction signs, development or residential identification signs, temporary signs erected during a political campaign or signs erected by a public agency for traffic control or other legal notification in accordance with the laws of the commonwealth.
B.
The applicant for a sign permit shall file an application using the form provided by the Borough and shall furnish the Zoning Officer with all the design data and information necessary to determine whether the proposed sign will comply with the provisions of this chapter.
C.
The application shall be accompanied by the required fee established by resolution of Borough Council.
1202.13.
Expiration of Permits. Any permit issued by the Zoning Officer for erection, alteration, replacement or relocation of any sign shall expire automatically within six months of the date of issuance, if work authorized by the permit has not been initiated and diligently pursued.
§ 1203 Signs Authorized in All Zoning Districts.
[Ord. 984, 12/14/2015]
In addition to the signs authorized by §§ 1204 and 1205 in specific zoning districts, the following signs are authorized in all Zoning Districts:
1203.1.
Bulletin Signs. One indirectly illuminated or nonilluminated bulletin or identification sign for a school, library or other authorized public or semipublic building which shall not exceed 24 square feet in area.
1203.2.
Real Estate Signs. One nonilluminated temporary real estate sign advertising the sale or rental of the premises on which it is located which shall not exceed six square feet in area and which shall be removed within 30 days of the sale or rental of the property.
1203.3.
Development Signs. One nonilluminated temporary development sign advertising the sale of lots in a subdivision or announcing the proposed development of property which shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and which shall be removed within 30 days of the sale of the last lot or completion of proposed construction.
1203.4.
Contractor Signs. One nonilluminated temporary contractor sign announcing the names of contractors, mechanics or artisans engaged in performing work on the premises shall be permitted on a lot, provided that the sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in area nor six feet in height and shall be removed within 30 days of the completion of the work.
1203.5.
Temporary Special Event Signs for Public and Nonprofit Organizations.
A.
One nonilluminated temporary special event display, as defined herein, shall be permitted to be erected on the face of a public building, church or building housing a nonprofit organization, provided that the sign is displayed for a period of no longer than 30 days and is removed within five days following the event it is erected to promote.
B.
Public agencies, churches and nonprofit organizations may also erect a temporary special event banner over the public right-of-way of an arterial or collector street for a period not to exceed 30 days, provided that the temporary special event display is removed within five days following the event that it is erected to promote and provided that the applicant gives notice to the Borough and a resolution of Borough Council is adopted and filed with the owner of the right-of-way.
1203.6.
Home Occupation identification Signs. One nonilluminated home occupation identification sign shall be permitted for an approved home occupation, provided that the surface area of the sign shall not exceed one square foot and the sign shall contain only the name, address and occupation of the resident and shall not contain any logo or other advertising.
§ 1204 Signs Authorized in Residential Zoning Districts.
[Ord. 984, 12/14/2015]
In addition to the signs authorized in all Zoning Districts by § 1203, the following signs shall be permitted in the R-1 and R-2 Districts:
1204.1.
Residential Identification Sign. One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated residential identification sign or nameplate posted in conjunction with doorbells or mailboxes containing only the resident's name and address and designed in compliance with the Borough House Numbering Ordinance.
1204.2.
Residential Plan Identification Sign. One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated permanent wall or freestanding ground identification sign containing only the street address and/or name of a residential subdivision plan or multifamily building or development which shall not exceed 12 square feet in area.
1204.3.
Identification Signs for Authorized Conditional Uses and Uses by Special Exception in Residential Districts. One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated wall or freestanding ground identification sign for a nonresidential use authorized by conditional use or special exception in a residential zoning district which shall not exceed 12 square feet in area.
1204.4.
Identification Signs for Legal Nonconforming Uses in Residential Districts. One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated wall or freestanding ground business identification sign for a lawfully maintained nonconforming use in a residential zoning district which shall not exceed 12 square feet.
1204.5.
On-Premises Directional Signs.
A.
On lots containing multifamily dwellings that have a lot area of 20,000 square feet, a maximum of four nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated directional signs, each of which shall not exceed four square feet in area, shall be permitted.
B.
For each additional 20,000 square feet of lot area, or fraction thereof, for lots containing multifamily dwellings, two additional directional signs shall be permitted.
1204.6.
