Edgmont Township City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XXI
Signs
§ 365-143 Intent.
Edgmont Township recognizes that signs perform an important function in identifying properties, businesses, services, events and other matters of public interest. It is the intent of this article to:
A.
Set standards and provide controls that permit reasonable use of signs and enhance the character of the Township.
B.
Avoid excessive competition for large or multiple signs, so that permitted signs provide identification and direction while minimizing clutter, unsightliness, confusion, and hazardous distraction to motorists.
C.
Support the First Amendment rights of individuals and organizations.
§ 365-144 Definitions.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
A sign which was erected for a prior occupant or business, or any sign which relates to a time, event or purpose which is past.
A sign which relates to a permitted accessory use of the premises on which the sign is erected.
A sign that designates the street number and/or street name for identification purposes.
A sign or device designed to attract attention through movement or semblance of movement. See also "flashing sign."
A nonilluminated sign painted on or applied to an awning which is affixed to and projects from a building. An awning sign is considered a wall sign.
A sign consisting of lightweight, flexible material which is supported by a frame, rope, wires or other anchoring device.
As used in this article, the face of a building which fronts on a public street. In the case of a building which fronts on more than one public street, the building frontage is each face of the building fronting on a public street. In cases where a building does not front on a public street, the building frontage is the face of the building where the principal entrance to the building is located.
A sign designed to guide vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic.
A sign indicating that the premises are in the process of subdivision or land development.
A sign identifying the occupants of a building or tract. See also "freestanding sign."
A sign that has two identical surfaces, including content, that deviate no more than 30° from parallel.
A sign generally made of fabric and anchored or attached to a pole or staff along one edge and placed in or on the ground.
A sign which exhibits sudden or marked changes in effect. A sign that displays only time, date and/or temperature is not considered a flashing sign. See also "animated sign."
A sign and supporting structure that is secured in the ground and independent of any building, fence or other support.
A sign which is illuminated from a source outside of the sign.
A sign which is illuminated from a source within the sign.
A sign that is air-inflated, made of flexible fabric, resting on the ground or a structure and equipped with a blower motor that provides a constant flow of air to the device.
A sign designed to influence behavior, such as "Entrance," "Visitor's Parking," "Keep Off the Grass" and "No Trespassing."
A sign whose supporting structure is attached to an exterior light pole.
A sign attached to a marquee for the purpose of identifying a movie theater or similar place of entertainment. The sign may include changeable copy.
A plaque erected as a remembrance of a person or event, which does not include advertising.
An architectural structure designed for branding and providing sign area.
A sign indicating the name, occupation, and/or address of the occupants of the premises.
A sign lawfully existing at the time of the passage of the provisions of this chapter which does not conform to the requirements of this chapter.
A sign that directs attention to an activity not on the lot where the sign is located.
A sign erected by the state, county, Township, or other legally constituted governmental body; also including any sign required under federal, state or other law, code, rule or regulation, but only to the extent necessary to satisfy the minimum requirements of same.
A sign that directs attention to an activity on the lot where the sign is located.
A reusable, non-helium-filled balloon.
A sign which is to be displayed for an indefinite period of time. Not a temporary sign.
A sign designed to be transported. It includes sidewalk and A-frame signs. It does not include vehicle signs.
A sign which is attached directly and perpendicularly to a building.
As used in this article, any individual property or aggregation of properties forming a development, campus, park or center, whether or not in the same or separate ownership.
An on-premises sign indicating the sale, rental or lease of the premises.
A sign placed on or above the roof or parapet of a building.
A device or means for communication that is used to bring the subject to the attention of the public. Signs shall include, without limitation: lettering, logos, trademarks or other symbols which are an integral part of the architectural design of a building, which are affixed to a building, or which are located elsewhere on the premises; signs affixed to windows or glass doors or otherwise mounted such that they are obviously intended to be seen and understood by vehicular or pedestrian traffic outside the building; flags and insignia of civic, charitable religious, fraternal, patriotic or similar organizations; architectural features which may be identified with a particular business or activity; insignia of government or government agencies; banners, streamers, pennants, spinners, reflectors, ribbons, tinsel and similar materials and inflatable objects. Signs do not include signs within a building which are obviously intended to be seen primarily from within the building; flags of government or government agencies and displays of merchandise behind store windows.
The area of a sign includes all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background on which they are displayed but not including any supporting framework and bracing which are incidental to the display itself. Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached directly to a wall without a distinctive background, the area will be determined by calculating the smallest rectangle which encompasses all of the letters, symbols and spaces used for the sign, regardless of the actual shape created by the letters and symbols.
