Easttown Township City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XI
Signs
§ 455-77 Purpose; intent.
It is the purpose of this article to regulate all signs within the Township, to ensure that they are appropriate and in keeping with the appearance of the affected property and surrounding environment and to protect the public health, safety, morals and general welfare. In addition, the intent of this article is to:
A.
Encourage good design in the context of the overall image and visual environment of the Township.
B.
Enhance the appearance of the zoning district, taking into account the nature of the uses permitted within the zoning district, and thus stimulate as well as protect the economic viability of the Township.
C.
Provide for signage which is adequate, but not excessive, and which displays a message through use of pictures, symbols, and logos for rapid comprehension by the public.
D.
Prohibit the erection of signs in such numbers, sizes, designs and locations as may create a hazard to pedestrians and motorists.
E.
Avoid excessive competition for large multiple signs, so that permitted signs provide adequate identification and direction while minimizing clutter, unsightliness and confusion.
F.
Allow for the coordination of signs to reflect the character of the architecture, landscape and visual themes that the Township is supporting.
G.
Promote signs which are designed utilizing clear, crisp lettering and bold, uncomplicated symbols which will identify a business or activity efficiently and also enhance the area where located as well as the general appearance of the street or town.
H.
Prevent sign overload and excessively large signs that create a visually chaotic and competitive situation within the business community.
§ 455-78 Conformance.
Any sign hereafter erected or maintained after the effective date of this article shall conform to the provisions of this article and any other ordinance or regulations of the Township relating thereto.
§ 455-79 Prohibited signs.
B.
The following signs or lighting features are prohibited in all zoning districts:
(1)
Any sign by color, shape, location, or manner of illuminations which may be confused with or construed as a traffic control device or which hides from view any traffic or street sign or signal.
(2)
Any sign attached to a utility pole, parking meter, traffic signpost, traffic signal or control device, street sign, historical marker, tree or rock.
(3)
Signs erected without the permission of the property owner or authorized agent.
(4)
Signs that create a hazard by obstructing the clear view of vehicles and pedestrian traffic.
(6)
Illuminated tubing or strings of lights, excluding temporary signs for traditional seasonal decorations, which outline rooflines, doors, windows, or wall edges.
(7)
Any sign which obstructs free ingress to or egress from a required door, window, fire escape or other required exitway.
(8)
Vehicular signs.
(9)
Abandoned or dilapidated signs.
(10)
Revolving signs.
(11)
Festoon signs.
(12)
Beacon lights.
(13)
Roof signs.
(14)
Bench signs.
(15)
Flashing signs.
(16)
Any sign inconsistent with provisions of this article.
§ 455-80 Authorized signs.
A.
The following signs are authorized in every zoning district, shall not require a sign permit, and shall not be included in the determination of type, number or area of permanent signs allowed on a property within a zoning district:
(1)
Government signs, which include, but are not limited to:
(a)
Traffic control devices and signs on private or public property that are erected and maintained to comply with the Federal Highway Administration, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation or other federal, state or local law or regulation.
(b)
Identification signs. Each property owner shall mark their property using numerals that identify the address of the property so that public safety departments can easily identify the address from the public street. The size and location of the identifying numerals and letters, if any, shall be proportional to the size of the building and the distance from the street to the building. In cases where the building is not located within view of the public street, the identifier shall be located on the mailbox or other suitable device such that it is visible from the street. An address sign shall not contain any number, symbol, picture, logo, or marking other than the address of the property.
(c)
Where a federal, state or local law requires a property owner to post a sign on the owner's property to warn of a danger, set forth safety regulations, to prohibit access to the property, either generally or specifically, or to otherwise comply with federal, state or local law, the owner shall comply with the federal, state or local law by posting such sign(s) on the property under the terms of the federal, state or local law.
(d)
A flag that has been adopted by the federal government, this commonwealth or the local government may be displayed as provided under the law that adopts or regulates its use.
(2)
Temporary signs.
(a)
One temporary sign per 1/4 acre of net lot area of property may be located on the owner's property for a period of 30 days prior to an election involving a voter referendum or candidates for a federal, state or local office that represents the district in which the property is located.
