Hatboro City Zoning Code
PART 19
SIGNS
§ 27-1901 Declaration of Legislative Intent.
[Ord. 761, 8/26/1985, § 1700; as amended by Ord. 937, 11/27/2000]
This section shall be known as the "Sign Ordinance of the Borough of Hatboro." In expansion of the "Declaration of Legislative Intent" contained in § 27-103 of this chapter and the "Community Development Objectives" contained in § 27-105 of this chapter, It is recognized that signs perform important functions in identifying residences and businesses. However, the control of signs is necessary to promote the health, safety, and general welfare by lessening hazards to pedestrian and vehicular traffic; by preserving property values; by preventing unsightly and detrimental development which has a blighting influence upon residential, business, and industrial uses; by preventing signs from reaching such excessive size that they obscure one another to the detriment of all concerned; and, in certain instances, by limiting the length of time a sign may be erected on a property and providing for its removal.
§ 27-1902 Definitions.
[Ord. 761, 8/26/1985, § 1701; as amended by Ord. 940, 9/17/2001]
The following terms as used herein shall mean:
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 which are incidental to the display.
Where a sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to a building wall or structure, 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.
In computing square foot area of a double-faced sign, only one side shall be counted, provided that both sides are identical. If the interior angle formed by the two double faces of the double-faced sign is greater that 45°, then both sides of such sign shall be considered in calculating the sign area.
An internally illuminated portion of a permanent monument sign in which plasma technology, LED technology, or other electronic technology is utilized to convey a message or announcement regarding the use(s) on the property where the sign is located. Changeable-text electronic message boards shall be no greater than 10 square feet, and the content shall comply with the following requirements:
[Added by Ord. 1033, 5/23/2016]
Other than text, no other images or symbols of any kind shall be permitted. In addition, no signs or message boards shall be permitted to move, scroll, flash, revolve, rotate, oscillate, fade or display animated text or video.
Notwithstanding any other regulations to the contrary, the copy on a changeable-text electronic message board may change at a rate not greater than once per hour. Each change shall be instantaneous. All text and the messaging background shall remain static.
The color of changeable text and the messaging background shall be uniform and constant. The electronic messaging background shall be dark-colored and shall not be white or light-colored.
No signs or message boards shall emit any audio or verbal announcement or noises of any kind.
DIRECT ILLUMINATION — A sign designed to give forth artificial light directly (or through translucent material) from a source of light within the sign, including, but not limited to, neon and exposed lamp signs. | |
INDIRECT ILLUMINATION — A sign illuminated by an outside light source, including, but not limited to, spotlights and fluorescent tubes. | |
FLASHING ILLUMINATION — An illuminated sign on which the artificial light is not maintained stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times when in use. | |
FESTOON LIGHTING — A group of incandescent light bulbs hung or strung overhead or on a building or structure, or light bulbs not shaded or hooded or otherwise screened to prevent the direct rays of the light from shining on and adjacent property or right-of-way. | |
NONILLUMINATED SIGN — A sign which is not illuminated by any type of artificial light source. |
Any sign as defined above which has been erected or placed with the intention that it remain in place for more than 30 days. The determination shall be made as to the structure or device itself and not the content of the message which may or may not be changeable.
Any permanent or temporary structure or part thereof, or any device attached, painted, or represented directly or indirectly on a structure or other surface that shall display or include any letter, artwork, insignia, flag, banner, or representation used as, or which is designed to attract the eye or bring attention of the public. The word "sign" as used herein shall include signs which are affixed to the inside of windows and glass doors and are intended to be seen from a street or public thoroughfare. No other indoor sign shall be deemed a sign within these regulations.
