Chestnuthill Township
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VII
Signs
§ 119-56 General provisions.
A.
Purpose. The purpose of this Article VII is to establish standards for the regulation of signs in order to safeguard the public interest and to:
(1)
Preserve the beauty and the unique character of the Township and thereby enhance tourism and business;
(2)
Establish reasonable time, place and manner for the exercise of free speech, without regulating content;
(3)
Protect property values and ensure compatibility with the character of neighboring uses;
(4)
Protect the general public from damage and injury which may be caused by the faulty construction of signs;
(5)
Protect pedestrians and motorists from damage or injury caused by, or partially attributable to, the distractions and obstructions caused by improperly situated signs;
(6)
Promote the public safety, welfare, convenience and enjoyment of travel and the free flow of traffic;
(7)
Assure that signs are clear and provide the essential identity of or direction to facilities in the community; and
(8)
Enable the fair and consistent enforcement of the sign restrictions throughout the Township.
B.
Applicability; effect. A sign may be erected, placed, established, painted, created or maintained in the Township only in conformance with the standards, procedures, exceptions, and other requirements of this article. The effect of this article, as more specifically set forth herein, is to:
(1)
Establish a permit system to allow a variety of types of signs in the various zones, subject to the standards and the permit procedures of this article;
(2)
Allow certain signs that are small, unobtrusive, and incidental to the principal use of the respective lots on which they are located, subject to the substantive requirements of this article, but without a requirement for permits;
(3)
Provide for temporary signs without commercial messages in limited circumstances in the public right-of-way; and
(4)
Prohibit all signs not expressly permitted by this article.
C.
Requirement of conformity. No sign for which a permit is issued after the effective date of this article may be placed or maintained in the Township except as provided herein. All signs maintained contrary to the provisions of this article are declared to be nuisances and as such may be abated as provided by law.
D.
Recommended types of signs. It is recommended that signs be:
§ 119-57 Definitions and interpretation.
Words and phrases used in this Article VII shall have the meanings set forth in this section. Words and phrases not defined in this § 119-57 but defined in Article II shall be given the meanings set forth in said article. Principles for computing sign area and sign height are contained in this section. All other words and phrases shall be given their common, ordinary meaning, unless the context clearly requires otherwise. Section headings or captions are for reference purposes only and shall not be used in the interpretation of this article.
A sign located on a property or premises which is vacant and/or unoccupied for a period of six months, or a sign which is damaged, in disrepair, or vandalized and not repaired within 60 days of the date of the damaging event and/or for which no legal owner can be found.
A sign which conveys a commercial or noncommercial message unrelated to the activity conducted on the lot where the sign is located or a sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment or attraction sold, offered, or existing elsewhere than on the same lot where the sign is located. A structure intended to support or contain such a sign shall also be considered an off-premises advertising sign.
A movable sign consisting of two faces, connected and hinged at the top.
 A-Frame/Sandwich Board |
The movement or the optical illusion of movement of any part of the sign structure, design or pictorial segment, including the movement of any illumination or the flashing or varying of light intensity; the automatic changing of all or any part of the facing of a sign; the movement of a sign set in motion by the atmosphere. Time and temperature devices shall be considered animated signs.
A person or entity who applies for a sign permit in accordance with the provisions of this article.
In the case of individual letters used as a sign, the area is 90% of the area enclosed within the smallest regular geometric figure needed to completely encompass all letters, insignias or symbols, except as otherwise provided herein. For signs other than individual letters, words, insignias or symbols, the area is the total area of the facing or the total area within the outer edge of any existing border of the sign.
See "changeable panel sign."
A traffic directional sign which is used to direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic on a parcel to the location of an automated teller machine.
Any sign located on or architecturally associated with the exterior face of an automated teller machine.
Signs which are placed on or integrated into fabric or other material canopies which are mounted on the exterior wall of a building.
 Awning Sign |
A sign intended to be hung either with or without a frame, with characters, letters, illustrations, or ornamentations applied to paper, plastic, fabric or similar material, excluding flags, emblems, and insignia of political, professional, religious, education, or corporate organizations, provided that such flags, emblems, and insignia are displayed for noncommercial purposes.
 Civic Event Banner |
 Banner Sign |
A type of off-premises advertising sign which conveys a commercial or noncommercial message unrelated to the activity conducted on the lot where the sign is located, or a sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment or attraction sold, offered, or existing elsewhere than on the same lot where the sign is located. A structure intended to support or contain such a sign shall also be considered a billboard.
For the purposes of this Article VII, "business" shall mean any approved nonresidential use, including commercial, manufacturing, and industrial enterprises; public buildings and uses such as public schools, parks, civic centers, and municipal buildings; and semipublic buildings and uses such as churches, fire houses, ambulance buildings, private schools, and libraries.
The name by which a business is commonly recognized and used by the applicant. The applicant shall provide stationery or other supporting documents illustrating the use of the business name or verification of the official business license or tax name. Slogans or product information shall not be considered as the business name.
Any sign that is a part of or attached to 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.
 Canopy Sign on Freestanding Canopy |
A sign designed to allow its informational content to be changed or altered.
 Changeable Panel Sign |
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.
A temporary sign identifying an architect, contractor, subcontractor, and/or material supplier participating in construction on the property on which the sign is located.
The temporary signs which identify the contractor or subcontractor engaged in the construction, reconstruction or repair of a building or buildings on a lot or parcel or property.
A temporary sign used to identify an approved future development.
An on-site sign, providing no advertising of any kind except the business name and logo, which provides direction or instruction to guide persons to facilities intended to serve the public, including, but not specifically limited to, those signs identifying restrooms, public telephones, public walkways, parking areas, and other similar facilities.
 Directional Sign |
A sign which provides a listing of the names of businesses, activities, addresses, locations, uses or places within a building or complex of buildings for the purposes of giving directions, instruction, or facility information and which may contain the name and logo of an establishment but no advertising copy.
 Directory Sign |
A sign with two faces, essentially back-to-back.
A self-supporting, movable sign consisting of one face with supporting legs or a supporting frame, or a sign displayed on an easel.
Any sign, or portion of a sign, that displays an electronic image or video, which may or may not include text, where the rate of change is electronically programmed and can be modified by electronic processes. This definition includes television screens, plasma screens, digital screens, LED screens, video boards, holographic displays, and other similar media.
Emergency warning signs erected by a governmental agency, a public utility company, or a contractor doing authorized or permitted work within the public right-of-way.
Any exterior wall of a building exposed to public view; and any structure or part of a structure attached to, or otherwise mounted parallel to, an exterior wall or other vertical part of the structure.
Any fabric, banner, or bunting containing distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols, used as a symbol of a government, political subdivision, or other entity, which is mounted on a pole, cable, or rope at one end.
A sign supported permanently upon the ground by poles or braces and that is not attached to any building. (See illustrations.)
 Common Freestanding Sign Types |
Any temporary or permanent sign erected and maintained by the Township, county, state, or federal government for traffic direction or for designation of any school, hospital, historical site, or public service, property, or facility.
The introduction, promotion or announcement of a new business, store, shopping center or office, or the announcement, introduction or promotion of an established business changing ownership. A business qualifies for a grand opening sign when it has been closed to the public for a period of 30 days.
The finished grade of the adjacent street curb or, where there is no street curb, six inches above street grade. Ground level shall be the existing natural grade.