(b)
One temporary sign may be located on the property when:
[1]
That property is being offered for sale through a licensed real estate agent;
[2]
If not offered for sale through a real estate agent, when the property is offered for sale through advertising; and
[3]
For a period of 15 days following the date on which a contract of sale has been executed by a person purchasing the property.
(c)
One temporary sign may be located on the owner's property on a day when the property owner is opening the property to the public; provided, however, the owner may not use this type of sign in the AA, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5 and VR Residential Zoning Districts on more than two days in a calendar year and may not use this type of sign in the PBO, VB or VT Zoning Districts for more than 30 cumulative days in a calendar year.
(d)
A property owner may place a sign no larger than 8.5 inches by 11 inches in one window on the property at any time.
(e)
A property owner may place one sign on the property at any time.
(f)
A property owner exercising the right to place temporary signs on a property as described in this subsection shall limit the total number of signs on the property per 1/4 acre of net lot area at any one time to two temporary signs plus the one temporary sign permitted in Subsection A(2)(d).
(g)
The sign face of any temporary sign, unless otherwise limited in Subsection A(2), shall not exceed three square feet.
(h)
Temporary signs shall not be located within any dedicated right-of-way.
(i)
Temporary signs shall not illuminated.
B.
For purposes of this section, the lessor of a property is considered the property owner. If there are multiple lessors of a property, then each lessor shall have the same rights and duties as the property owner, and the size of the property shall be deemed to be the property that the lessor has the sole right to occupy under the lease.
§ 455-81 Specific sign regulations.
The following sign regulations shall apply to all zoning districts as indicated. All signs in this section are permanent signs and require a sign permit, unless otherwise specified.
A.
Residential districts.
(1)
Scope. This subsection sets forth the permitted signs in the AA, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5 and VR Residential Zoning Districts.
(2)
Number and size.
(a)
For a major home occupation accessory use, one sign is permitted per the approved accessory use. Each sign shall have a total sign area of not more than two square feet.
(b)
For residential developments, one sign is permitted at each entrance to the development. Each sign shall have a total sign area of no more than 15 square feet. A leasing office on the property is permitted one wall sign not to exceed six square feet in sign area.
(c)
For permitted nonresidential uses, one sign is permitted per property held in single and separate ownership. Where the property fronts on more than one street, one sign may be located on each street frontage, provided a minimum street frontage of 150 feet is maintained between signs. Each sign shall have a total sign area of not more than 15 square feet.
(3)
Location. Permitted signs may be anywhere on the property, except within a street right-of-way.
(5)
Illumination. Signs shall not be illuminated.
B.
PBO Zoning District.
(1)
Scope. This subsection sets forth the permitted signs in the PBO Zoning District.
(2)
Residential uses. Where a use permitted in the AA, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5 or VR Residential Zoning Districts is also permitted in the PBO Zoning District, the signs shall be compliant with the requirements of § 455-81A.
(3)
Commercial uses.
(a)
Sign area. The total sign area of all signs placed on a lot or on any one premises shall not exceed 1.5 square feet for each one linear foot of the front building facade. Where a building fronts on more than one street, only one street frontage may be used to calculate the total allowable sign area. The total sign area for any one sign, regardless of type, shall not exceed 60 square feet, unless otherwise specified in this section.
[1]
Permanent window signs shall not be included in the computation of total permitted sign area. The total area of all window signs, including both temporary and permanent window signs, shall be limited to 25% of the glass area and shall not obscure views from the outside to the interior of the commercial use.
(b)
Wall signs. Up to two wall signs shall be permitted per use in a building per street frontage. The total sign area for any one wall sign shall not exceed 60 square feet.
(c)
Awning signs.
[1]
Markings shall not exceed a height of eight inches and shall be located only on the front and side vertical faces of the awning, except as provided for in this section. The minimum clearance between the vertical face and the walkway shall not be less than 10 feet. Awnings shall not project more than five feet from the face of the building, except where located above an entrance to a building, in which case the maximum projection shall not exceed 10 feet. All awnings must be a minimum of three feet from the curbline.
[2]
Markings shall be permitted on the sloped surface of an awning, provided that the commercial use served by the awning sign does not use a wall sign, and provided further that the markings on the sloped surface of an awning shall not exceed a height of 40 inches and shall not exceed more than 25% of the area of the sloped surface.
