East Earl Township City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XVII
Signs
§ 450-124 Compliance.
Signs may be erected and maintained only when in compliance with the provisions of this article and all other ordinances and regulations relating to the erection, alteration, or maintenance of signs and similar devices. Of particular importance, it should be noted that some signs are required to comply with the East Earl Township Scenic Byways Ordinance (No. 193-2015).[1]
§ 450-125 Intended purpose.
In expansion of the general purpose and community development objectives referenced in Article I of this chapter, the primary purposes of the sign regulations are as follows:
A.
To recognize that signs perform an important function in identifying properties, businesses, services, residences, events, and other matters of interest to the public.
B.
To set standards and provide controls that permit reasonable use of signs while restricting the potential adverse visual effects of signs on the character of the Township.
C.
To control the size, number, height, location, and illumination of signs to reduce potential hazards caused by glare or obstruction of visibility, and to reduce visual clutter that results from competition among signs.
D.
To encourage signs that are attractively designed in order to enhance the economic value as well as the visual character of the Township.
E.
To establish criteria to encourage signs that are compatible with their surroundings, appropriate to the type of activity to which they pertain, complementary to the architecture of the buildings involved, expressive of the identity of individual proprietors or of an integrated development's identity and easily readable in the circumstances in which they are seen.
F.
To not permit signs to become in any way a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic either directly or indirectly by virtue of exposing a pedestrian to danger as a result of concealing the presence of a pedestrian to vehicular traffic.
G.
To regulate signs to minimize their negative impact on vehicular traffic. They must not cause excessive diversion of a driver's attention to the safe operation of his or her vehicle. They must not cause confusion on the part of the vehicle operator and they must not constitute any type of obstruction or distraction for the motoring public.
H.
To not allow signs to have a direct impact on property values. It is the intent of these regulations to insure that the impact is positive. A negative impact would not be in the best interest of the general welfare of the community.
I.
To encourage signs to convey the character of an area. It is the intent of these regulations to maintain signs that are appropriate to the various districts of the community, including but not limited to residential, commercial, industrial and recreational.
J.
To enhance the community aesthetics as a means to promote economic development. A positive visual environment will promote the economic health of a community which in turn serves the citizens of the community.
K.
To regulate signs so as not to cause an increase in traffic accidents.
L.
To regulate signs so as not to be so attention-getting that they result in drivers being distracted.
§ 450-126 General regulations.
A.
No sign shall be erected, enlarged or relocated until a permit for doing so has been issued by the Zoning Officer, unless said sign is specifically exempted from permitting requirements as indicated elsewhere in this article.
B.
Permit applications shall be on forms prescribed by the Township. At a minimum, all permit applications shall include a scale drawing specifying dimensions, materials, illumination, letter sizes, specific content, colors, support systems, and location on land or buildings, with all relevant measurements, and when applicable be of sufficient detail to conform to the requirements of the building code.
C.
All signs shall reflect the general character of the neighborhood.
D.
The areas surrounding all signs shall be maintained in a neat, clean, and attractive condition.
E.
In addition to the other requirements of this article, every sign must be constructed of durable materials, kept in good repair, and remain in compliance with other applicable state and local codes and ordinances.
F.
In addition to any other signs permitted by this section, each commercial or industrial property may display one corporate identity flag not to exceed 35 square feet with a company or corporate identification logo on premises on an approved standard flagpole.
G.
Prohibited types of signs.
(1)
Any sign advertising or identifying a business or organization which is either defunct or no longer located on the premises is not permitted. Exceptions are granted to landmark or historic signs which may be preserved and maintained even if they no longer pertain to the present use of the premises.
(2)
Temporary signs unless authorized elsewhere in this article.
(3)
Street banners, except in the case of civic or charitable nonprofit organizations.
(4)
Any sign, except for traffic, regulatory or informational signs, that use the words "stop," "caution," or "danger," or shall incorporate red, amber, or green lights resembling traffic signals, or shall resemble "stop" or "yield" signs in shape or color.
(5)
Signs which include statements, words or pictures that are considered to be vulgar, obscene or pornographic.
(6)
Animated, flashing, rotating or oscillating signs, with the exception of public service information signs to promote items of general interest in the community, such as time, temperature, date, "Amber" alerts, and atmospheric conditions, and provided that they are proposed in commercial and industrial districts only.
(7)
Streamers, pennants, spinners, reflectors, ribbons, tinsel, balloons or similar materials displayed outside a building.
(8)
Festoon lighting or beacon lights.
