Cheltenham Township
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XXIV
Signs
§ 295-2400 Legislative intent.
A.
It is the intent of this article to regulate signs to ensure that they are appropriate for their respective principal uses and in keeping with the appearance of the affected property and surrounding environment. Illustrations, which present typical examples of signs, are provided for in this section to document the intent of the article.
B.
It is the intent of this section to:
(1)
Allow adequate signage for the economic vitality of businesses and the appropriateness of use while minimizing clutter, confusion and the unsightliness of excessive signage.
(2)
Establish criteria designed to encourage signs that are compatible with their surroundings, appropriate to the type of activity to which they pertain, expressive of the identity of individual proprietors and legible in the environment in which they are seen.
(3)
Allow for the coordination of signs to reflect the character of the architecture, landscape and visual themes that the Township is supporting.
§ 295-2401 Definitions.
A. SIGN
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
A structure, building wall, indoor surface visible to the outside or outdoor surface or any device used for visual communication which directs attention to an object, product, place, activity, person, organization or business.
B. ANIMATED SIGN AWNING AWNING SIGN
BEACON LIGHTING BILLBOARD BUSINESS SIGN CABINET SIGN CANOPY CANOPY SIGN
CHANNEL LETTERING DIRECTIONAL SIGN DIRECTORY SIGN FESTOON LIGHTING FREESTANDING SIGN
IDENTIFICATION SIGN ILLUMINATED SIGN INCIDENTAL SIGN MARQUEE SIGN MONUMENT SIGN
NONILLUMINATED SIGN OFF-PREMISES ADVERTISING SIGN OR BILLBOARD ON-PREMISES SIGN PARALLEL WALL SIGN
PERSONAL EXPRESSION SIGN PIN-MOUNTED LETTERING PORTABLE SIGN PROJECTING WALL SIGN
REVOLVING SIGN ROOF SIGN SNIPE SIGN TEMPORARY SIGN(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
(6) (7) (8) (9) (10) TRAILER SIGN VEHICULAR SIGN WINDOW SIGN
Sign types and illuminations:
A sign with action or motion, flashing or color changes requiring electrical energy, but not including window-displayed computer monitors or wind-actuated elements such as flags, banners or novelty items, e.g., reader board.
A building element consisting of soft or rigid material, including canvas, fabric, metal or similar material, that is supported by an underlying framework that is affixed to a building facade. An awning may or may not be fixed or be equipped with a mechanism for raising and holding the awning in a retracted position against the building facade. An awning shall not project more than four feet from the building facade and at no point shall it extend above the parapet wall or eave line of the roof. The minimum vertical height clearance from any part of an awning to a sidewalk directly below or adjacent to the awning is seven feet.
A sign painted on, printed on or attached flat against the surface of an awning. An awning sign shall only display the business name, graphic logo and/or building number and shall be painted/printed/attached only to an awning affixed to the ground floor building facade.
 Awning Sign |
 Awning Sign |
Any source of electric light, whether portable or fixed, the primary purpose of which is to cast a concentrated beam of light generally skyward as a means of attracting attention to its location rather than illuminate any particular sign, structure, or other object.
See "Off-Premises Advertising Sign or Billboard."
An on-premises sign that advertises or otherwise directs attention to a business, commodity, service, industry or other activity which is sold, offered or conducted, other than incidentally, on the premises upon which the sign is located or to which it is affixed.
A sign that contains all the text and/or logo symbols within an enclosed cabinet and may or may not be illuminated.
A building element consisting of soft material such as canvas, fabric or similar material that is supported by an underlying framework that is affixed to a building facade; a canopy may or may not have vertical supports. A canopy shall be located only at the building entrance that faces a street and at no point shall it extend above the parapet wall or eave line of the roof. The maximum length of a canopy shall be 15 feet with the minimum width being four feet and the maximum width being eight feet. The minimum clearance from any part of a canopy to a sidewalk directly below or adjacent to a canopy is seven feet.
A sign painted on, printed on or attached flat against the surface of a canopy. A canopy sign shall only display the business name, graphic logo and/or building number.
 |
Three-dimensional individual letters or figures, illuminated or nonilluminated, affixed to a structure.
A sign conveying instructions regarding pedestrian and/or vehicular movement with respect to the premises on which it is located, such as the entrance and exit of a parking area.
