Columbia City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VII
Signs
§ 220-45 Applicability.
A.
Purposes. This article is intended to promote and maintain overall community aesthetic quality; establish reasonable time, place and manner of regulations for the exercise of free speech, without regulating content; promote traffic safety by avoiding distractions and sight distance obstructions; and protect property values and ensure compatibility with the character of neighboring uses.
B.
Permit required. A zoning permit shall be required for all signs except for signs meeting the requirements of § 220-47, and nonilluminated window signs constructed of paper, cardboard or similar materials and that are not of a permanent nature. Only types, sizes and heights of signs that are specifically permitted by this chapter within the applicable district shall be allowed.
C.
Changes on signs. Any lawfully existing sign (including nonconforming signs) may be painted or repaired or changed in logo or message without a new permit under this chapter, provided that the changes do not increase the sign area or otherwise result in noncompliance or an increased nonconformity with this chapter.
D. ANIMATED SIGN BUILDING FACE DIGITAL OPEN BUSINESS DISPLAY ERECT FLASHING SIGN FREESTANDING SIGN HEIGHT OF SIGN ILLUMINATED SIGN MECHANICAL MOVEMENT SIGN MURAL NONCONFORMING SIGN OFF-PREMISES SIGN PORTABLE SIGN PROJECTING SIGN SIGN SNIPE SIGN WALL SIGN WINDOW SIGN ZONING OFFICER
Definitions. The following definitions shall be used in determining whether signs meet the measurement and type requirements of this article:
A sign with action or motion, flashing, color changes requiring electrical energy or electrical manufactured sources of supply, but not including wind-actuated elements such as flags, banners, or specialty items.
The vertical area of a particular side of a building, but not including the area of any slanted roof.
The portion of a sign message made up of internally illuminated components displaying "OPEN" and remains static for a period of four to 10 seconds.
To put in place and fasten to a building or elsewhere any sign or structure regulated by this article.
An illuminated sign on which the artificial light is not maintained stationary and constant in intensity and/or color at all times when in use.
A sign which is self-supporting upon the ground or which is primarily supported by poles attached to the ground and not primarily supported by a building.
The vertical distance measured from the average ground level surrounding a sign to the highest point of the sign and its supporting structure. Religious symbols, when not accompanied by lettering, shall not be restricted by the sign heights of this article when attached to a tower or spire of a place of worship.
A sign illuminated by light from within the sign rather than a source adjacent to or outside of the sign. A sign within a display case with lights only shining onto the front of the sign shall be considered to be externally illuminated.
A sign having parts that physically move and shall not include wind-activated movement. Mechanical movement signs do not include digital signs that have changeable, programable displays.
A large picture/image (including but not limited to painted art) which is painted, constructed, or affixed directly onto a vertical building wall, which may or may not contain text, logos, and/or symbols.
Any sign which does not comply with the applicable sign provisions in a zoning ordinance or amendment, where such sign was lawfully in existence prior to the enactment of such ordinance or amendment.
A freestanding sign that is attached to a chassis or legs that allows it to be towed or carried from one location to another and that is not permanently attached to the ground.
Any sign mounted to a wall or other vertical building surface other than a wall sign.
Signs that are illegally placed in the public right-of-way, on utility poles and trees.
A sign primarily supported by or painted on a wall of a building and which does not project more than two feet from such wall.
A sign which is readily visible and can be at least partially read from an exterior lot line and which is attached to a window or transparent door or that can be read through a window or transparent door.
The person regularly assigned to that office or anyone temporarily performing the duties of the office or any other official to whom the duties of the office may be assigned by the Council.
§ 220-46 Nonconforming signs.
A.
Signs legally existing at the time of enactment of this chapter and which do not conform to the requirements of the chapter shall be considered nonconforming signs.
B.
An existing nonconforming sign may only be replaced with a conforming sign, except a lawful nonconforming sign serving a lawful nonconforming principal use on the same lot may be replaced with a new sign advertising the nonconforming use if the new sign is not more nonconforming in any manner than the previous sign.