A freestanding sign that is architecturally integrated with the building with individually mounted letters and/or logos only. This sign shall be built with continuous background surface built from the ground up.
See "computation of height."[1]
Any sign erected without first obtaining an approved sign permit, other than nonconforming signs, and which does not meet the requirement of this article.
A sign with an artificial light source incorporated internally or externally for the purpose of illuminating the sign.
A sign, generally informational, that has a purpose secondary to the use of the zone lot on which it is located, such as "no parking," "entrance," "loading only," "telephone," and other similar directives. No sign with a commercial message legible from a position off the zone lot on which the sign is located shall be considered incidental or instructional.
 Incidental Sign or Instructional Sign |
A source of external illumination located away from the sign, but which is itself not visible to persons viewing the sign from any street, sidewalk or adjacent property.
A cut-out or etched letter or logo which is individually placed on a landscape, screen wall, building wall or ground sign.
A source of illumination entirely within the sign which makes the contents of the sign visible at night by means of the light being transmitted through a translucent material but wherein the source of illumination is not visible.
 Internal and External Illumination |
Light-emitting diode.
The length of the building which contains the primary entrance used by patrons. In a center with more than one building, the linear building front foot shall be calculated for each building and totaled to determine the total linear front foot for the center.
A graphic symbol representing an activity, use or business. Permitted logos shall be registered trademarks or symbols commonly used by the applicant, and may include graphic designs in addition to lettering. The applicant shall provide stationery or other supporting documents illustrating the use of the logo.
A measure of the brightness of a surface which is emitting or reflecting light. The unit of measurement is candelas per square meter or nits (1 nit = 1 cd/m2).
The replacing or repairing of a part or portion of a sign necessitated by ordinary wear, tear or damage beyond the control of the owner or the reprinting of existing copy without changing the wording, composition or color of said copy.
Any permanent roof-like structure projecting beyond a building or extending along and projecting beyond the wall of the building, generally designed and constructed to provide protection from the weather.
 Marquee Sign |
A freestanding cabinet or panel sign mounted on, or within, a base (above grade) which is detached from any building.
A commercial development in which there exist two or more separate commercial activities, in which there are appurtenant shared facilities (such as parking or pedestrian mall), and which is designed to provide a single area in which the public can obtain varied products and services. Distinguishing characteristics of a multiple-tenant commercial building may, but need not, include common ownership of the real property upon which the center is located, common-wall construction, and multiple-occupant commercial use of a single structure.
A small sign which identifies a resident's or home's name and address or the name of a farm, ranch or commercial stable. Such signs may be shingle, building wall or archway-mounted signs.
A unit of measure of luminance. See "luminance."
A sign with no commercial content which expresses personal ideas and values, advocates a position on an issue, or seeks converts and supporters and which does not meet the definition of a "political sign."
Any sign which is not allowed under this article but which, when first constructed before this article was in effect and for which a sign permit was issued, was legally allowed.
A purpose for which a building, or part thereof, is used or intended to be used.
A person recorded as such on official records. For the purpose of this article, the owner of property on which a sign is located is presumed to be the owner of the sign unless facts to the contrary are officially recorded or otherwise brought to the attention of the Zoning Officer.
A two-dimensional visual background behind the sign letters and logos which is visually separated from the mounting upon which the sign letters and logos are placed by the presence of a border, different colors, different materials, or other technique of visual framing around the letters or logos.
That portion of a building exterior wall projecting above the plate line of the building.
Any lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire, or string, usually in series, designed to move in the wind.
Any sign which is intended to be and is constructed as to be in lasting and enduring condition, remaining unchanged in character, condition (beyond normal wear) and position, and in a permanent manner affixed to the ground, wall or building, provided the sign is listed as a permanent sign in this article.
The point at which any part of the main roof structure first touches or bears upon an external wall.
A temporary sign which supports candidates for office or urges action on any other matter on the ballot of primary, general and special elections.
Any 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 Sign |
Any sign affixed to a building wall in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than six inches beyond the surface of such building or wall.
 Projecting Sign |
Unless otherwise expressly provided, "public property" means any and all real or personal property over which the Township or other governmental entity has or may exercise control, whether or not the government owns the property in fee, including sidewalks, rights-of-way and improved or unimproved land of any kind and all property appurtenant to it.
A temporary sign advertising the real estate upon which the sign is located as being for rent, lease, or sale.
No commercial sign shall be erected so as to project beyond a property line, over a public sidewalk or over or within a public right-of-way.
The uppermost line of the roof of a building or, in the case of an extended facade or parapet, the uppermost point of said facade or parapet.
Any sign mounted on the main roof portion of a building or on the topmost edge of a parapet wall of a building and which is wholly or partially supported by such building. Signs mounted on mansard facades, pent eaves, and architectural projections such as canopies or marquees shall not be considered to be roof signs. See the following illustration for examples of roof signs and comparison of differences between roof and fascia signs.
 Comparison — Roof and Fascia Signs |
A sign suspended from a roof overhang of a covered porch, walkway or horizontal plane surface which identifies the tenant of the adjoining space.
 |
Any device for visual communication which is used or is intended to attract the attention of the public with a purpose of identifying, when the display of the device is visible beyond the boundaries of the public or private property upon which the display is made. The term "sign" shall not include any flag or badge or insignia of the United States, State of Pennsylvania, Monroe County, the Township, or official historic plaques of any governmental jurisdiction or agency.
A sign which is tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued or otherwise attached to trees, poles, stakes, fences or to other objects, the advertising matter appearing on which is not applicable to the present use of the premises upon which such sign is located.
A promotional event, such as, but not limited to, grand openings, bazaars, street fairs, shows, exhibitions, sporting events, runs, bicycling events, and block parties. This does not include sidewalk sales occurring on private property where merchandise normally sold indoors is transferred from indoors to outdoors for sale.
Any sign, banner, pennant, or valance of advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, plastic, wallboard or other like materials, with or without frames, or any sign not permanently attached to the ground, wall or building.[2]
Any sign attached parallel to, but within six inches of, a wall, painted on the 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. (See illustration.)
 Wall Signs |
Any poster, cut-out letters, painted text or graphics, or other text or visual presentation affixed to or placed behind a window pane which is intended to be read from the exterior of the building.
 Sign Comparison |
[1]
Editor's Note: See § 119-59C(3), Computation of sign height.
[2]
Editor's Note: The former definition of "traffic directional sign," which immediately followed this definition, was repealed 4-23-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-04.
§ 119-58 Procedures.
The procedures included in this § 119-58 shall apply to all signs requiring permits.
A.
Requirement of permit. A sign permit shall be required before the erection, re-erection, construction, alteration, placing, or installation of all signs regulated by this article. However, a permit shall not be required for the following signs and actions; provided, however, that such signs shall be subject to any and all applicable provisions of this article:
B.
Permit application. Applications for sign permits shall be submitted to the Zoning Officer in accord with § 119-3 and shall, at a minimum, contain or have attached thereto the information listed in this section:
(1)
Name, address, and telephone number of the applicant.
(2)
Location of the building, structure, or lot to which or upon which the sign is to be attached or erected.
(3)
Name of the person, firm, corporation, or association erecting the sign.
(4)
Written consent of the owner or lessee of the building, structure, or land to which or upon which the sign is to be affixed.
