Bridgewater City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VII
Signs
§ 400-701 Applicability.
A.
Purposes. This article is intended to: promote and maintain overall community beautification; establish reasonable time, place, and manner regulations on the exercise of free speech, without regulating content; promote traffic safety by avoiding distractions and sight-distance obstructions; protect property values and ensure compatibility with the neighboring existing and planned land uses; and assist in carrying out the goals of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Advertising Control Act, as amended, 36 P.S. § 2718.101 et seq.
B.
C.
Changes on signs. Lawfully existing signs may be painted, repaired or changed in message without a new permit under this Zoning chapter, provided that the changes do not increase the sign area or otherwise result in noncompliance or an increase nonconformity with this Zoning chapter.
§ 400-702 Nonconforming signs.
Signs legally existing at the time of enactment of this Zoning chapter which do not conform to the requirements of the Zoning chapter shall be considered nonconforming signs. An existing lawful nonconforming sign may be replaced with a new nonconforming sign, provided that the new sign is not more nonconforming in any way than the old sign.
§ 400-703 Miscellaneous signs not requiring permits.
A.
The following signs shall be permitted by right within all zoning districts within the following regulations, and shall not be required to have a permit under this article. Unless otherwise stated, each sign listed below shall have a maximum height of 10 feet.
Type and Definition of Signs not Requiring Permits | Max. No. of Signs Per Lot | Max. Sign Total Sign Area* on Residential Lots of Less Than One Acre | Max. Total Sign Area* on Lots Other Than Residential Lots of Less Than One Acre | Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Agricultural Products Sign: Advertises the sale of agricultural or livestock products primarily produced or raised on the premises of a principal agricultural use, or the seasonal sale of Christmas trees; this also may include a sign denoting membership in agricultural associations/cooperatives or specialization in a particular type of livestock or plant | 2 | 8 | 12 | Shall only be posted during seasons when such products are offered for sale |
Charitable Event Sign: Advertises a special event held a maximum of 9 days in any calendar year that primarily is held to benefit a U.S. Internal Revenue Service-certified tax-exempt nonprofit organization | 2 | 8 | 32 | Shall be placed a maximum of 30 days prior to event and removed a maximum of 7 days after event |
Contractor's Sign: Advertises a building tradeperson, engineer or architect who is actively conducting significant work on a particular lot that is not such person's place of business | 2 | 12 each | 20 each | Shall only be permitted while work is actively and clearly underway and a maximum of 10 days afterward; signs shall not be placed on the lot for more than 1 year, unless a 1 year extension is granted by the Zoning Officer; shall not be illuminated |
Directional Sign: Sign provides information indicating traffic direction, entry or exit, loading or service area, directions to apartment numbers or parking courts in a development, directions toward a temporary fair, fire lanes, parking or closely similar information regarding the same lot as the sign is on, and that does not include advertising | No max. | 3 each, other than signs painted on pavement | 3 each, other than signs painted on pavement | Directions signs within a residential development shall not be illuminated; signs directing persons to a fair or similar special event shall not be posted earlier than 2 weeks before the event and be removed within 1 week afterwards |
Flag, Commercial: A banner or pennant made of fabric or similar material that is hung in such a way to flow in the wind and that includes some type of commercial message | 2 | 20 each | 20 each | In addition, flags of any nation or level of government or that only include colors and no commercial message are not regulated by this Zoning chapter |
Garage Sale Sign: Advertises an occasional garage sale, porch sale or auction | 4 per event | 4 per sign | 4 per sign | Shall be placed a maximum of 3 days before permitted garage sale or auction begins, and be removed maximum of 24 hours after event ends |
Home Occupation or Farm-Related Business Sign: Advertises a permitted home occupation or farm-related business | 2 | 4 | 4 | Shall not be illuminated, except for a sign of a medical doctor; may be painted on a mailbox |
Identification Sign: Only identifies the name and occupation of the resident and the name, street address and use of a lot, but that does not include advertising | 1 | 1, except 2 for a principal nonresidential use | 6 | |
Open House Sign: Advertises the temporary and periodic open house of a property for sale or rent | 2 per event | 4 each | 4 each | Shall be place maximum of 5 days before open house begins, and be removed maximum of 24 hours after open house ends. Sign shall not be posted more than 5 consecutive days |
Political Sign: Advertises a person or party seeking political office or a political cause or opinion on a referendum or matter of political concern and which relates to a scheduled election or matter of upcoming vote by a governmental body Persons posting political signs shall deposit $25 with the Borough Secretary; the return of the deposit shall be conditioned on the removal of all signs within 30 days after the election; this requirement shall apply to signs posted in front of a dwelling or business with permission of the owner of the property, in front of polling places on election day or for a federal office | 4 | 32 total | 32 total | Shall be placed a maximum of 90 days prior to election, vote or referendum and removed a maximum of 10 days after the election, vote or referendum. Persons posting political signs shall maintain a written list of location of signs; political signs shall not be placed on private property without the prior consent of the owner; if a political signs does not meet these requirements, then it shall be regulated as an "off-premises sign" |
