East Hempfield Township
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE 7
Sign Regulations
§ 270-7.1 Introduction.
[Amended 4-20-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-07]
It is the intent of East Hempfield Township to regulate permanent or temporary signs and billboards. This article provides guidance on sign type, location and placement, height, size, area and lighting as well as signs that are prohibited or exempt from the regulations stated herein.
§ 270-7.2 Sign area and height.
[Amended 4-20-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-07]
The following guidelines shall apply when interpreting area and height regulations in this article:
A.
Area: The area of a sign shall be the area of the smallest rectangle, triangle, or circle that will encompass all elements of the sign, such as letters, figures, symbols, designs, or other display.
(1)
When the sign is a separate unit, the area shall include any borders, framing, trim, decorative attachments, background, and space between elements; it shall not include any supporting structure unless that structure is illuminated, is in the form of a symbol, or contains advertising elements.
(2)
When the sign is applied to a wall or otherwise has no definable edges, the area shall include all color, artwork, or other means used to differentiate the sign from the surface upon which it is placed.
(3)
When a single sign structure has more than one face with the same message, and no two sign faces are more than three feet apart at any point, the area shall be computed by determining the greatest total area of all sign faces visible from any single location.
(4)
Three-dimensional object signs will be measured for size by using the smallest cube box that the sign would fit inside. All four sides of the cube box (does not include top and bottom) will be added together. The sum of the four sides must be equal to or less than the maximum square footage allowed for a two-dimensional, two-sided sign in the applicable zone.
B.
Height: 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.
(1)
No sign shall be higher than the height limitation of the zone in which it is located.
(2)
The height of freestanding signs shall be controlled by the regulations in § 270-7.4. In addition, where a freestanding sign or sign structure is mounted along a roadway that has a higher grade level as compared to the grade level directly below the freestanding sign or sign structure, then the freestanding sign or structure's height will be measured from the roadway grade level to the highest point of the freestanding sign or sign structure. Justification shall be provided as part of the permit application package.
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(3)
Wall signs may be at any height on the wall to which they are attached, except that they may not extend higher than five feet above the top of the wall.
(4)
Roof signs may extend no more than five feet above the lowest point where they are attached to the building and may not extend above the highest point of the roof.
§ 270-7.3 General regulations.
[Amended 4-20-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-07]
The following regulations shall apply to all signs, in addition to the specific regulations contained elsewhere in this article. Where the general regulations are contradicted by a specific regulation, the specific regulation shall control.
A.
The following are exempt from the regulations herein:
(1)
Architectural features that may be identified with a particular business.
(2)
Signs located on approved public or private bus shelters.
(3)
Backlit awnings that include no lettering, logos, or other symbols.
(4)
Signs within a building that are obviously intended to be seen primarily from within the building.
(5)
Outdoor signs intended for use within a lot, such as menu signs by fast food restaurant drive- through lanes, signs with regulations within a park, internal development signs (in accordance with Table 270-7.4.1), and building identification signs within a campus.
(6)
Flags of governments or government agencies.
(7)
Decorative seasonal and holiday banners.
(8)
Displays of merchandise either behind store windows or outdoors.
(9)
Birthday and special event displays.
(10)
PennDOT signs, logo signs, street and traffic signs.
(11)
Signs advertising events sponsored by East Hempfield Township.
B.
All signs shall be constructed of durable materials, maintained in good condition, and secured in a safe manner.
C.
All signs and their structural components shall meet the most current version of Stormwater and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances, as amended, and the Building Code adopted by East Hempfield Township.
D.
When a sign becomes unsafe, the Zoning Officer shall give written notice to the landowner of the lot on which the sign is located that the sign must be made safe or removed immediately.
E.
The areas surrounding all signs shall be maintained in a neat, clean, and safe condition.
F.
All signs shall be removed within three months if the purpose for which they were erected no longer exists.
G.
Each lot that displays one or more permanent freestanding signs must prominently display the address on one permanent freestanding sign visible from the street. The address must include the street number; the street name is optional. The address must be of a size and design that is easily identifiable and legible from moving traffic in the street at a distance of 100 feet. The area taken up by the address does not count as part of the sign area; center signs are exempt from this requirement. The lettering on the sign shall meet the requirements of the current building code requirements.
H.
No sign shall include mirrors.
I.