Off-Premises Directional Signs. Any nonprofit or public agency located in the Borough may erect a maximum of four off-premises directional signs, provided that all of the following requirements are met:
A.
Display materials on off-premises directional signs shall be limited to the name of the nonprofit or public agency symbol or logo, distance and direction.
B.
Off-premises directional signs shall only be located on streets defined as arterial or collector by this chapter and shall not be permitted on local streets.
C.
The maximum surface area of an off-premises directional sign shall be six square feet.
D.
Off-premises directional signs installed in the public right-of-way shall be subject to approval of either PennDOT, Allegheny County or the Borough, whichever is applicable. Signs installed on private property shall be subject to approval by the landowner. Evidence of permission from the landowner shall be submitted with the sign permit application.
E.
Off-premises directional signs shall be located at least two feet from the edge of paving on any public street.
F.
No off-premises directional sign shall be located in such a position that it will cause a hazard by obstructing visibility for traffic on a street or by obscuring a traffic signal or other traffic control device.
G.
No off-premises directional sign shall be located closer that 300 feet on either side of the street in either direction of another off-premises directional sign for the same business.
§ 1205 Sign Authorized in Commercial and Industrial District.
[Ord. 984, 12/14/2015]
In addition to the signs authorized in all zoning districts by § 1203, the following signs shall be permitted in the B and I Districts:[1]
1205.1.
Temporary Special Event Signs for Businesses. Temporary special event signs, as defined by this chapter, shall be permitted, provided that:
A.
No more than two signs or banners shall be permitted on any establishment at any one time.
B.
Sandwich board or A-frame signs may be utilized, provided that they do not block any sidewalk, parking area or driveway. All other temporary special event signs shall be securely attached to the building or to the supporting structure for a business identification sign.
C.
Temporary special event signs shall be displayed for a period not exceeding 30 days, either consecutively or cumulatively, in any twelve-month period.
D.
The aggregate surface area of all temporary special event signs shall not exceed 40 square feet per establishment.
E.
Portable signs, as defined herein, shall not be considered temporary special event signs.
F.
Temporary special event display signs shall be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated only.
1205.2.
A-frame or Sandwich Board Signs.
A.
In addition to the authorization to use A-frame or sandwich board signs as a temporary special event sign in § 1205.1 above, an A-frame or sandwich board sign may be used without restrictions on the number of days in a calendar year on property in the M Mixed-Use District, provided that all of the regulations in this § 1205.2 are met.
B.
Only one A-frame or sandwich board sign shall be permitted for each business establishment. If an A-frame or sandwich board sign is being used as a temporary special event sign, no other A-frame or sandwich board sign shall be used during the time that the temporary special event sign is displayed.
C.
The A-frame or sandwich board sign shall be located so that pedestrian traffic on the sidewalk is not blocked, access to any on-street or off-street parking spaces is not impeded and visibility for traffic on adjoining streets and intersections is not obstructed.
D.
The A-frame or sandwich board sign shall not be used during inclement weather conditions such as high winds or heavy snowfall when the sign could create a hazard for pedestrian or vehicular traffic or snow removal.
E.
The A-frame or sandwich board sign shall be removed and stored inside a completely enclosed building during the hours when the business is closed.
F.
The A-frame or sandwich board sign shall only contain information related to features, products or services available on the premises of the business utilizing the sign. The A-frame or sandwich board sign shall be located on the premises with the business it is advertising.
1205.3.
On-Premises Directional Signs.
A.
On lots that have a lot area of less than 20,000 square feet, a maximum of four nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated directional signs, each of which shall not exceed four square feet in area, shall be permitted.
B.
For each additional 20,000 square feet of lot area, or fraction thereof, two additional directional signs shall be permitted.
1205.4.
Changeable Copy Signs.
A.
One nonilluminated or internally illuminated manual or electronic changeable copy sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the number of businesses on the lot. The changeable copy sign shall be permanently affixed to the supporting structure of a freestanding ground sign or pole sign on the lot if a freestanding ground or pole sign is authorized on the lot. An electronic changeable copy sign shall not be visible from property in an R-1 or R-2 District.
B.