(5)
A scale drawing of such sign indicating the dimensions, the materials to be used, the type of illumination, if any, and the method of construction and attachment.
(6)
An elevation of such sign indicating the overall dimensions, the square footage, and the height of the top and bottom of the sign above grade.
(7)
A scale drawing indicating the location and position of such sign in relation to nearby buildings, structures, and lot lines.
(8)
Calculation of the total sign square footage permitted.
(9)
Copies of any other permit required and issued for said sign, including PennDOT and the Uniform Construction Code.
(10)
Additional information as may be required by the Zoning Officer.
C.
Issuance of permits. Upon the filing of an application for a sign permit, the Zoning Officer shall examine the plans, specifications, and other submitted data and the premises upon which the sign is proposed to be erected or affixed. If the proposed sign is in compliance with all the requirements of this article and other applicable ordinances and if the appropriate permit fee has been paid, the Zoning Officer shall issue a permit for the proposed sign.
D.
Permit fees.
(1)
In accord with the Township fee schedule, the applicant shall tender a fee at the time of making application for a sign permit. Permit fees are not refundable.
(2)
The owner of a legal nonconforming sign which has been removed or brought into conformance with the terms of this article shall not be required to pay a fee in order to obtain a permit for the conforming sign.
§ 119-59 General requirements.
A.
Prohibited signs. All signs not expressly permitted or exempted under this article from regulation are prohibited. Such prohibited signs include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1)
A-frame or sandwich-board and sidewalk or curb signs.
(2)
Strings of lights not permanently mounted to a rigid background, except those exempt under § 119-59B(5), balloons, and other inflatable figures, except as a temporary sign as provided for in § 119-60B.
(3)
Balloons of greater than 25 cubic feet that are tethered to the ground or a structure for periods of over a day and that are primarily intended for advertising purposes.
(4)
Pennants and streamers, not including permitted banners and flags.
(5)
Signs which flash, revolve, rotate, swing, undulate, or move by any means, or otherwise attract attention through the movement or flashing of parts, including automatic, electronically controlled copy changes (except as permitted in § 119-65), or through the impression of movement or flashing, except for time-and-temperature indicators whose movement is either digital or analog, and flags as permitted by this article.
(6)
Signs which use a mirror or similar device to attract attention by reflecting images or otherwise reflecting light.
(7)
Portable and wheeled signs, except for a charitable event.
(8)
Signs which are attached or otherwise affixed to a building and project more than 15 inches beyond the wall surface of such building to which the sign is attached or otherwise affixed.
(9)
Signs placed on or affixed to vehicles, trailers and/or containers which are parked on a public right-of-way, public property or private property, so as to be visible from a public right-of-way, where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business, organization or activity.
(10)
Signs which are attached or otherwise affixed to utility poles or trees or other vegetation, except for no-trespassing signs.
(11)
Signs which imitate, interfere with, obstruct the view of, or can be confused with any authorized traffic control sign, signal, or other device.
(12)
Signs which emit any sound, odor or visible matter such as smoke.
(13)
Signs which contain information that states that a lot may be used for a purpose not permitted under this article.
(14)
Signs or displays visible from a lot line that include words or images which are obscene or pornographic.
(15)
Portable signs, except for a temporary charitable event.
(16)
Snipe signs.
B.
Exempt signs. The following signs are hereby exempt from the permit provisions of this article:
(1)
Civic and religious. Civic and religious organization signs indicating only the organization insignia, name, meeting place, and time. Such signs shall not exceed two square feet.
(2)
Directional or instructional signs. On-site signs, not exceeding four feet in aggregate gross surface area, which provide direction or instruction to guide persons to facilities intended to serve the public, provided that such signs contain no advertising of any kind. Such signs include those identifying restrooms, public telephones, public walkways, affiliation with motor clubs, acceptance of designated credit cards, and other similar signs providing direction or instruction to persons using a facility, but not including those signs accessory to parking areas. Advertising material of any kind is strictly prohibited on directional and instructional signs.
(3)
Noncommercial signs. Flags, emblems, and insignia of political, professional, religious, educational, or fraternal organizations, provided that such flags, emblems, and insignia are displayed for noncommercial purposes.
(4)
Governmental signs. Governmental signs for control of traffic, emergency response, and other public or regulatory purposes, street signs, warning signs, railroad crossing signs, and signs of public service companies indicating danger and aids to services or safety which are erected by, or at the order of, a public officer or employee in the performance of the officer's or employee's duties. Such signs may be of any type, number, area, height, location, or illumination as required by law, statute, or ordinance.
(5)
Holiday decorations. Signs or other materials temporarily displayed on traditionally accepted civic, patriotic, or religious holidays, related to observance of the civic, patriotic, or religious holiday.
(6)
Interior signs. Signs not affixed to a window and visible from outside and which are fully located within the interior of any building or stadium, or within an enclosed lobby or court of any building, and signs located within the inner or outer lobby, court or entrance of any theater and which are not displayed to be visible from outside.
(7)
Memorial signs. Memorial plagues or tablets, grave markers, statuary, or other remembrances of persons or events which are noncommercial in nature.
(8)
Name and address plates. Wall signs, one per street frontage and not exceeding 1.5 square feet, indicating the name of the occupant, the address of the premises, and identification of any legal business or operation which may exist at the premises.
(9)
"No trespassing," "no hunting," "no fishing," "no dumping," "no parking," "no towing," and other similar signs. "No trespassing, "no hunting," "no fishing, "no dumping," "no parking," "no towing" and other similar signs (as set forth in Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code and its regulations and as set forth in Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code and its regulations) not exceeding two square feet.
(10)
Parking lot directional and instructional signs.
(a)
Directional signs. Signs designating parking area entrances and exits, limited to one sign for each entrance and/or exit and not exceeding four square feet. Parking lot directional signs shall not project higher than five feet in height, as measured from the established grade of the parking area to which such signs are accessory.
(b)
Instructional signs. Signs designating the conditions of use or identity of parking areas and not exceeding eight square feet nor exceeding an aggregate surface area of 16 square feet. Parking lot instructional signs shall not project higher than 10 feet for wall signs and seven feet for ground signs, as measured from the established grade of the parking area(s) to which such signs are accessory.
(11)
Patron advertising signs. Signs erected on the perimeter of an organization-sponsored youth athletic field for the sole purpose of sponsoring or contributing to the organized youth athletic sport. Signs erected for this purpose shall be one-sided with a maximum of 32 square feet of aggregate surface area. Sponsors advertising on scoreboards may not exceed 25% of the surface area of the scoreboard.
(12)
Plaques. Plaques, nameplates, or memorial signs, directly attached or affixed to the exterior walls of a building, not exceeding four square feet in aggregate surface area.
(13)
Public notices. Official notices posted by public officers or employees in the performance of the officer's or employee's duties.
(14)
Signs on vehicles. Signs placed on or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers where the sign is incidental to the primary use of the vehicle or trailer. However, this is not in any way intended to permit signs placed on or affixed to vehicles, trailers and/or containers, which are parked on a public right-of-way, public property, or private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way, where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business or activity located on the same or other property.
(15)
Symbols or insignia. Religious symbols, commemorative plaques of recognized historical agencies, or identification emblems of religious orders or historical agencies, not exceeding two square feet and not exceeding four square feet in aggregate area.
