Fairfield City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XIV
SIGNS
§ 14-1400 Statement of Legislative Intent.
[Ord. No. 08-01-2024, 8/27/2024]
In expansion of the Objectives in Article I of this Ordinance, it is hereby declared to be the intent of this Section to place standards on the erection and maintenance of signs within the Borough of Fairfield. Furthermore, it is the intent of this Section to:
A.
Maintain and enhance the aesthetic qualities of the historic, mixed-use core of Fairfield by requiring signs to be designed using sizes, shapes, colors, and styles that are complimentary to the historic character of the Fairfield Historic District, and that are appropriate for the architectural style and period of the historic building at which it is located.
B.
Allow signs in all Zoning Districts that balance the needs of individual landowners with the desire of the community to perpetuate an attractive, livable environment.
C.
Maintain adequate traffic safety standards by minimizing the negative sensory impacts of excessive signage as well as minimizing signage conflicts with necessary traffic control signs and equipment.
D.
Encourage signage that will meet the needs of pedestrians and occupants of moving vehicles traveling at speeds of twenty (20) to thirty (30) miles per hour.
§ 14-1401 Sign Regulations.
[Ord. No. 08-01-2024, 8/27/2024]
A.
General Regulations: The following regulations shall govern signs in all districts.
1.
No sign shall be erected, enlarged, or relocated until a Zoning Permit for doing so has been issued by the Zoning Officer, or unless specifically exempted from permitting by § 14-1401.B. Applications shall be on forms provided by the Borough. All applications shall include a scale drawing specifying dimensions, materials, illumination, letter sizes, colors, location on land or buildings, means of installation on land or building, and all other relevant information.
2.
Signs, and the structure and equipment used in the erection and/or installation of such signs, shall be comprised of durable materials requiring little maintenance. All signs shall be permanently affixed to the ground or building, as appropriate, using generally accepted construction practices.
4.
Signs may be illuminated in accordance with the following standards.
a.
Where sign illumination is limited in this Ordinance to external illumination, the following types of external illumination may be authorized.
(1)
External Lights: The light source may be one (1) or more external lights for each sign face. External lights shall be located within a light fixture located apart from the sign face, with the light fixture aimed at the sign face. External lights shall be shielded by a vegetative screen or a fixture surrounding the light source that directs the light to the sign face rather than towards pedestrian sidewalks, street rights-of-way, or adjoining properties.
(2)
Strings of Lights: The light source may be one (1) or more strings of lights where specifically authorized for specific signs. Strings of lights shall be mounted on the sign face itself in a manner where the strings of lights highlight the edge or frame surrounding the sign face. Use of strings of lights within the interior of the sign face, or in a manner that the arrangement of strings of lights form the content or message of the sign face, shall not be authorized. Neon lights and neon flux tubes (flexible neon lights) shall not be authorized for use as a string of lights in accordance with this Section.
b.
Where sign illumination is not limited in this Ordinance to external illumination, the sign may employ internal illumination.
5.
Official Street Address Signs: Every owner of an improved property within the Borough of Fairfield shall be required to post the official street address for that property in accordance with the following requirements.
a.
Every owner of an improved property, having one (1) or more residential or nonresidential uses, shall obtain from the Mapping Division of the Adams County Tax Services Office, the assigned street address for every use and/or dwelling unit on the property.
b.
The street address number shall be permanently affixed to the mailbox for the property or, where no mailbox is available, to the door providing primary access to the use or dwelling unit, to the wall immediately adjacent to the primary access door, or to a porch post in close proximity to the primary access door. Where the door providing primary access to the use or dwelling unit does not face the street to which the dwelling or use is addressed, the street address number may be affixed to the front of the building housing the dwelling or use. In addition, the street address number shall meet the following requirements:
(1)
The street address number shall either be painted or pre-formed numbers and shall be affixed to the mailbox or building, as appropriate.
(2)
The street address number shall be a minimum height of three (3) inches.
