East Rockhill Township
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
PART 20
SIGNS
§ 27-2000 Purpose.
[Ord. No. 296, 10/27/2020[1]]
The purposes of the sign regulations are:
a.
To provide uniform standards for signs within the township and specific standards for signs in each zoning district.
b.
To establish procedures for the review and approval of sign permit applications.
c.
To regulate the location, size, construction, erection, alteration, use, and maintenance of signs.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Part 20, Signs, adopted by Ord. No. 5/26/1987, as amended.
§ 27-2001 Scope and Applicability.
[Ord. No. 296, 10/27/2020]
a.
In all zoning districts, signs may be erected, altered, maintained, used, removed or moved, relocated or demolished only when in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and any other applicable ordinances and regulations.
b.
Nonconforming Signs. Signs existing at the time of passage of this chapter which were legally erected and which do not conform to the requirements of this chapter shall be considered nonconforming signs and, once removed, shall be replaced only with conforming signs. Nonconforming signs may be repainted or repaired (including lighting), provided such repainted or repaired sign does not exceed dimensions of the existing sign; wording may also be changed.
c.
All plans and applications for subdivision and/or land developments shall include information describing all signs proposed for the subdivision and/or land development. The plans shall include and indicate the size, location, style, materials, proposed text, lighting, and colors for all signs, to demonstrate that the requirements of the Township's sign regulations as set forth in this chapter have been satisfied.
§ 27-2002 Definitions.
[Ord. No. 296, 10/27/2020]
As used in this Part, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
A permanent sign which has not identified or advertised a current business, service, owner, product, or activity for a period of at least 365 days; a sign which is damaged, in disrepair, or vandalized and not repaired within 90 days; or, a sign which contains an outdated message for a period exceeding 30 days.
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.
Any sign painted on, or applied to, an awning.
A sign that is applied or affixed to a building or structure.
A sign that is a part of or attached to, a canopy structure.
A display of a sign message that is made up of internally illuminated components that display an electronic image, which may or may not include text and is capable of changing the message periodically. Digital displays may include but are not limited to television screens, holographic displays, programmable ink, LCD, LED, or plasma displays.
The lowest horizontal line of a sloping roof.
A sign or portion thereof that displays electronic, static images, static graphics or static pictures, with or without text information, defined by a small number of matrix elements, using illumination devices within the display area where the message change sequence is accomplished immediately by means of fade, repixelization or dissolve modes. These signs include:
To build, construct, attach, hang, suspend, affix, alter, structurally repair, relocate, paint or renew on a wall or any other background surface.
That portion of any exterior elevation of a building extending vertically from grade to the top of the parapet, wall or eaves and horizontally across the entire width of the building elevation.
The unit of measure expressing the quantity of light received on a surface. One footcandle is the illuminance produced by a candle on a surface one-foot square from a distance of one foot.
A sign permanently supported by an upright or uprights which are permanently anchored into the ground. Such sign can be a pole sign or monument sign.
An objective measurement of the brightness of illumination, including illumination emitted by an electronic sign, measured in candles per square foot (cd/ft2).
A sign which is air-inflated which may be of various shapes, made of flexible fabric, resting on the ground or structure and equipped with a portable blower motor that provides a constant flow of air into the object. Such sign is also known as an air-inflated object or air-inflated sign.
Light that falls beyond the property or object it is intended to illuminate.
Any sign attached to a covered structure projecting from and supported by a building with independent roof and drainage provisions and which is erected over a doorway or doorways as protection against the weather.
A sign that uses changing lights to form a sign message or messages using alpha-numeric symbols and wherein the sequence of messages and the rate of change is electronically programmed and can be modified by electronic processes.
A freestanding sign with low overall height that stands directly on the ground or at ground level and which is supported by and integrated with a solid base where the entire bottom of the sign is anchored into the ground, as opposed to poles, posts or other such supports. Such sign is also known as a ground sign.
Any sign which is not allowed under this part, but which, when first constructed before this part was in effect and for which a sign permit was issued, was legally allowed.
A sign that is not illuminated.
A sign directing attention to a business, person, commodity or service not necessarily sold or located upon the premises where the sign is located. Such signs are also called billboards or outdoor advertising signs.
A sign painted on or mounted parallel to the face of a structure or wall and projecting from the plane or facade of the structure wall or above the roof line or eaves of the structure. Signs will abide by regulations found in § 27-2006.
The portion of a facade or wall that extends above the roof of a building or structure.
A freestanding sign that is permanently supported in a fixed location by a structure of one or more poles, posts, uprights, or braces from the ground and not supported by a building or a base structure.
A sign, with or without display or legend, which is self-supporting without being firmly embedded in the ground, or is fixed on a movable stand, or mounted on wheels or movable vehicles or made easily movable in some other manner. Sandwich board and vehicle signs shall be considered portable signs.
A sign which is affixed to any building, wall or structure and extends more than 12 inches horizontally from the facade or vertical plane of the structure.
The uppermost line of the roof of a building or, in the case of an extended facade or parapet, the uppermost height of said facade or parapet.
A sign erected and maintained above the roof line, parapet or eaves of a building.
A portable, temporary sign consisting of two faces, connected and hinged at the top. A sandwich board sign qualifies as both a temporary and portable sign.
Any letter, number, symbol, figure, character, mark, plane, design, picture, stroke, stripe, trademark or combination of these, including permanent window signs erected in any manner whatsoever, which shall be used for the attraction of the public to any place, subject, person, firm, corporation, public performance, article, or merchandise and which shall be displayed in any manner whatsoever.
The dimensions of a sign according to § 27-2005a, Area of a Sign.
The vertical dimensions of a sign as measured according to § 27-2005b.
Poles, posts, walls, frames, brackets, or other supports holding a sign in place.