§ 220-47 Miscellaneous signs not requiring permits.
A.
The following signs shall be permitted by right within all zoning districts within the following regulations and shall not be required to have a permit under this article:
Type and Definition of Signs Not Requiring Permits | Maximum Number of Signs Per Lot | Maximum Sign Area Per Sign1 on Residential Lots | Maximum Sign Area Per Sign1 on Nonresidential Lots | Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Directional sign: provides information indicating traffic direction, entry or exit, loading or service area, directions to apartment numbers or parking courts in a development, fire lanes, parking or closely similar information regarding the same lot as the sign is on, and that does not include advertising. | No maximum | 3, in addition to signs painted on pavement | 3, in addition to signs painted on pavement | Directional signs within a residential development shall not be illuminated. |
Identification sign: only identifies the name and/or occupation of the resident and/or the name, street address and/or use of a lot, but that does not include advertising. | 1 | 1, except 2 for a principal nonresidential use | 6 | Maximum height of 8 feet. |
Time and temperature sign: with a sole purpose to announce the current time and temperature | 1 | Not permitted | 30 | |
Trespassing sign: indicating that a road is private, that trespassing is prohibited on a lot, or controlling certain activities such as hunting and fishing on the lot. | No maximum | 2 | 4 |
NOTES: | |
1 | Maximum sign areas are for each of two sides of each permitted sign, measured in square feet. |
B.
In addition, the following types of signs are not regulated by this chapter:
(1)
Historic sign: memorializes an important historic place, event or person and that is specifically authorized by the Borough or a county, state or federal agency.
(2)
Holiday decorations: commemorates a holiday recognized by the Borough, county, state or federal government and that does not include advertising.
(3)
Not readable sign: not readable from any public street or any exterior lot line.
(4)
Official sign: erected by the state, county, Borough or other legally constituted governmental body, or specifically authorized by Borough ordinance or resolution, and which exists for public purposes.
(5)
Required sign: only includes information required to be posted outdoors by a government agency or the Borough.
(6)
Right-of-way sign: posted within the existing right-of-way of a public street and officially authorized by the Borough or PennDOT.
§ 220-48 Freestanding, wall and window signs.
A.
The following are the signs permitted on a lot within the specified districts and within the following regulations, in addition to exempt signs and temporary signs permitted in all districts by other provisions of this article. See definitions of the types of signs in § 220-55; see abbreviations for zoning districts used below in § 220-20.
Zoning District or Type of Use | Maximum Total Height of Freestanding Signs (feet) | Maximum area of Wall Signs | Maximum Area and Number of Window Signs | Maximum Area and Number of Freestanding Signs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
P, C or residential districts for permitted principal nonresidential uses | 8 | 20 square feet on each side of a principal building | May be used in place of a wall sign with the same restrictions | 1 sign on each street the lot abuts, each with a maximum sign area of 20 square feet2 |
DC, RC, NC or MDRB Districts. No new freestanding signs in the DC, RC or MDRB Districts shall be internally illuminated. | 8 | 10% of the area of the building side on which the signs are attached1 | Temporary nonilluminated window signs are not regulated. Other window signs are regulated under wall signs. | 1 sign per street that the lot abuts, each with a maximum area of 20 square feet2 |
All districts not listed above | 20 | 15% of the area of the building side on which the signs are attached | Temporary nonilluminated window signs are not regulated. Other window signs are regulated under wall signs. | 1 sign per street that the lot abuts, each with a maximum area of 50 square feet2, 3 |
NOTES: | |
1 | In the DC, MDRB and RC Districts, one projecting sign may also be permitted per lot, provided such sign meets minimum clearance over the sidewalk as provided in the Building Code, is constructed entirely from wood or materials with a closely similar appearance (and metal fasteners), has a maximum sign area on each of two sides of eight square feet, and is securely attached to the building. |
2 | If the permitted freestanding sign area is not used, such sign area may be added to the permitted wall sign area. |
3 | If a lot includes six or more principal uses, then the maximum freestanding sign area may be increased to 80 square feet. |
B.