[3]
Awning signs shall not be internally illuminated, but may be illuminated by lights installed above the awning, in conformance with the illumination standards of § 455-82D of this article.
[4]
Awning signs may be fixed or equipped with a mechanism for raising and holding an awning sign in a retracted position against the building.
(d)
Marquee signs. One marquee sign containing changeable markings shall be permitted in addition to the otherwise permitted sign area under § 455-81B(3)(a), provided that the total sign area shall not exceed 200 square feet. Such sign shall be required at all times to maintain a minimum vertical clearance of 10 feet. Marquee signs shall be exempt from the lighting requirements as set forth in § 455-82D.
(e)
Freestanding signs. For each building, mixed-use development, or group of contiguous buildings under single ownership or control, one freestanding sign shall be permitted. Where the premises has more than one street frontage, one freestanding sign shall be permitted for each street frontage, provided both are ground signs and that a minimum street frontage of 150 feet is maintained between signs.
[1]
Area and height regulation.
[a]
Pole signs. Pole signs shall not exceed a sign area of either 25 square feet or a sign height of 15 feet above mean grade.
[b]
Ground signs. Ground signs shall not exceed a sign area of either 30 square feet or a sign height of eight feet above mean grade. Ground signs shall be constructed so that the maximum height from mean grade to the lowest area of the sign face does not exceed four feet.
[2]
Location. Freestanding signs shall not be located within the right-of-way and shall be set back a minimum distance of 10 feet from the street cartway. No sign shall be so located as to present a hazard to motorists or pedestrians.
(f)
Projecting signs. One projecting sign shall be permitted per ground-floor commercial use, plus one for any building entrance for access by the public not serving a ground-floor establishment. Projecting signs shall not project more than four feet from the face of the building. The total sign area for any one projecting sign shall not exceed 16 square feet. No part of the sign shall be less than eight nor more than 12 feet above ground or walkway level. Not more than one projecting sign per establishment per street frontage shall be permitted, and no projecting signs shall be permitted within 25 feet of another. Projecting signs shall not be internally illuminated, but may be indirectly illuminated in accordance with the provisions of this article.
(g)
Portable signs. A limit of one portable sign per commercial use shall be permitted and may be placed within the sidewalk, so long as each portable sign shall not exceed nine square feet, and a minimum clear walking width of four feet shall be maintained on the sidewalk. Portable signs shall be constructed of weather-resistant materials, such as wood, plastic or metal. No portable sign shall contain foil, mirrors, bare metal, or other materials that could create hazardous conditions to motorists, bicyclists, or pedestrians. No portable sign may contain lights of any kind. Portable signs must be sufficiently weighted or constructed to keep the sign in the approved location. All portable sign shall be taken indoors at the close of each business day. The area of portable signs shall not be included in the computation of total permitted sign area.
(h)
Permanent banner signs. Permanent banner signs shall be subject to the following standards:
[1]
Only one banner sign is permitted per commercial use in a building.
[2]
The maximum area of a banner shall be 25 square feet.
[3]
Mounting height. Bottom of banners shall be mounted at least 14 feet above grade or sidewalk to avoid intrusion into a projecting sign or awning sign zone and shall not extend beyond the third story of the structure.
[4]
Projection. Banners shall not project more than three feet into the public right-of-way.
[5]
Banner signs shall be spaced no closer than 20 feet apart.
(4)
Off-premises signs shall be permitted when authorized as a conditional use, subject to the following provisions:
(a)
Signage shall be not more than 25 feet in height.
(b)
Sign area.
[1]
On a lot fronting on a street with a speed limit of 40 miles per hour or less, no off-premises sign shall be permitted to exceed a maximum area of 50 square feet, including the border and trim of the sign, but excluding supports.
[2]
On a lot fronting on a street with a speed limit of more than 40 miles per hour, no off-premises sign shall be permitted to exceed a maximum area of 75 square feet, including border and trim, but excluding supports.
[3]
A sign having two sides back-to-back or a V-shaped sign with a horizontal angle not greater than 90° is permitted one per side for a total maximum combined area of twice that permitted in this section, except that no sign shall exceed a maximum combined sign area in excess of 150 square feet.
(c)
No more than one off-premises sign shall be placed on a lot.