(9)
Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors, particles, sound or odor.
(10)
Signs placed on an automobile, truck or other vehicle if that vehicle is being used primarily for displaying such sign. The prohibition does not apply if said vehicle is used in the normal day-to-day operations of the business. In addition, no vehicle shall be placed in a location that would be for the purpose of attracting attention to a business or product on a commercial or industrial property.
(11)
Inflatable signs and signs utilizing open flames or other animation designed to attract attention.
(12)
Signs illuminated with red, green or yellow lights or neon tubing located within 300 feet of any traffic light.
H.
Other signs forfeited. Any sign installed or placed on public property, except in conformance with the requirements of this article, shall be forfeited to the public and subject to confiscation. In addition to other remedies hereunder, the Township shall have the right to recover from the owner or person placing such a sign the full costs of removal and disposal of such sign.
§ 450-127 Placement standards.
A.
No sign shall be affixed to a fence, utility pole or structure, or tree, shrub, rock, or natural object.
B.
No sign shall be located within a street right-of-way, with the exception of official traffic signs and other official federal, state, county, or Township government signs.
C.
Signs shall not be mounted on roofs or extend above the roof line, unless mounted on an extended wall above the roof line, in which case the sign may not extend above the top of said wall.
D.
No sign shall be placed in such a position at any location that it will cause danger on a street by obscuring view.
E.
No sign shall be located within the clear sight triangle of any street intersection.
§ 450-128 Safety standards.
A.
No sign may be erected which is:
(1)
Structurally unsafe.
(2)
Constitutes a hazard to public safety and health by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation or abandonment.
(3)
Obstructs free entrance or exit from a required door, window, or fire escape.
(4)
Obstructs light or air or interferes with proper functioning of the building.
§ 450-129 Exceptions.
For purposes of this chapter, the term "sign" shall not include:
A.
Official traffic signs and signs erected or posted and maintained for public safety and welfare or pursuant to any federal, state, county or Township government function, law, bylaw, or other regulation;
B.
Signs displaying the name and address of the occupant or historic significance of the dwelling, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed two square feet and not more than one such sign shall be erected for each dwelling unit, unless such property fronts on more than one street, in which case one such sign may be erected on each street frontage. Signs shall not be erected closer than 10 feet of the street right-of-way.
C.
A bulletin board or similar sign not exceeding 20 square feet in display area, in connection with any church, museum, library, school, or similar public or semipublic structure, provided that the top of such sign shall not be more than eight feet above ground level, and provided that it complies with all other provisions of this chapter.
D.
Directional signs solely indicating ingress and egress placed at driveway locations, containing no advertising material, and where display area does not exceed three square feet or extend higher than four feet above ground level. Such sign will comply with all other provisions of this chapter.
E.
Signs relating to trespassing and hunting, not exceeding two square feet in area.
F.
Holiday decorations displayed for recognized holidays except as they may interfere with traffic safety or in any other way become a public safety hazard.
§ 450-130 Measurement of sign area and height.
A.
The area of a sign shall be construed to include all lettering, wording and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background whether open or enclosed, on which they are displayed, but not including any supporting framework and bracing incidental to the display itself.
B.
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to a building, wall or window, the area shall be considered to be that of the smallest rectangle or other regular geometric shape which encompasses all of the letters and symbols.
C.
Where a sign has two or more faces, the area of all faces shall be included in determining the area, except where two faces are placed back to back and are at no point more than two feet from each other. In this case, the sign area shall be taken as the area of either face, and if the faces are unequal, the larger shall determine the area.
D.
The height of a sign shall be measured from the average ground level beneath the sign to the highest point of the sign. The ground level shall be the lower of the ground level existing at the time of construction or the ground level existing prior to construction and prior to any earth disturbance at the site. This prior ground level may be established by any reliable source, including, without limitation, existing topographic maps, aerial photographs, photographs of the site or affidavits of people who are personally familiar with the site. No person(s) shall artificially increase the maximum height of a sign by altering the grade at the base of the sign by any means.
E.
No sign together with any supporting framework shall extend to a height above the maximum building height allowed in a district, unless there is a height limitation identified for a specific sign cited elsewhere in this article.
§ 450-131 Illumination standards.
A.
All electrically illuminated signs shall be designed and constructed to the standards of the National Board of Fire Underwriters and shall comply with the requirements of the applicable building code.
B.
Internally illuminated signs are permitted.
C.