AWNING SIGN — A device placed over a store front, door or window and used for shade or protection from weather and to advertise the attached business. An awning may or may not be retractable. [Added by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013] | |
BILBOARD — A sign that directs attention to a business, commodity, service, or entertainment conducted, sold, or offered at a location other than the premises on which the billboard is located. [Added by Ord. 1011, 5/21/2012; and by Ord. 1012, 7/9/2012] | |
DIRECTIONAL SIGN — On-premises, incidental signs designed to guide or direct pedestrians or vehicular traffic. Directional signs shall not exceed four square feet in sign area, shall not exceed four feet in height measured from the average ground level of the lot to the top of the sign, and only four freestanding directional signs shall be permitted on any one lot. The square footage of directional signs shall not be counted toward the total square footage of signage permitted on the property. [Added by Ord. 1033, 5/23/2016] | |
FREESTANDING SIGN — A self supporting sign resting on or supported by means of poles or standards, or any other type of structure or erected for the purpose of supporting a sign, either on the ground or on the roof of a building. | |
HISTORIC MARKER — Signs, markers, monuments or memorial tablets erected by duly authorized public or nonprofit organizations, which may be erected in any zoning district with the approval of Borough Council. [Added by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013] | |
MOVABLE SIGN — A sign which is not fixed to a permanent supporting structure or building and is displayed on either a temporary or long term basis. | |
NONSTATIONARY SIGN — A sign which by means of some mechanical device changes its position constantly or at regular intervals by rotating around an axis or shifting in horizontal or vertical alignment. | |
PARALLEL SIGN — A sign mounted parallel to a building wall, lower upright portion of a mansard roof or other decorative roof, or other vertical building surface. Parallel signs shall not extend beyond the edge of any building wall or other building surface to which they are mounted, and shall not project more than 10 inches from the building wall or building surface to which it is affixed. | |
PROJECTING SIGN — A sign mounted perpendicular to a building wall, upright surface of a mansard roof or other decorative roof, or other vertical building surface. The leading edge of a projecting sign shall not extend more than three feet from the wall or surface to which the sign is affixed, nor in any way shall the projecting sign interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Projecting signs may not be internally illuminated. [Amended by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013] | |
VEHICULAR SIGN — A vehicle to which a sign is affixed or painted and which is used or parked in such a manner that the carrying of such sign or signs is no longer incidental to the vehicle's primary purpose, but becomes a primary purpose in itself. | |
WINDOW/DOOR SIGNS — Signs in the windows/doors of businesses that advertise products and services. The message may be changed. Window/door signs may not obscure more than 20% of the window/door and count toward the total allowable sign square footage on the lot. [Added by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013] |
§ 27-1903 General Permanent Sign Regulations.
[Ord. 761, 8/26/1985, § 1702]
1.
Any sign required by law; or, any sign erected by a duly constituted governmental body, including but not limited to street and traffic signs and signs displayed strictly for the convenience, safety, and direction of the public, including signs which identify restrooms, telephone booths, parking area entrances and exits, loading zones, and the like, shall be permitted in all zoning districts.
2.
No sign shall be erected or placed in the Borough of Hatboro which shall interfere with traffic through glare, through blocking of reasonable sight lines for streets, sidewalks, and driveways, through confusion with traffic control devices by reason of color, location, shape, or other characteristic.
3.
Signs erected by a duly constituted governmental body, including traffic signs and similar regulatory notices, shall be allowed within the right-of-way. No other sign shall be permitted within rights-of-way without the approval of the Borough Council.
[Amended by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013]
4.
No sign shall overhang any walkway or public right-of-way, except as provided elsewhere in this Part. No projecting sign shall be permitted to rotate or swing.
5.
All permanent signs permitted by this Part shall be constructed of durable materials and shall be kept in good condition and repair. All construction and electrical wiring shall conform to all applicable codes and ordinances. Freestanding permanent signs erected on the ground shall have all electrical and mechanical accessories safely enclosed, and all such equipment whenever possible shall be concealed by appropriate architectural design or landscaping.
6.
Awning Signs. Awning depth may not exceed four feet, nor may awnings extend into the pedestrian walkway more than three feet. The lowest point of any awning must be a minimum of 96 inches above the pedestrian walkway. Awnings shall not extend over any vehicular right-of-way.
[Added by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013[1]]
7.
No person shall erect or place any sign to identify, advertise or otherwise direct attention to a commodity, political activity, public event, industry, home occupation, or other similar activity which is sold, offered, or conducted elsewhere than on the lot on which the sign is located, unless permitted as a billboard.
[Amended by Ord. 1011, 5/21/2012; and by Ord. 1012, 7/9/2012]
8.
Signs erected to advertise the sale or development of the premises on which they are erected, when erected by a builder, contractor, developer, or other person interested in such sale or development, may be erected and maintained; provided, that:
A.
The area of any sign shall not exceed 15 feet.
B.
Not more than one sign shall be permitted upon any lot, unless the lot fronts on more than one street or highway right-of-way line, in which event one sign may be erected facing each street or highway.