(d)
No off-premises sign shall be erected within 200 feet of any other freestanding or off-premises sign.
(e)
Off-premises signs shall be set back not more than 35 feet nor less than 10 feet from the property's boundary with the public right-of-way or street, whichever is closer to the center point of the property, and not less than 15 feet from any neighboring property boundary.
(f)
If the sign is to have exterior lighting, a lighting plan must be submitted and shall include the following information:
[1]
A site plan containing a layout of the proposed fixture locations and type.
[2]
Catalog cuts and photometrics for each light fixture, the method of energizing each light fixture, a listing of the hours of operation and a plan showing the photometrics for the entire site based upon the proposed placement of the light fixtures. A description of glare-reduction devices, lamps, wattage, control devices, mounting heights, pole and mounting methods, as appropriate for each fixture, should also be included.
[3]
Setting forth of the production of glare that is perceptual beyond the property line of the lot on which the sign lighting is located will be minimized with the use of shielding, luminaire reflectors or other suitable measures, minimizing the intensity of lighting so that no more than 0.5 footcandle of light from signs shall fall upon any residential lot between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., prevailing time.
(5)
Animated signs shall be permitted when authorized as a conditional use, subject to the following provisions:
(a)
Signs shall be no more than eight feet in height.
(b)
Sign area shall not be permitted to exceed 10 square feet.
(c)
No more than one animated sign shall be placed on an individual lot.
(d)
No animated sign shall be erected within 200 feet of any other animated sign.
(e)
Animated signs shall be set back not more than 35 feet nor less than 10 feet from the property's boundary with the public right-of-way or street, whichever is closer to the center point of the property, and not less than 15 feet from any neighboring property boundary.
(f)
Operational limits.
[1]
The duration of each message shall be a minimum of five seconds.
[2]
The transition time between changes in the sign face or messages shall be less than one second.
[3]
The sign must be equipped with brightness controls so that the brightness of the sign has the ability to respond to changes in the outside light levels.
[4]
Except for traffic control signals, animated signs are prohibited within 100 feet of a traffic control device.
(6)
Transportation use signs.
(a)
Automobile gasoline/service stations. Automobile gasoline/service stations shall be permitted signage, subject to the following regulations:
[1]
Wall signs. There shall be no more than two wall signs for each principal building. A wall sign shall not exceed 25 square feet in sign area. Where a buildings fronts on more than one street, one additional wall sign may be erected along each side street frontage. Additional wall signs identifying service provided on the premises shall be permitted, provided such signs shall not exceed 10 square feet in sign area and are located directly above the area where service is performed. In no case shall a wall sign be higher than 15 feet above existing grade or project above any cornice, roofline, parapet wall, or building facade.
[2]
Freestanding signs. Gasoline service stations shall be permitted a maximum of one freestanding ground sign for each location.
[a]
Area and height regulations. Freestanding signs shall not exceed a sign height of 10 feet above mean grade or a sign area of 30 square feet, except that, where gasoline is offered for sale, an additional 20 square feet of sign area shall be permitted for pricing information.
[b]
Location. Freestanding signs shall be located in accordance with Subsection B(3)(e)[2] of this section.
[3]
Gasoline pump island canopies. Gasoline pump island canopies may be painted with colors that are consistent with brand recognition. No markings of any kind shall be permitted on gasoline pump island canopy structures.
[4]
Exempt signs. The following signs shall be allowed without a sign permit and shall not be included in the determination of type, number or area of permanent signs permitted for gasoline and motor vehicle service stations:
(b)
Automobile dealership signs. Automobile dealership signs shall be subject to the following:
[1]
Wall signs.
[a]
Number. There shall be no more than two wall signs for each principal building.
[b]
Area. The gross surface area of a wall sign shall not exceed 10% of the area of the building wall, including doors and windows, to which the sign is to be affixed or 64 square feet, whichever is smaller, if such wall sign source is visible or exposed on the face or sides of the characters.
[c]
Location. A wall sign may be located on the outermost wall of any principal building, but shall not project more than 16 inches from the wall to which the sign is to be affixed. The location and arrangement of all wall signs shall be subject to the reviews and approval of the Zoning Officer.
[d]
Height. A wall sign shall not project higher than the parapet line of the wall to which the sign is affixed or 20 feet, as measured from the base of the building wall to which the sign is to be affixed, whichever is lower.