No sign shall be placed within the clear sight triangle or clear sight stopping area of any motorized, nonmotorized, or pedestrian traffic using streets, parking areas, sidewalks, or trails. No sign within the clear sight triangle should obstruct vision between the heights of 30 inches and eight feet above the elevation of the centerline of the street.
J.
No signs shall be painted, pasted, nailed, stapled, or otherwise attached to utility poles, trees, fences, fire hydrants, or in an unauthorized manner to walls or other signs, except insofar as such signs comply with generally applicable rules, regulations, or policies formally adopted by the Township Board of Supervisors.
K.
No sign shall be placed so as to obstruct any door, stairway, window, fire escape, or other means of egress or ingress.
L.
(Reserved)
M.
No sign shall be placed so as to obstruct ventilation or light into a building.
O.
No sign shall have lights or other illuminating devices that constitute a public safety or traffic hazard and shall not exceed 0.2 lumens at the lot line.
P.
No sign shall be permitted that imitates or that might be confused with an official traffic sign or signal, such as containing the words "Stop" or "Danger" or including red, green, or yellow lights.
Q.
No sign or window display shall include a revolving beam or beacon of light resembling an emergency vehicle or facility.
R.
No sign shall advertise activities or products that are illegal under federal, state or local laws or regulations; nor shall any sign include statements, words or pictures that are considered to be vulgar, obscene or pornographic.
S.
No flashing, rotating or oscillating signs shall be permitted except for time and temperature signs.
T.
Electronically changing messages, including digital signs and digital billboards, that do not flash are permitted and are subject to the requirements of this article.
U.
No sign shall emit smoke, visible vapors, particles, sound or odor.
V.
No sign shall be placed on an automobile, truck or other vehicle if that vehicle is being used primarily for displaying such sign.
W.
Inflatable signs and person assisted signs shall be permitted, subject to the requirements of this article (including but not limited to temporary sign regulations); this does not include inflatable items in residential areas that are used to celebrate sporting events, birthdays, graduations, etc.
X.
Mobile advertising signs or displays mounted on trucks or trailers shall be permitted as a temporary sign and follow those regulations; this does not include mobile message boards.
Y.
No open flames shall be permitted as part of a sign, or in any other way to attract attention.
Z.
Advertising painted or displayed upon a barn or other structure shall be considered a sign, and shall comply with the regulations of this article.
AA.
Any sign that has been authenticated as historically significant and accurate for its specific location, whether original or a replica, may be exempted from the regulations of this article by the East Hempfield Township Zoning Officer.
BB.
Lighted signs.
(1)
Signs may be interior-lighted with nonglaring lights;
(2)
Signs may be externally lighted by lights that are shielded so there is no direct light transmitted to other lots or public rights-of-way;
(4)
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 no later than 21 days after, the holiday; and
(5)
All electrically illuminated signs shall be constructed to the standards/listing of the Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. and the latest edition of the National Electrical Code.
CC.
Digital signs.
(1)
These signs shall have lighting levels of no more than 0.2 footcandle above the level of surrounding ambient light conditions measured at the lot line;
(2)
The minimum message duration, or dwell time, shall be based on sign visibility and the posted speed limit. The method for calculating the minimum allowable dwell time is outlined below:
(a)
Determine the greatest distance (feet) from which the sign becomes visible on the road that the sign is primarily intended to be seen. If multiple roads are involved, the lower speed limited of the subject roads shall be used.
(b)
Multiply the road's posted speed limit (MPH) by 5,280 (feet/mile), and then divide the result by 3,600 (seconds/minute) to obtain the speed limit in feet per second.
(c)
Divide the visibility distance (feet) by the speed limit (feet/second).
(d)
Add an additional 10% of the total found in Step 3 to the total value from Step 3.
(e)
The resulting value is the minimum dwell time, except where the value is less than 10 seconds, in which case the minimum dwell time shall be no less than 10 seconds for any digital sign.
[1]
Example: 35 mph posted speed limit.
[a]
Step 1. Identify the greatest distance the sign is fully visible: 500 feet (for example).
[b]
Step 2. Multiply the appliable speed limit (MPH) by 5,280 (feet/mile), then divide by 3,600 (feet/second):
35 MPH (posted speed limit) * 5,280 | = 51.33 feet/second |
3,600 |
[c]
Step 3. Divide the visibility distance found in Step 1 by the value found in Step 2: 500 feet/51.33 feet/second = 9.74 seconds.
