Forks Township City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VIII
Signs
§ 200-42 Applicability; purpose.
A.
In all zoning districts, signs may be erected, altered, maintained, used, removed or moved, only when in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and any other applicable ordinances and regulations.
B.
In addition to serving the overall objectives of this chapter, this article is intended to allow appropriate advertising of businesses and other activities, while balancing this need with protecting the community appearance by regulating the size, location, and type of signs used. Signs should be designed to be compatible with the rural/suburban nature of the community. This article is also intended to: promote and maintain overall community aesthetic quality, establish reasonable time, place and manner of regulations for the exercise of free speech, without regulating content (excepting obscenity that is prohibited by state law or language that incites violence); promote traffic safety by avoiding distractions and sight distance obstructions; and protect property values and ensure compatibility with the character of neighboring uses.
C.
When an application is made for a zoning variance for signs, both the owner of the property and the primary entity that will use the sign shall be considered applicants.
§ 200-43 Definitions; sign types; area determinations; illumination.
A.
Sign. A "sign" is defined as any billboard, signboard, lettering, or other advertising device with the purpose in mind of drawing attention to the person, product, service, premises, business, residence, location, event, organization or notice described thereon. For the purposes of this chapter, the term "sign" does not include mailboxes, names of occupants, other identifications not having commercial connotation, flags not having commercial connotations, insignias of governments, legal notices, signs giving direction or information required by government bodies, or signs directing or guiding traffic and parking without the use of advertising material. The term "sign" shall not include displays that only involve symbols that are clearly and entirely religious in nature, and which do not include advertising.
B.
Sign types.
(1)
Building or wall sign. A sign mounted or painted parallel to the face of a building or wall and not projecting above the walls of the building and which does not project more than 36 inches from the wall of the building. A building sign may also be attached to an allowed canopy or awning that is attached to a building wall, provided such feature does not project more than 48 inches from the wall of the building.
(2)
Directory sign. A sign advertising a group of establishments occupying one lot that includes the name of the property/building and the names of the individual establishments.
(3)
Freestanding sign. A sign supported by upright or uprights that are permanently anchored into the ground, and which is not attached to a building. This may have two display sides.
(4)
Off-premises sign. A sign which directs attention to an object, product, service, place, activity, person, institution, organization, or business that is primarily offered or located at a location other than the lot upon which the sign is located.
(5)
Portable sign/signs on mobile stands. Any sign used for a period of time and which is not permanently affixed to a location on a building or attached to the ground, and which can be carried on the back of a flatbed truck or towed from one place to another, including sandwich boards, posters and signs on wheels. A sign on a mobile stand also includes any vehicle or trailer which is parked on a public right-of-way or on public or private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way, which has attached thereto, or located thereon, any sign of advertising device for the basic purpose of providing advertisement of products or directing people to a business or activity located on the same or on another property.
(6)
Political sign. A temporary sign giving notice of a particular political party or a candidate for any public office, or expressing an opinion concerning a political issue, public election or referendum.
(7)
Projecting sign. A sign that is attached to a building and extends further from the building than is allowed by the definition of a building sign.
(8)
Temporary sign. Any sign that is posted less than 45 days in any calendar year, unless a more restrictive requirement applies in this article.
(9)
Window sign. A sign attached to, painted or suspended next to a window so that it can be seen through the window, and which is not internally illuminated. An internally illuminated sign in a window shall be regulated as a building/wall sign.
C.
Area of a sign.
(1)
The area of a sign shall be construed to include all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background, whether open or enclosed, on which they are displayed, but not including any supporting framework and bracing incidental to the display itself. The computation of area of the sign shall include decorative trim in addition to the portion devoted to the message and lettering.
(2)
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to a building, wall, or window, the area shall be considered to be that of the smallest rectangle or other regular geometric shape which encompasses all of the letters and symbols.
(3)
In computing square-foot area of a double-face sign, only one side shall be considered, provided both faces are identical. If the interior angle formed by the two faces of the double-faced sign is greater than 45°, then both sides of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
D.
Illumination.
(1)
Indirectly illuminated signs are those which have no internal source of light, but which have lights external to the sign which shine on signs to illuminate them. Lights shall shine with white or clear light only.
(2)
Directly illuminated signs are signs which have an internal light source within the sign. The internal light source shall be a white or clear light only.
(3)
Neon signs shall be considered to be internally illuminated.
§ 200-44 General sign regulations.
The following regulations apply in all zoning districts.
A.
No more than one freestanding sign shall be placed on any lot held in single and separate ownership, unless such lot fronts upon more than one public street, in which event, one such sign may be erected on each street frontage.
B.