A banner suspended above a public sidewalk and attached to a single street pole. These signs shall not contain any commercial advertisement and such signs may be attached to a municipal light pole.
A sign that is not intended for permanent installation which typically displays a message that is temporary in nature because it relates to a specific event or occurrence. Display duration is determined by the sign's function.
A portable sign which may be affixed, attached, and/or painted to a vehicle in such a manner that the carrying of such sign or signs is no longer incidental to the vehicle's primary purpose.
An interior sign affixed to or within 12 inches of the interior surface of a window with its message visible to the outside of said window surface.
§ 27-2003 Prohibited Signs.
[Ord. No. 296, 10/27/2020]
a.
The following signs are unlawful and prohibited:
(1)
No signs shall be of a flashing, rotating or revolving type, with the exception of barber poles which are used for a barbershop use.
(2)
Any sign suspended between poles and lighted by a series of lights is prohibited.
(3)
Any sign erected on a tree or utility pole, or painted or drawn on a rock or other natural feature is prohibited.
(4)
Any banner sign or sign of any other type across a public street or on any private property is prohibited, except for such signs which are approved by the Board of Supervisors to be of general benefit to the Township or for public convenience, necessity or welfare.
(5)
Any sign suspended between poles which is either a pennant which blows in the wind or a spinner which spins in the wind is prohibited.
(6)
Any sign is prohibited which does not conform to the requirements of the sign ordinance which was in effect when the sign was erected.
(7)
No sign shall be erected containing information on which it states or implies that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of this chapter in the zoning district on which the sign relates is located.
(8)
No sign may use the words, "stop," "look," "danger," or any other word or character which attempts or appears to attempt to direct the movement of traffic or which interferes with or resembles any official traffic sign, signal or device within 75 feet of a public right-of-way or within 200 feet of a traffic control device, whichever is greater.
(9)
Except for traffic control signals, red or green lights are prohibited within 75 feet of a public right-of-way or within 200 feet of a traffic control device signal, whichever is greater.
(10)
A sign that uses any method of illumination that can cause glare is prohibited, except in accordance with the following:
(a)
It must be so effectively shielded that glaring beams or rays of light are not directed to any portion of any street, highway or adjacent property or structure.
(b)
It must be less than 1/4 foot candle, as measured from the curb line or shoulder, so as not to cause glare or impair the vision of any motorist or otherwise interfere with a driver's operation of his motor vehicle.
(11)
Any vehicular sign parked within any public right-of-way is prohibited.
(12)
Any vehicle sign, other than a tradesman's personal business or service sign, shall be subject to the provisions regarding freestanding signs in the zoning district in which such vehicle sign is located.
(13)
Any vehicle sign parked on any lot(s) that is not the principal place of business for the business being advertised by the vehicle sign for a period of more than 72 hours is prohibited.
(14)
Any sign tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued, or otherwise attached to trees, poles, stakes, fences, public benches, traffic post, traffic signals, traffic mast arms, or other objects, or placed on any public property or in the public right-of-way or on any private property without the permission of the property owner is prohibited.
(15)
Any sign displayed to the public and visible from a road, street or highway that meets the definition of digital display is strictly prohibited.
(16)
Any sign that meets the definition of an inflatable sign is prohibited.
§ 27-2004 Exempted Signs.
[Ord. No. 296, 10/27/2020]
a.
The following signs do not require a permit, provided that the applicable requirements of this chapter have been met:
(1)
Official highway route number signs, street name signs and other official traffic signs may be erected and maintained in the interest of the public safety or for the regulation of traffic.
(2)
Signs displaying the name and address of the occupant of the premises, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed 120 square inches and not more than one such sign shall be erected for each occupant of a premises, unless such property fronts on more than one street, in which case one such sign may be erected on each street frontage.
(3)
Governmental flags or insignias.
(4)
Legal notices.
(5)
Vending machine signs bearing the brand name of a product or the price of such product when displayed on a vending machine selling such product.
(6)
Memorial signs or historical signs or tablets, provided that such sign or tablet does not exceed four square feet.
(7)
Window signs giving store hours or the name or names of credit or charge institutions; provided, that the total area of any such sign or all signs together does not exceed two square feet.
(8)
Temporary window signs, including community special event signs, shall take up no more than 50% of the window area.
(9)
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 or structure; provided, that the letters are not made of a reflective material nor contrast in color with the building.
(10)
Bunting, pennants and similar materials are permitted to announce the opening of a new business or industry and must be removed after seven days of the opening day or the first day of business. The owner/user of the business or industry shall inform the Township Zoning officer in writing of the opening day or the first day of business. Such notice shall be submitted at least 14 days prior to the opening day or the first day of business.
(11)
Revolving barber shop pole sign, provided that it does not exceed 36 inches in height.
§ 27-2005 General sign regulations.
[Ord. No. 296, 10/27/2020]
a.
Area of a Sign.
(1)
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). See illustration A.
(2)
The area of a freestanding sign shall include all separate components which shall not exceed three components.
(3)
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to or painted on a building, wall, or window, they shall be considered to be that of the smallest rectangle or other regular geometric shape which encompasses all of the letters and symbols.
(4)
In computing square-foot area of a double-faced sign, only one side shall be considered, provided both faces are identical. If the interior angle formed by the two faces of the double-faced sign is greater than 45°, then both sides of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
(5)
Freestanding and off-premises signs shall not exceed a maximum area of 160 square feet unless otherwise noted in the chapter.
 Illustration A |
b.
Height of a Sign.
(1)
When adjacent to a road or street right-of-way, the maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be measured from the elevation of the shoulder of the road to the highest point on the sign structure. In the case where there is a sidewalk, the height of the sign shall be measured from the elevation of the sidewalk.