(3)
The street address number shall be of a contrasting color to the mailbox or building, as appropriate.
(4)
The street address number shall be easily read from a distance of twenty (20) feet at all times, and shall be free from obstructions including, but not limited to, the mailbox flag, newspaper holders, bushes, shrubs, and trees.
(5)
The street address number shall be maintained, repaired, and replaced as necessary to conform to the requirements of this Section.
6.
Any sign associated with a business or organization which is either defunct or no longer located on the premises is not permitted. Such signs shall be removed within thirty (30) days of the cessation of the use on the property.
7.
No sign shall be attached to or placed on a public utility pole or tree located within any public right-of-way.
B.
Signs Exempt from Permitting: The following types of signs are exempted from the permitting requirements of this Ordinance, provided the sign meets all other applicable sections of this Section.
1.
Official street and traffic signs and any other signs required by law.
3.
Temporary, non-illuminated real estate signs advertising the sale or rental of the premises.
a.
The maximum area on any side of the sign shall not exceed six (6) square feet.
b.
The total area of all sides of the sign shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet.
c.
Not more than one (1) sign is placed on a property under single ownership.
d.
The sign shall be removed not more than five (5) business days following the sale or rental of the premises.
4.
Temporary, non-illuminated signs of contractors, painters, or similar artisans, erected on the premises where the work is being performed.
a.
The maximum area of any one side of the sign shall not exceed eight (8) square feet.
b.
The total area of all sides of the sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet.
c.
Not more than one (1) such sign for each contractor, painter, or similar artisan shall be erected on any property under single ownership.
d.
The sign shall be removed within one (1) day of the completion of the work.
7.
Legal notices, identification, informational, or directional signs erected or required by governmental bodies.
8.
Official street address signs, in accordance with the requirements of § 14-1401.A.5.
C.
Prohibited Signs: The following types of signs and/or sign design features are prohibited in all districts.
1.
Flashing signs.
2.
Flashing and/or rotation lights.
3.
Signs using the words "stop," "caution," or "danger." Signs using red, yellow, and/or green lights resembling traffic signals. Signs that resemble traffic control signs in terms of size, shape, or color.
4.
Revolving, rotating, wind or blown air activated, or otherwise moving signs.
5.
Animated signs.
6.
Changeable copy signs except when copy is changed manually.
7.
Electronic Message Center signs.
8.
Portable signs, whether mounted on a trailer, vehicle, temporary base, or similar such device. A vehicle, painted or decorated so as to display an advertising or related message, and parked in a visible location, shall be considered a moveable sign.
9.
Roof signs.
10.
Streamers, pennants, inflatable, or lighter than air signs.
11.
Neon signs or signs made from neon flux tubes (flexible neon lights).
D.
Signs Permitted in All Districts: The following types of signs are permitted in all districts.
1.
Off-Premises Directional Signs.
a.
The maximum area of any one side of a sign shall not exceed ten (10) square feet.
b.
The total area of the sign shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet.
c.
The maximum height of the sign shall not exceed ten (10) feet.
d.
Sign illumination shall be limited to external illumination in accordance with § 14-1401.A.4.a.
e.
If three (3) or more off-premises directional signs are proposed on the same property, the Borough may require the consolidation of the individual signs on a single off-premises directional sign. Compatibly designed business logos will be required. In addition, the following size requirements shall be required.
f.
Where the applicant for an off-premises directional sign does not own the property where said sign is proposed, the property owner shall be a co-applicant for the Zoning Permit necessary to authorize said sign.
2.
Institutional Signs.
a.
Not more than two (2) signs shall be erected on a property, unless such property fronts on more than one (1) street, in which event two (2) signs may be erected on each frontage.
b.
Signs for emergency service uses may be comprised of wall signs, freestanding signs, or a combination of wall signs and freestanding signs.
c.
When two (2) signs are proposed along any one (1) street, one (1) sign shall be a wall sign, and one (1) sign shall be a freestanding sign.
d.
