Folcroft City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XIV
Signs
§ 600-88 Purpose.
The purposes of this article are to provide for and regulate the types, dimensions, and other features of signs in Folcroft Borough, to recognize the commercial communication needs of the business community, to protect the public from damage or injury attributable to distractions and obstructions from improperly designed or located signs, to safeguard property values, and to assure that signs are consistent and harmonious in relation to the scale, appearance, and character of buildings and areas where they are located.
§ 600-89 Scope and applicability.
A.
Any sign hereafter erected shall conform to the provisions of this article and any other ordinance or regulations of the Borough relating thereto. Any sign not specifically authorized by the provisions of this article shall not be erected in the Borough.
C.
Application for such permits shall be made in writing to the Borough in accordance with § 600-97.
D.
The Zoning Officer or the Building Code Official is hereby authorized to revoke any permit issued by the Borough upon failure of the holder thereof to comply with any provision of this article.
§ 600-90 Determination of sign size.
A.
The size of any sign shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of this article and the following:
(1)
When a sign consists of letters, numbers, and/or logos and not a lettered board and such sign is erected on or attached to a building wall, pole, or other similar surface or support, the size of such sign shall be measured by the geometric shape formed by the extreme outside edge of the largest letters, numbers, or logos contained in the sign.
(2)
When a sign consists of a lettered board and such sign is erected on or attached to a building wall, pole, or other similar surface or support, the size of such sign shall be determined by calculating the area of the lettered board.
B.
The sign area for a sign with more than one face shall be computed by adding together the area of all sign faces visible from any one point. When two identical sign faces of the same sign structure are placed back to back so that both faces cannot be viewed from any point at the same time, and when such sign faces are not more than 42 inches apart, the sign area shall be computed by the measurement of one of these faces.
§ 600-91 Sign restrictions and standards.
A.
Prohibited signs. It is unlawful to erect or maintain the following signs:
(1)
Flashing, blinking, spinning, animated, inflatable, aerial, or lighted moving signs, including automatic color-changing and rotating lamps and other moving objects that call attention to the sign. The use of rotating searchlights for advertising is allowed, after obtaining a permit from the Borough.
(2)
Signs that display vulgar, indecent, or obscene advertising matter.
(3)
Advertising cloth or banner or signs of any similar character suspended or hung on any property.
(4)
Wall bulletins or any other signs painted directly on the facade of a building or other structure.
(5)
Curb or sidewalk signs or signs painted, attached, or suspended from any outdoor bench, chair, or similar structure.
(6)
Swinging and hanging signs.
(7)
Signs pasted, tied, pulled, or otherwise attached to a vehicle that refer to a business or activity unrelated to the purpose or activity for which the vehicle is used.
(8)
Signs placed, inscribed, or supported upon the roof line or any structure that extends above the roof line of any building.
(9)
Signs that state or imply that the property on which they are placed is used for purposes or activities not permitted by this chapter.
(10)
Neon signs.
B.
Standards and restrictions. The following standards and restrictions shall apply to all permitted signs:
(1)
General.
(a)
No sign shall be located, arranged, or placed in a position where it will cause danger to traffic or will interfere with traffic through glare; block required sight lines for streets, sidewalks, or driveways; or cause confusion with a traffic control device by reason of color, location, shape, or other characteristics.
(c)
Except for official/traffic, directional, and incidental signs, no sign shall be erected within the right-of-way lines of any public street except in the GB General Business District, nor shall any such sign be closer than six feet to the right-of-way line of a public street, unless specifically authorized by other ordinances and regulations of the Borough of Folcroft or other governmental bodies or agencies having jurisdiction or regulatory authority in the matter.
(d)
No illuminated sign shall be lighted on days when the business or permitted use is not open for business.
(e)
All signs must be constructed of durable materials and shall be solidly and firmly attached and/or anchored to its supports or framework.
(f)
All permanent signs over four square feet in size shall be constructed by a professional sign company.
(g)
Every sign must be kept in good condition and repair. Any sign that becomes dilapidated or abandoned shall be removed by or at the expense of the landowner or lessee of the property on which it is located.
(h)
Where applicable, the signage requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation shall be followed.
(i)
Except for official signs, incidental signs, directional signs, way-finding signs, or billboards, all permanent signs shall be located on the property to which the text or message applies.
(j)
Freestanding signs, canopy signs, and awning signs shall have a clearance of not less than eight feet between the ground and the bottom of the sign.
