Caln Township City Zoning Code
ARTICLE X
Signs
§ 155-153 Statement of intent.
The purpose of the provisions established under Article X of this chapter is to establish specific regulations pertaining to signs for all land uses, zoning districts and conditions within Caln Township. The objectives of these provisions are as follows: to promote and maintain overall community beautification; establish reasonable time, place and manner regulations on the exercise of free speech; promote traffic safety; and promote appropriate and efficient use of land.
§ 155-154 General standards and requirements for all signs.
The following sign regulations shall apply to all signs in all zoning districts within Caln Township:
A.
Permits. Unless otherwise exempted in Subsection B below, a permit shall be required for all signs within Caln Township in accordance with the following procedures:
(1)
Two complete permit applications shall be submitted to erect, install, replace, remove and alter signs, as required by the provisions of this article. The application shall include the required permit fee.
(2)
The permit application shall contain all information necessary for the Zoning Officer to determine whether the proposed sign conforms with the requirements of this chapter. At a minimum, the following information shall be included:
(a)
Two copies of the plans and diagrams drawn accurately to scale depicting the dimensions of the lot, cartway, right-of-way and location of the sign.
(b)
The exact size, dimensions and location of the sign to be placed on the lot or building, together with its type, construction, materials to be used and the manner of installation.
(c)
Any other useful information which may be required of the applicant by the Zoning Officer.
(3)
The permit application shall be granted or refused within 30 days from the date of completed application.
(4)
No sign permit shall be issued except in conformity with the regulations of this Article X and the Building Code.
B.
The following signs shall not require a sign permit:
(1)
Decorations for a recognized officially designated holiday; provided, they do not create a traffic or fire hazard and provided that provision is made for their removal within 30 days after the holiday.
(2)
Official municipal, county, state or federal government signs.
(3)
Memorial or historical markers when approved by the Board of Commissioners upon recommendation from the Historical Commission and when not more than six square feet in area.
(4)
Change in the copy of a changeable copy sign once a permit for that sign has been issued.
(5)
Temporary signs that meet the criteria in § 155-154I(5).
(6)
Individual name, street address, postal boxes, and property control or restriction signs.
(7)
Emergency warning signs erected by a public utility, pipeline company or contractor doing such work authorized or permitted by such utility or company. Such signs may be illuminated.
(8)
Flags of the United States, the state, county or municipality, foreign nations having diplomatic relations with the United States and any other flag adopted and sanctioned by an elected legislative body of competent jurisdiction; provided that such flag shall not exceed 60 square feet in area and shall not be flown from a pole that exceeds 35 feet in height. Other flags shall be considered freestanding signs and shall be governed by such regulations that may apply in the zoning district in which such flag is located. Flags may be illuminated.
(9)
Advertising signs located in bus shelters provided that the size of the sign is limited to the size of the end wall of the shelter and an agreement has been executed between the Township and the bus shelter company regarding the placement and content of such signs.
C.
Construction. All signs, except temporary signs, shall be constructed of durable material and kept in good condition and repair. Any sign which is allowed to become dilapidated or in a state of disrepair may, after 30 days of notification, be removed by the Caln Township at the expense of the owner or lessee of the property on which it is located.
D.
Location and placement. All signs shall be located and placed in compliance with the provisions of this article. The following requirements shall apply:
(1)
No sign shall be posted, stapled or otherwise permanently attached to public utility poles or trees within a street right-of-way.
(2)
No sign shall be placed in such a position as to endanger pedestrians, bicyclists or traffic on a street by obscuring the view or by interfering with official street signs or signals by virtue of position or color.
(3)
Signs and their supporting structures shall maintain clearance and noninterference with all surface and underground utility and communications lines or equipment.
(4)
All pole signs which are located within 20 feet of a street right-of-way line shall have at least seven feet of clear space between such sign and the average ground elevation. However, the necessary support structures may extend through such open space.
(5)
Ground signs shall be located at least 10 feet from the street right-of-way line.
(6)
No sign shall be located within the clear sight triangle of a street intersection.