A sign on which the names and location of the occupants or the use of a building is given, including office building and religious directories.
An external means of illumination comprised of a group of strung bulbs.
A self-supporting sign resting on or supported by means of poles, posts, or standards.
 Freestanding Sign |
 Freestanding Sign |
A sign whose copy is limited to the name of a building, institution or person and/or to the activity or occupation being identified.
Any sign that is lighted by internal or external lighting.
A directional sign of a public service nature, such as signs identifying a place of worship, parking areas, telephones, restrooms, loading docks or similar services, which contains no advertising.
Any sign attached to a marquee for the purposes of identifying a theater or movie house.
A sign attached to a brick, stone or masonry wall or structure that forms a supporting base for the sign display.
 Monument Sign |
Any sign that is not lighted.
A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment or facility not located, conducted, sold or offered upon the premises where such sign is located.
A sign that advertises or otherwise directs attention to an activity on the same lot where the sign is located.
A sign mounted parallel to a wall or other vertical building surface that does not extend beyond the edge of any wall, roofline or other surface to which it is mounted, and does not project more than one foot from the surface to which it is mounted.
 Parallel Wall Sign |
 Part of cornice. |
A sign which displays an individual's political, religious or personal belief.
Three-dimensional individual letters or figures, illuminated or nonilluminated, that are affixed to a structure by pins.
Any sign, including vehicular signs, not permanently attached to the ground or building.
Any sign mounted to a wall or other vertical surface, other than a parallel sign, that does not project more than four feet from the surface to which it is mounted nor project above the wall, roofline or surface to which it is mounted, nor in any way interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic. A minimum height clearance of seven feet is required.
 Projecting Sign |
Any sign that revolves.
A sign erected upon or above a roof or parapet wall of a building and which is wholly or partly supported by that building.
A permanent or temporary sign or poster affixed to a tree, fence, utility pole or upon rocks or natural features.
A sign which advertises community or civic projects, construction projects, real estate for sale or lease, a commercial grand opening, or other special events on a temporary basis. The following types of signs shall be considered temporary signs:
BANNER SIGNA temporary sign intended to be hung either with or without frames, possessing characters, letters, illustrations or ornamentations applied to paper, plastic or fabric of any kind. National flags, flags of political subdivisions and symbolic or decorative flags of any institution, neighborhood, residential use or business shall not be considered banners for the purpose of this article.
PROJECT SIGNAny sign giving the name or names of owner, principal contractors, subcontractors, architects, and lending institutions responsible for construction, landscaping or other improvements on the site where the sign is placed.
DEVELOPMENT SIGNAn on-premises sign on a building or lot which announces the nature, purpose or name of the prospective building/enterprise.
POLITICAL SIGNA temporary sign used in connection with a local, county, commonwealth or national election or referendum.
PORTABLE SIGNAny sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure or a sign designed to be transported, including, but not limited to, signs designed to be transported by means of wheels; signs converted to A- or T-frames; menu and sandwich-board signs; 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, unless said vehicle is used in the normal day-to-day operations of the business. Portable signs shall not be illuminated unless a special exception is granted by the Township Zoning Hearing Board.
 Sandwich Board |
REAL ESTATE SIGNA temporary sign which advertises the sale, lease or rent of the property on which the sign is placed.
SPECIAL EVENT SIGNOn-premises window sign, banner or commemorative flag which advertise a grand opening or other special event.
STREET BANNER SIGNAny banner sign which is stretched across and hung over a public right-of-way.
SUBDIVISION SIGNAn on-premises or off-premises directional sign advertising to the public the name of the subdivision project and the type of project to be built.
NONRESIDENTIAL BUSINESS SIGNAn on-premises sign that advertises or otherwise directs attention to a business, commodity, service, industry or other activity which is sold, offered or conducted, other than incidentally, on the premises upon which the sign is located or to which it is affixed.
Any sign which is erected upon a structure having wheels or rollers facilitating movement from one location to another.
Any vehicle and/or trailer to which a sign is affixed in such a manner that the carrying of the sign is no longer incidental to the vehicle's purpose but becomes the primary purpose of the vehicle.
A sign mounted or painted on a window or inside a structure such that it is intended to be seen through a window from the outside.