(k)
Where a business ceases to operate and vacates the premises, the owner/operator must remove all signs and sign structures within one year after ceasing business operations. However, the sign structure may remain if the owner or occupant can demonstrate that a subsequent owner or occupant will utilize a sign or sign structure.
(2)
Freestanding signs.
(a)
The bottom or lowest edge of any freestanding sign shall be no closer to the ground than eight feet, or six feet in residential districts. No more than two feet above the ground level can be devoted to and maintained for plantings. If such plantings are installed, they shall be maintained at the maximum height of two feet and shall be free of weeds, debris, and other undesirable material.
(b)
All single-post freestanding signs shall be made of metal, except for those used in residential districts, which may be made of pressure-treated timbers. All such posts shall be embedded in the ground at least three feet six inches unless otherwise directed by the Zoning Officer.
(c)
Freestanding signs will be permitted in residential areas only when set back a minimum distance of six feet behind the front property line, and no portion of such sign shall be less than six feet behind the front property line.
(d)
Freestanding signs in residential districts shall be illuminated only by concealed or indirect lighting.
(e)
There shall be a distance of not less than 100 feet between freestanding signs along the same road frontage.
(3)
Ground signs.
(a)
The top edge of a ground sign shall be a maximum of six feet above ground level.
(b)
Ground signs shall be supported and permanently placed by embedding, anchoring, or connecting the sign in such a manner as to incorporate it into the landscape or architectural design scheme.
(d)
Illumination shall be by concealed or indirect lighting.
(4)
Window signs. A maximum of 20% of the total window area may be used for permanent signs that are etched, painted, or permanently affixed to the window.
(5)
Temporary signs.
(b)
Temporary signs shall be placed so as not to obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic or create a safety hazard.
(c)
Such signs shall not obstruct access to or from any door, window, fire escape, or ventilating equipment, nor be attached to any standpipe or fire escape.
(d)
Temporary signs shall be removed immediately upon expiration of the permit.
(e)
The size of these signs shall not exceed 1/3 square foot of sign area for each linear foot of building width.
(f)
Temporary commercial advertising signs shall not be attached to fences.
§ 600-92 Signs not requiring permit.
The following signs are exempt from the need to secure a permit but are subject to all other applicable provisions of this article:
A.
Public notice, warning, or official/traffic sign required by a federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance.
B.
Any sign inside a building not attached to a window or door that is not legible from a distance of more than three feet beyond the lot line of the property on which such sign is located.
C.
Building markers that only include building name, date of construction, or historical data on an historical site, provided that there is only one per building with a maximum area of six square feet.
D.
Flags of the United States, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, foreign nations having diplomatic relations with the United States, or any other flag adopted or sanctioned by an elected legislative body of competent jurisdiction, provided that such flag does not exceed 60 square feet in area and shall be flown from a pole not more than 40 feet in height.
E.
Decorative flags, not exceeding 12 square feet.
F.
Incidental signs containing no commercial message of any kind, provided that such signs do not exceed eight square feet.
G.
Temporary window signs advertising the sale or price change of goods, provided that such signs do not exceed 50% of total window coverage and are arranged in such a manner as to not obstruct the view of goods and business activity being conducted inside.
H.
Signs advertising the sale or rental of the premises or lot upon which they are erected, provided that there is not more than one such sign per street frontage. Such sign shall be neither illuminated nor exceed eight square feet in residential districts and 32 square feet in nonresidential districts. All such signs shall be removed on or before the date of settlement.
I.
Signs advertising the development of the premises where they are erected. Such signs shall not exceed 16 square feet in residential districts and 40 square feet in nonresidential districts. All such signs shall be removed on or before the date of settlement.
J.
Nameplate signs on private residences, provided that they do not exceed 144 square inches.
K.
Decorations for a recognized, officially designated holiday, provided that they do not create a traffic or fire hazard.
L.
Yard sale or garage sale signs, provided that they do not exceed two square feet and are removed within 24 hours after such sales.
M.
Signs announcing educational, charitable, civic, religious, or similar campaigns or events, provided that such signs are erected for a period not to exceed 30 days or more than four times in any calendar year for a maximum annual total of 120 days. Such signs shall not exceed eight square feet.
N.