(7)
The area of a sign shall be construed to include all lettering, wording, border trim or framing 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 which are incidental to the display itself.
(8)
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to a surface, building, wall or window, the area shall be determined by calculating the smallest rectangle which encompasses all of the letters and symbols used for the sign, regardless of the actual shape created by the letters and symbols.
(9)
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.
(10)
In computing the square foot area of a double-faced sign, only one side of the sign shall be considered, provided that both faces are identical inside the frame of the sign. In cases where the signs are not parallel or if an interior angle is created to provide visibility, both sides of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area. Where double-faced signs are permitted to be separated by more than 16 inches, the area of both sides of the sign shall be calculated as part of the total area.
E.
Height. The height of all signs which are permitted within Caln Township are specified in Matrix Chart 14 which is attached to this chapter. The following specific provisions shall apply to the height of a sign.
(1)
The height of a sign shall be measured from the average elevation of the ground or finished grade to the highest point of the sign.
(2)
Unless otherwise permitted by this article, no sign that is a part of or is supported by a building shall be erected upon the roof of such building, nor shall such sign extend above the height of the building. A wall sign that partially extends above the roofline by no more than 20% of the sign height, as measured at the point where such sign is attached to the building, shall be permitted.
F.
Clearance, visibility and sight distance. The following minimum requirements shall apply to the ground clearance, visibility and sight distance for all permitted signs within Caln Township.
(1)
Unless otherwise specified by this Code, all freestanding signs which are located within 20 feet of a street right-of-way line shall have at least seven feet of clear space between such sign and the average ground elevation. However, the necessary support structures may extend through such open space.
(2)
Ground signs shall be located at least 10 feet from the street right-of-way line.
(3)
No ground or freestanding sign shall be located within the clear sight triangle of a street intersection. The provisions for establishing the clear sight triangle are specified under § 155-119 of this chapter.
(4)
The minimum sight distance requirements for pedestrians and vehicles shall be considered and applied.
G.
Projection. An on-premises projecting sign which is mounted upon a building so that its principal face is a right angle or perpendicular to the wall of the building may be permitted, subject to the following provisions:
(1)
All such projecting signs shall extend no more than six feet from the building.
(2)
The minimum height of a projecting sign shall be at least eight feet from the average ground elevation and no higher than 20 feet above the average ground elevation.
(3)
The maximum area of all projecting signs shall be 20 square feet, as measured on a single side of the projecting sign. Double-faced projecting signs may be permitted for the same use.
H.
Illumination. The following provisions shall apply to the illumination of signs within Caln Township:
(1)
Lighting for all signs shall comply with the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America's (IESNA) recommended practices and criteria in the IESNA Lighting Handbook. Fixtures shall be equipped with or be capable of being backfitted with light-directing devices such as shields, visors or hoods when necessary to redirect offending light distribution.
(2)
Signs may be externally lit, such as by spotlights, provided that all lighting shall be aimed, located, designed, fitted and maintained so as not to project or reflect light onto a neighboring use, property or right of way. No more than 0.2 footcandle of light shall be detectable at the boundary of any abutting property.
(3)
Signs may be internally lit, in which the display area of the sign itself is composed of lighting elements, such as liquid crystal diodes (LCD), light-emitting diodes (LEDs), fluorescent bulbs or lamps, plasma, or other digital illuminated display provided that the display of internally lit signs shall have a maximum illuminance not to exceed 0.3 footcandle above ambient lighting conditions, as measured using a footcandle meter at 75 feet perpendicular to the sign's display. It shall be the responsibility of the sign owner to demonstrate compliance with the maximum illuminance standards to the satisfaction of the Township.
(4)
The use of illuminated signs within residential Zoning Districts shall be prohibited unless the illuminated sign is specifically related to emergency management uses, medical facilities, municipal uses, institutional uses and other similar uses considered appropriate by the Zoning Officer.
I.