Unless the regulations of this chapter specifically state that a sign may be placed off the lot or premises to which it relates, signs may be placed only on the same lot with the use or establishment to which the sign relates.
C.
Obstruction. No sign shall be placed in such a position that it will cause danger to traffic on a street or entering a street by obscuring the view, or which hides from view or interferes with the effectiveness of an official traffic control device. No sign shall be placed in a clear sight triangle.
D.
Location. All parts of any sign, except for official traffic and street signs, shall observe the following placement requirements:
(1)
No sign shall be erected or maintained within 15 feet of the edge of the cartway or curb or be located within, or project over, the legal right-of-way of any existing or proposed street or road, whichever is greater.
(2)
No freestanding sign shall be erected or maintained within a distance of 10 feet from the side line of an existing principal residential use or five feet from any other side lot line, except as may be specifically permitted by this article.
(3)
No sign shall be placed on Forks Township property, except for those signs installed by the Township or which the Township requires to be posted in that location.
(4)
No sign shall be placed along a state road or road right-of-way which violates the regulations of PennDOT.
(5)
No sign shall be erected and maintained within a parking space or fire lane, except signs denoting such purposes.
F.
Prohibited signs. The following signs are prohibited.
(1)
Signs of a flashing, rotating, mechanically moving or revolving type are prohibited, with the exception of barber poles. Signs that move electronically or have electronically changing messages are prohibited, except for:
(2)
Novelty signs that are constructed from tires, automobiles, inflatable objects of more than 30 cubic feet, or that are mechanically animated are prohibited.
(3)
Signs that are placed above or extend above the roofline of a flat roof or the lowest point of eaves of a sloping or mansard roof are prohibited.
(4)
Any permanent sign suspended between poles and lighted by a series of lights is prohibited.
(5)
Signs that are erected or attached to a tree or utility pole, or painted or drawn on a rock or other natural feature are prohibited.
(6)
Any banner sign or sign of any other type across a public street or on any private property are prohibited, except for such signs which are approved by the Board of Supervisors to be of general benefit to the Township or for public convenience, necessity or welfare.
(7)
Any sign suspended between poles which is either a pennant that blows in the wind or a spinner, which spins in the wind, is prohibited.
(8)
Any sign is prohibited which imitates any official traffic sign, signal or device.
(9)
A vehicle or trailer shall be prohibited if it:
(a)
Is parked on a public right-of-way or on public or private property so as to have signs visible from a street right-of-way;
(b)
Includes one or more signs of 40 or more square feet for the primary purpose of providing advertising; and
(c)
Is not regularly operated as a vehicle or trailer on a public street.
(10)
Any sign is prohibited which does not conform to the requirements of the sign ordinance that was in effect when the sign was erected.
(11)
No sign shall be erected containing information which states or implies that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of this chapter in the zoning districts on which the property to which the sign relates is located.
(12)
A series of lights or lighting outlining the edges of buildings or building elements shall be considered a sign under the terms of this chapter and shall be prohibited, except for holiday decorations.
G.
All permanent signs shall be professionally lettered and neatly displayed.
H.
Signs that are not readable from any street or lot line are not regulated by this chapter, provided they have a maximum height of eight feet and a maximum sign area of 40 square feet.
I.
Illuminated signs. Any illuminated sign, whether illuminated from within or by an exterior light, shall be subject to the following requirements.
(1)
No internally illuminated sign of more than 20 square feet facing an occupied dwelling unit in an FP District or residential district shall be permitted within 200 feet of such occupied dwelling.
(2)
See § 200-44F(1) concerning electronic and changing signs.
(3)
Internally illuminated signs shall have dark backgrounds and light letters, rather than light backgrounds and dark letters, in order to reduce glare.
§ 200-45 Signs allowed in all zoning districts; requirements.
The following signs shall be allowed in all zoning districts.[1] In the FP, OR, CR, SR and SR-1 Districts, the only signs that shall be allowed shall be the signs provided in this § 200-45. Signs in the FP, OR, CR, SR and SR-1 Districts shall not be illuminated with lights inside the sign.
A.
Official highway route number signs, street name signs, and other official traffic signs may be erected and maintained in the interest of public safety or for the regulation of traffic.
B.
Walls of barns that are painted as historic styles of barn signs or works of art shall be permitted in the FP District, provided such signs shall not be illuminated.
C.
Temporary real estate "for sale" or "for rent" signs are permitted, provided they apply only to the property upon which they are placed. For one to three dwelling units, the sign shall not exceed 10 square feet. Said signs shall be removed within five days after settlement of the sale or lease of the premises. No more than one such sign shall be permitted per street frontage. A permit shall not be required for such signs.
