Green Tree City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VI
Signage Regulations
§ 420-115 Purpose.
A.
Green Tree Borough has determined that the control of signage associated with various land uses in the Borough is an essential part of protecting the health, safety and welfare of Borough residents. This determination has been made in part based on the desire to minimize traffic hazards from signs which distract a driver's attention from the road. It cannot be disputed that a sign's whole purpose is to call attention to its advertisement and to the extent it is successful, a motorist's powers of observation are diverted from those things which he may injure, or which may bring injury to him. Additionally, the Borough recognizes that appearance of the Borough helps drive its economy, and so it is important to protect that appearance. These regulations are specifically intended to achieve these objectives.
B.
It is also important to note that the provisions contained herein are not intended to regulate any type of lawful speech and shall be applied universally and unilaterally to all advertising displays.
C.
Furthermore, it should also be noted that both the Planning Commission and Borough Council have taken great time and effort to design the provisions contained in this article to ensure that competing interests have been balanced without eliminating the opportunity for outdoor advertising in the Borough. To that end, the purpose of the following sections is to establish minimum regulations for the display of signs.
§ 420-116 Definitions.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
A roof sign with no legs or braces and designed to look as though it could have been part of the building structure rather than suspended from or standing on the building.
A shelter supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building and composed of nonrigid material, such as canvas, except for the supporting framework.
A sign consisting of individual cut-out letters and/or symbols which are painted, stenciled or otherwise placed on a nonpermanent awning.
A temporary sign composed of lightweight material either enclosed or not enclosed in a rigid frame, secured or mounted so as to allow movement of the sign caused by movement of the atmosphere.
A sign, other than one indicating a business conducted on the premises, upon which advertising matter of any character is printed, posted, lettered or digitally displayed. It may be either freestanding, attached to the surface of a building or other structure or applied directly to the surface.
The linear length of a building facing the street right-of-way.
A sign with permanent or changeable type face for purposes of providing current information of public importance.
A permanent roof-like shelter attached to the ground and/or part or all of a building face extending over a pedestrian or vehicular area or right-of-way and constructed of some durable material such as metal, glass or plastic.
A sign placed on the face of any canopy or marquee.
The area in square feet of the smallest geometric figure which describes the area enclosed by the actual copy of a sign. For wall signs, the copy area limits refer to the message, not to the illuminated background.
A sign which, by symbol or name, identifies a development, such as a subdivision, multifamily complex or office complex. It may also contain an index of uses (tenants) included in the development.
A sign which conveys instructions or directions to a business, commodity or service conducted, sold or offered elsewhere than on the premises where the sign is displayed.
A sign which conveys instructions or directions with respect to the use of the lot or building on which the sign is located, including, but not limited to, signs which indicate street addresses and the availability of parking, loading areas, telephones, restrooms and other conveniences for the general public.
A sign constructed to display a message on the outer surfaces of two identical and opposite parallel planes.
Any illuminated sign on which the artificial light is not maintained stationary and/or constant in intensity and color at all times.
A sign erected on a freestanding frame, mast or pole and not attached to any building. It is also known as a "ground sign," "detached sign," "pole sign" or "pylon sign."
The vertical distance measured from the average finished grade level at the base of the sign to the highest point of such sign.
A sign indicating only the name of the individual, business or organization occupying the premises, the profession of the occupant, the name and/or address of the building or management thereof, or the name of the major enterprise or principal product or service conducted on the premises.
A minor sign announcing brand name products sold on the premises, credit cards accepted, official notices required by law, trade affiliations or similar matters incidental to the operation of a particular business establishment.
A sign attached to a building announcing the name, address, business or profession of each occupant of the premises or the name of the building.
The vertical extension of a building wall that rises above the roof level.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or a building.
Any sign supported by a building wall and/or roof attached along one edge by a bracket, perpendicular to the wall surface or hung from a support attached to a building wall.
The flat or angular top covering of a building or structure.
The top edge of the roof or the top of the parapet, whichever forms the top line of the building silhouette.
Any sign erected upon, against or directly above a roof or on top of or above the parapet of a building.
A freestanding temporary sign, with no moving parts or lights, no larger than seven square feet total sign size; displayed outside a business during business hours to advertise the business, hours of operation, an event, or a promotion (excluding real estate signage). Sandwich board signs are not intended as a permanent business signage.
A structure that is arranged, intended, designed or used to advertise, announce or direct, or any device, illustration, description or identification posted, painted or placed in some fashion on a building, structure or surface for such a purpose. For the purpose of removal, signs shall also include all sign structures.
The area defined by the frame or edge of a sign, excluding the necessary supports or uprights on which the sign may be placed. Where there is no frame or edge to the sign, the area shall be defined by a projected, enclosed, four-sided (straight sides) geometric shape which most closely outlines the copy of letters of such sign. If the sign consists of more than one section or module, all areas shall be totaled.
A method of lighting a sign of which there are three types:
DIRECTLY ILLUMINATED SIGNA sign designed to give forth artificial light directly (or through a transparent or artificial material) from a source of light internal to the sign, including neon and exposed lamp signs.
INDIRECTLY ILLUMINATED SIGNA sign with a light or lights external to the sign, such that the light shines on or illuminates the sign and in such a way that no direct rays therefrom are visible elsewhere on the property.
NEON TUBE ILLUMINATIONIllumination consisting of a light source supplied by a neon tube which is bent to form letters, symbols or other shapes.
Any structure which supports, has supported or is capable of supporting a sign, including decorative cover.
A string of small flags, often triangular and multicolored, used to call attention to a property or use.
A sign, the purpose of which is to identify or announce a short-term, temporary activity or use of a premise.
A sign attached to or erected against a wall of a building with the face parallel to the building wall. Wall signs include a sign made of self-contained letters that are mounted on a building.
A sign which is permanently painted on or similarly applied to the inside or outside of a window.
A sign installed inside a window for purposes of viewing from outside the premises. This term does not include merchandise located in a window.
§ 420-117 Applicability.
A.
All signs shall comply with the provisions of this article and other applicable Borough Zoning Codes.
B.
All signs, whether permanent or temporary, shall require a sign permit issued in accordance with the provisions of this article, unless otherwise specified herein.
C.
No sign may be constructed, erected, moved, enlarged, illuminated or substantially altered except in accordance with the provisions of this article and in accordance with a sign permit issued by the Code Official. Repainting or changing the message of a sign shall not, in and of itself, be considered a substantial alteration.
§ 420-118 Exemptions.
A.
The following signs shall be exempt from the requirements of this article, except for the provisions of § 420-119A(3) (clear sight distance at intersections), which shall apply:
(1)
Address numerals;
(2)
Traffic or directional signs, legal notices or similar instructional or regulatory signs erected by a unit or agency of government;
(3)
Flags of the United States, the commonwealth or a political subdivision of the commonwealth; provided, however, that the flagpole or other supporting structure shall not exceed the applicable height limitations of the zoning district in which it is located; and provided, further, that the flag shall not exceed 50 square feet; and
(4)
Temporary signs placed inside the window of a business establishment advertising specials, sales, available products and similar short-term information.
§ 420-119 General regulations.
A.
Location/placement.
(1)
All signs shall be located on the same lot containing the use or structure to which the sign relates, except for authorized off-lot directional signs.
(2)
No sign shall be attached to a utility pole. No sign, other than those authorized by § 420-119A(5), shall be attached to a fence, tree, rock or other natural feature, whether on private or public property.
(3)
No sign shall be erected at a street or driveway intersection in such a way as to interfere with safe sight distance along the intersecting streets. The required clear sight distance shall be determined by the Borough Engineer, consistent with applicable PennDOT standards.
(4)
No sign shall be erected in or project over any public right-of-way unless specifically authorized by this article.
(5)
Any sign located along a federal interstate or state highway system highway shall comply with all applicable Borough regulations and obtain all necessary approvals and/or permits from PennDOT.
B.
Prohibited signs. The following types of signs are prohibited in all zoning districts:
(1)
Flashing or animated signs;
(2)
String pennants, bare bulb or light strings or searchlights;
(3)
Flags [other than those authorized by § 420-119A(3)], banners, sidewalk or curb signs, balloons or other gas-filled figures and portable or wheeled signs, other than as temporary signs;
(4)
Signs attached to automobiles, trucks, vans, trailers or similar vehicles, where the basic purpose of the sign is to serve as the principal identification sign for the business or to advertise any special promotion or sale of products sold on the premises;
(5)
Signs which, by reason of color, shape, location or other characteristics, might be confused with legitimate traffic control devices, and signs that use admonitions such as "stop," "go," "slow" or "danger," which may also be so confused;
(6)
Signs which emit audible sound, or odor; and
(7)
Signs which bear or contain statements, words or pictures of an obscene, pornographic or immoral character.
C.
Illumination.
(1)
Illuminated signs shall be designed and placed so as not to interfere with, distract or blind operators of motor vehicles or to create glare on adjacent properties.
(2)
No sign shall be illuminated after 11:00 p.m., except a business identification sign, which may be illuminated until the business closes. However, if the business provides food service, fuel or lodging, then the signage for that business may remain illuminated for the time which the business actually remains open and actually provides one of such services. Billboards maybe illuminated as outlined in § 420-124.
D.
Double frontage, corner lots. Where a building fronts on or is visible from more than one public street, it may locate one sign on each street frontage. Each sign shall comply with size and other applicable requirements. The permissible sign size for one frontage shall not be combined with that for the other frontage for the purpose of placing the combined sign area on one frontage.
E.
Double-face signs are permitted. In computing the 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.
F.
Construction, maintenance and removal of signs.
(1)
In addition to the provisions of this article, all signs shall conform to the applicable provisions of the Uniform Construction Code.
(2)
Every sign shall be maintained in a safe, presentable and good structural condition at all times, including replacement of defective parts, painting, repainting, cleaning or other acts required for the proper maintenance of the sign and supporting structure.
(3)
If any sign deteriorates to an unsightly or hazardous condition, the Code Official shall order it repaired, replaced or removed in accordance with the notice provisions of § 420-173. However, in cases of emergency, the Code Official, with the approval of the Borough Manager, may cause the immediate removal of a dangerous or defective sign without notice.
(4)
If a use ceases operation for a period of six months, all signs pertaining to it, including any supporting structures, shall be deemed to be abandoned and shall be immediately removed by the owner.
G.
Multiple-occupancy buildings.
(1)
Where several businesses or uses occupy a building, each business shall be entitled to a share of the building's allowable sign area at the owner's discretion.
(2)
In any commercial or industrial district, nameplates, not exceeding five square feet in area, identifying building occupants may be authorized in addition to the occupant's individual business identification signs. The nameplate shall be attached to a wall of the structure adjacent to the principal entrance or permanently painted or applied to a window in the door of the structure.
(3)
The owner/agent of a multiple-occupancy building shall develop signing guidelines for the building, which guidelines shall promote the use by individual occupants of signs of similar or compatible size, type, style, color, lighting and other design characteristics.
(4)
It shall be the responsibility of the owner or management agent of a multiple-occupancy building to provide all occupants with suitable sign space that is consistent with the provisions of this article. The failure of the owner/agent to do so shall not constitute a basis for granting a variance to any sign requirements.
§ 420-120 Signs permitted in all zoning districts.
A.
The following signs are permitted in any zoning district subject to the stated requirements.
(1)
Nameplates, limited to one such sign per structure, not exceeding two square feet, attached to a wall of the structure and indicating the occupants of the structure; a permitted home based business; or, in the case of a multiple-occupancy structure, the name of the building, the owner and/or the management agency;
(2)
Memorial or historical signs or tablets, placed by a public or nonprofit organization, not exceeding eight square feet;
(3)
Off-lot directional signs directing persons to the facilities of a nonprofit organization (e.g., a place of worship, school, park or hospital), not to exceed six square feet in area. Such signs may be erected on public or private property, subject to the approval of the landowner.
(4)
On-lot directional signs displayed on private property, not exceeding six square feet per sign and six feet in height. No more than two such signs may be placed at any entrance or exit point with a public street. A plan showing the type, location and size of proposed on-lot directional signs shall be approved by the Code Official. In reviewing the plan, the Code Official shall consider the natural terrain and internal circulation pattern of the site, the number of key decision points for motorists or pedestrians and the degree to which proposed signage promotes user convenience and safe traffic and pedestrian movements.
(5)
Warning, no-trespassing, private property or similar signs displayed on private property, not exceeding five square feet per sign.
§ 420-121 Single-Family, Multifamily, Rural Residential, and Recreation Districts.
A.
Permitted signs and size limitations in Single-Family, Multifamily, Rural Residential, and Recreation Districts shall be as follows:
(1)
One development or identification sign for a subdivision (plan of lots), multifamily structure or development, not to exceed 20 square feet;
(2)
One identification sign, not to exceed 24 square feet per building that contains any nonresidential use permitted in that district; and
(3)
One bulletin sign for a place of worship, school, public building or use or other location certified by the Planning Commission as a public information center, not to exceed 24 square feet.
B.
Regulations for such signs shall be as follows:
(1)
Only one sign shall be permitted in connection with any use or property unless specifically authorized herein.
(2)
All signs shall be wall signs or designed as part of an architectural feature of a building, except that development or bulletin signs may be freestanding signs, provided they do not exceed six feet in height and do not project into any required setback.
(3)
Signs may be either nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.
§ 420-122 Neighborhood Commercial District.
A.
Permitted signs and size limitations in the Neighborhood Commercial District shall be as follows:
(1)
Except as authorized by § 420-119D or § 420-122A(3) hereof, a building housing a single business establishment may have one of the following types of identification signs in addition to a free-standing sign:
(a)
A wall sign, not to exceed one square foot for every three feet of building frontage, but not more than 50 square feet;
(b)
An awning sign of one foot for every three feet of building frontage not to exceed 50 square feet;
(c)
A window graphic sign, not exceeding more than 30% of the total window area with a maximum copy area of 50 square feet;
(d)
A canopy or marquee sign with a copy area not to exceed three square feet per linear foot of canopy front and sides and subject to the provisions of § 420-122A(6) hereof; or
(e)
A freestanding sign is permitted, in addition to one of the other signs, not to exceed 40 square feet, and subject to the provisions of § 420-122B(1) hereof.
(2)
In addition to the principal identification signs, a business shall be permitted to have one sandwich board sign for the purpose of advertising wares for sale on the premises or to announce specials temporarily taking place at the business, subject to the following regulations:
(a)
Sandwich board signs shall not exceed two linear feet in width, with a maximum height of 42 inches.
(b)
Sandwich board signs shall not be illuminated. The sign shall be removed at the end of the business day and shall only be displayed during regular business hours.
(c)
Sandwich board signs shall have a minimum of five feet of unobstructed space between the sign and the curb to allow for unimpeded vehicular and pedestrian access.
(3)
Except as authorized by § 420-119D hereof, a multi- tenant building may have one of the following types of identification signs:
(a)
One freestanding sign which identifies the name of the building (or complex) and/or individual business occupants, not to exceed one square foot for every three feet of building frontage but not more than 100 square feet, is permitted.
(b)
In addition to the building's principal freestanding identification sign, each business within the building may have an identification sign (excluding a freestanding sign) in compliance with § 420-122A(1) hereof. Each business within the building may have an identification sign, such as an awning sign, canopy sign, marquee sign, or window graphic in compliance with § 420-122A(1), excluding a freestanding sign.
(4)
Signs for multifamily structures, places of worship, schools and public uses and/or buildings shall comply with the requirements for residential districts.
(5)
Incidental signs may be displayed in a window or attached to a freestanding sign structure, provided the total area of all such signs does not exceed 10 square feet.
(6)
Canopy or marquee signs. No portion of a canopy, marquee or sign thereon shall be closer than five feet to a vertical line from the street right-of-way.
(7)
Illumination. Signs may be nonilluminated, directly, or indirectly illuminated.
B.
Freestanding signs.
(2)
All freestanding signs shall be set back at least 10 feet from a street right-of-way and 10 feet from any side lot line, and no such sign shall exceed 12 feet in height (including the sign and its supporting structure). No freestanding sign shall be closer than 50 feet to another freestanding sign.
§ 420-123 Office Commercial, Service Commercial, Light Industrial and Heavy Industrial districts.
A.
Permitted signs and size limitations in Office Commercial, Service Commercial, Light Industrial and Heavy Industrial Districts shall be as follows:
(1)
Except as authorized by § 420-119D or § 420-123A(4) hereof, each single-tenant building in which an individual business establishment operates may have one of the following types of identification signs:
(a)
A wall sign, not to exceed one square foot for every three feet of building frontage;
(b)
An awning sign not to exceed 50 square feet;
(c)
A canopy or marquee sign with a copy area not to exceed three square feet per linear foot of canopy front and sides and subject to the provisions of § 420-123A(3);
(d)
A window graphic sign, not to exceed 50% of the total window area;
(e)
A freestanding sign, not to exceed one square foot for every one foot of building frontage, but not more than 150 square feet, subject to § 420-123B(1) hereof; and
(f)
A roof sign, subject to § 420-123B(2) hereof.
(2)
In addition to the principal identification signs, a business shall be permitted to have one sandwich board sign for the purpose of advertising wares for sale on the premises or to announce specials temporarily taking place at the business, subject to the following regulations:
(a)
Sandwich board signs shall not exceed two linear feet in width, with a maximum height of 42 inches.
(b)
Sandwich board signs shall not be illuminated. The sign shall be removed at the end of the business day and shall only be displayed during regular business hours.
(c)
Sandwich board signs shall have a minimum of five feet of unobstructed space between the sign and the curb to allow for unimpeded vehicular and pedestrian access.
(3)
Development and identification signs for multitenant buildings, shopping centers or unified commercial/office complex are permitted in accordance with the following:
(a)
One freestanding sign which identifies the name of the center (or complex) and/or individual business occupants, not to exceed one square foot for every three feet of building frontage in the center but not more than 150 square feet, is permitted.
(b)
In addition to the center's principal freestanding identification sign, each business within the center may have an identification sign (excluding a freestanding sign) in compliance with § 420-123A(1) hereof.
(c)
A roof sign, subject to § 420-123B(2) hereof.
(4)
Signs for places of worship, schools, recreational facilities, public uses and/or buildings shall comply with the requirements of § 420-121A(3).
(5)
Incidental signs may be displayed in a window or attached to a freestanding sign structure, provided the total area of all such signs does not exceed 10 square feet.
B.
Regulations for freestanding and roof signs shall be as follows:
(1)
Freestanding signs.
(a)
For a single-tenant building, a freestanding sign shall be authorized only when all of the following requirements are met:
(b)
A freestanding sign may be erected in addition to another identification sign authorized by § 420-123A(2) hereof where the lot is larger than 1/2 acre and meets the criteria of § 420-123B(1)(a) hereof.
(c)
All freestanding signs shall be set back at least 10 feet from a street right-of-way and at least 10 feet from any side lot line and shall not exceed 25 feet in height.
(d)
Where a premises fronts on more than one public right-of-way (excluding alleys and service ways) having a frontage of 100 feet or more, one additional freestanding sign may be recommended by the Planning Commission for each frontage, subject to the provisions of § 420-123B(1)(a) through (c) hereof. Such recommendation, if any, is subject to final approval by the Borough of Green Tree Council.
(2)
Roof signs.
(a)
Roof signs shall be manufactured in such a way that they appear as an architectural blade or penthouse and are finished in such a manner that the visual appearance from all sides is such that they appear to be a part of the building itself. No visible guy wires, braces or secondary supports are to be used, and there shall be no visible angle iron support structure.
(b)
The maximum height of a roof sign from the top parapet of a flat roof shall be 10 feet.
(c)
All roof signs shall be set back a distance of four feet from all the outside walls of the building.
(d)
A roof sign may be attached to the face of or located on the sloping roof of a structure, but shall not exceed four feet in height, and the top of the sign shall be a minimum of one foot below the top roofline.
(e)
Roof signs shall not exceed 200 square feet unless designed to be viewed from I-376, in which case they shall not exceed 300 square feet.
(3)
Canopy or marquee signs. No portion of a canopy, marquee or sign thereon shall be closer than five feet to a vertical line from the street right-of-way.
(4)
Illumination. Signs may be nonilluminated or directly or indirectly illuminated.
§ 420-124 Billboards.
A.
Permitted location and size.
(1)
Billboards shall be permitted in the Light Industrial District only.
(2)
The size of any one billboard shall be limited to a maximum area of one square foot of sign area for every linear foot of property frontage on the street right-of-way, up to 400 square feet. For sites with more than 400 feet of lot frontage and a minimum lot area of three acres, the maximum sign area shall not exceed 700 square feet.
B.
Regulations.
(1)
A sign structure shall contain no more than one double-faced billboard.
(2)
If attached to a building, no billboard shall project above the ridgeline of a sloping roof or the eave line of a flat roof.
(3)
No billboard shall exceed 35 feet in height if freestanding, except that any billboard on a lot with frontage along I-376, may be 50 feet in height, as measured at ground level at the base of the sign.
(4)
No billboard shall be closer than 2,000 feet to any other billboard or within 100 feet of a place of worship, school, recreational facility (public or nonprofit) or residential district.
(5)
No billboard shall be painted directly on the wall of any building.
(6)
There shall be no more than one billboard structure placed on a zoning lot.
(7)
No billboard shall be located within 100 feet of the nearest edge of any street, highway or other roadway under the control of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
(8)
All applications for the erection of a billboard shall be accompanied by evidence of landownership or a lease or other permission from the landowner to erect the billboard.
(9)
The sign face of a billboard sign shall be perpendicular to the street right-of-way on which it is installed.
(10)
Billboards may be illuminated, subject to the following:
(a)
A flashing, moving or intermittent light or lights are prohibited, except for light-emitting diodes.
(b)
Signs shall not cause glare or impair the vision of the driver of any motor vehicle, or otherwise interfere with a driver's operation of a motor vehicle.
(c)
Signs shall not be illuminated so as to interfere with the effectiveness or obscure an official traffic sign, device or signal.
(d)
All billboard lighting shall comply with state and federal regulations.
§ 420-125 Temporary signs.
A.
All temporary signs, unless otherwise indicated, require a temporary sign permit. The following types of temporary signs are permitted subject to these requirements:
(1)
The authorized period for a temporary sign shall not exceed 15 days, unless otherwise authorized herein, and the sign shall be removed immediately upon expiration of the permit. Permits for temporary signs for the same use on any single premises shall not be issued more than four times in any calendar year.
(2)
Off-lot directional signs are signs directing persons to a temporary event, exhibit, show or similar activity sponsored by a nonprofit organization. Such signs shall not exceed 20 square feet in area, shall not be posted earlier than four weeks before the event and shall be removed within one week of its termination. Evidence of the permission of the owner of the property on which the sign is to be located shall be submitted with the permit application.
(3)
Off-lot directional signs directing persons to a new real estate development in which units or lots are currently being sold or leased shall not exceed six square feet in area and shall not be posted for longer than six months. Evidence of the permission of the owner of the property on which the sign is to be located shall be submitted with the permit application.
(4)
Real estate signs advertising the premises on which they are located for sale or lease do not require a permit. Such signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in residential districts or 32 square feet in nonresidential districts. No more than one sign shall be placed on the property, except on a corner lot, where a real estate sign may be placed on each street frontage. Such signs may remain on the premises so long as the property is available for sale or lease but shall be removed within 15 days of the sale or lease of the premises or when the last unit of a multiunit development is sold or leased.
(5)
Construction signs advertising the services of professionals or building trades during sale, construction or alteration of a premises do not require a permit. Only one such sign may be located on a development site or property. The sign shall not exceed 12 square feet, and it shall be removed within 15 days of the completion of work.
(6)
Political campaign signs do not require a permit and may be posted on private property with the permission of the owner. Such a sign shall not be displayed more than 60 days before the election and shall be removed within one week following the date of the election. Political campaign signs may not be posted at polling places, municipal centers, or fire halls before 7:00 p.m. on the evening before election day.
(7)
A sign announcing a garage and/or yard sale does not require a permit. It may be placed on the property where the sale is to be held. Such a sign shall not exceed four square feet, shall not be erected more than one week prior to the sale, and shall be removed within 24 hours of its completion.
(8)
A sign announcing a grand opening of a business must be placed on the property where the grand opening is to occur and shall not exceed 32 square feet. Such signs shall not be displayed for more than 45 days. Evidence of the permission of the owner of the property on which the sign is to be located shall be submitted with the temporary sign permit application.
§ 420-126 Nonconforming signs.
A.
The lawful use of a sign existing at the time of the adoption of this chapter, although such sign does not conform to this article, may be continued as long as the advertised use is continued.
B.
A legal nonconforming sign shall immediately lose its legal nonconforming designation and shall be removed if any of the following occur:
(1)
The sign structure is altered or relocated in any way which tends to or makes the sign less in compliance with the requirements of this article.
(2)
The sign structure is replaced, or more than 50% of its structure is replaced.
(3)
Whenever any use of the building or structure or land or combination of buildings, structure or land ceases, all signs accessory to such use shall be removed within 30 days.
C.
Nothing in this section shall relieve the owner or user of a legal nonconforming sign or the owner of the property on which such sign is located from the responsibility of complying with the provisions of this article and the Uniform Construction Code regarding safety, maintenance and repair of signs. No repainting, cleaning or other normal maintenance or repair of a sign or sign structure shall modify the sign or structure in any way which makes it more nonconforming. If such modification takes place, the sign shall lose its legal nonconforming status.
§ 420-127 Permits and fees.
A.
Unless otherwise authorized by this article, no sign, whether permanent or temporary, shall be erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, converted, changed or displayed unless a sign permit has been issued and the appropriate fee paid.
B.
Applications for sign permits shall be submitted in the form prescribed by the Borough. Sign permits shall be issued by the Code Official.
C.
The permit for a sign shall expire and become null and void if the erection of the sign has not commenced within 90 days after the date of its issuance or if the erection of the sign is not fully completed within 180 days from the issue date of the sign permit.
D.
Appeals from the denial of a sign permit shall be taken in accordance with § 420-165 of this chapter.
E.
The fees for signs or sign permits shall be established from time to time by resolution of Council.