(16)
Vending machine signs. Permanent, nonflashing signs on vending machines, gasoline pumps, ice or milk containers, or other similar machines indicating only the contents of such devices, the pricing of the contents contained within, directional or instructional information as to use, and other similar information as to the use, and other similar information, not exceeding four square feet and not exceeding an aggregate surface area of eight square feet on each machine.
(17)
Warning signs. Signs warning the public of the existence of danger, but containing no advertising material; to be removed within three days upon the subsidence of danger. Such warning signs may be of any type, number, area, height, location, or illumination as deemed necessary to warn the public of the existence of danger.
(18)
Tourist signs. Tourist-orientation directional signs, when erected in accord with a permit issued by PennDOT.
(19)
Historic signs. Signs which memorialize an important historic place, event or person and are specifically authorized by the Township or a county, state or federal agency.
C.
Construction requirements. All signs permitted by this article shall be constructed in accord with all construction code requirements and the provisions of this § 119-55C.
(1)
Sign faces. All signs may be multifaced.
(2)
Computation of sign area.
(a)
The area of a sign shall include all lettering, wording and accompanying designs and symbols, together with related background areas on which they are displayed and any surrounding border or frame.
(b)
Supporting members of a sign shall be excluded from the area calculation.
(c)
The area of irregular shaped signs or signs containing two or more detached elements shall be determined by the area of the smallest regular polygon that will encompass all elements of the sign.
(d)
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached directly on a building or window, the sign area shall be the smallest rectangle that includes all of the letters and symbols. Any illuminated background shall be considered part of the sign and included in the area calculation.
(e)
The maximum area of a sign shall apply individually to each of the two sides of a sign, provided that only one side of a sign is readable from any location.
(3)
Computation of sign height.
(a)
The height of a 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.
(c)
In cases where the normal grade cannot reasonably be determined, sign height shall be computed on the assumption that the elevation of the normal grade at the base of the sign is equal to the elevation of the nearest point of the crown of a public street or the grade of the land at the principal entrance to the principal structure on the district lot, whichever is lower.
(4)
Wind pressure and dead load requirements. All signs and other advertising structures shall comply with the wind pressure and dead load requirements of the Uniform Construction Code.
(5)
Construction of supporting members or braces. Supporting members or braces of all signs shall be constructed of galvanized iron, properly treated wood, steel, copper, brass, or other noncorrosive, noncombustible material. Every means or device used for attaching any sign to a building shall be approved by the Zoning Officer.
(6)
Attachment of signs to fire escapes. No signs or any part thereof or sign anchors, braces, or guide rods shall be attached, fastened, or anchored to any fire escape, fire ladder, or standpipe, and no such sign or any part of any such sign or any anchor, brace, or guide rod shall be erected, put up, or maintained so as to hinder or prevent ingress or egress through such door, doorway, or window or so as to hinder or prevent the raising or placing of ladders against such building by the Fire Department.
(7)
Overhead electrical wiring. Overhead electrical wiring is prohibited, and all electric signs shall be listed by a recognized testing laboratory.
(8)
Public right-of-way; setbacks. No sign may be erected or maintained in the public right-of-way unless an encroachment permit has first been obtained for the sign. No freestanding sign other than official traffic signs shall be erected or maintained less than 10 feet to the edge of any public road right-of-way and not less than 10 feet from side and rear property lines.
(9)
Obstruction to ingress/egress. No sign shall be erected, constructed, or maintained so as to obstruct any fire escape, required exit, window, door opening, or wall opening intended as a means of ingress or egress.
(10)
Obstruction to ventilation. No sign shall be erected, constructed, or maintained so as to interfere with any opening required for ventilation.
(11)
Clearance from electrical power lines and communication lines. All signs shall be located in such a way that they maintain horizontal and vertical clearance of all electrical power lines and communication lines in accordance with the applicable provisions of the National Electrical Code. However, in no instance shall a sign be erected or constructed within eight feet of any electrical power line, conductor, or service drop, or any communication line, conductor, or service drop.
(12)
Clearance from surface and underground facilities. All signs and supporting structures shall maintain clearance and noninterference with all surface and underground facilities and conduits for water, sewage, gas, electricity, or communications equipment or lines. In addition, the placement of all signs and their supporting structures shall not interfere with natural or artificial drainage or surface or underground water.
(13)
No obstruction to any existing warning or instructional sign. No sign shall be erected, constructed, or maintained so as to interfere with any existing warning or instructional sign.
(14)
Traffic/pedestrian hazards. No sign shall be erected in such a way as to interfere with or to confuse traffic or pedestrians, to present any traffic or pedestrian hazard, or to obstruct the vision of motorists or pedestrians, and all signs shall comply with the clear sight triangle requirements of this article.
(15)
Protection of the public. The temporary occupancy of a sidewalk, street, or other public property during construction, removal, repair, alteration or maintenance of a sign is permitted, provided the space occupied is roped off, fenced off, or otherwise isolated.
(16)
Clearance. Clearance beneath overhead signs shall be at least nine feet, measured from the ground or pavement to the bottom-most part of the sign.
(17)
Wall signs.
(a)
Wall signs shall be securely attached to the wall; and each sign shall be parallel to and in the same plane as the wall to which the sign is attached and shall not extend more than six inches from the wall nor above or beyond the top and ends of the wall.
(b)
The face of a wall sign shall not project more than 15 inches from the outside of the building's wall surface.
(c)
No part of a wall sign shall extend above the roof eave, unless it is erected on a parapet wall or fascia that extends above the roofline of a flat roof on at least three sides of a building.
D.
Maintenance.
(1)
Maintenance. The owner of any sign shall keep it in good maintenance and repair, which includes restoring, repainting, or replacement of a worn or damaged legally existing sign to its original condition; and shall maintain the premises on which the sign is erected in a clean and sanitary condition, free and clear of all obnoxious substances, rubbish, weeds, and grass. Restoration or painting which changes the name, size, or location of a sign shall require a new permit.
(2)
Painting requirement. The owner of any sign shall be required to have all parts and supports of a sign properly painted as directed by the Zoning Officer, unless they are galvanized or otherwise treated to prevent rust and deterioration.
(3)
Sign owner's responsibility. The sign owner shall be responsible for the maintenance of the sign. If the sign ownership should transfer, the new owner shall be responsible for the maintenance of the sign.
E.
Illumination. All signs permitted by this article may be illuminated in accord with the provisions of § 119-48 and the following:
(1)
Type of illumination. Illumination may be by internal, internal/indirect or by indirect means.
(2)
Flashing. Flashing signs are prohibited in accord with § 119-59A(5). (See § 119-65 for permitted electronic signs.)
(3)
Glare. All signs shall be so designed located, shielded, and directed so as to prevent the casting of glare or direct light from artificial illumination upon adjacent publicly dedicated roadways and surrounding property. No lighting from any sign shall be of such intensity to cause the distraction of drivers, create a nuisance on surrounding properties, or otherwise create a safety hazard.
(4)
Floodlighting. Floodlighting of signs shall be arranged so that the source of light is not visible from any point of the lot and so that only the sign is directly illuminated.
F.
Signs on roof. No sign attached to a building shall be placed on nor shall extend above any part of the building roof.
G.
Awning and canopy signs.
(1)
Buildings. Signs affixed to the surface of an awning or canopy on a building are permitted, provided that the sign does not extend vertically or horizontally beyond the limits of such awning or canopy. In addition:
(a)
Awning or canopy signs shall be limited to one per site.
