Forty Fort City Zoning Code
PART 11
SIGN REGULATIONS
§ 27-1101 Permits Required.
[Ord. No. 2018-2, 11/5/2018]
Temporary real estate sale signs, temporary construction signs, temporary event signs and temporary political signs which are less than six square feet shall be exempt from securing a zoning permit. A zoning permit shall be required for the establishment, erection or reconstruction of any sign, with the following exceptions.
§ 27-1102 Signs.
[Ord. No. 2018-2, 11/5/2018]
1.
Type and Use of Signs. All signs shall be classified according to type and use as provided herein.
A.
Identification Sign: A sign which communicates the name and/or address of an occupant or a permitted home occupation upon the zoning lot on which the sign is located.
B.
Business Sign: A sign which communicates information concerning a business, profession, commodity, service, entertainment or development which is sold, offered, prepared, manufactured or conducted upon the zoning lot where the sign is located.
C.
Billboard or Off-Premises Advertising Sign: A sign which communicates information concerning a subject, business, profession, activity, commodity, service, entertainment or development not related to, sold, offered, prepared or manufactured on the zoning lot where the sign is located.
D.
Construction Sign: A temporary sign erected on the premises on which construction is taking place, indicating the names of the firm or firms performing the construction activities, including names of any architectural firms and engineering firm associated with the project.
E.
Real Estate Sign: A temporary sign, which advertises the sale or rental of property.
F.
Institutional Sign: A sign which identifies a use pertaining to a school, church, hospital or other institution of a similar public or semipublic nature.
G.
On-Site Directional and/or Informational Sign: A sign commonly associated with, and limited to, information and directions necessary for visitors entering or exiting a property, including signs marking entrance and exits, parking areas, circulation direction, restrooms and pickup and delivery areas. Such signs shall contain no advertising material.
H.
Event Signs: A temporary sign advertising private not-for-profit events and fund-raisers such as picnics, bazaars, gaming events, arts and crafts shows, and similar types of fund-raising activities.
I.
Political Signs: A temporary sign advertising the name of a candidate, a political event and/or a public issue which relates to a political cause and/or policy.
§ 27-1103 Design and Construction Features of Signs.
[Ord. No. 2018-2, 11/5/2018]
1.
All signs shall be classified according to construction types as provided herein:
A.
Freestanding or Pylon Sign: A sign not attached or applied to a principal building, but supported by a sign structure from the ground, which a identifies a business or businesses located on the same parcel or in the same development on which the sign is located.
B.
Wall Sign: A sign attached, painted or affixed to the wall of a principal structure or accessory structure, not projecting over any public right-of-way and not extending more than 18 inches from the building or structure.
C.
Projecting Sign: A sign which projects outward or extends more than 18 inches from the building or structure.
D.
Illuminated Sign: Any sign directly lighted by any electrical light source, internal or external, except light sources specifically and clearly operated for the purpose of lighting the general area in which the sign is located rather than the sign itself. Programmable LED signs shall be prohibited.
E.
Window Sign: A sign painted, stenciled, or affixed on a window.
F.
Awning Sign: A sign that is attached to, affixed to, or painted on an awning or canopy of a building.
G.
Roof Sign: A sign erected upon, against, or directly above a roof or roof eaves, or on top or above the parapet, or on a functional architectural appendage above the roof or roof eaves.
H.
Portable Sign: Any sign not permanently affixed in the ground or to a building whose principal supporting structure is intended, by design and construction, to be used by resting upon the ground for support and may be easily moved or relocated for reuse. Portable signs shall include but are not limited to signs mounted upon a trailer or other nonmotorized mobile structure with or without wheels. A portable sign shall be governed by the same regulations applicable to a freestanding sign.
2.
Subject to other requirements of this chapter, the establishment, erection or reconstruction of a sign shall be in accordance with the following table:
Design and Construction Features of Signs Permitted by Zoning District | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type of Sign | R-1 | R-2 | C-1 | I-1 | C-OP |
Freestanding or pylon sign | X | X | X | X | X |
Wall sign | X | X | X | ||
Projecting sign | X | X | X | X | |
Illuminated sign | X | X | |||
Window sign | X | X | X | ||
Awning sign: | X | X | X | ||
Roof sign1 | X | X | |||
Portable sign | X | X | X | ||
NOTES: | |
X | Indicates permitted in district. |
1 | Fifteen feet maximum height extension above roofline. |
§ 27-1104 Permitted Signs by Zoning District.
[Ord. No. 2018-2, 11/5/2018]
1.
The establishment, erection or reconstruction of any sign shall be in accordance with the regulations as set forth herein:
A.
Identification Sign: Such signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts.
B.
Business Signs: Such signs shall be permitted in C-1, I-1, and C-OP Zoning Districts.
C.
Real Estate Signs: Such signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts.
D.
Subdivision/Development Advertising Signs: Such signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts.