(2)
For a projecting, parallel or roof sign, the maximum height shall be determined by its placement on the building.
(3)
Freestanding on premise and off-premises signs shall not exceed a maximum height of 20 feet unless otherwise noted in this chapter.
(4)
If a sign is located within the interior of a lot, the maximum height shall be measured from the finished grade elevation from where it is placed.
 Illustration B |
c.
Placement of a Sign. In no case, except for official traffic and street signs, shall any sign be erected so that it:
(1)
Lies within 10 feet of or projects over a point within 10 feet of the ultimate right-of-way of any street or is within 10 feet of the shoulder or curb, whichever is greater.
(2)
Lies within the clear-sight triangle.
(3)
Obscures a motorist's view of traffic signals, stop signs or other warning devices as viewed from any distance of 500 feet along established thoroughfares.
(4)
Obscures a motorist's view of roadway or intersections ahead as viewed from a distance of 500 feet along established thoroughfares.
(5)
Limits a pedestrian's view of vehicular traffic to less than 500 feet while standing inside the curbline at an intersection or other established crossing point.
(6)
Lies within a distance of 10 feet from any property line.
(7)
Lies within a parking space or fire lane.
(8)
Blocks the movement of pedestrians traveling on public thoroughfares.
(9)
Blocks the entrance, exit, fire escape, or fire lane to a building.
(10)
The lowest edge of a projecting or freestanding sign shall not be less than eight feet above a sidewalk elevation.
d.
Illumination of a Sign. The following requirements have been set forth to permit the illumination of signs, as defined within this Part:
(1)
Direct illumination of a sign gives forth artificial light directly through transparent or translucent materials from a source of light within such sign. The internal light source shall be a white or clear light only.
(2)
Indirect illumination of a sign is from an exterior source. It shall produce no direct rays that are visible elsewhere on the lot where said illumination occurs. The light source shall shine with white or clear light only. The planting of vegetation, while a desirable addition means to reduce the impact of the light source, shall not be considered as a replacement for this requirement. All light shall be directed at the sign and no horizontal or vertical light trespass, as defined in § 27-2002, shall be permitted.
(3)
No light shall produce light trespass off the premises by illumination originating on the premises. Illumination from light originating on the site shall not exceed 0.25 foot-candles at the property line or street right-of-way.
(4)
During daylight hours between sunrise and sunset, illuminance shall be no greater than 464 foot-candles (464 cd/ft2).
(5)
At all other times, illuminance shall be no greater than 23 foot-candles (23 cd/ft2).
(6)
Each sign must have a light sensing device that will automatically adjust the brightness of the display as the natural ambient light conditions change.
§ 27-2006 Specific Regulations by Sign Type.
[Ord. No. 296, 10/27/2020]
a.
Building (mounted) signs shall include the following:
(1)
Parallel Signs. No portion of a parallel sign shall be mounted less than eight feet above the finished grade or extend out more than 18 inches from the building wall on which it is affixed. If the parallel sign projects less than four inches from the building wall on which it is affixed, the eight-foot height requirement need not be met.
(2)
Canopy or Awning Signs.
(a)
A canopy or awning without lettering or other advertising shall not be regulated as a sign.
(b)
Canopy or awning signs must be centered within or over architectural elements such as windows or doors.
(c)
No awning or canopy sign shall be wider than the building wall or tenant space it identifies.
(d)
Sign placement.
(i)
Letters or numerals shall be located only on the front and side vertical faces of the awning or canopy.
(ii)
Logos or emblems are permitted on the top or angled portion of the awning or canopy up to a maximum of three square feet. No more than one emblem or logo is permitted on any one awning or canopy.
(e)
Sign Height. The lowest edge of the canopy or awning sign shall be at least eight feet above the finished grade.
(f)
No ground-floor awning or canopy may project into a street right-of-way.
(g)
Awnings or canopies above the ground floor may be fixed, provided they do not project more than four feet from the face of the building.
(h)
Multitenant Buildings. If the awning or canopy sign is mounted on a multitenant building, all awning or canopy signs shall be similar in terms of height, projection, and style across all tenants in the building.
(3)
Projecting Signs.
(a)
No portion of a projecting sign shall project more than four feet from the face of the building.
(b)
The outermost portion of a projecting sign shall not project into the right-of-way or no closer than five feet from a curb line or shoulder of a public street, whichever is greater.
(c)
Sign Height. The lowest edge of a projecting sign shall be at least eight feet above the finished grade.
(4)
Window Signs. Incidental window signs displaying pertinent business information such as the business' hours of operation and credit cards accepted, shall be excluded from area calculations for window signs.
(5)
Marquee Signs.
(a)
Such signs shall be located only above the principal public entrance of a building facing a public street or parking lot.
(b)
No marquee shall be wider than the entrance it serves, plus two feet on each side thereof.
(c)
No marquee shall extend into the right-of-way or closer to the curb than three feet, whichever is greater.
b.
Electronic Signs. The following requirements have been set forth to permit the installation of message center signs, as defined in § 27-2002.
(1)
Message center signs shall be permitted:
(a)
Nonresidential lots within C-O Commercial/Office and VC Village Commercial Districts only.
(b)
Message center signs are permitted in the form of a freestanding sign in accordance with all other regulations found within this Part.
(c)
Message center signs shall be permitted for institutional uses as defined in § 27-304c of the Zoning Ordinance:
(i)
Sign is a monument sign.
(ii)
Lot area is greater than two acres.
(iii)
Sign is not larger than 40 square feet.
(iv)
Sign is not higher than seven feet.
(vi)
Sign meets all other standards specified in this Part.
(vii)
If the lot converts to a noninstitutional use these signs regulations do not apply.