Supplementary sign regulations for all zoning districts. The following supplementary sign regulations shall apply to all zoning districts within Caln Township:
(1)
Real estate signs for the selling, renting or leasing of residential properties shall be permitted on the property that is being sold, rented or leased subject to the following conditions: the area of the sign shall not exceed six square feet; the spacing of such signs shall be at least 200 feet apart on the same lot or property; the sign shall be located at least five feet from the street right-of-way line; no more than two signs shall be permitted for each property being sold, rented or leased; and the sign shall be removed within seven days after the final transaction is completed.
(2)
Real estate signs for the selling, renting or leasing of nonresidential properties shall be permitted on the property that is being sold, rented or leased subject to the following conditions: the area of the sign shall not exceed 32 square feet; the spacing of such signs shall be at least 200 feet apart on the same lot or property; the sign shall be located at least five feet from the street right-of-way line; and the sign shall be removed within seven days after the final transaction is completed.
(3)
Property control or restriction signs shall be permitted subject to the following conditions; the area of the sign shall not exceed two square feet; the spacing of such signs shall be at least 100 feet apart on the same lot or property.
(4)
Traffic control and directional signs shall be subject to the review and approval of Caln Township and/or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The location, size, type, height, spacing and quantity of the sign(s) may be stipulated on the permit, as issued by Caln Township and/or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
(5)
Temporary signs. Temporary signs may be installed in accordance with the following requirements:
(a)
The area of the temporary sign may not exceed six square feet.
(b)
The sign shall be placed only on properties with the property owner's permission.
(c)
The sign may be posted for a period of 30 calendar days.
(d)
If the temporary sign is not removed after 30 days, the Township has the authority to remove and dispose of the same.
(6)
Removal of signs. Signs that are no longer utilized for the original intent or use shall be removed from the site or changed to accommodate a new sign for the new use within 30 days of occupancy by the new use. All replacement signs shall conform with the provisions specified under this chapter of the Code. Upon the removal of any sign, whether temporary or permanent, such removal shall include all associated support, including the posts, poles, brackets, arms, trailers and other support mechanisms.
§ 155-155 Types and sizes of signs permitted by zoning district.
Matrix Chart 14, which is attached hereto and incorporated as Appendix R,[1] summarizes the categorical sign requirements by type, quantity, height, area, location and permit procedures for each use within Caln Township. Where a discrepancy should exist between the provisions contained within the text and the provisions contained within Matrix Chart 14, the provisions contained within the text shall prevail.
[1]
Editor's Note: Said appendix is included as an attachment to this chapter.
§ 155-156 Sign requirements for a mixed-use village development.
In addition to the regulations of this Article X, signs in a mixed-use village development shall comply with Article VI. Where there is a conflict, the provisions of Article VI shall apply.
§ 155-157 Sign requirements for residential uses.
A.
An individual nameplate or street address sign may be posted on any residential lot, provided it does not exceed four square feet in area. All such signs shall be located at least two feet from the street right-of-way and five feet from all other property lines.
B.
Home occupation signs displaying the name and address of the occupant or the profession or activity of the occupant of a dwelling subject to the following conditions: only one such sign shall be erected for each permitted use or dwelling; the area of such sign shall not exceed four square feet; and provided that such sign shall be fixed flat on the main wall of such building or may be erected in the front yard, but not within two feet of the right-of-way or five feet from any other property line.
C.
Residential development containing a total of 20 or more residential units may provide a sign for the purposes of identifying the name of the development subject to the following criteria:
(1)
The signs shall be limited to two freestanding or ground signs per entrance to the development.
(2)
The maximum size of the sign shall be 32 square feet per sign.
(3)
The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be 10 feet and shall be constructed of weather-resistant wood, vinyl or decorative masonry.
(4)
Any wall or fence structure which supports such signs may not exceed eight feet in height or a maximum of 100 square feet in area.
(5)
The sign shall be located at least five feet from the street right-of-way line, 20 feet from all other property lines and shall not be located within the clear sight triangle. The final location of such signs shall be approved by the Zoning Officer prior to the issuance of a sign permit.