Changeable copy signs for churches, schools, and other uses which by their nature require changeable copy signs, provided that only one such sign shall be permitted. However, in the case of a corner property, one additional sign is permitted on the side of the property. The size of such signs shall not exceed 16 square feet.
O.
Directional signs.
P.
Freestanding signs of an official nature identifying a civic event.
Q.
Signs, letters, posters, and advertisements which are tacked, pasted, tied, or otherwise affixed to poles, posts, buildings, fences, bus shelters, or other structures located on public property or within public street lines. These signs shall be removed within 10 days of the event's end.
R.
A-frame, sandwich board, or similar temporary signs.
§ 600-93 Signs requiring permit.
The following signs, as described under each zoning district or group of districts, are permitted, provided that they meet the conditions in § 600-91 and a sign permit has been obtained in accordance with § 600-97:
A.
Signs in residential districts. The following types of signs that require a permit and no others shall be permitted in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 Residential Districts:
(1)
Identification signs for apartment buildings or complexes, residential developments, churches/religious uses, and similar permitted uses other than individual dwellings, provided that:
(2)
Signs identifying nonresidential uses permitted as valid nonconforming uses, provided that they meet the same requirements as A(1) above.
(4)
Signs in residential districts shall be harmonious with other signage, as well as consistent with the appearance of housing types and permitted uses in each respective district.
(5)
Signs identifying any home office or no-impact home-based business shall be freestanding, wall, or ground signs only. These signs shall be no larger than two square feet in size. The lowest edge of a freestanding sign shall not be more than six feet above the ground.
B.
Signs in the MC Municipal Center District. The following types of signs that require a permit and no others shall be permitted in the MC Municipal Center District, subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Wall, awning, freestanding, and ground signs.
(2)
Wall signs that identify the primary use of a principal building shall not exceed one square foot for each foot of building width.
(3)
There shall not be more than one wall sign for each street frontage. However, should the frontage be greater than 100 feet, two signs may be permitted. In this case, a special exception shall be required.
(4)
In cases where multiple tenants or uses are in one building, a wall sign shall be permitted for each use, provided that the sign area does not exceed 10 square feet.
(6)
Freestanding or ground signs identifying the permitted uses in the MC District shall be permitted only along exterior roads.
(7)
Only one freestanding or ground sign that shall not exceed 25 square feet shall be allowed along each exterior road.
(8)
Any illuminated sign shall be lit using internal or external white light only.
(9)
Signs in the MC District shall reflect and be consistent with the character and appearance of buildings.
C.
Signs in the RS Retail Service and GB General Business Districts. The following signs that require a permit and no others shall be permitted in the RS Retail Service and GB General Business Districts, subject to the following requirements:
(1)
Any sign permitted in a residential district with the requirements in that district, as noted in § 600-93A.
(2)
Wall, awning, window, freestanding, and ground signs.
(3)
There shall not be more than one wall sign for each frontage. However, for buildings that have a front width of 100 feet or more, two wall signs shall be permitted at that frontage. In this case, a special exception shall be required.
(4)
The size of wall signs in the GB District shall not exceed one square foot of sign area for each linear foot of building width.
(5)
The size of wall signs in the RS District shall not exceed 3/4 square foot of sign area for each linear foot of building width.
(6)
On corner lots, signs fronting on side streets along the long side of a building shall not exceed 1/2 square foot of sign area for each linear foot of building width. However, where the side street is an arterial street, the size of the wall sign shall be the same as on the front street.
(8)
The awning or canopy on which a canopy or awning sign is depicted or placed shall not extend more than five feet from the front wall of the building.
(9)
Where there is a business or professional office on the second floor, one additional wall sign not greater than eight square feet shall be permitted. Such signs shall be located on the second story.
(10)
Wall or window signs identifying apartment space above the first floor shall be permitted in addition to the principal wall sign permitted. Such additional wall or window sign shall not exceed six square feet.
(11)
Freestanding or ground signs that advertise a business shall not exceed 20 square feet in the GB District and 15 square feet in the RS District.
(12)
Any illuminated sign shall be lit by any means other than neon.
D.
Signs in the LIB Light Industrial/Business Park and LIB-A Light Industrial/Business Park-A Districts. The following signs that require a permit and no others shall be permitted in the LIB Light Industrial/Business Park and LIB-A Light Industrial/Business Park-A Districts, subject to the following requirements:
(1)
Wall, awning, freestanding, and ground signs.
(2)
Not more than one wall sign shall be permitted for each establishment frontage. However, for businesses that have a front width of 100 feet or more, two wall signs shall be permitted at that frontage. In this case, a special exception shall be required.
(3)
Wall signs identifying individual businesses that occupy an entire principal building shall not exceed 1/2 square foot of sign area for each linear foot of frontage of the establishment.
(4)
Wall signs identifying individual establishments that occupy a portion of an entire principal building on a tract shall not exceed 1/2 square foot of sign area for each linear foot of frontage of the business or establishment.
(5)
Wall signs shall not be placed within one foot of the edge of the front wall of the building.
(7)
One freestanding or ground sign identifying the entire light industrial/business park shall be permitted at each principal exterior road. The size of such freestanding or ground sign shall not exceed 60 square feet; provided, however, that if there are two entrances on a principal exterior road to the park, both may be marked by freestanding/ground signs so long as the total square footage of both signs does not exceed 60 square feet and the signs are not placed within 100 feet of each other.
(8)
Individual buildings within the business park may be identified on the same sign structure as that listing the name of the light industrial/business park.
(9)
Freestanding signs or ground signs identifying the building and/or individual businesses on a tract shall be permitted within the respective tract or lot. Such signs shall be placed behind the right-of-way line. Only one such freestanding or ground sign shall be permitted for each entrance to the tract of land on which a building is located, if such entrances are from different roads. The size of such interior, freestanding, or ground sign(s) shall not exceed 40 square feet; provided, however, that if there are two entrances to a tract of land on which a building is located, a freestanding/ground sign may mark both, so long as the total square footage of the signs does not exceed 40 square feet.
(10)
All signs within a business in an industrial park in the LIB and LIB-A Districts shall be consistent in design and appearance with the other signs in the same park and, to the extent possible, shall be in harmony with the signs on adjoining lots or parks.
E.
Signs in the OSR Open Space/Refuge District. The following signs that require a permit and no others shall be permitted in the OSR Open Space/Refuge District, subject to the following requirements:
(1)
Wall, freestanding, and ground signs.
(2)
Not more than one wall sign shall be permitted for each building frontage.
(3)
Such wall signs shall not exceed 1/2 square foot of sign area for each linear foot of building frontage.
(4)
Freestanding or ground signs shall not exceed 12 square feet.
(5)
All signs in the OSR District shall be harmonious and consistent with the natural features of the area and any new buildings that may be erected.
F.
Signs in the TOD Transit-Oriented Development Overlay District. The following signs that require a permit and no others shall be permitted in the TOD Transit-Oriented Development District, subject to the following requirements:
(1)
Permitted signs shall include only wall, canopy, freestanding, and ground signs.
(2)
Wall signs identifying individual nonresidential establishments may be placed on not more than two sides of a principal building.
(3)
The size of such wall signs identifying an individual nonresidential establishment shall not exceed 1/2 square foot of sign area for each foot of establishment frontage.
(4)
Wall signs identifying individual residential developments shall not exceed 1/2 square foot of sign area for each linear foot of establishment frontage.
(5)
Wall or window signs identifying apartment space and residential establishments above the first floor shall be permitted in addition to the principal wall sign permitted. Such additional wall or window signs shall not exceed six square feet.
(7)
Not more than one freestanding or ground sign identifying an overall TOD shall be placed along each exterior roadway frontage.
(8)
The size of such freestanding or ground sign shall not exceed 50 square feet; however, signs identifying individual establishments may be placed on the freestanding sign structure. These signs identifying the establishments shall be not larger than 10 square feet each. This area for the individual establishments shall be in addition to the size allotted for identifying the development.
(9)
Freestanding or ground signs identifying uses contained within the TOD shall be permitted along interior roads. Such signs shall be placed behind the right-of-way line. Only one such freestanding or ground sign shall be permitted for each respective building within the TOD.
(10)
The size of such interior freestanding or ground sign(s) shall not exceed 30 square feet.
(11)
Signs in the TOD District shall be harmonious with other signage, as well as consistent with the appearance of housing types, permitted uses, and group development allowed in the district.
§ 600-94 Billboards.
A.
Billboards shall be permitted along Chester Pike in the GB General Business District only.
B.
No billboard shall be erected within 200 feet of another billboard.
C.
The maximum size of billboards shall be 100 square feet.
D.
The minimum distance from a street right-of-way shall be 30 feet.
E.
No billboard shall be placed in a location where it will obscure the vision of motorists and thereby create a safety hazard.
F.
The height of any billboard shall not exceed 50 feet.
G.
Billboards shall be illuminated with external base lighting only.
I.
Where a billboard contains no message for a period of 60 consecutive days, the Zoning Officer shall forward a notice to the owner of the sign advising the owner of the unused status of the structure. The owner shall be required to remove the sign and sign structure, provided that no advertising message is placed thereon within 180 days from the original notice.
§ 600-95 Nonconforming signs.
Signs that are nonconforming or that identify nonconforming uses shall be governed by the following requirements:
A.
A sign which is nonconforming at the effective date of this chapter may be continued although such sign does not conform with the provisions of this chapter, but the size of any such nonconforming sign shall not be enlarged, except as permitted in § 600-153.
B.
A nonconforming sign may be changed to or replaced by another nonconforming sign, provided that the degree of nonconformity is not greater than that of the original sign. Whenever a nonconforming sign has been changed to a more restricted nonconforming sign, such sign shall not thereafter be changed to a less restricted nonconforming sign.
C.
When the name of an establishment is changed, any nonconforming sign at such establishment must be removed, and any new sign must conform to the provisions of this chapter.
D.
A nonconforming sign which has been damaged more than 50% of its value or has been removed or discontinued for 90 days shall not be repaired, rebuilt, or replaced except as a conforming sign.
E.
If a nonconforming use of a building ceases or is discontinued for a continuous period of one year or more and such nonconforming use is deemed to be abandoned as per § 600-156 of this chapter, any nonconforming sign on the premises shall also be considered abandoned, and any subsequent signs erected or maintained on the premises shall be in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.
§ 600-96 Amortization of nonconforming signs.
A.
Temporary, movable freestanding signs, banners, pennants, and similar types of signs shall be abated, removed, or brought into compliance within 90 days after enactment of this chapter.
B.
Signs painted on walks, fences, or benches shall be removed, abated, or brought into compliance within one year after enactment of this chapter.
C.
Wall and projecting signs shall be removed, abated, or brought into compliance within five years after the enactment of this chapter.
§ 600-97 Permits and inspections.
A.
Except as otherwise provided in § 600-92 relating to exempt signs, no sign shall be erected in the Borough until a permit therefor has been obtained in the following manner:
(1)
Applications in writing for proposed signs shall be submitted to the Zoning Officer (ZO) by the person/entity desiring the permit. The ZO shall then have the option of referring the permit request to the Planning Commission for its evaluation as to whether the proposed sign complies with the purposes of the district where the sign is located and the most recently adopted community development objectives for Folcroft Borough. The ZO or Planning Commission may offer suggestions to modify the proposed sign so that it is in accordance with the goals for the district in question as well as those as noted in the community development objectives.
(2)
The application submitted to the ZO shall give full particulars regarding the size, shape, material, and supports of the sign, as well as a sketch or sketches showing the location of the sign on the building or lot, the distance from the curbline, and the height of the sign. The application shall be sufficiently specific to enable the ZO to determine if the sign complies with this chapter as well as any other ordinance or regulation of the Borough relating thereto. A fee as Borough Council may establish from time to time by resolution shall accompany such application.
B.
Whenever any sign or sign face is replaced by another sign, enlarged in any manner, or altered, dismantled, damaged, or otherwise destroyed, a permit shall be required as provided in Subsection A above before the sign is replaced, enlarged, altered, or repaired.
C.
If the ZO or Building Code Official shall find that any sign or other advertising structure regulated herein is unsafe or insecure or is a menace to the public or has been constructed or erected or is being maintained in violation of the provisions of this chapter, he shall give written notice thereof to the permittee. If the permittee fails to remove or alter the structure so as to comply with the standards set forth herein within 10 days after such notice, such sign or other advertising structure may be removed or altered to comply by the ZO at the expense of the permittee or owner of the property upon which it is located. The ZO shall refuse to issue a permit to any permittee or owner who refuses to pay costs so assessed. The ZO may cause any sign or other advertising structure that causes immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.
D.
The ZO may cause a routine inspection of all signs in the Borough to be made at least once every three years and at any other times when he deems such inspection necessary. At intervals determined by Council, the ZO or Building Code Official shall conduct a thorough inspection of signs to determine the signs' conformity with the provisions of this article. All fees for sign permits shall be paid by the individual requesting the permit and shall be determined by Borough Council.