Messages or announcements displayed on an LED or equivalent/similar message board sign or a sign of similar technology shall be changed no more frequently than once every 10 seconds. Elapsed time between such changes shall be no longer than one second.
D.
The light from any illuminated sign shall not adversely affect the vision of operators of vehicles moving on public or private streets or parking areas, any residential district, or any part of a building or property used for residential purposes.
E.
Externally lit signs shall be illuminated only with steady, stationary, shielded light sources directed solely onto the sign without causing glare.
F.
Illuminated signs shall not be permitted to shine onto residential properties and public rights-of-way.
G.
Business signs in other than commercial and industrial districts shall not be illuminated when the business is closed, unless the illumination is for security purposes.
H.
Neon window signs may be permitted in cases where they are custom designed to be compatible with the building's historic and/or architectural character and exterior color.
I.
No lighting shall be permitted to outline buildings or structures or parts thereof through the use of exposed neon tubing, strings of lights or other means with the exception of customary holiday decorations which may be installed 30 days prior to and removed not later that 21 days after the holiday.
§ 450-132 General standards for specific sign types.
A. AWNING BILLBOARD FREESTANDING HOME OCCUPATION SIGN MULTIPLE SIGNS OFF-PREMISES SIGNS POLITICAL SIGN PORTABLE SIGN PROJECTING SIGN SALE/RENT/LEASE SIGN SUBDIVISION SIGN TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION SIGN TEMPORARY SIGNS AND BANNERS WALL SIGN WINDOW SIGN
Definitions. As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meaning indicated:
A sign painted on or attached to the cover of a movable metallic hinged, roll or folding frame.
A sign that identifies or communicates a commercial or noncommercial message related to an activity conducted, a service rendered, or a commodity sold at a location other than where the sign is located.
A self-supporting, permanent sign not attached to any building, wall or fence, but in a fixed location. This does not include portable or trailer-type signs.
One sign indicating that a home occupation is being conducted on the premises.
A group of signs clustered together in a single structure or compositional unit. Multiple signs are used to advertise several occupants of the same building or building complex.
Signs which direct patrons, members, or audiences to temporary exhibits, shows, or events and signs erected in conjunction with a political election.
A sign designed to influence the action of voters for the passage or defeat of a measure, or the election of a candidate to a public office at a national, state, or other local election.
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; and umbrellas used for advertising.
A wall-mounted sign perpendicular to the building surface.
An on-premises sign advertising the property being sold, auctioned or rented/leased.
A sign devoted to the display of the name and logo of a particular residential development.
An on-premises sign identifying the contractor(s), architect, landscape architect, and/or engineer's name, address and other pertinent information.
A sign for the purpose of promoting a specific special event and located upon the property where the special event is to occur.
A sign which is attached parallel to or painted on the exterior surface of a building or structure.
Any sign which is painted or mounted onto a window pane, or which is hung directly inside the window with the purpose or effect of identifying any premises from the sidewalk or street.
B.
Home occupation sign.
C.
Awning.
(1)
Such sign shall be limited to establishment name, logo, and street number.
(2)
Such sign must be painted on or attached flat against the surface of the awning, but not extend beyond the valance or be attached to the underside.
(3)
Letters shall not exceed 10 inches in height.
(4)
A minimum of eight feet above sidewalk level must be allowed for pedestrian clearance.
D.
Billboard signs.
(1)
Billboards may be erected and maintained in the Commercial General, Industrial Light, and Industrial Vehicular Districts subject to approval of a special exception.
(2)
Billboards shall be spaced at intervals of not less than 500 feet along the same side of any street or highway. No such structure shall contain more than two advertising sign faces, either back-to-back or side-by-side.
(3)
Billboards shall not exceed a total of 300 square feet in surface area per face.
(4)
No billboard shall exceed 12 feet in vertical measurement, nor exceed 25 feet in horizontal measurement.
(5)
No billboard shall be located closer than 35 feet from the adjacent street right-of-way.
(6)
No billboard shall be located closer than 50 feet from the side and rear property lines of the parcel upon which it is located.
(7)
No billboard sign shall be permitted to be erected within 50 feet of an adjoining residential district if visible from and designed to face into such a district.
(8)
No billboard shall be placed in such a position that it will cause danger to traffic on a street by obscuring the view, but in no event shall a billboard be located within 500 feet of any street intersection.
(9)
No more than one billboard structure shall be permitted at any location, and no more than two advertising surfaces shall be permitted at that location. The surfaces shall be back-to-back or at an angle less than or equal to 45°.