The maximum area of any one (1) side of the sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet.
e.
The maximum area of all sides of the sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.
f.
Sign illumination shall be limited to external illumination in accordance with § 14-1401.A.4.a of this Ordinance.
3.
Emergency Services Signs.
a.
Not more than two (2) signs shall be erected on a property, unless such property fronts on more than one (1) street, in which event two (2) signs may be erected on each frontage.
b.
Signs for emergency service uses may be comprised of wall signs, freestanding signs, or a combination of wall signs and freestanding signs.
c.
The maximum area of any one (1) side of a freestanding sign shall not exceed eighteen (18) square feet.
d.
The maximum area of all sides of a freestanding sign shall not exceed thirty-six (36) square feet.
e.
The maximum area of a wall sign shall not exceed thirty-six (36) square feet.
f.
Sign illumination may be provided by internal illumination or external illumination, in accordance with the provisions of § 14-1401.A.4.a.
4.
Community Welcome Signs.
5.
Temporary, Non-Illuminated Banner Signs: Signs used by a business, recreational, civic, religious, charitable, or similar organization during a special event in accordance with the following.
a.
Temporary banner signs shall be displayed no more than thirty (30) days prior to the event and shall be removed no later than three (3) days following the event.
b.
Temporary banner signs shall be limited to a maximum sign area of fifty (50) square feet per sign face.
c.
Where a temporary banner sign is proposed on a property other than the property of the organization sponsoring the special event, written authorization of the property owner shall be provided.
d.
Where a special event is conducted on a recurring basis, authorization for the use of temporary banner sign(s) shall be extended to each recurring special event provided that the same sign scheme (including, but not necessarily limited to, sign size, sign location, etc.) is employed for each special event.
e.
A maximum of four (4) recurring special events per calendar year may be covered by a single temporary banner sign authorization. Where said special event(s) is (are) conducted annually, the original temporary banner sign authorization shall be extended to subsequent years, provided that adherence to the standards of § 14-1401.D.5 is maintained.
6.
Window Signs as accessory signs to a nonresidential principal use.
a.
Window signs shall not cover or obstruct more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the surface area of any window. Temporary window signs advertising a special event sponsored by a recreation, civic, religious, charitable, or similar community organization shall be excluded from the twenty-five percent (25%) window surface area calculation.
b.
Window signs shall only be permitted to be used in windows facing a public street, excluding alleys, and on the first floor of a building. Nonresidential uses located exclusively on the second floor or above in a building shall be exempted from the first floor limitation.
c.
Window signs shall be non-illuminated. Window signs indicating whether a nonresidential use is open or closed shall be exempted from the non-illuminated limitation provided that such sign does not exceed two (2) square feet and complies with all other applicable requirements of this Ordinance.
d.
A Zoning Permit shall be required for the initial application of window signs on a property. The Zoning Permit application shall include a calculation of the maximum window sign area allocated to each eligible window. Approval of the Zoning Permit application by the Zoning Officer shall authorize the applicant to apply window signs up to the maximum calculated window sign area for each window whether or not such application of maximum sign area is initially proposed. The applicant shall not be required to apply for additional permitting when additional window signs up to the maximum window sign area per eligible window are applied or when individual window signs are replaced.
E.
Signs Permitted in Residential Districts: Within the Low Density Residential (LR) and the Moderate Density Residential (MR) Districts, the following sign regulations shall apply.
1.
Signs for a Home Occupation are permitted, provided that the following requirements are met.
2.
Signs located at the entrance of a residential development are permitted, provided that the following requirements are met.
a.
One (1) monument sign may be located at the main entrance to the residential development, in accordance with the following requirements:
b.
One (1) monument sign may be located at each secondary entrance to the residential development, in accordance with the following requirements.
c.
All signs associated with a residential development shall be located in a landscaped setting. Acceptable landscaping materials include grass, mulch, shrubs, and trees. A landscaping sketch shall accompany the sign permit application.
3.
Signs identifying an Adaptive Re-use of an Industrial Structure project are permitted in accordance with the following.
a.
One (1) freestanding directory sign, identifying the use or uses occupying the structure, is permitted.
b.
The directory sign shall have no more than two (2) sides.
c.
The directory sign shall be no more than six (6) feet in height. The total sign area shall conform to the standards established by § 14-1401.F.1.
4.
Signs permitted in all districts in accordance with § 14-1401.D are permitted within the LR and MR Districts in addition to those signs permitted herein.
5.
Sign illumination shall be limited to external illumination in accordance with § 14-1401.A.4.a.
F.
Signs Permitted in the Highway Commercial (HC) District: Within the Highway Commercial (HC) District, the following sign regulations shall apply.
1.
One (1) principal sign shall be permitted on the same lot as a single business to which the sign refers, provided that the following requirements are met.
a.
The maximum area of any one (1) side of the sign shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet.
b.
The total area of the sign shall not exceed forty (40) square feet.
c.
The maximum height of any free-standing sign shall not exceed fifteen (15) feet.
d.
The total area of the sign for a commercial property may be increased by twenty percent (20%) if the applicant chooses to use a wall sign.
e.
Any free-standing sign proposed for a commercial use in operation prior to the enactment of this Ordinance shall be located in a landscaped setting. Acceptable landscaping materials include grass, mulch, shrubs, and trees. A landscaping sketch shall accompany the sign permit application.
f.
Any free-standing sign proposed for a commercial use, developed in accordance with § 14-1401.F.1, shall be incorporated into the landscaping required for the site.
g.
Where a single business has frontage on two (2) public streets, one (1) principal sign may be located along each public street, provided that both signs meet the requirements of § 14-1401.F.1.
2.
Signs within a Shopping Center shall meet the following requirements.
a.
A free-standing sign shall be permitted as a principal sign on the same lot as a Shopping Center provided that the following requirements are met.
(1)
The maximum area of any one (1) side of the sign shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet.
(2)
The total area of the sign shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet.
(3)
The sign shall be located no less than twenty (20) feet from the adjoining road right-of-way.
(4)
The sign shall be incorporated into the landscaping required for the site.
b.
One (1) wall sign may be erected as a principal sign for each individual establishment located within the Shopping Center, provided that the following requirements are met.
3.
Where a nonresidential use is affiliated with a national or regional chain, product line, or association, one accessory, non-illuminated window sign or wall sign may be permitted for each such affiliation in addition to the principal sign authorized by Sections 1401.F.1 or § 14-1401.F.2.b, as appropriate, provided that the total area of the sign does not exceed four (4) square feet.
4.
Signs permitted in all districts in accordance with § 14-1401.D are permitted within the HC District in addition to those signs permitted herein.
5.
Sign illumination may be either internal illumination or external illumination. Where external illumination is proposed, sign illumination shall be limited to external illumination in accordance with § 14-1401.A.4.a.
G.
Signs Permitted in the Village Core (VC) District. Within the Village Core (VC) District, the following sign regulations shall apply.
1.
A maximum of one (1) principal sign shall be permitted for nonresidential use(s) of a building, provided that the following requirements are met.
a.
The maximum area of any one (1) side of a principal freestanding or projecting sign shall be based on the number of nonresidential uses within the building and shall comply with the following table.
Number of Uses | Area/Side of Sign |
|---|---|
One (1) | Twelve (12) square feet |
Two (2) for a mixed-use building | Fifteen (15) square feet |
Three (3) or more for a mixed-use building | Eighteen (18) square feet |
b.
The total area of all sides of a principal freestanding or projecting sign shall be based on the number of nonresidential uses within the building and shall comply with the following table.
Number of Uses | Area/Side of Sign |
|---|---|
One (1) | Twenty-four (24) square feet |
Two (2) for a mixed-use building | Thirty (30) square feet |
Three (3) or more for a mixed-use building | Thirty-six (36) square feet |
c.