A changeable copy sign shall be used only in conjunction with a business identification sign. The changeable copy sign shall not be used as the business identification sign. The total surface area of the changeable copy sign shall not exceed 50% of the total area devoted to the business identification sign or a maximum of 25 square feet, whichever is less. The surface area of the changeable copy sign shall be included in the calculation of the maximum surface area authorized by this chapter for the freestanding ground or pole business identification sign.
C.
A rolling or continuously moving message or display shall not be permitted. Each message or display shall remain stationary for at least 30 seconds. There shall not be any appearance of a visual dissolve or fading in which any part of one electronic message or display appears simultaneously with any part of another electronic message or display.
D.
Electronic changeable copy signs shall be equipped with a photoelectric cell and a dimmer control to regulate the intensity of the lighting relative to the ambient light. The color of the background, the color of the letters and the size of the letters shall be designed to minimize glare, be compatible with ambient light and be the minimum size and contrast necessary to be readable given the speed of traffic on the adjacent street and the distance between the sign and the travel lanes.
1205.5.
Business Identification Sign.
A.
Wall Signs. Each business establishment shall be permitted to have wall signs which may be internally illuminated, indirectly illuminated or nonilluminated. The aggregate area of all wall signs shall not exceed two square feet for each lineal foot of width of the front wall of the building, or portion of the building, occupied by the business.
B.
Ground Signs. In addition to the wall signs authorized by § 1205.5A, one freestanding ground sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the number of businesses on the lot, provided that:
(1)
No freestanding pole sign exists or is proposed to be erected on the lot.
(2)
The maximum surface area of the ground sign shall not exceed 24 square feet.
(3)
The height and location of the sign shall comply with § 1202.9 and shall be designed so as to not interfere with visibility for vehicular traffic entering or leaving the lot or traveling on any street. The sign shall comply with the visibility requirements of § 1003.4.
(4)
Ground Signs shall be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated only.
C.
Pole Signs. In addition to the wall signs authorized by § 1205.5A, one freestanding pole sign shall be permitted per lot, regardless of the number of businesses on the lot, provided that:
(1)
No freestanding ground sign exists or is proposed to be erected on the lot.
(2)
In the M District, the building shall be set back at least 35 feet from the edge of the street right-of-way.
(3)
Pole signs may be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or internally illuminated.
(4)
The maximum height of the top of the pole sign shall be 20 feet.
(5)
The minimum height of the bottom edge of the sign shall be eight feet.
(6)
The maximum surface area of the freestanding pole sign shall not exceed 64 square feet, and neither dimension of such sign shall be less than six feet.
(7)
No portion of any pole sign shall project over any public right-of-way.
D.
Monument Signs.
(1)
One illuminated or nonilluminated monument sign shall be permitted at the main entrance to a planned business development, provided that a ground sign or pole sign does not exist and is not proposed at that entrance.
(2)
The maximum surface area of a monument sign shall be 100 square feet. The maximum height of the monument sign shall be 25 feet. The monument sign shall be located at least 10 feet from any property line or street right-of-way line. The monument sign shall comply with the visibility requirements of § 1003.4. The base of the sign shall be landscaped with shrubs, perennials and annuals for a minimum distance of three feet from the base of the sign.
E.
Canopy Signs. Canopy signs may be erected at the street level entrance to a building. In the case of multi tenant buildings, each business with a street-level entrance may have a canopy sign. Canopy signs shall not be illuminated. Twenty-five percent of the overall canopy can be used for signage.
F.
Roof Sign.
(1)
Roof signs shall be permitted only in the I Industrial District. One roof sign shall be permitted per building, regardless of the number of establishments in the building. Roof signs shall be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated only.
(2)
Roof signs shall be permitted in place of or in conjunction with wall signs. The surface area of a roof sign shall not exceed two square feet for each lineal foot of width of the front wall of the building. Where a roof sign is proposed in conjunction with wall signs, there shall be only one wall sign per business, and the surface area of the wall sign shall not exceed 24 square feet.
1205.6.
Off-Premises Directional Signs. Any business or agency located in the Borough may erect a maximum of four off-premises directional signs, provided that all of the following requirements are met:
A.
Display materials on off-premises directional signs shall be limited to the name of the establishment, business symbol or logo, distance and direction.
B.
Off-premises directional signs shall only be located on streets defined as arterial or collector by this chapter and shall not be permitted on local streets.
C.
The maximum surface area of an off-premises directional sign shall be six square feet.
D.