(1)
In addition, up to two temporary off-site real estate directional signs are permitted in connection with a real estate open house or similar event. Each sign shall not exceed six square feet. Any such sign shall not be installed more than two days before the event and shall be removed not later than one day after the event. No permit is required for such sign.
D.
Temporary signs advertising the sale or development of premises, other than for one to three dwelling units, are allowed, provided that the following requirements are met:
E.
On-premises signs for allowed places of worship, nursing homes, personal care centers, membership clubs, golf courses, campgrounds, camps, principal agricultural uses, primary or secondary schools, public parks, or similar allowed principal nonresidential uses, provided that the following regulations are met, unless a more permissive set of sign provisions are established for the applicable zoning district:
F.
Temporary signs advertising political parties or candidates for election or expressing an opinion on a political issue may be erected and maintained, provided that the following regulations are met:
(1)
Maximum sign size: 16 square feet per side per candidate or issue. Maximum height: six feet.
(2)
Signs pertaining to an election shall be removed within five days after such election, and shall not be displayed more than 90 days prior to an election.
(3)
No sign shall be posted without permission of a property owner or tenant.
(4)
No political sign shall be placed on any Township property or on any public utility pole or any traffic light stand or any other municipal or public utility structure, provided that political signs may be displayed on election day in the vicinity of the polling places, to the extent that it is permitted by state and federal election laws.
(5)
Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to prevent any person from physically carrying a sign.
G.
Signs of a temporary nature that advertise activities to support a special event to support a charitable activity, place of worship, fire company, political gathering, youth organization, or similar nonprofit organization may be erected and maintained, provided that the following additional regulations are met:
(1)
Maximum sign size: 16 square feet per side. Maximum height: six feet.
(2)
No more than 10 such signs shall be permitted within the Township for any single activity, event or organization.
(3)
The erector of such signs or those responsible for or benefiting by the erection shall first apply for and obtain a permit from the Township Zoning Officer, and make a deposit with the Township at the time of application of a sum to be set at a certain amount from time to time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors to insure that all such signs shall be removed promptly within seven days after the event is completed. If such signs are not removed at the end of the seven-day period, the Township will then have them removed and forfeit the sum deposited to reimburse the expenses incurred in removal. The deposit shall be returned upon the satisfactory removal of such signs within the seven-day period. The deposit amounts required to be paid herein are in addition to the permitted fee.
(4)
No such temporary sign may be displayed for a period or periods exceeding a total of 45 days in any one calendar year, unless authorized by the Board of Supervisors to be renewed a longer period of time. For example, a sign may be displayed for a twenty-day period, and a twenty-five-day period.
H.
"No trespassing" signs or signs indicating the private nature of a road, driveway, or premises, and signs prohibiting or otherwise controlling the fishing and hunting upon a particular premises may be erected and maintained, providing that the size of any such sign shall not exceed two square feet per side.
I.
Professional, home occupation, or name signs indicating the profession and/or activity and/or the name of the occupant of the dwelling, provided that the following regulations are met:
J.
Temporary signs of mechanics, contractors and artisans or entities providing financing for a construction project may be erected and maintained during the period such persons are performing active work on the premises on which such signs are erected, provided that:
K.
Directional, informational or public service signs such as signs advertising the availability of restrooms, telephone or similar facilities of public convenience, and signs advertising meeting times and places of nonprofit service or charitable clubs and organizations, and signs directing motorists at driveways are permitted, provided that such signs do not advertise any commercial establishment, activity, organization, product, goods or services and any such sign shall not exceed three square feet per side in size.
L.
One sign at perimeter entrances to a residential or business development involving multiple lots, which shall indicate the name of such development, subject to the following requirements:
(1)
Maximum sign size: 32 square feet per each of two sides. Maximum of two sign faces per each main vehicle access point to the development from an exterior public street. Such sign may be attached to a decorative structure.
(2)
Signs shall be located outside of the right-of-way and may not be located on any required open space.
(3)
Such sign shall not be illuminated in a FP District or residential district. Such sign shall not be internally illuminated in other zoning districts.
(4)
Such sign shall be limited to a development of 10 or more dwelling units or five or more lots each approved for principal business uses.
(5)
Such sign shall be surrounded by landscaping and be designed to require minimal maintenance. The entity responsible for perpetual maintenance shall be identified on the permit application.
M.
Temporary signs advertising the sale of agricultural or horticultural products, meeting the following requirements:
(1)
Maximum sign size: 12 square feet per side for on-premises signs and four square feet for off-premises signs.