D.
Directional signs may be permitted, provided they are utilized within the interior of a residential development, are limited to one directional sign per street and do not exceed four square feet in size.
§ 155-158 Sign requirements for nonresidential uses.
A.
The maximum number of on-premises signs for a nonresidential use shall be limited to the following: (i) one freestanding sign; (ii) six wall or parallel signs, which shall not exceed 20% of the area of the building face to which the sign will be affixed or exceed 100 cumulative square feet along one designated side of the building, whichever is lesser, and 50 cumulative square feet along all other sides of the building; and (iii) one projecting sign and four directional signs per acre.
B.
A freestanding or ground sign may be permitted for all nonresidential uses and developments, subject to the provisions specified in Matrix Chart 14, which is attached to this chapter, In addition to those requirements, the following provisions shall apply:
(1)
An office park, business park, medical research park and industrial park may have one freestanding sign for each street the development has more than 300 feet of frontage. The area of each sign shall not exceed 100 cumulative square feet and shall meet the following criteria:
(a)
A pole sign shall be located at least five feet from the street right-of-way line. The maximum height of a pole sign shall be no less than seven feet and no more than 20 feet, as measured from the average ground elevation.
(b)
A ground sign shall be located at least 10 feet from the street right-of-way line. The maximum height of a ground sign shall be no more than eight feet, as measured from the average ground elevation. Any wall or fence structure which supports such signs may not exceed eight feet in height or a maximum of 150 square feet and shall be constructed of weather-resistant wood, vinyl or decorative masonry.
(2)
A shopping center or shopping mall containing multiple nonresidential uses with more than 30,000 square feet of cumulative floor area may contain one freestanding sign for each street the development has more than 300 feet of frontage. The area of each sign shall not exceed 100 cumulative square feet and shall meet the following criteria:
(a)
A freestanding sign shall be located at least five feet from the street right-of-way line. The height of a freestanding sign shall be no less than seven feet and no more than 20 feet, as measured from the average ground elevation.
(b)
A ground sign shall be located at least 10 feet from the street right-of-way line. The maximum height of a ground sign shall be no more than eight feet, as measured from the average ground elevation. Any wall or fence structure which supports such signs may not exceed eight feet in height or a maximum of 150 square feet and shall be constructed of weather-resistant wood, vinyl or decorative masonry.
(3)
All other individual nonresidential uses may have one freestanding sign subject to the provisions specified Matrix Chart 14, which is attached to this chapter.
C.
A municipal, governmental, recreational or institutional use may have one freestanding sign per vehicular entrance to the use for the purposes of displaying the name of the use and its activities or services, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed 60 square feet.
D.
An agricultural use may have one freestanding or ground sign for the purposes of displaying the name of the use and its activities or services, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed 30 square feet.
E.
Business and advertising signs located within a sports facility or venue subject to the following criteria: the signs shall be located within the permitted sports facility or venue such as a football stadium, little league baseball field or similar playing field owned or operated by a not-for-profit organization or entity organized to promote youth sports teams; the nonprofit organization or entity is recognized and authorized in writing as such by the appropriate state and federal agencies; no more than one sign measuring a maximum of 12 square feet in area shall be permitted for each 500 square feet of playing field or ground floor stadium area; all such signs shall be made of wood, plastic or metal; and all such signs may be located only on walls, fences and scoreboards, but shall not be mounted on light poles, roofs or other freestanding surfaces.
§ 155-159 Billboards.
A.
Billboards, as defined by this chapter of the Code, are permitted by conditional use within the C and I-1 Zoning Districts.
B.
Billboards shall not exceed 250 square feet and may be placed along the Route 30 Bypass within the C and I-1 Zoning Districts. The spacing of such signs shall be at least 1,000 linear feet apart from another off-premises advertising sign or billboard on the same side of the road.
C.
Billboards shall be located at least 10 feet from the street right-of-way line and no further than 100 feet from the street right-of-way line, as measured on the same side of the street to which the off-premises advertising sign or billboard is located.