(b)
Awning and canopy signs shall only display the business name, logo, address and name of the proprietor or property owner. Letters or numerals shall not exceed a height of 12 inches and shall be located only on the front and side vertical faces, except as provided for in this section. The minimum clearance above any walkway shall not be less than 8.5 feet.
(c)
Letters and numerals shall be permitted on the sloped surface of an awning, provided that the business served by the awning sign does not use a wall sign(s), and provided further that the letters and numerals on the sloped surface of an awning shall not exceed a height of 40 inches and shall not exceed more than 25% of the sloped surface.
(d)
An awning or canopy may extend into the road right-of-way but shall not extend beyond a point one foot back from the vertical plane formed by the road curbline. An awning or canopy shall not extend beyond a point one foot back from the vertical plane formed by the curbline.
(e)
An awning or canopy may not extend more than six feet from the building.
(f)
No awning or canopy sign shall extend into a required side or rear setback.
(g)
The maximum height of an awning or canopy shall be limited to the height of the rooftop or parapet wall of the building.
(h)
A name sign not exceeding two square feet located immediately in front of the entrance to an establishment may be suspended from an awning or canopy, provided that the name sign is at least 8.5 feet above the sidewalk.
(i)
An awning or canopy sign shall not be internally illuminated.
(2)
Fuel service canopy signs. Service island canopy signs over fuel service islands indicating the brand, manufacturer and/or logo shall be subject to the following:
(a)
Service island canopy signs shall be attached to the face of the canopy and shall not extend beyond the edges of the canopy.
(b)
There shall not be more than one service island canopy sign on each face of the canopy.
(c)
The gross surface of a service island canopy sign shall not exceed 50% of the surface area of the canopy face to which it is attached.
H.
Window signs. Window signs for commercial, manufacturing, industrial, public and semipublic uses, referred to as "business" in this section, shall be permitted subject to the following:
(1)
Area and location. Window signs shall not cover more than 20% of the total front window area per business premises. Window signs are permitted in addition to the maximum number and maximum area of signs otherwise allowed per business premises.
(2)
Placement. Window signs shall not be placed on glass doors or window areas that will impede pedestrian safety or prohibit view by police.
(3)
Illumination. Window signs may be illuminated.
I.
Freestanding sign landscaping. All freestanding business and residential identification signs shall be placed in a landscaped area of not less than four square feet of landscaping for one square foot of sign area, but in no case less than 120 square feet. Sign landscaping shall be part of the required project landscaping plan.
J.
Flags. Flags shall be permitted for commercial, manufacturing, industrial, public and semipublic uses, referred to as "business" in this section, subject to the following:
(1)
Business identification. The flag shall only identify the business.
(2)
Flagpole. The flag shall be suspended from a pole, and the maximum height shall be 30 feet.
(3)
Number and area. Each business shall be limited to one flag with a maximum area of 20 square feet.
(5)
Government flags. The United States Flag, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Flag and other governmental flags are not restricted by the provisions of this section.
K.
Wood relief sign area bonus.
(1)
The following signs shall be eligible for an increase in size of 50%, provided the sign complies with the requirements of this § 119-59K in addition to all other applicable requirements:
(2)
The sign shall be wood or simulated wood relief only. The carved pattern is raised and seems to rise out of the underlying material.
(3)
The sign shall be designed as an integral architectural element of the building and component of the site.
(4)
Sign colors, materials, and lighting shall be restrained and compatible with the building and site.
(5)
The signs shall not exceed a height of 15 feet.
§ 119-60 Temporary signs.
Temporary signs may be erected and maintained in accordance with the provisions contained in this § 119-60.
A.
General conditions.
(1)
Permit required. A permit shall be required unless a certain type of temporary sign is specifically exempted.
(2)
Materials and methods. The Zoning Officer shall impose as a condition of the issuance of a permit for temporary signs such requirements as to the material, manner of construction, and method of erection of a sign as are reasonably necessary to assure the health, safety, welfare, and convenience of the public.
(3)
Illumination. Unless specifically permitted for certain signs, temporary signs shall not be illuminated in accord with this article.
(4)
Sign types. Temporary signs shall be limited to nonprojecting wall signs, attached ground signs, or portable and wheeled signs.
B.
Temporary business banners, flags and signs. Temporary business banners, flags and signs (referred to as "temporary business signs") in association with an approved use identifying a special, unique, or limited activity, service, product, or sale of limited duration shall be subject to the following:
(1)
Number. There shall not be more than five temporary business signs per lot, but such signs shall not be permitted on residential lots. Decorative flags that simply include abstract colors or patterns that include no text are not regulated by this article, provided they do not exceed five per lot or business.
(2)
Area. The aggregated area of all temporary business signs shall not exceed 60 square feet. No individual sign shall exceed 20 square feet.
(3)
Location. Temporary business signs shall be located only upon the premises upon which the special, unique, or limited activity, service, product, or sale is to occur. Such signs may be located in any required setback but shall not extend over any lot line or within 15 feet of any point of vehicular access to a public roadway.
(4)
Height. Temporary business signs shall not project higher than 15 feet.
(5)
Timing. Temporary business banners, flags and signs may be erected and maintained for a period not to exceed 30 days prior to the date on which the special, unique, or limited activity, service, product, or sale of limited duration is scheduled to occur and shall be removed within seven days of the termination of such activity.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection B(6), pertaining to temporary business banners, flags and signs, which immediately followed this subsection, was repealed 4-23-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-04.
C.
Temporary development signs. Temporary development signs in association with an approved use, identifying the parties involved in the development to occur or occurring on the premises on which the sign is placed, shall be subject to the following:
(1)
Number. There shall not be more than one temporary development sign for each project or development, except that where a project or development abuts two or more streets, additional such signs, one oriented to each abutting street, shall be permitted.
(3)
Location. Temporary development signs shall be located only upon the premises upon which construction either is about to occur or is occurring. Such signs may be located in any required setback area but shall not extend over any lot line or within 15 feet of any point of vehicular access from a public roadway.
(4)
Height. Temporary development signs shall not project higher than 15 feet.
(5)
Special conditions. Temporary development signs shall be permitted only accessory to an approved zoning permit for a project or development. Temporary construction signs may be erected and maintained for a period not earlier than 60 days prior to the commencement of construction of the project or development and must be removed prior to an occupancy permit being issued, or if no occupancy permit is required, the sign shall be removed upon project completion.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection C(6), pertaining to temporary development signs, which immediately followed this subsection, was repealed 4-23-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-04.
D.
Temporary contractor or subcontractor signs. Temporary contractor or subcontractor signs for the sole purpose of designating the contractor(s) and subcontractor(s) engaged in the development of a property shall be subject to the following:
(1)
Number. There shall be not more than one temporary contractor or subcontractor sign for each contractor or subcontractor working on the premises.
(3)
Location. Temporary contractor or subcontractor signs shall be located only upon the premises where the contractor or subcontractor is actively working. Such signs may be located in any required setback area but shall not extend over any lot line or within 15 feet of any point of vehicular access to a public roadway.
(4)
Height. Temporary contractor or subcontractor signs shall not project higher than 15 feet.