(2)
Signs shall be removed immediately upon the end of the sales season. Application for a temporary sign permit shall be made to the Township Zoning Officer accompanied by the required permit fee and an escrow deposit to be set by resolution of the Board of Supervisors, as a guarantee that the temporary signs shall be promptly and completely removed at the end of the authorized period. If such signs are not promptly removed at the end of the authorized period, the Township will then have them removed and forfeit the sum deposited to reimburse the expense incurred in removal.
(3)
Signs may be permitted to be erected from the beginning to the end of the sales season.
(4)
Signs may be permitted off premises, provided that the property owner on whose lot the sign is to be placed has given written permission to the person applying to place the sign.
(5)
No more than seven off-premises signs are permitted within the Township for any single establishment.
(6)
On the lot where the agricultural or horticultural products are sold, only two sign faces shall be permitted per street frontage.
N.
Height. Freestanding signs shall not exceed a maximum height of six feet from the ground level to the top of the sign unless stated otherwise in this article.
O.
Flags. Flags which are decorative and contain designs marking seasons, colors, holidays, or flags of governments are permitted in addition to permitted signs. If the flag contains advertising, company or business logos, or names of businesses, then the area of the flag shall be considered a sign and shall be counted toward the total area of signage permitted on a property.
P.
Digital signs.
(1)
Purpose and intent. More businesses desire to utilize advancements in technology which permit signs to change copy electronically (e.g., utilizing an LED type of sign). These newer technologies pose additional risks of impacting adjacent areas and adversely dominating the environment in which they operate unless regulated in a reasonable fashion. The intent of this article is to establish operating standards and regulations for signs which utilize these newer technologies, other than billboards which are regulated separately by the Township, in order to minimize the secondary effects that often accompany the unregulated display of digital signs, preserve the character and repose of adjacent areas (with a principal focus on residential neighborhoods), protect property values, and reduce traffic hazards caused by undue distractions.
(3)
Display.
(a)
A digital sign, other than a digital billboard, may not allow the display or message to change more frequently than once every eight seconds, with a transition period of one second or less.
(b)
A digital sign must have installed an ambient light monitor, which shall continuously monitor and automatically adjust the brightness level of the display based on ambient light conditions consistent with the terms of this article. Since property size differs from billboard site to site, the ambient level should be measured at the property line, like we would do for site lighting.
(c)
The maximum brightness levels for digital signs, other than a digital billboard, shall not exceed 0.2 footcandle over ambient light levels measured within 150 feet of the source, consistent with the terms of this section. Certification must be provided to the Township demonstrating that the sign has been preset to automatically adjust the brightness to these levels or lower. Reinspection and recalibration may be periodically required by the Township in its reasonable discretion, at the permittee's expense, to ensure that the specified brightness levels are maintained at all times.
(d)
Brightness of digital signs shall be measured as follows:
[1]
At least 30 minutes following sunset, a footcandle meter shall be used to obtain an ambient light reading for the location. This is done while the sign is off or displaying black copy. The reading shall be made with the meter aimed directly at the sign area at the preset location.
[2]
The sign shall then be turned on to full white copy to take another reading with the meter at the same location.
[3]
If the difference between the readings is 0.2 footcandle or less, the brightness is properly adjusted.
(4)
Other requirements. The use, size and location of digital signs, other than digital billboards, must comply with all other relevant regulations and ordinances of the Township.
Q.
Billboards.
(1)
Purpose and intent. The Township recognizes that billboards are, by their nature, different in scope and purpose from other types of signage in the Township. Among other matters, billboards advertise or communicate goods, services or messages not conducted, sold, or generated on the lot where the billboard is located. Billboards are significantly larger in size than other types of signage allowed in the Township, and their principal purpose is to dramatically attract the attention of the traveling public. The potential impact of a billboard on adjacent areas is significantly greater than other types of signage. Recently, more businesses desire to utilize advancements in technology which permit signs (including billboards) to change copy electronically (e.g., utilizing an LED or digital type of sign). These newer technologies exacerbate the potential impact of a billboard in terms of adversely dominating the environment in which they operate due to light spillover and light pollution, unless regulated in a reasonable fashion. The intent of this section is to establish size, location and operating standards and regulations for billboards, including addressing those utilizing these newer technologies, in order to minimize the secondary effects that can accompany the unregulated display of these types of signs, preserve the character and repose of adjacent areas (with a principal focus on residential neighborhoods), protect property values in all areas of the Township, and reduce traffic and similar hazards caused by undue distraction.
(2)
General requirements.
(a)
For purposes of this section, the words "billboard," "digital sign" and "sign" shall have the same meaning as provided in this chapter, as amended from time to time.[3] "Digital billboard" shall mean a billboard which incorporates, in whole or in part, a digital sign.