D.
Billboards shall be located at least 30 feet from all property lines.
E.
Billboards shall be located at least 300 feet from the center of the nearest street intersection or interchange.
F.
The maximum height of all billboards shall be no less than 20 feet to the bottom edge of the sign and no more than 40 feet to the top edge of the sign, as measured from the average ground elevation.
G.
When two billboards are orientated in a back-to-back arrangement, they shall be parallel and directly opposite from each other and shall not be spaced by more that 15 feet. The size and shape of the signs shall not deviate from each other, and they shall utilize the same support structure.
H.
When two billboards are orientated in a V-type arrangement, they shall be at least 15 feet apart at the closest point nor shall the interior angles be greater than 45°. The size and shape of the signs shall not deviate from each other and they shall utilize the same support structure.
I.
No billboard shall be located in any manner that disrupts or distracts the operator of a motor vehicle.
J.
All billboards shall be located to comply with the following design requirements:
(1)
All billboards shall be designed, located and constructed in accordance with all local and state codes. As part of this requirement, all permit applications shall include signed and sealed plans from a licensed engineer within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
(2)
All billboards shall be constructed and erected on a steel unipole or steel I-beams meeting the minimum standards established by the Outdoor Advertising Association of America and the Institute of Outdoor Advertising.
(3)
The support structures for all billboards shall be constructed and erected on permanent footings, as determined by the licensed engineer responsible for the permit application.
(4)
The billboard shall not contain vulgar messages or depict any lewd, pornographic, lascivious or other offensive acts.
(5)
The billboard shall be maintained and inspected by the applicant of the permit on a regular basis, but shall not exceed a period of time of more than 30 days. As part of this requirement, the applicant shall inspect the following: the support structure to determine if is sound and in good repair; the lighting to determine if it operating sufficiently; the display area to determine if is in good condition and free of graffiti; the area within the lease area to determine if it is clear of overgrown vegetation, debris, trash and other unsightly materials; and all other items that shall be inspected periodically, as determined appropriate by the Zoning Officer.
(6)
Billboards that are internally lit, that are composed of lighting elements (such as light-emitting diodes), or that are otherwise in themselves a source of light shall be permitted provided that they comply with the standards in § 155-154H.
(7)
If a conditional use is granted by the Board of Commissioners, all billboards shall be located to comply with the following permit requirements:
(a)
The applicant shall submit a written agreement with the permit application indicating that the owner of the property has agreed to lease the property to the commercial sign or advertising company and has approved the proposed display or message contained on the off-premises advertising sign or billboard.
(b)
Three complete permit applications shall be submitted to Caln Township, as required by the provisions of this Code. The permit application shall include the required permit fee.
(c)
The permit application shall contain the following information: three copies of the plans and diagrams drawn accurately to scale depicting the dimensions of the lot, cartway, right-of-way and location of the sign; the exact size, dimensions and location of the off-premises sign or billboard to be placed on the lot or building, together with its type, construction, materials to be used, support structures and the manner of installation; and any other useful information which may be required of the applicant by the Caln Township Engineer or Zoning Officer.
(d)
The completed permit application, plans and support diagrams shall be signed and sealed by a licensed engineer within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
§ 155-160 Changeable copy signs.
A.
Changeable copy signs shall meet the following standards:
(1)
Such signs may not be located in any residential zoning district.
(2)
All such signs shall be permanently affixed to the ground or to a structure.
(3)
Changeable copy signs may be either freestanding or marquee signs.
(4)
Copy shall be changed electronically with LED (light-emitting diode) or digital letters or by means of moveable lettering.
(5)
Copy shall not change in intervals of less than 30 seconds or one complete rotation within a 30-second interval during any given time of the day.
(6)
No more than one changeable copy sign shall be permitted per use, per street frontage.
(7)
No changeable copy sign shall be permitted within 300 feet of another.
(8)
The sign area of a changeable copy sign shall be included in the total permissible sign area for a freestanding, ground, or marquee sign, as the case may be.