The distance from the surrounding grade to the highest part of a sign and its supporting structure, whichever is higher.
A sign required to be removed after a defined limited period of time.
A vehicle, trailer or similar device, with a sign(s) affixed thereto or painted thereon, and positioned in such a manner that the vehicle, trailer or device is used as a freestanding sign rather than its usual and customary purpose(s).
A sign posted on, suspended from, or otherwise affixed to a wall or vertical surface of the building in which the use is located.
A sign which is oriented to the public right-of-way or adjacent lot, is visible to persons in vehicles, and is located on or behind a window to direct attention to an activity conducted on the same lot.
§ 365-145 General sign regulations.
A.
The installation, erection and maintenance of any sign shall conform to the provisions of this article and any other ordinance or regulations of the Township. All signs not specifically authorized are prohibited.
C.
Erection of permanent signs. No permanent sign shall be displayed until a use and occupancy permit has been issued by the Township for at least one principal use.
D.
Removal of signs. When a sign is permanently removed, all associated sign structures must also be removed.
E.
Sign condition. Every sign permitted by this article must be constructed of durable materials, be firmly supported, and kept in good condition and repair.
F.
Street right-of-way. Only official signs can be located in a street right-of-way.
G.
Traffic interference. No sign shall be located so that it interferes with vehicular or pedestrian traffic or visibility.
H.
Nonconforming sign. If a nonconforming sign is destroyed, removed or abandoned, it shall be replaced only with a conforming sign. A nonconforming sign in continuous use may be painted, repaired (including lighting) and altered in its wording, provided such modifications do not exceed the dimensions of the existing sign. A nonconforming sign shall be removed upon the change of use of the property.
I.
Address identification. Every property with a freestanding sign must include the range of street numbers that the property encompasses on the sign. The area of the identification can be no larger than five square feet for a sign of 25 square feet or less and 10 square feet for a sign over 25 square feet. The height of the lettering may be no less than five inches. This area will not be used in calculating the size of the sign and this area may only be used for address identification.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
J.
Double-faced sign. A double-faced sign shall be considered one sign, and only one face will be used to calculate the total size of the sign. If the sign does not comply with the definition of a double-faced sign, it will be considered as two signs.
K.
Off-premises sign. Off-premises signs are permitted only in accordance with this article. (For outdoor advertising, refer to Article XXX.)
L.
Illuminated signs. Internally and externally illuminated signs may be permitted only as provided for herein in each specific district. The following regulations shall apply to all permitted illuminated signs.
(1)
Signs shall be designed, erected and maintained so that no direct or indirect light shines on abutting properties or in the normal line of vision of the public when using the streets.
(2)
Illuminated signs shall emit no more than 1/10 footcandle measured at the property line of any adjacent property in residential use.
(3)
No light source shall constitute a nuisance or safety hazard.
(4)
All illuminated signs shall be turned off 1/2 hour after closing of the business except for lights ancillary to the function of a vending machine which are not intended for advertising.
(5)
Internally illuminated digital signs shall provide automatic light output adjustment to minimize light output to necessary levels for the surrounding ambient light conditions.
M.
Freestanding signs. Such signs shall be permitted on the premises of the use for which they are intended and may be erected, provided that:
(1)
Changeable copy shall be permitted for a maximum of 75% of the total sign area for any freestanding sign. The copy may change up to four times in any twenty-four-hour period.
(2)
In the case where multiple businesses share a sign, the structural backing shall be uniform.
(3)
Except as originally permitted, no sign may extend, in any direction, beyond the outside edge of the backing.
N.
Wall and projecting signs. All permanent signs affixed to any permitted building shall complement the architectural design of the building on which they are placed.
(1)
Wall signs. Except for awning signs, a wall sign shall not project more than 15 inches from the wall or vertical surface to which it is attached.
(2)
Projecting signs. The sign shall project no more than four feet from the building facade. No part of the sign shall be less than seven feet nor more than 13 feet above the ground or walkway level.
O.
Accessory signs. Except as provided below, each individual nonresidential use may erect one accessory sign of no more than six square feet. The sign must be erected within five feet of the building.
P.
Circulation signs. Such signs shall not be used for the purpose of advertising and shall be subject to the approval of the Board of Supervisors under a land development or site circulation plan.
§ 365-146 Prohibited signs.
It is unlawful to erect or maintain the following signs:
A.
Abandoned signs.
B.
Animated signs.
C.
Any exterior sign which obstructs all or part of any window or door.
D.
Any sign that poses a safety hazard.
E.
Balloons, streamers, and the like.
F.