 Window Sign |
§ 295-2402 General regulations.
A.
Sign area.
(1)
The "area of a sign" shall mean the area of all lettering, wording and accompanying designs, logos and symbols, together with the background on which they are displayed, whether open or enclosed. The area of a sign shall not include any supporting framework, bracing or trim which is incidental to the display, provided that it does not contain any lettering, wording or symbols.
 Freestanding Sign |
(2)
Where the sign consists of individual letters, designs or symbols attached to a building, awning, wall or window, the area shall be that of the smallest rectangle which encompasses all of the letters, designs and symbols.
(3)
Signs may be multisided. In determining the area of a double-sided sign, only one side shall be considered, provided that both faces are identical in size. When the interior angle formed by the faces of a multisided sign is greater than 45°, then all sides of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
B.
Height of a sign.
(1)
The distance from the highest portion of the sign to the mean grade at the base of the sign. In the case of a sign located on an isolated mound, height shall be measured to the original grade.
 Sign Height. |
C.
Sign structure.
(1)
Sign structures shall be in keeping with the architectural style of the building that it is related to. A sign structure is defined as the supporting structure erected and used to support a sign, such as brackets, posts, monument bases, etc.
D.
Location of signs.
(1)
No sign shall be placed in such a position as to endanger traffic on a street by obscuring view or by interfering with official street signs or signals by virtue of position or color.
(2)
No sign, except official traffic signs or those approved by Cheltenham Township, is permitted within the cartway of the right-of-way.
(3)
No projecting sign shall extend into the cartway of the right-of-way, or be less than seven feet above a pedestrianway.
(4)
No freestanding sign shall occupy an area designated for parking, loading, walkways, driveways, fire lane, easement, cartway of the right-of-way or other areas required to be unobstructed.
(5)
Signs, not including historical markers and banners approved by the Township, shall not be affixed to a utility pole or structure, lighting standard, parking meter, park bench, tree, shrub, rock or natural object except plaques of a maximum of one square foot.
(6)
Awnings and/or canopies shall not extend into the street right-of-way.
E.
Materials.
(1)
Sign materials should be consistent with and complement the original construction materials and architectural style of the building facade on which they are to be displayed. All signs, excluding awning and window signs, shall be constructed only of wood, metal, stone or other appropriate material with painted, engraved or raised messages. Plastic sign inserts shall be permitted for internally lit signs.
F.
Illumination of signs. Unless otherwise specified herein, if signs are to be illuminated, they shall be consistent with the following standards:
(1)
Where permitted, illumination may be:
(a)
External. Illumination of a sign with an external light, shielded so that the point source of light is not visible elsewhere than on the lot where said illumination occurs.
(b)
Internal. Illumination of a sign designed to give forth an artificial light directly through transparent or translucent materials from a source of light within such a sign. Sign lettering may be backlit with an opaque background material, backlit pin-mounted or channel lettering, or neon lighting. Only the text and graphic logo shall be illuminated.
(2)
Illumination shall be permitted only to the extent necessary to allow signs to be seen and read at night at a distance not to exceed 500 feet for signs of 20 square feet or more in area and 150 feet for signs less than 20 square feet in area.
(3)
Neon lighting is not permitted in residential districts.
G.
English language.
(1)
Identification and directional signage containing non-English language shall also include its equivalent in English in order to address the health, safety, and welfare of vehicular and pedestrian customers trying to find the location of said premises, as well as all emergency services personnel responding to said premises.
H.
Construction of signs.
(1)
Every sign permitted in this article shall be kept in good condition and repair as determined by the Township Zoning Officer.
I.
Removal of signs. A sign shall be found to be in violation of this article and may be required to be removed by the Zoning Officer under the following circumstances:
(1)
The sign has not been maintained in good condition and safe repair and has deteriorated to the point that it cannot perform its intended use or creates a safety hazard. The Zoning Officer shall specify a period of time in which the owner of the sign may repair or rehabilitate the sign, thereby restoring its intended use or correcting the safety hazard.
(2)
The sign has been erected without an applicable permit or does not comply with the other requirements of this article.
§ 295-2403 Prohibited signs and illumination.
A.