Maximum height of wall signs. The maximum height of wall signs shall be equal to the top of the roof along the wall to which they are attached.
C.
Window signs. Window signs shall be mounted only to the inside surface of windows and doors, with a total square footage of window signage not to exceed 50% of the square footage of the individual window at/on which the sign is located. In the event that a building has multiple street frontages, window signs shall be limited to no more than two street frontages.
D.
Portable signs (including signs on mobile stands) and other temporary signs, subject to the size restrictions outlined in § 220-48A. Portable or temporary signs displaying details of an event (to include, but not be limited to, elections) may be erected or displayed no earlier than 30 days' prior to the event to which they pertain and shall be removed within seven days of said event.
(1)
Purpose. These standards recognize portable signs as a particular type of sign that has the characteristics of a temporary sign but that has been inappropriately used as a permanent sign. This section is based on the policy that if a use desires to regularly display a sign for regularly changing messages, that it erect a permanent sign within all of the requirements of this chapter.
§ 220-49 Abandoned or outdated signs.
Signs advertising a use no longer in existence (other than a sign relating to a building that is clearly temporarily vacant and being offered to new tenants or for purchase) shall be removed within 180 days of the cessation of such use.
§ 220-50 Location of signs.
The following shall regulate the location of signs:
A.
Setbacks.
(1)
A sign shall not project over any existing street right-of-way, except for permitted projecting signs within the DC, RC and MDRB Districts.
(2)
A freestanding illuminated sign (except in the DC District) shall not be located within 10 feet of an abutting lot line of a lot that only includes one dwelling unit.
(3)
These setbacks shall not apply to official signs, nameplate signs, public service signs and directional signs.
B.
Sight distance. No sign shall be so located that it interferes with the sight distance requirements of § 220-59.
C.
Permission of owner. No sign shall be posted on any property or sign pole or public utility pole, unless permission has been received by the owner.
E.
Utility poles. No sign shall be attached to a utility pole using metal fasteners, except by a utility or government agency.
§ 220-52 Vehicles functioning as signs.
Any vehicle or structure to which a sign is affixed in such a manner that the carrying of such sign or signs no longer is incidental to the primary purpose of the vehicle or structure but becomes a primary purpose in itself shall be considered a freestanding sign and as such shall be subject to requirements for freestanding signs in the district in which such vehicle or structure is located.
§ 220-53 Prohibited signs.
The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts:
A.
Any moving object used to attract attention to a commercial use. Flags or banners meeting the requirements for a particular type of sign.
B.
Mechanical, including revolving signs of any type, except time and temperature signs may flash. This restriction does not prohibit holiday lighting or displays, within § 220-47B(2).
C.
Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors or particles, sound or odor.
D.
Signs which contain information that states or implies that a lot may be used for any purpose not permitted under the applicable provisions of this chapter.
E.
Signs that are of such character, form, shape or color that they imitate or resemble any official traffic sign, signal or device or that have any characteristics which are likely to confuse or distract the operator of a motor vehicle on a public street (such as prominent use of the words "danger").
F.
Signs or displays visible from a lot line that include words or images that are obscene or pornographic, use profanity, or invoke violence.
G.
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.
H.
Floodlights and outdoor lasers for advertising purposes.
I.
Snipe signs. Signs shall only be attached to utility poles in conformance with state and utility regulations.
§ 220-54 Construction of signs.
Every permanent sign permitted in this article shall be constructed of durable materials and shall be kept in good condition and repair. The Zoning Officer shall by written notice require a property owner or lessee to repair or remove a dilapidated or unsafe sign within a specified period of time. If such order is not complied with, the Borough may repair or remove such sign at the expense of such owner or lessee.
§ 220-55 Measurement and major types of signs.
A.
Definition and measurement of sign area.