Banners across streets.
G.
Flashing signs.
H.
Inflatable signs.
I.
Roof signs.
J.
Signs attached to trees, shrubs, or other living vegetative matter.
K.
Signs attached to utility poles.
L.
Signs painted on a building or structure.
M.
Signs that make noise.
N.
Vehicle signs.
§ 365-147 Permits and exemptions.
A.
Except as otherwise provided in § 365-148B, no sign shall be erected, replaced, altered or structurally repaired in the Township unless and until a permit has been obtained.
(1)
A written application shall be submitted to the Township which describes full particulars regarding the size, shape, material and support of the sign as well as a sketch showing the location of the sign on the building or lot, the distance from the right-of-way line or lot line and the height of the sign. The application shall be sufficiently specific to enable the Edgmont Township Zoning Officer to determine if the sign complies with this chapter, as well as other ordinances or regulations. The fee for the permit, in accordance with the fee schedule established by the Township from time to time, must be submitted at the time of the application.
(2)
The application must be signed by the owner of the property on which the sign is to be erected.
B.
The following signs shall not require permits but shall still be subject to the general regulations of § 365-146 and the district in which they are located:
(1)
On-premises signs.
(a)
Properties in residential use.
[1]
Temporary signs. Signs erected and intended to be displayed for a limited or specific period of time, which shall not exceed six square feet and which shall not be displayed for more than 60 consecutive calendar days.
(b)
Properties in nonresidential use.
[1]
Temporary signs.
[a]
Window signs, provided that such signs:
[i]
Use the glass surface as part of the sign media.
[ii]
Cover less than 100% of the glass surface area of the window.
[iii]
Maintain sufficient areas of visibility into and out of the premises for the safety of the occupants, invitees and first responders.
[iv]
Shall not cover any door to the premises.
[b]
Light pole signs, provided that such signs:
[i]
Are displayed on existing light poles which are internal to the parcel.
[ii]
Are no larger than eight square feet.
[iii]
Are attached at the top and bottom of the sign.
[iv]
Do not create a hazardous condition or interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
[v]
Are limited to two per pole.
[vi]
May only be mounted on 1/2 of the number of light poles.
[vii]
Are removed when they become worn, frayed or faded so they are no longer legible.
[viii]
Shall not be displayed on light poles containing permanent balloons.
[c]
Permanent balloons, provided that they:
(2)
Off-premises signs.
(a)
Temporary signs. No more than four signs shall be erected which are intended to be displayed for a limited or specific period of time, which shall not exceed six square feet and which shall not be displayed for more than 90 consecutive calendar days.
(b)
Permanent signs. One memorial sign which does not exceed two square feet.
C.
The following signs shall require permits and shall be subject to the general regulations of § 365-146 and the district in which they are located:
(1)
On-premises signs:
(a)
Properties in nonresidential use.
[2]
Portable signs. Upon the issuance of a permit, signs may be erected which are intended to be displayed every day that the use is open for business, provided that:
§ 365-148 Permitted signs by zoning district.
A.
Residential districts. The following on-premises signs may be erected and maintained in the residential districts upon the issuance of a sign permit:
(1)
Wall signs. Each lawful nonresidential use shall be permitted one wall sign not to exceed 20 square feet.
(2)
Freestanding signs.
(a)
A residential development shall be permitted no more than two permanent signs not to exceed 24 square feet for a single sign or 16 square feet for each of two signs. The sign may only contain the name of the development.
(b)
Each property containing a lawful nonresidential use shall be permitted one freestanding sign not to exceed 20 square feet.
(c)
No freestanding sign shall be higher than eight feet.
(3)
Accessory signs. Accessory signs are permitted only on properties containing lawful nonresidential uses in accordance with § 365-146O.
(4)
Temporary and portable signs.
(a)
A residential subdivision or land development shall be permitted no more than one development sign per exclusive entrance to the subdivision or land development not to exceed 24 square feet which shall not be erected until the subdivision has been granted final plan approval by the Township. The sign must be removed no more than 30 days after the last lot is sold.
B.
Light Industrial District (LI). The following on-premises signs may be erected and maintained in the Light Industrial District upon the issuance of a sign permit:
(1)
Wall signs or projecting signs.
(a)
Each principal use shall be permitted:
[1]
One projecting sign not to exceed 24 square feet; or
[2]
Wall signage on the building frontage where the use is located, not to exceed 25 square feet. The size of the wall signage may be increased one square foot for each linear foot of building frontage occupied by the use over 40 feet, up to a maximum size of 80 square feet. The allowable sign size may be split into no more than four individual wall signs.