(2)
The owner of an electronic sign shall coordinate with the local authorities to display, when appropriate, emergency information as deemed important to the traveling public, including, but not limited to amber alerts or alerts concerning terrorist attacks or natural disasters. Emergency information messages shall remain in the advertising rotation according to the protocols of the agency that issues the information.
(3)
Message Display Standards for All Electronic Signs:
(a)
Message duration shall be no less than eight seconds.
(b)
Electronic signs are permitted to be illuminated from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. or one-half hour past the close of business, whichever is later.
(c)
Content of any electronic sign must transition by changing instantly, transition graphics are prohibited.
(d)
Any electronic sign displaying animations, streaming video, text or images which flash, pulsate, move, or scroll is prohibited.
(e)
Audio speakers and/or any form of pyrotechnics is prohibited.
(f)
All signs must be equipped with a properly functioning default mechanism that will stop the sign and return to a solid black display should a malfunction occur.
(g)
No electronic sign shall be greater than 40 square feet unless otherwise permitted within this Part.
(4)
Electronic signs are not permitted within 250 feet of any permanent off site residential structure.
c.
Freestanding Signs.
(1)
The clearance or lowest edge of any freestanding pole sign shall be either less than four feet or greater than eight feet above the ground.
(3)
Sign Placement.
(a)
All freestanding signs shall be set back 10 feet from the right-of-way or the height of the sign, whichever is greater, except for official traffic signs and government/regulatory signs.
(b)
No freestanding sign may occupy an area designated for parking, loading, walkways, driveways, fire lane, easement, cartway of the right-of-way or other areas required to remain unobstructed.
(4)
Freestanding signs may have changeable copy. However, if the copy is digital or electronic, the regulations for electronic signs in § 27-2006b, pertain.
(5)
Freestanding signs shall include the street number and/or address of the property for which it advertises, at a minimum lettering height of four inches.
(6)
Freestanding signs shall not exceed a maximum height of 20 feet.
d.
Off-Premises Signs.
(1)
Off-premises signs shall only be permitted in the C-O Commercial Office District on nonresidential lots of five acres or more, and set back from the side property line by the minimum side yard setback standard of the district or 50 feet along any arterial designated roadway right-of-way as defined in § 22-506, Subsection 3, of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, whichever is greater.
(2)
Off-premises signs are not permitted on any lot smaller than five acres in size, unless otherwise specified within this Part.
(a)
Off-premises signs may exist instead of, but not in addition to, freestanding signs on a given premises. Where a premises is allowed two or more freestanding signs, an off-premises sign may be used to substitute for one of the freestanding signs.
(b)
One off-premises sign may be erected on a property.
(c)
Off-premises signs shall be nonilluminated, freestanding signs.
(e)
Placement of Off-Premises Signs.
(i)
Right-of-Way. No such sign or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained within 50 feet of the future right-of-way of a public highway.
(ii)
Side or Rear Yards. No such sign or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained within 50 feet of any side or rear property line.
(iii)
No such sign shall be erected within 500 feet of any other such sign or freestanding sign or residential dwelling.
(iv)
Area of Off-Premises Signs. No outdoor advertising sign shall be permitted to exceed a maximum area of 160 square feet, including border but excluding supports and decorative trim which is not part of the copy content of the display. A sign having two sides back-to-back or a V-shaped sign with a horizontal angle not greater than 45° is permitted one on each side or a total maximum area of 80 square feet.
(v)
Off-premises signs shall not exceed a maximum height of 20 feet.
e.
Street Pole Banners. Street pole banners that comply with the regulations of this section shall not be included in the determination of the type, number or area of signs allowed on a property.
(1)
Illumination of any street pole banner is prohibited.
(2)
Area. Each street pole banner shall have a maximum area of 12.5 square feet and a maximum width of up to three feet.
(3)
Number. Up to two street pole banners are permitted per street pole.
(4)
Height.
(a)
When the street pole banner's edge is less than 18 inches from the curb, the lowest edge of the street pole banner shall be 14 feet above the finished grade.
(b)
When the street pole banner's edge is greater than 18 inches from the curb, the lowest edge of the street pole banner shall be at least eight feet above the finished grade.
(5)
Location.
(a)
No street pole banner shall extend beyond the curbline.
(b)
Street pole banners shall maintain a minimum of three feet vertical clearance below any luminaries located on the pole measured from where the ballast connects to the pole.
(c)
Street pole banners shall not interfere with the visibility of signals or signs.
(d)
No street pole banner shall be located on a pole that has traffic or pedestrian control signals.
f.
Temporary Signs.
(1)
Such signs shall be erected only on the premises to which they relate or with permission of the premises owner.
(2)
Such signs shall be nonilluminated.
(3)
Such temporary signs shall comply with the specific requirements and restrictions for temporary signs as set forth herein and shall not be included in the determination of the number or area of permanent signs allowed on a property unless otherwise set forth in this chapter.
(4)
Location.
(a)
No temporary sign shall be located so as to obstruct or impair driver vision at business ingress/egress driveway points and at intersections.
(b)
No temporary sign shall be located nearer than 100 feet to any church, cemetery, public building or historic site or district unless such sign advertises an event on the church, cemetery, public building or historic site or district.
(c)
No temporary sign shall be located on a utility pole or within 10 feet of the cartway and/or property line.
(d)
Temporary signs are not permitted in the public right-of-ways unless specifically approved by the Township.
(5)
Size. The area of temporary signs shall not exceed 16 square feet per sign side unless otherwise specifically permitted in this chapter.
(6)
Height. The maximum height of temporary signs shall not exceed six feet unless otherwise specifically permitted in this chapter.
(7)
Time Limits.
(a)
Project Signs and Construction Signs. A sign for work under construction may be erected upon the issuance of a building permit on the construction site during the construction and shall be removed within seven days following the issuance of the certificate of occupancy and shall comply with § 27-2006f(10).
