The following sign regulations shall be observed in all districts. It is not the purpose of this subchapter to abridge commercial or noncommercial free speech. The purpose of these regulations is to ensure that the time, place and manner of sign emplacement within the borough is conducted with regard to the safety of motorists and pedestrians (especially in avoiding distractions or confusion in high traffic areas), access to light and air by neighboring properties, and avoidance of negative impact upon neighboring properties, including unnecessary glare.

(1980 Code, Ch. 28, Part 6) (Ord. 1419, passed 9-16-2013, Part 6)

   The following types of signs are permitted in all zoning districts, and exempt from permitting requirements, but not from performance standards relative to traffic safety, or overall sign limitations of any specific sign type or district:

   (A)   Temporary signs announcing a campaign, drive or event of a civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organization, provided such sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in area and shall be removed immediately upon the completion of the campaign, drive or event;

   (B)   Temporary signs erected in connection with the development or proposed development of the premises or property provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed 16 square feet. Not more than one such sign shall be placed on property held in single and separate ownership unless the property fronts on more than one street, in which case one such sign shall be permitted on each separate street frontage. Such signs shall be removed within ten days after the development has been completed and/or the last structure occupied. No such sign may be erected until all zoning, subdivision and land development approvals have been obtained;

   (C)   Political signs announcing candidates seeking public office, a referendum or similar political speech, provided that such sign shall not exceed 16 feet in area;

   (D)   Religious or holiday displays or messages with no commercial content;

   (E)   The flag of the United States, Commonwealth or any state or nation;

   (F)   Signs offering the sale or rental of the premises upon which the sign is erected; provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed ten square feet and not more than one such sign shall be placed on the property unless such property fronts on more than one street, in which case one sign may be erected on each street frontage;

   (G)   Auctions, garage or yard sale signs provided that they do not exceed four square feet and are removed as soon as the event or activity has occurred;

   (H)   Directory signs which list all the occupants of a multi-tenant or multiple-family building, or buildings in a multi-building development; provided, that the area of such signs does not exceed one-half square foot per tenant or two square feet per individual building;

   (I)   Temporary signs of contractors, developers, architects, engineers, builders and artisans, erected and maintained on the premises where the work is being performed, provided that the area of such sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in any residential district, and 32 square feet in all other districts; provided that such sign shall be removed upon completion of the work;

   (J)   Any signs not visible from outside a lot or building;

   (K)   Displays of time and temperature, including electronic displays;

   (L)   Rest room, exit, public telephone, handicapped parking or access, and similar directional or informational signs emplaced for the benefit of the public or building tenants;

   (M)   No trespassing signs, signs indicating the private nature of a road, driveway or premises, signs controlling fishing on the premises; provided that the area of such sign shall not exceed two square feet;

   (N)   House and address numbers, home occupation or nameplate sign displaying the name and address of the occupant or the profession or activity of the occupant of a dwelling unit, provided that not more than one such sign shall be erected for each permitted use, and provided that the area of each such sign shall not exceed four square feet and may not be illuminated;

   (O)   Memorial signs or tablets denoting the date of erection of a building;

   (P)   Temporary signs announcing the birth of a child, birthday commemoration, marriage, graduation or similar event in the life of a householder shall be permitted provided such signs do not exceed 32 square feet;

   (Q)   Any sign warning of a hazard that contains no other information or commercial content;

   (R)   Signs erected by the borough or an authorized entity that serve to provide directions and explanations for public recreational purposes and facilities, for dedication/memorial purposes, and to mark and explain historical events, persons or structures. Such signs shall not exceed 16 square feet in area. Such signs may include the name or logos of businesses or individuals who have sponsored a public improvement or general support of said facility;

   (S)   Traffic signs and similar regulatory notices placed by a duly constituted governmental body; and

   (T)   Signs erected for the purpose of scoring an athletic event taking place upon the site, which may include electronic scoring devices and names and or logos of sponsors of the sign, provided there is no illumination of the sign at times when the activity is not taking place.

(1980 Code, Ch. 28, Part 6, § 28-601) (Ord. 1419, passed 9-16-2013, § 600)

   Except where specifically noted, all signs shall adhere to all performance standards.

   (A)   Unless specifically exempted by § 156.125, a permit must be obtained from the borough for the erection or alteration of all signs. Exemptions from the necessity of securing a permit, however, shall not be construed to relieve the owner of the sign involved from responsibility for its erection and maintenance in a safe manner and in a manner in accord with all the other provisions of this chapter and other codes.

   (B)   No signs shall be permitted within public rights-of-way, except PennDOT-approved traffic signs and devices; signs and banners specially approved by the borough for decoration or promotion of community events and activities; signs not exceeding nine square feet placed temporarily to advertise the sale of real estate or a yard sale; political signs not exceeding nine square feet placed temporarily; signs not exceeding nine square feet placed temporarily to provide notice of or direction to a civic, philanthropic, political, educational or religious event or activity, or other signs specifically permitted under § § 156.131(G) (projecting business signs). The borough may require proof of insurance for any sign within a borough right-of-way.

   (C)   No person shall construct, erect, place use or permit the use of any permanent or temporary sign or sign structure on private or public property except for the property owner or tenant.

   (D)   Construction and maintenance: all signs shall be constructed in a workmanlike fashion using durable materials. Signs shall be designed and constructed to withstand wind forces and in accordance with appropriate mechanical or electrical standards. The owners of signs shall keep them in safe and good repair. Signs which become deteriorated or otherwise present a public hazard shall be removed or repaired by the sign’s owner. If the owner of a sign cannot be found or identified, the owner of the property whereon the sign is located shall be responsible for its repair or removal.

   (E)   No sign structure may block a vehicular line of sight for a driveway, access lane or public street, or be placed at any location where by its position, shape or color it may interfere with or obstruct the view of or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device. Sign structures erected directly upon the ground within 15 feet of any vehicular driveway, or street intersection shall have at least three feet six inches of clear space between such sign and the ground; however, necessary supports may extend through such open space.

   (F)   No signs shall be permitted which are posted, stapled or otherwise attached to public utility poles, trees, fire hydrants, traffic signposts, light posts or any borough-owned structure.

   (G)   Nonconforming signs, once removed, shall be replaced only with conforming signs. Nonconforming signs may be repainted or repaired, providing such repainting or repairing does not exceed the dimensions of the existing sign.

   (H)   Any electronic sign within the borough whether nonconforming, or conforming, shall meet compliance with §§ 156.132(B)(2)(a), (B)(2)(b), (B)(2)(c), (B)(2)(d) and (B)(2)(e) regarding performance standards for public safety and welfare.

(1980 Code, Ch. 28, Part 6, § 28-602) (Ord. 1419, passed 9-16-2013, § 601) Penalty, see § 156.999

   (A)   Except as specifically provided for electronic signs, no sign shall employ intermittent light, electronic or movable text, strobes or other animations that may serve to distract motorists, or abutting homeowners.

   (B)   Lighting for signs shall not create a hazardous glare for pedestrians or vehicles either in a public street or on any private premises.

   (C)   Except as specifically provided for electronic signs by special exception, or the use of diffused neon, the light source, whether internal to the sign or external, shall be shielded from view.

   (D)   Sign illumination for externally illuminated signs shall utilize focused light fixtures that do not allow light or glare to shine above the horizontal plane of the top of the sign or onto any public right-of-way or adjoining property.

   (E)   All electrical connections shall be shielded by underground or overhead electrical wires which meet all relevant codes. No temporary signs shall be illuminated by direct means.

(1980 Code, Ch. 28, Part 6, § 28-603) (Ord. 1419, passed 9-16-2013, § 602) Penalty, see § 156.999

   (A)   All applications for signs, as required under this section, shall be submitted to the Zoning Officer.

   (B)   The application shall contain:

      (1)   Type, area and number of signs proposed;

      (2)   Type of illumination proposed (if permitted), including the luminance proposed and direction of lighting. This shall also be depicted upon a map that illustrates the distance to any R-1, R-2 or R-3 Zoning Districts;

      (3)   For freestanding signs, a sketch showing the placement of the sign in relation to all driveways, vehicular rights-of-way, property lines and cartways. The developer shall submit current sight distances, before and after erection of the sign with sufficient information to show that sight distances shall not be reduced;

      (4)   A photograph or graphic rendition of the proposed sign copy, including all symbols, letter and graphic elements shown to scale and all structural elements intended to anchor the sign;

      (5)   The borough must specifically approve signs within public rights-of-way. In the case of temporary signs, the Zoning Officer or his or her designee shall review the application and grant approval if all applicable standards of this chapter are met. In the case of permanent signs, the Zoning Officer shall refer the application to Borough Council, who may refer the application for advice to the Planning Commission or any similar advisory committee; and

      (6)   The information required by this section may be integrated into the borough’s land development plan application and approval process where applicable.

(1980 Code, Ch. 28, Part 6, § 28-604) (Ord. 1419, passed 9-16-2013, § 603) Penalty, see § 156.999

   (A)   Subdivision identification signs, and/or signs identifying apartment or condominium complexes, provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed 64 square feet, and further provided that one such sign shall be permitted for each separate street and/or separate building frontage occupied by the subdivision, apartment, or condominium complex and/or for each means of entrance to or exit from the subdivision, apartment, or condominium complex. Such signs may not be illuminated.

   (B)   Signs for permitted nonresidential or permitted institutional uses provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed 48 square feet, and further provided that one such sign shall be permitted for each separate street and/or separate building frontage occupied by the permitted use, and for each means of entrance to or exit from the permitted use. Such signs may not be illuminated.

   (C)   Institutional uses may have one changeable copy sign of no greater than 32 square feet, either permanently attached to a building or as a freestanding sign. Illumination of any such non-electronic changeable copy sign shall be from external sources only, and shielded to prevent unnecessary glare to neighboring properties. Luminance shall not exceed ten luxes (one footcandle) measured at a distance of ten feet from the sign.

   (D)   No freestanding signs within these districts may be erected within ten feet of a side or rear lot line, or ten feet from a public right-of-way.

   (E)   No freestanding signs within these districts may exceed six feet in height.

(1980 Code, Ch. 28, Part 6, § 28-605) (Ord. 1419, passed 9-16-2013, § 604) Penalty, see § 156.999

   (A)   All signs permitted in the R-1A, R-1B and R-2 Districts.

   (B)   Signs for permitted nonresidential or permitted institutional uses provided that the area of any such sign shall not exceed 64 square feet, and further provided that one such sign shall be permitted for each separate street and/or separate building frontage occupied by the permitted use, and for each means of entrance to or exit from the permitted use. Such signs may be illuminated by direct or indirect means. Illumination of the sign face shall not exceed ten luxes (one footcandle) measured at a distance of ten feet from the sign.

   (C)   In multi-building institutional developments, each building may include one freestanding or wall sign of up to 32 square feet. Such signs may be illuminated by direct or indirect means.

   (D)   No freestanding signs within this district may be erected within ten feet of a side or rear lot line, or ten feet from a public right-of-way. All freestanding signs shall be set back from a property line or right-of-way by the height of the sign.

   (E)   Institutional uses in the P-1 District may have one electronic sign of no greater than 16 square feet per each road frontage, either permanently attached to a building or as a freestanding monument sign. Illumination of any such electronic signs shall not exceed ten luxes (one footcandle) measured at a distance of ten feet from the sign. Signs shall not be illuminated before dawn or after 10:00 p.m. except for emergency or public safety use, such as school closing information or Amber Alerts.

   (F)   No freestanding signs within this district may exceed eight feet in height.

(1980 Code, Ch. 28, Part 6, § 28-606) (Ord. 1419, passed 9-16-2013, § 605) Penalty, see § 156.999

   (A)   All signs permitted in the R-1A, R1-B and R-2 Districts;

   (B)   Unless limited by special exception or traditional neighborhood development design standards, the number of signs permitted shall be consistent with the following:

      (1)   RLC, C-1, C-2. Two permanent signs per street frontage; and

      (2)   HCLI. Three permanent signs per street frontage and one additional sign per each street frontage of more than 100 feet in width.

   (C)   Buildings or properties with multiple businesses may have one additional sign per each additional business located within the building or property. However, all signs must remain within any dimensional limits of Table 156.131 below;

   (D)   No freestanding signs within these districts may be erected within ten feet of a side or rear lot line. Any freestanding signs in excess of eight feet in height shall be set back from a property line or right-of-way by the height of the sign. The dimensions of signs shall be consistent with the following table:

 

   (E)   Signs may be illuminated by direct or indirect means. Illumination of the sign face shall not exceed 100 luxes (ten footcandles) measured at a distance of ten feet from the sign, unless any portion of the illuminated sign face is within 100 feet of an R-1, R-2 or R-3 Residential District and visible from an occupied dwelling in said district. In such cases, illumination shall be reduced to ten luxes (one footcandle) measured at a distance of ten feet from the sign;

   (F)   Temporary signs shall be permitted in building windows, and shall not require a permit:

      (1)   In the C-1 District, temporary sandwich board signs of up to four square feet in area are permitted on sidewalks during the hours the business is open; and

      (2)   Permanent window signs, banners and temporary business signs:

         (a)   Permanent window signs are permitted in the C-1, C-2 and HCLI Districts by right without a permit provided no more than 50% of each window surface and 25% of all building windows include such signs. Such permanent window signs do not count towards the allowed number of signs per district; and

         (b)   Temporary business signs, such as vinyl banner signs or manual changeable copy signs, are also permitted as accessory to all business uses, and do not require a permit. However, such signs remain subject to all setback requirements for business signs, and may not exceed 32 square feet in size. No temporary banner sign or changeable copy sign may be lighted except by indirect means. No temporary banner sign or changeable copy sign shall remain in place for more than 30 continuous days or 120 total days per calendar year.

   (G)   Projection of permanent signs into rights-of-way.

      (1)   Within the C-1 District, a sign attached to a building, otherwise lawful under division (D) above, may project into the public right-of-way up to six feet, provided:

         (a)   No structural support or portion of the signs is within eight feet of grade as measured vertically from the right-of-way line for a pedestrian right-of-way, and 14 feet of grade for a vehicular right-of-way; and

         (b)   Under no circumstances shall any portion of such projecting signs be placed nearer than two feet from a vehicular cartway, loading zone or on-street parking lane.

      (2)   Awning and canopy signs may project into rights-of-way in areas served by sidewalks only in the C-1 and C-2 Zoning Districts, and shall be subject to the following regulations.

         (a)   No portion of an awning or canopy shall be less than eight feet above the level of the public sidewalk.

         (b)   The awning or canopy shall be set back at least four feet from the curb or a public street.

         (c)   Awnings and canopies shall be constructed of canvas, vinyl or similar flexible, cloth-like material. Backlit or metal awnings or canopies are prohibited for signs within rights-of-way.

         (d)   Awnings and canopies shall be securely attached to the building. All frames and supports shall be made of metal or other rigid material.

         (e)   The name of the business or logo may be printed on the portion of the awning or canopy above the valance provided that such name or logo does not comprise more than 25% of the total canopy area.

(1980 Code, Ch. 28, Part 6, § 28-607) (Ord. 1419, passed 9-16-2013, § 606) Penalty, see § 156.999

   (A)   The inherent characteristic of electronic signs is their flexibility. This creates the potential for such signs to create an undue distraction to motorists if poorly placed or poorly programmed.

   (B)   These regulations are designed to encourage evolving methods of advertising, while preventing light pollution, and driver distraction hazards.

      (1)   A single LED window sign of up to two square feet in size is permitted in the C-1, C-2 and HCLI Commercial Districts for any business use. LED window signs shall not be included as part of calculations of total signage permitted.

      (2)   An electronic sign is permitted in the Residential Limited Commercial District and the Highway Commercial Light Industrial District as a conditional use. This sign must be an accessory portion of a freestanding monument sign, provided that the LED sign is no greater than 15 feet in surface area, and mounted on the same frame as a static freestanding sign. The area of the LED shall be included in total sign area calculations. The electronic sign shall also meet all the following design and performance standards and any additional safeguards that Borough Council requires as a part of the conditional use approval.

      (3)   Pole signs with video or multicolored LED displays are permitted only as a conditional use I-1 Industrial District. In such cases:

         (a)   Programming plan. The developer shall submit a programming plan that shows any proposed use of animations, length of exposure for any message and transition time or proposed effects between individual messages. This shall include estimated motorist reaction time to proposed messages and symbols, based upon the United States Sign Council’s On-Premises Signs Guideline Standards, 2003 Edition. For planning purposes, the developer should assume all driving environments in the borough are complex, as defined in the guideline standards, except for multi-lane streets (such as West Main Street), which should be considered as such. The Borough Council may establish limits upon use of any special effects, transitions or length of message exposure as a reasonable additional condition and safeguard to the special exception;

         (b)   May function as billboards. Electronic signs may function as billboards in the I-1 Zoning District;

         (c)   May be freestanding or a facade or wall sign type. Electronic signs may be freestanding or a facade or wall sign type. Such signs shall meet all size, area and setback limitations for the district in which it is proposed. The size of an electronic sign shall be calculated based upon the surface dimensions that have the ability to display a symbol or message;

         (d)   Additional setback from residential districts. All portions of the sign structure must be a minimum distance of 100 feet from an abutting R-1A, R-1B, R-2, P-1 or RLC district boundary;

         (e)   Setback from other electronic changeable copy, electronic graphic display or video display signs. Electronic signs must be separated from other electronic signs by at least 35 feet. No more than one electronic sign is permitted per each property, regardless of how many tenants occupy that lot;

         (f)   Orientation. When located within 150 feet of a residentially-used lot in an R-1, R-2 or R-3 Residential Zone, all parts of the electronic changeable copy sign must be oriented so that no portion of the sign face is visible from an existing or permitted principal structure on that lot;

         (g)   Audio or pyrotechnics. Audio speakers or any form of pyrotechnics are prohibited in association with an electronic sign;

         (h)   The developer shall show compliance with all applicable regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for any proposed sign abutting a state highway; and

         (i)   The developer shall show the ability to meet illumination standards under § 156.128 of this chapter. The developer shall present material detailing any differences in proposed LED light as compared to standard light measurement.

(1980 Code, Ch. 28, Part 6, § 28-608) (Ord. 1419, passed 9-16-2013, § 607; Ord. 1483, passed 1-17-2022, § 3) Penalty, see § 156.999

   (A)   Billboards as defined by this chapter are a conditional use in the I-1 Zoning District.

   (B)   Such signs shall not exceed any dimensional or illumination requirement for the District in which they are proposed, as stated in Table 156.131.

   (C)   No billboard shall be located within 35 feet of a public street intersection.

   (D)   No billboard shall be placed within 75 feet of another billboard on the same side of the street. All multi-vision signs shall have a transition time between sign faces of no more than two seconds.

(1980 Code, Ch. 28, Part 6, § 28-609) (Ord. 1419, passed 9-16-2013, § 608) Penalty, see § 156.999