(b)
Any double-faced billboard having back-to-back surface display areas, no part of which is more than two feet apart, is considered to be a single billboard.
(c)
Billboard structures having more than one surface display area which are tandem (side-by-side) or stacked (one above the other) are considered two billboards and are prohibited.
(d)
The installation or use of a billboard is permitted only to the extent authorized by, and subject to, the provisions of this chapter, as amended from time to time.
(e)
No billboard may be installed or erected at any time when there are 20 or more existing billboards located in the Township.
(3)
Spacing.
(a)
No more than three billboards may be located within any linear mile along a street, notwithstanding the fact that such billboards may be located on different sides of the street. This distance requirement shall include in its calculation any billboards located outside of the boundaries of the Township.
(b)
No billboards may be located within a radius of 1,000 feet of another billboard regardless of geographic jurisdiction or within 200 feet of existing or future residential uses.
(c)
If a billboard is illuminated, the minimum distance from an existing or future residential use shall be 300 feet.
(d)
No billboards may be located within 75 feet of a property line adjoining a street or 30 feet of any other boundary lines of the property on which the billboard is located.
(e)
All distances as provided for in this section shall be measured radially from where the surface display area is visible.
(f)
No billboard may be located on top of, cantilevered over or otherwise suspended above any building or structure.
(4)
Billboard surface display area; measurement.
(a)
The maximum allowable surface display area for a digital billboard is 672 square feet if the sign is within 100 feet of U.S. 131. The maximum allowable surface display area for all other billboards at any location is 300 square feet.
(b)
The surface display area of a billboard shall be measured to include the entire area within a regular geometric form or combinations thereof comprising all of the display area of the billboard, including all of the elements of the matter displayed. Frames and structural members, excluding necessary supports or uprights, shall be included in computation of surface display area. In the case of a sphere, spheroid, or similarly shaped billboard (e.g., a ball), the total surface display area shall be divided by two for determining the maximum surface display area permitted.
(5)
Height of billboards. The height of a billboard may not exceed 35 feet above the natural grade of the ground on which the billboard is located.
(6)
Illumination. A billboard may be illuminated, provided such illumination is consistent with the requirements for a digital billboard as set forth herein, or is concentrated on the surface of the billboard and is located so as to avoid glare or reflection onto any portion of an adjacent street or highway, the path of oncoming vehicles or any adjacent premises.
(7)
Appearance. Except for time and temperature signs or digital billboards as otherwise regulated herein, all billboards must be stationary and may not contain any visible moving parts, alternating or moving messages or have the appearance of having moving parts or messages. Under no circumstances may any type of billboard contain a message or display that appears to flash, undulate, pulse, move, or portray explosions, fireworks, flashes of light, or blinking lights or otherwise appears to move toward or away from the viewer, expand or contract, bounce, rotate, spin, twist or make other comparable movements.
(8)
Construction and maintenance. A billboard shall be constructed in such a fashion that it will withstand all wind and vibration forces that can normally be expected to occur in the vicinity and in compliance with all applicable codes. A billboard shall be maintained so as to assure proper alignment of structure, continued structural soundness and continued readability of message.
(9)
Display.
(a)
The display or message on a digital billboard, of any type, may change no more frequently than once every eight seconds, with a transition period of one second or less.
(b)
The display or message must otherwise comply with Subsection Q(7), and the digital billboard must have installed an ambient light monitor which shall continuously monitor and automatically adjust the brightness level of the display based on ambient light conditions consistent with terms of this chapter. Since property size differs from billboard site to site, the ambient level should be measured at the property line, like we would do for site lighting.
(c)
Maximum brightness levels for digital billboards shall not exceed 0.2 footcandle over ambient light levels measured within 150 feet of the sign. Certification must be provided to the Township demonstrating that the sign has been preset to automatically adjust the brightness to these levels or lower. Reinspection and recalibration shall be annually required by the Township, in its reasonable discretion, at the permittee's expense to ensure that the specified brightness levels are maintained at all times.
(d)
Brightness of digital billboards shall be measured as follows:
[1]
At least 30 minutes following sunset, a footcandle meter shall be used to obtain an ambient light reading for the location. This is done while the sign is off or displaying black copy. The reading shall be made with the meter aimed directly at the sign area at the preset location.
[2]
The sign shall then be turned on to full white copy to take another reading with the meter at the same location.
[3]
If the difference between the readings is 0.2 footcandle or less, the brightness is properly adjusted.
(10)
Other applicable laws. A billboard must comply with all applicable provisions of federal and state law.