(5)
Special conditions. Temporary contractor or subcontractor signs shall be permitted only accessory to an approved building permit for a project or development. Temporary contractor or subcontractor signs may be erected and maintained for a period not earlier than 60 days prior to the commencement of construction of the project or development and must be removed prior to an occupancy permit being issued, or if no occupancy permit is required, the sign shall be removed upon project completion.
(6)
Permit not required. A permit shall not be required for temporary contractor or subcontractor signs.
E.
Temporary event signs, including banners. Temporary event signs announcing a campaign, drive, activity, or event of a civic, philanthropic, educational, or religious organization for noncommercial purposes shall be subject to the following:
(1)
Number. There shall be not more than two temporary event signs per lot.
(3)
Timing. Temporary event signs may be erected and maintained for a period not to exceed 30 days prior to the date on which the campaign, drive, activity, or event advertised is scheduled to occur and shall be removed within seven days of the termination of such campaign, drive, activity, or event.
F.
Temporary political signs. Temporary political signs announcing political candidates seeking office, political parties, and/or political and public issues contained on a ballot shall be subject to the following:
(1)
Location. On private property, temporary political signs may be located in any required setback area.
(2)
Height. Temporary political signs shall not project higher than 15 feet.
(3)
Timing. Signs may be displayed for a period not to exceed 30 days prior to the date of the election to which the signs are applicable and shall be removed within five days following the election.
(4)
Road setback. All political signs shall be located a minimum of five feet from the edge of the paving or curbline of any public or private road and shall not create a traffic hazard.
(5)
Support. Each political sign shall be erected on its own support and shall not be attached to any of the following: trees, utility poles, fences, guardrails, buildings or other structures.
(6)
Permit not required. A permit shall not be required for temporary political signs.
G.
Temporary real estate signs. Temporary real estate signs advertising the sale, lease, or rent of the premises upon which such sign is located shall be subject to the following:
(1)
Number. There shall be not more than one temporary real estate sign for each 1,000 feet of lot road frontage for each road on which the lot fronts.
(3)
Location. Temporary real estate signs shall be located only upon the premises for sale, lease, or rent. Such signs may be located in any required setback but shall not extend over any lot line or within 15 feet of any point of vehicular access to a public roadway.
(4)
Height. Temporary real estate signs shall not project higher than 15 feet.
(5)
Special conditions. Temporary real estate signs may be placed only when the premises is actively being marketed and shall be removed within seven days of the sale or lease of the premises upon which the sign is located.
(6)
Permit not required. A permit shall not be required for temporary real estate signs.
H.
Temporary yard or garage sale, open house, or auction signs. Temporary yard sale or garage sale, open house, or auction signs advertising the sale of items and the sales location shall be subject to the following:
(1)
Number: two per event.
(2)
Maximum area: two square feet.
(3)
Timing. Such temporary signs may be erected no sooner than two days before the event and must be removed no later than one day after the event.
(4)
Permit not required. A permit shall not be required for temporary yard or garage sale, open house, or auction signs.
I.
Temporary seasonal agricultural activity signs. Temporary seasonal agricultural activity signs shall be subject to the following: (Examples of such signs include, but are not limited to, "Pick Your Own Berries," "Christmas Trees," or produce sales.)
(1)
Area. The aggregate surface area of all signs shall not exceed 20 square feet.
(2)
Location. Such signs shall be located only upon the premises where the seasonal agricultural activity is taking place. Such signs may be located in any required setback but shall not extend over any lot line or within 15 feet of any point of vehicular access to a public roadway.
(3)
Height. Temporary seasonal farm product signs shall not project higher than 15 feet.
(4)
Special conditions. Such signs shall not be used for more than six months in any calendar year.
(5)
Permit not required. A permit shall not be required for temporary seasonal agricultural activity signs.
§ 119-61 All districts.
The following signs are permitted in all districts accessory to a permitted residential use:
A.
Residential building name and address signs. Name and address signs of buildings containing six or more residential units, indicating only the name of the building, the name of the development in which it is located, the management thereof, and/or the address of the premises, shall be subject to the following:
(1)
Type. Building name and address signs may be either wall signs or ground signs.
(2)
Number. There shall not be more than one name and address sign for each building, except that where a building abuts two or more streets, one additional sign oriented to each abutting street shall be permitted.
(3)
Area. Building name and address signs shall not exceed four square feet.
(4)
Location. Building name and address signs shall not be located closer than 1/2 the minimum setback required for the zoning district in which the sign is to be erected or within 15 feet of any point of vehicular access to a public roadway. The location and arrangement of all building name and address signs shall be subject to the review and approval of the Zoning Officer.
(5)
Height. Building name and address signs shall not project higher than 15 feet for wall signs and five feet for ground signs.
B.
Residential development road entrance signs. Residential development road entrance signs for developments with two or more buildings with a total of five or more dwelling units, indicating only the name of the development, including single-family, two-family, and multifamily developments and mobile home parks, the management or developer thereof, and/or the address or location of the development, shall be subject to the following:
(1)
Type. The residential development road entrance signs shall be ground signs.
(2)
Number. There shall not be more than two residential development road entrance signs for each point of vehicular access to a development.
(3)
Area. Residential development road entrance signs shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(4)
Location. Residential development road entrance signs may be located in any required setback but shall not extend over any lot line or within 15 feet of any point of vehicular access from a public roadway. The location and arrangement of all residential development signs shall be subject to the review and approval of the Zoning Officer.
(5)
Height. Residential development road entrance signs shall not project higher than eight feet.
(6)
Sign faces. Residential development road entrance signs may be double-faced only when one such sign is used at a road entrance.
§ 119-62 Nonresidential uses in residential districts.
Principal nonresidential uses located in residential districts are permitted to have one freestanding and one wall sign in accordance with the following regulations:
§ 119-63 VC, GC, LIC, GI, BP, and I Districts.
For all commercial, manufacturing, industrial, public and semipublic uses (referred to as "business" in this section) in VC Village Commercial/Residential, GC General Commercial, LIC Light Industrial/Commercial, GI General Industrial, BP Business Park Overlay, and I Institutional Districts, the following signs are permitted, and then only if accessory to a permitted use, and such signs shall be subject to the requirements of this § 119-63 and any other special provisions contained in this article:
A.
Individual business identification signs. The following provisions shall apply where an individual business is located on the lot:
(1)
Total square footage permitted. Total sign square footage permitted shall be determined by multiplying the length of linear building front foot by a factor of 1.5 square feet, up to a maximum of 200 square feet. The length of linear building front foot is defined as the length of the side of the building adjacent and parallel to any public street. If building linear front foot permits the maximum square footage, the total permitted square footage may be incorporated into a single wall sign, disallowing any other signs on site.
(2)
Total number permitted. The total number of signs permitted shall not exceed two, except as follows:
(a)
A site totaling over 300 feet of lot frontage may have an additional wall sign not exceeding 32 square feet in area.
(b)
Retail fuel sales signs are exempt from the total sign square footage limitation but shall comply with § 119-63E.
(c)
Only one freestanding or monument sign is permitted per lot, except on corner lots, where one may be permitted on each street frontage of arterial or higher classification.
(3)
Permitted signs by type. The following signs are permitted, provided all regulations are met and the total square footage permitted on the site is not exceeded. For the purposes of this section, mixed-use sites include buildings and centers with a combination of retail and office uses or a combination of retail, office and industrial uses.
(a)
Freestanding signs.