(2)
Freestanding signs.
(a)
Each property shall be permitted one freestanding sign not to exceed 20 square feet, provided that, in the event a property contains multiple uses, the total area of the sign may not exceed 40 square feet.
(b)
Each property, as defined in this article, with interior lots not containing public road frontage shall be permitted one development entrance sign not to exceed 20 square feet to be placed at the entrance. The sign may include only the name of the business center and the range of addresses that it encompasses.
(c)
Each property may have circulation sign(s) no larger than 10 square feet, internal to the property, and otherwise in accordance with § 365-146P.
(d)
No freestanding sign shall be higher than 13 feet.
(3)
Accessory signs. Accessory signs are permitted in accordance with § 365-146O.
(4)
Temporary and portable signs.
(a)
Each property shall be permitted one real estate sign not to exceed 20 square feet, which must be removed when the property is sold or rented, or when there are no available tenant spaces.
(b)
Each property under development may have one development sign not to exceed 24 square feet, which shall not be erected until final plan approval has been granted by the Township. The sign shall be removed within 12 months or upon erection of the permanent freestanding sign, whichever occurs first.
C.
Neighborhood Commercial (C-1). The following on-premises signs may be erected and maintained in the Neighborhood Commercial District upon the issuance of a sign permit:
(1)
Wall signs or projecting signs.
(a)
Each principal use shall be permitted:
[1]
One projecting sign not to exceed 24 square feet; or
[2]
One wall sign not to exceed 20 square feet. The size of the wall signage may be increased one square foot for each linear foot of building frontage occupied by the use over 20 feet, up to a maximum wall signage area of 50 square feet. The allowable sign size may be split into no more than four individual signs.
(2)
Freestanding signs.
(a)
Each property shall be permitted one freestanding sign not to exceed 20 square feet, provided that, in the event a property contains multiple uses, the total area of the sign may not exceed 40 square feet.
(b)
Each property may have circulation sign(s) no larger than 10 square feet, internal to the property, and otherwise in accordance with § 365-146P.
(c)
No freestanding sign shall be higher than 13 feet.
(3)
Accessory signs. Accessory signs are permitted in accordance with § 365-146O.
(4)
Temporary and portable signs.
(a)
Each property shall be permitted one real estate sign not to exceed 20 square feet, which must be removed when the property is sold or rented, or when there are no available tenant spaces.
(b)
Each property under development may have one development sign not to exceed 24 square feet, which shall not be erected until final plan approval has been granted by the Township. The sign shall be removed within 12 months or upon erection of the permanent freestanding sign, whichever occurs first.
D.
Highway Commercial District (C-2). The following on-premises signs may be erected and maintained in the Highway Commercial District upon the issuance of a sign permit:
(1)
Wall signs or projecting signs.
(a)
Each principal use shall be permitted:
[1]
One projecting sign not to exceed 24 square feet; or
[2]
Wall signage on the building frontage where the use is located, not to exceed 25 square feet. The size of the wall signage may be increased one square foot for each linear foot of building frontage occupied by the use over 40 feet, up to a maximum wall signage area of 100 square feet. The allowable sign size may be split into no more than four individual signs.
(2)
Freestanding signs.
(a)
Each property shall be permitted one freestanding sign not to exceed 25 square feet, provided that, in the event a property contains multiple uses, the total area of the sign may not exceed 50 square feet.
(b)
Each property may have circulation sign(s) no larger than 10 square feet, internal to the property and otherwise in accordance with § 365-146P.
(c)
No freestanding sign shall be higher than 15 feet.
(3)
Accessory signs. Accessory signs are permitted in accordance with § 365-146O.
(4)
Temporary and portable signs.
(a)
Each property shall be permitted one real estate sign not to exceed 20 square feet, which must be removed when the property is sold or rented or when there are no available tenant spaces.
(b)
Each property under development may have one development sign not to exceed 24 square feet, which shall not be erected until final plan approval has been granted by the Township. The sign shall be removed within 12 months or upon erection of the permanent freestanding sign, whichever occurs first.
E.
Planned Commercial/Light Industrial (C-3). The following on-premises signs may be erected and maintained in the Planned Commercial/Light Industrial District upon the issuance of a sign permit:
(1)
Wall signs. Each permitted use shall be allowed:
(a)
Wall signage not to exceed 45 square feet. The size of the wall signage may be increased one square foot for each linear foot of building frontage occupied by the use over 20 feet, up to a maximum wall signage area of 250 square feet. The allowable sign size may be split into no more than four individual signs. No individual sign may be larger than 150 square feet.