[d]
Step 4. Add a 10% factor of safety to the value obtained in Step 3: 9.74 seconds * 0.10 = 0.974, 9.74+0.974 = 10.714 seconds.
[e]
Step 5. The minimum message duration for this sign is 10.7 seconds.
[2]
Example: 55 mph posted speed limit.
[a]
Step 1. Identify the greatest distance the sign is fully visible: 500 feet (for example).
[b]
Step 2. Multiply the appliable speed limit (MPH) by 5,280 (feet/mile), then divide by 3,600 (feet/second):
55 MPH (posted speed limit) * 5,280 | = 80.66 feet/second |
3,600 |
[c]
Step 3. Divide the visibility distance found in Step 1 by the value found in Step 2: 500 feet/80.66 feet/second = 6.20 seconds.
[d]
Step 4. Add a 10% factor of safety to the value obtained in Step 3: 6.20 seconds * 0.10 = 0.62, 6.20+0.62 = 6.82 seconds.
[e]
Step 5. The minimum message duration for this sign is 6.82 seconds, however the minimum dwell time for a digital sign is 10 seconds (as outlined above), therefore the minimum duration for this sign is 10 seconds.
(3)
All digital signs shall be placed so that the viewable face(s) of the sign are perpendicular (not parallel) to the street from which they are visible;
(4)
No sign shall display animated messages, including flashing, blinking, fading, rolling, shading, dissolving, or any other effect that gives the appearance of movement;
(5)
No sign shall include any audio message;
(6)
Each sign message shall be complete in itself and shall not continue on a subsequent sign message and the content must transition by changing instantly with no transition graphics;
(7)
All signs shall contain a default mechanism that will cause the sign to revert immediately to a black screen if the sign malfunctions;
(8)
Digital signs shall not be permitted within the Low-Density Residential Zone (RL) or the Medium-Density Residential Zone (RM);
(9)
All digital signs shall be freestanding signs and all digital signs shall be on-premise signs, unless otherwise permitted by this article;
(10)
The digital sign display shall not exceed 50% of the total sign area permitted on the lot;
(11)
These signs shall be equipped with an "auto-dimming" capability, which will automatically adjust the display brightness as the natural ambient lighting conditions change, as well as a manual setting option. The brightness limitations for digital signs shall be as follows:
(12)
Prior to the issuance of a sign permit, the owner/applicant of a digital sign shall provide a certification, by a qualified third party, stating compliance with the technical requirements listed above;
(13)
The addition of a digital sign to an existing nonconforming sign is prohibited.
DD.
Integrated message boards. These are permitted when incorporated into a freestanding or temporary sign and will count as part of the sign face for size.
EE.
Portable signs.
(1)
Portable signs that are used on one lot shall be allowed;
(2)
The most common signs are sandwich board signs and trailer/wheel-mounted, changeable message boards: these signs will count against the square footage of signage allowed for the use;
(3)
Only one portable sign shall be allowed per lot or, in the case of a land development, one for the entire lot regardless of the number of tenant spaces;
(4)
Portable signs cannot exceed more than 30% of the total square footage of signs allowed for a lot or tenant space; in no case shall these signs be placed in the right-of-way or block clear sight for traffic.
FF.
Architectural signs. Permits will not be required for signs which are a permanent architectural feature of a building or structure, such as a cornerstone; or identifying letters carved into or embossed on a building, provided the letters are not made of a reflective material nor contrast in color with the building. Such features will not count toward the allowed number and area of signs according to this section.
GG.
Light trespass. The light for any signage shall not exceed 0.2 footcandle measured at the lot line.
§ 270-7.4 Specific regulations.
[Amended 6-7-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-04; 9-16-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-05; 4-20-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-07]
A.
Table 270-7.4.1 and 270-7.4.2 provide regulations for specific kinds of signs in each zone.[1] Sign types not provided for in these tables, or anywhere else in this article, shall not be allowed.
[1]
Editor's Note: These tables are included as an attachment to this chapter.
B.
Projecting signs. Projecting signs are allowed in zones where business and identification signs are permitted and are subject to the same criteria. In addition, the following regulations shall apply:
C.