[2]
Ground signs.
[a]
Number.
[i]
Primary ground signs. There shall not be more than one principal ground sign for each automobile dealership.
[ii]
Secondary ground signs. Secondary ground signs shall be permitted only if used for preowned automobiles and/or if two or more automotive product lines (automobile makes) are offered for sale on the premises. No more than two secondary ground signs shall be permitted, one denoting the sale of used or preowned automobiles and one denoting the sale of the second and additional automotive product lines (automotive makes).
[b]
Area.
[i]
Primary ground signs. The gross surface area of a primary ground sign shall not exceed 32 square feet for each exposed face, nor exceed an aggregate gross surface area of 64 square feet.
[ii]
Secondary ground signs. The gross surface area of a secondary ground sign shall not exceed 24 square feet for each exposed face, nor exceed an aggregate gross surface area of 48 square feet.
[c]
Location. Primary and secondary ground signs may be located in any required yard, but shall not extend over any lot line or within 15 feet of any point of vehicular access from a lot to a public roadway.
[d]
Height.
[i]
Primary ground signs. A primary ground sign shall not project higher than 20 feet as measured from the base of the sign or grade of the nearest adjacent roadway, whichever is lower.
[ii]
Secondary ground signs. A secondary ground sign shall not project higher than 15 feet as measured from the base of the sign or grade of the nearest adjacent roadway, whichever is lower.
[3]
Awning, canopy, and marquee signs.
[a]
Number. There shall not be more than one awning, canopy, or marquee sign exceeding an aggregate gross surface area of four square feet for each principal building.
[b]
Area. The gross surface area of an awning, canopy, or marquee sign shall not exceed 24 square feet, but is limited to not more than 50% of the gross surface area of the smallest face of the awning, canopy, or marquee to which such sign is to be affixed.
[c]
Height. An awning, canopy, or marquee sign shall not project higher than the top of the awning, canopy, or marquee to which such sign is to be affixed.
[4]
Service bay identification signs. Service bay identification signs providing direction or instruction to persons using the facility and containing no advertising material of any kind shall be subject to the following:
[a]
Type. All service bay identification signs shall be wall signs.
[b]
Number. There shall be not more than one service bay identification sign for each service bay located on the premises.
[c]
Area. The gross surface area of a service bay identification sign shall not exceed 10 square feet.
[d]
Location. A service bay identification sign may be located on the outermost wall of any principal building adjacent to a service bay entrance, but shall not project more than 16 inches from the wall to which the sign is to be affixed.
[e]
Height. A service bay identification sign shall not project higher than the parapet line of the wall to which the sign is to be affixed or 20 feet, as measured from the base of the building to which the sign is to be affixed, whichever is lower.
C.
VB and VT Zoning Districts.
(1)
Scope. This subsection shall set forth the permitted signs in the VB and VT Zoning Districts.
(2)
Residential uses. Where a use permitted in the AA, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5 or VR Residential Zoning Districts is also permitted in the PBO Zoning District, the signage shall be compliant with the requirements of § 455-81A.
(3)
Business (commercial), retail, or related signs in accordance with the following regulations:
(a)
Sign area. The total sign area of all signs placed on a lot or on any one premises shall not exceed one square foot for each one linear foot of the front building facade. Where a building fronts on more than one street, only one street frontage may be used to calculate the total allowable sign area. The total sign area for any one sign shall not exceed 40 square feet, unless otherwise specified in this section.
[1]
Permanent window signs shall not be included in the computation of total permitted sign area. The total area of all window signs, including both temporary and permanent window signs, shall be limited to 25% of the glass area and shall not obscure views from the outside to the interior of a commercial establishment.
(b)
Wall signs. Up to two wall signs shall be permitted per use in a building per street frontage. The total sign area for any one wall sign shall not exceed 40 square feet. No wall sign shall project above the highest story, excluding any cornice or parapet wall.
(c)
Awning signs.
[1]
Awning signs. Markings shall not exceed a height of eight inches and shall be located only on the front and side vertical faces of the awning, except as provided for in this section. The minimum clearance between the vertical face and the walkway shall not be less than 10 feet. Awnings shall not project more than five feet from the face of the building, except where located above an entrance to a building, in which case the maximum projection shall not exceed 10 feet. All awnings must be a minimum of three feet from the curbline.