(10)
Nothing contained herein shall be construed to abrogate or affect the provisions of any lawful state or federal statute or regulation controlling outdoor advertising which are more restrictive than the provisions of this chapter.
E.
Temporary construction sign.
(1)
Such signs shall not exceed four square feet in area and shall be set back at least 10 feet from the legal right-of-way. There shall be no more than one sign per contractor, architect, etc. for each building or property.
(2)
Such a sign may be maintained on the building or property for the interim of construction, and not more than 30 days following the completion of said construction.
(3)
If any such sign remains on the site beyond the allowable time frame, the Township shall have the right to recover from the owner or person placing such a sign the full costs of removal and disposal of such sign.
(4)
Such a sign shall not require a permit.
F.
Freestanding.
(1)
Freestanding signs are not permitted in the Welsh Mountain Watershed Conservation District or the Conservation/Open Space District.
(2)
Freestanding sign areas.
(a)
The maximum permitted area of freestanding pole signs in all other districts shall conform to the following requirements:
[1]
The Agricultural District: four square feet.
[2]
The Residential Low-Density and Residential Medium-Density Districts: two square feet.
[3]
The Commercial Neighborhood District: 10 square feet.
[4]
The Commercial General, Industrial Light, Industrial Vehicular, and the Mineral Recovery Districts: 16 square feet.
(b)
The maximum permitted area of all other freestanding signs in all other districts shall conform to the following requirements:
[1]
The Agricultural District: six square feet.
[2]
The Residential Low-Density and Residential Medium-Density Districts: four square feet.
[3]
The Commercial Neighborhood District: 16 square feet.
[4]
The Commercial General, Industrial Light, Industrial Vehicular, and the Mineral Recovery Districts: 24 square feet.
(3)
(4)
Freestanding signs shall be set back 10 feet from all property lines.
(5)
Freestanding signs over six feet in height may have no more than two sides; those less than six feet in height may have up to four sides.
(6)
No more than one freestanding sign per lot shall be permitted.
G.
LED message board signs (or signs of similar technologies).
(1)
Such signs shall be permitted by right in the Commercial General (CG) District, the Industrial Light (IL) District, and the Industrial Vehicular (IV) District. Signs located in all other zoning districts shall be permitted by special exception.
(2)
Such signs shall not contain animated, sequential, intermittent, flashing, rotating or oscillating displays unless said sign is a public information sign promoting items of general interest in the community, such as time, temperature, date, "Amber" alerts, and atmospheric conditions.
(3)
The size of such signs shall be as provided for by the applicable size regulations.
H.
Moveable (sandwich board) signs.
(1)
Movable signs are permitted only in the Commercial Neighborhood and Commercial General Districts and shall not exceed a height in excess of four feet.
(2)
Movable signs shall not be located within a street or obstruct public sidewalk areas.
(3)
Movable signs shall be permitted only during hours of operation for said business.
(4)
Movable signs shall require a permit.
I.
Multiple signs.
(1)
The display board shall be of an integrated and uniform design.
(2)
Multiple signs are not permitted in the Welsh Mountain Watershed Conservation District or the Conservation/Open Space District.
(3)
Multiple sign areas:
(a)
The maximum permitted area for multiple signs in all other zoning districts shall conform to the following requirements:
(4)
The maximum permitted height for multiple signs in all other districts shall conform to the following requirements:
(5)
Multiple signs shall be set back 10 feet from all property lines.
(6)
No more than one multiple sign shall be permitted per building\building complex, subject to the requirements for wall signs provided later within this section.
J.
Off-premises signs.
(1)
Off-premises signs shall not exceed four square feet in area.
(2)
Off-premises signs shall not exceed four feet in height.
(3)
Off-premises signs shall be set back three feet from all property lines.
(4)
Signs shall be removed within 72 hours after the date of the exhibit, show, event, or election. If any such signs remain after the time allowable, the Township shall have the right to recover from the owner or person placing such a sign the full costs of removal and disposal of such sign.
(5)
No such sign shall be posted earlier than 45 days before the occurrence of the event, show, exhibition, or election.
(6)
Off-premises signs shall require a permit.
K.
Political signs.
(1)
Such signs shall be stationary, unlighted and temporary in nature.
(2)
Such signs shall be removed within five days after elections.
(3)
Such signs shall not exceed six square feet in area.
(4)
Political signs shall not exceed six feet in height.
(5)
Political signs shall be set back 10 feet from all property lines.
(6)
A maximum of two signs per lot shall be permitted.