(9)
The height of any such sign shall adhere to the standards specified under § 155-154 of the Code.
§ 155-161 Special use signs and promotional signs.
A.
The following provisions shall apply to special event or seasonal signs for an existing nonresidential use located within a nonresidential district, including signs, banners, flags, balloons, floodlights and other similar promotional features:
(1)
The maximum size of a special event sign shall be 24 square feet. In the case of more than one sign, the combined area of all signs shall be no more than 24 square feet.
(2)
No portion of a ground sign used to advertise a special event shall exceed the height of 32 inches. Any banner or wall sign used to advertise a special event shall not extend above the roofline of the building upon which the sign is displayed.
(3)
A special event sign shall be fastened securely. Ground signs shall be anchored with a metal pipe or other secure support. Hanging signs shall be secured and not allowed to flap or sag.
(4)
All seasonal signs must be maintained in accordance with the provisions of this Code.
(5)
The sign shall not obstruct the vision or sight distance of the operator of any vehicle or interfere with normal pedestrian movements. In no case shall the sign be located closer than five feet from the street right-of-way line. A plot plan showing the location of any special event sign must accompany each permit application.
(6)
The special event sign may be two-sided with different advertisement displays on either side.
(7)
The special event sign shall not contain flashing messages as part of the display.
(8)
No such sign shall remain in place or otherwise be displayed for more than 30 days per event or season, and no person shall exhibit any such sign for more than a total of 75 days during any calendar year.
(9)
The use of banners, flags, floodlights and other similar promotional features may be utilized, provided they comply with the following provisions: they shall not be utilized on the property for more than 30 consecutive days or more than 75 cumulative days in any calendar year; they shall be located at least 20 from the street right-of-way line and 30 feet from the property line; they shall be well maintained; and they shall not disrupt vehicular or pedestrian traffic along any public street right-of-way.
(10)
The use of balloons and similar promotional features may be utilized, provided they comply with the following provisions: they shall not be utilized on the property for more than 30 consecutive days or more than 75 cumulative days in any calendar year; they shall not be located more than 60 feet in the air, as measured for the average ground elevation where the balloons are permitted; the minimum setback or fall zone to any street right-of-way line or property line shall be one horizontal foot to one vertical foot considering the height of the balloon; they shall be well maintained; and they shall not disrupt vehicular or pedestrian traffic along any public street right-of-way.
(11)
A special event sign permit shall be required for each sign used to advertise any special event during any calendar year. The property owner, or lessee with the owner's permission, may make one permit application establishing all dates, times and the duration of each separate special event sign proposed to be displayed during a calendar year, or may make separate applications for each such event, providing the total does not exceed the maximum 75-day limit. The permit applicant shall pay the fee established by resolution of the Board of Commissioners. The special event sign permit shall be subject to the review and approval of the Caln Township Zoning Officer.
B.
The following provisions shall apply to grand opening and promotional signs for a new nonresidential use located within a nonresidential zoning district, including signs, banners, flags, balloons, floodlights and other similar promotional features:
(1)
The use of promotional signs and features shall be limited to the first 60 days after the initial occupancy permit is issued for the nonresidential use.
(2)
The maximum area of a promotional sign shall be limited to two signs which shall not exceed 24 square feet per sign. The promotional signs shall be located at least 10 feet from the street right-of-way line and 20 feet from all other property lines.
(3)
All promotional banners, flags, balloons, floodlights and other permitted promotional features shall be located at least five feet from the street right-of-way line and 20 feet from the property line.
(4)
No other promotional features other than the balloons shall exceed the height of the roofline.
(5)
The promotional signs banners, flags, balloons, floodlights and other similar promotional features shall not disrupt vehicular or pedestrian traffic along any public street right-of-way.
C.
The following provisions shall apply to banners which are hung and displayed across public street rights-of-way to promote community events, including civic, municipal, charitable, philanthropic, educational, institutional, religious or similar organizations:
(1)
The applicant must complete and submit a banner permit to the office of the Caln Township Manager or Zoning Officer at least 45 days prior to the desired date of hanging a banner over a public street or way. Upon approval by the Board of Commissioners, the banner(s) may be hung and displayed as set forth by the provisions established within this section of the Code.