Off-premises directional signs installed in the public right-of-way shall be subject to approval of either PennDOT, Allegheny County or the Borough, whichever is applicable. The applicant shall give notice to the Borough, and a resolution of Borough Council, once adopted, shall be filed with the owner of the right-of-way. Signs installed on private property shall be subject to approval by the landowner. Evidence of permission from the landowner shall be submitted with the sign permit application.
E.
Off-premises directional signs shall be located at least two feet from the edge of paving on any public street.
F.
No off-premises directional sign shall be located in such a position that it will cause a hazard by obstructing visibility for traffic on a street or by obscuring a traffic signal or other traffic control device.
G.
No off-premises directional sign shall be located closer that 300 feet on either side of the street in either direction of another off-premises directional sign for the same business.
1205.7.
Murals. Murals, as defined herein, shall be permitted only on buildings in the M District, subject to review by the Planning Commission to determine compliance with the following standards:
A.
The mural shall be the only sign on the building wall on which it is displayed and shall not be permitted to be used in conjunction with any other sign on the same facade.
B.
The theme of the mural shall not relate to any business, product, service or other commercial or political promotion.
C.
The mural shall be compatible with the established architectural or design theme that exists in the same block in which the building is located.
D.
The maximum surface area of the building wall covered by a mural shall be 500 square feet.
E.
The mural shall be located so as to be visible from a public space such as a parking lot, parklet or public street.
F.
The mural shall be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.
[1]
Editor's Note: So in original.
§ 1206 Billboards.
[Ord. 984, 12/14/2015]
Billboards shall be permitted only in accordance with all of the following regulations:
1206.1.
Location.
A.
Billboards shall not be permitted on any property in a C, R-1 or R-2 District.
B.
Billboards shall be permitted only on property in an M or I District within 400 feet of the center line (measured horizontally) of Interstate 79.
C.
No billboard shall be placed within 500 feet of any property located in a C, R-1 or R-2 District or any public or private school property, park, library or church when the display face of the billboard will be visible therefrom. This required distance shall be measured along the frontage of the street or highway on which the billboard is located.
D.
Billboards shall be located at least 10 feet from any street right-of-way. Billboards shall be subject to the side yard and rear yard requirements of the zoning district in which they are located, except where the yard adjoins property in a C, R-1 or R-2 District, where the minimum yard required shall be 100 feet.
E.
No billboard shall be erected closer than 500 feet to any other existing or proposed billboard on the same side of the street or highway, whether within or outside the Borough.
1206.2.
Construction.
A.
Billboards shall be freestanding, ground-mounted, single-column, post-supported displays which have no structural contact with any building or other structure.
B.
Billboards shall be located so as to be no higher than 40 feet above the curb of the street from which they are intended to be viewed. Billboards which are not at grade shall provide a minimum clearance from the bottom of the sign to grade of 15 feet.
C.
A billboard may have two sign faces per structure placed back to back or in a V-shaped configuration on a single support system.
D.
Billboards shall be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated, providing all lighting is shielded and reflected away from adjacent streets and property.
E.
If the billboard is designed to utilize an electronic changeable copy display, there shall be no spillover lighting onto any adjacent property that contains any type of existing dwelling.
1206.4.
Permits.
A.
For billboards proposed to be located along a state highway, the issuance of the sign permit, required by § 1202.12, shall be conditioned upon the approval of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). If the applicant fails to submit evidence of the required approval by PennDOT within 30 days of the issuance of the conditional sign permit, the sign permit shall be revoked by the Borough Zoning Officer, who shall provide written notice to the applicant.
B.
The applicant may reapply for the required sign permit upon submission of evidence of PennDOT approval without payment of any additional sign permit fee, provided that the application is filed within three months of the date that the Zoning Officer revokes the conditional sign permit.
1206.5.
Nonconforming Billboards.
A.
Any billboard that does not conform to the requirements of this § 1206 shall not be enlarged or moved unless the billboard complies with all provisions of this section.
B.
Any billboard that is damaged or destroyed by more than 50% of its replacement value at the time of damage or destruction shall be reconstructed only in compliance with all the provisions of this § 1206.
C.
The owner of a nonconforming billboard shall submit a report to the Borough Zoning Officer by January 31 of each year providing an estimate of the cost of replacement, including both materials and labor.