Billboards. Within the Enterprise (E) Zone, the Agriculture (A) Zone, and the Community Business Center (CBC) Zone billboards and digital billboards are permitted along Pennsylvania Department of Transportation limited access roadways by issuance of a sign permit, subject to the following criteria:
(1)
No billboard or digital billboard sign shall be located within 1,200 feet of another billboard or digital billboard and only one billboard or digital billboard is permitted per lot; the distance between billboards or digital billboards shall be measured along the nearest edge of the pavement between points directly opposite the billboards or digital billboards along the same side of the traveled way. The distance between two billboards or digital billboards shall be determined by establishing two lines perpendicular to the center line of the controlled highway. Each respective line will touch the sign structure point if its respective sign is closest to the second sign structure. The distance between each perpendicular line, as measured along the nearest edge of pavement, will determine the distance between the two billboards or digital billboards. Any billboard or digital billboard located within the Agriculture (A) Zone must be sited where the property abuts a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation limited access highway and located to be seen primarily from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation limited access highway (not along any other roadway frontages or locations within the subject property).
(2)
All billboards shall be a minimum of 50 feet from all side and rear lot lines;
(3)
All billboards shall be set back at least 35 feet from any street right-of-way lines;
(4)
All billboards shall be set back at least 1,000 feet from any land within a residential zone;
(5)
No billboard shall obstruct the view of motorists on adjoining streets, or the view of adjoining business uses, which depend upon visibility for identification (see also digital signs);
(6)
No billboard shall exceed an overall size of 300 square feet, nor exceed 25 feet in height; where a billboard or digital billboard is mounted along a roadway that has a higher grade level as compared to the grade level directly below the billboard or digital billboard, then the height will be measured from the roadway grade level to the highest point of the billboard or digital billboard. Justification shall be provided as part of the permit application package.
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(7)
All lots upon which a billboard is erected shall be regularly maintained so as not to create a nuisance by means of weeds, litter or vector habitation;
(8)
Conversion of a standard billboard into a digital billboard is only permitted in compliance with § 270-7.4C and requires that a sign permit be obtained; and
(9)
Sign maintenance. The maintenance, repair, cleaning and replacement of parts of the digital component shall be expressly allowed regardless of the conformity of the structure or site. This also applies should the sign and/or digital components become damaged;
(10)
The static message duration, or dwell time, for a digital billboard shall be no less than 10 seconds;
(11)
These signs shall be equipped with an "auto-dimming" capability, which will automatically adjust the display brightness as the natural ambient lighting conditions change, as well as a manual setting option. The brightness limitations for digital billboards shall be as follows:
(12)
Each message shall be complete in itself and shall not continue on a subsequent sign message and the content must transition by changing instantly with no transition graphics;
(13)
All digital billboards shall contain a default mechanism that will cause the sign to revert immediately to a black screen if the sign malfunctions;
(14)
All billboards and digital billboards shall be placed so that the viewable face(s) of the sign are perpendicular (not parallel) to the street from which they are visible;
(15)
No billboard or digital billboard shall display animated messages, including flashing, blinking, fading, rolling, shading, dissolving, or any other effect that gives the appearance of movement;
(16)
No billboard or digital billboard shall include any audio message;
(17)
The owner of every digital billboard shall coordinate with the local authorities to display emergency information (including Amber Alerts, Silver Alerts, etc.). The emergency messages shall remain in the signage rotation for the appropriate time period according to the responsible agency;
(18)
Prior to the issuance of a sign permit, the owner/applicant of a digital billboard shall provide a certification, by a qualified third party, stating compliance with the technical requirements listed above. Where required, approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation shall be obtained prior to construction.
D.
Signs within a mixed-use development. Within the Enterprise (E) Zone, the Campus (C) Zone, and Regional Commerce Center (RCC) Zone, mixed-use development center signs are permitted by right, subject to the following criteria:
(1)
Eligibility criteria. In order for a development to constitute a "mixed-use development" for the purposes of being entitled to certain signs under this § 270-7.4D, the development must comply with all of the following requirements:
(a)
Be planned and developed pursuant to a comprehensive land development plan, whether in a single phase or multiple phases, proposed to include a mix of all of the following uses: commercial, office (including, but not limited to, medical offices) and industrial;
(b)
Include a minimum of 80 contiguous acres, whether comprised of one or multiple tracts;
(c)
Be located in two or more zoning districts;
(d)
Have frontage on, and direct access to two or more public streets, one of which must be an arterial street;
(e)
Shall not have constructed, within the development, previously approved center signs as separately regulated by this article.