E.
Institutional Signs: Such signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts.
F.
On-Site Directional and/or Informational Sign: Such signs shall be permitted in C-1, I-1, and C-OP Zoning Districts.
G.
Billboard or Off-Premises Advertising Sign: Such signs shall be permitted in an I-1 Zoning District.
H.
Subdivision/Development Identification Signs: Such signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts.
I.
Event Signs: Such signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts.
J.
Political Signs: Such signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts.
§ 27-1105 Area, Height and Setback Requirements.
[Ord. No. 2018-2, 11/5/2018]
1.
The establishment, erection or reconstruction of permitted signs shall be governed by the following regulations:
A.
Identification Sign. An identification sign shall not exceed two square feet in area. Such a sign shall be set back not less than 10 feet from the front lot line. The maximum height of an identification sign, if freestanding, shall not exceed four feet in height, or if attached to a building shall not be higher than the first story of the building to which it is attached.
B.
Business Sign. The surface area of a business sign shall not exceed the square feet of area for the following zoning districts: C-1 District - 100 square feet not exceeding two signs per street frontage; I-1 District - 200 square feet not exceeding two signs per street frontage; C-OP District - 25 square feet not exceeding two signs per street frontage.
(1)
In an integrated grouping of commercial or industrial uses classified as a "land development," in addition to permitting each individual use to display signage, a pylon sign shall be permitted which identifies uses located on the same parcel or in the same development on which the sign is located.
 |
(2)
Only one such sign shall be permitted on the lot and such sign shall not exceed 500 square feet in area.
(a)
A business sign shall have a minimum front yard setback of not less than 25% of the required setback for a principal structure in the zoning district in which the sign is located. If an existing building has a front yard setback which is less than 10 feet, the sign shall be attached flat against the building as a wall sign.
(b)
The maximum height of any business sign shall not exceed 20 feet.
C.
Real Estate Sign. A temporary real estate sign shall not exceed six square feet in area and shall be located on the same lot on which the property is offered for sale or rental. The sign shall be set back not less than 10 feet from the front lot line or if attached to a building shall not be higher than the first story of the building to which it is attached. Said sign shall be removed from the premises within 30 days after the sale or rental of the property.
D.
Construction Sign. A construction sign shall not exceed 20 square feet in area and shall be located upon the same property on which the construction activity is being conducted. An individual sign for each firm performing work upon the property shall be permitted. No sign shall be located within a public right-of-way or less than 10 feet from any public right-of-way. All construction signs shall be temporary in nature and removed within 30 days following the completion of construction activity.
E.
Institutional Sign.
(1)
An institutional sign for public and semipublic facilities, such as schools, churches, hospitals, libraries, colleges or other institutions of a similar nature, shall not exceed 16 square feet in area. The maximum height of such signs shall not exceed 12 feet. An institutional sign shall have a setback of not less than 10 feet from any property line.
(2)
An institutional sign which is constructed as a freestanding sign that is located in any R District shall not exceed 10 feet in height, or if attached to a building shall not be higher than the first story of the building to which it is attached. Institutional wall signs shall be exempt from said limitation subject to not extending above the uppermost edge of the wall to which the sign is attached. Religious symbols such as those mounted on a church steeple and/or belfry will be exempt from any height restrictions.
F.
On-Site Directional and/or Informational Sign. An on-site directional and/or informational sign shall not exceed six square feet in area. A front, rear or side yard setback of not less than five feet shall be required for such signs when constructed as a freestanding sign. The maximum height of such signs when constructed as a freestanding sign shall not exceed six feet. Directional and/or informational signs will not be permitted over a vehicular and/or pedestrian right-of-way, excluding those located upon immediate entrance to a parking garage as a height warning device and directional signs within a parking garage. An informational/directional sign may be illuminated, but shall not include any attributes of a flashing light or similar motion.
G.
Billboard Sign or Off-Premises Advertising Sign. A billboard sign or off-premises advertising sign shall only be permitted in an I-1 District subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Area of Sign. No advertising sign shall exceed 300 square feet in surface area. 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.
(2)
Maximum Height. The height of a billboard may not exceed 35 feet above the natural grade of the ground on which the billboard is located. No billboard may be located on top of, cantilevered over or otherwise suspended above any building or structure.
(3)
Number of Signs. Not more than one advertising sign shall be permitted on a lot.
(4)
Setback Distance. No billboard 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 or within 300 feet of any PennDOT state highway.
(5)
Advertising Signs Adjacent to Certain Uses. No advertising sign shall be permitted within 200 feet of any residential district, nor within 300 feet of any public park, nor shall any advertising sign face any public or parochial school, library, church, hospital, or similar institutional use, located on an abutting lot.
(6)
Illumination. A billboard may be illuminated, provided such illumination is consistent/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.
H.