[1]
If the total linear footage of building frontage under § 365-149E(1)(a) exceeds 225 feet, an application for conditional use may be made to request larger signage area up to the size allowed under the formula, but in no case to exceed 500 square feet of total signage. No individual sign may be larger than 60% of the total allowed signage.
(b)
In addition to the above wall signs, an indoor theater shall be permitted to erect a marquee sign affixed to the building, not to exceed 160 square feet, for displaying the names of films being shown at the theater.
(2)
Freestanding signs.
(a)
Tract signage. Each tract shall be permitted not more than two monument signs, provided that:
[1]
A monument sign shall be located at an entrance road to the tract.
[2]
Each monument sign may consist of four sides, and each side shall be limited to 120 square feet.
[3]
Each monument sign shall not exceed 20 feet in height, and any area of lettering shall not exceed six feet in width.
[4]
The sign area for tract identification and related lettering and symbols shall be limited to 25% of the total square footage of the monument sign.
[5]
The monument sign shall not be located within 100 feet of any freestanding sign on the tract.
(b)
Shopping center signage.
[1]
Each shopping center is permitted one freestanding sign designating the name of the shopping center and one or more tenants, provided the sign does not exceed 100 square feet.
[a]
In the event that the shopping center has more than 800 feet of street frontage, then two signs may be erected, each of which may be no more than 100 square feet as long as the provisions of § 365-149E(2)(f) are met. The second sign need not contain the shopping center name.
[2]
The sign must be located on the lot containing the shopping center.
(d)
Each tract may have circulation sign(s) no larger than 10 square feet each, internal to the lot and otherwise in accordance with § 365-146P.
(e)
Except for monument signs, no freestanding sign shall be higher than 18 feet.
(f)
Except for monument signs, no freestanding sign shall be located within 200 feet of any other freestanding sign on the tract.
(g)
The location of all existing and proposed freestanding signs shall be shown on a sign plan. The location of any new sign must be approved by the Township prior to the issuance of a permit to erect the sign.
(3)
Accessory signs. Accessory signs are permitted in accordance with § 365-146O.
(4)
Temporary and portable signs.
(a)
Each tract shall be permitted one real estate sign not to exceed 24 square feet, which must be removed when the property is sold or rented or when there are no available tenant spaces.
(b)
Each lot under development may have one development sign not to exceed 24 square feet, which shall not be erected until final plan approval has been granted by the Township. The sign shall be removed within 12 months or upon erection of the permanent freestanding sign, whichever occurs first.
F.
Planned Office Center (POC). The following on-premises signs may be erected and maintained in the Planned Office Center District upon issuance of a sign permit:
(1)
Wall signs or projecting signs. Each principal use shall be permitted:
(a)
One projecting sign not to exceed 24 square feet; or
(b)
Wall signage on the building frontage where the use is located not to exceed 25 square feet. The size of the wall signage may be increased one square foot for each linear foot of building frontage occupied by the use over 40 feet, up to a maximum wall signage of 80 square feet. The allowable sign size may be split into no more than four individual signs.
(2)
Freestanding sign.
(a)
Each property shall be permitted one freestanding sign not to exceed 25 square feet, provided that in the event a property contains multiple uses the total area of the sign may not exceed 50 square feet, with no single use exceeding 25 square feet.
(b)
Each property may have circulation sign(s) no larger than 10 square feet and otherwise in accordance with § 365-146P.
(c)
Each property may have one directory sign no larger than 10 square feet.
(d)
No freestanding sign shall be higher than 15 feet.
(e)
Outdoor advertising pursuant to Article XV, § 365-101C(2).
(3)
Accessory signs. Accessory signs are permitted in accordance with § 365-146O.
(4)
Temporary and portable signs.
(a)
Each property shall be permitted one real estate sign not to exceed 20 square feet, which must be removed when the property is sold or rented, or when there are no available tenant spaces.
(b)
Each property under development may have one development sign not to exceed 24 square feet, which shall not be erected until final plan approval has been granted by the Township. The sign shall be removed within 12 months or upon erection of the permanent freestanding sign, whichever occurs first.
G.
Outdoor Recreation (OR). The following on-premises signs may be erected and maintained in the Outdoor Recreation District upon the issuance of a sign permit:
(1)
Freestanding signs.
(a)
A freestanding sign may not exceed 20 square feet for each exclusive entrance to said tract.
(b)
Signs naming an individual use within said recreational tract, such as trail signs, stables, picnic area or snack bar signs. The sign may not exceed six square feet and may not contain any advertising.
(c)
No freestanding sign shall be higher than 15 feet.