Proposed Development Sign: Announces a proposed subdivision or land development for which a sketch, preliminary or final plan has been submitted to the Borough, and which would involve a minimum of 10 dwelling units or a nonresidential principal building | 1 | 8 | 20 | Shall only be placed after the submission of a sketch, preliminary or final subdivision or land development plan to the Borough, and shall be removed when any of the following occur: 1) if plan is rejected or withdrawn, 2) for a residential development, when all of the approved units are sold, or 3) for a nonresidential development, when a permanent sign is placed |
Public Services Sign: Advertises the availability of restrooms, telephone or other similar public convenience | No max. | 2 each | 2 each | |
Real Estate Sign: Advertises the availability of property on which the sign is located for sale, rent, or lease | 1 per street the lot abuts | 6 each | 12 each | Shall only be placed on the property while it is actively for sale, lease or rent and shall be removed a maximum of 7 days after settlement or start of lease |
Service Organization/Place of Worship Sign: An off-premises sign stating name of a recognized incorporated service organization or place of worship and that states the place and times of meetings or services and an arrow directing persons to the location | 2 | 2 each | 2 each | Maximum of 2 signs per organization or place of worship |
Trespassing Sign: Indicating that a road is private, that trespassing is prohibited on a lot, or controlling certain activities such as hunting or fishing on the lot | No max. | 4 each | 4 each |
* | Maximum sign areas are for each two sides of each permitted sign, measured in square feet. |
B.
In addition, the following signs are not regulated by this Zoning chapter.
(1)
Historic sign. Memorializes an important historic place, event or person and that is specifically authorized by the Borough, county, state or federal agency.
(2)
Holiday decorations. Commemorates a holiday recognized by the Borough, county, state or federal government and that does not include advertising.
(3)
Not readable sign. Not readable from any public street or any exterior lot line.
(4)
Official sign. Erected by the state, county, Borough or other legally constituted governmental body, or specifically authorized by Borough ordinance or resolution, and which exists for public purposes.
(5)
Required sign. Only includes information required to be posted outdoors by a government agency or the Borough.
(6)
Right-of-way sign. Posted within the existing right-of-way of a public street and officially authorized by the Borough or PennDOT.
§ 400-704 Freestanding, wall and window signs.
A.
The following are the signs permitted on a lot within the specified district and within the following regulations, in addition to exempt signs and temporary signs permitted in all districts by other provisions of this article. See definitions of the types of signs in Section 711.
Zoning District or Type of Use | Max. Height of Freestanding Signs** | Max. Sign Area of Wall Signs (permitted on a max. of two building faces) | Max Sign Area of Window Signs (max of 1 side per sign) | Max. Sign Area (each of 2 sides) and Number of Freestanding Signs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
In a residential district for permitted nonresidential principal buildings | 8 feet | Max. total of 10% of the area of the building face on which each sign or set of signs are located, up to a max. of 32 square feet on each face of each principal building | Max. of 5% of the area of the building face on which the sign(s) is (are) located | Max of 1 sign per street which the use abuts upon, with a max. area of 32 square feet per side; such sign shall not be internally illuminated |
In a residential district - other than uses listed above | Not permitted, except for identification sign within § 400-703 | Not permitted | Not permitted | Not permitted; see permitted signs in § 400-703 |
In the commercial districts*** | 15 feet | Max. total of 10% of the area of the building face on which each sign or set of signs are located | Max. total of 20% of the area of the building face on which such signs are located; plus temporary banners and signs posted a total max. of 30 days per year with a max. total area of 32 square feet | Max. of 1 sign structure per abutting public street, with a total max. sign area of all freestanding signs of 20 square feet (on each of 2 sides) facing each abutting public street |
In the industrial districts*** | 20 feet | Max. total of 15% of the area of the building face on which each sign or set of signs is/are located | Max. total of 20% of the area of the building face on which signs are located; plus temporary banners and signs posted a total maximum of 30 days per year with a maximum total area of 32 square feet | Max. of 2 sign structures per abutting public street, with a total max. sign area of all freestanding signs of 32 square feet (on each of 2 sides) facing each abutting public street |
** | See definition of sign height in § 400-711. |
*** | Signs for nonbusiness uses shall be regulated as if such use would be within a residential district. |
B.