[2]
Markings shall be permitted on the sloped surface of an awning, provided that the business use served by the awning sign does not have a wall sign(s), and provided further that the markings on the sloped surface of an awning shall not exceed a height of 40 inches and shall not exceed more than 25% of the area of the sloped surface.
[3]
Awning signs shall not be internally illuminated, but may be illuminated by lights installed above the awning, in conformance with the illumination standards of § 455-82D of this article.
[4]
Awning signs may be fixed or equipped with a mechanism for raising and holding an awning sign in a retracted position against the building.
(d)
Marquee signs. One marquee sign containing markings shall be permitted in addition to the otherwise permitted sign area under § 455-81C(3)(a), provided that the total sign area shall not exceed 200 square feet. Such sign shall be required at all times to maintain a minimum vertical clearance of 10 feet. Marquee signs shall be exempt from the lighting requirements as set forth in § 455-82D.
(e)
Freestanding signs. For each building, shopping center, mixed-use development, or group of contiguous buildings under single ownership or control, one freestanding sign shall be permitted. Where the premises has more than one street frontage, one freestanding sign shall be permitted for each street frontage, provided both are ground signs and that a minimum street frontage of 150 feet is maintained between signs.
[1]
Area and height regulation.
[a]
Pole signs. Pole signs shall not exceed a sign area of either 25 square feet or a sign height of 15 feet above mean grade.
[b]
Ground signs. Ground signs shall not exceed a sign area of either 30 square feet or a sign height of eight feet above mean grade. Ground signs shall be constructed so that the maximum height from mean grade to the lowest area of the sign face does not exceed four feet.
[2]
Location. Freestanding signs shall not be located within the right-of-way and shall be set back a minimum distance of 10 feet from the street cartway. No sign shall be so located as to present a hazard to motorists or pedestrians.
(f)
Projecting signs. One projecting sign shall be permitted per ground-floor use, plus one for any building entrance for access by the public not serving a ground-floor establishment. Projecting signs shall not project more than four feet from the face of the building. The total sign area for any one projecting sign shall not exceed nine square feet. No part of the sign shall be less than eight nor more than 12 feet above ground or walkway level. No more than one projecting sign per establishment per street frontage shall be permitted, and no projecting sign shall be permitted within 25 feet of another. Projecting signs may not be internally illuminated, but may be indirectly illuminated in accordance with the provisions of this article.
(g)
Portable signs. A limit of one sidewalk sign per use shall be permitted and may be placed within the sidewalk so long as each portable sign shall not exceed nine square feet, and a minimum clear walking width of four feet shall be maintained on the sidewalk. Portable signs shall be constructed of weather-resistant materials, such as wood, plastic or metal. No portable sign shall contain foil, mirrors, bare metal, or other materials that could create hazardous conditions to motorists, bicyclists or pedestrians. No portable sign may contain lights of any kind. Portable signs must be sufficiently weighted or constructed to keep the sign in the approved location. All portable signs shall be taken indoors at the close of each business day. The area of portable signs shall not be included in the computation of total permitted sign area.
(h)
Permanent banner signs. Permanent banner signs shall be subject to the following standards:
[1]
Only one banner sign is permitted per use in a building.
[2]
The maximum area of a banner shall be 25 square feet.
[3]
Mounting height. Bottom of banners shall be mounted at least 14 feet above grade or sidewalk to avoid intrusion into a projecting sign or awning sign zone and shall not extend beyond the third story of the structure.
[4]
Projection. Banners shall not project more than three feet from the face of the building.
[5]
Banner signs shall be spaced no closer than 20 feet apart.
§ 455-82 Supplemental criteria.
The following criteria apply to all permanent signs or all signs requiring a sign permit:
A.
Materials. Signs shall be constructed only from wood, metal, stone, or other appropriate material, including plastic, which has the general appearance of structures composed primarily of wood, metal, or stone, with painted, engraved, or raised markings. Sign materials should be consistent with and complement the original construction materials and architectural style of the building facade on which they are to be displayed. For this reason, natural materials such as wood, stone, and metal are most appropriate. If plywood is used, medium-density overlay (MDO) shall be used as a minimum grade.