Prohibited signs. It shall be unlawful, upon or after the effective date of this article or any amendment thereto, for any person, firm or corporation to erect any of the following signs within the Township of Cheltenham:
(1)
Any sign which by color, shape or location conflicts with or resembles a traffic signal device.
(2)
Signs erected without the permission of the property owner or authorized agent.
(3)
Signs that create a hazard by obstructing the clear view of vehicles and pedestrian traffic.
(4)
Animated signs, except those portions of signs which indicate time and temperature changes. Signs indicating time and/or temperature by means of white intermittent lighting shall not change more frequently than 15 seconds and whose letters are not more than eight inches high.
(5)
Any sign that obstructs free ingress or egress from a door, window, fire escape or other exitway.
(6)
Vehicular signs.
(7)
Signs that exhibit statements, words or pictures of obscene or pornographic subjects as determined by the Township.
(8)
Revolving signs, except barbershop poles.
(9)
Signs containing beacon lights.
(10)
Signs containing festoon lighting, except in commercial enhancement districts.
(11)
Cabinet signs in commercial enhancement districts.
(12)
Roof signs.
(13)
Projecting signs over the legal cartway of the right-of-way, except banners as provided herein.
(14)
Projecting V-shaped signs.
(15)
A-frame signs.
(16)
Snipe signs.
(17)
Home business signs in residential districts.
(18)
Any sign inconsistent with this article.
§ 295-2404 Signs exempt from permits.
A.
The following shall not require sign permits:
(1)
Government flags, insignia or decorative banners.
(2)
Legal notices of a governmental agency.
(3)
Directional signs, provided they do not contain advertising (including logos), do not exceed four square feet and do not obstruct the sight triangles at internal intersections on the premises.
(4)
Public monument, plaque or historic identification marker erected by a government agency.
(5)
Residential identification sign not exceeding two square feet bearing only property number and/or street address.
(6)
Professional nameplates displaying only the name and occupation (words only) of the practitioner, not exceeding six inches high by 18 inches wide.
(7)
Home security signs, not exceeding one square foot.
(8)
Public service and information signs advertising the availability of public restrooms, telephones or similar public conveniences, not exceeding three square feet in area.
(9)
Personal expression signs, provided that they are not illuminated and are either freestanding, wall or window signs. Such signs shall not exceed four square feet and, in the case of freestanding signs, four feet in height.
(10)
Barbershop poles.
(11)
Menus and signs indicating business hours not exceeding two square feet.
(12)
The following temporary signs:
(a)
Civic event signs on public and private property, which shall not exceed six square feet in area and shall be erected no more than 45 calendar days prior to the event and shall be removed within seven days after the event.
(b)
Temporary and open house signs.
[1]
Temporary signs advertising the sale or rental of the premises upon which they are erected by a broker or other person interested in the sale or rental of such premises may be erected and maintained, provided that the size of any such sign does not exceed 12 square feet in area on each of two sides or not more than two signs, each of which does not exceed six square feet in area on each of two sides, when placed upon any property unless such property fronts upon more than one street, in which event either one 12 square foot sign or two six-square-foot signs may be erected on each frontage. Signs bearing the words "sale" or "for rent," with the name of the person effecting the sale or rental, may be erected and shall be maintained. Such signs shall be removed within five days after all contingencies are met except the mortgage, at which time a "sold" sign or "rented" sign may be erected and shall be maintained, provided that such sign is removed within 14 days of its erection. This subsection shall not apply to those properties or buildings whose intended land use is for commercial or industrial uses. However, such signs erected on said properties shall be maintained in good condition.
[2]
Open-house signs shall either be attached to and made part of the one allowable twelve-square-foot for-sale sign per street frontage or an additional sign per street frontage not exceeding six square feet in size on each of two sides. Open house signs may be placed on the property being offered for sale or within the public right-of-way directly abutting the property being offered for sale but shall not obstruct vehicular sight distance. The number of for-sale and open-house signs shall not exceed three per street frontage. A maximum of three directional open house signs, each not to exceed six square feet in size on each of two sides, may be erected per house. Directional signs may be placed within the public right-of-way with the permission of the adjoining property owner but shall not obstruct vehicular sight distance. Open-house signs shall be erected no earlier than three days before the open house and shall be taken down no later than one hour after the open house. Directional open-house signs shall not be erected earlier than one hour before the open house and shall be taken down no later than one hour after the open house.