C.
Any such sign must be removed within 30 days after final sale of the property.
9.
If any permanent sign should become dilapidated to the extent that it becomes a safety hazard or an unsightly blight, the Zoning Officer shall notify the owner or lessees of the dilapidated condition of the sign, and give the owner 24 hours to 30 days to repair or remove the sign. The time allowed shall be determined by the Zoning Officer based on the immediacy of the danger posed to life or property. If the sign is not removed or repaired within the time allowed by the Zoning Officer, he may have the sign removed at the expense of the owner or lessee of the property on which the sign is located.
10.
Permanent directly illuminated or indirectly illuminated signs that identify any permitted institutional use in any zoning district shall be permitted. Such permitted signs shall include church, school, or similar institution bulletin boards. Signs shall be permitted on each street or highway frontage.
11.
Signs existing at the time of adoption of this chapter, which do not conform to the requirements of this Part shall be considered nonconforming signs. Once removed for repair, replacement, or any other reason, for a period in excess of 30 days, a nonconforming sign shall not be replaced unless with a conforming sign.
12.
Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this chapter to the contrary, no electronic or reader-board-type signs shall be permitted, but for billboards as defined and permitted herein.
[Added by Ord. 1011, 5/21/2012; and by Ord. 1012, 7/9/2012]
13.
Total Sign Area Allowable in a Nonresidential District. The total sign area allowable for all signs, excluding billboards, on any one lot in a nonresidential district shall be limited to two square feet for each linear foot of primary frontage. When a lot in a nonresidential district has frontage on two or more streets, the total allowable sign area may be increased by 1 1/2 times the total allowable area calculated for the primary frontage. No single sign, excluding billboards, in a nonresidential district shall exceed 25 square feet.
[Added by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013]
§ 27-1904 General Temporary Sign Regulations.
[Ord. 761, 8/26/1985, § 1703]
1.
No temporary sign shall exceed 12 square feet in area. If there are other existing permanent signs on the premises, the total allowable sign area permitted by this Part may be increased by 25% for temporary signs.
2.
No temporary sign may be illuminated.
3.
Temporary signs announcing events sponsored by civic or other nonprofit organizations and which do not exceed four square feet in area are not included in the calculation of permitted square foot sign area in any district.
4.
Banners which announce a community event or promote the community in general, and which do not exceed 100 square feet in area, may be permitted to span major thoroughfares in the Retail Commercial District as long as the banner does not impede the normal flow of traffic. Such banners may be permitted to be displayed as long as they remain intact in good physical condition.
6.
All temporary signs must be removed within 30 days of their erection except as follows:
A.
Real estate sale or rental signs and artisan signs may be displayed for a period not to exceed 15 days after lease of premises, settlement of real estate sale or completion of work by the artisan.
B.
Political campaign signs on private property may be erected no more than 90 days prior to Election Day and must be removed within 10 days after the Election Day.
C.
Any other sign as specifically provided for in this Part.
7.
Any person wishing to erect or post a temporary sign on private property within the public right-of-way must obtain a permit from the Zoning Officer. Such permit shall be issued without charge upon applicant's posting of funds in escrow as shall be determined from time to time by resolution of Borough Council, and the registering of the proposed signs with the Zoning Officer.
A.
Failure to remove temporary signs on private property within the public right-of-way within 30 days of their erection shall cause their removal by the Borough of Hatboro, and the cost of removal shall be deducted from the escrow funds. Such remedy shall be in addition to any other remedies or provisions provided by this chapter. Removal of the signs by the Borough of Hatboro and charge to the person or persons responsible shall in no way absolve the person or persons responsible from prosecution under the terms of this chapter.
§ 27-1905 Additional Sign Regulations by Zoning District.
[Ord. 761, 8/26/1985, § 1704; as amended by Ord. 937, 11/27/2000; by Ord. 940, 9/17/2001; by Ord. 967, 5/22/2006, § 8; and by Ord. 1005, 5/23/2011]
1.
In addition to the foregoing regulations concerning signs in the Borough of Hatboro, the following additional regulations shall apply to all signs within the specific zoning district.
A.
FP Floodplain Conservation District. No permanent or temporary sign may be erected in any floodplain without prior approval of Borough Council, except:
(1)
Permanent nonilluminated signs indicating private ownership of property or prohibiting trespassing, provided that such sign area shall not exceed two square feet per sign, such signs shall not be nearer than 25 feet from any right-of-way or property line, and the sign height shall not exceed six feet. The number of signs of this type allowed on any single lot shall be unlimited, but all signs must be at least 25 feet apart.