(1)
To encourage design excellence, when approved by the Planning Commission at a public meeting following presentation by the applicant, the maximum sign areas may be increased by the percentages as provided herein. A separate bonus is granted for compliance with each of the criteria, and the area is cumulative, but the percentage increase is based upon the original sign area limitation.
(2)
Freestanding signs may be increased as follows:
(a)
20% when the sign is constructed of natural wood, in natural finish with only the markings in other than natural finish.
(b)
10% when a directory sign utilizes uniform coloring and lettering for all establishments listed in the directory.
(c)
10% when the sign is installed in a landscaped planter having an area four times the area of the resultant sign.
(d)
10% if the sign is designated to contain only the identification of the establishment.
B.
Lettering. Lettering styles should complement the style and architecture of the building on which they appear. Traditional block and curvilinear styles, which are easy to read, are preferred.
C.
Color. Each sign so erected shall contain a maximum of four colors, including black and white. In selecting the principal colors for a sign, colors which complement the general tone of the building should be used. Business logos shall not be included in determining the maximum number of colors.
D.
Illumination. Where permitted, signs shall be illuminated only as authorized in an appropriate sign permit by a steady, stationary light of reasonably minimal intensity. Light sources shall be shielded from all adjacent properties and streets and shall not be of such intensity as to cause glare hazardous to pedestrians or motorists. Signs using internal illumination shall be designed so that when illuminated at night, only the markings of the sign are visible. No light shall emanate through the background, the borders, sides, or any other surface of the sign or its supporting structure. Individual, solid letters with internal lighting tubes, which backlight a wall in a halo effect, shall be permitted.
E.
Electrical connections. The electrical supply to all exterior signs, whether to the sign itself or to lighting fixtures positioned to illuminate the sign, shall be provided by means of concealed electrical cables. Electrical supply to freestanding signs shall be provided by means of underground cables. All signs shall include an inspection certificate from an electrical underwriter.
F.
Nuisance. No sign shall create a public nuisance by emitting smoke, sound, vapor, particle emission or odors.
G.
Sign removal. Any sign which no longer advertises an existing use conducted on the premises shall be removed by owner of the property within 30 days. The Zoning Officer, upon determining that such use has ceased while a sign remains, shall notify the owner of the premises, in writing, to remove said sign within 30 days from the date of such notice. Upon failure to comply with such notice within the prescribed period, the Zoning Officer is hereby authorized to remove or cause removal of such sign and to collect the cost of such removal, together with any penalties, from the owner in a manner provided by law.
§ 455-83 Nonconforming signs.
A.
A sign which is nonconforming at the effective date of this article may be continued although such sign does not conform to the provisions of this article, but the size of any such nonconforming sign shall not be enlarged.
B.
A nonconforming sign shall not be changed to or replaced by another nonconforming sign. Nonconforming signs, once removed, shall be replaced only with conforming signs.
C.
No nonconforming sign which has been involuntarily damaged or otherwise destroyed to the extent of more than 50% of its value shall be repaired or rebuilt, except as a conforming sign.
D.
Signs which are conforming at the effective date of this article and which identify and advertise nonconforming uses shall be maintained as conforming in accordance with this article.
E.
Whenever any nonconforming use of a building, structure, or land, or of a combination of buildings, structures, and land, ceases as prescribed in § 455-122D, all signs accessory to such use and all of its support hardware shall be deemed to become nonconforming and shall be removed within 30 days from the date such use terminates.
§ 455-84 Sign permits.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, alter, repair, or relocate any sign within the Township of Easttown without first obtaining a sign permit in accordance with Article XIII, unless such sign is specifically exempt from the permit requirements.
§ 455-85 Structural requirements; maintenance.
A.
No sign or sign structure shall be erected unless it complies with all applicable requirements of the current Building Code used by the Township.
B.
All signs and sign structures shall be kept in good repair and in a presentable condition, such that all sign information is clearly legible. Any sign found to show deterioration, including rust, faded colors, discoloration, holes, and missing parts or information items, shall constitute a violation of this article.
C.
Permits are not required for changeable copy, repainting, cleaning, and other normal maintenance and repair of a sign, unless the sign structure, design, color, or lighting is altered.