(c)
Temporary signs advertising the sale or development of the premises upon which they are erected, when erected in connection with the development of the premises by a building contractor, developer or other person interested therein, may be erected and maintained, provided that the size of any such sign is not in excess of 12 square feet for each dwelling under construction and having a maximum of 50 square feet on each of two sides and not more than two signs are placed upon any property unless such property fronts upon more than one street, in which event not more than two such signs may be erected on each frontage.
(d)
Signs indicating the location and direction of premises available for or in the process of development, but not erected upon such premises, and having inscribed thereon the name of the owner, developer, builder or agent may be erected and maintained on private property, provided that the size of any such sign is not in excess of 12 square feet on each of two sides nor more than four feet in length and that not more than one such sign is erected on each 500 feet of street frontage. Such signs may have arrows painted thereon, but no sign in the shape of an arrow shall be erected. No such sign shall remain in place longer than six months.
(e)
Signs of artisans may be erected and maintained during the period such persons are performing work on the premises on which such signs are erected, provided that the size thereof is not in excess of 12 square feet and that such signs are removed promptly upon completion of the work. No more than one such sign shall be erected on any one premises upon which all artisans so desiring are to be listed.
(f)
Signs advertising garage or yard sales, provided that no sign shall exceed six square feet in sign area. Signs shall be permitted only on the premises where the sale is to be conducted and limited to one per street frontage. Signs shall be removed at the close of the garage or yard sale.
(g)
Sandwich boards. Portable sandwich boards shall be permitted for restaurant and retail uses only in addition to the otherwise permitted signs, according to the following regulations:
[1]
The maximum height of sandwich boards shall be four feet and the width shall not exceed 2.5 feet.
[2]
Sandwich boards shall be located either adjacent to the building or adjacent to the curb. In either location, at least three feet of sidewalk shall be left unobstructed.
[3]
Only one sandwich board will be permitted in front of the business it advertises.
[4]
Sandwich boards shall be weighted at the base so that the sign cannot be moved by strong winds; however, no sign shall be chained, tied or otherwise affixed to any structure or object.
[5]
Sandwich board frames shall be made of wood or wood composite.
[6]
Sandwich boards shall be removed from the sidewalk at the close of business hours.
(h)
Nonresidential business identification signs, limited to one per street frontage, shall not exceed 20 square feet and shall be erected for not more than 30 calendar days unless approval is granted for an additional 30 days.
§ 295-2405 Signs requiring a permit.
A.
The following types of permanent signs shall require permits:
(1)
Residential districts and multiple dwelling districts (R1 Residence Districts, R2 Residence Districts, R3 Residence Districts, R4 Residence Districts, M1 Multiple Dwelling Districts, and M2 Multiple Dwelling Districts).
(a)
Institutional uses. Signs of schools, colleges, churches, hospitals, or other institutions of similar nature.
(b)
Subdivision or development identification. Permanent freestanding or monument signs which identify the name of the subdivision or land development shall be permitted in compliance with the following:
[1]
One sign may be located at the main entrance to the development, which shall not exceed 20 square feet in area.
[2]
Signs may also be permitted at secondary entrances to the development following approval by the Zoning Officer.
[3]
These signs shall be landscaped in keeping with the character of the Township.
(c)
Office use. Permanent freestanding or monument sign which identifies the office building.
(d)
Sign types, area, height, illumination and the number of signs shall conform to the following:
Sign Type | Maximum Sign Area (square feet) | Maximum Sign Height (feet) | Illumination | Number of Signs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Institutional freestanding | 20 | 4 | External | 1 per property or, if applicable, 1 per street frontage |
Subdivision or development identification freestanding or monument | 20 | Freestanding: 4 feet; monument: 6 feet | External only | 1 sign at the main entrance of the development (additional signs at secondary entrances when permitted by the Zoning Hearing Board) |
Office use | 20 | Freestanding: 4 feet; monument: 6 feet | Internal/external | 1 per property |
(2)
LI Light Industrial District. In addition to signs exempt from permits and temporary signs, industrial uses shall be permitted any two of the following types of signs, provided that:
(a)
Sign types, area, height, illumination and the number of signs shall conform to the following:
Sign Type | Maximum Sign Area | Maximum Sign Height | Illumination | Number of Signs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Monument | 20 square feet | 6 feet | Internal/external | 1 per property |
Off-premises advertising signs or billboards | 200 square feet | 25 feet | External illumination only Animated, flashing, revolving, scrolling, rotating, oscillating, and LED signs are prohibited Any external illumination of an off-premises advertising sign or billboard shall be shielded as necessary to direct light onto the sign without spillover on any side of the sign | 1 per property; no more than 2 sign faces per off-premises advertising sign |
Parallel wall | 10% of square footage of facade; 100 square feet maximum | Not to exceed eaves line or top of parapet wall | Internal/external | 1 per tenant space |
[1]
The single sign permitted per tenant space may be placed on the facade of the building facing the street or parking lot or accessway.