(11)
Permitting. Every billboard requires a Township sign permit before installation or modification. Permits shall be reviewed and issued consistent with the terms of this section as well as all other applicable ordinances of the Township including, without limitation, this chapter, as amended from time to time. Every applicant for a billboard permit shall file with the application a certificate of insurance, certifying that the applicant is insured against bodily injury and for property damage arising out of the erection, maintenance, repair, and replacement of the billboard. Each applicant, if the permit is granted, shall be required to maintain said insurance and keep a certificate of insurance currently effective on file with the Township so long as the billboard or billboards are in existence. The certificate shall provide that the Township shall receive 10 days' written notice in case of cancellation of the policy. Any billboard in violation of the insurance requirements of this section shall be removed immediately and the cost of such removal shall be charged against the owner of the billboard.
(12)
Other requirements. Billboards must otherwise comply with all other relevant regulations and ordinances of the Township.
§ 200-46 Signs in REM District.
Within the REM District, the following types of signs and no others shall be permitted. Signs in the REM District shall not be illuminated with lights inside the sign:
§ 200-47 Signs in RC and HC Districts.
In the RC and HC Districts, the following types of signs and no others shall be permitted for uses permitted. Signs of an historic character and of natural materials are preferred, such as signs that have the appearance of wood.
A.
Any sign erected and maintained in accordance with the provisions of § 200-45, provided the use is permitted in the RC or HC District.
B.
On-premises signs for allowed principal nonresidential uses shall meet the following regulations:
(1)
One freestanding sign shall be allowed per street frontage, with a maximum size area of 20 square feet on each of two sign faces and a maximum height of eight feet. In addition, the total of all building (wall) signs shall cover a maximum of 12% of the area of the wall to which the signs are attached.
D.
Temporary signs for special sales. The following temporary sign shall be allowed to advertise a special sale at a principal commercial establishment in a business zoning district.
(1)
The maximum size of a temporary sign shall not exceed 32 square feet on each of two sides. Maximum height: six feet for a freestanding sign. The temporary sign may be freestanding, a banner or attached to a wall.
(2)
One sign may include 32 square feet, or up to two signs may be used, provided they do not exceed a total of 32 square feet.
(3)
No temporary sign is permitted in the public right-of-way.
(4)
No temporary sign shall obstruct safe sight distance to vehicles within or off the premises on which it is placed.
(5)
A temporary sign shall not be internally illuminated and shall not include flashing or blinking lights.
(6)
A temporary sign must be removed within five days following the event to which such sign relates. Failure to remove the sign within the five-day limit shall constitute a zoning violation.
(7)
The erector of temporary signs or those responsible for or benefiting by such signs shall first apply for and obtain a permit from the Township Zoning Officer.
(8)
The permit for a temporary sign shall state the dates during which the sign may be displayed. The applicant shall also submit to the Township a deposit which shall be returned only if the sign is removed within the five-day time period. Otherwise, such funds shall become the property of the Township. The fees required for the permit and the deposit shall be set at a certain amount from time to time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
(9)
No temporary sign shall be visible on a lot for a total of more than 45 days in any calendar year.
(10)
The permit shall be for the lot described on the permit and is not transferable to any other parcel within the Township.
F.
Within the RC and HC Districts, directory signs indicating the name and location of establishments contained within the interior of the building shall be permitted to be attached to the building. Each directory sign shall have a maximum sign area of 20 square feet. A maximum of two directory signs per building side shall be permitted.
§ 200-48 Signs in TC District.
In the TC Town Center District, the following types of signs and no other sign shall be permitted. Signage within the TC District shall be in keeping with uniform design standards applicable to the district.
A.
Any sign erected and maintained in accordance with the provisions of § 200-45, provided the use to which it refers is permitted in the TC district.
B.
Signs for a lot containing only one principal use comply with the following sign requirements.
(1)
Only one freestanding sign per lot per street frontage is permitted. A freestanding sign shall not exceed 20 square feet in size and eight feet in height.
(2)
The total sign area of all building signs shall not exceed an area equal to 10% of the area of the wall surface on which the signs are affixed.
D.
Signs for a lot containing two or more principal uses shall meet the following:
(2)
One freestanding sign shall be allowed per street frontage. Such sign shall not exceed 40 square feet per side with a maximum height of 10 feet. Such sign area may be increased to a maximum of 60 square feet per side for a lot with five to nine business establishments. If a lot includes 10 or more business establishments, then a maximum of two freestanding signs shall be allowed per street frontage, which shall have a combined total sign area of 100 square feet per side with a maximum height of 20 feet per side. The total sign area of all wall signs shall not exceed an area equal to 10% of the vertical area of the wall surface on which the signs are affixed.
(3)
Signs within a shopping center or other use planned as a single development shall have uniformity of sign materials and design.