[1]
The maximum area, per side, for a freestanding sign shall be 0.8 square foot times the linear building front foot for office buildings and 1.5 square feet times the linear building front foot for other uses, with a maximum of 50 square feet.
[2]
The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be 18 feet, except 15 feet in the VC District, and shall be a minimum of 8.5 feet above grade.
(b)
Monument signs. Monument signs are permitted, except in the VC District, as follows:
(c)
Wall signs. The area of a wall sign shall not exceed 0.8 square foot times the linear building front foot for office buildings and 1.5 square feet for other uses, with a maximum of 125 square feet.
B.
Shopping center, mall and multiple-occupant business identification signs. The following provisions shall apply to developments, whether planned and developed on one lot or multiple lots as a group, in which two or more businesses (commercial, manufacturing, industrial, public or semipublic uses) are housed in one or more principal structures. If more than a total of two regulated signs will be erected, an application for a master sign program shall be submitted in accord with § 119-63B(1).
[Amended 4-23-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-04]
(1)
Master sign program. An application for approval of a master sign program shall be submitted in accord with the following:
(a)
Each individual sign proposed in accordance with an approved master sign program must be applied for and permitted separately. Approval of a master sign program shall not be deemed permission to construct any particular sign under that program.
(b)
An application for a master sign program shall include the following components:
[1]
The types of signs proposed.
[2]
A scale drawing indicating the location and position of each sign in relation to the building it is to be attached to, other buildings and signs within the center, and lot lines.
[3]
A scale drawing of each sign indicating the overall dimensions, the square footage, and the height of the top and bottom of the sign above grade.
[4]
An elevation of each proposed sign indicating the materials to be used and the type of illumination, if any.
[5]
Written specifications governing the color, size, style, location, and other features of the proposed signs.
(c)
No freestanding sign other than the main identification sign(s) in § 119-63B(2) shall be permitted for any development.
(d)
Total square footage permitted.
[1]
The maximum square footage of all signs within a development, excluding the main identification sign, entrance markers, and traffic directional signs, shall not exceed 1.5 square feet times the linear front foot of the building.
[2]
In a development with more than one building, the linear building front foot shall be calculated for each building and totaled to determine the total linear front foot for the center on which the maximum square footage shall be calculated.
(e)
Applications for approval of a master sign program shall be submitted with the application for land development.
(2)
Main identification sign. Main identification signs, as approved under a master sign program, shall meet the following requirements:
[Amended 7-16-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-01]
(a)
The maximum number and area of main identification signs shall be one freestanding sign per street of no more than 100 square feet, or one monument sign per street of no more than 150 square feet, or one wall sign facing each street of no more than 125 square feet.
(b)
The names of tenants of the building or center may be included on the main identification sign, but the area of each tenant identification shall not exceed 10 square feet and shall be counted as part of the maximum allowable size per § 119-63B(2)(a).
(c)
Main identification signs shall not exceed 18 feet in height in the GC District, or 15 feet in height in the VC District. Freestanding signs shall be a minimum of 8.5 feet above grade.
(3)
Individual occupant wall signs. (See § 119-63G for shingle signs.)
(a)
Number. There shall be not more than one wall sign for each principal business occupant, except that where a principal occupant abuts two or more streets, one additional such sign oriented to each abutting street shall be permitted.
(b)
Maximum area. The surface area of a wall sign shall not exceed nine square feet.
(c)
Location. A wall sign may be located on the outermost wall of any principal building. The location and arrangement of all wall signs shall be subject to the review and approval of the Zoning Officer.
(d)
Height. A wall sign shall not project higher than the parapet line of the wall to which the sign is to be affixed.
(4)
Wayfinding sign. In addition to the total square footage of signs permitted by § 119-63B(1)(d), wayfinding signs may be permitted interior to the development to direct traffic to the location of individual tenants.
[Added 7-16-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-01]
(a)
One such sign not exceeding any area of 20 square feet may be installed at any intersection where necessary to provide direction to tenants beyond the intersection.
(b)
The sign may include the development name and individual tenant signs shall be included on the wayfinding sign and shall not exceed an area of two square feet for each tenant.
(c)
A wayfinding sign shall not project higher than eight feet.
(d)
Wayfinding signs shall not be legible exterior to the development.
C.
Business subdivision road entrance signs. Business subdivision road entrance signs for developments with two or more commercial, manufacturing, industrial, public and semipublic buildings (referred to as "business" in this section), indicating only the name of the development, shall be subject to the following:
(1)
Type. The business subdivision road entrance signs shall be ground signs.
(2)
Number. There shall not be more than two business subdivision road entrance signs for each point of vehicular access to a development.
(3)
Area. Business subdivision road entrance signs shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(4)
Location. Business subdivision road entrance signs may be located in any required setback but shall not extend over any lot line or within 15 feet of any point of vehicular access from a public roadway. The location and arrangement of all residential development signs shall be subject to the review and approval of the Zoning Officer.
(5)
Height. Business subdivision road entrance signs shall not project higher than five feet.
(6)
Sign faces. Business subdivision road entrance signs may be double-faced only when one such sign is used at a road entrance.
D.
Automatic teller machine (ATM) signs. ATM signs shall be permitted in association with an approved commercial use, subject to the following:
(1)
Location. Such sign shall be located on the face of the machine and may only identify the individual business name, logo, time, and principal services offered at the ATM.
(2)
Area. The area of any such sign shall not exceed 10 square feet. The bezel and architectural border of an ATM sign shall not be included in the sign area unless they contain sign characters, logos, or other sign graphics. The area of any ATM signs not visible beyond the boundaries of the property shall not be deducted from the sum total area permitted for the use. Wording, symbols, and graphics which instruct persons on the use of the ATM shall not be considered part of the sign area unless they are visible beyond the boundaries of the property and attract the attention of the public.
E.
Retail fuel sales. Retail fuel sales establishments shall, in addition to the other permitted signs, be permitted one sign with up to four fuel prices attached to the business identification sign. The height of the letters/numerals shall not exceed the following, and the sign shall be no larger than necessary to encompass the letters/numerals, but in no case shall exceed the width of the business sign. The prices shall be stationary but may be electronically controlled in accord with § 199-5.
Number of products advertised | 1 or 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
Maximum letter height | 24 inches | 15 inches | 12 inches |
F.
Changeable panel signs. One changeable panel sign per lot may be incorporated into a permitted freestanding sign, monument sign or wall sign to identify special, unique, limited activities, services, products, or sales of limited duration occurring on the premises on which the changeable panel sign is located. The changeable panel sign shall be counted in the sign area of the sign in which it is incorporated.
G.
Shingle signs. In addition to the other signs permitted by this chapter, each establishment with a separate entrance to the outside shall be permitted a shingle sign in accord with this § 119-63G.
(1)
A shingle sign shall not exceed six square feet.
(2)
Shingle signs shall be limited to two sign faces installed perpendicular to the building facade.
(3)
No portion of a shingle sign shall be less than eight feet above any pedestrian walkway or the grade below the sign.
(4)
No portion of a shingle sign shall project above the top of an eave or parapet.
(5)
Shingle signs suspended from the underside of a building overhang shall be centered under the overhang and shall not project beyond the overhang.
(6)
A shingle sign shall maintain a ten-foot separation from another shingle sign.
(7)
Shingle signs shall be located at the business entrance.
(8)
Shingle signs shall not be more than six inches or less than one inch thick.
H.