(7)
Such signs shall not require a permit.
(8)
Political signs which remain beyond the allowable time frame may be impounded by the Township. The Township shall have the right to recover from the owner or person placing such a sign the full costs of removal and disposal of such sign.
L.
Portable signs.
(1)
Portable signs shall not exceed 10 square feet in area.
(2)
Portable signs shall not exceed six feet in height.
(3)
Portable signs shall be set back 10 feet from all property lines.
(4)
Portable signs shall be permitted as a temporary sign with a display period not to exceed seven continuous days and an annual cumulative total of 56 days.
(5)
Portable signs require a permit. Any permit fee shall be determined by the Board of Supervisors.
M.
Projecting signs.
(1)
Projecting signs shall not exceed 10 square feet in area.
(2)
Projecting signs shall not exceed eight feet in height.
(3)
Portable signs shall be set back 10 feet from all property lines.
(4)
The total area of a three-dimensional sign shall be determined by enclosing the largest cross-section of the sign in an easily recognizable geometric shape and computing its area.
(5)
The supporting framework shall be in proportion to the size of such sign.
(6)
No sign shall project over a street or alley.
(7)
Projecting signs shall have a minimum clearance of eight feet above grade when located adjacent to or projecting over a sidewalk.
N.
Sale/rent/lease.
(1)
Such signs shall advertise only the property on which the sign is located.
(2)
Such signs shall not exceed six square feet; however, for sites exceeding one acre, such signs shall be permitted up to 16 square feet in total sign area. No off-premises directional signs shall be permitted, except as regulated by open house signs described later in this section.
(3)
No more than two signs may be maintained on any property being sold or rented/leased.
(4)
All signs shall be removed by the owner/agent within 30 days of sale, or rent/lease.
(5)
Such a sign shall not require a permit.
(6)
Open house signs.
(a)
One on-site open house sign shall be permitted associated with a scheduled open house. Such sign shall be limited to six square feet in total sign area, and shall be erected no more than three and removed no more than 24 hours following a scheduled open house.
(b)
Up to four off-site open house signs shall be permitted associated with a scheduled open house.
(c)
Off-site open house signs shall be limited to six square feet each of total sign area, and shall be erected no more than three days before, and removed within one day after a scheduled open house.
(d)
No off-site open house signs shall be located within any street right-of-way.
(e)
Should any of the above-described open house signs remain beyond the allowable time frame, the Township shall have the right to recover from the owner or person placing such a sign the full costs of removal and disposal of such sign.
(f)
The Township in no way implies or provides consent for the placement of open house signs on any personal property.
O.
Subdivision signs.
(1)
Such signs shall be limited one per street access to the development, provided that no such signs advertising the same development shall be located within 500 of one another.
(2)
No such sign shall contain more than 20 feet of display area, nor extend above five feet in height.
(3)
All signs shall comply with principal setback requirements imposed within the underlying zoning district.
P.
Temporary signs and banners.
Q.
Wall signs.
(1)
Such sign shall not project more than 15 inches from the building surface.
(2)
Such sign shall not extend above the lowest point of the roof, nor beyond the ends of the wall to which it is attached.
(3)
Such signs shall have an aggregate area not exceeding 1 1/2 square feet for each linear foot of building face parallel to front building setback line, or 10% of the wall area to which it is attached or painted, whichever is less. Where a lot fronts on more than one street, the aggregate sign area facing each street frontage shall be calculated separately.
(4)
Where two or more wall signs are affixed to or painted on one wall, the gross display area shall be the sum total area of all signs.
(5)
The size of wall signs may be increased in area (over allowable size) by 25% for every 100 feet of additional building setback. This increase may be prorated in accordance to the actual setback distance.
§ 450-133 Special district regulations.
In addition to the above regulations by sign type, the following special provisions for certain districts shall apply:
A.
Commercial Neighborhood District. The goal in this district is to ensure visual compatibility with existing scale and character of the surrounding area. The signage must also be readable by pedestrians and people in slow-moving vehicles.
(1)
Number. There shall be no more than three types of signs employed per building, regardless of number of occupancies per building (e.g., wall, awning, window). Each ground floor occupant may display two signs. Each occupant in an upper floor may display one sign.
(2)
Location. Signs shall be concentrated near the pedestrian level, and not obscure important architecture features, such as transoms, windows, moldings and cornices. Wall signs shall be placed as a band immediately above the storefront and should be no more than two feet in height. Signs on adjacent storefronts within the same building shall be coordinated in height and proportion and should be encouraged to use the same signing format.