(2)
The hanging of banners must be in complete conformance with the application as submitted to Caln Township and as finally approved by the Board of Commissioners.
(3)
The hanging of banners is the sole responsibility of the applicant.
(4)
No banner may hang lower than 18 feet over the street or public way.
(5)
Unless otherwise approved by the Board of Commissioners, no more than eight banners may be displayed over any particular street or public way.
(6)
Banners may not be hung more than 25 days prior to the date of the event being advertised and must be removed no later than five days after the conclusion of the event being advertised.
(7)
Banners which are not removed within five days after the advertised event has concluded shall be removed by Caln Township, and the applicant shall be liable for the actual cost of removal.
(8)
Banners hung across streets and other rights-of-way without proper approval or authorization shall be removed by Caln Township, and the responsible person(s) shall be liable for the cost of removal.
(9)
The applicant shall secure liability and/or property insurance for the display of the banners.
§ 155-162 Nonconforming signs and abandoned signs.
A.
Signs existing at the date of enactment of this chapter of the Code which do not conform to the requirements of this chapter shall be considered nonconforming signs and subject to the following provisions:
(1)
Any sign which is considered nonconforming based upon its location, height, clearance, visibility, projection, quantity and illumination shall only be replaced with a conforming sign.
(2)
Nonconforming signs may be repaired and/or repainted, provided that the modifications do not exceed the dimensions of the existing sign or create any further nonconformities.
B.
A sign shall be considered to be abandoned if the following conditions apply: a sign erected on a property for a specific use, which becomes vacant and unoccupied for a period of one year or more; any sign which was previously erected for a prior occupant or business; or any sign which relates to a time, event or purpose which is considered a past event. The following provisions shall apply to signs, which are considered "abandoned signs" within Caln Township:
(1)
No person shall maintain or permit to be maintained on any premises owned or controlled by that person a sign which has been abandoned.
(2)
An abandoned sign shall be removed by the landowner or person controlling the property within 30 days of the abandonment as described by this section of the Code.
C.
Upon the removal of any nonconforming sign or abandoned sign, whether temporary or permanent, such removal shall include all associated structures associated with the sign, including, but not limited to, posts, poles, brackets, arms, trailers and supports.
§ 155-163 Prohibited signs.
A.
The following signs shall be considered as prohibited signs which shall not be permitted within Caln Township:
(1)
Spinning, animated, twirling or any other moving objects used for commercial advertising purposes with or without a message, whereas the spinning, animation and/or twirling occurs in intervals of less than 30 seconds or one complete rotation within a 30-second interval during any given time of the day.
(2)
Flashing, blinking, twinkling signs.
(3)
Signs placed, inscribed or supported upon the highest roofline or upon any structure which extends above the highest roofline of any building.
(4)
Wall signs that partially extend above the roofline by more than 20% of the sign height, as measured at the point where such sign are attached to the building.
(5)
Roof signs which are erected on top of a principal or accessory building. A sign attached to the side of any part of a building facing an active commercial railroad line or spur may be permitted, provided that such sign does not exceed the highest elevation of the roof and/or is not visible from an existing residential use or an existing street right-of-way.
(6)
Artistic murals depicting scenic, historical, cultural, educational or other similar visual scenes may be painted on the side of a building, provided they are aesthetic, socially acceptable and that the content has been reviewed and approved by the Caln Township Board of Commissioners.
(7)
Signs located on parked vehicles within 50 feet of the street right-of-way.
(8)
Signs containing vulgar messages or depicting any lewd, pornographic, lascivious or other offensive acts.
(9)
Any sign exceeding the provisions for location, placement, type, area, height, clearance, visibility, sight distance, projection, quantity and illumination, as specified within the Caln Township Code.
(10)
Caution tape or crime scene tape that is not utilized for emergency management purposes.