(3)
Commercial districts (C1 Commercial District, C2 Commercial District, MU1 Mixed Use District, MU2 Mixed Use District, and MU3 Mixed Use District).
(a)
Individual or single use of property. In addition to signs exempt from permits and temporary signs, individual commercial uses located on their own lot are permitted to have signs in accordance with the following:
[1]
Each individual or single use of property is permitted to have one on-site freestanding sign or monument sign only, and one awning sign or canopy sign only, and one parallel wall sign or one projecting wall sign only, with the following limits on area, height and illumination:
Sign Type | Maximum Area (square feet) | Maximum Height (feet) | Illumination |
|---|---|---|---|
Freestanding | 50 | 15 | Internal/external |
Monument | 20 | 6 | Internal/external |
Parallel wall | 15% of facade; 100 square feet maximum | Not to exceed eaves line or top of parapet wall of principal whichever is lower | Internal/external; external only in the commercial enhancement districts |
Projecting wall | 15 square feet | Not to exceed eaves line or top of parapet wall of principal, whichever is lower | Internal/external |
Awning | 20% of exterior awning surface per building facade | At awning height | Internal/external |
Canopy | 20% of exterior awning surface per building facade | Internal/external |
[2]
In addition, each individual or single use of property with multiple retail tenants may be permitted only two of the following signs per retail tenant space. The two signs permitted per retail tenant space shall be placed only on the building facade facing the street, parking lot or accessway. Retail tenant signage shall be placed only on the portion of the building facade that directly abuts that retail tenant space. Retail tenant spaces that do not abut the building facade shall not be permitted separate exterior signage. Sign types, area, height and illumination shall conform to the following:
Sign Type | Maximum Area | Maximum Height | Illumination |
|---|---|---|---|
Parallel wall | 15% of facade; 100 square feet maximum | Not to exceed eaves line or top of parapet wall of principal building, whichever is lower | Internal/external; external only in the commercial enhancement districts |
Projecting wall | 15 square feet | Not to exceed eaves line or top of parapet wall of principal building, whichever is lower | Internal/external |
Awning | 20% of exterior awning surface per building facade | At awning height | Internal/external |
[3]
Each individual tenant is permitted one window sign. Sign types, area, height, and illumination shall conform to the following:
Sign Type | Maximum Area | Maximum Height | Illumination |
|---|---|---|---|
Window | Not to exceed 25% of the window area | N/A | Internal/external |
(b)
Shopping center signs. In addition to signs exempt from permits and temporary signs, shopping centers, lifestyle centers and properties utilizing common parking facilities are permitted signs in accordance with the following:
[1]
Each shopping center is permitted one on-site freestanding sign or monument sign per street frontage which identifies the business or commercial center as a whole and/or which is a directory sign for the establishments on the property with the following limits on area, height and illumination:
Sign Type | Maximum Sign Area (square feet) | Maximum Sign Height (feet) | Illumination |
|---|---|---|---|
Freestanding | 250 | 20 | Internal/external |
Monument | 100 | 10 | Internal/external |
[2]
Each individual tenant is permitted the following signs.