(2)
Signs erected by government or any government agency.
B.
R-1 and R-2 Residential Districts. The following types of signs, and no others, shall be permitted in the R-1 and R-2 Residential Districts. All permitted permanent and temporary signs shall comply with the general regulations of this Part, and shall be subject to the following additional restrictions:
(1)
Temporary or permanent nonilluminated signs indicating private ownership of property or prohibiting trespassing, provided that such sign area shall not exceed two square feet per sign. Signs shall not be nearer, than 25 feet from any right-of-way or property line, and the height shall not exceed six feet. The number of signs of this type allowed on any single lot shall be unlimited but all signs must be at least 25 feet apart.
(2)
Nonilluminated permanent parallel signs indicating the name and/or address of the occupant provided such sign area shall not exceed two square feet. There shall be no more than one such sign per dwelling unit. No such sign shall be erected above the first floor ceiling level of the primary building on the lot.
C.
R-3 and R-4 Residential Districts. The following types of signs, and no others, shall be permitted in the R-3 and R-4 Residential Districts. All permitted permanent and temporary signs shall comply with the general regulations of this Part, and shall be subject to the following additional restrictions:
(1)
Temporary or permanent nonilluminated signs indicating private ownership of property or prohibiting trespassing, provided that such sign area shall not exceed two square feet per sign. Signs shall not be nearer than 25 feet from any right-of-way or property line, and the height shall not exceed six feet. The number of signs of this type allowed on any single lot shall be unlimited but all signs must be at least 25 feet apart.
(2)
One permanent parallel sign or one permanent freestanding sign erected on the ground per lot to identify a permitted use of the premises, the name of the complex, or the name of the apartment building or condominium. No sign shall exceed 15 square feet in area. The top of a sign affixed to a building shall not be located higher than 12 feet measured from the first or main floor level. The top of a freestanding sign shall not exceed six feet in height from the ground on which the sign is erected.
(3)
A special exception is required to illuminate a permitted sign.
(4)
Freestanding roof signs shall not be permitted.
(5)
Freestanding signs located in any required yard area shall require a zoning variance.
D.
O Office District. The following types of signs, and no others, shall be permitted in the O Office District. All permitted permanent and temporary signs shall comply with the general regulations of this Part, and shall be subject to the following additional restrictions:
[Amended by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013]
(1)
Temporary or permanent nonilluminated signs indicating private ownership of property or prohibiting trespassing, provided that such sign area shall not exceed two square feet per sign. Signs shall not be nearer than 25 feet from any right-of-way or property line, and the height shall not exceed six feet. The number of signs of this type allowed on any single lot shall be unlimited but all signs must be at least 25 feet apart.
(2)
One permanent parallel sign or one permanent freestanding sign erected on the ground per lot. The sign shall identify the name and address of the building, or the name and address of the occupant and/or the type of permitted occupation or business use of the premises. Such sign may be directly or indirectly illuminated. A parallel sign may not extend above the top of the wall on which it is located. A freestanding sign erected on the ground shall not exceed 20 feet in height measured from the ground to the topmost part of the sign structure.
(3)
One nonilluminated sign to identify building number or name, or identify occupant of office suite. Such signs shall not exceed four square feet per sign.
(4)
The total sign area permitted for all permitted signs erected on any one lot shall be two square feet for each linear foot of street line on the primary frontage, except where a lot abuts two or more street lines, in which case the total sign area shall be computed at 1 1/2 times the total sign area permitted for the primary frontage. No single permitted sign shall exceed 25 square feet.
E.
RC-1 and RC-2 Commercial Districts. The following types of signs, and no others, shall be permitted in the RC-1 and RC-2 Commercial Districts. All permitted permanent and temporary signs shall comply with the general regulations of this Part, and shall be subject to the following additional restrictions:
(1)
Temporary or permanent nonilluminated signs indicating private ownership of property or prohibiting trespassing, provided that such sign area shall not exceed two square feet per sign. Signs shall not be nearer than 25 feet from any right-of-way or property line, and the height shall not exceed six feet. The number of signs of this type allowed on any single lot shall be unlimited but all signs must be at least 25 feet apart.