(2)
Mixed-use development center signs. Where a mixed-use development, which meets the criteria defined above, desires to utilize mixed-use development center signs, the following criteria shall apply:
(a)
Maximum permitted number: one per lot within the mixed-use development, provided that each mixed-use development center sign complies with the required minimum separation. If a single lot contains five or more buildings and fronts on and has direct access to two public streets, at least one of which is an arterial road, two mixed-use development center signs shall be permitted on that lot, provided both signs comply with the required minimum separation.
(b)
Maximum permitted area: one square foot per one lineal foot of street frontage of the lot on which the mixed-use development center sign is located, up to a maximum of 350 square feet per sign located along an arterial road, or a maximum of 100 square feet if located along a collector or local road.
[1]
For purposes of determining the area of a mixed-use development center sign, the area shall not include any border, framing, trim, decorative attachments, background or space between elements, but shall be calculated solely as the sum of the smallest rectangles, triangles or circles that will encompass each individual display element of the mixed-use development center sign, notwithstanding the provisions of § 270-7.2A(1).
(c)
Maximum permitted height: 30 feet.
(d)
Minimum required setback from street right-of-way: 12 feet.
(3)
Business and identification building signs. Where a development contains mixed-use development center signs as permitted above, individual tenants/uses shall be permitted to have business and identification building signs in accordance with the following criteria:
(a)
Maximum permitted number: no maximum, provided that the total area of all building signs on any single tenant building complies with the maximum permitted area as calculated below.
(c)
Allocation of building signs: Provided that the total area of all building signs complies with the maximum permitted area as calculated above, individual building signs may be allocated amongst the tenant's exterior building walls without regard to the individual exterior wall lengths. See Illustration X for example allocation.
(d)
Maximum height: See § 270-7.2B(3).
(e)
Window displays shall be permitted as regulated by this article.
(4)
Business and identification freestanding signs. Where a development contains mixed-use development center signs as permitted above, individual tenants/uses shall be permitted to have business and identification freestanding signs in accordance with the following criteria:
(a)
Any tenant located on a single-building lot, which does not contain a mixed-use development center sign, shall be permitted to have individual freestanding business and identification signs (except center signs) in accordance with this article. For purposes of this section, a "single building lot" shall include a unit created as part of a site condominium which includes a single building but is not separately subdivided from the parent tract.
(b)
Tenants located on multibuilding lots, or lots containing a mixed-use development center sign, shall not be permitted any individual freestanding business and identification signs, except as set forth below.
(c)
Convenience stores and motor vehicle fueling station uses. Convenience stores and motor vehicle fueling station uses shall be permitted business and identification freestanding signs in accordance with the following criteria:
[1]
Maximum permitted number: one per tenant.
[2]
Maximum permitted area: one square foot per one lineal foot of street frontage, up to a maximum of 260 square feet per sign.
[3]
Maximum permitted height: 30 feet.
[4]
Minimum required setback from street right-of-way: 12 feet.
[5]
Fueling island canopy sign shall be permitted, subject to the following criteria:
[a]
Maximum permitted number: no maximum, provided that the total area of all fuel island canopy signs on any single canopy complies with the maximum permitted area as calculated below.
[b]
Maximum permitted area: 50% of the area of the vertical face of the canopy to which it is attached.
[c]
Maximum height: The height of the canopy to which it is attached.
(5)
Other requirements.
(a)
All signs in § 270-7.4D shall be permitted to include digital signs, subject to the requirements of this article.
(c)
Mixed-use developments using the mixed-use development center signs option shall not be permitted to qualify for, or use, additional center signs or business and identification signs regulated elsewhere in this article, including Table 7.4.1. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all other signs regulated elsewhere in this article shall be permitted, as applicable.
E.
Signs within a commercial development. Within the Regional Commerce Center (RCC) Zone, building and freestanding signs are permitted by right, subject to the following criteria:
(1)
Eligibility criteria. In order for a development to constitute a "commercial development" for purposes of being entitled to certain signs under this § 270-7.4E, the development must comply with all of the following requirements:
(2)
Business and identification building signs. Within a commercial development, business and identification building signs shall be permitted in accordance with the following criteria:
(a)
Maximum permitted number: no maximum, provided that the total area of all building signs on any single building complies with the maximum permitted area as calculated below.