Maximum height of wall signs. The maximum height of wall signs shall be equal to the total height of the building to which they are attached.
C.
Portable signs.
(1)
Purpose. These standards recognize portable signs as a particular type of sign that has the characteristics of a temporary sign but that has been inappropriately used as a permanent sign. This section is based on the policy that if a use desires to regularly display a sign for regularly changing messages, that it erect a permanent sign within all of the requirements of this Zoning chapter.
(2)
Definition. A "portable sign" is a freestanding sign that is attached to a chassis that allows it to be towed from one location to another or that can be transported on a flatbed truck and that is not permanently attached to a building or the ground.
(3)
A portable sign, including any such sign that may have been displayed prior to the adoption of this Zoning chapter and which does not have a lawful permit as a permanent sign shall only be permitted if it meets all of the following requirements:
(a)
Shall be permitted only on the lot of a permitted principal commercial use.
(b)
Shall have a maximum sign area of 40 square feet on each of a maximum of two sides.
(c)
Shall only include one sign per principal use or per lot, whichever is more restrictive.
(d)
Shall need a sign permit, which shall state the dates during which the sign may be displayed.
(e)
Shall only be displayed on a lot for one period per year, which shall not exceed 30 days during a calendar year. Failure to remove the sign after the 30 days shall constitute a zoning violation.
(f)
Shall not obstruct safe sight distance to vehicles within or off the lot. Shall not be placed within the existing street right-of-way.
(g)
Shall not include flashing or blinking lights.
§ 400-705 Abandoned or outdated signs.
Signs advertising a use or longer in existence (other than a sign relating to a building that is clearly temporarily vacant and being offered to new tenants or for purchase) shall be removed within 180 days of the cessation of such use.
§ 400-706 Location of signs.
The following shall regulate the location of signs:
A.
Setback from streets. No sign except official signs, nameplate signs, public service signs and directional signs shall be erected within or project over any existing or established future street right-of-way.
B.
Sight distance. No sign shall be so located or arranged that it interferes with the sight distance requirements of § 400-803 or safe sight distances for vehicles within a lot. Signs in a location that may reduce sight distance shall have a minimum clearance of three feet above the ground, except for structural posts.
C.
Off-premises. No signs except permitted off-premises, official, political or public service signs shall be erected on a property to which it does not relate.
D.
Setbacks from lot lines. A freestanding sign for a commercial or industrial business shall not be located within 20 feet of the lot line of a "residential lot line." A sign is not required to meet setback requirements for accessory structures.
E.
Permission of owner. No sign shall be posted on any property or sign pole or public utility pole unless permission has been received by the owner.
§ 400-707 Illumination of signs.
§ 400-708 Vehicles functioning as signs.
Any vehicle or structure to which a sign is affixed in such a manner that the carrying of such sign or signs no longer is incidental to the primary purpose of the vehicle or structure but becomes a primary purpose in itself shall be considered a freestanding sign and as such shall be subject to requirements for freestanding signs in the district in which such vehicle or structure is located.
§ 400-709 Prohibited signs.
The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts:
A.
Spinners or any moving object used to attract attention to a commercial use.
B.
Flashing, blinking, twinkling, animated or moving signs of any type, except time and temperature signs. This restriction specifically includes window signs, but does not prohibit Christmas lighting or displays, within § 400-703.
C.
Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors or particles, sound or odor.
D.
Signs which contain information that states or implies that a lot may be used for any purpose not permitted under the applicable provisions of this Zoning chapter.
E.
Signs that are of such character, form, shape or color that they imitate or resemble any official traffic sign, signal or device or that have any characteristics which are likely to confuse or distract the operator of a motor vehicle on a public street (such as prominent use of the words "danger" or "stop").
F.
Signs or displays that include words or images that are obscene, pornographic or that an average reasonable person would find highly offensive to public decency.
G.
Signs attached by tacks, staples or other metal fasteners to utility poles.
§ 400-710 Construction of signs.
Every permanent sign permitted in this section shall be constructed of durable materials and shall be kept in good condition and repair. The Zoning Officer shall by, written notice, require a property owner or lessee to repair or remove a dilapidated or unsafe sign within a specified period of time. If such order is not complied with, the Borough may repair or remove such sign at the expense of such owner or lessee.
§ 400-711 Measurement and major types of signs.
A. BUILDING FACE FREESTANDING SIGN HEIGHT OF SIGN ILLUMINATED SIGN, INTERNALLY OFF-PREMISES SIGN SIGN WALL SIGN WINDOW SIGN
Sign definitions. The following definitions shall be used in determining whether signs meet the measurement and type requirements of this article:
The vertical area of a particular side of a building, including the vertical area in front of any slanted roof.
A sign which is self-supporting upon the ground or which is primarily supported by poles attached to the ground and not primarily supported by a building.
The vertical distance measured from the average ground level surrounding a sign to the highest point of the sign and its supporting structure. Religious symbols, when not accompanied by lettering, shall not be restricted by the sign heights of this article.
A sign illuminated by light from within the sign rather than a source adjacent to or outside of the sign. A sign within a display case with lights only shining onto the front of the sign shall be considered to be "externally" illuminated."
See Article II.
See Article II.
A sign primarily supported by or painted on a wall of a building and which does not project more than two feet from such wall.
A sign which is readily visible and can be at least partially read from an exterior lot line and which is attached to a window or transparent door or that can be read through a window or transparent door.
B.
Measurement of sign area.
(1)
Sign area shall include all lettering, wording and accompanying designs and symbols, together with related background areas on which they are displayed. One "freestanding sign" may include several signs that are all attached to one structure, with the total sign area being the total area of all signs on the structure.
(2)
The sign area shall not include any structurally supporting framework, bracing, or clearly defined wooden framing if such area does not include any display, lettering or sign and if such area is clearly incidental to the sign area itself.
(3)
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to or painted directly on a building or window, other than an illuminated background that is a part of the sign, the sign area shall be the smallest rectangle that includes all of the letters and symbols.
(4)
In computing the permitted sign area of a sign with two sides, the permitted total sign area shall be based upon the sign area of only one side (the larger of any two if they differ).
(5)
Unless otherwise specified, all square footages in regards to signs are maximum sizes.
C.
Flags and banners are permitted, provided that any flag or banner having a commercial message shall be regulated the same as a sign.
§ 400-712 Off-premises signs, including billboards.
A.
Purposes. Off-premises signs are controlled by this Zoning chapter for the following purpose: to ensure that a physical environment is maintained that is attractive to desirable types of development; prevent visual pollution in the Borough and protect property values, especially in consideration of the fact that most commercial areas of the Borough are within proximity to existing residences; prevent glare on adjacent property and streets; protect the open space and natural character of areas of the Borough; avoid the creation of additional visual distractions to motorists, especially along the high-speed expressways and along busy arterial streets that involve complex turning movements, congestion and numerous traffic hazards; recognize the numerous alternative forms of free speech available in the Borough, including existing nonconforming off-premises signs, on-premises signs and temporary signs and printed and electronic media; recognize that this Zoning chapter allows every landowner a reasonable use for their land; avoid off-premises signs that would have an unfair advantage over on-premises signs in the competition for attention, because off-premises signs typically are higher and larger than on-premises signs; carry out the purposes listed in § 400-701.
B.
Nonconforming off-premises signs. This section is not intended to require the removal of an existing lawfully placed off-premises sign that is in structurally sound condition.
C.
Commercial and noncommercial. This section applies to both commercial and noncommercial off-premises signs except as may be specifically provided for elsewhere in this Zoning chapter.
D.
PennDOT sign. Signs erected and maintained by PennDOT are permitted by right in all districts. Such signs that identify business services available at an interchange are specifically encouraged as an appropriate and orderly means of providing information without causing visual pollution or traffic hazards.
E.
Based directly on the intent statements within this Zoning chapter, off-premises signs are only permitted if they meet the following requirements, except for signs not requiring a permit in § 400-703.
(1)
District. An off-premises sign is only permitted in the commercial and industrial districts, and shall require conditional use approval.
(2)
Location. An off-premises sign is only permitted within a maximum of 200 feet of existing right-of-way of an arterial street and a minimum of 10 feet from any nonresidential lot line. Any off-premises sign shall be set back a minimum of 20 feet from all existing and future street rights-of-way. No off-premises sign shall be located within 200 feet of an existing residential lot line.
(3)
Maximum sign area: 200 square feet.
(4)
Spacing. Any off-premises sign shall be separated by a minimum of 1,500 feet from any other off-premises sign, including signs on either side of a street, and including existing signs in other municipalities. No lot shall include more than one off-premises sign.
(6)
Attached. No off-premises sign or sign face shall be attached in any way to any other off-premises sign. Off-premises signs shall have a maximum of two sign faces.
(7)
Lighting and glare. No off-premises sign shall be illuminated.