(2)
Any permitted sign allowed in the Residential or Office District shall be permitted in the RC-1 and RC-2 Commercial Districts subject to modifications and expanded regulations in this subsection.
(3)
The total sign area allowable for all permitted signs erected on any one lot shall be two square feet for each linear foot of primary frontage. When a lot has frontage on two or more streets the total allowable sign area may be increased by 1 1/2 times the total allowable area calculated for the primary frontage. No single permitted sign shall exceed 25 square feet.
[Amended by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013]
(4)
All permitted permanent signs in Retail Commercial Districts may be directly or indirectly illuminated.
(5)
Permanent freestanding signs shall not exceed 14 feet in height. Those signs which measure no greater than 10 feet in height measured from the average ground level of the lot to the top of the sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in sign area. Those signs that exceed 10 feet in height shall measure no greater than 25 square feet in sign area. No more than one permanent freestanding sign shall be permitted on any one lot.
[Amended by Ord. 1033, 5/23/2016]
(6)
Permanent freestanding signs erected on the roof of a building shall not exceed 12 feet in height, measured from the point on the roof where the sign or structure supporting the sign is affixed to the roof to the topmost part of the sign structure. The sign shall not exceed 50% of the total allowable sign area for the lot. Roof signs shall not project beyond the wall of the building on which they are mounted or obstruct emergency access to the roof area. Not more than one freestanding roof sign shall be permitted on any building, and not more than one freestanding sign of any type shall be permitted on any one lot.
(7)
Permanent parallel and permanent projecting signs shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of § 27-1902 of this Part. Permanent projecting signs shall not project more than 18 inches into any required yard area or over any pedestrian right-of-way.
[Amended by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013; and by Ord. 1033, 5/23/2016]
(8)
Awnings, canopies, or marquees may be permitted to extend over any pedestrian walkway or into any required yard or over any vehicular traffic driveway or into any parking lot. The awning, canopy or marquee shall be at least 10 feet above the surface of any pedestrian walkway and at least 14 feet above the surface of any driveway over which it is extended and shall not impede normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
[Amended by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013; and by Ord. 1033, 5/23/2016]
(9)
Movable signs shall not be permitted in any required yard area or in any public right-of-way except that nonilluminated movable signs, less than six square feet per side which are designed to advertise sales, daily specials, or menus shall be permitted on public sidewalks, provided that the sign is displayed only during the hours the business is open and is completely removed from the sidewalk when the business is closed. The sign must be on the sidewalk in front of the business for which the advertisement is intended. Signs shall not be permitted to obstruct pedestrian traffic (48 inches of unobstructed path) and shall be maintained in good repair so as not to present a safety hazard to pedestrians. All permitted movable sign area shall be included when calculating the total permissible sign area for any lot.
[Amended by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013]
(10)
No sign of any type shall be permitted to be affixed in any fashion to any utility pole, street light standard, tree or any pole, post, or other structure within the public right-of-way in the Commercial Districts, except those signs required by law or erected by a duly constituted governmental body in accordance with § 27-1903, Subsection 1, of this Part.
(11)
Window/door signs as per this section.
[Added by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013]
(12)
A changeable-text electronic message board shall be permitted.
[Added by Ord. 1033, 5/23/2016]
F.
HB-Highway Business District. The following types of signs, and no others, shall be permitted in the HB — Highway Business District. All permitted permanent and temporary signs shall comply with the general regulations of this Part, and shall be subject to the following additional restrictions:
(1)
Temporary or permanent nonilluminated signs indicating private ownership of property or prohibiting trespassing, provided that such sign area shall not exceed two square feet per sign. Signs shall not be nearer than 25 feet from any right-of-way or property line, and the height shall not exceed six feet. The number of signs of this type allowed on any single lot shall be unlimited but all signs must be at least 25 feet apart.
(2)
Any permitted sign or use as allowed in the Retail Commercial Districts shall be permitted in the HB-Highway Business District except freestanding roof signs. All permitted signs shall be subject to modifications and expanded regulations of this subsection.
(3)
Festoon lighting and nonstationary permanent signs may be permitted in the HB-Highway Business District by special exception granted by the Zoning Hearing Board, after review by the Borough Planning Commission.