(3)
Colors. Colors shall be chosen to complement the facade color of the structure. Signs must have a dark background with light-colored lettering. "Day-glow" colors are prohibited.
(4)
Size. Not more than 1 1/2 square feet of total signage area will be permitted per linear foot of storefront.
(5)
Allowable sign types. Wall, window, projecting, awning, movable, and neon signs are allowed in this district.
B.
Other commercial and industrial districts. The goal of these districts is to provide legible signage for auto-oriented commercial and industrial facilities while moderating visual competition.
(1)
Business and advertising signs shall be permitted in commercial and industrial districts, provided that such signs do not exceed 300 square feet in area. No one sign shall be larger than 75 square feet. Further, the total signage on a lot shall not exceed three times the length of the lot frontage.
(2)
Colors. The number of colors shall be limited to three. Since these signs must be legible from a distance, the degree of contrast between the background and letter color is important. Signs must have a dark background with light-colored lettering. "Day-glow" colors are prohibited.
(3)
Allowable sign types. Wall and freestanding signs are allowed in such districts.
C.
Agricultural and residential districts. The most important goal of these districts is to maintain their character and scenic open space. Special care must be taken in the style, location, design and use of materials for signs.
(1)
Business signs for permitted uses:
(a)
Number. Each business may display not more than two unlighted signs. Each structure or complex may only display one freestanding sign.
(b)
Size. Each business sign shall be no more than 32 square feet in area.
(c)
Colors. The number of colors used in a sign shall be limited to three unless used in an illustration. To ensure their legibility, signs must have a high degree of contrast between the background and letters. "Day-glow" colors are prohibited. Signs must use dark backgrounds with light-colored lettering.
(d)
Allowable sign types. Freestanding, wall and awning sign types are allowed.
(2)
Farm product signs. Signs advertising the sale of farm products shall not exceed more than two in number, each having a total area of not more than 16 square feet.
§ 450-134 Nonconforming sign standards.
A.
Any sign lawfully existing at the time of the passage of this chapter that does not conform with the regulations of the district in which such sign is located shall be considered nonconforming and may continue in their present location until replacement or rebuilding becomes necessary, at which time a zoning permit will be required and the sign brought into conformity with the chapter.
B.
Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this chapter to the contrary, no expansion of a nonconforming sign shall be permitted.
C.
No nonconforming sign may be reestablished after it has been discontinued for 90 days.
D.
A nonconforming sign which is partially or entirely damaged or destroyed may be rebuilt, provided that the reconstructed sign shall not be larger than the prior sign and that the reconstruction shall begin within 90 days from the time of damage to the sign.
E.
A sign may be erected to advertise a nonconforming building or use, provided a special exception is granted by the Zoning Hearing Board, and provided the application conforms to the applicable conditions and requirements for special exceptions pursuant to this chapter, any other conditions or requirements imposed by the Zoning Hearing Board and the requirements listed below:
(1)
The number of signs and the size of the sign shall not be greater than the permitted number of signs and the area of signs in the district in which the nonconforming building or use is located or the permitted number of signs and area of signs in the district in which such building or use is a permitted use, whichever is the more restrictive.
(2)
The sign must be erected on the premises upon which the nonconforming building or use is erected or upon a private right-of-way leading to the premises, and shall not be used to advertise a product not sold on the premises.
(3)
The sign shall not be located within the side yard setback required for the district in which the nonconforming building or use is located, but the same may be erected within the limits of a private right-of-way servicing the subject premises.
§ 450-135 Abandoned signs.
A.
A sign shall be considered abandoned:
B.
After 180 days, any sign which advertises business or service no longer in existence on the premises shall be considered to be abandoned. Signs that are abandoned shall be removed by the persons responsible for the erection and/or maintenance thereof within 30 days after notice of the abandonment to such persons by the Zoning Officer. For political signs that are abandoned, the county political organizations for the party to which the candidate belongs shall be responsible for the cost of removal of signs by the Township. If such persons fail or refuse to remove such abandoned signs after the notice aforesaid, the Zoning Officer may remove the signs at the expense of the property owner or the persons responsible for the erection and/or maintenance thereof.
C.
In addition, any sign installed or placed on public property or within any public right-of-way that is not in conformance with the requirements of this section shall be forfeited to the public and subject to removal. In addition to other remedies hereunder, the Township shall have the right to recover from the owner or person placing such a sign the full costs of removal and disposal of such sign.