(1)
Sign area shall include all lettering, wording and accompanying designs and symbols, together with related background areas on which they are displayed. One freestanding sign may include several signs that are all attached to one structure, with the total sign area being the area of a common geometric form that could encompass all signs.
(2)
The sign area shall not include any structurally supporting framework, bracing, or clearly defined wooden framing if such area does not include any display, lettering or sign and if such area is clearly incidental to the sign area itself.
(3)
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to or painted directly on a building or window, other than an illuminated background that is a part of the sign, the sign area shall be the smallest rectangle that includes all of the letters and symbols.
(4)
The maximum sign area of sign shall be for each of two sides of a sign, provided that only one side of a sign is readable from any location.
(5)
Unless otherwise specified, all square footages in regards to signs are maximum sizes.
§ 220-56 Off-premises signs.
A.
Purposes. Off-premises signs are controlled by this chapter for the following purposes, to: ensure that a physical environment is maintained that is attractive to desirable types of development, especially light industrial and office parks; prevent visual pollution in the Borough and protect property values, especially in consideration of the fact that most commercial areas of the Borough are within close proximity to existing residences; prevent glare on adjacent property and streets; avoid the creation of additional visual distractions to motorists, especially along busy arterial streets that involve complex turning movements and numerous traffic hazards; recognize the numerous alternative forms of free speech available in the Borough, including existing nonconforming off-premises signs, on-premises signs and temporary signs and printed and electronic media; carry out the purposes listed in § 220-45.
B.
Nonconforming off-premises signs. This section is not intended to require the removal of an existing lawfully placed off-premises sign that is in structurally sound condition.
C.
PennDOT sign. Signs erected and maintained by PennDOT are permitted by right in all districts.
D.
Permitted off-premises signs. An off-premises sign is only permitted if it meets the following requirements:
(1)
District. An off-premises sign is only permitted in the HC District.
(2)
Location. An off-premises sign shall be set back a minimum of 25 feet from all lot lines and street rights-of-way.
(3)
Maximum sign area: 300 square feet.
(4)
Spacing. Any off-premises sign shall be separated by a minimum of 1,200 feet from any other off-premises sign, including signs on either side of a street and including existing signs in other municipalities. No lot shall include more than one off-premises sign.
(5)
Maximum height: 25 feet above the elevation of the adjacent street, measured at the street center line.
(6)
Attached. No off-premises sign or sign face shall be attached in any way to any other off-premises sign, except that a sign may have two sign faces of 150 square feet each if they are placed approximately back to back.
(8)
Residences. No off-premises sign greater than 10 square feet in sign area shall be located within 200 feet of an existing dwelling.
(9)
Condition. The sign shall be maintained in a good and safe condition. The area around the sign shall be kept free of debris.
§ 220-56.1 Special regulations for signs in historic district.
In addition to all other requirements of this chapter, the following regulations shall be applicable to any sign placed in the historic district:
A.
No sign shall be erected or altered until an application has been reviewed and a recommendation for approval has been issued by the Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) and after the Borough Council has issued a final approval and a certificate of appropriateness (COA).
B.
Installation of the sign must not damage or require removal of historic materials and must be done in a manner such that signs can be removed without harm to the masonry or architectural detailing.
C.
The Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) shall ensure that the proposed sign is appropriate compared to the style, period, type, size and scale of the building and zoning district for which it is proposed. The proposed sign must be appropriate with other signs in the district.
D.
Permit requirements. All applications for a certificate of appropriateness must contain the following information:
(1)
A written letter of intent with a current color photograph of the property.
(2)
An illustration of the building facade showing the proposed sign.
(3)
A scaled sign specification drawing and elevation showing the signage detail, size, materials, colors, lighting, lettering, and method of attachment. Material samples may be required. Engineered wind design load calculations (withstand 115 miles per hour) and lighting specifications, to include UL-listed certification, may be required.
E.
For any ground signs, a site plan indicating the location of the sign, dimensions, and drawing to show the type of illumination and electoral detail of installation.