[Amended by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013]
(4)
A vehicular sign may be permitted by special exception granted by the Zoning Hearing Board, after approval by the Borough Planning Commission, provided that such sign shall not be illuminated and must be affixed to an operable vehicle with current state inspection sticker. Only one such sign per lot shall be permitted and the sign must be located in designated parking areas. Vehicular signs must not remain in the same position for more than 60 days.
(5)
One freestanding sign per lot may be erected on the ground in a required yard area provided that the sign is at least 15 feet from any right-of-way or property line. If the lot abuts a Residential District, the sign may not be less than 25 feet from the property line.
(6)
The total sign area allowable for all permitted signs erected on any one lot shall be two square feet for each linear foot of primary frontage. When a lot has frontage on two or more streets, the total allowable sign area may be increased by 1 1/2 times the total allowable area calculated for the primary frontage. No single permitted sign shall exceed 25 square feet.
[Added by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013]
(7)
Window/door signs as per this section.
[Added by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013]
(8)
A changeable-text electronic message board shall be permitted.
[Added by Ord. 1033, 5/23/2016]
G.
LI and HI Industrial Districts. The following types of signs, and no others, except as set forth in § 27-1905, Subsection 1H, shall be permitted in the LI and HI Industrial Districts. All permitted permanent and temporary signs shall comply with the general regulations of this Part and shall be subject to the following additional restrictions:
[Amended by Ord. 1011, 5/21/2012; and by Ord. 1012, 7/9/2012]
(1)
Temporary or permanent nonilluminated signs indicating private ownership of property or prohibiting trespassing, provided that such sign area shall not exceed two square feet per sign. Signs shall not be nearer than 25 feet from any right-of-way or property line, and the height shall not exceed six feet. The number of signs of this type allowed on any single lot shall be unlimited but all signs must be at least 25 feet apart.
(2)
Any permitted sign as allowed in the Highway Business District shall be permitted in the Industrial Districts.
(3)
Any permitted sign or use as allowed in the R-3 and R-4 Residential Districts shall be permitted in a mixed use development.
[Amended by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013]
(4)
The total sign area allowable for all permitted signs erected on any one lot shall be two square feet for each linear foot of primary frontage. When a lot has frontage on two or more streets, the total allowable sign area may be increased by 1 1/2 times the total allowable area calculated for the primary frontage. No single permitted sign shall exceed 25 square feet.
[Added by Ord. 1015, 1/28/2013]
(5)
A changeable-text electronic message board shall be permitted.
[Added by Ord. 1033, 5/23/2016]
H.
LI Limited Industrial District. Billboards shall be permitted in the LI Limited Industrial District, subject to the following specific standards and regulations, which shall take precedence over any other standards and regulations for signs which are in conflict with the following:
[Added by Ord. 1011, 5/21/2012; and by Ord. 1012, 7/9/2012]
(1)
In addition to uses permitted, billboards, along with their required support structures, shall be permitted on properties having at least one acre in size which shall provide frontage along South Warminster Road or East County Line Road and shall meet all of the following criteria. Only freestanding billboard sign structures shall be permitted. Such billboard structures shall be permitted to have one sign face visible from any direction, and in no event shall there be more than two sign faces. No individual sign face shall exceed a maximum of 75 square feet per face.
(2)
Height. The maximum overall height of a billboard sign structure shall not exceed 25 feet, measured from the elevation of the center line of the grade of the road directly in front of the billboard sign to the highest portion of the sign structure.
(3)
Yard Setbacks.
(a)
No billboard sign structure or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained within 25 feet of any ultimate right-of-way of a public street or road or the side or rear lot line of an individual property.
(b)
No billboard sign structure or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained within 200 feet of the perimeter of an R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 or residentially used property in the Borough.
(4)
No billboard sign structure shall be erected or maintained within 500 feet of any other billboard sign structure.
(5)
The image, copy, or message of a billboard shall not change more frequently than once per 30 seconds. The change of an image, message, copy, color or brilliance of a billboard shall be instantaneous. All changeable copy on a billboard shall change uniformly and completely. Once changed, the copy of any part of the billboard shall not change again in less than 30 seconds.
(a)
No image shall be transferred by any means beyond the perimeter of the billboard sign face.
(b)
Billboards having internal illuminance shall have a pixel pitch or equivalent resolution of not greater than 12 millimeters. The light source shall be equipped to automatically adjust brilliance levels based on ambient light conditions. White or light color backgrounds shall not exceed 50% of the surface area of the sign face of the billboard.