Event Signs. An event sign shall not exceed six square feet in area, having dimensions of two feet by three feet with a maximum height not to exceed four feet for a freestanding sign or eight feet when attached to a structure. Such signs shall not be attached to any tree, utility pole, structure or any other location within a public right-of-way. Such signs shall not be posted more than 45 days in advance of the scheduled event date and shall be removed within 15 days following the event. An event sign shall have a setback of not less than five feet from any property line.
I.
Political Signs. A political sign shall not exceed six square feet in area, having dimensions of two feet by three feet with a maximum height not to exceed four feet for a freestanding sign or eight feet when attached to a structure. Such signs shall not be attached to any tree, utility pole, structure or any other location within a public right-of-way. Such signs shall not be posted more than 45 days in advance of the scheduled election date and shall be removed within 15 days following the election. A political sign shall have a setback of not less than five feet from any property line.
J.
R-1 District Restriction. No type of permitted sign located within an R-1 District shall exceed a surface area of six square feet.
§ 27-1106 Height Restrictions for Freestanding Signs.
[Ord. No. 2018-2, 11/5/2018]
Maximum Height of Freestanding Signs by Zoning District1 (feet) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Zoning | R-1 | R-2 | C-1 | I-1 | C-OP |
Freestanding sign | 10 | 10 | 20 | 25 | 10 |
NOTES: | |
1 | Excluding a pylon sign for an integrated grouping of commercial or industrial uses classified as a "land development" or unless superseded by other provisions within this Part. |
§ 27-1107 Setback for Freestanding/Pylon Signs.
[Ord. No. 2018-2, 11/5/2018]
The minimum front yard, side yard setback and/or rear yard setback for any freestanding sign in all zoning districts shall be not less than 10 feet. In the case of freestanding signs, the required setback distance shall be measured from the outermost edge of the sign and not from the supporting structure. If an existing building has a front yard setback which is less than 10 feet, any proposed new sign shall be attached flat against the building as a wall sign.
§ 27-1108 Signs Related to Nonconforming Uses.
[Ord. No. 2018-2, 11/5/2018]
Identification, institutional and business signs related to nonconforming uses may be continued in use, including repair and/or replacement of the same, but shall not be enlarged. Where the nonconforming use is lawfully changed to another nonconforming use there shall be permitted a new sign, not greater than that of the previous sign. The sign may be erected at a different location provided it meets all applicable regulations for the zoning district in which it is located.
§ 27-1109 Area Computation of Signs.
[Ord. No. 2018-2, 11/5/2018]
1.
The area of a sign shall be construed to include all lettering, wording and accompanying design and symbols, together with the background including border and trim, whether open or enclosed on which they are displayed, but not including any supporting framework and bracing which are incidental to the display itself. Computation of the area for particular signs shall be in accordance with the following regulations:
A.
Wall Sign. For a sign painted upon or applied to a building, the area shall be considered to include all lettering, wording and accompanying design or symbols together with any backing associated with the sign.
B.
Separate Symbols. Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to or painted on a surface, building, wall, awning or window, the area shall be considered to be that of the smallest rectangle or other shape which encompasses all of the letters and symbols.
C.
Double-Face Sign. With the exception of a billboard, when computing the area of a double-face sign, only one sign shall be considered, provided both faces are identical.
D.
Cylindrical Sign. The area of a cylindrical sign shall be computed by multiplying 1/2 of the circumference by the height of the sign.
§ 27-1110 Vertical Clearance.
[Ord. No. 2018-2, 11/5/2018]
A freestanding sign and a projecting sign shall have a vertical distance of not less than nine feet as measured from the lowest edge or point of the sign to the highest ground elevation located beneath the sign.
§ 27-1111 Illuminated Signs.
[Ord. No. 2018-2, 11/5/2018]
Signs illuminated by reflected light shall have the lighting source shielded in a manner that no direct light shines onto abutting properties or in the normal line of vision of the public using nearby streets or sidewalks.
§ 27-1112 Prohibited Signs.
[Ord. No. 2018-2, 11/5/2018]
1.
The following types of signs shall not be permitted in any zoning district:
A.
Signs which are located in such a position which endangers vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic by obscuring the site distance.
B.
Signs which by design and/or location may be confused with traffic signs or signals.
C.
A flashing sign, a programmable LED signs and/or an electronic message board.
D.
Any sign located in or extending into a public right-of-way, including sidewalk areas, except an official street sign or traffic control sign. NOTE: Zoning approval for signage is limited to the lot on which the sign is proposed to be erected. Any signage which extends beyond the lot and into a public right-of-way shall require the approval of the Forty Fort Borough Council.
E.
Any freestanding or projecting sign within an area bounded by the intersection of two public or private streets, for a distance of 20 feet along the center line of the right-of-way of such streets from the point of their intersection.
F.
Signs which due to their construction and/or location would constitute a hazard or a potential danger to the community.