Where a wall sign is proposed as a principal sign, the maximum area of the wall sign shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet regardless of the number of nonresidential uses within the building.
d.
Where two (2) or more uses in a mixed-use building are proposed, allocation of principal sign area to each use shall be at the discretion of the applicant, provided that no single use shall be allocated less than twenty percent (20%) of the proposed principal sign area.
e.
Projecting signs placed above public sidewalks, driveways, or walkways shall be located so as to provide for eight (8) feet of clearance beneath the sign. Such projecting signs shall not exceed twelve (12) feet in height.
f.
The design and appearance of all principal signs within the VC District shall be reviewed by the Fairfield Borough Historic and Architectural Review Board (HARB) for a certificate of appropriateness in accordance with accepted HARB guidelines and standards. Issuance of a certificate of appropriateness shall occur before any Zoning Permit authorizing the erection of a principal sign is issued.
g.
Sign illumination shall be limited to external illumination in accordance with § 14-1401.A.4.a. Within the VC District, external illumination using one (1) or more strings of lights may be authorized for wall signs.
h.
Where the property is located at the intersection of two (2) public streets, one (1) principal sign may be erected along each street; provided, that both principal signs meet the regulations of this Section.
2.
Where a nonresidential use is affiliated with a national or regional chain, product line, or association, one accessory, non-illuminated window sign or wall sign may be permitted for each such affiliation in addition to the principal sign authorized by § 14-1401.G.1, provided that the total area of the sign does not exceed four (4) square feet.
3.
One (1) sandwich board sign may be authorized as a non-illuminated accessory sign for each nonresidential use of property, provided the following standards are met.
a.
The maximum area of any one side of a sandwich board sign shall not exceed eight (8) square feet.
b.
The total area of all sides of a sandwich board sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet.
c.
The maximum height of a sandwich board sign shall not exceed four (4) feet.
d.
Sandwich board signs may be placed within public sidewalks. However, sandwich board signs may not be placed in such a location that limits or prevents public use of the sidewalk. A minimum of five (5) feet of sidewalk width shall be retained to allow for wheelchair and/or handicapped accessible access.
e.
Sandwich board signs shall be placed no earlier than the start of the advertised business day, and shall be removed at the end of the advertised business day. In no event may sandwich board signs be permitted to remain situated twenty-four (24) hours per day.
4.
One (1) decorative flag may be displayed as a non-illuminated accessory sign during advertised business hours. The flag must be removed during nonbusiness hours. Where the decorative flag is displayed over a sidewalk within the public right-of-way, such decorative flag shall be installed in a manner so as to provide at least seven (7) feet of clearance between the flag and the sidewalk.
5.
Signs permitted in all districts in accordance with § 14-1401.D are permitted within the VC District in addition to those signs permitted herein.
H.
Signs Permitted in the Commercial/Industrial (CI) District: Within the Commercial Industrial (CI) District, the following sign regulations shall apply.
1.
One (1) principal sign shall be permitted on the same lot as the principal use of the property, provided that the following requirements are met.
2.
One (1) monument sign may be erected as an accessory sign at each entrance and/or exit to or from a public road, provided that the following requirements are met.
4.
Billboards are permitted, provided the following standards are met.
a.
The maximum area of any one (1) side of the billboard shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet.
b.
The total area of the billboard shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet.
c.
The maximum height of the billboard shall not exceed twenty (20) feet.
d.
The billboard shall be located a minimum of two hundred (200) feet from any residentially used property or residentially zoned property.
e.
Billboard sign illumination shall be limited to external illumination in accordance with § 14-1401.A.4.a.
5.
Signs permitted in all districts in accordance with § 14-1401.D are permitted within the CI District in addition to those signs permitted herein.
6.
Unless otherwise regulated by this Section, sign illumination may be either internal illumination or external illumination. Where external illumination is proposed, sign illumination shall be limited to external illumination in accordance with § 14-1401.A.4.a.