(c)
No sign image shall be interactive or display interactive messages or three-dimensional images, nor shall any sign or any part of a billboard structure produce sound of any kind.
(d)
No billboard sign shall flash, scroll, fade, revolve, move, or have intermittent lighting or movable characters or animated parts.
(e)
Billboards having floodlighting shall be so shielded that the source of the light shall not be visible from any point off the lot on which the sign is erected and so that only the sign is directly illuminated thereby.
(6)
Maintenance. Every billboard sign and support structure shall be constructed of durable materials and kept in good condition and repaired at all times.
§ 27-1906 Illumination of Signs.
[Added by Ord. 1011, 5/21/2012;[1] and by Ord. 1012, 7/9/2012]
1.
Where permitted, the illumination of signs shall be subject to the codes adopted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and to the following regulations:
A.
The image, copy or message of a sign shall not change more frequently than once per 30 seconds. The change of an image, message, copy, color or brilliance of a sign shall be instantaneous. All changeable copy shall change uniformly and completely. Once changed, the copy of any part of the sign shall not change again in less than 30 seconds.
B.
No image shall be transferred by any means beyond the perimeter of the sign face. No sign image shall be interactive or display interactive messages or three-dimensional images, nor shall any sign or portion of a billboard structure produce sound of any kind. No sign shall flash, scroll, fade, revolve, move, or have intermittent lighting or movable characters or animated parts.
C.
A sign which is animated by means of flashing, scintillating, blinking or traveling lights or any other means not providing constant illumination shall be deemed to be a flashing sign and shall not be permitted. Illuminated revolving barber poles shall be permitted in conjunction with the permitted use of a barbershop in any district.
D.
Floodlighting shall be so shielded that the source of the light shall not be visible from any point off the lot on which the sign is erected and so that only the sign is directly illuminated thereby.
§ 27-1907 Application for and Procedures to Erect a Sign.
[Ord. 761, 8/26/1985, § 1705]
1.
After the effective date of this chapter no person shall erect or maintain a permanent sign without a permit issued by the Borough of Hatboro. Application for a permit shall be made to the Borough Zoning Officer on the form provided by the Borough. All applications shall be accompanied by a fee as determined from time to time by resolution of Borough Council. Temporary signs shall not require a permit, except temporary signs erected on private property in the public right-of-way.
A.
If the proposed sign conforms to all requirements of this Part, the Zoning Officer shall approve the application and issue a permit to the applicant to erect the sign. If the permitted sign is not erected within six months from the date the permit is issued, the permit shall expire. However, if the permitted sign is erected within six months, the permit shall be renewable on an annual basis.
B.
If the proposed sign does not conform to the requirements of this Part, the Zoning Officer shall return the application to the applicant with notation of the nonconformance. The applicant may then take action to bring the proposed sign into conformance and re-file the application within three months of the original date of filing of the application with no additional fee.
C.
If the applicant has received a special exception or variance from the Zoning Hearing Board, written proof of such exception or variance must be submitted with the application. Regardless of action by Zoning Hearing Board, no sign may be erected before a permit has been issued by the Zoning Officer.
D.
Application to erect temporary signs on private property in a public right-of-way shall be accompanied by the required escrow funds. All funds held in escrow to insure the timely removal of all posted signs, less any amount expended by the Borough of Hatboro to remove any such signs which have exceeded the permitted thirty-day limit.
E.
All signs erected by churches, schools, similar institutions, and nonprofit charitable organizations shall be exempt from payment of fees under this Part, but applications must be filed. All signs must conform to all requirements of this Part and a permit must be issued before any sign may be erected.
F.
Applications and permits are not required for signs, erected by a duly constituted governmental body.
G.
All permits for all permanent signs are renewable upon payment of an annual sign inspection fee to the Borough of Hatboro. Inspection fee rates shall be set from time to time by Resolution of Borough Council and shall be due and payable as established by Borough Council. It shall be the responsibility of the sign owner or lessee to notify the Borough Zoning Officer in writing whenever a permanent sign has been dismantled. Otherwise the annual inspection fee shall be due.
§ 27-1908 Violations and Penalties.
[Ord. 761, 8/26/1985, § 1706]
1.
Responsibility. The persons responsible for compliance with the provisions of this Part regarding permanent and temporary signs shall be as follows: