Bristol Township City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XXIX
Sign Regulations
§ 205-154 Scope and applicability.
Any sign hereafter erected and maintained shall conform with the provisions of this article and any other municipal ordinances and regulations.
§ 205-155 Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this article shall have the meaning given in this article:
ANIMATED SIGN
Any sign that uses movement or change of lighting to depict action or create a special effect or scene. A sign on which the only copy that changes is an electronic or mechanical indication of time or temperature shall be considered a changeable copy sign and not an animated sign.
BANNER
Any sign of lightweight fabric or similar material that is mounted to a pole, a building or any other structure. Flags representing governmental, educational or religious organizations shall not be considered banners.
BEACON
Any light with one or more beams directed into the atmosphere or directed at one or more points not on the same lot as the light source; also, any light with one or more beams that rotate or move.
BILLBOARD
Any sign supported by an upright(s) that is anchored in the ground and independent from any building or other structure with an area not in excess of 200 square feet which directs attention to a person, business, profession, product, occupation or activity not conducted on the same premises. For purposes of this article, freestanding signs mounted on rooftops are not considered billboards.
BUILDING MARKER
Any sign indicating the name of a building and date and incidental information about its construction, which sign is cut into a masonry surface or made of bronze or other permanent material.
BUILDING SIGN
Any sign attached to any part of a building including canopy signs, marquee signs, projecting signs, wall signs and window signs, as contrasted to a freestanding sign.
CANOPY SIGN
Any sign that is a part of an awning, canopy, or other fabric, plastic, or structural protective cover over a door, entrance, window, or outdoor service area. A marquee is not a canopy.
CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN
A sign on which the message copy can be changed through the use of attachable letters, numerals or graphics or through the use of electronic switching of lamps or other illuminated devices. A sign on which the message changes more than eight times a day (except for time and/or temperature) shall be considered an animated sign and not a changeable copy sign for purposes of this chapter.
COMMERCIAL MESSAGE
Any sign wording, logo, or other representation that, directly or indirectly, names, advertises, or calls attention to a business, product, service, or other commercial activity.
FREESTANDING SIGN
Any sign supported by an upright(s) that is anchored in the ground and that is independent from any building or other structure, not including billboards.
INCIDENTAL SIGN
A sign, generally informational, that has a purpose secondary to the use of the lot on which it is located, such as "no parking," "entrance," "telephone," "no trespassing" and other similar directives, and window signs giving store hours or the names of credit institutions. No sign with a commercial message legible from a position off the lot on which the sign is located shall be considered incidental.
MARQUEE
Any permanent roof-like structure projecting beyond a building or extending along and projecting beyond the wall of the building, generally designed and constructed for commercial use to provide protection from the weather, or for advertising.
MARQUEE SIGN
Any sign attached to, in any manner, or made a part of a marquee.
PENNANT
Any lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material which does not contain a message and is suspended from a rope, wire, or string, usually in series, designed to move in the wind.
PORTABLE SIGN
Any sign which is self supporting without being firmly embedded in the ground, or is fixed on a movable stand or mounted on wheels or movable vehicles or made easily movable in some other manner, including, but not limited to, signs converted to A-frames or T-frames; balloons used as signs; umbrellas used for advertising; and signs attached to or painted on vehicles parked and visible from the public right-of-way.
PROJECTING SIGN
Any sign affixed to a building or wall in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than 14 inches beyond the surface of such building or wall. Projecting signs shall not project more than four feet from the wall or surface to which they are attached, shall not extend beyond the edge of any wall or other surface to which they are mounted, and the lowest edge shall be at least eight feet above the ground level immediately below.
RESIDENTIAL SIGN
Any sign located in a district zoned for residential uses that contains no commercial message except advertising for goods or services legally offered on the premises where the sign is located.
ROOF SIGN
Any sign erected and constructed wholly on and over the roof of a building, supported by the roof structure, and extending vertically above the highest portion of the roof.
ROOF SIGN, INTEGRAL
Any sign erected or constructed as an integral or essentially integral part of a normal roof structure of any design, such that no part of the sign extends vertically above the highest portion of the roof and such that no part of the sign is separated from the rest of the roof by a space of more than 14 inches.
SIGN
Any device, fixture, placard, or structure that uses any color, form, graphic, illumination, symbol, or writing to advertise, announce, or identify the purpose of a person or entity, or to communicate information of any kind to the public.
WALL SIGN
Any sign attached parallel to, but within 14 inches of, a wall, painted on a wall surface of, or erected and confined within the limits of an outside wall of any building or structure, which is supported by such wall or building, and which displays only one sign surface.
WINDOW SIGN
Any sign, picture, symbol, or combination thereof, designed to communicate information about an activity, business, commodity, event, sale, or service, that is placed inside a window or upon the window panes or glass and is visible from the exterior of the window.
§ 205-156 Area of signs.
A.
The area of a sign shall be construed to include all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background, whether open or enclosed, on which they are displayed but not including any supporting framework and bracing incidental to the display itself.
B.
The area of a sign painted upon or applied to a building shall be considered to include all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs or symbols together with any backing associated with the sign.
C.
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to or painted on a surface, building, wall, canopy, or window, the area shall be considered to be that of the smallest rectangle or other regular geometric shape which encompasses all of the letters and symbols.
D.
In computing square foot area of a double-faced sign, only one side shall be considered, provided both faces are identical. If the interior angle formed by the two faces of the double-faced sign is greater than 45°, then both sides of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
E.
Lots fronting on two or more streets may compute the sign area for each street frontage separately; however, signage cannot be accumulated and used on one street in excess of that allowed for lots with only one street frontage.
§ 205-157 Types of illuminated signs.
A.
Directly illuminated sign is a sign designed to give forth artificial light directly (or through transparent or translucent material) from a source of light within such sign, including but not limited to neon and exposed lamp signs.
B.
Indirectly illuminated sign is a sign illuminated with a light so shielded that no direct rays therefrom are visible elsewhere on the lot where said illumination occurs. If such shielding device is defective, such sign shall be deemed to be a directly illuminated sign.
C.
Nonilluminated sign is a sign which is not illuminated either directly or indirectly.
§ 205-158 Computation and determination of sign height.
A.
The height of a freestanding sign shall be computed as the distance from the base of the sign at normal grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign. Normal grade shall be the existing grade prior to construction or the newly established grade after construction (exclusive of any filling, berming, mounding or excavating solely for the purpose of locating the sign), whichever is lower.
B.
For a projecting or wall sign, the height shall be determined by its placement on the building.
§ 205-159 Placement of signs.
A.
In no case shall any sign be erected so that it:
(1)
Interferes with traffic through glare or through confusion with a traffic control device (by reason of color, location, shape, wording or other characteristic) or through any other means.
(2)
Lies within the clear sight triangle as specified in § 205-128.
(3)
Lies within a parking space or parking aisle.
(4)
Obstructs the sight distance of any vehicle leaving a driveway.
(5)
Blocks the movement of pedestrians traveling on public thoroughfares, including sidewalks, walkways, and pathways.
(6)
Blocks or obstructs the entrance, exit, fire escape, or fire lane to a building.
(7)
Is erected or installed upon any property owned by the Township without the prior, express permission of the Township given by Council at a duly convened public meeting.
B.
Signs shall not be located within, nor project into the ultimate right-of-way of a street regardless of location from sidewalks. In addition, the following minimum setback requirements shall be met:
(1)
Signs of two square feet or less shall be set back at least two feet from a sidewalk.
(2)
Signs of six square feet or less shall be set back at least five feet from a sidewalk.
(3)
Signs which are greater than six square feet shall be set back at least 10 feet from a sidewalk.
C.
Signs shall be no closer than 15 feet to a side or rear lot line.
D.
No off-premises signs shall be located nearer than 100 feet from a residential district.
§ 205-160 Exempt for official signs.
Official signs which are authorized or erected by a duly constituted governing body including, but not limited to, signs necessary for the direction, regulation and control of traffic; street name signs, legal notices; and warnings at railroad crossings, shall be exempt from regulation under this article.
§ 205-161 Prohibited signs.
The following signs are unlawful and prohibited:
A.
Animated signs.
B.
Beacons.
C.
Portable signs for permanent use.
D.
Pennants.
E.
Signs containing information that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted in the zoning district in which the property to which the sign relates is located.
F.
Signs illuminated by a group of incandescent light bulbs hung or strung overhead or used to outline a sign or structure, with the exception of festive lighting.
G.
Any sign erected on a tree or utility pole, or painted or drawn on a rock or other natural feature.
H.
Roof signs and integral roof signs.
§ 205-162 Signs permitted in all zoning districts.
The following signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts and do not require a permit, provided the applicable requirements have been met. In addition, such signs shall not be counted when calculating the maximum total area of all signs on a lot.
A.
Incidental signs, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed two square feet.
B.
Flags representing governmental, educational or religious organizations, provided that the total area of all such flags shall not exceed 60 square feet in area.
C.
Identification signs displaying only the name and/or address of the occupant of a premises (one per property or family), provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed 200 square inches.
D.
Building markers or historical signs or tablets, provided that the total area of such signs shall not exceed four square feet per building.
§ 205-163 Signs in residential districts.
A.
In the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and EH Districts, the following sign regulations shall apply to residential uses:
(1)
Each lot shall be permitted one residential sign in accordance with the following requirements:
(a)
The maximum area of any such sign shall be two square feet.
(b)
A freestanding sign or a wall sign shall be permitted.
(c)
Such sign shall be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.
(2)
Each lot shall be permitted temporary signs in accordance with the following requirements:
(a)
The maximum area of any such sign shall be six square feet.
(b)
Freestanding signs or window signs shall be permitted.
(c)
Such signs shall be nonilluminated.
(d)
No more than four temporary signs shall be permitted in any one calendar year, and no more than two temporary signs shall be permitted on a lot at any one time.
(e)
Such signs shall be removed after 30 days. However, signs advertising the sale or rental of the premises upon which said sign has been erected shall be permitted until there is an agreement of sale, lease or rental for the property.
(3)
Each residential development or complex shall be permitted an identification sign at each principal access drive subject to the following requirements:
(a)
The maximum area of any such sign shall be 12 square feet.
(b)
A freestanding sign shall be permitted.
(c)
Such sign shall be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.
(4)
The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be six feet.
B.
In the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and EH Districts, the following sign regulations shall apply to permitted nonresidential uses and lawful nonconforming uses:
(1)
Each lot shall be permitted permanent signs in accordance with the following requirements:
(a)
One freestanding sign with a maximum area of 12 square feet.
(b)
One wall sign with a maximum area of 10 square feet.
(c)
The signs permitted by Subsection B(l)(a) and (b) above may be changeable copy signs provided that they are not directly illuminated.
(d)
Such signs shall be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.
(2)
Each lot shall be permitted temporary signs in accordance with the following requirements:
(a)
The maximum area of any such sign shall be 10 square feet.
(b)
Freestanding signs, banners and window signs shall be permitted.
(c)
Such signs shall be nonilluminated.
(d)
No more than four temporary signs shall be permitted in any one calendar year, and no more than two temporary signs shall be permitted on a lot at any one time.
(e)
Such signs shall be removed after 15 days. However, signs advertising the sale or rental of the premises upon which said sign has been erected shall be permitted until settlement or rental of the property has occurred.
(3)
The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be six feet.
§ 205-164 Signs in the CN, P-0, and MS Districts.
A.
The following types of permanent signs shall be permitted in the CN, P-O and MS Districts:
(1)
Each lot shall be permitted one freestanding sign in accordance with the following requirements:
(a)
The area of any such sign shall not exceed one square foot for each five feet of street frontage or 30 square feet, whichever is smaller.
(b)
The maximum height of any such sign shall be 10 feet.
(2)
Each lot shall be permitted building signs in accordance with the following requirements:
(a)
The total area of all building signs shall not exceed 10% of the exterior area of the front building wall (including window and door area and cornices) of the principal building.
(b)
Canopy signs, projecting signs, marquee signs, wall signs and window signs shall be permitted.
(c)
Not more than one projecting sign or marquee sign shall be permitted per principal building and such sign shall not exceed 20 square feet.
(d)
Window signs shall not exceed 25% of the total window area.
(3)
The signs permitted by Subsection A(1) and (2) above may be changeable copy signs.
(4)
Such signs shall be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or directly illuminated.
B.
Temporary signs shall be permitted in accordance with the following requirements:
(1)
The maximum area of any such sign shall be 12 square feet.
(2)
Freestanding signs, banners and window signs shall be permitted, provided that no more than one temporary, freestanding sign shall be permitted on a lot at any one time.