Business directional signs. The intent of this section is to allow commercial, manufacturing, industrial, public and semipublic uses (referred to as "business" in this section) located in the Township but not fronting on PA Route 115 or PA Route 209 to erect signs directing the public to the business.
[Added 7-16-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-01]
(1)
Location/number. Two such signs shall be permitted for each business eligible for such signs. In the case of multibusinesses on the same parcel, each business shall not be eligible for signs; instead, the directional signs shall refer to the parcel as a whole.
(2)
Area. The surface area of each sign shall not exceed four square feet for each exposed face.
(3)
Height. A directional sign shall not project higher than 10 feet.
(4)
Sign information. The information on the sign shall be limited to the business name, logo, telephone number and directional information.
(5)
Property owner permission. The person making application for the erection of a business directional sign shall provide a written statement of permission signed by the owner of the property upon which the sign is proposed.
(6)
Permit. A permit shall be required for the placement of the directional signs and shall establish the number and location of all the signs.
§ 119-64 Off-premises advertising signs and billboards.
An off-premises sign or billboard shall be permitted only in the LIC District in accord with the following requirements:
A.
Maximum individual sign area. The maximum sign area shall be 300 square feet.
E.
Attached. No off-premises sign or sign face shall be attached in any way to any other off-premises sign or share a support structure, except that a sign may be double-faced with each face having the maximum area permitted in § 119-64A, provided the angle between the faces does not exceed 45°. Off-premises signs shall not be stacked on top of one another.
§ 119-65 Electronic message signs.
In addition to all other applicable regulations, the following regulations shall apply to all electronic message signs. In the case of conflict, the more-restrictive standard shall apply.
A.
Location. Electronic message signs shall be located only on parcels within the GC and LIC Districts.
B.
Number. Each development parcel shall be limited to one electronic message sign which is used in lieu of another permitted sign. In the case of a shopping center, mall or multiple-occupant business comprised of several parcels, one electronic message sign shall be permitted for the entire development.
C.
Size. The electronic message sign shall be limited to 80% of the allowable size of the sign it replaces.
D.
Nonconforming sign replacement. Any nonconforming sign which is converted to an electronic message sign shall be made conforming to the requirements of this article. A sign which is nonconforming as to zoning district location shall not be converted to an electronic message sign.
E.
Billboards and off-premises signs. A billboard or an off-premises sign shall not be converted to an electronic message sign except in full compliance with this article.
F.
Message display.
(1)
Any portion of the message shall have a minimum duration (hold time) of 10 seconds and shall be a static display. Messages shall completely change to the next message within one second.
(2)
The images and messages displayed shall be complete in themselves without continuation in content to the next image or message or to any other sign. The image shall be static, with no animation, streaming video, flashing, scrolling, fading, or other illusions of motion. Time-and-temperature signs are exempt from this requirement.
(3)
All signs shall be equipped with a properly functioning default mechanism that will stop the sign in one position and lock the luminance level to the nighttime setting should a malfunction occur.
(4)
Images or messages projected onto buildings or other objects shall be prohibited.
G. LUMINANCE NIT(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
Luminance.
A measure of the brightness of a surface which is emitting or reflecting light. The unit of measurement is candelas per square meter or nits (1 nit = 1 cd/m2).
A unit of measure of luminance.
No sign may display light of such intensity or brilliance to cause glare or hazard, or impair the vision of the motorist, or interfere with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, device or signal.
Signs shall have a maximum luminance of 5,000 nits during daylight hours. During the nighttime, signs and billboards shall be limited to a maximum luminance of 150 nits.
All signs shall be equipped with both a dimmer control and a photocell that automatically adjusts the display's luminance according to natural ambient light conditions. The sign shall also be equipped with an automatic malfunction shutoff switch.
Signs shall comply with light trespass regulations set forth in § 119-48C(3).
Surface luminance measurements shall be made directly with a calibrated luminance meter, following the instrument manufacturer's directions. Readings shall be taken from the area from which the sign will be visible, usually the road, and which is closest to being directly in front of the sign where the luminosity output is most focused. This reading shall be the measurement of an all-white image display to evaluate the worst-case scenario. With an all-white display, a maximum of 200 nits shall be permitted during nighttime.
Prior to issuance of a sign permit, the applicant shall provide written certification from the sign manufacturer that the sign luminance has been factory preset to not exceed 5,000 nits and that the intensity has been protected from end-user manipulation by password-protected software.
I.
Height. The maximum height of electronic message signs shall be 18 feet.
[Amended 4-23-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-04]
J.
Regulations applicable to all electronic message off-premises signs. In addition to the other regulations in this § 119-65, the following regulations shall apply to electronic message off-premises signs over 60 square feet (electronic message billboards):
(1)
Electronic message billboards shall be permitted by conditional use. The conditional use process shall apply to both new electronic message billboards and the conversion of existing static billboards to electronic message billboards.
(2)
Electronic message billboards shall be set back at least 100 feet from the ultimate right-of-way of all roads.
(3)
No electronic message billboard shall be located within 2,000 feet from any other electronic message billboard, including nonconforming billboards and those located on the opposite side of the street.
(4)
No electronic message billboard shall be located within 300 feet of a traffic merge point, entrance or exit.
(5)
The applicant shall be required to coordinate and permit message access from local, regional, state and national emergency services during emergency situations. Emergency messages are not required to conform to message standards herein.
§ 119-66 Nonconforming signs.
A.
Legal, nonconforming signs. Any sign lawfully existing or under construction on the effective date of this article, which does not conform to one or more of the provisions of this article, may be continued in operation and maintained as a legal nonconforming use.
B.
Maintenance and repair of legal nonconforming signs.
(1)
Area. The total area of any nonconforming sign shall not be increased.
(2)
Removal and reconstruction. The removal and reconstruction of a nonconforming sign shall only be permitted in accord with the requirements of § 119-73C(1) applicable to other nonconforming structures.
(3)
Damage or destruction. A nonconforming sign which is damaged or destroyed may be rebuilt in a nonconforming fashion only in accord with § 119-73D applicable to other nonconforming structures.
(4)
Improvements and maintenance. Nonconforming signs may be repainted, repaired or modernized, provided such improvements do not increase the dimensions, height or position of the existing nonconforming sign or change the sign, message or business being advertised.
§ 119-67 Removal of certain signs.
A.
Abandoned signs.
(1)
Removal. Any sign, whether existing on or erected after the effective date of this chapter, which advertises a business no longer being conducted or a product no longer being offered for sale in or from the premises on which the sign is located, shall be presumed to be abandoned and shall be removed within 12 months from the cessation of such business or sale of such product by the owner, agent, or person having the beneficial interest in the building or premises on which such sign is located.
(2)
Enforcement. Enforcement of a violation of § 119-67A(1) shall be in accord with § 119-7.
B.
Nuisance signs.
(1)
Violation. The maintenance of any sign which is unsafe or insecure or is a nuisance shall be considered a violation of this chapter.
(2)
Enforcement. Enforcement of a violation identified in § 119-67B(1) shall be in accord with § 119-7.
(3)
Immediate peril. Notwithstanding, the foregoing provisions, the Zoning Officer is authorized to cause any sign to be removed summarily and without notice, at the expense of the owner, agent, or person having the beneficial interest in the building or premises on which such sign is located, whenever the Zoning Officer determines that such sign is an immediate peril to persons or property.