(4)
On a lot containing 10 or more commercial establishments, a directory sign may be placed in the interior of the lot to direct persons to the various establishments. Such sign shall have a maximum sign area of 20 square feet and a maximum height of 10 feet.
§ 200-49 Signs in EC, EC-1, EC-2, EC-3 and ID Districts.
[Amended 5-21-2020 by Ord. No. 363; 8-3-2023 by Ord. No. 393]
In the EC, EC-1, EC-2 and EC-3 Employment Center Districts and the ID Industrial Designation District, the following types of signs and no others shall be permitted:
A.
Any sign erected and maintained in accordance with the provisions of § 200-45, provided the use to which it refers is permitted in the applicable zoning district.
B.
For a lot containing only one principal use, signs shall meet the following requirements:
(1)
No more than one freestanding sign per lot per street frontage is permitted. A freestanding sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in size and eight feet in height.
(2)
The total sign area of all building signs shall not exceed an area equal to 15% of the vertical wall surface on which they are affixed.
D.
Signs on a lot containing two or more principal uses.
(1)
No more than one freestanding sign shall be allowed per street frontage. Such sign shall have a maximum sign area of 40 square feet per side and a maximum height of eight feet.
(2)
The total sign area of all building signs shall not exceed an area equal to 15% of wall surface to which they are affixed.
G.
Signs on a mobile stand shall only be permitted as follows:
(1)
The maximum sign area shall be 40 square feet on each of a maximum of two sides.
(2)
A maximum of one such sign shall be allowed per lot.
(3)
The owner of a sign on a mobile stand shall apply for and obtain a sign permit from the Township Zoning Officer.
(4)
Such sign permit shall state the dates during which the sign may be displayed. The applicant shall also submit to the Township a deposit which shall be returned only if the sign is removed within the stated time period. Otherwise, such funds shall become the property of the Township. The fees required for the permit and the deposit shall be established from time to time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
(5)
The permit shall be for the lot described on the permit and is not transferable to any other parcel within the Township. The permit is valid for a total of 45 days in one calendar year. Failure to remove the sign after said 45 days shall constitute a zoning violation.
H.
Off-premises signs (including billboards).
(1)
Purposes. Off-premises signs are controlled by this chapter to ensure that a physical environment is maintained that is attractive to desirable types of development, especially light industrial and office parks; prevent visual pollution in the Township and protect property values, especially in consideration of the fact that most commercial areas of the Township are within close proximity to existing residences; prevent glare on adjacent property and streets; avoid the creation of additional visual distractions to motorists, especially along busy arterial streets that involve complex turning movements and numerous traffic hazards; recognize the numerous alternative forms of free speech available in the Township, including existing nonconforming off-premises signs, on-premises signs and temporary signs and printed and electronic media; carry out the purposes listed in § 200-42.
(2)
Permitted off-premises signs. Except for other types of signs that are specifically allowed by this section to be off premises, an off-premises sign is only permitted if it meets the following requirements:
(a)
District. An off-premises sign is only permitted in the EC District.
(b)
Location. An off-premises sign shall be set back a minimum of 25 feet from all lot lines and street rights-of-way.
(c)
Maximum sign area: 300 square feet on each of two sides.
(d)
Spacing. Any off-premises sign shall be separated by a minimum of 300 feet from any other off-premises sign with a sign area greater than 20 square feet, including signs on either side of a street and including existing signs in other municipalities.
(e)
Maximum height: 35 feet above the elevation of the adjacent street, measured at the street center line.
(f)
Control of lighting and glare. Lights shall be directed so they do not shine into the eyes of motorists nor residents of homes.
(g)
Residences. No off-premises sign greater than 20 square feet in sign area shall be located within 300 feet of an existing dwelling.
(h)
Condition. The sign shall be maintained in a good and safe condition, particularly to avoid hazards in high winds. The area around the sign shall be kept free of debris. If the message of a sign is no longer intact, it shall be replaced with a solid color or a "for lease" sign.
§ 200-50 Construction and maintenance.
A.
All signs must be constructed of durable materials and must be kept in good condition and repair at all times. The requirements of applicable Township codes shall be met.
B.
Detailed plans showing supporting structural members and foundations must be submitted to the Building Inspector's office for approval before issuance of a permit. The seal of a registered engineer shall be required on all plans in any instance when the Building Inspector or the Township Engineer deems the approval of a registered engineer necessary to public safety.
§ 200-51 Removal or abandonment.
A.