(b)
Signs Announcing the Subdivision of Land. Temporary signs announcing the subdivision of land may be erected on the land being developed and shall be removed when 100% of the development of lots are conveyed, or for a term not to exceed two years, whichever comes first.
(c)
Signs advertising the sale or lease of property shall be removed within the time frame set forth in § 27-2007a(1)(a) and (b).
(d)
Special event signs may be erected no sooner than 30 days preceding a special event and shall be removed within 20 days following the event. No such temporary sign shall be displayed for a period or periods exceeding a total of 45 days in any one calendar year, unless otherwise authorized by the Board of Supervisors.
(e)
Political signs may be erected no sooner than 30 days preceding an election and shall be removed within 20 days following the election.
(f)
No temporary sign shall be erected for a period of time exceeding 45 days unless otherwise specifically permitted in this chapter.
(8)
Permits. Unless specifically exempted and/or otherwise indicated in this chapter, a temporary sign is subject to the permit requirements of this chapter.
(9)
Number. No more than one such sign shall be placed upon any property held in single and separate ownership unless such property fronts upon more than one public street, in which event, one sign may be erected on each street frontage.
(10)
Temporary Construction Signs. Such signs that comply with the regulations of this section shall not be included in the determination of the type, number or area of signs allowed on a property.
(a)
One temporary construction sign is permitted per property, unless the property has frontage on more than one street, in which case two temporary construction signs shall be permitted, one on each frontage.
(b)
Area.
(i)
For properties less than two acres, the maximum area for temporary construction signs shall be six square feet.
(ii)
Properties larger than two acres shall be permitted a temporary construction sign with a maximum area of 16 square feet.
(iii)
If the property exceeds five acres in size, the area for a temporary construction sign may be increased to 24 square feet.
(c)
Sign Height. Each temporary construction sign shall be limited to eight feet in height.
§ 27-2007 Sign Regulations Per District.
[Ord. No. 296, 10/27/2020]
Sign Category | Sign Type | AP | RP | RR | S | R-1 | VR | CE | VC | CO | I-1 | I-2 | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Building | Awning | AR | AR | AR | N | N | N | N | P | P | N | N | N |
Canopy | AR | AR | AR | N | N | N | N | P | P | N | N | N | |
Marquee | N | N | N | N | N | N | P | P | P | N | N | N | |
Parallel | AR | AR | AR | AR | AR | AR | P | P | P | P | P | P | |
Projecting | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | P | P | P | P | N | |
Roof | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | P | P | N | |
Window | AR | AR | AR | N | N | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | |
Free-standing | Message Center | ||||||||||||
Monument | AR | AR | AR | AR | AR | AR | P | P | P | P | P | N | |
Pole Sign | AR | AR | AR | AR | AR | AR | P | N | P | P | P | N | |
Portable | Sandwich Board | P | P | P | N | N | N | P | P | P | N | N | N |
Vehicle | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | P | P | P | P | |
Miscella-neous | Off-premise | ||||||||||||
Street Pole Banner | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | |
Temporary | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | N | N | N | N | |
a.
In the AP, RP, RR, S, R-1, VR and C-E Districts, the following types of signs, and no others unless otherwise specified in this Part, shall be permitted:
(1)
Temporary Signs.
(a)
Temporary signs advertising the sale or rental of premises upon which said sign has been erected or signs indicating that said premises has been sold or rented, provided that:
(i)
The area on one side of any such sign shall not exceed six square feet.
(ii)
No more than one such sign shall be placed on any property held in single and separate ownership unless such property fronts upon more than one public street, in which event, one such sign may be erected on each such street frontage.
(iii)
Such sign shall be removed promptly within 45 days after an agreement of sale or rental has been entered into, whether there are any conditions in the agreement or not or removed within 20 days from the date of occupancy, whichever is the lesser period of time.
(iv)
Such signs do not require a permit, provided the applicable requirements of this chapter have been met.
(b)
Temporary signs advertising the sale or development of premises upon which they are erected, when erected in connection with the development or proposed development of the premises by a building contractor, developer or other person interested in such sale or development, may be erected and maintained, provided that:
(i)
The area on one side of any such sign shall not exceed 24 square feet.
(ii)
Not more than one such sign shall be placed upon any property held in single and separate ownership unless such property fronts upon more than one public street, in which event, one sign may be erected on each street frontage.
(iii)
Such sign shall be removed within 45 days after an agreement of sale, lease or rental has been entered into for the last building or dwelling unit or removed within 20 days from the date of occupancy, whichever is the lesser period of time.
(c)
Temporary signs advertising political parties or candidates for election may be erected and maintained, provided that:
(i)
The size of any such sign is not in excess of 16 square feet per side.
(ii)
The erector of such signs or an authorized agent of the political party or candidate shall apply for and obtain a permit from the Township Zoning Officer and make a deposit with the Township at the time of application, to insure that all such signs shall be removed promptly within 20 days after the date of the election to which such signs relate. If such signs are not removed at the end of the twenty-day period, the Township will then have them removed and retain the sum necessary to reimburse the expense incurred in removal.
(iii)
The deposit shall be returned upon the satisfactory removal of such signs within 20 days after the election. A separate permit must be obtained for each election, i.e., primary and general and no sign erected for the primary election shall be permitted to remain until after the general election. No sign shall be erected more than 30 days prior to an election. The deposit amounts required to be paid herein are in addition to the permit fee. Signs for the individual candidates, different signs for an individual candidate and signs for a political party must obtain separate permits.
(iv)
Such signs must comply with the requirements and restrictions set forth in § 27-2006f(1) through (9), unless otherwise set forth herein.
(d)
Signs of a temporary nature, not otherwise described herein, such as those advertising civil, social or political gatherings and nonprofit organizations may be erected and maintained, provided that:
(i)
The size of any such sign is not in excess of 16 square feet per side.
(ii)
Not more than two such signs shall be placed on any premises held in single and separate ownership.
(iii)
The erector of such signs or those responsible for or benefiting by the erection shall first apply for and obtain a permit from the Township Zoning Officer and make a deposit with the Township at the time of application, to insure that all such signs shall be removed promptly within 20 days after the event to which such signs relate. If such signs are not removed at the end of the twenty-day period the Township will then have them removed and retain the sum necessary to reimburse the expenses incurred in removal of such signs. No such temporary sign may be displayed for a period or periods exceeding a total of 45 days in any one calendar year, unless authorized by the Board of Supervisors.
(iv)
Such signs must comply with the requirements and restrictions set forth in § 27-2006f(1) through (9), unless otherwise set forth herein.
(e)
Temporary signs advertising the sale of agricultural or horticultural products, where such sale is a permitted use, shall not exceed 16 square feet per side and shall be removed immediately upon the end of the sales season. No more than two such signs may be erected on the premises. One off-premises directional sign, which shall not exceed three square feet per side in size, may be erected with approval by the property owner.
(2)
Identification signs for schools, places of worship, hospitals, nursing homes, life care facilities, full care facilities, libraries, museums, cemeteries, municipal buildings, community centers, public and private clubs, golf courses, recreation facilities (public or private), farms, estates or similar permitted uses, provided that:
(a)
The area of one side of any such sign shall not exceed 24 square feet.
(b)
Such signs may be directly or indirectly illuminated.
(c)
Not more than one such sign is placed on any premises held in single and separate ownership unless such property fronts upon more than one street, in which event, one such sign may be erected on each street frontage.
(d)
Said signs may only be located on the premises that they identify.
(e)
Monument, parallel, or window signs may be erected.
(f)
Such signs are permitted for farms, estates or similar permitted uses on parcels of 20 acres or larger.
(3)
Trespassing signs or signs indicating the private nature of a road, driveway, or premises and signs prohibiting or otherwise controlling the fishing and hunting upon a particular premises may be erected and maintained, providing that the size of any such sign shall not exceed two square feet per side. Such signs do not require a permit provided the applicable requirements of this chapter have been met.
(4)
Professional, home occupation or name signs indicating the profession and/or activity and/or the name of the occupant of the dwelling, provided that:
(a)
The size of any such sign shall not exceed three square feet per side.
(b)
Such signs shall be nonilluminated.
(c)
Not more than one such sign shall be erected for each permitted use or dwelling unit.
(d)
Any such sign shall be erected only on the premises wherein the professional use or home occupation is located.
(e)
Freestanding or parallel signs may be erected.
(f)
A sign is permitted only for such uses that are registered with the Township and have obtained a zoning permit.
(5)
Directional, informational or public service signs such as signs advertising the availability of restrooms, or similar facilities of public convenience and signs advertising meeting times and places of nonprofit service or charitable clubs and organizations; provided, that such signs do not advertise any commercial establishment, activity, organization, product, goods or services and any such sign shall not exceed three square feet per side in size.
(6)
One sign at one principal access drive to a residential development or complex indicating the name of such area or complex and, in the case of a rental complex, the name of the owner or management organization, subject to the following requirements:
(a)
The size of any such sign shall not exceed 24 square feet per side.
(b)
Such sign may be located on lands of the rental complex or on common open lands; provided, that all other setback or location requirements are observed.
(c)
Such signs shall be indirectly or nonilluminated.
(d)
Freestanding signs may be erected.
(7)
Signs advertising nonresidential uses, where such uses are permitted as principal or valid nonconforming uses, provided that:
(a)
Not more than a total of one sign shall be erected on any one premises under single and separate ownership or on the premises leased or utilized by any one business establishment.
(b)
Such signs may be indirectly or nonilluminated.
(c)
The total area of such sign shall not exceed 12 square feet per side.
(d)
Freestanding or parallel signs may be erected.
(e)
A sign is permitted only for nonconforming uses that are registered with the Township.
(8)
Garage or Yard Sales. See § 27-304(B12)(b).
(10)
Freestanding pole signs shall not exceed a maximum height of 10 feet.
(11)
Freestanding monument signs shall not exceed a maximum height of seven feet.
b.
Signs in the VC District. In the VC District the following types of signs, and no others unless otherwise specified in this Part, shall be permitted:
(1)
Any sign erected and maintained in accordance with the provisions of § 27-2005; provided, that the use to which it refers is permitted in the VC District.
(2)
Signs Advertising a Business, Office or Other Permitted Use. Such signs shall be on-premises signs and shall be erected on the site where such use is located. All individual store and/or unit signs on a single property shall consist of a unified design.
(3)
For all permitted office, commercial, consumer service, retail and/or other nonresidential uses in the VC District, a sign or signs may be erected in accordance with the following:
(a)
One parallel or window sign along the entrance or parking side of the structure up to a total area not to exceed 12 square feet.
(i)
An additional window or parallel sign with a total area not to exceed 12 square feet is permitted for each retail business only and may be placed on a wall parallel to a street but located below all second-story windows. This additional window or parallel sign is not permitted for uses other than retail-type uses as determined by the Township and shall not be permitted for offices or other nonretail uses.
(b)
One monument sign is permitted along each street frontage, and the total area of each such sign shall not exceed 21 square feet, and the height shall not exceed seven feet. However, the area and height of the signs may be increased up to 50% of the aforementioned restrictions if approved by the Board of Supervisors after review of a detailed sign plan and permit application.
(4)
Directional Signs. Directional signs of three square feet or less are permitted for traffic control purposes; provided, that such signs do not contain advertising copy.