[a]
Each individual tenant is permitted two of the following signs only. The two signs permitted per tenant shall be placed on the facade of the building facing the street or parking lot or accessway. Tenant signage shall be placed only on the portion of the building facade that directly abuts that tenant space. Tenant spaces that do not abut the building facade shall not be permitted separate exterior signage. Sign types, area, height and illumination shall conform to the following:
Sign Type | Maximum Area | Maximum Height | Illumination |
|---|---|---|---|
Parallel wall | 1 square foot per foot of facade length | Not to exceed eaves line or top of parapet wall of principal building, whichever is lower | Internal/external |
Projecting wall | 15 square feet | Not to exceed eaves line or top of parapet wall of principal building, whichever is lower | Internal/external |
Awning | 20% of exterior awning surface per building facade | At awning height | Internal/external |
[b]
Each individual tenant is permitted one window sign. Sign types, area, height and illumination shall conform to the following:
Sign Type | Maximum Area | Maximum Height | Illumination |
|---|---|---|---|
Window | Not to exceed 25% of the window area | N/A | Internal/external |
(c)
Convenience store signs. Each convenience store is permitted to have one on-site freestanding sign or monument sign on the county road frontage only, one canopy sign, two gas pump spanner signs, one parallel wall sign per entrance and directional signs with the following limits on area, height and illumination. Notwithstanding provisions to the contrary in this chapter, cabinet signs are permitted.
[Added 8-14-2019 by Ord. No. 2388-19]
Sign Type | Maximum Area (square feet) | Maximum Height (feet) | Illumination |
|---|---|---|---|
Freestanding | 50 | 15 | Internal/external |
Monument | 50 | 12 | Internal/external |
Canopy | 10 | Internal/external | |
Spanners | 8 | Internal/external | |
Parallel wall sign | 15% of the facade up to a maximum of 70 | Not to exceed eaves line or top of parapet wall of principal, whichever is lower | Internal/external |
Parallel wall sign (Second wall sign if second entrance) | 38 | Not to exceed eaves line or top of parapet wall of principal, whichever is lower | Internal/external |
Projecting wall | Not to exceed eaves line or top of parapet wall of principal, whichever is lower | Internal/external | |
Directional signs | 6 | 4 | Internal/external |
(4)
Marquee signs. Marquee signs shall be permitted in addition to the otherwise permitted sign area exclusively for theaters and movie houses, provided that the total sign area shall not exceed 150 square feet. Such signs shall be required at all times to maintain a minimum vertical clearance of 10 feet above grade.
(5)
Signs in the commercial enhancement districts. Any signage within the commercial enhancement districts, as defined in the Cheltenham Township Commercial District Enhancement Plan, as approved and amended by the Board of Commissioners, shall require a certificate of appropriateness (COA) in addition to the above requirements. The COA is to be issued by the Director of Planning and Zoning based on recommendations by the Township's Economic Development Task Force (EDTF). Signs shall comply with the design guidelines of the commercial enhancement districts. No sign permit will be issued without first receiving the COA.
§ 295-2406 Permit procedures.
A.
Sign permits. It shall be unlawful to erect, construct or significantly alter any sign which requires a sign permit without first filing with Cheltenham Township an application, in writing, which application shall contain the information required by the Township Zoning Officer.
(1)
Application for permit. The following shall be provided:
(a)
The name, address and telephone number of the property owner and the signature of the owner or duly authorized agent for the owner.
(b)
Two copies of a plan drawn to scale depicting:
[1]
The design of each sign face and sign structure with the dimensions, total area, sign height, depth, structural details, materials, lighting scheme and proposed location.
[2]
The building elevations, existing and proposed facades, parapet walls, cornices and the location and size of all proposed and existing signage.
[3]
Such other information as required by the Township Zoning Officer.
§ 295-2407 Nonconforming signs.
A.
Nonconforming signs. Any sign legally existing at the time of the adoption of this article that does not conform to the requirements of this article shall be considered a nonconforming sign and shall be bound by the regulations of this article regarding nonconforming signs.
(1)
Any change of the sign face of a nonconforming sign shall comply with the requirements of this article.
(2)
A sign not conforming to this article shall be removed when the sign requires any structural renovation or the background area of the sign is to be altered.
(3)
All nonconforming signs, except those which are painted onto building walls, may be repainted, resurfaced or repaired, provided that they are not substantially destroyed or abandoned, and provided such does not increase the dimension of the existing sign.
(4)
A nonconforming sign shall be removed within 14 days after notification by the Zoning Officer or be made to conform to this article in every respect whenever: