Halfmoon Township City Zoning Code

No sign shall be erected within the lines of a street right-of-way, except:

No artificial light or reflecting device that interferes with, competes for attention with, or may be mistaken for a traffic signal may be used as part of a sign. Flashing lights, chaser lights, oscillating lights, backlighted signs and reflecting devices are expressly prohibited. Floodlighting shall be arranged so that the source of light is not visible from any point off the lot and so that only the sign is illuminated thereby.

Awnings, banners, overhangs and building walls that contain writing, logos or company colors shall be considered a sign under this chapter.

Directional, informational or public service signs such as those advertising location of restrooms, telephones or similar public conveniences, and signs advertising meeting times and places of nonprofit services or charitable organizations, provided that such signs do not advertise any commercial establishment, activity or organization. Exempt signs shall not exceed four square feet in face area.

Development review notice sign. A sign which is posted on a property to notify the public of a pending subdivision, land development or site plan. This exempt sign shall be 30 inches wide, 48 inches high and shall have the following wording in three- and four-inch lettering: LAND DEVELOPMENT PROPOSED, CALL HALFMOON TOWNSHIP, 692-9800 (see Article II, § 215-11, of Chapter 215, Subdivision and Land Development, for specifications). The sign shall be made of aluminum with white reflective sheeting and the lettering shall be royal blue. The sign must be posted within 10 days of filing a plan with the Township and shall be removed within seven days after receiving conditional approval from the Board of Supervisors.

A zoning permit shall be required for all signs except exempt (§ 255-52) and temporary (§ 255-56) signs.

The design of all permanent signs larger than 16 square feet in face area must be approved by the Halfmoon Township Planning Commission before a zoning permit will be granted. A sketch of the sign should be submitted to the Planning Commission for review before the sign is constructed. The Planning Commission may require changes that will assure that the sign will be attractive, unobtrusive and in keeping with the rural character of the Township.

Business signs (other than those accessory to home occupations).

Home occupation signs.

Off-premises signs shall state only the name of the business, the type of business, and the distance and direction to the business.

Off-premises signs shall be of the same layout as street signs, except that the background shall be blue instead of green, with white letters. Churches or civic organizations shall be exempt from this requirement.

Only two off-premises signs per place of business are permitted.

The specific size, placement and wording of off-premises signs shall be determined by the Township Zoning Officer.

Off-premises signs shall be installed by the Township at the expense of the business owner or lessee.

Off-premises signs for home occupations are not permitted.

Temporary signs shall not exceed 16 square feet in face area. Signs shall be removed immediately after serving the purpose for which they were erected, and the site or building on which the sign had been erected shall be returned to its original condition.

Temporary signs shall be placed on the property being served by that sign.

A sign stating HOUSE FOR SALE or REAL ESTATE FOR SALE or similar statement with a directional arrow may be placed on the property of another with that property owner's permission or at the edge of the public right-of-way. This sign shall not show any realty company name or logo. Such sign shall not exceed four square feet in face area.

A sign stating YARD SALE or GARAGE SALE or similar statement with a directional arrow may be placed on the property of another with that individual's permission or at the edge of the public right-of-way. Such sign shall not contain any name or logo. Such sign shall not exceed four square feet in face area and shall not be in position for more than 16 consecutive days. After removal, such sign may not be placed again until 30 days have elapsed.

Temporary political/election signs may be placed on a property of another with that individual's permission. Such sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in size and shall not be placed more than 30 days prior to any primary election and must be removed within seven days after the date of the primary election or shall not be placed more than 30 days prior to a general or municipal election and shall be removed within seven days of any general or municipal election being held. Any temporary political election sign exceeding four square feet in size shall require a zoning permit and approval of the Zoning Officer as to size and location prior to erection of such sign.

No sign shall be erected containing information which implies that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of this chapter.

A permitted sign must be constructed of durable material and kept continuously in good condition and repair. Any sign allowed to become dilapidated or referring to an establishment no longer in business shall be removed by the Township at the expense of the owner or lessee within 30 days after notification to repair or remove.

No sign larger than 32 square feet in face area (one side) shall be permitted in any district.

No part of any sign shall extend beyond the property line of the property on which it is erected. No sign larger than four square feet in face area shall be placed within 25 feet of any side or rear property line, and in no case shall any sign be placed within six feet of any rear or side property line. All sight triangle areas for driveway access to streets shall be enforced for placement of freestanding signs.

When a nonconforming sign has been physically removed, it shall be replaced only with a conforming sign.