(5)
Temporary signs advertising commercial sale, when located on the site where such use is conducted, may be permitted for a period not to exceed 45 days in any one calendar year for any one premises or commercial use.
(a)
The size of such sign may not exceed 12 square feet per side.
(b)
Application for a temporary sign permit shall be made to the Township Zoning Officer accompanied by the required permit fee and an escrow deposit, as a guarantee that the temporary signs shall be promptly and completely removed at the end of the authorized period. If such signs are not promptly removed at the end of the authorized period, the Township will then have them removed and keep a sum necessary to reimburse the expense incurred.
(c)
Portable signs, with the exception of sandwich board signs, are not permitted in the VC District.
(6)
If a business establishment does not have street frontage or if the place of business is not visible to passersby on the adjacent street, then that business may erect an additional sign not exceeding four square feet to the street line entrance to the property; provided, that all setback requirements of this chapter are met.
(7)
If there is more than one permitted VC Zoning District use located on a single property, parcel or tract of land within the VC Zoning District, a sign or signs may be erected for each use in accordance with §§ 27-2005 and 27-2006, except that all signs proposed for the VC uses on the property, parcel or tract of land shall consist of a unified and coordinated design acceptable to the Township, and all freestanding signs shall be monument signs; and when deemed appropriate by the Township, such multiple uses shall utilize one combined low-level monument sign to include all the proposed uses on the property, parcel and/or tract of land.
(8)
All the signs proposed on the property, parcel or tract of land shall consist of a unified and coordinated design acceptable to the Township.
(9)
There shall be no internally lit signs and/or signs illuminated from within a structure in the VC Zoning District.
(11)
Freestanding pole signs shall not exceed a maximum height of seven feet.
c.
Signs in the C-O, I-1, I-2 and E Districts. In the C-O, I-1, I-2 and E Districts, the following types of signs, and no others unless otherwise specified in this Part, shall be permitted:
(2)
Signs advertising business, office, commercial, consumer service, utility, service, transportation, industrial or extraction uses shall conform to the requirements of §§ 27-2005 and 27-2006. For all such signs, except office parks, industrial parks or shopping centers, a sign or signs may be permitted in accordance with one of the following:
(a)
One parallel or window sign up to 24 square feet.
(b)
Two parallel or window signs mounted on separate walls, one up to 20 square feet and one up to 16 square feet.
(c)
One freestanding sign up to 24 square feet, plus one of the following:
(i)
One window sign consisting of individual letters or symbols not to exceed 40% of window area.
(ii)
One projecting sign not more than five feet from the wall up to eight square feet in size.
(iii)
One parallel or window sign up to 10 square feet.
If a building fronts upon more than one street, one additional sign in conformity with either Subsection C(2)(a), (b) or (c) above may be permitted.
(3)
Two freestanding signs, one up to 12 square feet and one up to eight square feet on separate poles, plus one of the following:
(a)
One window sign consisting of individual letters or symbols not to exceed 40% of window area.
(b)
One building sign projecting not more than five feet from the wall up to eight square feet in size.
(c)
One building sign mounted flush on wall up to 10 square feet.
If a building fronts upon more than one street, one additional sign in conformity with either Subsection C(3)(a), (b) or (c) above may be permitted on each street frontage.
(4)
For shopping centers, industrial parks and office parks, signs may be erected in accordance with the following:
(a)
One freestanding sign which identifies the shopping center, industrial park or office park and may serve as a directory sign for uses in the development may be erected. No additional directory sign may be erected. Such sign shall not exceed 40 square feet per side and shall only identify the name of the center or park and/or the names of the various businesses or firms located within such center or park. Not more than one such sign shall be erected on any property held in single and separate ownership, unless such premises fronts upon more than one street, in which event one such sign may be erected on each street frontage.
(b)
One sign, which may be limited to the name of the firm, building or business, may be erected on each individual use in accordance with one of the following:
(5)
Directional Signs. Directional signs of three square feet or less are permitted for traffic control purposes; provided, that such signs do not contain advertising copy.
(6)
Temporary Signs. Exterior temporary signs, may be permitted for a period not to exceed 45 days in any one calendar year for any one premises or commercial use.
(a)
The size of such sign may not exceed 16 square feet per side.
(b)
Application for a temporary sign permit shall be made to the Township Zoning Officer accompanied by the required permit fee and an escrow deposit, as a guarantee that the temporary signs shall be promptly and completely removed at the end of the authorized period. If such signs are not promptly removed at the end of the authorize period, the Township will then have them removed and keep a sum necessary to reimburse the expense incurred.
(c)
Such signs must comply with the requirements and restrictions set forth in § 27-2006f(1) through (9).
(7)
If a business establishment does not have street frontage or if the place of business is not visible to passersby on the adjacent street, then the business may erect an additional sign not exceeding four square feet at the street line entrance to the property; provided, that all setback requirements of this chapter are met.
§ 27-2008 Nonconforming Signs.
[Ord. No. 296, 10/27/2020]
Any sign existing at the time of passage of this chapter that does not conform in use, location, height or size with the regulations contained herein shall be considered nonconforming and may continue in such use, in its present location, until the sign is considered abandoned, or replacement, or rebuilding of the sign becomes necessary, at which time a zoning permit will be required and the sign brought into conformity with this chapter.
§ 27-2009 Removal of Unlawful, Unsafe, or Abandoned Signs.
[Ord. No. 296, 10/27/2020]
The following provisions shall apply in all districts:
a.
Unsafe or Unlawful Signs.