The owner of any property or premises upon which any sign is erected shall be responsible for its complete removal at such time as the circumstances which caused its erection have ceased to exist, or at such other time that the sign must be removed under any other provision of this chapter. If the owner of any property upon which a sign has been erected shall fail or neglect to remove it as herein above required, the Zoning Officer shall give notice by certified mail to the owner. If this letter is returned undelivered, for any reason, he may post such notice upon the premises.
(1)
If, upon the expiration of 30 days following notice, the owner fails to remove the sign, the Zoning Officer shall arrange for its removal on behalf of the Township, at the expense of the property owner, and the Township shall bill the owner for the cost of such work plus 10% for administrative cost. If such bill remains unpaid after the expiration of 30 days, the Township Solicitor shall take the necessary steps to collect the same. Failure of the property owner to remove such sign after the notice herein above provided, shall constitute a violation of the terms of this chapter, and each day's continuance of such failure shall constitute a separate violation.
B.
If the owner of any sign in violation is not the owner of the premises on which it is situated, the identical notices specified above may be issued to him in like manner, and such owner of the sign shall be required to take such steps to comply with the notice or notices issued to him as though he were the owner of the property or premises on which the sign is located; if such owner of the sign fails to comply, such failure shall constitute a violation of the terms of this chapter, such owner of the sign shall be liable to the same extent as the owner of the property or premises on which the sign is located.
§ 200-52 Unsafe and unlawful signs.
If the Zoning Officer finds that any sign regulated herein is unsafe or insecure or is a menace to the public or has been constructed, erected, or maintained in violation of the provisions of this chapter, he shall give notice, in the same manner as in § 200-51A above, to the party to whom the permit was issued to erect the sign or to the owner of the premises where the sign is located, or to the owner of the sign or to any combination of them. If the parties notified fail to remove or alter the sign to comply with the standards herein set forth within 10 days after notice, such sign may be removed or altered by the municipality at the expense of each and every person notified. The expenses of removal or alteration shall be computed and paid for by the parties notified in the same manner as in § 200-51A above, and the same sanctions shall apply. The Zoning Officer may cause any sign or other advertising structure that is in immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.
§ 200-53 Nonconforming signs.
Any sign existing and lawful at the time of the passage of this chapter that does not conform in use, location, height or size with the regulations of the district in which such sign is located shall be considered a nonconforming sign and may continue in its present location until replacement or rebuilding becomes necessary, at which time a zoning permit shall be required and the sign must be brought into conformity with this chapter. If the sign is a part of a nonconforming use of the property, any such sign may be maintained, modernized or replaced without increasing its size and nonconformity, provided that such sign was legally erected prior to the adoption of this chapter. If the nonconforming use of the property is changed to another nonconforming use or to a permitted use, such sign shall be brought into conformity with the requirements of this chapter.
§ 200-54 Permit required; exceptions; fees.
A.
Zoning permits.
(1)
A zoning permit shall be secured prior to the erection, structural repair, alteration and relocation of any sign within the Township. The changing of movable parts of an approved sign that is designed for such changes, or the repainting or reposting of display matter shall not be deemed an alteration, provided the conditions of the original approval are not violated. For purposes of obtaining a zoning permit, the applicant shall make application in writing and shall submit plot plan, sketch of design and lettering, and construction plans, including loads, stresses, anchorage and any other pertinent engineering data to the Zoning Officer. The plot plan shall indicate all existing structures, including signs. The application shall contain all necessary facts with respect to signs already existing on the property.
(a)
Any erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration or moving of any sign, poster or advertising structure shall be commenced within one year after the date of issuance of the zoning permit. If such activities are not commenced within the prescribed period of time, the permit shall be considered null and void.
(b)
The following sign types do not require a permit. The regulations regarding size and placement of these signs are found in §§ 200-44 and 200-45 of this chapter and apply to all these signs.
[1]
Official highway, traffic control, and street signs.
[2]
Temporary signs advertising the sale or rental of a property.
[3]
"No trespassing" signs.
[4]
Temporary signs of mechanics and contractors.
[5]
Directional and public service information signs.
[6]
Signs placed inside a building more than 12 inches from a window or door.
(2)
Exemptions from the necessity of securing a permit shall not relieve the owner of the sign from responsibility for its erection in a manner that is safe and that complies with all other provisions of this chapter.
B.
Inspection. The Township Zoning Officer and other code enforcement staff shall require the proper maintenance of all signs and shall have the authority to inspect any sign to determine its compliance.
C.
Fees and deposits. Permit fees and refundable escrow deposit amounts, as required herein, shall be set by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
D.
Plan requirements. Any sign which is intended to be used or included in any development or plan of building or development to be submitted and reviewed by the Township shall be identified in the plan, including location, size, nature of the sign materials and the purpose of the sign.