(3)
The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be six feet.
(4)
Such signs shall be nonilluminated.
(5)
No more than four temporary signs shall be permitted per establishment for any one calendar year, and no more than two temporary signs shall be permitted per establishment at any one time.
(6)
Such signs shall be removed after 15 days. However, signs advertising the sale or rental of the premises upon which said sign has been erected shall be permitted until there is an agreement of sale, lease or rental for the property.
§ 205-165 Signs in the C and CS Districts.
A.
The following types of permanent signs shall be permitted in the C and CS Districts:
(1)
Each lot shall be permitted one freestanding sign in accordance with the following requirements in addition to that provided in Subsection A(5) of this section:
(a)
The area of any such sign shall not exceed one square foot for each four feet of street frontage or 60 square feet, whichever is smaller.
(b)
The maximum height of any such sign shall be 12 feet.
(2)
Each lot shall be permitted building signs in accordance with the following requirements:
(a)
The total area of all building signs shall not exceed 15% or 100 square feet, whichever is less, of the exterior area of the front building wall (including window and door area and cornices) of the principal building.
(b)
Canopy signs, projecting signs, marquee signs, wall signs and window signs shall be permitted.
(c)
Not more than one projecting sign or marquee sign shall be permitted per principal building and such sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(d)
Window signs shall not exceed 15% of the total window area.
(3)
The signs permitted by Subsection A(1) and (2) above may be changeable copy signs.
(4)
Such signs shall be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or directly illuminated.
(5)
Special provisions for freestanding signs along Interstate 95 and the PA Turnpike.
(a)
The area of any such sign shall not exceed one square foot for each four feet of street frontage or 60 square feet, whichever is smaller.
(b)
The maximum height of any such sign shall be 25 feet.
(6)
Billboards may be permitted as a conditional use subject to the following provisions:
(a)
No billboard or any part thereof shall be erected and maintained within 1,000 feet of any other billboard measured on the same side of the road, and no such sign shall be permitted within 500 feet of any residential use, no matter in what district the use is located.
(b)
No billboard shall be erected and maintained within 24 feet of any building.
(c)
No billboard shall be permitted to exceed a maximum area of 200 square feet, including border and trim but excluding supports. A sign having two sides back-to-back or a V-shaped sign with a horizontal angle not greater than 45° is permitted, 200 square feet on each side or a total maximum area of 400 square feet.
(d)
No billboard or any part thereof shall exceed 20 feet in height, measured from the natural level of ground immediately underneath the proposed billboard.
(e)
In addition to the area and dimensional requirements of the applicable zoning district, billboards must comply with the following yard setbacks. Where requirements differ, the greater dimensional requirement shall apply:
[1]
No billboard or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained within 50 feet of the future right-of-way of a public street.
[2]
No billboard or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained within 100 feet of any interstate highway.
[3]
No billboard or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained within 50 feet of any side or rear property line.
(f)
The following minimum landscaping shall be provided adjacent to each billboard:
[1]
Five five-foot- to six-foot-high evergreen trees planted within a forty-foot radius on the sides and rear of the base of the sign.
[2]
Four eight-foot- to ten-foot-high flowering trees planted within a fifty-foot radius on the sides of the base of the sign.
[3]
One three-foot- to four-foot-high shrub per three linear feet of frontage or 40 shrubs, whichever is greater, to be placed in front of the sign.
B.
Temporary signs shall be permitted in accordance with the following requirements:
(1)
The maximum area of any such sign shall be 20 square feet.
(2)
Freestanding signs, banners and window signs shall be permitted, provided that no more than one temporary, freestanding sign shall be permitted on a lot at any one time.
(3)
The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be 10 feet.
(4)
Such signs shall be nonilluminated.
(5)
No more than four temporary signs shall be permitted per establishment for any one calendar year and no more than two temporary signs shall be permitted per establishment at any one time.
(6)
Such signs shall be removed after 15 days. However, signs advertising the sale or rental of the premises upon which said sign has been erected shall be permitted until there is an agreement of sale, lease or rental for the property.
§ 205-166 Signs in the TC (Overlay) District.
A.
The following types of permanent signs shall be permitted in the TC (Overlay) District:
(1)
Each lot shall be permitted one freestanding sign in accordance with the following requirements:
(a)
The area of any such sign shall not exceed one square foot for each four feet of street frontage or 60 square feet, whichever is smaller.
(b)
The maximum height of any such sign shall be eight feet.
(2)
Each lot shall be permitted building signs in accordance with the following requirements:
(a)
The total area of all building signs shall not exceed 15% or 100 square feet, whichever is less, of the exterior area of the front building wall (including window and door area and cornices) of the principal building.
(b)
Canopy signs, projecting signs, marquee signs, wall signs and window signs shall be permitted.
(c)
Not more than one projecting sign or marquee sign shall be permitted per principal building and such sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(d)
Window signs shall not exceed 15% of the total window area.
(3)
The signs permitted by Subsection A(1) and (2) above may be changeable copy signs.
(4)
Such signs shall be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or directly illuminated.
B.
Temporary signs shall be permitted in accordance with the following requirements:
(1)
The maximum area of any such sign shall be 20 square feet.
(2)
Freestanding signs, banners and window signs shall be permitted, provided that no more than one temporary, freestanding sign shall be permitted on a lot at any one time.
(3)
The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be 10 feet.
(4)
Such signs shall be nonilluminated.
(5)
No more than four temporary signs shall be permitted per establishment for any one calendar year, and no more than two temporary signs shall be permitted per establishment at any one time.
(6)
Such signs shall be removed after 15 days. However, signs advertising the sale or rental of the premises upon which said sign has been erected shall be permitted until there is an agreement of sale, lease or rental for the property.
§ 205-167 Signs in the M-1, M-2 and P-I Districts.
A.
The following types of permanent signs shall be permitted in the M-1, M-2, and P-I Districts:
(1)
Each lot shall be permitted one freestanding sign in accordance with the following requirements in addition to that provided in Subsection A(5) of this section:
(a)
The area of any such sign shall not exceed one square foot for each four feet of lot frontage or 60 square feet, whichever is less.
(b)
The maximum height of any such sign shall be 12 feet.
(2)
Each lot shall be permitted business signs in accordance with the following requirements:
(a)
The total area of all building signs shall not exceed 5% of the exterior area of the front building wall (including window and door area and cornices) of the principal building.
(b)
Canopy signs, projecting signs, wall signs and window signs shall be permitted.
(c)
Not more than one projecting sign shall be permitted per principal building and such sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(3)
The signs permitted by Subsection A(1) and (2) above may be changeable copy signs.
(4)
Such signs shall be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or directly illuminated.
(5)
Special provisions for freestanding signs along Interstate 95 and the PA Turnpike.
(a)
The area of any such sign shall not exceed one square foot for each four feet of street frontage or 60 square feet, whichever is smaller.
(b)
The maximum height of any such sign shall be 25 feet.
(6)
Billboards may be permitted as a conditional use subject to the following provisions:
(a)
No billboard or any part thereof shall be erected and maintained within 1,000 feet of any other billboard measured on the same side of the road, and no such sign shall be permitted within 500 feet of any residential use, no matter in what district the use is located.
(b)
No billboard shall be erected and maintained within 24 feet of any building.
(c)
No billboard shall be permitted to exceed a maximum area of 200 square feet, including border and trim but excluding supports. A sign having two sides back-to-back or a V-shaped sign with a horizontal angle not greater than 45° is permitted, 200 square feet on each side or a total maximum area of 400 square feet.
(d)
No billboard or any part thereof shall exceed 20 feet in height, measured from the natural level of ground immediately underneath the proposed billboard.
(e)
In addition to the area and dimensional requirements of the applicable zoning district, billboards must comply with the following yard setbacks. Where requirements differ, the greater dimensional requirement shall apply:
[1]
No billboard or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained within 50 feet of the future right-of-way of a public street.
[2]
No billboard or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained within 100 feet of any interstate highway.
[3]
No billboard or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained within 50 feet of any side or rear property line.
(f)
The following minimum landscaping shall be provided adjacent to each billboard:
[1]
Five five-foot- to six-foot-high evergreen trees planted within a forty-foot radius on the sides and rear of the base of the sign.
[2]
Four eight-foot- to ten-foot-high flowering trees planted within a fifty-foot radius on the sides of the base of the sign.
[3]
One three-foot- to four-foot-high shrub per three linear feet of frontage or 40 shrubs, whichever is greater, to be placed in front of the sign.
B.
Temporary signs shall be permitted in accordance with the following requirements:
(1)
The maximum area of any such sign shall be 20 square feet:
(2)
Freestanding signs, banners and window signs shall be permitted; provided that no more than one temporary, freestanding sign shall be permitted on a lot at any one time.
(3)
The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be 10 feet.
(4)
Such signs shall be nonilluminated.
(5)
No more than four temporary signs shall be permitted per establishment for any one calendar year and no more than two temporary signs shall be permitted per establishment at any one time.
(6)
Such signs shall be removed after 15 days. However, signs advertising the sale or rental of the premises upon which said sign has been erected shall be permitted until there is an agreement of sale, lease or rental for the property.
§ 205-168 Nonconforming signs.
A.
Signs existing at the time of passage of this chapter, which were legally erected, and which do not conform with the requirements of this chapter shall be considered nonconforming signs. Nonconforming signs must be registered with the Department of Licenses and Inspections within 60 days of the date of this chapter, and annually thereafter. When registering, the sign owner must produce written proof of the original cost of the sign.
B.
Nonconforming signs may be repainted or repaired (including lighting), provided that such repainted or repaired sign does not exceed the dimensions of the existing sign. Wording may also be changed. However, nonconforming signs shall either be eliminated or made to conform with the requirements of this article when any proposed change, repair or maintenance would constitute an expense of more than 50% of the original value or replacement value of the sign, whichever is less. A nonconforming sign on a building or structure shall be removed when the building or structure is demolished or when its renovation or expansion amounts to over 50% of the assessed market value of the structure as assessed by the Bucks County Board of Assessment.
C.
A sign in violation of § 205-161, Prohibited signs, of this chapter shall be removed within 14 days of the effective date of this chapter.
D.
A sign lying within or projecting over a public right-of-way shall be removed within 14 days of the effective date of this chapter.
E.
A nonconforming sign must be removed within 14 days or be brought into conformity with this article in every respect whenever:
(1)
It is not firmly attached to the ground or some other object and can be easily moved.
(2)
It becomes so deteriorated that it no longer serves a useful purpose of communication and is a nuisance as determined by the Township.
(3)
It is not constructed of durable materials or has not been kept in good condition and repair.
F.
Any sign now or hereafter existing which no longer advertises a bona fide business conducted or product sold shall be taken down and removed by the person having the beneficial use of the building or structure upon which such sign may be found within 10 days after written notification to the owner of such building from the Department of Licenses and Inspections, and, upon failure to comply with such notice within the time specified therein, the Department of Licenses and Inspections is hereby authorized and empowered to cause removal of such sign, and any expense incident thereto shall be paid by the owner of the building or structure to which such sign is attached.
G.
Nonconforming signs which are removed shall be replaced only with conforming signs.
§ 205-169 Permits; construction; maintenance; violations.
A.
General permit procedures.
(1)
A building permit must be obtained from the Township before the erection of any sign greater than two square feet in area, unless specifically exempted herein. Exemptions from the necessity of securing a building permit, however, shall not be construed to relieve the owner of the sign involved from responsibility for its erection in a safe manner and in a manner in accord with all the other provisions of this chapter.
(2)
The application for a permit shall be accompanied by the written consent of the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is to be erected for the Township to enter said premises to inspect such sign.
(3)
Permanent signs. Before any permit is granted for the erection of a permanent sign or permanent sign structure, plans and specifications shall be filed with the Township showing:
(a)
The dimensions of the sign and, where applicable, the dimensions of the wall surface of the building to which it is to be attached;
(b)
The dimensions of the sign's supporting members;
(c)
The maximum height of the sign;
(d)
The proposed location of the sign in relation to the face of the building, in front of which or above which it is to be erected;
(e)
The proposed location of the sign in relation to the boundaries of the lot upon which it is to be situated;
(f)
The method and hours of illumination;
(g)
The materials, finish, and details of construction including loads, stresses, anchorage, and any other pertinent engineering data; and
(h)
Existing signs on the property.
(4)
Temporary signs. Temporary signs shall be allowed only upon the issuance of a temporary sign permit, which shall be subject to the following requirements:
(a)
A temporary sign permit shall allow the use of a temporary sign for a specified time period, as authorized by this chapter.
(b)
The applicant for a temporary sign permit shall provide the Zoning Officer with sufficient information to demonstrate compliance with the sign regulations of this chapter.
(c)
An escrow deposit shall be required as a guarantee that the temporary sign shall be promptly and completely removed at the end of the authorized period. If such signs are not promptly removed at the end of the authorized period, the municipality will have them removed and keep a sum necessary to reimburse the expense incurred in removal.
(5)
Plans for signs with a proposed area greater than 100 square feet shall be prepared and sealed by a structural engineer.
(6)
Fees and deposits. Permit fees and refundable escrow deposit amounts shall be set from time to time by resolution of Council.
(7)
It shall be the duty of the Department of Licenses and Inspections, upon the filing of an application for a permit, to examine such plans, specifications, and other data and the premises upon which the sign is proposed, to determine compliance with all applicable requirements. Once issued, if the work authorized under a sign permit has not been completed within six months after the date of issuance, said permit shall become null and void.
(8)
Every sign for which a permit has been issued and hereafter erected, constructed, or maintained shall be plainly marked with the name of the person owning, erecting, maintaining, or operating such sign, and shall have displayed in a conspicuous place thereon, in letters not less than one inch in height, the date of erection, the permit number, and the voltage of any electrical apparatus used in connection therewith.
(9)
Annual renewal of sign permit and fee.
(a)
All signs requiring a sign permit, whether or not such signs have been erected prior to the adoption of this chapter, shall annually renew the sign permit and pay an annual fee to the Township on or before January 15 of each year, beginning in the year following the year within which a sign permit was first obtained.
(b)
Upon receiving such annual renewal application, the Township Department of Licenses and Inspections shall inspect such sign(s) visually for any apparent structural damage or defects that needs to be repaired, and either:
[1]
Issue a sign permit for the calendar year, if the required fees have been paid and the sign is determined to conform to this and other applicable ordinance of the Township; or
[2]
Give notice by certified mail to the owner of the sign(s) of any violations of this or other applicable ordinance of the Township affording 15 days to correct such violations; and
[3]
If such violations are corrected to the Township Department of Licenses and Inspections satisfaction, issue the sign permit.
B.
Construction requirements.
(1)
All signs shall meet the design and construction requirements of the BOCA Basic Building Code, the Township Engineer's Handbook of Standards and Specifications, and any other applicable ordinance or regulations of the Township.
(2)
No sign shall be illuminated by other than electrical means. Electrical devices and wiring shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of the National Electric Code and certified by an electrical inspection agency approved by the Township.
(3)
All sign components, connections, and installations shall conform to specifications of the National Electric Code and Underwriters' Laboratories and bear a UL seal. In no case shall any open spark or flame be used for display purposes.
C.
Maintenance requirements.
(1)
Every sign permitted by this chapter must be constructed of durable materials and kept in good condition and repair. Any sign which is allowed to become dilapidated may be removed by the Township at the expense of the owner or leasee of the property or premises on which it is located. Prior to such action, the Zoning Officer shall follow the notification procedures specified in Subsection E below.
(2)
Weeds, rubbish, or debris shall be kept out from in front of, underneath, and around the base of all freestanding signs.
(3)
All signs shall be maintained at all times in such a safe condition that they shall not be a danger to the public health or safety.
D.
Unsafe and unlawful signs. If the Zoning Officer finds that any sign regulated herein is unsafe or insecure or is a menace to the public or has been constructed, erected, or maintained in violation of the provisions of this chapter, he shall give notice to remove or alter the sign to comply with this chapter, in the same manner as in Subsection E below. However, any sign that is in immediate peril to persons or property may be removed summarily, without notice.
E.
Removal of signs. The owner or leasee of any property or premises upon which any sign is erected shall be responsible for its complete removal as required by any provision of this chapter. If the owner or leasee of any property upon which a sign has been erected shall fail or neglect to remove it as hereinabove required, the Zoning Officer shall give notice to the owner by certified mail to remove the sign. If this letter is returned undelivered, for any reason, he may post such notice upon the premises. If, upon the expiration of 30 days following notice, the owner fails to remove the sign, the municipality shall arrange for its removal and shall bill the owner or leasee for the cost of such work plus 10% for administrative cost.