(1)
Upon written notice by East Rockhill Township, the owner, person, or firm maintaining a sign shall remove any sign which meets one or more of the following:
(2)
If the Zoning Officer finds that any sign regulated herein is unsafe, or insecure, or is a menace to the public or has been constructed, erected or maintained in violation of the provisions of this chapter, he shall give notice to remove or alter the sign to comply with this chapter, in the same manner as in § 27-2009, above, to the party to whom the permit was issued to erect the sign or to the owner of the sign or to any combination of them. If the parties notified fail to remove or alter the sign to comply with the standards herein set forth within 30 days after notice, such sign may be removed or altered by the Building Inspector at the expense of each and every person notified. The expenses of removal or alteration shall be computed and paid for by the parties notified in the same manner in § 27-2009, above, and the same sanctions shall apply. The Building Inspector may cause any sign or other advertising structure which is in immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.
(3)
East Rockhill Township may remove or cause to be removed, the sign, at the expense of the owner and/or lessee in the event the owner or the person or firm maintaining the sign has not complied with the terms of the notice. Permanent signs shall be removed or remedied within 30 days of the date of the notice. Temporary signs shall be removed within five business days of the date of the notice. In the event of immediate danger, the Township may remove the sign immediately upon issuance of notice.
b.
Abandoned Signs.
(1)
It shall be the responsibility of the owner of any property upon which an abandoned sign is located to remove such sign within 90 days of the sign becoming abandoned as defined in this Part. Removal of an abandoned sign shall include the removal of the entire sign, including the sign face, supporting structure, and structural trim.
(2)
Where the owner of the property on which an abandoned sign is located fails to remove such sign in 90 days, East Rockhill Township may remove such sign. Any expense directly incurred in the removal of such sign shall be charged to the owner of the property. Where the owner fails to pay, East Rockhill Township may file a lien upon the property for the purpose of recovering all reasonable costs associated with removal of the sign.
c.
Removal or Abandonment of Signs.
(1)
The owner of any property or premises upon which any sign is erected shall be responsible for its complete removal at such time as the circumstances which cause its erection have ceased to exist, or at such other time that the sign must be removed under any other provision of this chapter. If the owner of any property upon which a sign has been erected shall fail or neglect to remove it as hereinabove required, the Zoning Officer shall give notice to the owner by certified mail to remove the sign. If this letter is returned undelivered, for any reason, he may post such notice upon the premises. If, upon the expiration of 30 days following notice, the owner fails to remove the sign, the Zoning Officer shall arrange for its removal on behalf of the Township and shall bill the owner for the cost of such work plus 10% for administrative cost. If such bill remains unpaid after the expiration of 30 days, the Township Solicitor shall take the necessary steps to collect the same. Failure of a property owner to remove such sign after the notice hereinabove provided shall constitute a violation of the terms of this chapter, and each day's continuance of such failure shall constitute a separate violation.
(2)
If the owner of any sign in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter is not the owner of the premises on which it is situated, the identical notices specified above may be issued to him in like manner, and such owner of the sign shall be required to take such steps to comply with the notice or notices issued to him as though he were the owner of the property or premises on which the sign is located; if such owner of the sign fails to comply, such failure shall constitute a violation of the terms of this chapter. Such owner of the sign shall be liable to the same extent as the owner of the property or premises on which the sign is located.
d.
Unsafe and Unlawful Signs. If the Zoning Officer finds that any sign regulated herein is unsafe, or insecure, or is a menace to the public or has been constructed, erected or maintained in violation of the provisions of this chapter, he shall give notice to remove or alter the sign to comply with this chapter, in the same manner as in § 27-2009a, above, to the party to whom the permit was issued to erect the sign or to the owner of the sign or to any combination of them. If the parties notified fail to remove or alter the sign to comply with the standards herein set forth within 30 days after notice, such sign may be removed or altered by the Building Inspector at the expense of each and every person notified. The expenses of removal or alteration shall be computed and paid for by the parties notified in the same manner in § 27-2009a, above, and the same sanctions shall apply. The Building Inspector may cause any sign or other advertising structure which is in immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.
§ 27-2010 Permits, Construction, Maintenance, and Violations.
[Ord. No. 296, 10/27/2020]
a.
Permits Required.
(1)
A permit must be obtained from the Township before the erection of any sign erected in the Township, unless specifically exempted herein.
(2)
Exemptions from the necessity of securing a permit, however, shall not be construed to relieve the owner of the sign involved from responsibility for its erection in a safe manner and in a manner in accord with all the other provisions of this chapter.
(3)
Before any permit is granted for the erection of a sign or sign structure, plans and specifications shall be filed with the Township showing:
(a)
The dimensions of the sign and, where applicable, the dimensions of the wall surface of the building to which it is to be attached.
(b)
The dimensions of the sign's supporting members.
(c)
The maximum height of the sign.
(d)
The proposed location of the sign in relation to the face of the building in front of which or above which it is to be erected.
(e)
The proposed location of the sign in relation to the boundaries of the lot upon which it is to be situated.
(f)
Where the sign is to be attached to an existing building, a current photograph of the face of the building to which the sign is to be attached.
(g)
The materials, finish and details of construction, including loads, stresses, anchorage and any other pertinent engineering data.
(h)
The application for permit shall be accompanied by the written consent of the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is to be erected for Township officials to enter said premises to inspect such sign.
(4)
The following changes to a sign do not require a permit:
(a)
The changing of the advertising copy or message of a painted, plastic face or printed sign only. Except for signs specifically designed for the use of replaceable copy, electric signs shall not be included in this exception.
(b)
The electrical, repainting or cleaning maintenance of a sign.
(c)
The repair of a sign.
(5)
Permit fees to erect a sign shall be in accordance with the sign fee schedule adopted by the Township.
(a)
Construction Requirements. All signs must be constructed with durable materials, must conform to the requirements of the PA UCC, and must be kept in good condition and repair. Any sign which is allowed to become dilapidated may be removed by the Township in accordance with the regulations contained in § 27-2009.