(b)
Maximum permitted area: two square feet per one linear foot of exterior wall space, up to a maximum total sign area of 100 square feet per each exterior building wall space.
(c)
Allocation of building signs: Provided that the total area of all building signs complies with the maximum permitted area as calculated above, individual building signs may be allocated amongst the building's exterior building walls without regard to the individual exterior wall lengths.
(d)
Maximum height: See § 270-7.2B(3).
(e)
Window displays shall be permitted as regulated by this article.
(3)
Business and identification freestanding signs. Within in a commercial development, business and identification freestanding signs shall be permitted in accordance with the following criteria:
(a)
Maximum permitted number: one per property, except in the case of a property bordered by more than one arterial street and/or collector street, in which case a maximum of two freestanding signs (one sign per each arterial or collector street frontage) shall be permitted.
(b)
Maximum permitted area: 150 square feet per sign.
(4)
Other requirements.
(a)
All signs in § 270-7.4E shall be permitted to include digital signs subject to the regulations of this article.
(c)
Commercial developments with business or identification signs under § 270-7.4E shall not be permitted to qualify for, or use, additional business or identification signs regulated elsewhere in this article, including Table 7.4.1. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all other signs regulated elsewhere in this article shall be permitted, as applicable. (*Ordinance 2020-05)
F.
Signs within a hospital campus. Within the Campus (C) Zone, building, freestanding and directional signs within a hospital campus are permitted by right, subject to the following criteria:
(1)
Business and identification building signs.
(a)
Maximum permitted number: no maximum, provided that the total area of all building signs on a single building complies with the maximum permitted area as calculated below.
(b)
Maximum permitted area: two square feet per one linear foot of exterior wall space, up to a maximum total sign area of 175 square feet per each exterior building wall space.
(c)
Allocation of building sings: Provided the total area of all building signs complies with the maximum permitted area as calculated above, individual building signs may be allocated amongst the building's exterior building walls without regard to the individual exterior wall lengths.
(d)
Maximum height: See § 270-7.2B(3).
(e)
Window displays shall be permitted as regulated by this article.
(2)
Business and identification freestanding signs.
(a)
Maximum permitted number:
[1]
For lots with a total gross area of five to 10 acres: one per street frontage.
[2]
For lots with a total gross area of 10 to 50 acres: one per street frontage plus one additional freestanding sign.
[3]
For lots with a total gross area of 50 acres or more: one per street frontage plus two additional freestanding signs.
(b)
Maximum permitted area: 150 square feet per sign.
(3)
Directional signs.
(a)
Maximum permitted: no maximum, provided the signs comply with the criteria set forth below.
(b)
Maximum permitted area: 45 square feet per sign.
(c)
Maximum permitted height: 12 feet.
(d)
Minimum required setback from street right-of-way: 10 feet.
(e)
The primary purpose of the sign must be to direct the public through the site.
(f)
The name and logo of the hospital may be included on the directional sign provided it does not exceed 25% of the total sign area.
(4)
Other requirements.
(a)
All signs in § 270-7.4F shall be permitted to include digital signs subject to the regulations of this article.
(c)
Hospital campuses with business, identification, or directional signs under § 270-7.4F shall not be permitted to qualify for, or use, additional business or identification signs regulated elsewhere in this Article, including Table 7.4.1. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all other signs regulated elsewhere in this article shall be permitted, as applicable.
§ 270-7.5 Permitting procedures and fees.
Permits for the placement of signs are required as indicated by the last column in Tables 270-7.4.1 and 270-7.4.2.[1] Sign permit application requirements, such as forms, plans, and fees, shall be established by the Township Board of Supervisors by resolution from time to time.
[1]
Editor's Note: These tables are included as an attachment to this chapter.
§ 270-7.6 Nonconforming signs.
Nonconforming signs may continue to be displayed as long as there is compliance with the following limitations and conditions:
A.
There may be no expansion or increase in the nonconformity in any way.
B.
Maintenance and repair of the sign is permitted. If necessary, up to 50% of the entire area of a sign and its supporting structure may be replaced in the event of damage, and any such replacement must be completed within six months of the damage occurring.
C.
The sign must be brought into conformity if, for a period of at least three months, the message has no longer applied to an activity on the lot.
§ 270-7.7 Order sign removal.
The East Hempfield Township Zoning Officer will notify any landowner or business in writing of his intent to have a sign removed. He shall have the authority to order any sign to be removed if a sign: